R-Ras controls membrane protrusion and cell migration through the spatial regulation of Rac and Rho

Identification of Hypoxia and Mitochondrial-related Gene Signature and Prediction of Prognostic Model in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background: The correlation between hypoxia and tumor development is widely acknowledged. Meanwhile, the foremost organelle affected by hypoxia is mitochondria. This study aims to determine whether they possess prognostic characteristics in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). For this purpose, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to assess hypoxia and mitochondrial scores related genes, resulting in the successful establishment of a prognostic model. Methods: Using the single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis algorithm, the hypoxia and mitochondrial scores were computed. Differential expression analysis and weighted correlation network analysis were employed to identify genes associated with hypoxia and mitochondrial scores. Prognosis-related genes were obtained through univariate Cox regression, followed by the establishment of a prognostic model using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression. Two independent validation datasets were utilized to verify the accuracy of the prognostic model using receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves. Additionally, a nomogram was employed to illustrate the clinical significance of this study. Results: 318 differentially expressed genes associated with hypoxia and mitochondrial scores were identified for the construction of a prognostic model. The prognostic model based on 16 genes, including PKM, S100A16, RRAS, TUBA4A, PKP3, KCTD12, LPGAT1, ITPRID2, MZT2A, LIFR, PTPRM, LATS2, PDIK1L, GORAB, PCDH7, and CPED1, demonstrates good predictive accuracy for LUAD prognosis. Furthermore, tumor microenvironments analysis and drug sensitivity analysis indicate an association between risk scores and certain immune cells, and a higher risk scores suggesting improved chemotherapy efficacy. Conclusion: The research established a prognostic model consisting of 16 genes, and a nomogram was developed to accurately predict the prognosis of LUAD patients. These findings may contribute to guiding clinical decision-making and treatment selection for patients with LUAD, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Phosphoinositide Conversion Inactivates R-RAS and Drives Metastases in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and a major cause of death in women worldwide. Although early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention significantly improve patient survival rate, metastasis still accounts for most deaths. Here it is reported that, in a cohort of more than 2000 patients with breast cancer, overexpression of PI3KC2α occurs in 52% of cases and correlates with high tumor grade as well as increased probability of distant metastatic events, irrespective of the subtype. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that PI3KC2α synthetizes a pool of PI(3,4)P2 at focal adhesions that lowers their stability and directs breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. PI(3,4)P2 locally produced by PI3KC2α at focal adhesions recruits the Ras GTPase activating protein 3 (RASA3), which inactivates R-RAS, leading to increased focal adhesion turnover, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Proof-of-concept is eventually provided that inhibiting PI3KC2α or lowering RASA3 activity at focal adhesions significantly reduces the metastatic burden in PI3KC2α-overexpressing breast cancer, thereby suggesting a novel strategy for anti-breast cancer therapy.

MicroRNA-34a activation in tuberous sclerosis complex during early brain development may lead to impaired corticogenesis

AIMS

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder associated with dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling pathway. Neurodevelopmental disorders, frequently present in TSC, are linked to cortical tubers in the brain. We previously reported microRNA-34a (miR-34a) among the most upregulated miRs in tubers. Here, we characterised miR-34a expression in tubers with the focus on the early brain development and assessed the regulation of mTORC1 pathway and corticogenesis by miR-34a.

METHODS

We analysed the expression of miR-34a in resected cortical tubers (n = 37) compared with autopsy-derived control tissue (n = 27). The effect of miR-34a overexpression on corticogenesis was assessed in mice at E18. The regulation of the mTORC1 pathway and the expression of the bioinformatically predicted target genes were assessed in primary astrocyte cultures from three patients with TSC and in SH-SY5Y cells following miR-34a transfection.

RESULTS

The peak of miR-34a overexpression in tubers was observed during infancy, concomitant with the presence of pathological markers, particularly in giant cells and dysmorphic neurons. miR-34a was also strongly expressed in foetal TSC cortex. Overexpression of miR-34a in mouse embryos decreased the percentage of cells migrated to the cortical plate. The transfection of miR-34a mimic in TSC astrocytes negatively regulated mTORC1 and decreased the expression of the target genes RAS related (RRAS) and NOTCH1.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-34a is most highly overexpressed in tubers during foetal and early postnatal brain development. miR-34a can negatively regulate mTORC1; however, it may also contribute to abnormal corticogenesis in TSC.

R-Ras subfamily proteins elicit distinct physiologic effects and phosphoproteome alterations in neurofibromin-null MPNST cells

BACKGROUND

Loss of the Ras GTPase-activating protein neurofibromin promotes nervous system tumor pathogenesis in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Neurofibromin loss potentially hyperactivates classic Ras (H-Ras, N-Ras, K-Ras), M-Ras, and R-Ras (R-Ras, R-Ras2/TC21) subfamily proteins. We have shown that classic Ras proteins promote proliferation and survival, but not migration, in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cells. However, it is unclear whether R-Ras, R-Ras2 and M-Ras are expressed and hyperactivated in MPNSTs and, if so, whether they contribute to MPNST pathogenesis. We assessed the expression and activation of these proteins in MPNST cells and inhibited them to determine the effect this had on proliferation, migration, invasion, survival and the phosphoproteome.

METHODS

NF1-associated (ST88-14, 90-8, NMS2, NMS-PC, S462, T265-2c) and sporadic (STS-26T, YST-1) MPNST lines were used. Cells were transfected with doxycycline-inducible vectors expressing either a pan-inhibitor of the R-Ras subfamily [dominant negative (DN) R-Ras] or enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). Methodologies used included immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, PCR, Transwell migration, 3H-thymidine incorporation, calcein cleavage assays and shRNA knockdowns. Proteins in cells with or without DN R-Ras expression were differentially labeled with SILAC and mass spectrometry was used to identify phosphoproteins and determine their relative quantities in the presence and absence of DN R-Ras. Validation of R-Ras and R-Ras2 action and R-Ras regulated networks was performed using genetic and/or pharmacologic approaches.

RESULTS

R-Ras2 was uniformly expressed in MPNST cells, with R-Ras present in a major subset. Both proteins were activated in neurofibromin-null MPNST cells. Consistent with classical Ras inhibition, DN R-Ras and R-Ras2 knockdown inhibited proliferation. However, DN R-Ras inhibition impaired migration and invasion but not survival. Mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics identified thirteen protein networks distinctly regulated by DN R-Ras, including multiple networks regulating cellular movement and morphology. ROCK1 was a prominent mediator in these networks. DN R-Ras expression and RRAS and RRAS2 knockdown inhibited migration and ROCK1 phosphorylation; ROCK1 inhibition similarly impaired migration and invasion, altered cellular morphology and triggered the accumulation of large intracellular vesicles.

CONCLUSIONS

R-Ras proteins function distinctly from classic Ras proteins by regulating distinct signaling pathways that promote MPNST tumorigenesis by mediating migration and invasion. Mutations of the NF1 gene potentially results in the activation of multiple Ras proteins, which are key regulators of many biologic effects. The protein encoded by the NF1 gene, neurofibromin, acts as an inhibitor of both classic Ras and R-Ras proteins; loss of neurofibromin could cause these Ras proteins to become persistently active, leading to the development of cancer. We have previously shown that three related Ras proteins (the classic Ras proteins) are highly activated in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cells with neurofibromin loss and that they drive cancer cell proliferation and survival by activating multiple cellular signaling pathways. Here, we examined the expression, activation and action of R-Ras proteins in MPNST cells that have lost neurofibromin. Both R-Ras and R-Ras2 are expressed in MPNST cells and activated. Inhibition of R-Ras action inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion but not survival. We examined the activation of cytoplasmic signaling pathways in the presence and absence of R-Ras signaling and found that R-Ras proteins regulated 13 signaling pathways distinct from those regulated by classic Ras proteins. Closer study of an R-Ras regulated pathway containing the signaling protein ROCK1 showed that inhibition of either R-Ras, R-Ras2 or ROCK1 similarly impaired cellular migration and invasion and altered cellular morphology. Inhibition of R-Ras/R-Ras2 and ROCK1 signaling also triggered the accumulation of abnormal intracellular vesicles, indicating that these signaling molecules regulate the movement of proteins and other molecules in the cellular interior. Video Abstract.

