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Tian Z, Du Z, Bai G, Gong Q, You Y, Xu G, Liu J, Xiao M, Wang Y, He Y. Schwann cell derived pleiotrophin stimulates fibroblast for proliferation and excessive collagen deposition in plexiform neurofibroma. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:627-640. [PMID: 38302728 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00727-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 associated plexiform neurofibroma (pNF) is characterized by abundant fibroblasts and dense collagen, yet the intricate interactions between tumor-origin cells (Schwann cells) and neurofibroma-associated fibroblasts (NFAFs) remain elusive. Employing single-cell RNA sequencing on human pNF samples, we generated a comprehensive transcriptomics dataset and conducted cell-cell communication analysis to unravel the molecular dynamics between Schwann cells and NFAFs. Our focus centered on the pleiotrophin (PTN)/nucleolin (NCL) axis as a pivotal ligand-receptor pair orchestrating this interaction. Validation of PTN involvement was affirmed through coculture models and recombinant protein experiments. Functional and mechanistic investigations, employing assays such as CCK8, EdU, Western Blot, ELISA, Hydroxyproline Assay, and Human phospho-kinase array, provided critical insights. We employed siRNA or inhibitors to intercept the PTN/NCL/proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40) axis, validating the associated molecular mechanism. Our analysis highlighted a subset of Schwann cells closely linked to collagen deposition, underscoring their significance in pNF development. The PTN/NCL axis emerged as a key mediator of the Schwann cell-NFAF interaction. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that elevated PTN levels enhanced NFAF proliferation and collagen synthesis, either independently or synergistically with TGF-β1 in vitro. Activation of the downstream molecule PRAS40 was noted in NFAFs upon PTN treatment. Crucially, by targeting NCL and PRAS40, we successfully reversed collagen synthesis within NFAFs. In conclusion, our findings unveil the pivotal role of the PTN/NCL/PRAS40 axis in driving pNF development by promoting NFAFs proliferation and function. Targeting this pathway emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy for pNF. This study contributes novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing pNF pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuowei Tian
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Fengcheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Du
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo Bai
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyu Gong
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhe You
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guisong Xu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialiang Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Xiao
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Fengcheng Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yue He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China.
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Vasudevan HN, Payne E, Delley CL, John Liu S, Mirchia K, Sale MJ, Lastella S, Nunez MS, Lucas CHG, Eaton CD, Casey-Clyde T, Magill ST, Chen WC, Braunstein SE, Perry A, Jacques L, Reddy AT, Pekmezci M, Abate AR, McCormick F, Raleigh DR. Functional interactions between neurofibromatosis tumor suppressors underlie Schwann cell tumor de-differentiation and treatment resistance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:477. [PMID: 38216572 PMCID: PMC10786885 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Schwann cell tumors are the most common cancers of the peripheral nervous system and can arise in patients with neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1) or neurofibromatosis type-2 (NF-2). Functional interactions between NF1 and NF2 and broader mechanisms underlying malignant transformation of the Schwann lineage are unclear. Here we integrate bulk and single-cell genomics, biochemistry, and pharmacology across human samples, cell lines, and mouse allografts to identify cellular de-differentiation mechanisms driving malignant transformation and treatment resistance. We find DNA methylation groups of Schwann cell tumors can be distinguished by differentiation programs that correlate with response to the MEK inhibitor selumetinib. Functional genomic screening in NF1-mutant tumor cells reveals NF2 loss and PAK activation underlie selumetinib resistance, and we find that concurrent MEK and PAK inhibition is effective in vivo. These data support a de-differentiation paradigm underlying malignant transformation and treatment resistance of Schwann cell tumors and elucidate a functional link between NF1 and NF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish N Vasudevan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Emily Payne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cyrille L Delley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S John Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kanish Mirchia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J Sale
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sydney Lastella
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Sacconi Nunez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Charlotte D Eaton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tim Casey-Clyde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen T Magill
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William C Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steve E Braunstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arie Perry
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Line Jacques
