Role of the light chain of high molecular weight kininogen in adhesion, cell-associated proteolysis and angiogenesis

Secretome profiling of Artemisia absinthium extract-loaded polymeric nanoparticle-treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 revealed perturbation in microtubule assembly and cell migration

Introduction

Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) exhibits anticancer properties by inhibiting proliferation and causing cell death in breast cancer. Targeted drug delivery of A. absinthium nanoformulation using N-isopropyl acrylamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and acrylic acid-based polymeric nanoparticles (NVA-AA NPs) was ensured by utilizing features of the tumor microenvironment, although their mechanism of action involved in cytotoxicity remains unknown.

Methods

The present study employed nano LC-MS/MS to identify differences in secretory protein expression associated with the treatment of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7; MDA-MB-231) by NVA-AA NPs for the determination of affected pathways and easily accessible therapeutic targets. Different bioinformatics tools were used to identify signature differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using survival analysis by GENT2 and correlation analysis between their mRNA expressions and sensitivity toward small-molecule drugs as well as immune cell infiltration by GSCA.

Results

Analysis by GENT2 revealed 22 signature DEPs with the most significant change in their expression regulation, namely, gelsolin, alpha-fetoprotein, complement component C3, C7, histone H2B type 1-K, histone H2A.Z, H2AX, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, heat shock 70 kDa protein 1-like, cytochrome c somatic, GTP-binding nuclear protein Ran, tubulin beta chain, tubulin alpha-1B chain, tubulin alpha-1C chain, phosphoglycerate mutase 1, kininogen 1, carboxypeptidase N catalytic chain, fibulin-1, peroxiredoxins 4, lactate dehydrogenase C, SPARC, and SPARC-like protein 1. Correlation analysis between their mRNA expressions versus immune cell infiltrates showed a positive correlation with antitumor immune response elicited by these NPs as well as a correlation with drug response shown by the GDSC and CTRP drugs in different cancer cells.

Discussion

Our results suggest that NVA-AA NPs were able to invade the tumor microenvironment; transformed the communication network between the cancer cells; affected potential drivers of microtubular integrity, nucleosome assembly, and cell cycle; and eventually caused cell death.

Tumor-Draining Lymph Secretome En Route to the Regional Lymph Node in Breast Cancer Metastasis

BACKGROUND

During metastasis, tumor cells metastasize from primary tumors to distant organs via the circulatory and the lymphatic systems. There is a plethora of information about metastasis through the circulatory system, however not much information is available about the tumor cells dissemination through the lymphatic system or the lymphatic microenvironment that aids in this process in breast cancer metastasis.

PURPOSE

The study designed to examine the tumor-derived secretome in lymph before reaching the draining lymph nodes.

METHODS

Using a microsurgical technique, we have collected the lymph in transit from the primary tumor en route to the regional lymph node in animals with metastatic and non-metastatic mammary carcinoma and healthy controls. The lymph samples were subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis, bioinformatics, and pathway analysis.

RESULTS

The metastatic tumor-draining lymph before its entry into the closest regional lymph node contain 26 proteins with >175-folds in abundance compared to lymph from non-metastatic tumor-bearing animals. Among these proteins were biliverdin reductase B, heat shock protein, coagulation factor XIII, lymphocytes cytosol protein 1, and aldose reductase. These proteins were not identified in the lymph from healthy animals. Pathways analysis revealed that cadherin-mediated endocytosis, acute phase response, junction signaling, gap junction, VEGF singling, and PI3K/AKT singling pathways are overrepresented in the lymph from metastatic tumor-bearing compared to the lymph from non-metastatic tumor-bearing animals. Among the significantly up-regulated proteins in the lymph from metastatic tumor-bearing animals were proteins that identified in exosomes include heat shock protein, enolase 1 alpha, S100, and biliverdin reductase B. One of the proteins significantly down-regulated in lymph from animals with metastasis is Kininogen, a known metastasis inhibitor protein.

CONCLUSION

Proteins and exosomal proteins in lymph draining a metastatic tumor are different from those in lymph draining non-metastatic tumors, and these proteins involved in pathways that regulate tumor cells migration and invasion.

Clotting factors: Clinical biochemistry and their roles as plasma enzymes

The purpose of this review is to describe structure and function of the multiple proteins of the coagulation system and their subcomponent domains. Coagulation is the process by which flowing liquid blood plasma is converted to a soft, viscous gel entrapping the cellular components of blood including red cells and platelets and thereby preventing extravasation of blood. This process is triggered by the minimal proteolysis of plasma fibrinogen. This transforms the latter to sticky fibrin monomers which polymerize into a network. The proteolysis of fibrinogen is a function of the trypsin-like enzyme termed thrombin. Thrombin in turn is activated by a cascade of trypsin-like enzymes that we term coagulation factors. In this review we examine the mechanics of the coagulation cascade with a view to the structure-function relationships of the proteins. We also note that two of the factors have no trypsin like protease domain but are essential cofactors or catalysts for the proteases. This review does not discuss the major role of platelets except to highlight their membrane function with respect to the factors. Coagulation testing is a major part of routine diagnostic clinical pathology. Testing is performed on specimens from individuals either with bleeding or with thrombotic disorders and those on anticoagulant medications. We examine the basic in-vitro laboratory coagulation tests and review the literature comparing the in vitro and in vivo processes. In vitro clinical testing typically utilizes plasma specimens and non-physiological or supraphysiological activators. Because the review focuses on coagulation factor structure, a brief overview of the evolutionary origins of the coagulation system is included.