The Role of R-Ras Proteins in Normal and Pathologic Migration and Morphologic Change

The contributions that the R-Ras subfamily [R-Ras, R-Ras2/teratocarcinoma 21 (TC21), and M-Ras] of small GTP-binding proteins make to normal and aberrant cellular functions have historically been poorly understood. However, this has begun to change with the realization that all three R-Ras subfamily members are occasionally mutated in Noonan syndrome (NS), a RASopathy characterized by the development of hematopoietic neoplasms and abnormalities affecting the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Consistent with the abnormalities seen in NS, a host of new studies have implicated R-Ras proteins in physiological and pathologic changes in cellular morphology, adhesion, and migration in the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. These changes include regulating the migration and homing of mature and immature immune cells, vascular stabilization, clotting, and axonal and dendritic outgrowth during nervous system development. Dysregulated R-Ras signaling has also been linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, intellectual disabilities, and human cancers. This review discusses the structure and regulation of R-Ras proteins and our current understanding of the signaling pathways that they regulate. It explores the phenotype of NS patients and their implications for the R-Ras subfamily functions. Next, it covers recent discoveries regarding physiological and pathologic R-Ras functions in key organ systems. Finally, it discusses how R-Ras signaling is dysregulated in cancers and mechanisms by which this may promote neoplasia.

An Excitable Ras/PI3K/ERK Signaling Network Controls Migration and Oncogenic Transformation in Epithelial Cells

The Ras/PI3K/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signaling network plays fundamental roles in cell growth, survival, and migration and is frequently activated in cancer. Here, we show that the activities of the signaling network propagate as coordinated waves, biased by growth factor, which drive actin-based protrusions in human epithelial cells. The network exhibits hallmarks of biochemical excitability: the annihilation of oppositely directed waves, all-or-none responsiveness, and refractoriness. Abrupt perturbations to Ras, PI(4,5)P2, PI(3,4)P2, ERK, and TORC2 alter the threshold, observations that define positive and negative feedback loops within the network. Oncogenic transformation dramatically increases the wave activity, the frequency of ERK pulses, and the sensitivity to EGF stimuli. Wave activity was progressively enhanced across a series of increasingly metastatic breast cancer cell lines. The view that oncogenic transformation is a shift to a lower threshold of excitable Ras/PI3K/ERK network, caused by various combinations of genetic insults, can facilitate the assessment of cancer severity and effectiveness of interventions.

Upregulation of OSBPL3 by HIF1A promotes colorectal cancer progression through activation of RAS signaling pathway

Oxysterol-binding protein like protein 3 (OSBPL3) has been shown involving in the development of several human cancers. However, the relationship between OSBPL3 and colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly the role of OSBPL3 in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of CRC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of OSBPL3 in CRC and found that its expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues than that in normal tissues. In addition, high expression of OSBPL3 was closely related to poor differentiation, advanced TNM stage and poor prognosis of CRC. Further experiments showed that over-expression of OSBPL3 promoted the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of CRC in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, we revealed that OSBPL3 promoted CRC progression through activation of RAS signaling pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hypoxia induced factor 1 (HIF-1A) can regulate the expression of OSBPL3 via binding to the hypoxia response element (HRE) in the promoter of OSBPL3. In summary, Upregulation of OSBPL3 by HIF1A promotes colorectal cancer progression through activation of RAS signaling pathway. This novel mechanism provides a comprehensive understanding of both OSBPL3 and the RAS signaling pathway in the progression of CRC and indicates that the HIF1A–OSBPL3–RAS axis is a potential target for early therapeutic intervention in CRC progression.

Flightless anchors IQGAP1 and R-ras to mediate cell extension formation and matrix remodeling

Tractional remodeling of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts requires long cell extensions that mediate fibril alignment. The formation of these cell extensions involves flightless I (FliI), an actin-binding protein that contains a leucine-rich-repeat (LRR), which binds R-ras and may regulate cdc42. We considered that FliI interacts with small GTPases and their regulators to mediate assembly of cell extensions. Mass spectrometry analyses of FliI immunoprecipitates showed abundant Ras GTPase-activating-like protein (IQGAP1), which in immunostained samples colocalized with FliI at cell adhesions. Knockdown of IQGAP1 reduced the numbers of cell extensions and the alignment of collagen fibrils. In experiments using dominant negative mutants, cdc42 activity was required for the formation of short extensions while R-ras was required for the formation of long extensions. Immunoprecipitation of wild-type and mutant constructs showed that IQGAP1 associated with cdc42 and R-ras; this association required the GAP-related domain (1004–1237 aa) of IQGAP1. In cells transfected with FliI mutants, the LRR of FliI, but not its gelsolin-like domains, mediated association with cdc42, R-ras, and IQGAP1. We conclude that FliI interacts with IQGAP1 and co-ordinates with cdc42 and R-ras to control the formation of cell extensions that enable collagen tractional remodeling.

km23-1/DYNLRB1 regulation of MEK/ERK signaling and R-Ras in invasive human colorectal cancer cells

We previously found that km23-1/DYNLRB1 is required for transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) production through Ras/ERK pathways in TGFβ-sensitive epithelial cells and in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Here we demonstrate that km23-1/DYNLRB1 is required for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) activation in human CRC cells, detected by km23-1/DYNLRB1-siRNA inhibition of phospho-(p)-MEK immunostaining in RKO cells. Furthermore, we show that CRISPR-Cas9 knock-out (KO) of km23-1/DYNLRB1 reduced cell migration in two additional CRC models, HCT116 and DLD-1. Of interest, in contrast to our previous work showing that dynein motor activity was required for TGFβ-mediated nuclear translocation of Smad2, in the current report, we demonstrate for the first time that disruption of dynein motor activity did not reduce TGFβ-mediated activation of MEK1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, size exclusion chromatography of RKO cell lysates revealed that B-Raf, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p-ERK were not present in the large molecular weight fractions containing dynein holocomplex components. Furthermore, sucrose gradient fractionation of cell lysates from both HCT116 and CBS CRC cells demonstrated that km23-1/DYNLRB1 co-sedimented with Ras, p-ERK, and ERK in fractions that did not contain components of holo-dynein. Thus, km23-1/DYNLRB1 may be associated with activated Ras/ERK signaling complexes in cell compartments that do not contain the dynein holoprotein complex, suggesting dynein-independent km23-1/DYNLRB1 functions in Ras/ERK signaling. Finally, of the Ras isoforms, R-Ras is most often associated with cell migration, adhesion, and protrusive activity. Here, we show that a significant fraction of km23-1/DYNLRB1 and RRas wase co-localized at the protruding edges of migrating HCT116 cells, suggesting an important role for the km23-1/DYNLRB1-R-Ras complex in CRC invasion.

