The regulation of cell motility and chemotaxis by phospholipid signaling

miRNAs from Zebrafish Embryo Extracts Inhibit Breast Cancer Invasiveness and Migration by Modulating miR-218-5p/PI3K Pathway

Herein, we demonstrate that soluble factors extracted from the distinct phases of the development of zebrafish embryos (ZFEs) exhibit a specific miRNA profile. We removed proteins and concentrated miRNAs in different phase-related samples, which we investigated further. We observed that ZFEs modulate miRNA expression in both normal and cancerous breast cells, significantly inhibiting the invasiveness and motility of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Namely, ZFEs reactivate the synthesis of miR-218-5p in cancerous cells, leading to the downregulation of PI3K, which consequently alters the distribution of phosphoinositides (such as PIP2/PIP3). Moreover, the silencing of miR-218-5p abolished the ZFE effects. Restoring a proper PIP2/PIP3 ratio is crucial for promoting the regression of the malignant phenotype. Phenotypic reversion follows the extensive cytoskeleton rearrangement and the re-emergence of E-cadherin/β-catenin complexes. In addition, ZFEs antagonize the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) by modulating several pathways, including the TCTP-p53 axis. Overall, these results show that embryo extracts enriched with fish miRNAs reactivate endogenous miR-218-5p in cancerous cells, which in turn downregulates critical pathways involved in tumor progression and metastasis.

Phosphoinositide signaling at the cytoskeleton in the regulation of cell dynamics

The cytoskeleton, composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, provides the structural basis for cellular functions such as motility and adhesion. Equally crucial, phosphoinositide (PIPn) signaling is a critical regulator of these processes and other biological activities, though its precise impact on cytoskeletal dynamics has yet to be systematically investigated. This review explores the complex interplay between PIPn signaling and the cytoskeleton, detailing how PIPn modulates the dynamics of actin, intermediate filaments, and microtubules to shape cellular behavior. Dysregulation of PIPn signaling is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, highlighting promising therapeutic opportunities through targeted modulation of these pathways. Future research should aim to elucidate the intricate molecular interactions and broader cellular responses to PIPn signaling perturbations, particularly in disease contexts, to devise effective strategies for restoring cytoskeletal integrity.

AGS3-based optogenetic GDI induces GPCR-independent Gβγ signalling and macrophage migration

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are efficient guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and exchange GDP to GTP on the Gα subunit of G-protein heterotrimers in response to various extracellular stimuli, including neurotransmitters and light. GPCRs primarily broadcast signals through activated G proteins, GαGTP and free Gβγ and are major disease drivers. Evidence shows that the ambient low threshold signalling required for cells is likely supplemented by signalling regulators such as non-GPCR GEFs and guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs). Activators of G-protein signalling 3 (AGS3) are recognized as a GDI involved in multiple health and disease-related processes. Nevertheless, understanding of AGS3 is limited, and no significant information is available on its structure-function relationship or signalling regulation in living cells. Here, we employed in silico structure-guided engineering of a novel optogenetic GDI, based on the AGS3's G-protein regulatory motif, to understand its GDI activity and induce standalone Gβγ signalling in living cells on optical command. Our results demonstrate that plasma membrane recruitment of OptoGDI efficiently releases Gβγ, and its subcellular targeting generated localized PIP3 and triggered macrophage migration. Therefore, we propose OptoGDI as a powerful tool for optically dissecting GDI-mediated signalling pathways and triggering GPCR-independent Gβγ signalling in cells and in vivo.

Spatial organization of PI3K-PI(3,4,5)P3-AKT signaling by focal adhesions

The class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway is a key regulator of cell survival, growth, and proliferation and is among the most frequently mutated pathways in cancer. However, where and how PI3K-AKT signaling is spatially activated and organized in mammalian cells remains poorly understood. Here, we identify focal adhesions (FAs) as subcellular signaling hubs organizing the activation of PI3K-PI(3,4,5)P3-AKT signaling in human cancer cells containing p110α mutations under basal conditions. We find that class IA PI3Ks are preferentially recruited to FAs for activation, resulting in localized production of PI(3,4,5)P3 around FAs. As the effector protein of PI(3,4,5)P3, AKT1 molecules are dynamically recruited around FAs for activation. The spatial recruitment/activation of the PI3K-PI(3,4,5)P3-AKT cascade is regulated by activated FA kinase (FAK). Furthermore, combined inhibition of p110α and FAK results in a more potent inhibitory effect on cancer cells. Thus, our results unveil a growth-factor independent, compartmentalized organization mechanism for PI3K-PI(3,4,5)P3-AKT signaling.

The role of macrophage migratory behavior in development, homeostasis and tumor invasion

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) recapitulate the developmental and homeostatic behaviors of tissue resident macrophages (TRMs) to promote tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. TRMs arise in the embryo and colonize developing tissues, initially to guide tissue morphogenesis and then to form complex networks in adult tissues to constantly search for threats to homeostasis. The macrophage growth factor, colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), which is essential for TRM survival and differentiation, is also responsible for the development of the unique motility machinery of mature macrophages that underpins their ramified morphologies, migratory capacity and ability to degrade matrix. Two CSF-1-activated kinases, hematopoietic cell kinase and the p110δ catalytic isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, regulate this machinery and selective inhibitors of these proteins completely block macrophage invasion. Considering tumors co-opt the invasive capacity of TAMs to promote their own invasion, these proteins are attractive targets for drug development to inhibit tumor progression to invasion and metastasis.

Genetic Markers of Spina Bifida in an Indian Cohort

Objective

To identify the genetic markers of spina bifida through a systematic survey of the exome in an Indian cohort.

Materials and Methods

Three consecutive patients (P1: 1 year, male; P2: 2.8 years, male; and P3: 10 years, female) with spina bifida (lumbosacral meningomyelocele) underwent whole-exome sequencing (libraries: SureSelect Human All Exon V8; sequencing: 2 * 150 bp paired-end run, 100×) with NovaSeq 6000. Data analysis was performed using SMART-One™ (secondary analysis) and SMARTer™ (tertiary analysis) for automated quality check, alignment (GRCh38/hg38), variant calling, annotation (ClinVar, OMIM, avsnp150, 1000 Genomes v5b, ExAC v0.3, gnomAD v4.0, and esp6500vi2all v0.0.25), v0.0.25), interpretation. The pathogenic and likely pathogenic (ClinVar/ InterVar), non-synonymous, exonic markers (read depth ≥ 5) were matched with the Familial Neural Tube Defects (Version 1.10) panel (FNTD panel).

Results

Pathogenic variants overlapping with the FNTD panel were MTRR, CC2D2A, and ZIC2 in P1 and P2, TGIF1 in P1 only, and none in P3. Novel pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants common to all three patients were PRUNE1, PKD1, PDZD2, and DAB2 in the homozygous state as well as in the heterozygous state, PLK1 and NLGN2. The possible role of such markers in etiopathogenesis was explored through a literatur search.

Conclusions

The genetic landscape of the spina bifida in an Indian cohort is diverse compared to that reported from other parts of the world. A comprehensive catalog of single-nucleotide variants in the etiopathogenesis of the spina bifida on a background of the Familial Neural Tube Defects Panel has been generated.

