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Cicchinelli S, Gemma S, Pignataro G, Piccioni A, Ojetti V, Gasbarrini A, Franceschi F, Candelli M. Intestinal Fibrogenesis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Exploring the Potential Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites as Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:490. [PMID: 38675450 PMCID: PMC11053610 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, sustained by the transformation of intestinal epithelial cells into fibroblasts (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, EMT), has been extensively studied in recent decades, with the molecular basis well-documented in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the factors influencing these pathways remain unclear. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease has garnered significant attention. Evidence suggests that an imbalanced or dysregulated microbiota, along with environmental and genetic factors, may contribute to the development of IBDs. Notably, microbes produce various metabolites that interact with host receptors and associated signaling pathways, influencing physiological and pathological changes. This review aims to present recent evidence highlighting the emerging role of the most studied metabolites as potential modulators of molecular pathways implicated in intestinal fibrosis and EMT in IBDs. These studies provide a deeper understanding of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis, elucidating the molecular basis of the microbiota role in IBDs, paving the way for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cicchinelli
- Department of Emergency, S.S. Filippo e Nicola Hospital, 67051 Avezzano, Italy;
| | - Stefania Gemma
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Pignataro
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ojetti
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Franceschi
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Chaudhary R, Goodman LS, Wang S, Asimakopoulos A, Weiskirchen R, Dooley S, Ehrlich M, Henis YI. Cholesterol modulates type I/II TGF-β receptor complexes and alters the balance between Smad and Akt signaling in hepatocytes. Commun Biol 2024; 7:8. [PMID: 38168942 PMCID: PMC10761706 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05654-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol mediates membrane compartmentalization, affecting signaling via differential distribution of receptors and signaling mediators. While excessive cholesterol and aberrant transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling characterize multiple liver diseases, their linkage to canonical vs. non-canonical TGF-β signaling remained unclear. Here, we subjected murine hepatocytes to cholesterol depletion (CD) or enrichment (CE), followed by biophysical studies on TGF-β receptor heterocomplex formation, and output to Smad2/3 vs. Akt pathways. Prior to ligand addition, raft-dependent preformed heteromeric receptor complexes were observed. Smad2/3 phosphorylation persisted following CD or CE. CD enhanced phospho-Akt (pAkt) formation by TGF-β or epidermal growth factor (EGF) at 5 min, while reducing it at later time points. Conversely, pAkt formation by TGF-β or EGF was inhibited by CE, suggesting a direct effect on the Akt pathway. The modulation of the balance between TGF-β signaling to Smad2/3 vs. pAkt (by TGF-β or EGF) has potential implications for hepatic diseases and malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohi Chaudhary
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Laureen S Goodman
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sai Wang
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, D-68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anastasia Asimakopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, D-68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcelo Ehrlich
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Yoav I Henis
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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3
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Stocker WA, Howard JA, Maskey S, Luan H, Harrison SG, Hart KN, Hok L, Thompson TB, Walton KL, Harrison CA. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms that govern anti-Müllerian hormone synthesis and activity. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23377. [PMID: 38133902 PMCID: PMC10926428 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301335rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The roles of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) continue to expand, from its discovery as a critical factor in sex determination, through its identification as a regulator of ovarian folliculogenesis, its use in fertility clinics as a measure of ovarian reserve, and its emerging role in hypothalamic-pituitary function. In light of these actions, AMH is considered an attractive therapeutic target to address diverse reproductive needs, including fertility preservation. Here, we set out to characterize the molecular mechanisms that govern AMH synthesis and activity. First, we enhanced the processing of the AMH precursor to >90% by introducing more efficient proprotein convertase cleavage sites (RKKR or ISSRKKRSVSS [SCUT]). Importantly, enhanced processing corresponded with a dramatic increase in secreted AMH activity. Next, based on species differences across the AMH type II receptor-binding interface, we generated a series of human AMH variants and assessed bioactivity. AMHSCUT potency (EC50 4 ng/mL) was increased 5- or 10-fold by incorporating Gln484 Met/Leu535 Thr (EC50 0.8 ng/mL) or Gln484 Met/Gly533 Ser (EC50 0.4 ng/mL) mutations, respectively. Furthermore, the Gln484 Met/Leu535 Thr double mutant displayed enhanced efficacy, relative to AMHSCUT . Finally, we identified residues within the wrist pre-helix of AMH (Trp494 , Gln496 , Ser497 , and Asp498 ) that likely mediate type I receptor binding. Mutagenesis of these residues generated gain- (Trp494 Phe or Gln496 Leu) or loss- (Ser497 Ala) of function AMH variants. Surprisingly, combining activating type I and type II receptor mutations only led to modest additive increases in AMH potency/efficacy. Our study is the first to characterize AMH residues involved in type I receptor binding and suggests a step-wise receptor-complex assembly mechanism, in which enhancement in the affinity of the ligand for either receptor can increase AMH activity beyond the natural level.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A. Stocker