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa T Reddy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melike Pekmezci
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam R Abate
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Pillay-Smiley N, Fletcher JS, de Blank P, Ratner N. Shedding New Light: Novel Therapies for Common Disorders in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type I. Pediatr Clin North Am 2023; 70:937-950. [PMID: 37704352 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a common dominantly inherited disorder, and one of the most common of the RASopathies. Most individuals with NF1 develop plexiform neurofibromas and cutaneous neurofibromas, nerve tumors caused by NF1 loss of function in Schwann cells. Cell culture models and mouse models of NF1 are being used to test drug efficacy in preclinical trials, which led to Food and Drug Administration approval for use of MEK inhibitors to shrink most inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. This article details methods used for testing in preclinical models, and outlines newer models that may identify additional, curative, strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Pillay-Smiley
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0731, USA; Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, The Cure Starts Now Foundation Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Jonathan S Fletcher
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0731, USA; Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, The Cure Starts Now Foundation Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Current Address: Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Peter de Blank
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0731, USA; Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, The Cure Starts Now Foundation Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-0731, USA; Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, The Cure Starts Now Foundation Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Leonard TA, Loose M, Martens S. The membrane surface as a platform that organizes cellular and biochemical processes. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1315-1332. [PMID: 37419118 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Membranes are essential for life. They act as semi-permeable boundaries that define cells and organelles. In addition, their surfaces actively participate in biochemical reaction networks, where they confine proteins, align reaction partners, and directly control enzymatic activities. Membrane-localized reactions shape cellular membranes, define the identity of organelles, compartmentalize biochemical processes, and can even be the source of signaling gradients that originate at the plasma membrane and reach into the cytoplasm and nucleus. The membrane surface is, therefore, an essential platform upon which myriad cellular processes are scaffolded. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the biophysics and biochemistry of membrane-localized reactions with particular focus on insights derived from reconstituted and cellular systems. We discuss how the interplay of cellular factors results in their self-organization, condensation, assembly, and activity, and the emergent properties derived from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Leonard
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Loose
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
| | - Sascha Martens
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Center for Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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5
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Rhodes SD, McCormick F, Cagan RL, Bakker A, Staedtke V, Ly I, Steensma MR, Lee SY, Romo CG, Blakeley JO, Sarin KY. RAS Signaling Gone Awry in the Skin: The Complex Role of RAS in Cutaneous Neurofibroma Pathogenesis, Emerging Biological Insights. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1358-1368. [PMID: 37245145 PMCID: PMC10409534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are the most common tumor in people with the rasopathy neurofibromatosis type 1. They number in hundreds or even thousands throughout the body, and currently, there are no effective interventions to prevent or treat these skin tumors. To facilitate the identification of novel and effective therapies, essential studies including a more refined understanding of cNF biology and the role of RAS signaling and downstream effector pathways responsible for cNF initiation, growth, and maintenance are needed. This review highlights the current state of knowledge of RAS signaling in cNF pathogenesis and therapeutic development for cNF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Rhodes
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross L Cagan
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | | | - Verena Staedtke
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ina Ly
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Steensma
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Sang Y Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carlos G Romo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaishri O Blakeley
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