RapB Regulates Cell Adhesion and Migration in Dictyostelium, Similar to RapA

Ras small GTPases act as molecular switches in various cellular signaling pathways, including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Three Rap proteins are present in Dictyostelium; RapA, RapB, and RapC. RapA and RapC have been reported to have opposing functions in the control of cell adhesion and migration. Here, we investigated the role of RapB, a member of the Ras GTPase subfamily in Dictyostelium, focusing on its involvement in cell adhesion, migration, and developmental processes. This study revealed that RapB, similar to RapA, played a crucial role in regulating cell morphology, adhesion, and migration. rapB null cells, which were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, displayed altered cell size, reduced cell-substrate adhesion, and increased migration speed during chemotaxis. These phenotypes of rapB null cells were restored by the expression of RapB and RapA, but not RapC. Consistent with these results, RapB, similar to RapA, failed to rescue the phenotypes of rapC null cells, spread morphology, increased cell adhesion, and decreased migration speed during chemotaxis. Multicellular development of rapB null cells remained unaffected. These results suggest that RapB is involved in controlling cell morphology and cell adhesion. Importantly, RapB appears to play an inhibitory role in regulating the migration speed during chemotaxis, possibly by controlling cell-substrate adhesion, resembling the functions of RapA. These findings contribute to the understanding of the functional relationships among Ras subfamily proteins.

AGS3-based optogenetic GDI induces GPCR-independent Gβγ signaling and macrophage migration

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are efficient Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and exchange GDP to GTP on the Gα subunit of G protein heterotrimers in response to various extracellular stimuli, including neurotransmitters and light. GPCRs primarily broadcast signals through activated G proteins, GαGTP, and free Gβγ, and are major disease drivers. Evidence shows that the ambient low threshold signaling required for cells is likely supplemented by signaling regulators such as non-GPCR GEFs and Guanine nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors (GDIs). Activators of G protein Signaling 3 (AGS3) are recognized as a GDI involved in multiple health and disease-related processes. Nevertheless, understanding of AGS3 is limited, and no significant information is available on its structure-function relationship or signaling regulation in living cells. Here, we employed in silico structure-guided engineering of a novel optogenetic GDI, based on the AGS3's G protein regulatory (GPR) motif, to understand its GDI activity and induce standalone Gβγ signaling in living cells on optical command. Our results demonstrate that plasma membrane recruitment of OptoGDI efficiently releases Gβγ, and its subcellular targeting generated localized PIP3 and triggered macrophage migration. Therefore, we propose OptoGDI as a powerful tool for optically dissecting GDI-mediated signaling pathways and triggering GPCR-independent Gβγ signaling in cells and in vivo.

Self-organization of PIP3 waves is controlled by the topology and curvature of cell membranes

Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) is a signaling lipid on the plasma membrane that plays a fundamental role in cell signaling with a strong impact on cell physiology and diseases. It is responsible for the protruding edge formation, cell polarization, macropinocytosis, and other membrane remodeling dynamics in cells. It has been shown that the membrane confinement and curvature affects the wave formation of PIP3 and F-actin. But, even in the absence of F-actin, a complex self-organization of the spatiotemporal PIP3 waves is observed. In recent findings, we have shown that these waves can be guided and pinned on strongly bended Dictyostelium membranes caused by molecular crowding and curvature-limited diffusion. Based on these experimental findings, we investigate the spatiotemporal PIP3 wave dynamics on realistic three-dimensional cell-like membranes to explore the effect of curvature-limited diffusion, as observed experimentally. We use an established stochastic reaction-diffusion model with enzymatic Michaelis-Menten-type reactions that mimics the dynamics of Dictyostelium cells. As these cells mimic the three-dimensional shape and size observed experimentally, we found that the PIP3 wave directionality can be explained by a Hopf-like and a reverse periodic-doubling bifurcation for uniform diffusion and curvature-limited diffusion properties. Finally, we compare the results with recent experimental findings and discuss the discrepancy between the biological and numerical results.

Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) exposure inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), mesoderm differentiation, and cardiovascular development in early chicken embryos

Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) is an organophosphorus flame retardant used worldwide and has been detected in the tissues and eggs of wild birds. Our previous study reported that exposure to TCEP induced developmental delay and cardiovascular dysfunction with attenuated heart rate and vasculogenesis in early chicken embryos. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects of TCEP on chicken embryos using cardiac transcriptome analysis and to examine whether TCEP exposure affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesoderm differentiation during gastrulation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that TCEP exposure decreased the expression of cardiac conduction-related genes and transcription factors on day 5 of incubation. In extraembryonic blood vessels, the expression levels of genes related to fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly reduced by TCEP exposure and vasculogenesis was suppressed. TCEP exposure also attenuated Snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2) and T-box transcription factor T (TBXT) signaling in the chicken primitive streak, indicating that TCEP inhibits EMT and mesoderm differentiation during gastrulation at the early developmental stage. These effects on EMT and mesoderm differentiation may be related to subsequent phenotypic defects, including suppression of heart development and blood vessel formation.

Mathematical Modeling of PI3K/Akt Pathway in Microglia

The motility of microglia involves intracellular signaling pathways that are predominantly controlled by changes in cytosolic Ca2+ and activation of PI3K/Akt (phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B). In this letter, we develop a novel biophysical model for cytosolic Ca2+ activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in microglia where Ca2+ influx is mediated by both P2Y purinergic receptors (P2YR) and P2X purinergic receptors (P2XR). The model parameters are estimated by employing optimization techniques to fit the model to phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) experimental modeling/in vitro data. The integrated model supports the hypothesis that Ca2+ influx via P2YR and P2XR can explain the experimentally reported biphasic transient responses in measuring pAkt levels. Our predictions reveal new quantitative insights into P2Rs on how they regulate Ca2+ and Akt in terms of physiological interactions and transient responses. It is shown that the upregulation of P2X receptors through a repetitive application of agonist results in a continual increase in the baseline [Ca2+], which causes the biphasic response to become a monophasic response which prolongs elevated levels of pAkt.

PIK Your Poison: The Effects of Combining PI3K and CDK Inhibitors against Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a very common skin malignancy with poor prognosis for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC (mcSCC). PI3K/AKT/mTOR and cell cycle signalling pathways are often dysregulated in mcSCC. A combination drug approach has been theorised to overcome the underwhelming clinical performance of targeted inhibitors as single agents. This study investigates the potential of targeted inhibition of the p110α-subunit of PI3K with PIK-75 or BGT226 (P13Ki), and of CDK1/2/5/9 with dinaciclib (CDKi) as single agents and in combination. The patient-derived mcSCC cell lines, UW-CSCC1 and UW-CSCC2, were used to assess cell viability, migration, cell signalling, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. PIK-75, BGT226, and dinaciclib exhibited strong cytotoxic potency as single agents. Notably, the non-malignant HaCaT cell line was unaffected. In 2D cultures, PIK-75 synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic effects of dinaciclib in UW-CSCC2, but not UW-CSCC1. Interestingly, this pattern was reversed in 3D spheroid models. Despite the combination of PIK-75 and dinaciclib resulting in an increase in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and reduced cell motility, these differences were largely negligible compared to their single-agent counterpart. The differential responses between the cell lines correlated with driver gene mutation profiles. These findings suggest that personalised medicine approaches targeting PI3K and CDK pathways in combination may yield some benefit for mcSCC, and that more complex 3D models should be considered for drug responsiveness studies in this disease.

System Biology Approach in Investigating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a trans-differentiating and reversible process that leads to dramatic cell phenotypic changes, enabling epithelial cells in acquiring mesenchymal phenotypes and behaviors. EMT plays a crucial role during embryogenesis, and occurs in several para-physiologic and pathological conditions, as during fibrosis or cancer development. EMT displays some hallmarks of critical transitions, as a sudden change in the overall configuration of a system in correspondence of specific tipping point around which a "catastrophic bifurcation" happens. The transition occurs when external conditions breach specific thresholds. This definition helps in highlighting two main aspects: (1) the change involves the overall system, rather than single, discrete components; (2) cues from the microenvironment play an irreplaceable role in triggering the transition. This evidence implies that critical transition should be ascertained focusing the investigation at the system level (rather than investigating only molecular parameters) in a well-defined context, as the transition is strictly dependent on the microenvironment in which it occurs. Therefore, we need a systems biology approach to investigate EMT across the Waddington-like epigenetic landscape wherein the participation of both internal and external cues can be studied to follow the extent and the main characteristics of the phenotypic transition. Herein, we suggest a set of systems parameters (motility, invasiveness) altogether with specific molecular/histological markers to identify those critical observables, which can be integrated into a comprehensive mechanistic model.