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - James A. Howard
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shreya Maskey
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haitong Luan
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie G. Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kaitlin N. Hart
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lucija Hok
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas B. Thompson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kelly L. Walton
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig A. Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Alaamery M, Albesher N, Alhabshan F, Barnett P, Salim Kabbani M, Chaikhouni F, Ilgun A, Mook ORF, Alsaif H, Christoffels VM, van Tintelen P, Wilde AAM, Houweling AC, Massadeh S, Postma AV. TGFBR1 Variants Can Associate with Non-Syndromic Congenital Heart Disease without Aortopathy. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:455. [PMID: 37998513 PMCID: PMC10672196 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10110455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common congenital malformations in newborns and remain the leading cause of mortality among infants under one year old. Molecular diagnosis is crucial to evaluate the recurrence risk and to address future prenatal diagnosis. Here, we describe two families with various forms of inherited non-syndromic CHD and the genetic work-up and resultant findings. METHODS Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed in both families to uncover the genetic cause. In addition, we performed functional analysis to investigate the consequences of the identified variants in vitro. RESULTS NGS identified possible causative variants in both families in the protein kinase domain of the TGFBR1 gene. These variants occurred on the same amino acid, but resulted in differently substituted amino acids (p.R398C/p.R398H). Both variants co-segregate with the disease, are extremely rare or unique, and occur in an evolutionary highly conserved domain of the protein. Furthermore, both variants demonstrated a significantly altered TGFBR1-smad signaling activity. Clinical investigation revealed that none of the carriers had (signs of) aortopathy. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we describe two families, with various forms of inherited non-syndromic CHD without aortopathies, associated with unique/rare variants in TGFBR1 that display altered TGF-beta signaling. These findings highlight involvement of TGFBR1 in CHD, and warrant consideration of potential causative TGFBR1 variants also in CHD patients without aortopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Alaamery
- Developmental Medicine Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard—Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Genome Program, National Centre for Genomic Technologies, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
- KACST-BWH Centre of Excellence for Biomedicine, Joint Centres of Excellence Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nour Albesher
- KACST-BWH Centre of Excellence for Biomedicine, Joint Centres of Excellence Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alhabshan
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard—Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Phil Barnett
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (A.I.)
| | - Mohamed Salim Kabbani
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard—Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farah Chaikhouni
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard—Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aho Ilgun
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (A.I.)
| | - Olaf R. F. Mook
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.R.F.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Hessa Alsaif
- KACST-BWH Centre of Excellence for Biomedicine, Joint Centres of Excellence Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vincent M. Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (A.I.)
| | - Peter van Tintelen
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Arthur A. M. Wilde
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Arjan C. Houweling
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.R.F.M.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Salam Massadeh
- Developmental Medicine Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard—Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Genome Program, National Centre for Genomic Technologies, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
- KACST-BWH Centre of Excellence for Biomedicine, Joint Centres of Excellence Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alex V. Postma
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (A.I.)
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (O.R.F.M.); (A.C.H.)
