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Qu N, Meng Y, Zhai J, Griffin N, Shan Y, Gao Y, Shan F. Methionine enkephalin inhibited cervical cancer migration as well as invasion and activated CD11b + NCR1 + NKs of tumor microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110967. [PMID: 37741126 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
This study was to study the role of methionine enkephalin (menk) in cell invasion and migration as well as NK cells activation of tumor microenvironment in cervical cancer. The results showed that menk inhibited cervical cancer migration and invasion. In addition, we found menk affected epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) related indicators, with increasing E-cadherin level, decreasing N-cadherin and vimentin level. Through in vivo mouse model, we found that menk IFNγ and NKP46 expression was upregulated in tumor tissues by menk compared with controls, while LAG3 expression was inhibited by menk, besides, there was an upregulation of CD11b+ NCR1+ NKs of tumor microenvironment in cervical cancer. Therefore, we concluded that menk inhibited cancer migration and invasion via affecting EMT related indicators and activated CD11b+ NCR1+ NKs of tumor microenvironment in cervical cancer, laying a theoretical foundation for the further clinical treatment of menk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy Ward, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital), No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yiming Meng
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital), No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jingbo Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China
| | - Noreen Griffin
- Biostax Inc. 1317 Edgewater Dr., Ste 4882, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Yuanye Shan
- Biostax Inc. 1317 Edgewater Dr., Ste 4882, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Yuhua Gao
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy Ward, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital), No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
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2
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Crystallographic mining of ASK1 regulators to unravel the intricate PPI interfaces for the discovery of small molecule. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:3734-3754. [PMID: 35891784 PMCID: PMC9294202 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein seldom performs biological activities in isolation. Understanding the protein–protein interactions’ physical rewiring in response to pathological conditions or pathogen infection can help advance our comprehension of disease etiology, progression, and pathogenesis, which allow us to explore the alternate route to control the regulation of key target interactions, timely and effectively. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is now a global public health problem exacerbated due to the lack of appropriate treatments. The most advanced anti-NASH lead compound (selonsertib) is withdrawn, though it is able to inhibit its target Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) completely, indicating the necessity to explore alternate routes rather than complete inhibition. Understanding the interaction fingerprints of endogenous regulators at the molecular level that underpin disease formation and progression may spur the rationale of designing therapeutic strategies. Based on our analysis and thorough literature survey of the various key regulators and PTMs, the current review emphasizes PPI-based drug discovery’s relevance for NASH conditions. The lack of structural detail (interface sites) of ASK1 and its regulators makes it challenging to characterize the PPI interfaces. This review summarizes key regulators interaction fingerprinting of ASK1, which can be explored further to restore the homeostasis from its hyperactive states for therapeutics intervention against NASH.
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Key Words
- ASK1
- ASK1, Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1
- CFLAR, CASP8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator
- CREG, Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes
- DKK3, Dickkopf-related protein 3
- Interaction fingerprint
- NAFLD, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH
- NASH, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- PPI, Protein-protein interaction
- PTM, Post-trancriptional modification
- PTMs
- Protein-protein interaction
- TNFAIP3, TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3
- TRAF2/6, Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor2/6
- TRIM48, Tripartite Motif Containing 48
- TRX, Thioredoxin
- USP9X, Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 9 X-Linked
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DAXX ameliorates metabolic dysfunction in mice with diet-induced obesity by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase-related kinase MPK38/MELK. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 572:164-170. [PMID: 34365141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Death domain-associated protein (DAXX) is involved in the activation of adipocyte apoptosis and is downregulated in response to a high-fat diet (HFD), which implies that the inhibition of adipocyte apoptosis may cause obesity. However, the anti-obesity effects of DAXX in diet-induced obesity (DIO) remain to be characterized. Here, we identified DAXX as an interacting partner of murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38). This interaction was mediated by the C-terminal (amino acids 270-643) domain of MPK38 and the N-terminal (amino acids 1-440) domain of DAXX and was increased by diverse signals that activate ASK1/TGF-β/p53 signaling. MPK38 phosphorylated DAXX at Thr578. Wild-type DAXX, but not a DAXX T578A mutant, stimulated MPK38-dependent ASK1/TGF-β/p53 signaling by increasing the stability of MPK38 and complex formation between MPK38 and its downstream targets, such as ASK1, Smad3, and p53. This mechanism was also shown in MEF cells that were null (-/-) for DAXX. Furthermore, the adenovirally-mediated reinstatement of DAXX expression activated MPK38 and ameliorated diet-induced defects in glucose and lipid metabolism in mice. These results indicate that DAXX limits obesity-induced metabolic abnormalities in DIO mice by activating MPK38.