M-Ras/Shoc2 signaling modulates E-cadherin turnover and cell-cell adhesion during collective cell migration

Collective cell migration is required for normal embryonic development and contributes to various biological processes, including wound healing and cancer cell invasion. The M-Ras GTPase and its effector, the Shoc2 scaffold, are proteins mutated in the developmental RASopathy Noonan syndrome, and, here, we report that activated M-Ras recruits Shoc2 to cell surface junctions where M-Ras/Shoc2 signaling contributes to the dynamic regulation of cell-cell junction turnover required for collective cell migration. MCF10A cells expressing the dominant-inhibitory M-Ras^S27N variant or those lacking Shoc2 exhibited reduced junction turnover and were unable to migrate effectively as a group. Through further depletion/reconstitution studies, we found that M-Ras/Shoc2 signaling contributes to junction turnover by modulating the E-cadherin/p120-catenin interaction and, in turn, the junctional expression of E-cadherin. The regulatory effect of the M-Ras/Shoc2 complex was mediated at least in part through the phosphoregulation of p120-catenin and required downstream ERK cascade activation. Strikingly, cells rescued with the Noonan-associated, myristoylated-Shoc2 mutant (Myr-Shoc2) displayed a gain-of-function (GOF) phenotype, with the cells exhibiting increased junction turnover and reduced E-cadherin/p120-catenin binding and migrating as a faster but less cohesive group. Consistent with these results, Noonan-associated C-Raf mutants that bypass the need for M-Ras/Shoc2 signaling exhibited a similar GOF phenotype when expressed in Shoc2-depleted MCF10A cells. Finally, expression of the Noonan-associated Myr-Shoc2 or C-Raf mutants, but not their WT counterparts, induced gastrulation defects indicative of aberrant cell migration in zebrafish embryos, further demonstrating the function of the M-Ras/Shoc2/ERK cascade signaling axis in the dynamic control of coordinated cell movement.

The leucine-rich region of Flightless I interacts with R-ras to regulate cell extension formation

Flightless I (FliI) is a calcium-dependent, actin severing and capping protein that localizes to cell matrix adhesions, contributes to the generation of cell extensions, and colocalizes with Ras. Currently, the mechanism by which FliI interacts with Ras to enable assembly of actin-based cell protrusions is not defined. R-Ras, but not K-ras, H-ras, or N-ras, associated with the leucine-rich region (LRR) of FliI. Mutations of the proline-rich region of R-ras (P202A, P203A) prevented this association. Knockdown of Ras GTPase-activating SH3 domain-binding protein (G3BP1) or Rasgap¹²⁰ by small interfering RNA inhibited the formation of cell extensions and prevented interaction of R-ras and G3BP1 in FliI wild-type (WT) cells. Pull-down assays using G3BP1 fusion proteins showed a strong association of R-ras with the C-terminus of G3BP1 (amino acids 236-466), which also required the LRR of FliI. In cells that expressed the truncated N-terminus or C-terminus of G3BP1, the formation of cell extensions was blocked. Endogenous Rasgap¹²⁰ interacted with the N-terminus of G3BP1 (amino acids 1-230). We conclude that in cells plated on collagen FliI-LRR interacts with R-ras to promote cell extension formation and that FliI is required for the interaction of Rasgap¹²⁰ with G3BP1 to regulate R-ras activity and growth of cell extensions.

Exploratory cell dynamics: a sense of touch for cells?

Cells need to process multifaceted external cues to steer their dynamic behavior. To efficiently perform this task, cells implement several exploratory mechanisms to actively sample their environment. In particular, cells can use exploratory actin-based cell protrusions and contractions to engage and squeeze the environment and to actively probe its chemical and mechanical properties. Multiple excitable signal networks were identified that can generate local activity pulses to control these exploratory processes. Such excitable signal networks offer particularly efficient mechanisms to process chemical or mechanical signals to steer dynamic cell behavior, such as directional migration, tissue morphogenesis and cell fate decisions.

Characterization of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Glucose Stimulated Insulin Secretion from Isolated Pancreatic β-cells Using Post-translational Modification Specific Proteomics (PTMomics)

Normal pancreatic islet β-cells (PBCs) abundantly secrete insulin in response to elevated blood glucose levels, in order to maintain an adequate control of energy balance and glucose homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the insulin secretion are unclear. Improving our understanding of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) mechanisms under normal conditions is a prerequisite for developing better interventions against diabetes. Here, we aimed at identifying novel signaling pathways involved in the initial release of insulin from PBCs after glucose stimulation using quantitative strategies for the assessment of phosphorylated proteins and sialylated N-linked (SA) glycoproteins.Islets of Langerhans derived from newborn rats with a subsequent 9-10 days of maturation in vitro were stimulated with 20 mm glucose for 0 min (control), 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min. The isolated islets were subjected to time-resolved quantitative phosphoproteomics and sialiomics using iTRAQ-labeling combined with enrichment of phosphorylated peptides and formerly SA glycopeptides and high-accuracy LC-MS/MS. Using bioinformatics we analyzed the functional signaling pathways during GSIS, including well-known insulin secretion pathways. Furthermore, we identified six novel activated signaling pathways (e.g. agrin interactions and prolactin signaling) at 15 min GSIS, which may increase our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying GSIS. Moreover, we validated some of the regulated phosphosites by parallel reaction monitoring, which resulted in the validation of eleven new phosphosites significantly regulated on GSIS. Besides protein phosphorylation, alteration in SA glycosylation was observed on several surface proteins on brief GSIS. Interestingly, proteins important for cell-cell interaction, cell movement, cell-ECM interaction and Focal Adhesion (e.g. integrins, semaphorins, and plexins) were found regulated at the level of sialylation, but not in protein expression. Collectively, we believe that this comprehensive Proteomics and PTMomics survey of signaling pathways taking place during brief GSIS of primary PBCs is contributing to understanding the complex signaling underlying GSIS.

R-Ras deficiency does not affect papain-induced IgE production in mice

Introduction

R‐Ras GTPase has recently been implicated in the regulation of immune functions, particularly in dendritic cell (DC) maturation, immune synapse formation, and subsequent T cell responses.

Methods

Here, we investigated the role of R‐Ras in allergen‐induced immune response (type 2 immune response) in Rras deficient (R‐Ras KO) and wild type (WT) mice.

Results

Initially, we found that the number of conventional DC's in the lymph nodes (LNs) was reduced in R‐Ras KO mice. The expression of co‐stimulatory CD80 and CD86 molecules on these cells was also reduced on DC's from the R‐Ras KO mice. However, there was no difference in papain‐induced immune response between the R‐Ras WT and KO as measured by serum IgE levels after the immunization. Interestingly, neither the DC number nor co‐stimulatory molecule expression was different between WT and R‐Ras KO animals after the immunization.

Conclusions

Taken together, despite having reduced number of conventional DC's in the R‐Ras KO mice and low expression of CD80 on DC's, the R‐Ras KO mice are capable of mounting papain‐induced IgE responses comparable to that of the WT mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report addressing potential differences in in vivo allergen responses regulated by the R‐Ras GTPase.