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5
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Massagué J, Sheppard D. TGF-β signaling in health and disease. Cell 2023; 186:4007-4037. [PMID: 37714133 PMCID: PMC10772989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β regulatory system plays crucial roles in the preservation of organismal integrity. TGF-β signaling controls metazoan embryo development, tissue homeostasis, and injury repair through coordinated effects on cell proliferation, phenotypic plasticity, migration, metabolic adaptation, and immune surveillance of multiple cell types in shared ecosystems. Defects of TGF-β signaling, particularly in epithelial cells, tissue fibroblasts, and immune cells, disrupt immune tolerance, promote inflammation, underlie the pathogenesis of fibrosis and cancer, and contribute to the resistance of these diseases to treatment. Here, we review how TGF-β coordinates multicellular response programs in health and disease and how this knowledge can be leveraged to develop treatments for diseases of the TGF-β system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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6
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Gipson GR, Nolan K, Kattamuri C, Kenny AP, Agricola Z, Edwards NA, Zinski J, Czepnik M, Mullins MC, Zorn AM, Thompson TB. Formation and characterization of BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimers. BMC Biol 2023; 21:16. [PMID: 36726183 PMCID: PMC9893541 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01522-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteins of the TGFβ family, which are largely studied as homodimers, are also known to form heterodimers with biological activity distinct from their component homodimers. For instance, heterodimers of bone morphogenetic proteins, including BMP2/BMP7, BMP2/BMP6, and BMP9/BMP10, among others, have illustrated the importance of these heterodimeric proteins within the context of TGFβ signaling. RESULTS In this study, we have determined that mature GDF5 can be combined with mature BMP2 or BMP4 to form BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimer. Intriguingly, this combination of a BMP2 or BMP4 monomer, which exhibit high affinity to heparan sulfate characteristic to the BMP class, with a GDF5 monomer with low heparan sulfate affinity produces a heterodimer with an intermediate affinity. Using heparin affinity chromatography to purify the heterodimeric proteins, we then determined that both the BMP2/GDF5 and BMP4/GDF5 heterodimers consistently signaled potently across an array of cellular and in vivo systems, while the activities of their homodimeric counterparts were more context dependent. These differences were likely driven by an increase in the combined affinities for the type 1 receptors, Alk3 and Alk6. Furthermore, the X-ray crystal structure of BMP2/GDF5 heterodimer was determined, highlighting the formation of two asymmetric type 1 receptor binding sites that are both unique relative to the homodimers. CONCLUSIONS Ultimately, this method of heterodimer production yielded a signaling molecule with unique properties relative to the homodimeric ligands, including high affinity to multiple type 1 and moderate heparan binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Gipson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kristof Nolan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alan P Kenny
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zachary Agricola
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicole A Edwards
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Zinski
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Magdalena Czepnik
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Perinatal Institute, Divisions of Developmental Biology and Neonatology & Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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7
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A versatile Halo- and SNAP-tagged BMP/TGFβ receptor library for quantification of cell surface ligand binding. Commun Biol 2023; 6:34. [PMID: 36635368 PMCID: PMC9837045 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04388-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
TGFβs, BMPs and Activins regulate numerous developmental and homeostatic processes and signal through hetero-tetrameric receptor complexes composed of two types of serine/threonine kinase receptors. Each of the 33 different ligands possesses unique affinities towards specific receptor types. However, the lack of specific tools hampered simultaneous testing of ligand binding towards all BMP/TGFβ receptors. Here we present a N-terminally Halo- and SNAP-tagged TGFβ/BMP receptor library to visualize receptor complexes in dual color. In combination with fluorescently labeled ligands, we established a Ligand Surface Binding Assay (LSBA) for optical quantification of receptor-dependent ligand binding in a cellular context. We highlight that LSBA is generally applicable to test (i) binding of different ligands such as Activin A, TGFβ1 and BMP9, (ii) for mutant screens and (iii) evolutionary comparisons. This experimental set-up opens opportunities for visualizing ligand-receptor binding dynamics, essential to determine signaling specificity and is easily adaptable for other receptor signaling pathways.
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8
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Mirjačić Martinović K, Vuletić A, Mališić E, Srdić-Rajić T, Tišma Miletić N, Babović N, Jurišić V. Increased circulating TGF-β1 is associated with impairment in NK cell effector functions in metastatic melanoma patients. Growth Factors 2022; 40:231-239. [PMID: 36129407 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2022.2124915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a complex role in carcinogenesis. In 30 melanoma patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) we analysed functional and phenotypic characteristics of NK cells by Flow cytometry, gene expression of TGF-β1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by qPCR and serum and supernatant level of free TGF-β1 by ELISA. Melanoma patients had significantly higher serum level of circulatingTGF-β1 compared to HC, especially those with metastasis into the central nervous system (subclass M1d) and high LDH serum values. Melanoma patients compared to HC had significantly higher level of TGF-β1 gene in PBMC. TGF-β1 serum values negatively correlate with NK cell activity analysed by CD107a (degranulation marker), IFN-γ, NKG2D, and NKp46 in patients. Study shows the association of high level of TGF-β1 with NK cell inhibition in patients represents the main mechanism of tumour immune evasion. Targeting TGF-β may become an important cancer treatment for improving antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Vuletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emina Mališić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Srdić-Rajić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nevena Tišma Miletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nada Babović