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Thangaraj K, Ponnusamy L, Natarajan SR, Manoharan R. MELK/MPK38 in cancer: from mechanistic aspects to therapeutic strategies. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2161-2173. [PMID: 33010478 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK)/Murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38) is a member of the AMP-related serine-threonine kinase family, which has been reported to be involved in the regulation of many cellular events, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism, partly by phosphorylation and regulation of several signaling molecules. The abnormal expression of MELK has been associated with tumorigenesis and malignant progression in various types of cancer. Currently, several small-molecule inhibitors of MELK are under investigation although only OTS167 has entered clinical trials. In this review, we elaborate on the relative contributions of MELK pathways in the physiological process, their oncogenic role in carcinogenesis, and targeted agents under development for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Thangaraj
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Lavanya Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Sathan Raj Natarajan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Ravi Manoharan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India.
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5
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Anantha J, Goulding SR, Wyatt SL, Concannon RM, Collins LM, Sullivan AM, O'Keeffe GW. STRAP and NME1 Mediate the Neurite Growth-Promoting Effects of the Neurotrophic Factor GDF5. iScience 2020; 23:101457. [PMID: 32853992 PMCID: PMC7452236 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons and their axons is central to Parkinson's disease (PD). Growth differentiation factor (GDF)5 is a potential neurotrophic factor for PD therapy. However, the molecular mediators of its neurotrophic action are unknown. Our proteomics analysis shows that GDF5 increases the expression of serine threonine receptor-associated protein kinase (STRAP) and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NME)1 in the SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line. GDF5 overexpression increased NME1 expression in adult rat brain in vivo. NME and STRAP mRNAs are expressed in developing and adult rodent midbrain. Expression of both STRAP and NME1 is necessary and sufficient for the promotion of neurite growth in SH-SY5Y cells by GDF5. NME1 treatment increased neurite growth in both SH-SY5Y cells and cultured mDA neurons. Expression patterns of NME and STRAP are altered in PD midbrain. NME1 and STRAP are thus key mediators of GDF5's neurotrophic effects, rationalizing their future study as therapeutic targets for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanth Anantha
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Susan R. Goulding
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sean L. Wyatt
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ruth M. Concannon
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise M. Collins
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aideen M. Sullivan
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland
- Cork Neuroscience Centre, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard W. O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland
- Cork Neuroscience Centre, UCC, Cork, Ireland
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6
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SIRT7 Deacetylates STRAP to Regulate p53 Activity and Stability. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114122. [PMID: 32527012 PMCID: PMC7312009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP) functions as a regulator of both TGF-β and p53 signaling that participates in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell death in response to various stresses. Here, we demonstrate that STRAP acetylation plays an important role in p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. STRAP is acetylated at lysines 147, 148, and 156 by the acetyltransferases CREB-binding protein (CBP) and that the acetylation is reversed by the deacetylase sirtuin7 (SIRT7). Hypo- or hyperacetylation mutations of STRAP at lysines 147, 148, and 156 (3KR or 3KQ) influence its activation and stabilization of p53. Moreover, following 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment, STRAP is mobilized from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and promotes STRAP acetylation. Our finding on the regulation of STRAP links p53 with SIRT7 influencing p53 activity and stability.
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7
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Zhang X, Min X, Zhu A, Kim KM. A novel molecular mechanism involved in the crosstalks between homologous and PKC-mediated heterologous regulatory pathway of dopamine D2 receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 174:113791. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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8
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Thr55 phosphorylation of p21 by MPK38/MELK ameliorates defects in glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism in diet-induced obese mice. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:380. [PMID: 31097688 PMCID: PMC6522503 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1616-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38)/maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related kinase, has previously been shown to interact with p53 and to stimulate downstream signaling. p21, a downstream target of p53, is also known to be involved in adipocyte and obesity metabolism. However, little is known about the mechanism by which p21 mediates obesity-associated metabolic adaptation. Here, we identify MPK38 as an interacting partner of p21. p21 and MPK38 interacted through the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) binding region of p21 and the C-terminal domain of MPK38. MPK38 potentiated p21-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a kinase-dependent manner by inhibiting assembly of CDK2-cyclin E and CDK4-cyclin D complexes via induction of CDK2-p21 and CDK4-p21 complex formation and reductions in complex formation between p21 and its negative regulator mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), leading to p21 stabilization. MPK38 phosphorylated p21 at Thr55, stimulating its nuclear translocation, which resulted in greater association of p21 with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), preventing the PPARγ transactivation required for adipogenesis. Furthermore, restoration of p21 expression by adenoviral delivery in diet-induced obese mice ameliorated obesity-induced metabolic abnormalities in a MPK38 phosphorylation-dependent manner. These results suggest that MPK38 functions as a positive regulator of p21, regulating apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and metabolism during obesity.