Targeting oncogenic PLCE1 by miR-145 impairs tumor proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) is a susceptibility gene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Nevertheless, the role of PLCE1 in ESCC tumorigenesis has not been elucidated. In this study, we determined the function of PLCE1 and its regulatory microRNA (miRNA) in ESCC. PLCE1 protein was excessively expressed in ESCC and precancerous lesions compared with that in normal tissues. High PLCE1 expression levels in ESCC were significantly linked with poor overall survival. Knockdown of PLCE1 promoted the apoptosis, cytokine-induced apoptosis, and sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs but abrogated the proliferation and EMT phenotype of ESCC in vitro. Notably, miR-145 was newly identified as a potent repressor of PLCE1 expression by directly targeting the 3′UTR of PLCE1. MiR-145 also inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis, as well as controlled the cytoskeleton dynamics of esophageal cancer. Moreover, miR-145 was expressed at low levels in a large cohort of patients with ESCC and was inversely correlated with PLCE1 protein expression in cancer cells and tissues. These findings demonstrate that PLCE1 functions as tumor promoter in ESCC and can be suppressed by miR-145 through inhibition of PLCE1 translation. Hence, delivery of PLCE1-targeting miR-145 is a potential therapeutic approach for esophageal cancer.

SodC modulates ras and PKB signaling in Dictyostelium

We have previously reported that the basal RasG activity is aberrantly high in cells lacking Superoxide dismutase C (SodC). Here we report that other Ras proteins such as RasC and RasD activities are not affected in sodC^- cells and mutagenesis studies showed that the presence of the Cys¹¹⁸ in the Ras proteins is essential for the superoxide-mediated activation of Ras proteins in Dictyostelium. In addition to the loss of SodC, lack of extracellular magnesium ions increased the level of intracellular superoxide and active RasG proteins. Aberrantly active Ras proteins in sodC^- cells persistently localized at the plasma membrane, but those in wild type cells under magnesium deficient medium exhibited intracellular vesicular localization. Interestingly, the aberrantly activated Ras proteins in wild type cells were largely insulated from their normal downstream events such as Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-P₃ (PIP3) accumulation, Protein Kinase B (PKB) activation, and PKBs substrates phosphorylation. Intriguingly, however, aberrantly activated Ras proteins in sodC^- cells were still engaged in signaling to their downstream targets, and thus excessive PKBs substrates phosphorylation persisted. In summary, we suggest that SodC and RasG proteins are essential part of a novel inhibitory mechanism that discourages oxidatively stressed cells from chemotaxis and thus inhibits the delivery of potentially damaged genome to the next generation.

Trans-ancestry meta-analyses identify rare and common variants associated with blood pressure and hypertension

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death. However, there is limited knowledge on specific causal genes and pathways. To better understand the genetics of blood pressure, we genotyped 242,296 rare, low-frequency and common genetic variants in up to 192,763 individuals and used ∼155,063 samples for independent replication. We identified 30 new blood pressure- or hypertension-associated genetic regions in the general population, including 3 rare missense variants in RBM47, COL21A1 and RRAS with larger effects (>1.5 mm Hg/allele) than common variants. Multiple rare nonsense and missense variant associations were found in A2ML1, and a low-frequency nonsense variant in ENPEP was identified. Our data extend the spectrum of allelic variation underlying blood pressure traits and hypertension, provide new insights into the pathophysiology of hypertension and indicate new targets for clinical intervention.

MiRNA 34a: a therapeutic target for castration-resistant prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

Development of a therapy for bone metastases is of paramount importance for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The osteomimetic properties of CRPC confer a propensity to metastasize to osseous sites. Micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) is non-coding RNA that acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of multiple proteins and associated pathways. Therefore identification of miRNAs could reveal a valid third generation therapy for CRPC.

AREAS COVERED

miR34a has been found to play an integral role in the progression of prostate cancer, particularly in the regulation of metastatic genes involved in migration, intravasation, extravasation, bone attachment and bone homeostasis. The correlation between miR34a down-regulation and metastatic progression has generated substantial interest in this field.

EXPERT OPINION

Examination of the evidence reveals that miR34a is an ideal target for gene therapy for metastatic CRPC. We also conclude that future studies should focus on the effects of miR34a upregulation in CRPC with respect to migration, translocation to bone micro-environment and osteomimetic phenotype development. The success of miR34a as a therapeutic is reliant on the development of appropriate delivery systems and targeting to the bone micro-environment. In tandem with any therapeutic studies, biomarker serum levels should also be ascertained as an indicator of successful miR34a delivery.

Structure, functional regulation and signaling properties of Rap2B

The Ras family small guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein Rap2B is is a member of the Ras oncogene family and a novel target of p53 that regulates the p53-mediated pro-survival function of cells. The Rap2B protein shares ~90% homology with Rap2A, and its sequence is 70% identical to other members of the Rap family such as RaplA and RaplB. As a result, Rap2B has been theorized to have similar signaling effectors to the GTPase-binding protein Rap, which mediates various biological functions, including the regulation of sterile 20/mitogen-activated proteins. Since its identification in the early 1990s, Rap2B has elicited a considerable interest. Numerous studies indicate that Rap2B exerts specific biological functions, including binding and stimulating phospholipase C-ε and interferon-γ. In addition, downregulation of Rap2B affects the growth of melanoma cells. The present review summarizes the possible effectors and biological functions of Rap2B. Increasing evidence clearly supports the association between Rap2B function and tumor development. Therefore, it is conceivable that anticancer drugs targeting Rap2B may be generated as novel therapies against cancer.

RLIP76 regulates Arf6-dependent cell spreading and migration by linking ARNO with activated R-Ras at recycling endosomes

R-Ras small GTPase enhances cell spreading and motility via RalBP1/RLIP76, an R-Ras effector that links GTP-R-Ras to activation of Arf6 and Rac1 GTPases. Here, we report that RLIP76 performs these functions by binding cytohesin-2/ARNO, an Arf GTPase guanine exchange factor, and connecting it to R-Ras at recycling endosomes. RLIP76 formed a complex with R-Ras and ARNO by binding ARNO via its N-terminus (residues 1-180) and R-Ras via residues 180-192. This complex was present in Rab11-positive recycling endosomes and the presence of ARNO in recycling endosomes required RLIP76, and was not supported by RLIP76(Δ1-180) or RLIP76(Δ180-192). Spreading and migration required RLIP76(1-180), and RLIP76(Δ1-180) blocked ARNO recruitment to recycling endosomes, and spreading. Arf6 activation with an ArfGAP inhibitor overcame the spreading defects in RLIP76-depleted cells or cells expressing RLIP76(Δ1-180). Similarly, RLIP76(Δ1-180) or RLIP76(Δ180-192) suppressed Arf6 activation. Together these results demonstrate that RLIP76 acts as a scaffold at recycling endosomes by binding activated R-Ras, recruiting ARNO to activate Arf6, thereby contributing to cell spreading and migration.

ARF-GEF cytohesin-2/ARNO regulates R-Ras and α5-integrin recycling through an EHD1-positive compartment

R-Ras and cytohesin-2/ARNO coordinate in the control of epithelial cell adhesion, but the mechanism has been unclear. Cytohesin-2/ARNO regulates traffic through an EHD1-positive recycling compartment. Inhibition of cytohesin-2/ARNO activity traps R-Ras and integrins within the EHD1 compartment and impairs adhesion and spreading.

When expressed in epithelial cells, cytohesin-2/ARNO, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for ARF small GTPases, causes a robust migration response. Recent evidence suggests that cytohesin-2/ARNO acts downstream of small the GTPase R-Ras to promote spreading and migration. We hypothesized that cytohesin-2/ARNO could transmit R-Ras signals by regulating the recycling of R-Ras through ARF activation. We found that Eps15-homology domain 1 (EHD1), a protein that associates with the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC), colocalizes with active R-Ras in transiently expressed HeLa cells. In addition, we show that EHD1-positive recycling endosomes are a novel compartment for cytohesin-2/ARNO. Knockdown or expression of GEF-inactive (E156K) cytohesin-2/ARNO causes R-Ras to accumulate on recycling endosomes containing EHD1 and inhibits cell spreading. E156K-ARNO also causes a reduction in focal adhesion size and number. Finally, we demonstrate that R-Ras/ARNO signaling is required for recycling of α5-integrin and R-Ras to the plasma membrane. These data establish a role for cytohesin-2/ARNO as a regulator of R-Ras and integrin recycling and suggest that ARF-regulated trafficking of R-Ras is required for R-Ras–dependent effects on spreading and adhesion formation.