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Jurišić
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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9
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Goebel EJ, Ongaro L, Kappes EC, Vestal K, Belcheva E, Castonguay R, Kumar R, Bernard DJ, Thompson TB. The orphan ligand, activin C, signals through activin receptor-like kinase 7. eLife 2022; 11:78197. [PMID: 35736809 PMCID: PMC9224996 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin ligands are formed from two disulfide-linked inhibin β (Inhβ) subunit chains. They exist as homodimeric proteins, as in the case of activin A (ActA; InhβA/InhβA) or activin C (ActC; InhβC/InhβC), or as heterodimers, as with activin AC (ActAC; InhβA:InhβC). While the biological functions of ActA and activin B (ActB) have been well characterized, little is known about the biological functions of ActC or ActAC. One thought is that the InhβC chain functions to interfere with ActA production by forming less active ActAC heterodimers. Here, we assessed and characterized the signaling capacity of ligands containing the InhβC chain. ActC and ActAC activated SMAD2/3-dependent signaling via the type I receptor, activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7). Relative to ActA and ActB, ActC exhibited lower affinity for the cognate activin type II receptors and was resistant to neutralization by the extracellular antagonist, follistatin. In mature murine adipocytes, which exhibit high ALK7 expression, ActC elicited a SMAD2/3 response similar to ActB, which can also signal via ALK7. Collectively, these results establish that ActC and ActAC are active ligands that exhibit a distinct signaling receptor and antagonist profile compared to other activins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich J Goebel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emily C Kappes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Kylie Vestal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
| | | | | | | | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
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10
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Type II BMP and activin receptors BMPR2 and ACVR2A share a conserved mode of growth factor recognition. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102076. [PMID: 35643319 PMCID: PMC9234707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BMPR2 is a type II Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β family receptor that is fundamentally associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in humans. BMPR2 shares functional similarities with the type II activin receptors ACVR2A and ACVR2B, as it interacts with an overlapping group of TGF-β family growth factors (GFs). However, how BMPR2 recognizes GFs remains poorly understood. Here, we solved crystal structures of BMPR2 in complex with the GF activin B and of ACVR2A in complex with the related GF activin A. We show that both BMPR2 and ACVR2A bind GFs with nearly identical geometry using a conserved hydrophobic hot spot, while differences in contacting residues are predominantly found in loop areas. Upon further exploration of the GF-binding spectrum of the two receptors, we found that although many GFs bind both receptors, the high-affinity BMPR2 GFs comprise BMP15, BMP10, and Nodal, whereas those of ACVR2A are activin A, activin B, and GDF11. Lastly, we evaluated GF-binding domain BMPR2 variants found in human PAH patients. We demonstrate that mutations within the GF-binding interface resulted in loss of GF binding, while mutations in loop areas allowed BMPR2 to retain the ability to bind cognate GFs with high affinity. In conclusion, the in vitro activities of BMPR2 variants and the crystal structures reported here indicate biochemically relevant complexes that explain how some GF-binding domain variants can lead to PAH.
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11
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Guo J, Liu B, Thorikay M, Yu M, Li X, Tong Z, Salmon RM, Read RJ, Ten Dijke P, Morrell NW, Li W. Crystal structures of BMPRII extracellular domain in binary and ternary receptor complexes with BMP10. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2395. [PMID: 35504921 PMCID: PMC9064986 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous mutations in BMPR2 (bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor type II) cause pulmonary arterial hypertension. BMPRII is a receptor for over 15 BMP ligands, but why BMPR2 mutations cause lung-specific pathology is unknown. To elucidate the molecular basis of BMP:BMPRII interactions, we report crystal structures of binary and ternary BMPRII receptor complexes with BMP10, which contain an ensemble of seven different BMP10:BMPRII 1:1 complexes. BMPRII binds BMP10 at the knuckle epitope, with the A-loop and β4 strand making BMPRII-specific interactions. The BMPRII binding surface on BMP10 is dynamic, and the affinity is weaker in the ternary complex than in the binary complex. Hydrophobic core and A-loop interactions are important in BMPRII-mediated signalling. Our data reveal how BMPRII is a low affinity receptor, implying that forming a signalling complex requires high concentrations of BMPRII, hence mutations will impact on tissues with highest BMPR2 expression such as the lung vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxu Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Midory Thorikay
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Minmin Yu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Zhen Tong
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M Salmon
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Randy J Read
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
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12