From actin waves to mechanism and back: How theory aids biological understanding

Actin dynamics in cell motility, division, and phagocytosis is regulated by complex factors with multiple feedback loops, often leading to emergent dynamic patterns in the form of propagating waves of actin polymerization activity that are poorly understood. Many in the actin wave community have attempted to discern the underlying mechanisms using experiments and/or mathematical models and theory. Here, we survey methods and hypotheses for actin waves based on signaling networks, mechano-chemical effects, and transport characteristics, with examples drawn from Dictyostelium discoideum, human neutrophils, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Xenopus laevis oocytes. While experimentalists focus on the details of molecular components, theorists pose a central question of universality: Are there generic, model-independent, underlying principles, or just boundless cell-specific details? We argue that mathematical methods are equally important for understanding the emergence, evolution, and persistence of actin waves and conclude with a few challenges for future studies.

Non-Vesicular Lipid Transport Machinery in Leishmania donovani: Functional Implications in Host-Parasite Interaction

Eukaryotic cells have distinct membrane-enclosed organelles, each with a unique biochemical signature and specialized function. The unique identity of each organelle is greatly governed by the asymmetric distribution and regulated intracellular movement of two important biomolecules, lipids, and proteins. Non-vesicular lipid transport mediated by lipid-transfer proteins (LTPs) plays essential roles in intra-cellular lipid trafficking and cellular lipid homeostasis, while vesicular transport regulates protein trafficking. A comparative analysis of non-vesicular lipid transport machinery in protists could enhance our understanding of parasitism and basis of eukaryotic evolution. Leishmania donovani, the trypanosomatid parasite, greatly depends on receptor-ligand mediated signalling pathways for cellular differentiation, nutrient uptake, secretion of virulence factors, and pathogenesis. Lipids, despite being important signalling molecules, have intracellular transport mechanisms that are largely unexplored in L. donovani. We have identified a repertoire of sixteen (16) potential lipid transfer protein (LTP) homologs based on a domain-based search on TriTrypDB coupled with bioinformatics analyses, which signifies the presence of well-organized lipid transport machinery in this parasite. We emphasized here their evolutionary uniqueness and conservation and discussed their potential implications for parasite biology with regards to future therapeutic targets against visceral leishmaniasis.

Dynamic subcellular localization of DydA in Dictyostelium cells

DydA plays an important role in chemotaxis, development, and cell growth as an adaptor protein that connects Ras signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangement. DydA is a downstream effector of RasG and is involved in controlling cell polarity and pseudopodia formation during chemoattractant-directed cell migration. To understand the mechanism by which DydA functions on the cell migration, we investigated the dynamic subcellular localization of DydA in response to chemoattractant stimulation and found that DydA rapidly and transiently translocated to the cell cortex through the RA domain and the PRM region in DydA in response to chemoattractant stimulation. The PRM region appears to play a primary role in the translocation of DydA to the cell cortex and in its localization to the actin foci at the bottom of cells. Colocalization experiments of GFP-PRM with RFP-coronin indicated that GFP-PRM preceded GFP-coronin by 2-3 s in response to chemoattractant stimulation. These results suggest that the PRM region plays an indispensable role in relaying upstream regulators, such as RasG, to downstream effectors by mediating the localization of DydA to the cell cortex upon chemoattractant stimulation.

Signal amplification in growth cone gradient sensing by a double negative feedback loop among PTEN, PI(3,4,5)P3 and actomyosin

Axon guidance during neural wiring involves a series of precisely controlled chemotactic events by the motile axonal tip, the growth cone. A fundamental question is how neuronal growth cones make directional decisions in response to extremely shallow gradients of guidance cues with exquisite sensitivity. Here we report that nerve growth cones possess a signal amplification mechanism during gradient sensing process. In neuronal growth cones of Xenopus spinal neurons, phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), an important signaling molecule in chemotaxis, was actively recruited to the up-gradient side in response to an external gradient of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), resulting in an intracellular gradient with approximate 30-fold amplification of the input. Furthermore, a reverse gradient of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was induced by BDNF within the growth cone and the increased PTEN activity at the down-gradient side is required for the amplification of PIP3 signals. Mechanistically, the establishment of both positive PIP3 and reverse PTEN gradients depends on the filamentous actin network. Together with computational modeling, our results revealed a double negative feedback loop among PTEN, PIP3 and actomyosin for signal amplification, which is essential for gradient sensing of neuronal growth cones in response to diffusible cues.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases play a suppressive role in cell motility of vegetative Dictyostelium cells

Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) is a key regulator of cell motility during chemotaxis and plays an important role in relaying and amplifying the shallow gradient of chemoattractant signals to ultimately mediate rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton. To determine whether PI3K plays a similar role in electrotaxis as in chemotaxis, we examined directional cell migration in response to an electric field (EF) and unexpectedly found that the role of PI3K in regulating cell motility differs depending on the state of Dictyostelium cells. Contrary to chemotaxis experiments using aggregation-competent cells, in the cell migration assay, we used a recently developed method for electrotaxis using 3-h starved cells. Wild-type cells starved for 3 h showed increased motility in the presence of LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, whereas aggregation-competent cells showed slightly decreased motility, indicating the effect of LY294002 on cell motility differ depending on the state of the cells. Consistent with these results, pi3k null cells in the vegetative state exhibited increased motility similar to that in the presence of LY294002, compared to wild-type cells. These findings were confirmed through random migration experiments. These results suggest that PI3Ks play a suppressive role in regulating cell motility of vegetative Dictyostelium cells and that the suppressive effect is reversed on inhibition or lack of PI3Ks, leading to high motility.

PTEN Protein Phosphatase Activity Is Not Required for Tumour Suppression in the Mouse Prostate

Loss PTEN function is one of the most common events driving aggressive prostate cancers and biochemically, PTEN is a lipid phosphatase which opposes the activation of the oncogenic PI3K-AKT signalling network. However, PTEN also has additional potential mechanisms of action, including protein phosphatase activity. Using a mutant enzyme, PTEN Y138L, which selectively lacks protein phosphatase activity, we characterised genetically modified mice lacking either the full function of PTEN in the prostate gland or only lacking protein phosphatase activity. The phenotypes of mice carrying a single allele of either wild-type Pten or PtenY138L in the prostate were similar, with common prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and similar gene expression profiles. However, the latter group, lacking PTEN protein phosphatase activity additionally showed lymphocyte infiltration around PIN and an increased immune cell gene expression signature. Prostate adenocarcinoma, elevated proliferation and AKT activation were only frequently observed when PTEN was fully deleted. We also identify a common gene expression signature of PTEN loss conserved in other studies (including Nkx3.1, Tnf and Cd44). We provide further insight into tumour development in the prostate driven by loss of PTEN function and show that PTEN protein phosphatase activity is not required for tumour suppression.