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Bettinaglio P, Mangano E, Tritto V, Bordoni R, Paterra R, Borghi A, Volontè M, Battaglia C, Saletti V, Cesaretti C, Natacci F, Melone MAB, Eoli M, Riva P. New insights into the molecular basis of spinal neurofibromatosis type 1. Eur J Hum Genet 2023:10.1038/s41431-023-01377-x. [PMID: 37217626 PMCID: PMC10400572 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01377-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal neurofibromatosis (SNF) is a form of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) characterized by bilateral neurofibromas involving all spinal roots. The pathogenic mechanisms determining the SNF form are currently unknown. To verify the presence of genetic variants possibly related to SNF or classic NF1, we studied 106 sporadic NF1 and 75 SNF patients using an NGS panel of 286 genes encoding RAS pathway effectors and neurofibromin interactors and evaluated the expression of syndecans (SDC1, SDC2, SDC3, SDC4), the NF1 3' tertile interactors, by quantitative real-time PCR. We previously identified 75 and 106 NF1 variants in SNF and NF1 cohorts, respectively. The analysis of the distribution of pathogenic NF1 variants in the three NF1 tertiles showed a significantly higher prevalence of NF1 3' tertile mutations in SNF than in the NF1 cohort. We hypothesized a potential pathogenic significance of the 3' tertile NF1 variants in SNF. The analysis of syndecan expression on PBMCs RNAs from 16 SNF, 16 classic NF1 patients and 16 healthy controls showed that the expression levels of SDC2 and SDC3 were higher in SNF and NF1 patients than in controls; moreover, SDC2, SDC3 and SDC4 were significantly over expressed in patients mutated in the 3' tertile compared to controls. Two different mutational NF1 spectra seem to characterize SNF and classic NF1, suggesting a pathogenic role of NF1 3' tertile and its interactors, syndecans, in SNF. Our study, providing new insights on a possible role of neurofibromin C-terminal in SNF, could address effective personalized patient management and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bettinaglio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mangano
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB) National Research Center (CNR), ITB-CNR, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Tritto
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Bordoni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB) National Research Center (CNR), ITB-CNR, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosina Paterra
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Borghi
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marinella Volontè
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Battaglia
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB) National Research Center (CNR), ITB-CNR, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Saletti
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Mariani Foundation Center for Complex Disabilities, 20054, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Cesaretti
- Medical Genetics Unit, Woman-Child-Newborn Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Natacci
- Medical Genetics Unit, Woman-Child-Newborn Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariarosa A B Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122-6078, USA
| | - Marica Eoli
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Riva
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy.
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Zhang L, Jiang L, Zeng L, Jin Z, Dong X, Zhang Y, Chen L, Shu Y, Liu Y, Huang Y. The oncogenic role of NF1 in gallbladder cancer through regulation of YAP1 stability by direct interaction with YAP1. J Transl Med 2023; 21:306. [PMID: 37147639 PMCID: PMC10163693 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04157-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most prevalent and invasive biliary tract malignancy. As a GTPase-activating protein, Neurofibromin 1 (NF1) is a tumor suppressor that negatively regulates the RAS signaling pathway, and its abnormality leads to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) disease. However, the role of NF1 playing in GBC and the underlying molecular mechanism has not been defined yet. METHODS A combination of NOZ and EH-GB1 cell lines as well as nude mice, were utilized in this study. mRNA expression and protein levels of NF1 and YAP1 were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to explore the biological effects of NF1 in NOZ and EH-GB1 cells via siRNA or lv-shRNA mediated knockdown. Direct interaction between NF1 and YAP1 was detected by confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and further confirmed by GST pull-down assay and isothermal titration calorimetry assay (ITC). The stability of proteins was measured by western blot (WB) in the presence of cycloheximide. RESULTS This study showed that a higher level of NF1 and YAP1 was found in GBC samples than in normal tissues and associated with worse prognoses. The NF1 knockdown impaired the proliferation and migration of NOZ in vivo and in vitro by downregulating YAP1 expression. Moreover, NF1 co-localized with YAP1 in NOZ and EH-GB1 cells, and the WW domains of YAP1 specifically recognized the PPQY motif of NF1. The structural modeling also indicated the hydrophobic interactions between YAP1 and NF1. On the other hand, YAP1 knockdown also impaired the proliferation of NOZ in vitro, phenocopying the effects of NF1 knockdown. Overexpression of YAP1 can partially rescue the impaired proliferation in NF1 stably knockdown cells. In mechanism, NF1 interacted with YAP1 and increased the stability of YAP1 by preventing ubiquitination. CONCLUSIONS Our findings discovered a novel oncogenic function of NF1 by directly interacting with YAP1 protein and stabilizing YAP1 to protect it from proteasome degradation in NOZ cells. NF1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhaohui Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xuanjia Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Litian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yijun Shu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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8