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Charpentier M, Spada S, VanNest S, Demaria S. Radiation therapy-induced remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:737-747. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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13
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Fox SC, Widen SA, Asai-Coakwell M, Havrylov S, Benson M, Prichard LB, Baddam P, Graf D, Lehmann OJ, Waskiewicz AJ. BMP3 is a novel locus involved in the causality of ocular coloboma. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1385-1407. [PMID: 35089417 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Coloboma, a congenital disorder characterized by gaps in ocular tissues, is caused when the choroid fissure fails to close during embryonic development. Several loci have been associated with coloboma, but these represent less than 40% of those that are involved with this disease. Here, we describe a novel coloboma-causing locus, BMP3. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing of patients with coloboma identified three variants in BMP3, two of which are predicted to be disease causing. Consistent with this, bmp3 mutant zebrafish have aberrant fissure closure. bmp3 is expressed in the ventral head mesenchyme and regulates phosphorylated Smad3 in a population of cells adjacent to the choroid fissure. Furthermore, mutations in bmp3 sensitize embryos to Smad3 inhibitor treatment resulting in open choroid fissures. Micro CT scans and Alcian blue staining of zebrafish demonstrate that mutations in bmp3 cause midface hypoplasia, suggesting that bmp3 regulates cranial neural crest cells. Consistent with this, we see active Smad3 in a population of periocular neural crest cells, and bmp3 mutant zebrafish have reduced neural crest cells in the choroid fissure. Taken together, these data suggest that Bmp3 controls Smad3 phosphorylation in neural crest cells to regulate early craniofacial and ocular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina C Fox
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sonya A Widen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Vienna BioCenter, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mika Asai-Coakwell
- Department of Animal and Poultry and Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Serhiy Havrylov
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Benson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa B Prichard
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pranidhi Baddam
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Graf
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew J Waskiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada. .,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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14
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Goebel EJ, Kattamuri C, Gipson GR, Krishnan L, Chavez M, Czepnik M, Maguire MC, Grenha R, Håkansson M, Logan DT, Grinberg AV, Sako D, Castonguay R, Kumar R, Thompson TB. Structures of activin ligand traps using natural sets of type I and type II TGFβ receptors. iScience 2022; 25:103590. [PMID: 35005539 PMCID: PMC8718839 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The 30+ unique ligands of the TGFβ family signal by forming complexes using different combinations of type I and type II receptors. Therapeutically, the extracellular domain of a single receptor fused to an Fc molecule can effectively neutralize subsets of ligands. Increased ligand specificity can be accomplished by using the extracellular domains of both the type I and type II receptor to mimic the naturally occurring signaling complex. Here, we report the structure of one "type II-type I-Fc" fusion, ActRIIB-Alk4-Fc, in complex with two TGFβ family ligands, ActA, and GDF11, providing a snapshot of this therapeutic platform. The study reveals that extensive contacts are formed by both receptors, replicating the ternary signaling complex, despite the inherent low affinity of Alk4. Our study shows that low-affinity type I interactions support altered ligand specificity and can be visualized at the molecular level using this platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich J. Goebel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way ML 0524, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way ML 0524, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Gregory R. Gipson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way ML 0524, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | | | | | - Magdalena Czepnik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way ML 0524, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | | | - Rosa Grenha
- Acceleron Pharma, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maria Håkansson
- SARomics Biostructures AB, Medicon Village, Scheeletorget 1, 223 63, Lund, Sweden
| | - Derek T. Logan
- SARomics Biostructures AB, Medicon Village, Scheeletorget 1, 223 63, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Dianne Sako
- Acceleron Pharma, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas B. Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way ML 0524, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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15
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Abstract
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a secreted glycoprotein hormone with critical roles in reproductive development and regulation. Its chemical and mechanistic similarities to members of the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) family have led to its placement within this signaling family. As a member of the TGF-β family, AMH exists as a noncovalent complex of a large N-terminal prodomain and smaller C-terminal mature signaling domain. To produce a signal, the mature domain will bind to the extracellular domains of two type I and two type II receptors which results in an intracellular SMAD signal. Interestingly, as will be discussed in this review, AMH possesses several unique characteristics which set it apart from other ligands within the TGF-β family. In particular, AMH has a dedicated type II receptor, Anti-Müllerian Hormone Receptor Type II (AMHR2), making this interaction intriguing mechanistically as well as therapeutically. Further, the prodomain of AMH has remained largely uncharacterized, despite being the largest prodomain within the family. Recent advancements in the field have provided valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms of AMH signaling, however there are still many areas of AMH signaling not understood. Herein, we will discuss what is known about the biochemistry of AMH and AMHR2, focusing on recent advances in understanding the unique characteristics of AMH signaling and the molecular mechanisms of receptor engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Howard