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9
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Wang W, Li S, Liu P, Sideras K, van de Werken HJG, van der Heide M, Cao W, Lavrijsen M, Peppelenbosch MP, Bruno M, Pan Q, Smits R. Oncogenic STRAP Supports Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Enhancing Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 17:521-531. [PMID: 30257989 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in the onset and development of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), with about half of them acquiring mutations in either CTNNB1 or AXIN1. The serine/threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), a scaffold protein, was recently shown to facilitate the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancers. However, the function of STRAP in HCC remains completely unknown. Here, increased levels of STRAP were observed in human and mouse HCCs. RNA sequencing of STRAP knockout clones generated by gene editing of Huh6 and Huh7 HCC cells revealed a significant reduction in expression of various metabolic and cell-cycle-related transcripts, in line with their general slower growth observed during culture. Importantly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was impaired in all STRAP knockout/down cell lines tested, regardless of the underlying CTNNB1 or AXIN1 mutation. In accordance with β-catenin's role in (cancer) stem cell maintenance, the expressions of various stem cell markers, such as AXIN2 and LGR5, were reduced and concomitantly differentiation-associated genes were increased. Together, these results show that the increased STRAP protein levels observed in HCC provide growth advantage among others by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These observations also identify STRAP as a new player in regulating β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular cancers. IMPLICATIONS: Elevated STRAP levels in hepatocellular cancers provide a growth advantage by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pengyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kostandinos Sideras
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harmen J G van de Werken
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Cancer Computational Biology Center, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke van der Heide
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wanlu Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Conti A, Luchini A, Benassi MS, Magagnoli G, Pierini M, Piccinni-Leopardi M, Quattrini I, Pollino S, Picci P, Liotta LA, Pazzaglia L. Circulating Candidate Biomarkers in Giant Cell Tumors of Bone. Proteomics Clin Appl 2018; 12:e1800041. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.201800041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Conti
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
| | - Alessandra Luchini
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine; George Mason University; Manassas VA USA
| | - Maria Serena Benassi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
| | - Giovanna Magagnoli
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
| | - Michela Pierini
- Chemotherapy Unit; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
| | | | - Irene Quattrini
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
| | - Serena Pollino
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
| | - Piero Picci
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
| | - Lance A. Liotta
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine; George Mason University; Manassas VA USA
| | - Laura Pazzaglia
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory; IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute; Bologna Italy
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Gong X, Chen Z, Han Q, Chen C, Jing L, Liu Y, Zhao L, Yao X, Sun X. Sanguinarine triggers intrinsic apoptosis to suppress colorectal cancer growth through disassociation between STRAP and MELK. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:578. [PMID: 29783958 PMCID: PMC5963096 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4463-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies showed sanguinarine induced apoptosis in CRC cells but did not define the underlying mechanisms. The purpose of this work was to determine the in vivo and in vitro effects of sanguinarine on CRC tumors and to elucidate the mechanism in regulating the intrinsic apoptosis. Methods Cell viability of CRC cell lines treated with sanguinarine was measured by MTT assay. Apoptotic cells stained with Annexin V and 7-AAD were detected by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by JC-1 and DCFH-DA staining, respectively. The in vitro kinase activity of MELK was analyzed by using HTRF® KinEASE™-STK kit. The expression of proteins were determined using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorecence were used to study the interaction between STRAP and MELK. The anti-neoplastic effect of sanguinarine was observed in vivo in an orthotopic CRC model. Results Sanguinarine decreased the tumor size in a dose-dependent manner in orthotopical colorectal carcinomas through intrinsic apoptosis pathway in BALB/c-nu mice. It significantly increased cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP in implanted colorectal tissues. Sanguinarine increased mitochondrial ROS and triggered mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization in multiple colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. NAC pretreatment lowered ROS level and downregulated apoptosis induced by sanguinarine. The intrinsic apoptosis induced by sanguinarine was