Release of biologically active kinin peptides, Met-Lys-bradykinin and Leu-Met-Lys-bradykinin from human kininogens by two major secreted aspartic proteases of Candida parapsilosis

In terms of infection incidence, the yeast Candida parapsilosis is the second after Candida albicans as causative agent of candidiases in humans. The major virulence factors of C. parapsilosis are secreted aspartic proteases (SAPPs) which help the pathogen to disseminate, acquire nutrients and dysregulate the mechanisms of innate immunity of the host. In the current work we characterized the action of two major extracellular proteases of C. parapsilosis, SAPP1 and SAPP2, on human kininogens, proteinaceous precursors of vasoactive and proinflammatory bradykinin-related peptides, collectively called the kinins. The kininogens, preferably the form with lower molecular mass, were effectively cleaved by SAPPs, with the release of two uncommon kinins, Met-Lys-bradykinin and Leu-Met-Lys-bradykinin. While optimal at acidic pH (4-5), the kinin release yield was only 2-3-fold lower at neutral pH. These peptides were able to interact with cellular kinin receptors of B2 subtype and to stimulate the human endothelial cells HMEC-1 to increased secretion of proinflammatory interleukins (ILs), IL-1β and IL-6. The analysis of the stability of SAPP-generated kinins in plasma suggested that they are biologically equivalent to bradykinin, the best agonist of B2 receptor subtype and can be quickly converted to des-Arg(9)-bradykinin, the agonist of inflammation-inducible B1 receptors.

Antifungal activities of peptides derived from domain 5 of high-molecular-weight kininogen

In both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients, Candida and Malassezia are causing or triggering clinical manifestations such as cutaneous infections and atopic eczema. The innate immune system provides rapid responses to microbial invaders, without requiring prior stimulation, through a sophisticated system of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). High molecular weight kininogen (HMWK) and components of the contact system have previously been reported to bind to Candida and other pathogens, leading to activation of the contact system. A cutaneous Candida infection is characterized by an accumulation of neutrophils, leading to an inflammatory response and release of enzymatically active substances. In the present study we demonstrate that antifungal peptide fragments are generated through proteolytic degradation of HMWK. The recombinant domain 5 (rD5) of HMWK, D5-derived peptides, as well as hydrophobically modified D5-derived peptides efficiently killed Candida and Malassezia. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of modified peptides was studied at physiological conditions. Binding of a D5-derived peptide, HKH20 (His(479)-His(498)), to the fungal cell membrane was visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Our data disclose a novel antifungal activity of D5-derived peptides and also show that proteolytic cleavage of HMWK results in fragments exerting antifungal activity. Of therapeutic interest is that structurally modified peptides show an enhanced antifungal activity.

Novel protein interactors of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has been implicated in tumor growth and metastasis. The crystal structure of uPAR revealed that the external surface is largely free to interact with a number of proteins. Additionally, due to absence of an intracellular cytoplasmic protein domain, many of the biological functions of uPAR necessitate interactions with other proteins. Here, we used yeast two-hybrid screening of breast cancer cDNA library to identify hSpry1 and HAX1 proteins as putative candidate proteins that interact with uPAR bait constructs. Interaction between these two candidates and uPAR was confirmed by GST-pull down, co-immunoprecipitation assays and confocal microscopy. These novel interactions that have been identified may also provide further evidence that uPAR can interact with a number of other proteins which may influence a range of biological functions.

Regulatory effects of ferritin on angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the synthesis of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels, plays a critical role in normal wound healing and tumor growth. HKa (cleaved high molecular weight kininogen) is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis formed by the cleavage of kininogen on endothelial cells. Ferritin is a protein principally known for its central role in iron storage. Here, we demonstrate that ferritin binds to HKa with high affinity (K(d) 13 nM). Further, ferritin antagonizes the antiangiogenic effects of HKa, enhancing the migration, assembly, and survival of HKa-treated endothelial cells. Effects of ferritin were independent of its iron content. Peptide mapping revealed that ferritin binds to a 22-aa subdomain of HKa that is critical to its antiangiogenic activity. In vivo, ferritin opposed HKa's antiangiogenic effects in a human prostate cancer xenograft, restoring tumor-dependent vessel growth. Ferritin-mediated regulation of angiogenesis represents a new angiogenic regulatory pathway, and identifies a new role for ferritin in cell biology.