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Báez-Flores J, Rodríguez-Martín M, Lacal J. The therapeutic potential of neurofibromin signaling pathways and binding partners. Commun Biol 2023; 6:436. [PMID: 37081086 PMCID: PMC10119308 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin controls many cell processes, such as growth, learning, and memory. If neurofibromin is not working properly, it can lead to health problems, including issues with the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems and cancer. This review examines neurofibromin's binding partners, signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets. In addition, it summarizes the different post-translational modifications that can affect neurofibromin's interactions with other molecules. It is essential to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie neurofibromin variants in order to provide with functional connections between neurofibromin and its associated proteins for possible therapeutic targets based on its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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9
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Douben H, Hoogeveen-westerveld M, Nellist M, Louwen J, Haan MK, Punt M, van Ommeren B, van Unen L, Elfferich P, Kasteleijn E, van Bever Y, van Vliet M, Oostenbrink R, Saris JJ, Wagner A, van Ierland Y, van Ham T, van Minkelen R. Functional Assays Combined with Pre-mRNA-Splicing Analysis Improve Variant Classification and Diagnostics for Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Legius Syndrome. Hum Mutat 2023; 2023:1-14. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9628049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Legius syndrome (LS) are caused by inactivating variants in NF1 and SPRED1. NF1 encodes neurofibromin (NF), a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for RAS that interacts with the SPRED1 product, Sprouty-related protein with an EVH (Ena/Vasp homology) domain 1 (SPRED1). Obtaining a clinical and molecular diagnosis of NF1 or LS can be challenging due to the phenotypic diversity, the size and complexity of the NF1 and SPRED1 loci, and uncertainty over the effects of some NF1 and SPRED1 variants on pre-mRNA splicing and/or protein expression and function. To improve NF1 and SPRED1 variant classification and establish pathogenicity for NF1 and SPRED1 variants identified in individuals with NF1 or LS, we analyzed patient RNA by RT-PCR and performed in vitro exon trap experiments and estimated NF and SPRED1 protein expression, RAS GAP activity, and interaction. We obtained evidence to support pathogenicity according to American College of Medical Genetics guidelines for 73/114 variants tested, demonstrating the utility of functional approaches for NF1 and SPRED1 variant classification and NF and LS diagnostics.
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10
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Young LC, Goldstein de Salazar R, Han SW, Huang ZYS, Merk A, Drew M, Darling J, Wall V, Grisshammer R, Cheng A, Allison MR, Sale MJ, Nissley DV, Esposito D, Ognjenovic J, McCormick F. Destabilizing NF1 variants act in a dominant negative manner through neurofibromin dimerization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2208960120. [PMID: 36689660 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208960120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of pathogenic mutations in the neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) gene reduce total neurofibromin protein expression through premature truncation or microdeletion, but it is less well understood how loss-of-function missense variants drive NF1 disease. We have found that patient variants in codons 844 to 848, which correlate with a severe phenotype, cause protein instability and exert an additional dominant-negative action whereby wild-type neurofibromin also becomes destabilized through protein dimerization. We have used our neurofibromin cryogenic electron microscopy structure to predict and validate other patient variants that act through a similar mechanism. This provides a foundation for understanding genotype-phenotype correlations and has important implications for patient counseling, disease management, and therapeutics.
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11
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Si D, Chen J, Nakamura A, Chang L, Guan H. Smart de novo Macromolecular Structure Modeling from Cryo-EM Maps. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167967. [PMID: 36681181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The study of macromolecular structures has expanded our understanding of the amazing cell machinery and such knowledge has changed how the pharmaceutical industry develops new vaccines in recent years. Traditionally, X-ray crystallography has been the main method for structure determination, however, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has increasingly become more popular due to recent advancements in hardware and software. The number of cryo-EM maps deposited in the EMDataResource (formerly EMDatabase) since 2002 has been dramatically increasing and it continues to do so. De novo macromolecular complex modeling is a labor-intensive process, therefore, it is highly desirable to develop software that can automate this process. Here we discuss our automated, data-driven, and artificial intelligence approaches including map processing, feature extraction, modeling building, and target identification. Recently, we have enabled DNA/RNA modeling in our deep learning-based prediction tool, DeepTracer. We have also developed DeepTracer-ID, a tool that can identify proteins solely based on the cryo-EM map. In this paper, we will present our accumulated experiences in developing deep learning-based methods surrounding macromolecule modeling applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Si
- Division of Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA 98011, United States.