Bax-dependent. The elevated expression and association between serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP) and maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) were observed in Bax positive cells but not in Bax negative cells. Sanguinarine dephosphorylated STRAP and MELK and disrupted the association between them in HCT116 and SW480 cells. The expression and association between STRAP and MELK were also attenuated by sanguinarine in the tumor tissues. Importantly, we found that STRAP and MELK were overexpressed and highly phosphorylated in colorectal adenocarcinomas and their expression were significantly correlated with tumor stages. Furthermore, the expression of MELK, but not STRAP, was associated with lymph node metastasis. Conclusions Sanguinarine dephosphorelates STRAP and MELK and disassociates the interaction between them to trigger intrinsic apoptosis. Overexpression of STRAP and MELK may be markers of CRC and their disassociation may be a determinant of therapeutic efficacy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4463-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianling Gong
- The key laboratory of molecular biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, (510515), China.,School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong, Dongguan, (523808), China
| | - Zhihong Chen
- School of pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong, Dongguan, (523808), China
| | - Qinrui Han
- The key laboratory of molecular biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, (510515), China
| | - Chunhui Chen
- The key laboratory of molecular biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, (510515), China
| | - Linlin Jing
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, (510315), China
| | - Yawei Liu
- Nanfang hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, (510515), China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Nanfang hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, (510515), China
| | - Xueqing Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangzhou, (510120), China.
| | - Xuegang Sun
- The key laboratory of molecular biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, (510515), China. .,Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, (510315), China.
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12
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Smad proteins differentially regulate obesity-induced glucose and lipid abnormalities and inflammation via class-specific control of AMPK-related kinase MPK38/MELK activity. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:471. [PMID: 29700281 PMCID: PMC5920110 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Smad proteins have been implicated in metabolic processes, but little is known about how they regulate metabolism. Because Smad 2, 3, 4, and 7 have previously been shown to interact with murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38), an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related kinase that has been implicated in obesity-associated metabolic defects, we investigated whether Smad proteins regulate metabolic processes via MPK38. Smads2/3/4 increased, but Smad7 decreased, MPK38-mediated apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1)/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/p53 signaling. However, MPK38-mediated phosphorylation-defective Smad mutants (Smad2 S245A, Smad3 S204A, Smad4 S343A, and Smad7 T96A) had no such effect. In addition, Smads2/3/4 increased, but Smad7 decreased, the stability of MPK38. Consistent with this, Smads2/3/4 attenuated complex formation between MPK38 and its negative regulator thioredoxin (Trx), whereas Smad7 increased this complex formation. However, an opposite effect was observed on complex formation between MPK38 and its positive regulator zinc-finger-like protein 9 (ZPR9). When Smads were overexpressed in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice using an adenoviral delivery system, Smads2/3/4 improved, but Smad7 worsened, obesity-associated metabolic parameters and inflammation in a MPK38 phosphorylation-dependent manner. These findings suggest that Smad proteins have class-specific impacts on obesity-associated metabolism by differentially regulating MPK38 activity in diet-induced obese mice.
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Dual Roles of Serine-Threonine Kinase Receptor-Associated Protein (STRAP) in Redox-Sensitive Signaling Pathways Related to Cancer Development. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:5241524. [PMID: 29849900 PMCID: PMC5933018 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5241524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP) is a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) receptor-interacting protein that has been implicated in both cell proliferation and cell death in response to various stresses. However, the precise roles of STRAP in these cellular processes are still unclear. The mechanisms by which STRAP controls both cell proliferation and cell death are now beginning to be unraveled. In addition to its biological roles, this review also focuses on the dual functions of STRAP in cancers displaying redox dysregulation, where it can behave as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene (i.e., it can either inhibit or promote tumor formation), depending on the cellular context. Further studies are needed to define the functions of STRAP and the redox-sensitive intracellular signaling pathways that enhance either cell proliferation or cell death in human cancer tissues, which may help in the development of effective treatments for cancer.