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kaitlin N. Hart
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Thomas B. Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, & Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Thomas B. Thompson,
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16
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Structure of AMH bound to AMHR2 provides insight into a unique signaling pair in the TGF-β family. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2104809118. [PMID: 34155118 PMCID: PMC8256043 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104809118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) plays a crucial role in male sex differentiation and female reproductive development. As such, AMH is widely used as a biomarker for measuring a woman’s fertility, estimating onset of menopause, and has been implicated in reproductive syndromes such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and premature ovarian failure. Despite its biological relevance, how AMH functions on the molecular level is not well understood. In this study, we show that AMH engages its receptor, AMHR2, using an extensive interface distinct from other type II receptors. Furthermore, we identify several regions in both AMH and AMHR2 that are responsible for specificity and required for AMH signaling. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), or Müllerian-inhibiting substance, is a protein hormone that promotes Müllerian duct regression during male fetal sexual differentiation and regulation of folliculogenesis in women. AMH is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family, which has evolved to signal through its own dedicated type II receptor, AMH receptor type II (AMHR2). Structures of other TGF-β family members have revealed how ligands infer specificity for their cognate receptors; however, it is unknown how AMH binds AMHR2 at the molecular level. Therefore, in this study, we solved the X-ray crystal structure of AMH bound to the extracellular domain of AMHR2 to a resolution of 2.6Å. The structure reveals that while AMH binds AMHR2 in a similar location to Activin and BMP ligand binding to their type II receptors, differences in both AMH and AMHR2 account for a highly specific interaction. Furthermore, using an AMH responsive cell-based luciferase assay, we show that a conformation in finger 1 of AMHR2 and a salt bridge formed by K534 on AMH and D81/E84 of AMHR2 are key to the AMH/AMHR2 interaction. Overall, our study highlights how AMH engages AMHR2 using a modified paradigm of receptor binding facilitated by modifications to the three-finger toxin fold of AMHR2. Furthermore, understanding these elements contributing to the specificity of binding will help in the design of agonists or antagonists or the selection of antibody therapies.
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17
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Endometrial receptivity and implantation require uterine BMP signaling through an ACVR2A-SMAD1/SMAD5 axis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3386. [PMID: 34099644 PMCID: PMC8184938 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23571-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During early pregnancy in the mouse, nidatory estrogen (E2) stimulates endometrial receptivity by activating a network of signaling pathways that is not yet fully characterized. Here, we report that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) control endometrial receptivity via a conserved activin receptor type 2 A (ACVR2A) and SMAD1/5 signaling pathway. Mice were generated to contain single or double conditional deletion of SMAD1/5 and ACVR2A/ACVR2B receptors using progesterone receptor (PR)-cre. Female mice with SMAD1/5 deletion display endometrial defects that result in the development of cystic endometrial glands, a hyperproliferative endometrial epithelium during the window of implantation, and impaired apicobasal transformation that prevents embryo implantation and leads to infertility. Analysis of Acvr2a-PRcre and Acvr2b-PRcre pregnant mice determined that BMP signaling occurs via ACVR2A and that ACVR2B is dispensable during embryo implantation. Therefore, BMPs signal through a conserved endometrial ACVR2A/SMAD1/5 pathway that promotes endometrial receptivity during embryo implantation. Building on the known role of BMP signalling in implantation, the authors define the role of uterine ACVR2A and ALK3 (via SMAD1/5) in vivo in regulating murine endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation.
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18
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Characterization of tolloid-mediated cleavage of the GDF8 procomplex. Biochem J 2021; 478:1733-1747. [PMID: 33876824 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), a.k.a. myostatin, is a member of the larger TGFβ superfamily of signaling ligands. GDF8 has been well characterized as a negative regulator of muscle mass. After synthesis, GDF8 is held latent by a noncovalent complex between the N-terminal prodomain and the signaling ligand. Activation of latent GDF8 requires proteolytic cleavage of the prodomain at residue D99 by a member of the tolloid family of metalloproteases. While tolloid proteases cleave multiple substrates, they lack a conserved consensus sequence. Here, we investigate the tolloid cleavage site of the GDF8 prodomain to determine what residues contribute to tolloid recognition and subsequent proteolysis. Using sequential alanine mutations, we identified several residues adjacent to the scissile bond, including Y94, that when mutated, abolish tolloid-mediated activation of latent GDF8. Using the astacin domain of Tll1 (Tolloid Like 1) we determined that prodomain mutants were more resistant to proteolysis. Purified latent complexes harboring the prodomain mutations, D92A and Y94A, impeded activation by tolloid but could be fully activated under acidic conditions. Finally, we show that co-expression of GDF8 WT with prodomain mutants that were tolloid resistant, suppressed GDF8 activity. Taken together our data demonstrate that residues towards the N-terminus of the scissile bond are important for tolloid-mediated activation of GDF8 and that the tolloid-resistant version of the GDF8 prodomain can function dominant negative to WT GDF8.
