A PP1-binding motif present in BRCA1 plays a role in its DNA repair function

Protein serine/threonine phosphatases in tumor microenvironment: a vital player and a promising therapeutic target

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is involved in cancer initiation and progression. With advances in the TME field, numerous therapeutic approaches, such as antiangiogenic treatment and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have been inspired and developed. Nevertheless, the sophisticated regulatory effects on the biological balance of the TME remain unclear. Decoding the pathological features of the TME is urgently needed to understand the tumor ecosystem and develop novel antitumor treatments. Protein serine/threonine phosphatases (PSPs) are responsible for inverse protein phosphorylation processes. Aberrant expression and dysfunction of PSPs disturb cellular homeostasis, reprogram metabolic processes and reshape the immune landscape, thereby contributing to cancer progression. Some therapeutic implications, such as the use of PSPs as targets, have drawn the attention of researchers and clinicians. To date, the effects of PSP inhibitors are less satisfactory in real-world practice. With breakthroughs in sequencing technologies, scientists can decipher TME investigations via multiomics and higher resolution. These benefits provide an opportunity to explore the TME in a more comprehensive manner and inspire more findings concerning PSPs in the TME. The current review starts by introducing the canonical knowledge of PSPs, including their members, structures and posttranslational modifications for activities. We then summarize the functions of PSPs in regulating cellular homeostasis. In particular, we specified the up-to-date roles of PSPs in modulating the immune microenvironment, adopting hypoxia, reprogramming metabolic processes, and responding to extracellular matrix remodeling. Finally, we introduce preclinical PSP inhibitors with translational value and conclude with clinical trials of PSP inhibitors for cancer treatment.

High expression of PPP1CC promotes NHEJ-mediated DNA repair leading to radioresistance and poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit gamma (PPP1CC) promotes DNA repair and tumor development and progression, however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of PPP1CC's involvement in DNA repair and the potential clinical implications. High expression of PPP1CC was significantly correlated with radioresistance and poor prognosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The mechanistic study revealed that PPP1CC bound to Ku70/Ku80 heterodimers and activated DNA-PKcs by promoting DNA-PK holoenzyme formation, which enhanced nonhomologous end junction (NHEJ) -mediated DNA repair and led to radioresistance. Importantly, BRCA1-BRCA2-containing complex subunit 3 (BRCC3) interacted with PPP1CC to enhance its stability by removing the K48-linked polyubiquitin chain at Lys234 to prevent PPP1CC degradation. Therefore, BRCC3 helped the overexpressed PPP1CC to maintain its high protein level, thereby sustaining the elevation of DNA repair capacity and radioresistance. Our study identified the molecular mechanism by which PPP1CC promotes NHEJ-mediated DNA repair and radioresistance, suggesting that the BRCC3-PPP1CC-Ku70 axis is a potential therapeutic target to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Proteins from the DNA Damage Response: Regulation, Dysfunction, and Anticancer Strategies

Cells respond to genotoxic stress through a series of complex protein pathways called DNA damage response (DDR). These monitoring mechanisms ensure the maintenance and the transfer of a correct genome to daughter cells through a selection of DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and programmed cell death processes. Canonical or non-canonical DDRs are highly organized and controlled to play crucial roles in genome stability and diversity. When altered or mutated, the proteins in these complex networks lead to many diseases that share common features, and to tumor formation. In recent years, technological advances have made it possible to benefit from the principles and mechanisms of DDR to target and eliminate cancer cells. These new types of treatments are adapted to the different types of tumor sensitivity and could benefit from a combination of therapies to ensure maximal efficiency.

Protein phosphatase 1 in tumorigenesis: is it worth a closer look?

Cancer cells take advantage of signaling cascades to meet their requirements for sustained growth and survival. Cell signaling is tightly controlled by reversible protein phosphorylation mechanisms, which require the counterbalanced action of protein kinases and protein phosphatases. Imbalances on this system are associated with cancer development and progression. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is one of the most relevant protein phosphatases in eukaryotic cells. Despite the widely recognized involvement of PP1 in key biological processes, both in health and disease, its relevance in cancer has been largely neglected. Here, we provide compelling evidence that support major roles for PP1 in tumorigenesis.