Quantitative Analysis of Collective Migration by Single-Cell Tracking Aimed at Understanding Cancer Metastasis

Metastasis is a major complication of cancer treatments. Studies of the migratory behavior of cells are needed to investigate and control metastasis. Metastasis is based on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal properties and the ability to leave the population to invade other regions of the body. In collective migration, highly migratory “leader” cells are found at the front of the cell population, as well as cells that “follow” these leader cells. However, the interactions between these cells are not well understood. We examined the migration properties of leader–follower cells during collective migration at the single-cell level. Different mixed ratios of “leader” and “follower” cell populations were compared. Collective migration was quantitatively analyzed from two perspectives: cell migration within the colony and migration of the entire colony. Analysis of the effect of the cell mixing ratio on migration behavior showed that a small number of highly migratory cells enhanced some of the migratory properties of other cells. The results provide useful insights into the cellular interactions in collective cell migration of cancer cell invasion.

Time-Series Clustering of Single-Cell Trajectories in Collective Cell Migration

Simple Summary

In this study, we normalized trajectories containing both mesenchymal and epithelial cells to remove the effect of cell location on clustering, and performed a dimensionality reduction on the time series data before clustering. When the clustering results were superimposed on the trajectories prior to normalization, the results still showed similarities in location, indicating that this method can find cells with similar migration patterns. These data highlight the reliability of this method in identifying consistent migration patterns in collective cell migration.

Abstract

Collective invasion drives multicellular cancer cells to spread to surrounding normal tissues. To fully comprehend metastasis, the methodology of analysis of individual cell migration in tissue should be well developed. Extracting and classifying cells with similar migratory characteristics in a colony would facilitate an understanding of complex cell migration patterns. Here, we used electrospun fibers as the extracellular matrix for the in vitro modeling of collective cell migration, clustering of mesenchymal and epithelial cells based on trajectories, and analysis of collective migration patterns based on trajectory similarity. We normalized the trajectories to eliminate the effect of cell location on clustering and used uniform manifold approximation and projection to perform dimensionality reduction on the time-series data before clustering. When the clustering results were superimposed on the trajectories before normalization, the results still exhibited positional similarity, thereby demonstrating that this method can identify cells with similar migration patterns. The same cluster contained both mesenchymal and epithelial cells, and this result was related to cell location and cell division. These data highlight the reliability of this method in identifying consistent migration patterns during collective cell migration. This provides new insights into the epithelial–mesenchymal interactions that affect migration patterns.

PTEN inhibits AMPK to control collective migration

Pten is one of the most frequently mutated tumour suppressor gene in cancer. PTEN is generally altered in invasive cancers such as glioblastomas, but its function in collective cell migration and invasion is not fully characterised. Herein, we report that the loss of PTEN increases cell speed during collective migration of non-tumourous cells both in vitro and in vivo. We further show that loss of PTEN promotes LKB1-dependent phosphorylation and activation of the major metabolic regulator AMPK. In turn AMPK increases VASP phosphorylation, reduces VASP localisation at cell-cell junctions and decreases the interjunctional transverse actin arcs at the leading front, provoking a weakening of cell-cell contacts and increasing migration speed. Targeting AMPK activity not only slows down PTEN-depleted cells, it also limits PTEN-null glioblastoma cell invasion, opening new opportunities to treat glioblastoma lethal invasiveness.

Pten is a tumour suppressor gene that is associated with highly invasive cancers such as glioblastoma. Here the authors show that PTEN loss results in increased migratory behaviour, which can be countered by targeting AMPK activity.

Reprogrammed Lipid Metabolism and the Lipid-Associated Hallmarks of Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-most diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Limitations in early and accurate diagnosis of CRC gives rise to poor patient survival. Advancements in analytical techniques have improved our understanding of the cellular and metabolic changes occurring in CRC and potentiate avenues for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Lipids are metabolites with important biological functions; however, their role in CRC is poorly understood. Here, we provide an in-depth review of the recent literature concerning lipid alterations in CRC and propose eight lipid metabolism-associated hallmarks of CRC.

Abstract

Lipids have diverse structures, with multifarious regulatory functions in membrane homeostasis and bioenergetic metabolism, in mediating functional protein–lipid and protein–protein interactions, as in cell signalling and proliferation. An increasing body of evidence supports the notion that aberrant lipid metabolism involving remodelling of cellular membrane structure and changes in energy homeostasis and signalling within cancer-associated pathways play a pivotal role in the onset, progression, and maintenance of colorectal cancer (CRC) and their tumorigenic properties. Recent advances in analytical lipidome analysis technologies have enabled the comprehensive identification and structural characterization of lipids and, consequently, our understanding of the role they play in tumour progression. However, despite progress in our understanding of cancer cell metabolism and lipidomics, the key lipid-associated changes in CRC have yet not been explicitly associated with the well-established ‘hallmarks of cancer’ defined by Hanahan and Weinberg. In this review, we summarize recent findings that highlight the role of reprogrammed lipid metabolism in CRC and use this growing body of evidence to propose eight lipid metabolism-associated hallmarks of colorectal cancer, and to emphasize their importance and linkages to the established cancer hallmarks.

Receptor, Signal, Nucleus, Action: Signals That Pass through Akt on the Road to Head and Neck Cancer Cell Migration

This review aims to provide evidence for the role of the tumour microenvironment in cancer progression, including invasion and metastasis. The tumour microenvironment is complex and consists of tumour cells and stromal-derived cells, in addition to a modified extracellular matrix. The cellular components synthesise growth factors such as EGF, TGFα and β, VEGF, and NGF, which have been shown to initiate paracrine signalling in head and neck cancer cells by binding to cell surface receptors. One example is the phosphorylation, and hence activation, of the signalling protein Akt, which can ultimately induce oral cancer cell migration in vitro. Blocking of Akt activation by an inhibitor, MK2206, leads to a significant decrease, in vitro, of cancer-derived cell migration, visualised in both wound healing and scatter assays. Signalling pathways have therefore been popular targets for the design of chemotherapeutic agents, but drug resistance has been observed and is related to direct tumour-tumour cell communication, the tumour-extracellular matrix interface, and tumour-stromal cell interactions. Translation of this knowledge to patient care is reliant upon a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships present in the tumour microenvironment and could ultimately lead to the design of efficacious treatment regimens such as targeted therapy or novel therapeutic combinations.

PTEN differentially regulates endocytosis, migration, and proliferation in the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica

PTEN is a lipid phosphatase that is highly conserved and involved in a broad range of biological processes including cytoskeletal reorganization, endocytosis, signal transduction, and cell migration in all eukaryotes. Although regulation of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] signaling via PTEN has been well established in model organisms and mammals, it remains elusive in the parasitic protist E. histolytica, which heavily relies on PtdIns phosphate(s)-dependent membrane traffic, migration, and phago- and trogocytosis for its pathogenesis. In this study, we characterized the major PTEN from E. histolytica, EhPTEN1, which shows the highest expression at the transcript level in the trophozoite stage among 6 possible PTENs, to understand the significance of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signaling in this parasite. Live imaging of GFP-EhPTEN1 expressing amebic trophozoites showed localization mainly in the cytosol with a higher concentration at pseudopods and the extending edge of the phago- and trogocytic cups. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of phago- and trogocytosis using a confocal image cytometer showed that overexpression of EhPTEN1 caused reduction in trogo- and phagocytosis while transcriptional gene silencing of EhPTEN1 gene caused opposite phenotypes. These data suggest that EhPTEN1 has an inhibitory role in these biological processes. Conversely, EhPTEN1 acts as a positive regulator for fluid-phase and receptor-mediated endocytosis in E. histolytica trophozoites. Moreover, we showed that EhPTEN1 was required for optimal growth and migration of this parasite. Finally, the phosphatase activity of EhPTEN1 towards PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 was demonstrated, suggesting that the biological roles of EhPTEN1 are likely linked to its catalytic function. Taken together, these results indicate that EhPTEN1 differentially regulates multiple cellular activities essential for proliferation and pathogenesis of the organism, via PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signaling. Elucidation of biological roles of PTEN and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signaling at the molecular levels promotes our understanding of the pathogenesis of this parasite.