Membrane proteome analysis of glioblastoma cell invasion

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor invasion is facilitated by cell migration and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Invadopodia are actin-rich structures that protrude from the plasma membrane in direct contact with the extracellular matrix and are proposed to participate in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We characterized the invasiveness of 9 established GBM cell lines using an invadopodia assay and performed quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses on enriched membrane fractions. All GBM cells produced invadopodia, with a 65% difference between the most invasive cell line (U87MG) and the least invasive cell line (LN229) (p = 0.0001). Overall, 1,141 proteins were identified in the GBM membrane proteome; the levels of 49 proteins correlated with cell invasiveness. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted activation "cell movement" (z-score = 2.608, p = 3.94E(-04)) in more invasive cells and generated a network of invasion-associated proteins with direct links to key regulators of invadopodia formation. Gene expression data relating to the invasion-associated proteins ITGA5 (integrin α5), CD97, and ANXA1 (annexin A1) showed prognostic significance in independent GBM cohorts. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated ITGA5, CD97, and ANXA1 localization in invadopodia assays, and small interfering RNA knockdown of ITGA5 reduced invadopodia formation in U87MG cells. Thus, invasion-associated proteins, including ITGA5, may prove to be useful anti-invasive targets; volociximab, a therapeutic antibody against integrin α5β1, may be useful for treatment of patients with GBM.

Chronic wound repair and healing in older adults: current status and future research

Older adults are more likely to have chronic wounds than younger people, and the effect of chronic wounds on quality of life is particularly profound in this population. Wound healing slows with age, but the basic biology underlying chronic wounds and the influence of age-associated changes on wound healing are poorly understood. Most studies have used in vitro approaches and various animal models, but observed changes translate poorly to human healing conditions. The effect of age and accompanying multimorbidity on the effectiveness of existing and emerging treatment approaches for chronic wounds is also unknown, and older adults tend to be excluded from randomized clinical trials. Poorly defined outcomes and variables; lack of standardization in data collection; and variations in the definition, measurement, and treatment of wounds also hamper clinical studies. The Association of Specialty Professors, in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging and the Wound Healing Society, held a workshop, summarized in this article, to explore the current state of knowledge and research challenges, engage investigators across disciplines, and identify research questions to guide future study of age-associated changes in chronic wound healing.

Chronic wound repair and healing in older adults: current status and future research

The incidence of chronic wounds is increased among older adults, and the impact of chronic wounds on quality of life is particularly profound in this population. It is well established that wound healing slows with age. However, the basic biology underlying chronic wounds and the influence of age-associated changes on wound healing are poorly understood. Most studies have used in vitro approaches and various animal models, but observed changes translate poorly to human healing conditions. The impact of age and accompanying multi-morbidity on the effectiveness of existing and emerging treatment approaches for chronic wounds is also unknown, and older adults tend to be excluded from randomized clinical trials. Poorly defined outcomes and variables, lack of standardization in data collection, and variations in the definition, measurement, and treatment of wounds also hamper clinical studies. The Association of Specialty Professors, in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging and the Wound Healing Society, held a workshop, summarized in this paper, to explore the current state of knowledge and research challenges, engage investigators across disciplines, and identify key research questions to guide future study of age-associated changes in chronic wound healing.

R-Ras protein inhibits autophosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in endothelial cells and suppresses receptor activation in tumor vasculature

Abnormal angiogenesis is associated with a broad range of medical conditions, including cancer. The formation of neovasculature with functionally defective blood vessels significantly impacts tumor progression, metastasis, and the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) potently induces vascular permeability and vessel growth in the tumor microenvironment, and its inhibition normalizes tumor vasculature. In contrast, the signaling of the small GTPase R-Ras inhibits excessive angiogenic growth and promotes the maturation of regenerating blood vessels. R-Ras signaling counteracts VEGF-induced vessel sprouting, permeability, and invasive activities of endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of R-Ras on VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) activation by VEGF, the key mechanism for angiogenic stimulation. We show that tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR2 is significantly elevated in the tumor vasculature and dermal microvessels of VEGF-injected skin in R-Ras knockout mice. In cultured endothelial cells, R-Ras suppressed the internalization of VEGFR2, which is required for full activation of the receptor by VEGF. Consequently, R-Ras strongly suppressed autophosphorylation of the receptor at all five major tyrosine phosphorylation sites. Conversely, silencing of R-Ras resulted in increased VEGFR2 phosphorylation. This effect of R-Ras on VEGFR2 was, at least in part, dependent on vascular endothelial cadherin. These findings identify a novel function of R-Ras to control the response of endothelial cells to VEGF and suggest an underlying mechanism by which R-Ras regulates angiogenesis.

OSBP-related protein 3 (ORP3) coupling with VAMP-associated protein A regulates R-Ras activity

ORP3 is an R-Ras interacting oxysterol-binding protein homolog that regulates cell adhesion and is overexpressed in several cancers. We investigated here a novel function of ORP3 dependent on its targeting to both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the plasma membrane (PM). Using biochemical and cell imaging techniques we demonstrate the mechanistic requirements for the subcellular targeting and function of ORP3 in control of R-Ras activity. We show that hyperphosphorylated ORP3 (ORP3-P) selectively interacts with the ER membrane protein VAPA, and ORP3-VAPA complexes are targeted to PM sites via the ORP3 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. A novel FFAT (two phenylalanines in an acidic tract)-like motif was identified in ORP3; only disruption of both the FFAT-like and canonical FFAT motif abolished the phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) stimulated interaction of ORP3-P with VAPA. Co-expression of ORP3 and VAPA induced R-Ras activation, dependent on the interactions of ORP3 with VAPA and the PM. Consistently, downstream AktS473 phosphorylation and β1-integrin activity were enhanced by ORP3-VAPA. To conclude, phosphorylation of ORP3 controls its association with VAPA. Furthermore, we present evidence that ORP3-VAPA complexes stimulate R-Ras signaling.

Effector recruitment method to study spatially regulated activation of Ras and Rho GTPases

Ras and Rho family GTPases control a wide variety of cellular processes, and the signaling downstream of these GTPases is influenced by their subcellular localization when activated. Since only a minority of total cellular GTPases is active, observation of the total subcellular distribution of GTPases does not reveal where active GTPases are localized. In this chapter, we describe the use of effector recruitment assays to monitor the subcellular localization of active Ras and Rho family GTPases. The recruitment assay relies on preferential binding of downstream effectors to active GTPases versus inactive GTPases. Tagging the GTPase-binding-domain (GBD) of a downstream effector with a fluorescent protein produces a probe that is recruited to compartments where GTPases are active. We describe an example of a recruitment assay using the GBD of PAK1 to monitor Rac1 activity and explain how the assay can be expanded to determine the subcellular localization of activation of other GTPases.