Cell Cycle and DNA Repair Regulation in the Damage Response: Protein Phosphatases Take Over the Reins

Cells are constantly suffering genotoxic stresses that affect the integrity of our genetic material. Genotoxic insults must be repaired to avoid the loss or inappropriate transmission of the genetic information, a situation that could lead to the appearance of developmental abnormalities and tumorigenesis. To combat this threat, eukaryotic cells have evolved a set of sophisticated molecular mechanisms that are collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR). This surveillance system controls several aspects of the cellular response, including the detection of lesions, a temporary cell cycle arrest, and the repair of the broken DNA. While the regulation of the DDR by numerous kinases has been well documented over the last decade, the complex roles of protein dephosphorylation have only recently begun to be investigated. Here, we review recent progress in the characterization of DDR-related protein phosphatases during the response to a DNA lesion, focusing mainly on their ability to modulate the DNA damage checkpoint and the repair of the damaged DNA. We also discuss their protein composition and structure, target specificity, and biochemical regulation along the different stages encompassed in the DDR. The compilation of this information will allow us to better comprehend the physiological significance of protein dephosphorylation in the maintenance of genome integrity and cell viability in response to genotoxic stress.

The Combination of MK-2206 and WZB117 Exerts a Synergistic Cytotoxic Effect Against Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is usually subjected to hormone therapy, while triple-negative breast cancer is more formidable and poses a therapeutic challenge. Glucose transporters are potential targets for the development of anticancer drugs. In search of anticancer agents whose effect could be enhanced by a GLUT1 inhibitor WZB117, we found that MK-2206, a potent allosteric Akt inhibitor, when combined with WZB117, showed a synergistic effect on growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in breast cancer cells, including ER(+) MCF-7 cells and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. The combination index values at 50% growth inhibition were 0.45 and 0.21, respectively. Mechanism studies revealed that MK-2206 and WZB117 exert a synergistic cytotoxic effect in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation and inducing DNA damage. The combination may also compromise DNA damage repair and ultimately lead to apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the combination of Akt inhibitors and GLUT1 inhibitors could be a novel strategy to combat breast cancer.

Phosphatases and solid tumors: focus on glioblastoma initiation, progression and recurrences

Phosphatases and cancer have been related for many years now, as these enzymes regulate key cellular functions, including cell survival, migration, differentiation and proliferation. Dysfunctions or mutations affecting these enzymes have been demonstrated to be key factors for oncogenesis. The aim of this review is to shed light on the role of four different phosphatases (PTEN, PP2A, CDC25 and DUSP1) in five different solid tumors (breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer), in order to better understand the most frequent and aggressive primary cancer of the central nervous system, glioblastoma.

BRCA1 affects protein phosphatase 6 signalling through its interaction with ANKRD28

The tumour suppressor BRCA1 (breast and ovarian cancer-susceptibility gene 1) is implicated in several nuclear processes including DNA repair, transcription regulation and chromatin remodelling. BRCA1 also has some cytoplasmic functions including a pro-apoptotic activity. We identified ANKRD28 (ankyrin repeat domain 28) as a novel BRCA1-interacting protein in a yeast two-hybrid screen and confirmed this interaction by reciprocal immunoprecipitations of the two overexpressed proteins. Endogenous interaction between BRCA1 and ANKRD28 was also observed by co-immunoprecipitation and located in the cytoplasm by proximity ligation assay. The main site of interaction of ANKRD28 on BRCA1 is located in its intrinsically disordered scaffold central region. Whereas ANKRD28 silencing results in a destabilization of IκBε (inhibitor of nuclear factor κBε) through its activation of PP6 (protein phosphatase 6) co-regulator upon TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) stimulation, BRCA1 overexpression stabilizes IκBε. A truncated form of BRCA1 that does not interact with ANKRD28 has no such effect. Our findings suggest that BRCA1 is a novel modulator of PP6 signalling via its interaction with ANKRD28. This new cytoplasmic process might participate in BRCA1 tumour-suppressor function.

Protein phosphatase 1 catalytic isoforms: specificity toward interacting proteins

The coordinated and reciprocal action of serine-threonine protein kinases and protein phosphatases produces transitory phosphorylation, a fundamental regulatory mechanism for many biological processes. Phosphoprotein phosphatase 1 (PPP1), a major serine-threonine phosphatase, in particular, is ubiquitously distributed and regulates a broad range of cellular functions, including glycogen metabolism, cell cycle progression, and muscle relaxation. PPP1 has evolved effective catalytic machinery but in vitro lacks substrate specificity. In vivo, its specificity is achieved not only by the existence of different PPP1 catalytic isoforms, but also by binding of the catalytic moiety to a large number of regulatory or targeting subunits. Here, we will address exhaustively the existence of diverse PPP1 catalytic isoforms and the relevance of their specific partners and consequent functions.