Progesterone-dependent and progesterone-independent modulation of luminal epithelial transcription to support pregnancy in cattle

In cattle, starting 4-5 days after estrus, preimplantation embryonic development occurs in the confinement of the uterine lumen. Cells in the endometrial epithelial layer control the molecular traffic to and from the lumen and, thereby determine luminal composition. Starting early postestrus, endometrial function is regulated by sex steroids, but the effects of progesterone on luminal cells transcription have not been measured in vivo. The first objective was to determine the extent to which progesterone controls transcription in luminal epithelial cells 4 days (D4) after estrus. The second objective was to discover luminal transcripts that predict pregnancy outcomes when the effect of progesterone is controlled. Endometrial luminal epithelial cells were collected from embryo transfer recipients on D4 using a cytological brush and their transcriptome was determined by RNASeq. Pregnancy by embryo transfer was measured on D30 (25 pregnant and 18 nonpregnant). Progesterone concentration on D4 was associated positively (n = 182) and negatively (n = 58) with gene expression. Progesterone-modulated transcription indicated an increase in oxidative phosphorylation, biosynthetic activity, and proliferation of epithelial cells. When these effects of progesterone were controlled, different genes affected positively (n = 22) and negatively (n = 292) odds of pregnancy. These set of genes indicated that a receptive uterine environment was characterized by the inhibition of phosphoinositide signaling and innate immune system responses. A panel of 25 genes predicted the pregnancy outcome with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 64%-96% and 44%-83%, respectively. In conclusion, in the early diestrus, both progesterone-dependent and progesterone-independent mechanisms regulate luminal epithelial transcription associated with pregnancy outcomes in cattle.

Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma MDM2 Genomic Amplification Predicts Clinical Outcome and Response to Targeted Therapy

Simple Summary

Invasive subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) show MDM2 amplification that is associated with poor survival. Mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) is frequently amplified in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and is a negative regulator of p53, which binds to p53 and regulates its activity and stability. Genomic amplification and overexpression of MDM2, together with genetic alterations in p53, leads to genomic and genetic heterogeneity in LUAD that represents a therapeutic target. In vitro assays in a panel of LUAD cell lines showed that tumor cell response to MDM2-targeted therapy is associated with MDM2 amplification.

Abstract

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women, accounting for one-quarter of total cancer-related mortality globally. Lung adenocarcinoma is the major subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and accounts for around 40% of lung cancer cases. Lung adenocarcinoma is a highly heterogeneous disease and patients often display variable histopathological morphology, genetic alterations, and genomic aberrations. Recent advances in transcriptomic and genetic profiling of lung adenocarcinoma by investigators, including our group, has provided better stratification of this heterogeneous disease, which can facilitate devising better treatment strategies suitable for targeted patient cohorts. In a recent study we have shown gene expression profiling identified novel clustering of early stage LUAD patients and correlated with tumor invasiveness and patient survival. In this study, we focused on copy number alterations in LUAD patients. SNP array data identified amplification at chromosome 12q15 on MDM2 locus and protein overexpression in a subclass of LUAD patients with an invasive subtype of the disease. High copy number amplification and protein expression in this subclass correlated with poor overall survival. We hypothesized that MDM2 copy number and overexpression predict response to MDM2-targeted therapy. In vitro functional data on a panel of LUAD cells showed that MDM2-targeted therapy effectively suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in cells with MDM2 amplification/overexpression but not in cells without MDM2 amplification, independent of p53 status. To determine the key signaling mechanisms, we used RNA sequencing (RNA seq) to examine the response to therapy in MDM2-amplified/overexpressing p53 mutant and wild-type LUAD cells. RNA seq data shows that in MDM2-amplified/overexpression with p53 wild-type condition, the E2F → PEG10 → MMPs pathway is operative, while in p53 mutant genetic background, MDM2-targeted therapy abrogates tumor progression in LUAD cells by suppressing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling. Our study provides a potentially clinically relevant strategy of selecting LUAD patients for MDM2-targeted therapy that may provide for increased response rates and, thus, better survival.

Dictyostelium Dynamin Superfamily GTPases Implicated in Vesicle Trafficking and Host-Pathogen Interactions

The haploid social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a powerful model organism to study vesicle trafficking, motility and migration, cell division, developmental processes, and host cell-pathogen interactions. Dynamin superfamily proteins (DSPs) are large GTPases, which promote membrane fission and fusion, as well as membrane-independent cellular processes. Accordingly, DSPs play crucial roles for vesicle biogenesis and transport, organelle homeostasis, cytokinesis and cell-autonomous immunity. Major progress has been made over the last years in elucidating the function and structure of mammalian DSPs. D. discoideum produces at least eight DSPs, which are involved in membrane dynamics and other processes. The function and structure of these large GTPases has not been fully explored, despite the elaborate genetic and cell biological tools available for D. discoideum. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge about mammalian and D. discoideum DSPs, and we advocate the use of the genetically tractable amoeba to further study the role of DSPs in cell and infection biology. Particular emphasis is put on the virulence mechanisms of the facultative intracellular bacterium Legionella pneumophila.

The emerging roles of circular RNAs in vessel co-option and vasculogenic mimicry: clinical insights for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancers

Unexpected resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment prompted the investigation of non-angiogenic tumor processes. Vessel co-option (VC) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) are recognized as primary non-angiogenic mechanisms. In VC, cancer cells utilize pre-existing blood vessels for support, whereas in VM, cancer cells channel and provide blood flow to rapidly growing tumors. Both processes have been implicated in the development of tumor and resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs in many tumor types. The morphology, but rare molecular alterations have been investigated in VC and VM. There is a pressing need to better understand the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Here, we review the emerging circular RNA (circRNA)-mediated regulation of non-angiogenic processes, VC and VM.

ZNF471 modulates EMT and functions as methylation regulated tumor suppressor with diagnostic and prognostic significance in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women in developing countries. However, the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets for therapy remain to be fully understood. We investigated the epigenetic regulation, biological functions, and clinical utility of zinc-finger protein 471 (ZNF471) in CC. Analysis of cervical tissues and five independent public datasets of CC showed significant hypermethylation of the ZNF471 gene promoter. In CC cell lines, promoter DNA methylation was inversely correlated with ZNF471 expression. The sensitivity and specificity of the ZNF471 hypermethylation for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) vs tumor and normal vs tumor was above 85% with AUC of 0.937. High methylation and low ZNF471 expression predicted poor overall and recurrence-free survival. We identified -686 to +114 bp as ZNF471 promoter, regulated by methylation using transient transfection and luciferase assays. The promoter CpG site methylation of ZNF471 was significantly different among cancer types and tumor grades. Gal4-based heterologous luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that ZNF471 acts as a transcriptional repressor. The retroviral mediated overexpression of ZNF471 in SiHa and CaSki cells inhibited growth, proliferation, cell migration, invasion; delayed cell cycle progression in vitro by increasing cell doubling time; and reduced tumor growth in vivo in nude mice. ZNF471 overexpression inhibited key members of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Wnt, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. ZNF471 inhibited EMT by directly targeting vimentin as analyzed by bioinformatic analysis, ChIP-PCR, and western blotting. Thus, ZNF471 CpG specific promoter methylation may determine the prognosis of CC and could function as a potential tumor suppressor by targeting EMT signaling.