| | - Jason Chen
- Division of Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA 98011, United States
| | - Andrew Nakamura
- Division of Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA 98011, United States
| | - Luca Chang
- Division of Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA 98011, United States
| | - Haowen Guan
- Division of Computing and Software Systems, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA 98011, United States
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12
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Loose M, Auer A, Brognara G, Budiman HR, Kowalski L, Matijević I. In vitro
reconstitution of small
GTPase
regulation. FEBS Lett 2022; 597:762-777. [PMID: 36448231 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Small GTPases play essential roles in the organization of eukaryotic cells. In recent years, it has become clear that their intracellular functions result from intricate biochemical networks of the GTPase and their regulators that dynamically bind to a membrane surface. Due to the inherent complexities of their interactions, however, revealing the underlying mechanisms of action is often difficult to achieve from in vivo studies. This review summarizes in vitro reconstitution approaches developed to obtain a better mechanistic understanding of how small GTPase activities are regulated in space and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Loose
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Klosterneuburg Austria
| | - Albert Auer
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Klosterneuburg Austria
| | - Gabriel Brognara
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Klosterneuburg Austria
| | | | - Lukasz Kowalski
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Klosterneuburg Austria
| | - Ivana Matijević
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Klosterneuburg Austria
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13
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Li M, Wang Y, Fan J, Zhuang H, Liu Y, Ji D, Lu S. Mechanistic Insights into the Long-range Allosteric Regulation of KRAS Via Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) Scaffold Upon SPRED1 Loading. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167730. [PMID: 35872068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric regulation is the most direct and efficient way of regulating protein function, wherein proteins transmit the perturbations at one site to another distinct functional site. Deciphering the mechanism of allosteric regulation is of vital importance for the comprehension of both physiological and pathological events in vivo as well as the rational allosteric drug design. However, it remains challenging to elucidate dominant allosteric signal transduction pathways, especially for large and multi-component protein machineries where long-range allosteric regulation exits. One of the quintessential examples having long-range allosteric regulation is the ternary complex, SPRED1-RAS-neurofibromin type 1 (NF1, a RAS GTPase-activating protein), in which SPRED1 facilitates RAS-GTP hydrolysis by interacting with NF1 at a distal, allosteric site from the RAS binding site. To address the underlying mechanism, we performed extensive Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state model analysis of KRAS-NF1 complex in the presence and absence of SPRED1. Our findings suggested that SPRED1 loading allosterically enhanced KRAS-NF1 binding, but hindered conformational transformation of the NF1 catalytic center for RAS hydrolysis. Moreover, we unveiled the possible allosteric pathways upon SPRED1 binding through difference contact network analysis. This study not only provided an in-depth mechanistic insight into the allosteric regulation of KRAS by SPRED1, but also shed light on the investigation of long-range allosteric regulation among complex macromolecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuanhao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jigang Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haiming Zhuang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yaqin Liu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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14
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Rozenberg JM, Kamynina M, Sorokin M, Zolotovskaia M, Koroleva E, Kremenchutckaya K, Gudkov A, Buzdin A, Borisov N. The Role of the Metabolism of Zinc and Manganese Ions in Human Cancerogenesis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051072. [PMID: 35625809 PMCID: PMC9139143 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal ion homeostasis is fundamental for life. Specifically, transition metals iron, manganese and zinc play a pivotal role in mitochondrial metabolism and energy generation, anti-oxidation defense, transcriptional regulation and the immune response. The misregulation of expression or mutations in ion carriers and the corresponding changes in Mn2+ and Zn2+ levels suggest that these ions play a pivotal role in cancer progression. Moreover, coordinated changes in Mn2+ and Zn2+ ion carriers have been detected, suggesting that particular mechanisms influenced by both ions might be required for the growth of cancer cells, metastasis and immune evasion. Here, we present a review of zinc and manganese pathophysiology suggesting that these ions might cooperatively regulate cancerogenesis. Zn and Mn effects converge on mitochondria-induced apoptosis, transcriptional regulation and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, mediating the immune response. Both Zn and Mn influence cancer progression and impact treatment efficacy in animal models and clinical trials. We predict that novel strategies targeting the regulation of both Zn and Mn in cancer will complement current therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Markovich Rozenberg
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Margarita Kamynina
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Maksim Sorokin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Marianna Zolotovskaia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- OmicsWay Corporation, Walnut, CA 91789, USA
| | - Elena Koroleva
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Kristina Kremenchutckaya
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Alexander Gudkov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Anton Buzdin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.K.); (A.G.)