The Akt inhibitor MK-2206 enhances the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel (Taxol) and cisplatin in ovarian cancer cells

Abnormalities in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway are commonly observed in human cancers and contribute to chemotherapy resistance. Combination therapy, involving the use of molecular targeted agents and traditional cytotoxic drugs, may represent a promising strategy to lower resistance and enhance cytotoxicity. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of an Akt inhibitor, MK-2206, in increasing the cytotoxic effect of either paclitaxel (Taxol) or cisplatin against the ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 (with constitutively active Akt) and ES2 (with inactive Akt). Sequential treatment of Taxol or cisplatin, followed by MK-2206, induced a synergistic inhibition of cell proliferation and effectively promoted cell death, either by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream effectors 4E-BP1 and p70S6K in SKOV3 cells or by restoring p53 levels, which were downregulated after Taxol or cisplatin treatment, in ES2 cells. Combination treatment also downregulated the pro-survival protein Bcl-2 in both SKOV3 and ES2 cells, which may have contributed to cell death. In addition, we discovered that Taxol/MK-2206 or cisplatin/MK-2206 combination treatment resulted in significant enhancement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by MK-2206, in both SKOV3 and ES2 cells; however, MK-2206-induced growth inhibition was reversed by a ROS scavenger only in ES2 cells. MK-2206 also suppressed DNA repair, particularly in SKOV3 cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 enhances the efficacy of cytotoxic agents in both Akt-active and Akt-inactive ovarian cancer cells but through different mechanisms.

The K898E germline variant in the PP1-binding motif of BRCA1 causes defects in DNA Repair

BRCA1 is a phosphoprotein involved in many biological processes, including transcription, ubiquitination, checkpoint control, homologous recombination, and DNA repair. We have demonstrated that protein phosphatase 1α (PP1α) interacts with BRCA1 via a PP1-binding motif ⁸⁹⁸KVTF⁹⁰¹, and can dephosphorylate multiple serine residues phosphorylated by checkpoint kinases. A K898E germline missense variant in the PP1-binding motif of BRCA1 has been found in an Ashkenazi patient and a non-Ashkenazi Argentinean patient with breast and ovarian cancer, but its clinical significance is still unknown. Here we report that the lysine residue in the PP1-binding motif of BRCA1 is highly conserved across many mammalian species. The K898E mutation interferes with the interaction between BRCA1 and PP1α. Moreover, while the expression of wild-type BRCA1 in Brca1-deficient cells improved cell survival after DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR), expression of BRCA1 K898E proved unable to enhance cell survival. DNA damage repair mechanisms remained defective in these BRCA1 K898E-reconstituted cells, as revealed by the comet assay and IR-induced Rad51 foci formation assay. These results reflect the significance of the interaction between BRCA1 and PP1, and indicate that the K898E variant may render carriers susceptible to DNA damage and malignant transformation.

What goes on must come off: phosphatases gate-crash the DNA damage response

DNA-damage-induced phospho-signaling has been studied for decades, with a focus mainly on initiation of the signaling cascade, and the kinases activated by DNA lesions. It is widely accepted that the balance of phosphorylation needs to be restored and/or maintained by phosphatases, yet there have only been sporadic efforts to investigate the impact of phosphatases on DNA repair. Recent advances in phosphoproteomic strategies and implementation of large genetic screens indicate that these enzymes play pivotal roles in these signaling networks. Dephosphorylation of repair proteins is crucial for efficient DNA repair, and the recommencement of cell division post-repair. Here, we focus on serine/threonine phosphatases implicated in dephosphorylation of DNA repair factors, summarizing recent findings and speculating on untested roles of phosphatases in the DNA damage response.

Phosphatases in the cellular response to DNA damage

In the last fifteen years, rapid progress has been made in delineating the cellular response to DNA damage. The DNA damage response network is composed of a large number of proteins with different functions that detect and signal the presence of DNA damage in order to coordinate DNA repair with a variety of cellular processes, notably cell cycle progression. This signal, which radiates from the chromatin template, is driven primarily by phosphorylation events, mainly on serine and threonine residues. While we have accumulated detailed information about kinases and their substrates our understanding of the role of phosphatases in the DNA damage response is still preliminary. Identifying the phosphatases and their regulation will be instrumental to obtain a complete picture of the dynamics of the DNA damage response. Here we give an overview of the DNA damage response in mammalian cells and then review the data on the role of different phosphatases and discuss their biological relevance.

BRCA1 affects global DNA methylation through regulation of DNMT1

Global DNA hypomethylation at CpG islands coupled with local hypermethylation is a hallmark for breast cancer, yet the mechanism underlying this change remains elusive. In this study, we showed that DNMT1, which encodes a methylation maintenance enzyme, is a transcriptional target of BRCA1. BRCA1 binds to the promoter of the DNMT1 gene through a potential OCT1 site and the binding is required for maintaining a transcriptional active configuration of the promoter in both mouse and human cells. We further demonstrated that impaired function of BRCA1 leads to global DNA hypomethylation, loss of genomic imprinting, and an open chromatin configuration in several types of tissues examined in a BRCA1 mutant mouse model at premaligant stages. BRCA1 deficiency is also associated with significantly increased expression levels of several protooncogenes, including c-Fos, Ha-Ras, and c-Myc, with a higher expression in tumors, while premalignant mammary epithelial cells displayed an intermediate state between tumors and controls. In human clinical samples, reduced expression of BRCA1 correlates with decreased levels of DNMT1, and reduced methylation of CpG islands. Thus, BRCA1 prevents global DNA hypomethylation through positively regulating DNMT1 expression, and this provides one of mechanisms for BRCA1-associated breast cancer formation.