Activating mutations in RRAS underlie a phenotype within the RASopathy spectrum and contribute to leukaemogenesis

RASopathies, a family of disorders characterized by cardiac defects, defective growth, facial dysmorphism, variable cognitive deficits and predisposition to certain malignancies, are caused by constitutional dysregulation of RAS signalling predominantly through the RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) cascade. We report on two germline mutations (p.Gly39dup and p.Val55Met) in RRAS, a gene encoding a small monomeric GTPase controlling cell adhesion, spreading and migration, underlying a rare (2 subjects among 504 individuals analysed) and variable phenotype with features partially overlapping Noonan syndrome, the most common RASopathy. We also identified somatic RRAS mutations (p.Gly39dup and p.Gln87Leu) in 2 of 110 cases of non-syndromic juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia, a childhood myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic disease caused by upregulated RAS signalling, defining an atypical form of this haematological disorder rapidly progressing to acute myeloid leukaemia. Two of the three identified mutations affected known oncogenic hotspots of RAS genes and conferred variably enhanced RRAS function and stimulus-dependent MAPK activation. Expression of an RRAS mutant homolog in Caenorhabditis elegans enhanced RAS signalling and engendered protruding vulva, a phenotype previously linked to the RASopathy-causing SHOC2(S2G) mutant. Overall, these findings provide evidence of a functional link between RRAS and MAPK signalling and reveal an unpredicted role of enhanced RRAS function in human disease.

An increase in tolerogenic dendritic cell and natural regulatory T cell numbers during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Rras-/- mice results in attenuated disease

R-Ras is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, which are regulators of various cellular processes, including adhesion, survival, proliferation, trafficking, and cytokine production. R-Ras is expressed by immune cells and has been shown to modulate dendritic cell (DC) function in vitro and has been associated with liver autoimmunity. We used Rras-deficient mice to study the mechanism whereby R-Ras contributes to autoimmunity using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of the CNS autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. We found that a lack of R-Ras in peripheral immune cells resulted in attenuated EAE disease. Further investigation revealed that, during EAE, absence of R-Ras promoted the formation of MHC II(low) DC concomitant with a significant increase in proliferation of natural regulatory T cells, resulting in an increase in their cell numbers in the periphery. Our study suggests a novel role for R-Ras in promoting autoimmunity through negative regulation of natural regulatory T cell numbers by inhibiting the development of MHCII(low) DC with tolerogenic potential.

Activation of PI3K and R-Ras signaling promotes the extension of sensory axons on inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are extracellular inhibitors of axon extension and plasticity, and cause growth cones to exhibit dystrophic behaviors. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is a lipid kinase activated by axon growth promoting signals. In this study, we used embryonic chicken dorsal root ganglion neurons to determine if CSPGs impair signaling through PI3K. We report that CSPGs inhibit PI3K signaling in axons and growth cones, as evidenced by decreased levels of phosphorylated downstream kinases (Akt and S6). Direct activation of PI3K signaling, using a cell permeable phosphopeptide (PI3Kpep), countered the effects of CSPGs on growth cones and axon extension. Both overnight and acute treatment with PI3Kpep promoted axon extension on CSPG-coated substrates. The R-Ras GTPase is an upstream positive regulator of PI3K signaling. Expression of constitutively active R-Ras promoted axon extension and growth cone elaboration on CSPGs and permissive substrata. In contrast, an N-terminus-deleted constitutively active R-Ras, deficient in PI3K activation, promoted axon extension but not growth cone elaboration on CSPGs and permissive substrata. These data indicate that activation of R-Ras-PI3K signaling may be a viable approach for manipulating axon extension on CSPGs.

Role of c-Met/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3k)/Akt signaling in hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated lamellipodia formation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and motility of lung endothelial cells

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mediated signaling promotes cell proliferation and migration in a variety of cell types and plays a key role in tumorigenesis. As cell migration is important to angiogenesis, we characterized HGF-mediated effects on the formation of lamellipodia, a pre-requisite for migration using human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs). HGF, in a dose-dependent manner, induced c-Met phosphorylation (Tyr-1234/1235, Tyr-1349, Ser-985, Tyr-1003, and Tyr-1313), activation of PI3k (phospho-Yp85) and Akt (phospho-Thr-308 and phospho-Ser-473) and potentiated lamellipodia formation and HLMVEC migration. Inhibition of c-Met kinase by SU11274 significantly attenuated c-Met, PI3k, and Akt phosphorylation, suppressed lamellipodia formation and endothelial cell migration. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3k, abolished HGF-induced PI3k (Tyr-458), and Akt (Thr-308 and Ser-473) phosphorylation and suppressed lamellipodia formation. Furthermore, HGF stimulated p47(phox)/Cortactin/Rac1 translocation to lamellipodia and ROS generation. Moreover, inhibition of c-Met/PI3k/Akt signaling axis and NADPH oxidase attenuated HGF- induced lamellipodia formation, ROS generation and cell migration. Ex vivo experiments with mouse aortic rings revealed a role for c-Met signaling in HGF-induced sprouting and lamellipodia formation. Taken together, these data provide evidence in support of a significant role for HGF-induced c-Met/PI3k/Akt signaling and NADPH oxidase activation in lamellipodia formation and motility of lung endothelial cells.

DiME: a scalable disease module identification algorithm with application to glioma progression

Disease module is a group of molecular components that interact intensively in the disease specific biological network. Since the connectivity and activity of disease modules may shed light on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and disease progression, their identification becomes one of the most important challenges in network medicine, an emerging paradigm to study complex human disease. This paper proposes a novel algorithm, DiME (Disease Module Extraction), to identify putative disease modules from biological networks. We have developed novel heuristics to optimise Community Extraction, a module criterion originally proposed for social network analysis, to extract topological core modules from biological networks as putative disease modules. In addition, we have incorporated a statistical significance measure, B-score, to evaluate the quality of extracted modules. As an application to complex diseases, we have employed DiME to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underpin the progression of glioma, the most common type of brain tumour. We have built low (grade II) - and high (GBM) - grade glioma co-expression networks from three independent datasets and then applied DiME to extract potential disease modules from both networks for comparison. Examination of the interconnectivity of the identified modules have revealed changes in topology and module activity (expression) between low- and high- grade tumours, which are characteristic of the major shifts in the constitution and physiology of tumour cells during glioma progression. Our results suggest that transcription factors E2F4, AR and ETS1 are potential key regulators in tumour progression. Our DiME compiled software, R/C++ source code, sample data and a tutorial are available at http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/~szh/DiME.

The role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in adhesion of oral epithelial cells to titanium

BACKGROUND

Oral epithelial cells (OECs) adhesion to titanium may improve the success rate of implant restoration.

PURPOSE

We investigated the mechanism by which OECs adhere to titanium dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

(1) After culturing rat OECs on titanium plates (Ti) or culture dishes in the presence or absence of a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activator or inhibitors and/or growth factors, and OEC morphology under these conditions were analyzed. (2) Right maxillary first molars were extracted and replaced with experimental implants. The rats were treated with or without growth factors.

RESULTS

(1) Cell adherence was lower of OECs on Ti than in those on culture dishes, as were the levels of integrin β4 and the continuity of F-actin structures. After PI3K inhibition, markedly reducing adherence to both substrates. In contrast, PI3K activation with activator or insulin-like growth factor restored the OEC adherence and the expression of adhesion molecules on Ti to the levels seen in OECs cultured on dishes. Cell migration was inhibited by PI3K activation. (2) High expression of integrin β4 was observed in the peri-implant epithelia of PI3K-activated rats.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PI3K plays an important role in the adhesion of OECs to Ti.