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14
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Wu Q, Yu S, Chen J, Li Y, Gao Y. Downregulation of STRAP promotes tumor growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma via reducing PTEN level. IUBMB Life 2017; 70:120-128. [PMID: 29283497 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP) has been implicated in multiple human cancers. However, its expression and function are currently unclear and controversial in different tissue types. In the present study, we report that aberrant downregulation of STRAP in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) facilitated tumor cell growth and metastasis in a phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN)-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results indicated that STRAP was frequently downregulated in HCC samples. Functionally, knockdown of STRAP by RNA inference in HCC cells promoted proliferation and migration in vitro and tumorigenicity and lung metastasis in vivo. Through detecting the expression of some tumor-related genes using western blot analysis, we found the tumor suppressor PTEN was decreased upon STRAP silencing. Further analyses demonstrated that silenced STRAP led to PTEN protein degradation. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that STRAP expression was closely associated with PTEN expression in 30 cases of HCC samples. These findings strongly suggest that STRAP plays an inhibitory role in HCC via regulating PTEN expression and could be a potential therapeutic target for this disease. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 70(2):120-128, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijun Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingde Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yandong Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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Khan MR, Xiang S, Song Z, Wu M. The p53-inducible long noncoding RNA TRINGS protects cancer cells from necrosis under glucose starvation. EMBO J 2017; 36:3483-3500. [PMID: 29046333 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201696239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 is activated in response to cellular stress to prevent malignant transformation. However, several recent studies have shown that p53 can play protective roles in tumor cell survival under adversity. Whether p53-regulated long noncoding RNAs are involved in this process remains to be fully understood. Here, we show that under glucose starvation condition, p53 directly upregulates a novel lncRNA named TRINGS (Tp53-regulated inhibitor of necrosis under glucose starvation) in human tumor cells. TRINGS binds to STRAP and inhibits STRAP-GSK3β-NF-κB necrotic signaling to protect tumor cells from cell death. Interestingly, TRINGS appears to respond to glucose starvation specifically, as it is not activated by serum, serine, or glutamine deprivation. Collectively, our findings reveal that p53-induced lncRNA TRINGS controls the necrotic pathway and contributes to the survival of cancer cells harboring wild-type p53 under glucose stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Riaz Khan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, CAS Center for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shaoxun Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, CAS Center for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiyin Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mian Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, CAS Center for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China .,Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
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16
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Huh HD, Lee E, Shin J, Park B, Lee S. STRAP positively regulates TLR3-triggered signaling pathway. Cell Immunol 2017; 318:55-60. [PMID: 28651742 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling drives the innate immune response by activating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor (IRF). We have previously shown that STRAP interacts with TAK1 and IKKα along with NF-κB subunit p65, leading to the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the roles of STRAP in TRIF/TBK1-mediated TLR3 activation and the subsequent type I interferon (IFN) production are not fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that STRAP acts as a scaffold protein in TLR3-triggered signaling. STRAP strongly interacts with TBK1 and IRF3, which enhances IFN-β production. As a consequence, STRAP knockdown reduces the level of both pro-inflammatory cytokine and IFN in TLR3 agonist-stimulated macrophages, whereas its overexpression significantly enhances production of these cytokines. Furthermore, the C-terminus of STRAP is essential for its functional activity in TLR3-mediated IL-6 and IFN-β production. These data suggest that STRAP is a positive regulator of the TLR3-meditated NF-κB and IRF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin D Huh
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Eunhye Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - Boyoun Park
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
| | - Sungwook Lee
- Cancer Immunology Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, South Korea.