- OmicsWay Corporation, Walnut, CA 91789, USA
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Oncobox Ltd., 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nicolas Borisov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, National Research University, 141700 Moscow, Russia; (M.S.); (M.Z.); (E.K.); (K.K.); (A.B.); (N.B.)
- OmicsWay Corporation, Walnut, CA 91789, USA
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15
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Chaker-Margot M, Werten S, Dunzendorfer-Matt T, Lechner S, Ruepp A, Scheffzek K, Maier T. Structural basis of activation of the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1288-1296.e5. [PMID: 35353986 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the NF1 gene cause the familial genetic disease neurofibromatosis type I, as well as predisposition to cancer. The NF1 gene product, neurofibromin, is a GTPase-activating protein and acts as a tumor suppressor by negatively regulating the small GTPase, Ras. However, structural insights into neurofibromin activation remain incompletely defined. Here, we provide cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures that reveal an extended neurofibromin homodimer in two functional states: an auto-inhibited state with occluded Ras-binding site and an asymmetric open state with an exposed Ras-binding site. Mechanistically, the transition to the active conformation is stimulated by nucleotide binding, which releases a lock that tethers the catalytic domain to an extended helical repeat scaffold in the occluded state. Structure-guided mutational analysis supports functional relevance of allosteric control. Disease-causing mutations are mapped and primarily impact neurofibromin stability. Our findings suggest a role for nucleotides in neurofibromin regulation and may lead to therapeutic modulation of Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastiaan Werten
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Lechner
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Angela Ruepp
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Klaus Scheffzek
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
| | - Timm Maier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Hedayat M, Jafari R, Majidi Zolbanin N. Selumetinib: a selective MEK1 inhibitor for solid tumor treatment. Clin Exp Med 2022. [PMID: 35171389 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00783-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer incidence is rapidly growing. Solid tumors are responsible for a majority of cancers. Recently, molecular-targeted agents have played a significant role in cancer treatment. Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, is a substantial element in the survival, propagation, and drug resistance of human cancers. MEK is a specific part of the so-called cascade, and ERK proteins are its sole target. Furthermore, their downstream position in the Ras-ERK cascade, is noteworthy to direct their function in patients with upstream mutated genes. MEK1 mutations are responsible for initiating several solid tumors. Selumetinib (AZD6244) is a second-generation, selective, potent, and non-ATP competitive allosteric MEK1 inhibitor. The efficacy of selumetinib in various solid tumors such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, neurofibroma, and melanoma is investigated. The present paper provides an overview of the MAPK cascade, the role of selumetinib as a MEK1/2 inhibitor, and the related findings of clinical trials for solid tumor treatment.
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17
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Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare neurogenetic syndrome, characterized by pigmentary abnormalities, learning and social deficits, and a predisposition for benign and malignant tumor formation caused by germline mutations in the NF1 gene. With the cloning of the NF1 gene and the recognition that the encoded protein, neurofibromin, largely functions as a negative regulator of RAS activity, attention has mainly focused on RAS and canonical RAS effector pathway signaling relevant to disease pathogenesis and treatment. However, as neurofibromin is a large cytoplasmic protein the RAS regulatory domain of which occupies only 10% of its entire coding sequence, both canonical and non-canonical RAS pathway modulation, as well as the existence of potential non-RAS functions, are becoming apparent. In this Special article, we discuss our current understanding of neurofibromin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paola Orozco
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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18
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Shirota M, Kinoshita K. Current status and future perspectives of the evaluation of missense variants by using three-dimensional structures of proteins. Biophys Physicobiol 2022; 19:e190023. [PMID: 36071878 PMCID: PMC9402263 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v19.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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