The neural guidance receptor Plexin C1 delays melanoma progression

Plexin C1 is a type I transmembrane receptor with intrinsic R-Ras GTPase activity, which regulates cytoskeletal remodeling and adhesion in normal human melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells of the epidermis, precursors for melanoma, and express high levels of Plexin C1, which is lost in melanoma in vitro and in vivo. To determine if Plexin C1 is a tumor suppressor for melanoma, we introduced Plexin C1 into a primary human melanoma cell line, and phenotypes including migration, apoptosis, proliferation and tumor growth in mice were analyzed. Complimentary studies in which Plexin C1 was silenced in human melanocytes were performed. Plexin C1 significantly inhibited migration and proliferation in melanoma, whereas in melanocytes, loss of Plexin C1 increased migration and proliferation. In mouse xenografts, Plexin C1 delayed tumor growth of melanoma at early time points, but tumors eventually escaped the suppressive effects of Plexin C1, due to Plexin C1-dependent activation of the pro-survival protein Akt. R-Ras activation stimulates melanoma migration. Plexin C1 lowered R-Ras activity in melanoma and melanocytes, consistent with inhibitory effects of Plexin C1 on migration of melanocytes and melanoma. To determine if R-Ras is expressed in melanocytic lesions in vivo, staining of tissue microarrays of nevi and melanoma were performed. R-Ras expression was highly limited in melanocytic lesions, being essentially confined to primary melanoma, and almost completely absent in nevi and metastatic melanoma. These data suggest that loss of Plexin C1 in melanoma may promote early steps in melanoma progression through suppression of migration and proliferation, but pro-survival effects of Plexin C1 ultimately abrogate the tumor suppressive effects of Plexin C1. In primary melanoma, loss of Plexin C1 may function in early steps of melanoma progression by releasing inhibition of R-Ras activation, and stimulating migration.

The R-Ras/RIN2/Rab5 complex controls endothelial cell adhesion and morphogenesis via active integrin endocytosis and Rac signaling

During developmental and tumor angiogenesis, semaphorins regulate blood vessel navigation by signaling through plexin receptors that inhibit the R-Ras subfamily of small GTPases. R-Ras is mainly expressed in vascular cells, where it induces adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through unknown mechanisms. We identify the Ras and Rab5 interacting protein RIN2 as a key effector that in endothelial cells interacts with and mediates the pro-adhesive and -angiogenic activity of R-Ras. Both R-Ras-GTP and RIN2 localize at nascent ECM adhesion sites associated with lamellipodia. Upon binding, GTP-loaded R-Ras converts RIN2 from a Rab5 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) to an adaptor that first interacts at high affinity with Rab5-GTP to promote the selective endocytosis of ligand-bound/active β1 integrins and then causes the translocation of R-Ras to early endosomes. Here, the R-Ras/RIN2/Rab5 signaling module activates Rac1-dependent cell adhesion via TIAM1, a Rac GEF that localizes on early endosomes and is stimulated by the interaction with both Ras proteins and the vesicular lipid phosphatidylinositol 3-monophosphate. In conclusion, the ability of R-Ras-GTP to convert RIN2 from a GEF to an adaptor that preferentially binds Rab5-GTP allows the triggering of the endocytosis of ECM-bound/active β1 integrins and the ensuing funneling of R-Ras-GTP toward early endosomes to elicit the pro-adhesive and TIAM1-mediated activation of Rac1.

Palmitoylation regulates vesicular trafficking of R-Ras to membrane ruffles and effects on ruffling and cell spreading

In this study we investigated the dynamics of R-Ras intracellular trafficking and its contributions to the unique roles of R-Ras in membrane ruffling and cell spreading. Wild type and constitutively active R-Ras localized to membranes of both Rab11- and transferrin-positive and -negative vesicles, which trafficked anterograde to the leading edge in migrating cells. H-Ras also co-localized with R-Ras in many of these vesicles in the vicinity of the Golgi, but R-Ras and H-Ras vesicles segregated proximal to the leading edge, in a manner dictated by the C-terminal membrane-targeting sequences. These segregated vesicle trafficking patterns corresponded to distinct modes of targeting to membrane ruffles at the leading edge. Geranylgeranylation was required for membrane anchorage of R-Ras, whereas palmitoylation was required for exit from the Golgi in post-Golgi vesicle membranes and trafficking to the plasma membrane. R-Ras vesicle membranes did not contain phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃), whereas R-Ras co-localized with PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ in membrane ruffles. Finally, palmitoylation-deficient R-Ras blocked membrane ruffling, R-Ras/PI3-kinase interaction, enrichment of PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ at the plasma membrane, and R-Ras-dependent cell spreading. Thus, lipid modification of R-Ras dictates its vesicle trafficking, targeting to membrane ruffles, and its unique roles in localizing PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ to ruffles and promoting cell spreading.

Quantitative analysis of random migration of cells using time-lapse video microscopy

Cell migration is a dynamic process, which is important for embryonic development, tissue repair, immune system function, and tumor invasion (1, 2). During directional migration, cells move rapidly in response to an extracellular chemotactic signal, or in response to intrinsic cues (3) provided by the basic motility machinery. Random migration occurs when a cell possesses low intrinsic directionality, allowing the cells to explore their local environment. Cell migration is a complex process, in the initial response cell undergoes polarization and extends protrusions in the direction of migration (2). Traditional methods to measure migration such as the Boyden chamber migration assay is an easy method to measure chemotaxis in vitro, which allows measuring migration as an end point result. However, this approach neither allows measurement of individual migration parameters, nor does it allow to visualization of morphological changes that cell undergoes during migration. Here, we present a method that allows us to monitor migrating cells in real time using video - time lapse microscopy. Since cell migration and invasion are hallmarks of cancer, this method will be applicable in studying cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. Random migration of platelets has been considered as one of the parameters of platelet function (4), hence this method could also be helpful in studying platelet functions. This assay has the advantage of being rapid, reliable, reproducible, and does not require optimization of cell numbers. In order to maintain physiologically suitable conditions for cells, the microscope is equipped with CO(2) supply and temperature thermostat. Cell movement is monitored by taking pictures using a camera fitted to the microscope at regular intervals. Cell migration can be calculated by measuring average speed and average displacement, which is calculated by Slidebook software.

Gene expression profiles of the NCI-60 human tumor cell lines define molecular interaction networks governing cell migration processes

Although there is extensive information on gene expression and molecular interactions in various cell types, integrating those data in a functionally coherent manner remains challenging. This study explores the premise that genes whose expression at the mRNA level is correlated over diverse cell lines are likely to function together in a network of molecular interactions. We previously derived expression-correlated gene clusters from the database of the NCI-60 human tumor cell lines and associated each cluster with function categories of the Gene Ontology (GO) database. From a cluster rich in genes associated with GO categories related to cell migration, we extracted 15 genes that were highly cross-correlated; prominent among them were RRAS, AXL, ADAM9, FN14, and integrin-beta1. We then used those 15 genes as bait to identify other correlated genes in the NCI-60 database. A survey of current literature disclosed, not only that many of the expression-correlated genes engaged in molecular interactions related to migration, invasion, and metastasis, but that highly cross-correlated subsets of those genes engaged in specific cell migration processes. We assembled this information in molecular interaction maps (MIMs) that depict networks governing 3 cell migration processes: degradation of extracellular matrix, production of transient focal complexes at the leading edge of the cell, and retraction of the rear part of the cell. Also depicted are interactions controlling the release and effects of calcium ions, which may regulate migration in a spaciotemporal manner in the cell. The MIMs and associated text comprise a detailed and integrated summary of what is currently known or surmised about the role of the expression cross-correlated genes in molecular networks governing those processes.