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19
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Gipson GR, Goebel EJ, Hart KN, Kappes EC, Kattamuri C, McCoy JC, Thompson TB. Structural perspective of BMP ligands and signaling. Bone 2020; 140:115549. [PMID: 32730927 PMCID: PMC7502536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are the largest class signaling molecules within the greater Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) family, and are responsible for a wide array of biological functions, including dorsal-ventral patterning, skeletal development and maintenance, as well as cell homeostasis. As such, dysregulation of BMPs results in a number of diseases, including fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, understanding BMP signaling and regulation at the molecular level is essential for targeted therapeutic intervention. This review discusses the recent advances in the structural and biochemical characterization of BMPs, from canonical ligand-receptor interactions to co-receptors and antagonists. This work aims to highlight how BMPs differ from other members of the TGFβ family, and how that information can be used to further advance the field. Lastly, this review discusses several gaps in the current understanding of BMP structures, with the aim that discussion of these gaps will lead to advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Gipson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Erich J Goebel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Kaitlin N Hart
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Emily C Kappes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jason C McCoy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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20
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Martinez-Hackert E, Sundan A, Holien T. Receptor binding competition: A paradigm for regulating TGF-β family action. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 57:39-54. [PMID: 33087301 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family is a group of structurally related, multifunctional growth factors, or ligands that are crucially involved in the development, regulation, and maintenance of animal tissues. In humans, the family counts over 33 members. These secreted ligands typically form multimeric complexes with two type I and two type II receptors to activate one of two distinct signal transduction branches. A striking feature of the family is its promiscuity, i.e., many ligands bind the same receptors and compete with each other for binding to these receptors. Although several explanations for this feature have been considered, its functional significance has remained puzzling. However, several recent reports have promoted the idea that ligand-receptor binding promiscuity and competition are critical features of the TGF-β family that provide an essential regulating function. Namely, they allow a cell to read and process multi-ligand inputs. This capability may be necessary for producing subtle, distinctive, or adaptive responses and, possibly, for facilitating developmental plasticity. Here, we review the molecular basis for ligand competition, with emphasis on molecular structures and binding affinities. We give an overview of methods that were used to establish experimentally ligand competition. Finally, we discuss how the concept of ligand competition may be fundamentally tied to human physiology, disease, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Martinez-Hackert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Anders Sundan
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Toril Holien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Hematology, St. Olav's University Hospital, 7030, Trondheim, Norway.
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21
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Hart KN, Pépin D, Czepnik M, Donahoe PK, Thompson TB. Mutational Analysis of the Putative Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Binding Interface on its Type II Receptor, AMHR2. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5825248. [PMID: 32333774 PMCID: PMC7286617 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or Müllerian inhibiting substance is a unique member of the TGF-β family responsible for development and differentiation of the reproductive system. AMH signals through its own dedicated type II receptor, anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type II (AMHR2), providing an exclusive ligand-receptor pair within the broader TGF-β family. In this study, we used previous structural information to derive a model of AMH bound to AMHR2 to guide mutagenesis studies to identify receptor residues important for AMH signaling. Nonconserved mutations were introduced in AMHR2 and characterized in an AMH-responsive cell-based luciferase assay and native PAGE. Collectively, our results identified several residues important for AMH signaling within the putative ligand binding interface of AMHR2. Our results show that AMH engages AMHR2 at a similar interface to how activin and BMP class ligands bind the type II receptor, ACVR2B; however, there are significant molecular differences at the ligand interface of these 2 receptors, where ACVR2B is mostly hydrophobic and AMHR2 is predominately charged. Overall, this study shows that although the location of ligand binding on the receptor is similar to ACVR2A, ACVR2B, and BMPR2; AMHR2 uses unique ligand-receptor interactions to impart specificity for AMH.