The Tissue Kallikrein Family of Serine Proteases: Functional Roles in Human Disease and Potential as Clinical Biomarkers

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) or human kallikrein 3 (hK3) has long been an effective biomarker for prostate cancer. Now, other members of the tissue kallikrein (KLK) gene family are fast becoming of clinical interest due to their potential as prognostic biomarkers. particularly for hormone dependent cancers. The tissue kallikreins are serine proteases that are encoded by highly conserved multi-gene family clusters in rodents and humans. The rat and mouse loci contain 10 and 25 functional genes, respectively, while the human locus at 19q 13.4 contains 15 genes. The structural organization and size of these genes are similar across species; all genes have 5 coding exons that encode a prepro-enzyme. Although the physiological activators of these zymogens have not been described, in vitro biochemical studies show that some kallikreins can auto-activate and others can activate each other, suggesting that the kallikreins may participate in an enzymatic cascade similar to that of the coagulation cascade. These genes are expressed, to varying degrees, in a wide range of tissues suggesting a functional involvement in a diverse range of physiological and pathophysiological processes. These include roles in normal skin desquamation and psoriatic lesions, tooth development, neural plasticity, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Of particular interest is the expression of many kallikreins in prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers where they are emerging as useful prognostic indicators of disease progression.

Worsening fluid retention in a patient with hereditary angioedema and end-stage renal disease

A 60-year-old woman who was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema (HAE) developed nephrotic syndrome, with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurring about 2.5 years later. During her slide toward ESRD, she experienced three severe episodes of angioedema that each resulted in significant fluid retention. Though the therapeutic administration of C1-inhibitor concentrate was effective in controlling her angioedema, seemed ineffective in preventing her from developing ESRD requiring hemodialysis treatment. We theorized that the patient's low colloid osmolality and glomerular perfusion were important facilitators of her attacks of angioedema.

Identification of a novel maturation mechanism and restricted substrate specificity for the SspB cysteine protease of Staphylococcus aureus

The SspB cysteine protease of Staphylococcus aureus is expressed in an operon, flanked by the sspA serine protease, and sspC, encoding a 12.9-kDa protein of unknown function. SspB was expressed as a 40-kDa prepropeptide pSspB, which did not undergo autocatalytic maturation. Activity of pSspB was reduced compared with 22-kDa mature SspB, but it was equivalent to mature SspB after incubation with SspA, which specifically removed the pSspB N-terminal propeptide. SspC abrogated the activity of pSspB when incubated in a 1:1 complex but had no effect on SspA or papain. Activity of the pSspB.SspC complex was restored when incubated with SspA, and SspC was cleaved by SspA but not pSspB. Thus, SspC maintains pSspB as an inert zymogen, and SspA is required for removal of the propeptide and inactivation of SspC. Like the papain protease family, SspB cleaved substrates with a hydrophobic amino acid at P2 but had a strong preference for arginine at P1. It did not cleave casein, serum albumin, IgG, or IgA, but it promoted detachment of cultured keratinocytes and cleaved fibronectin and fibrinogen at sites recognized by urokinase plasminogen activator and plasmin, respectively. It also processed high molecular weight kininogen in a manner resembling plasma kallikrein. Thus, SspB exhibits a novel maturation mechanism and mimics the specificity of plasma serine proteases.

Ferritin binds to light chain of human H-kininogen and inhibits kallikrein-mediated bradykinin release

Ferritin is an iron-storage protein that exists in both intracellular and extracellular compartments. We have previously identified H-kininogen (high-molecular-weight kininogen) as a ferritin-binding protein [Torti and Torti (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 13630-13635]. H-Kininogen is a precursor of the potent pro-inflammatory peptide bradykinin, which is released from H-kininogen following cleavage of H-kininogen by the serine protease kallikrein. In this report, we demonstrate that binding of ferritin to H-kininogen occurs via the modified light chain of H-kininogen, and that ferritin binds preferentially to activated H-kininogen. We further demonstrate that binding of ferritin to H-kininogen retards the proteolytic cleavage of H-kininogen by kallikrein and its subsequent release of bradykinin from H-kininogen. Ferritin does not interfere with the ability of kallikrein to digest a synthetic substrate, suggesting that ferritin specifically impedes the ability of kallikrein to digest H-kininogen, perhaps by steric hindrance. Based on these results, we propose a model of sequential H-kininogen cleavage and ferritin binding. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the binding of ferritin to H-kininogen may serve to modulate bradykinin release.

Inhibition of vitronectin-mediated haptotaxis and haptoinvasion of MG-63 cells by domain 5 (D5(H)) of human high-molecular-weight kininogen and identification of a minimal amino acid sequence

We found that human kinin-free high-molecular-weight kininogen (kf-HK) significantly inhibited vitronectin-mediated migration (haptotaxis) and invasive potentiation (haptoinvasion) of osteosarcoma (MG-63) cells but that HK, LK, the common heavy chain of HK and LK, and the light chain (D6(H)) of HK had no inhibitory effect. Recombinant GST-D5(H) (histidine-rich region of HK) obtained from Escherichia coli. (BL21) also inhibited both haptotaxis and haptoinvasion to about 30% of the control level in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that a specific region of D5(H) is responsible for the inhibition of cell haptotaxis and haptoinvasion. Among the seven synthetic peptides covering D5(H), peptide H(479)KHGHGHGKHKNKGK(493) (P-5) inhibited both haptotaxis and haptoinvasion in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that P-5 could possibly be utilized to prevent primary and secondary metastases of tumor cells.