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17
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Nishida T, Hattori K, Watanabe K. The regulatory and signaling mechanisms of the ASK family. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 66:2-22. [PMID: 28669716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) was identified as a MAP3K that activates the JNK and p38 pathways, and subsequent studies have reported ASK2 and ASK3 as members of the ASK family. The ASK family is activated by various intrinsic and extrinsic stresses, including oxidative stress, ER stress and osmotic stress. Numerous lines of evidence have revealed that members of the ASK family are critical for signal transduction systems to control a wide range of stress responses such as cell death, differentiation and cytokine induction. In this review, we focus on the precise signaling mechanisms of the ASK family in response to diverse stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuto Nishida
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Hattori
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kengo Watanabe
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
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18
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Zinc finger protein ZPR9 functions as an activator of AMPK-related serine/threonine kinase MPK38/MELK involved in ASK1/TGF-β/p53 signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42502. [PMID: 28195154 PMCID: PMC5307367 DOI: 10.1038/srep42502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38), an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related kinase, has been implicated in the induction of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-, and p53-mediated activity involved in metabolic homeostasis. Here, zinc finger protein ZPR9 was found to be an activator of MPK38. The association of MPK38 and ZPR9 was mediated by cysteine residues present in each of these two proteins, Cys269 and Cys286 of MPK38 and Cys305 and Cys308 of ZPR9. MPK38 phosphorylated ZPR9 at Thr252. Wild-type ZPR9, but not the ZPR9 mutant T252A, enhanced ASK1, TGF-β, and p53 function by stabilizing MPK38. The requirement of ZPR9 Thr252 phosphorylation was validated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ZPR9 (T252A) knockin cell lines. The knockdown of endogenous ZPR9 showed an opposite trend, resulting in the inhibition of MPK38-dependent ASK1, TGF-β, and p53 function. This effect was also demonstrated in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells that were haploinsufficient (+/-) for ZPR9, NIH 3T3 cells with inducible knockdown of ZPR9, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ZPR9 knockout cells. Furthermore, high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice displayed reduced MPK38 kinase activity and ZPR9 expression compared to that in mice on control chow, suggesting that ZPR9 acts as a physiological activator of MPK38 that may participate in obesity.
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19
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Huh HD, Ra EA, Lee TA, Kang S, Park A, Lee E, Choi JL, Jang E, Lee JE, Lee S, Park B. STRAP Acts as a Scaffolding Protein in Controlling the TLR2/4 Signaling Pathway. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38849. [PMID: 27934954 PMCID: PMC5146969 DOI: 10.1038/srep38849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The WD40-repeat protein serine/threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP) is involved in the regulation of several biological processes, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, in response to various stresses. Here, we show that STRAP is a new scaffold protein that functions in Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated immune responses. STRAP specifically binds transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and IκB kinase alpha (IKKα) along with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65, leading to enhanced association between TAK1, IKKα, and p65, and subsequent facilitation of p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Consequently, the depletion of STRAP severely impairs interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1β production, whereas its overexpression causes a significant increase in the secretion of these pro-inflammatory cytokines by TLR2 or TLR4 agonist-stimulated macrophages. Notably, STRAP translocates to the nucleus and subsequently binds to NF-κB at later times after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, resulting in prolonged IL-6 mRNA production. Moreover, the C-terminal region of STRAP is essential for its functional activity in facilitating IL-6 production. Collectively, these observations suggest that STRAP acts as a scaffold protein that positively contributes to innate host defenses against pathogen infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin D Huh
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun A Ra
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Taeyun A Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sujin Kang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Areum Park
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunhye Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junhee L Choi
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunji Jang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351, South Korea.,Samsung Genome Institute (SGI), Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, South Korea
| | - Sungwook Lee
- National Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10408, South Korea
| | - Boyoun Park
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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20
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Seong HA, Manoharan R, Ha H. Coordinate Activation of Redox-Dependent ASK1/TGF-β Signaling by a Multiprotein Complex (MPK38, ASK1, SMADs, ZPR9, and TRX) Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Mice. Antioxid Redox Signal 2016; 24:434-52. [PMID: 26421442 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2015.6325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the molecular connections between redox-dependent apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathways and to examine the physiological processes in which coordinated regulation of these two signaling pathways plays a critical role. RESULTS We provide evidence that the ASK1 and TGF-β signaling pathways are interconnected by a multiprotein complex harboring murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38), ASK1, Sma- and Mad-related proteins (SMADs), zinc-finger-like protein 9 (ZPR9), and thioredoxin (TRX) and demonstrate that the activation of either ASK1 or TGF-β activity is sufficient to activate both the redox-dependent ASK1 and TGF-β signaling pathways. Physiologically, the restoration of the downregulated activation levels of ASK1 and TGF-β signaling in genetically and diet-induced obese mice by adenoviral delivery of SMAD3 or ZPR9 results in the amelioration of adiposity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and impaired ketogenesis. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the multiprotein complex linking ASK1 and TGF-β signaling pathways may be a potential target for redox-mediated metabolic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-A Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Chungbuk National University , Cheongju, Korea
| | - Ravi Manoharan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Chungbuk National University , Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hyunjung Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Chungbuk National University , Cheongju, Korea
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