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MESH Headings
- Activin Receptors, Type II/chemistry
- Activin Receptors, Type II/metabolism
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone/metabolism
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/genetics
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Receptors, Peptide/chemistry
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/chemistry
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin N Hart
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Thomas B. Thompson, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, MolGen Department, MSB 2204, Cincinnati, OH 45267. E-mail: Kaitlin N. Hart (), 231 Albert Sabin Way, MolGen Department, CARE 4850, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - David Pépin
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Magdalena Czepnik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Patricia K Donahoe
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Thomas B. Thompson, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, MolGen Department, MSB 2204, Cincinnati, OH 45267. E-mail: Kaitlin N. Hart (), 231 Albert Sabin Way, MolGen Department, CARE 4850, Cincinnati, OH 45267
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22
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Lautaoja JH, Pekkala S, Pasternack A, Laitinen M, Ritvos O, Hulmi JJ. Differentiation of Murine C2C12 Myoblasts Strongly Reduces the Effects of Myostatin on Intracellular Signaling. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050695. [PMID: 32365803 PMCID: PMC7277184 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alongside in vivo models, a simpler and more mechanistic approach is required to study the effects of myostatin on skeletal muscle because myostatin is an important negative regulator of muscle size. In this study, myostatin was administered to murine (C2C12) and human (CHQ) myoblasts and myotubes. Canonical and noncanonical signaling downstream to myostatin, related ligands, and their receptor were analyzed. The effects of tumorkines were analyzed after coculture of C2C12 and colon cancer-C26 cells. The effects of myostatin on canonical and noncanonical signaling were strongly reduced in C2C12 cells after differentiation. This may be explained by increased follistatin, an endogenous blocker of myostatin and altered expression of activin receptor ligands. In contrast, CHQ cells were equally responsive to myostatin, and follistatin remained unaltered. Both myostatin administration and the coculture stimulated pathways associated with inflammation, especially in C2C12 cells. In conclusion, the effects of myostatin on intracellular signaling may be cell line- or organism-specific, and C2C12 myotubes seem to be a nonoptimal in vitro model for investigating the effects of myostatin on canonical and noncanonical signaling in skeletal muscle. This may be due to altered expression of activin receptor ligands and their regulators during muscle cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juulia H. Lautaoja
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland; (S.P.); (J.J.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-40-805-5042
| | - Satu Pekkala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland; (S.P.); (J.J.H.)
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.P.); (O.R.)
| | - Mika Laitinen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00029 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.P.); (O.R.)
| | - Juha J. Hulmi
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland; (S.P.); (J.J.H.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.P.); (O.R.)
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Stocker WA, Walton KL, Richani D, Chan KL, Beilby KH, Finger BJ, Green MP, Gilchrist RB, Harrison CA. A variant of human growth differentiation factor-9 that improves oocyte developmental competence. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:7981-7991. [PMID: 32350111 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) are co-expressed exclusively in oocytes throughout most of folliculogenesis and play central roles in controlling ovarian physiology. Although both growth factors exist as homodimers, recent evidence indicates that GDF9 and BMP15 can also heterodimerize to form the potent growth factor cumulin. Within the cumulin complex, BMP15 "activates" latent GDF9, enabling potent signaling in granulosa cells via type I receptors (i.e. activin receptor-like kinase-4/5 (ALK4/5)) and SMAD2/3 transcription factors. In the cumulin heterodimer, two distinct type I receptor interfaces are formed compared with homodimeric GDF9 and BMP15. Previous studies have highlighted the potential of cumulin to improve treatment of female infertility, but, as a noncovalent heterodimer, cumulin is difficult to produce and purify without contaminating GDF9 and BMP15 homodimers. In this study we addressed this challenge by focusing on the cumulin interface formed by the helix of the GDF9 chain and the fingers of the BMP15 chain. We demonstrate that unique BMP15 finger residues at this site (Arg301, Gly304, His307, and Met369) enable potent activation of the SMAD2/3 pathway. Incorporating these BMP15 residues into latent GDF9 generated a highly potent growth factor, called hereafter Super-GDF9. Super-GDF9 was >1000-fold more potent than WT human GDF9 and 4-fold more potent than cumulin in SMAD2/3-responsive transcriptional assays in granulosa cells. Our demonstration that Super-GDF9 can effectively promote mouse cumulus cell expansion and improve oocyte quality in vitro represents a potential solution to the current challenges of producing and purifying intact cumulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Stocker
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly L Walton
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dulama Richani
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen L Chan
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kiri H Beilby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bethany J Finger
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia .,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Thompson TB, Kovall RA. Structural biology: Gaining atomic level insight into the biological function of macromolecules. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:1507-1509. [PMID: 31718278 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219887678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Rhett A Kovall
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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