SUMOylation of the transcriptional co-repressor KAP1 is regulated by the serine and threonine phosphatase PP1

Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain-associated protein 1 [KAP1, also known as transcription intermediary factor-1beta (TIF1beta)] is a ubiquitous transcriptional co-repressor that is susceptible to phosphorylation at Ser(824) by ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and to modification by small ubiquitin-like modifying (SUMO) proteins. Here, we found that, whereas the protein phosphatase 1alpha isoform (PP1alpha) directly interacted with KAP1 under basal conditions, PP1beta interacted with KAP1 only in response to genotoxic stress. Changes in the abundance of PP1alpha or PP1beta had differential effects on the phosphorylation and SUMOylation states of KAP1 under basal conditions and in response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Chromatin immunoprecipitation and re-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that PP1alpha and PP1beta were recruited to KAP1 with different kinetics before and after the induction of DNA DSBs, which provided a mechanistic basis for the switch in the phosphorylation and SUMOylation states of KAP1. PP1beta-dependent SUMOylation of KAP1 occurred by mechanisms that were dependent and independent of the phosphorylation status of Ser(824). We posit a mechanism whereby the combined actions of PP1alpha and PP1beta cause dephosphorylation of KAP1 at Ser(824) and assure its SUMOylation to counter the effect of ATM, thereby regulating the transcription of KAP1 target genes in unstressed and stressed cells.

Protein phosphatase 2A-dependent dephosphorylation of replication protein A is required for the repair of DNA breaks induced by replication stress

Eukaryotic genomic integrity is safeguarded by cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair pathways, collectively known as the DNA damage response, wherein replication protein A (RPA) is a key regulator playing multiple critical roles. The genotoxic insult-induced phosphorylation of the 32-kDa subunit of human RPA (RPA32), most notably the ATM/ATR-dependent phosphorylation at T21 and S33, acts to suppress DNA replication and recruit other checkpoint/repair proteins to the DNA lesions. It is not clear, however, how the DNA damage-responsive function of phosphorylated RPA is attenuated and how the replication-associated activity of the unphosphorylated form of RPA is restored when cells start to resume the normal cell cycle. We report here that in cells recovering from hydroxyurea (HU)-induced genotoxic stress, RPA32 is dephosphorylated by the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Interference with PP2A catalytic activity causes persistent RPA32 phosphorylation and increased HU sensitivity. The PP2A catalytic subunit binds to RPA following DNA damage and can dephosphorylate RPA32 in vitro. Cells expressing a RPA32 persistent phosphorylation mimetic exhibit normal checkpoint activation and reenter the cell cycle normally after recovery but display a pronounced defect in the repair of DNA breaks. These data indicate that PP2A-mediated RPA32 dephosphorylation is required for the efficient DNA damage repair.

The Fanconi anemia family of genes and its correlation with breast cancer susceptibility and breast cancer features

Fanconi anemia (FA) family of proteins participates in the DNA repair pathway by homologous recombination, and it is currently formed by 13 genes. Some of these proteins also confer susceptibility to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), since FANCD1 is the BRCA2 breast cancer susceptibility gene, and FANCN/PALB2 and FANCJ/BRIP1 explain 2% of non-BRCA1/2 HBOC families. Thus, there is an important connection between FA and BRCA pathways. In a previous case-control association study analysing FANCA, FANCD2 and FANCL, we reported an association between FANCD2 and sporadic breast cancer (BC) risk (OR = 1.35). In order to know whether variants in other FA genes could also be involved in this association, we have extended our study with the rest of FA genes and some others implicated in the BRCA pathway. We have also analyzed the correlation with survival, nodal metastasis and hormonal receptors (ER- and PR-). A total of 61 SNPs in ten FA genes (FANC-B, -C, -D1, -E, -F, -G, -I, -J, -M, -N) and five FA related genes (ATM, ATR, BRCA1, H2AX and USP1) were studied in a total of 547 consecutive and nonrelated sporadic BC cases and 552 unaffected controls from the Spanish population. Association analyses reported marginal statistically significant results with the minor allele of intronic SNPs in three genes: BRCA1, BRCA2/FANCD1, and ATM. Survival association with SNPs on FANCC and BRCA2/FANCD1 genes were also reported. Sub-group analyses revealed associations between SNPs on FANCI and ATM and nodal metastasis status and between FANCJ/BRIP1 and FANCN/PALB2 and PR- status.