New Pharmacological Tools to Target Leukocyte Trafficking in Lung Disease

Infection and inflammation of the lung results in the recruitment of non-resident immune cells, including neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes. This swift response should ensure clearance of the threat and resolution of stimuli which drive inflammation. However, once the threat is subdued this influx of immune cells should be followed by clearance of recruited cells through apoptosis and subsequent efferocytosis, expectoration or retrograde migration back into the circulation. This cycle of cell recruitment, containment of threat and then clearance of immune cells and repair is held in exquisite balance to limit host damage. Advanced age is often associated with detrimental changes to the balance described above. Cellular functions are altered including a reduced ability to traffic accurately towards inflammation, a reduced ability to clear pathogens and sustained inflammation. These changes, seen with age, are heightened in lung disease, and most chronic and acute lung diseases are associated with an exaggerated influx of immune cells, such as neutrophils, to the airways as well as considerable inflammation. Indeed, across many lung diseases, pathogenesis and progression has been associated with the sustained presence of trafficking cells, with examples including chronic diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and acute infections such as Pneumonia and Pneumonitis. In these instances, there is evidence that dysfunctional and sustained recruitment of cells to the airways not only increases host damage but impairs the hosts ability to effectively respond to microbial invasion. Targeting leukocyte migration in these instances, to normalise cellular responses, has therapeutic promise. In this review we discuss the current evidence to support the trafficking cell as an immunotherapeutic target in lung disease, and which potential mechanisms or pathways have shown promise in early drug trials, with a focus on the neutrophil, as the quintessential trafficking immune cell.

Two naturally occurring mutations of human GPR103 define distinct G protein selection bias

The neuropeptide 26RFa plays important roles in the regulation of many physiological functions. 26RFa has been recognized as an endogenous ligand for receptor GPR103. In the present study, we demonstrate that GPR103 dually couples to Gαq and Gαi/o proteins. However, two naturally occurring missense mutations were identified from a young male patient. In the first, Y68H, induction of Ca2+ mobilization was noted without detection of ERK1/2 activation. In the second, R371W, the potential to activate ERK1/2 signaling was retained but with failure to evoke Ca2+ mobilization. Further analysis provides evidence that Gαq, L-type Ca2+ channel and PKCβI and βII are involved in the Y68H-mediated signaling pathway, whereas Gαi/o, Gβγ, and PKCζ are implicated in the R371W-induced signaling. Our results demonstrate that two point mutations, Y68H and R371W, affect the equilibrium between the different receptor conformations, leading to alteration of G protein-coupling preferences. Importantly, these findings provide a foundation for future elucidation of GPCR-mediated biased signaling and the physiological implications of their bias.

Physics of compartmentalization: How phase separation and signaling shape membrane and organelle identity

Compartmentalization of cellular functions is at the core of the physiology of eukaryotic cells. Recent evidences indicate that a universal organizing process - phase separation - supports the partitioning of biomolecules in distinct phases from a single homogeneous mixture, a landmark event in both the biogenesis and the maintenance of membrane and non-membrane-bound organelles. In the cell, 'passive' (non energy-consuming) mechanisms are flanked by 'active' mechanisms of separation into phases of distinct density and stoichiometry, that allow for increased partitioning flexibility and programmability. A convergence of physical and biological approaches is leading to new insights into the inner functioning of this driver of intracellular order, holding promises for future advances in both biological research and biotechnological applications.

Two StAR-related lipid transfer proteins play specific roles in endocytosis, exocytosis, and motility in the parasitic protist Entamoeba histolytica

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are the key contributor of organelle-specific lipid distribution and cellular lipid homeostasis. Here, we report a novel implication of LTPs in phagocytosis, trogocytosis, pinocytosis, biosynthetic secretion, recycling of pinosomes, and motility of the parasitic protist E. histolytica, the etiological agent of human amoebiasis. We show that two StAR-related lipid transfer (START) domain-containing LTPs (named as EhLTP1 and 3) are involved in these biological pathways in an LTP-specific manner. Our findings provide novel implications of LTPs, which are relevant to the elucidation of pathophysiology of the diseases caused by parasitic protists.

We showed that EhLTP1, but not EhLTP3, is involved in secretion of cysteine protease, the well-established degrading factor of host cells and the extracellular matrix, and in pseudopod formation and migration. In contrast, EhLTP3, but not EhLTP1, is exclusively involved in pinocytosis of the fluid-phase marker. Both EhLTP1 and EhLTP3 are also involved in trogocytosis (ingestion by nibbling) of live mammalian cells and phagocytosis of dead cells. In trogocytosis and phagcytosis, these two LTPs displayed distinct patterns of recruitment: e.g., EhLTP1 was associated at the ligand attachment site at the initiation of trogocytosis, followed by the recruitment of EhLTP3 onto the “trogocytic tunnel” at the intermediate stage of trogocytosis before the closure of the trogosome. Such tempo-spatially coordinated involvement of LTPs in the course of trogo- and phagocytosis has never been demonstrated in unicellular eukaryotes. Neither has LTP been shown to be involved in both endocytosis and exocytosis.

Improving the solubility of anti-proliferative thieno[2,3-b]quinoline-2-carboxamides

Thieno[2,3-b]pyridines are a class of compounds known for their potent anti-proliferative activities against a range of human cancer cell lines. In this research, a number of strategies to generate analogues that have improved aqueous solubility whilst retaining the potent anti-proliferative actions, compared to previously-explored compounds in this class, were made. Herein we report the synthesis of 80 novel compounds, comprising two series, all based on the thieno[2,3-b]pyridine core structure. Overall, it was found that introducing alternative heterocycles did not notably improve the solubility or retain anti-proliferative activity seen in previously-reported analogues. However, pleasingly it was discovered, that the best strategy for improving the solubility was the alteration of the appended alkyl ring to introduce polar groups such as alcohols, ketones and substituted amine groups. In addition to this finding, we have discovered a thieno[2,3-b]pyridine, 15e, with greater aqueous solubility that has ever been seen for this class of compounds that is also a potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth, with IC₅₀'s in the nanomolar range. This new lead structure will form the basis of future explorations into this class of compounds.

The PI3K/Akt/mTORC signaling axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Possibilities for therapeutic interventions either as single agents or in combination with conventional therapies

The latest advances in the sequencing methods in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues have revolutionized our understanding of the disease by taking off the veil from the most frequent genetic alterations in the components of the oncogenic pathways. Among all the identified alterations, aberrancies in the genes attributed to the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) axis have attracted special attention as they were altered in more than 90% of the tissues isolated from HNSCC patients. In fact, the association between these aberrancies and the increased risk of cancer metastasis suggested this axis as an "Achilles Heel" of HNSCC, which may be therapeutically targeted. The results of the clinical trials investigating the therapeutic potential of the inhibitors targeting the components of the PI3K axis in the treatment of HNSCC patients, either alone or in a combined-modal strategy, opened a new chapter in the treatment strategy of this malignancy. The present study aimed to review the importance of the PI3K axis in the pathogenesis of HNSCC and also provide a piece of information about the breakthroughs and challenges of PI3K inhibitors in the therapeutic strategies of the disease.

Hormesis of low-dose inhibition of pAkt1 (Ser473) followed by a great increase of proline-rich inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (PIPP) level in oocytes

Hormesis describes a biphasic dose-response relationship generally characterized by a low-dose excitement and a high-dose inhibition. This phenomenon has been observed in the regulation of cell, organ, and organismic level. However, hormesis has not reported in oocytes. In this study, we observed, for the first time, hormetic responses of PIPP levels in oocytes by inhibitor of Akt1 or PKCδ. The expression of PIPP was detected by qPCR, immunofluorescent (IF), and Western Blot (WB). To observe the changes of PIPP levels, we used the inhibitors against pAkt1 (Ser473) or PKCδ, SH-6 or sotrastaurin with low and/or high-dose, treated GV oocytes and cultured for 4 h, respectively. The results showed that PIPP expression was significantly enhanced when oocytes were treated with SH-6 or sotrastaurin 10 μM, but decreased with SH-6 or sotrastaurin 100 μM. We also examined the changes of PIPP levels when GV oocytes were treated with exogenous PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ or LY294002 for 4 h. Our results showed that PIPP level was enhanced much higher under the treatment of 0.1 μM PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ than that of 1 μM PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃, which is consistent with the changes of PIPP when oocytes were treated with inhibitors of pAkt1 (Ser473) or PKCδ. In addition, with PIPP siRNA, we detected that down-regulated PIPP may affect distributions of Akt, Cdc25, and pCdc2 (Tyr15). Taken together, these results show that the relationships between PIPP and Akt may follow the principle of hormesis and play a key role during release of diplotene arrest in mouse oocytes.