R-Ras is required for murine dendritic cell maturation and CD4+ T-cell priming

R-Ras is a member of the RAS superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins. The physiologic function of R-Ras has not been fully elucidated. We found that R-Ras is expressed by lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues and drastically up-regulated when bone marrow progenitors are induced to differentiate into dendritic cells (DCs). To address the role of R-Ras in DC functions, we generated a R-Ras-deficient mouse strain. We found that tumors induced in Rras(-/-) mice formed with shorter latency and attained greater tumor volumes. This finding has prompted the investigation of a role for R-Ras in the immune system. Indeed, Rras(-/-) mice were impaired in their ability to prime allogeneic and antigen-specific T-cell responses. Rras(-/-) DCs expressed lower levels of surface MHC class II and CD86 in response to lipopolysaccharide compared with wild-type DCs. This was correlated with a reduced phosphorylation of p38 and Akt. Consistently, R-Ras-GTP level was increased within 10 minutes of lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Furthermore, Rras(-/-) DCs have attenuated capacity to spread on fibronectin and form stable immunologic synapses with T cells. Altogether, these findings provide the first demonstration of a role for R-Ras in cell-mediated immunity and further expand on the complexity of small G-protein signaling in DCs.

R-Ras and Rac GTPase cross-talk regulates hematopoietic progenitor cell migration, homing, and mobilization

Adult hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are maintained by highly coordinated signals in the bone marrow. The molecular mechanisms linking intracellular signaling network of HPCs with their microenvironment remain poorly defined. The Rho family GTPase Rac1/Rac2 has previously been implicated in cell functions involved in HPC maintenance, including adhesion, migration, homing, and mobilization. In the present studies we have identified R-Ras, a member of the Ras family, as a key signal mediator required for Rac1/Rac2 activation. We found that whereas Rac1 activity is up-regulated upon stem cell factor, integrin, or CXCL12 stimulation, R-Ras activity is inversely up-regulated. Expression of a constitutively active R-Ras mutant resulted in down-regulation of Rac1-activity whereas deletion of R-Ras led to an increase in Rac1/Rac2 activity and signaling. R-Ras(-/-) HPCs displayed a constitutively assembled cortical actin structure and showed increased directional migration. Rac1/Rac2 inhibition reversed the migration phenotype of R-Ras(-/-) HPCs, similar to that by expressing an R-Ras active mutant. Furthermore, R-Ras(-/-) mice showed enhanced responsiveness to G-CSF for HPC mobilization and exhibited decreased bone marrow homing. Transplantation experiments indicate that the R-Ras deficiency-induced HPC mobilization is a HPC intrinsic property. These results indicate that R-Ras is a critical regulator of Rac signaling required for HPC migration, homing, and mobilization.

Death pathways triggered by activated Ras in cancer cells

Ras GTPases are best known for their ability to serve as molecular switches regulating cell growth, differentiation and survival. Gene mutations that result in expression of constitutively active forms of Ras have been linked to oncogenesis in animal models and humans. However, over the past two decades, evidence has gradually accumulated to support a paradoxical role for Ras proteins in the initiation of cell death pathways. In this review we survey the literature pointing to the ability of activated Ras to promote cell death under conditions where cancer cells encounter apoptotic stimuli or Ras is ectopically expressed. In some of these cases Ras acts through known effectors and well defined apoptotic death pathways. However, in other cases it appears that Ras operates by triggering novel non-apoptotic death mechanisms that are just beginning to be characterized. Understanding these mechanisms and the factors that go into changing the nature of Ras signaling from pro-survival to pro-death could set the stage for development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at manipulating pro-death Ras signaling pathways in cancer.

Solanum nigrum Linn. water extract inhibits metastasis in mouse melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer notoriously resistant to current cancer therapies. Thus, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Solanum nigrum Linn., commonly used in Oriental medicine, has showed antineoplastic activity in human cancer cell lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitive effect of S. nigrum Linn. water extract (SNWE) on melanoma metastasis and dissect the underlying mechanisms of SNWE actions. B16-F1 cells were analyzed for migrating and invasive abilities with SNWE treatment, and several putative targets involved in metastatic melanoma were examined. In parallel, primary mouse xenograft and lung metastasis of melanoma models were established to examine the therapeutic potential of SNWE. The results indicated SNWE significantly inhibited B16-F1 cell migration and invasion. Meanwhile, decreased Akt activity and PKCα, Ras, and NF-κB protein expressions were detected in dose-dependent manners. In line with this notion, >50% reduced tumor weight and lung metastatic nodules were observed in 1% SNWE fed mice. This was associated with reduced serum MMP-9 as well as Akt activity and PKCα, Ras, and NF-κB protein expressions. Thus, this work indicates SNWE has potential application for treating metastatic melanoma.

R-Ras regulates migration through an interaction with filamin A in melanoma cells

BACKGROUND

Changes in cell adhesion and migration in the tumor microenvironment are key in the initiation and progression of metastasis. R-Ras is one of several small GTPases that regulate cell adhesion and migration on the extracellular matrix, however the mechanism has not been completely elucidated. Using a yeast two-hybrid approach we sought to identify novel R-Ras binding proteins that might mediate its effects on integrins.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We identified Filamin A (FLNa) as a candidate interacting protein. FLNa is an actin-binding scaffold protein that also binds to integrin beta1, beta2 and beta7 tails and is associated with diverse cell processes including cell migration. Indeed, M2 melanoma cells require FLNa for motility. We further show that R-Ras and FLNa interact in co-immunoprecipitations and pull-down assays. Deletion of FLNa repeat 3 (FLNaDelta3) abrogated this interaction. In M2 melanoma cells active R-Ras co-localized with FLNa but did not co-localize with FLNa lacking repeat 3. Thus, activated R-Ras binds repeat 3 of FLNa. The functional consequence of this interaction was that active R-Ras and FLNa coordinately increased cell migration. In contrast, co-expression of R-Ras and FLNaDelta3 had a significantly reduced effect on migration. While there was enhancement of integrin activation and fibronectin matrix assembly, cell adhesion was not altered. Finally, siRNA knockdown of endogenous R-Ras impaired FLNa-dependent fibronectin matrix assembly.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support a model in which R-Ras functionally associates with FLNa and thereby regulates integrin-dependent migration. Thus in melanoma cells R-Ras and FLNa may cooperatively promote metastasis by enhancing cell migration.

Integrin activation by Fam38A uses a novel mechanism of R-Ras targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum

The integrin family of heterodimeric cell-surface receptors are fundamental in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. Changes to either integrin-ligand affinity or integrin gene expression are central to a variety of disease processes, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease and cancer. In screening for novel activators of integrin-ligand affinity we identified the previously uncharacterised multi-transmembrane domain protein Fam38A, located at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). siRNA knockdown of Fam38A in epithelial cells inactivates endogenous beta1 integrin, reducing cell adhesion. Fam38A mediates integrin activation by recruiting the small GTPase R-Ras to the ER, which activates the calcium-activated protease calpain by increasing Ca(2+) release from cytoplasmic stores. Fam38A-induced integrin activation is blocked by inhibition of either R-Ras or calpain activity, or by siRNA knockdown of talin, a well-described calpain substrate. This highlights a novel mechanism for integrin activation by Fam38A, utilising calpain and R-Ras signalling from the ER. These data represent the first description of a novel spatial regulator of R-Ras, of an alternative integrin activation-suppression pathway based on direct relocalisation of R-Ras to the ER, and of a mechanism linking R-Ras and calpain signalling from the ER with modulation of integrin-ligand affinity.