Ras, PI3K and mTORC2 - three's a crowd?

The Ras oncogene is notoriously difficult to target with specific therapeutics. Consequently, there is interest to better understand the Ras signaling pathways to identify potential targetable effectors. Recently, the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) was identified as an evolutionarily conserved Ras effector. mTORC2 regulates essential cellular processes, including metabolism, survival, growth, proliferation and migration. Moreover, increasing evidence implicate mTORC2 in oncogenesis. Little is known about the regulation of mTORC2 activity, but proposed mechanisms include a role for phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate - which is produced by class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks), well-characterized Ras effectors. Therefore, the relationship between Ras, PI3K and mTORC2, in both normal physiology and cancer is unclear; moreover, seemingly conflicting observations have been reported. Here, we review the evidence on potential links between Ras, PI3K and mTORC2. Interestingly, data suggest that Ras and PI3K are both direct regulators of mTORC2 but that they act on distinct pools of mTORC2: Ras activates mTORC2 at the plasma membrane, whereas PI3K activates mTORC2 at intracellular compartments. Consequently, we propose a model to explain how Ras and PI3K can differentially regulate mTORC2, and highlight the diversity in the mechanisms of mTORC2 regulation, which appear to be determined by the stimulus, cell type, and the molecularly and spatially distinct mTORC2 pools.

Tumor microenvironment conditions that favor vessel co-option in colorectal cancer liver metastases: A theoretical model

Vessel co-option is an alternative strategy by which tumour cells vascularize and gain access to nutrients to support tumour growth, survival and metastasis. In vessel co-option, the cancer cells move towards the pre-existing vasculature and hijack them. Vessel co-option is adopted by a wide range of human tumours including colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) and is responsible for the effectiveness of treatment in CRCLM. Furthermore, vessel co-option is an intrinsic feature and an acquired mechanism of resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment. In this review, we describe the microenvironment, the molecular players, discovered thus far of co-opting CRCLM lesions and propose a theoretical model. We also highlight key unanswered questions that are critical to improving our understanding of CRCLM vessel co-option and for the development of effective approaches for the treatment of co-opting tumours.

RSU-1 Maintains Integrity of Caenorhabditis elegans Vulval Muscles by Regulating α-Actinin

Egg-laying behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans is a well-known model for investigating fundamental cellular processes. In egg-laying, muscle contraction is the relaxation of the vulval muscle to extrude eggs from the vulva. Unlike skeletal muscle, vulval muscle lacks visible striations of the sarcomere. Therefore, vulval muscle must counteract the mechanical stress, caused by egg extrusion and body movement, from inducing cell-shape distortion by maintaining its cytoskeletal integrity. However, the underlying mechanisms that regulate the cellular integrity in vulval muscles remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that C. elegans egg-laying requires proper vulval muscle 1 (vm1), in which the actin bundle organization of vm1 muscles is regulated by Ras suppressor protein 1 (RSU-1). In the loss of RSU-1, as well as Ras^LET-60 overactivation, blister-like membrane protrusions and disorganized actin bundles were observed in the vm1 muscles. Moreover, Ras^LET-60 depletion diminished the defected actin-bundles in rsu-1 mutant. These results reveal the genetic interaction of RSU-1 and Ras^LET-60 in vivo In addition, our results further demonstrated that the fifth to seventh leucine-rich region of RSU-1 is required to promote actin-bundling protein, α-actinin, for actin bundle stabilization in the vm1 muscles. This expands our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of actin bundle organization in a specialized smooth muscle.

Blueberry Counteracts BV-2 Microglia Morphological and Functional Switch after LPS Challenge

Microglia, the innate immune cells of the CNS, respond to brain injury by activating and modifying their morphology. Our study arises from the great interest that has been focused on blueberry (BB) for the antioxidant and pharmacological properties displayed by its components. We analyzed the influence of hydroalcoholic BB extract in resting or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia BV-2 cells. BB exerted a protective effect against LPS-induced cytotoxicity, as indicated by cell viability. BB was also able to influence the actin cytoskeleton organization, to recover the control phenotype after LPS insult, and also to reduce LPS-driven migration. We evaluated the activity of Rho and Rac1 GTPases, which regulate both actin cytoskeletal organization and migratory capacity. LPS caused an increase in Rac1 activity, which was counteracted by BB extract. Furthermore, we demonstrated that, in the presence of BB, mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased, as did the immunofluorescence signal of iNOS, whereas that of Arg-1 was increased. Taken together, our results show that, during the inflammatory response, BB extract shifts the M1 polarization towards the M2 phenotype through an actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. Based on that, we might consider BB as a nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory activities.

The Roles of Signaling in Cytoskeletal Changes, Random Movement, Direction-Sensing and Polarization of Eukaryotic Cells

Movement of cells and tissues is essential at various stages during the lifetime of an organism, including morphogenesis in early development, in the immune response to pathogens, and during wound-healing and tissue regeneration. Individual cells are able to move in a variety of microenvironments (MEs) (A glossary of the acronyms used herein is given at the end) by suitably adapting both their shape and how they transmit force to the ME, but how cells translate environmental signals into the forces that shape them and enable them to move is poorly understood. While many of the networks involved in signal detection, transduction and movement have been characterized, how intracellular signals control re-building of the cyctoskeleton to enable movement is not understood. In this review we discuss recent advances in our understanding of signal transduction networks related to direction-sensing and movement, and some of the problems that remain to be solved.

Molecular mechanisms of cell polarity in a range of model systems and in migrating neurons

Cell polarity is defined as the asymmetric distribution of cellular components along an axis. Most cells, from the simplest single-cell organisms to highly specialized mammalian cells, are polarized and use similar mechanisms to generate and maintain polarity. Cell polarity is important for cells to migrate, form tissues, and coordinate activities. During development of the mammalian cerebral cortex, cell polarity is essential for neurogenesis and for the migration of newborn but as-yet undifferentiated neurons. These oriented migrations include both the radial migration of excitatory projection neurons and the tangential migration of inhibitory interneurons. In this review, I will first describe the development of the cerebral cortex, as revealed at the cellular level. I will then define the core molecular mechanisms - the Par/Crb/Scrib polarity complexes, small GTPases, the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, and phosphoinositides/PI3K signaling - that are required for asymmetric cell division, apico-basal and front-rear polarity in model systems, including C elegans zygote, Drosophila embryos and cultured mammalian cells. As I go through each core mechanism I will explain what is known about its importance in radial and tangential migration in the developing mammalian cerebral cortex.

Targeting AKT/mTOR in Oral Cancer: Mechanisms and Advances in Clinical Trials

Oral cancer (OC) is a devastating disease that takes the lives of lots of people globally every year. The current spectrum of treatment modalities does not meet the needs of the patients. The disease heterogeneity demands personalized medicine or targeted therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify potential targets for the treatment of OC. Abundant evidence has suggested that the components of the protein kinase B (AKT)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway are intrinsic factors for carcinogenesis. The AKT protein is central to the proliferation and survival of normal and cancer cells, and its downstream protein, mTOR, also plays an indispensable role in the cellular processes. The wide involvement of the AKT/mTOR pathway has been noted in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This axis significantly regulates the various hallmarks of cancer, like proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, autophagy, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Activated AKT/mTOR signaling is also associated with circadian signaling, chemoresistance and radio-resistance in OC cells. Several miRNAs, circRNAs and lncRNAs also modulate this pathway. The association of this axis with the process of tumorigenesis has culminated in the identification of its specific inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of OC. In this review, we discussed the significance of AKT/mTOR signaling in OC and its potential as a therapeutic target for the management of OC. This article also provided an update on several AKT/mTOR inhibitors that emerged as promising candidates for therapeutic interventions against OC/head and neck cancer (HNC) in clinical studies.

Alteration of the late endocytic pathway in Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B disease

The small GTPase RAB7A regulates late stages of the endocytic pathway and plays specific roles in neurons, controlling neurotrophins trafficking and signaling, neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration. Mutations in the RAB7A gene cause the autosomal dominant Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 2B (CMT2B) disease, an axonal peripheral neuropathy. As several neurodegenerative diseases are caused by alterations of endocytosis, we investigated whether CMT2B-causing mutations correlate with changes in this process. To this purpose, we studied the endocytic pathway in skin fibroblasts from healthy and CMT2B individuals. We found higher expression of late endocytic proteins in CMT2B cells compared to control cells, as well as higher activity of cathepsins and higher receptor degradation activity. Consistently, we observed an increased number of lysosomes, accompanied by higher lysosomal degradative activity in CMT2B cells. Furthermore, we found increased migration and increased RAC1 and MMP-2 activation in CMT2B compared to control cells. To validate these data, we obtained sensory neurons from patient and control iPS cells, to confirm increased lysosomal protein expression and lysosomal activity in CMT2B-derived neurons. Altogether, these results demonstrate that in CMT2B patient-derived cells, the endocytic degradative pathway is altered, suggesting that higher lysosomal activity contributes to neurodegeneration occurring in CMT2B.

Development and Validation of a 3D In Vitro Model to Study the Chemotactic Behavior of Corneal Stromal Fibroblasts

Chemotaxis plays a pivotal role in crucial biological phenomena including immune response, cancer metastasis, and wound healing. Although many chemotaxis assays have been developed to better understand these multicomplex biological mechanisms, most of them have serious limitations mainly due to the poor representation of native three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment. Here, we describe a method to develop and validate a novel 3D in vitro chemotaxis model to study the migration of corneal fibroblasts through a stromal equivalent. A hydrogel was used that contained gelatin microspheres loaded with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) in the inner section and corneal fibroblasts in the outer section. The cell migration toward the chemical stimuli over time can be monitored via confocal microscopy. The development of this in vitro model can be used for both qualitative and quantitative examinations of chemotaxis.

Anticitrullinated protein antibodies facilitate migration of synovial tissue-derived fibroblasts

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-specific anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPAs) might contribute to bone loss and arthralgia before the onset of joint inflammation. We aimed to dissect additional mechanisms by which ACPAs might contribute to development of joint pathology.

METHODS

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were isolated from the synovial membrane of patients with RA. The FLS cultures were stimulated with polyclonal ACPAs (anti-CCP-2 antibodies) purified from the peripheral blood of patients with RA or with monoclonal ACPAs derived from single synovial fluid B cells. We analysed how ACPAs modulate FLS by measuring cell adhesion and mobility as well as cytokine production. Expression of protein arginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes and protein citrullination were analysed by immunofluorescence, and signal transduction was studied using immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Challenge of FLS by starvation-induced stress or by exposure to the chemokine interleukin-8 was essential to sensitise the cells to ACPAs. These challenges led to an increased PAD expression and protein citrullination and an ACPA-mediated induction of FLS migration through a mechanism involving phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation. Inhibition of the PAD enzymes or competition with soluble citrullinated proteins or peptides completely abolished the ACPA-induced FLS migration. Different monoclonal ACPAs triggered distinct cellular effects in either fibroblasts or osteoclasts, suggesting unique roles for individual ACPA clones in disease pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

We propose that transient synovial insults in the presence of a certain pre-existing ACPA repertoire might result in an ACPA-mediated increase of FLS migration.

A multiscale in silico model of endothelial to mesenchymal transformation in a tumor microenvironment

Endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) is a process in which endothelial cells gain a mesenchymal-like phenotype in response to mechanobiological signals that results in the remodeling or repair of underlying tissue. While initially associated with embryonic development, this process has since been shown to occur in adult tissue remodeling including wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer. In an attempt to understand the role of EndMT in cancer progression and metastasis, we present a multiscale, three-dimensional, in silico model. The model couples tissue level phenomena such as extracellular matrix remodeling, cellular level phenomena such as migration and proliferation, and chemical transport in the tumor microenvironment to mimic in vitro tissue models of the cancer microenvironment. The model is used to study the presence of EndMT-derived activated fibroblasts (EDAFs) and varying substrate stiffness on tumor cell migration and proliferation. The simulations accurately model the behavior of tumor cells under given conditions. The presence of EDAFs and/or an increase in substrate stiffness resulted in an increase in tumor cell activity. This model lays the foundation of further studies of EDAFs in a tumor microenvironment on a cellular and subcellular physiological level.

Low-diluted Phenacetinum disrupted the melanoma cancer cell migration

Dynamic and reciprocal interactions generated by the communication between tumor cells and their matrix microenvironment, play a major role in the progression of a tumor. Indeed, the adhesion of specific sites to matrix components, associated with the repeated and coordinated formation of membrane protrusions, allow tumor cells to move along a determined pathway. Our study analyzed the mechanism of action of low-diluted Phenacetinum on murine cutaneous melanoma process in a fibronectin matrix environment. We demonstrated a reduction of dispersed cell migration, early and for as long as 24 h, by altering the formation of cell protrusions. Moreover, low-diluted Phenacetinum decreased cell stiffness highly on peripheral areas, due to a disruption of actin filaments located just under the plasma membrane. Finally, it modified the structure of the plasma membrane by accumulating large ordered lipid domains and disrupted B16 cell migration by a likely shift in the balance between ordered and disordered lipid phases. Whereas the correlation between the excess of lipid raft and cytoskeleton disrupting is not as yet established, it is clear that low-diluted Phenacetinum acts on the actin cytoskeleton organization, as confirmed by a decrease of cell stiffness affecting ultimately the establishment of an effective migration process.

Ganoderma lucidum Extract Reduces the Motility of Breast Cancer Cells Mediated by the RAC⁻Lamellipodin Axis

Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. The main cause of BC morbidity and mortality is the invasiveness capacity of cancer cells that may lead to metastasis. Here, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE)—a medicinal mushroom with anticancer properties—on BC motility via the Rac/Lamellipodin pathway. GLE treatment effects were tested on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The effects were tested on cell viability, migration and invasion. Pulldowns, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence were used to measure Rac activity and the expression of proteins involved in cell migration and in lamellipodia formation, respectively. As a result, GLE suppressed BC cell viability, migration, and invasion capacity. GLE impaired Rac activity, as well as downregulated Lamellipodin, ENA/VASP, p-FAK (Tyr925), Cdc42, and c-Myc expression. Lamellipodia formation was significantly reduced by GLE. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GLE reduces Rac activity and downregulates signaling molecules involved in lamellipodia formation. These novel findings serve as basis for further studies to elucidate the potential of GLE as a therapeutic agent regulating the Rac/Lamellipodin pathway in BC metastasis.