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Buccarelli M, Castellani G, Fiorentino V, Pizzimenti C, Beninati S, Ricci-Vitiani L, Scattoni ML, Mischiati C, Facchiano F, Tabolacci C. Biological Implications and Functional Significance of Transglutaminase Type 2 in Nervous System Tumors. Cells 2024; 13:667. [PMID: 38667282 PMCID: PMC11048792 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080667] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family. TG2 catalyzes the transamidation reaction leading to several protein post-translational modifications and it is also implicated in signal transduction thanks to its GTP binding/hydrolyzing activity. In the nervous system, TG2 regulates multiple physiological processes, such as development, neuronal cell death and differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Given its different enzymatic activities, aberrant expression or activity of TG2 can contribute to tumorigenesis, including in peripheral and central nervous system tumors. Indeed, TG2 dysregulation has been reported in meningiomas, medulloblastomas, neuroblastomas, glioblastomas, and other adult-type diffuse gliomas. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the biological and functional relevance of TG2 in the pathogenesis of nervous system tumors, highlighting its involvement in survival, tumor inflammation, differentiation, and in the resistance to standard therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Giorgia Castellani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Cristina Pizzimenti
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Simone Beninati
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Mischiati
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesco Facchiano
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Claudio Tabolacci
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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Xu D, Xu N, Sun L, Yang Z, He M, Li Y. TG2 as a novel breast cancer prognostic marker promotes cell proliferation and glycolysis by activating the MEK/ERK/LDH pathway. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1267. [PMID: 36471278 PMCID: PMC9724448 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been reported as a major player across several types of cancer. However, the effects of TG2 in breast cancer are less known. METHODS The expression of TG2 in patients with BC was detected by immunochemistry staining and RT-qPCR. The correlation of TG2 expression and clinicopathological factors or overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox-regression analysis. The effects of TG2 on cell proliferation and glycolysis were investigated in vivo and in vitro by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. RESULT Both mRNA and protein levels of TG2 were overexpressed in BC tissues and cultured cells. Clinical stage (p = 0.011), molecular subtype (p<0.001) and survival status (p<0.001) were significantly correlated with TG2 expression. Specifically, TG2 expression was positively associated with the clinical stage (r = 0.193, p = 0.005) and OS (r = 0.230, p = 0.001), while negatively associated with molecular subtype (r = - 0.161, p = 0.020). Overexpressed TG2 was a prognostic factor of poor OS by Cox-regression analysis. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicated that cell proliferation and glycolysis were regulated by TG2 via the MEK/ERK/LDH pathway. TG2-induced activation of the MEK/ERK/LDH pathway and glycolysis were attenuated by MEK inhibitor U0126. CONCLUSION TG2 is overexpressed in BC, which can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS. TG2 promotes tumor cell proliferation and increases glycolysis associated with the activation of the MEK/ERK/LHD pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Xu
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021 P. R. China
| | - Ning Xu
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021 P. R. China
| | - Liang Sun
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033 Jilin China
| | - Zhaoying Yang
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033 Jilin China
| | - Miao He
- grid.452829.00000000417660726Department of Anesthesia, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022 P. R. China
| | - Youjun Li
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021 P. R. China
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3
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Katt WP, Aplin C, Cerione RA. Exploring the Role of Transglutaminase in Patients with Glioblastoma: Current Perspectives. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:277-290. [PMID: 35340676 PMCID: PMC8943831 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s329262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a rather unique GTP-binding/protein crosslinking enzyme that has been shown to play important roles in a number of cellular processes that impact both normal physiology and disease states. This is especially the case in the context of aggressive brain tumors, such as glioblastoma. The diverse roles played by tTG in cancer survival and progression have led to significant interest in recent years in using tTG as a therapeutic target. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the transglutaminase family, and then discuss the primary biochemical activities exhibited by tTG with an emphasis on the role it plays in glioblastoma progression. Finally, we consider current approaches to target tTG which might eventually have clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Katt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Cody Aplin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA,Correspondence: Richard A Cerione, Tel +1 607-253-3650, Email
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4
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Aguiari G, Crudele F, Taccioli C, Minotti L, Corrà F, Keillor JW, Grassilli S, Cervellati C, Volinia S, Bergamini CM, Bianchi N. Dysregulation of Transglutaminase type 2 through GATA3 defines aggressiveness and Doxorubicin sensitivity in breast cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:1-14. [PMID: 34975314 PMCID: PMC8692156 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.64167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of transglutaminase type 2 in cell physiology is related to protein transamidation and signal transduction (affecting extracellular, intracellular and nuclear processes) aided by the expression of truncated isoforms and of two lncRNAs with regulatory functions. In breast cancer TG2 is associated with disease progression supporting motility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and drug resistance. The aim of his work is to clarify these issues by emphasizing the interconnections among TGM2 variants and transcription factors associated with an aggressive phenotype, in which the truncated TGH isoform correlates with malignancy. TGM2 transcripts are upregulated by several drugs in MCF-7, but only Doxorubicin is effective in MDA-MB-231 cells. These differences reflect the expression of GATA3, as demonstrated by silencing, suggesting a link between this transcription factor and gene dysregulation. Of note, NC9, an irreversible inhibitor of enzymatic TG2 activities, emerges to control NF-ĸB and apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines, showing potential for combination therapies with Doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Crudele
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Linda Minotti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Corrà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Silvia Grassilli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44124 Ferrara FE, Italy
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44124 Ferrara FE, Italy
| | - Carlo M. Bergamini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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5
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Bianchi N, Brugnoli F, Grassilli S, Bourgeois K, Keillor JW, Bergamini CM, Aguiari G, Volinia S, Bertagnolo V. The Motility and Mesenchymal Features of Breast Cancer Cells Correlate with the Levels and Intracellular Localization of Transglutaminase Type 2. Cells 2021; 10:3059. [PMID: 34831282 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated motility in breast cancer cell lines in association with the expression of Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) as well as upon the administration of Doxorubicin (Dox), an active cytotoxic agent that is employed in chemotherapy. The exposure of MCF-7 cells to the drug increased TG2 levels, triggering epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby supporting cell motility. The effects of Dox on the movement of MCF-7 cells were counteracted by treatment with NC9, a TG2 inhibitor, which induced morphological changes and also reduced the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells exhibiting high levels of TG2. The physical association of TG2 with the cytoskeletal component vimentin appeared pivotal both in drug-treated MCF-7 and in MDA-MB-231 cells and seemed to be independent of the catalytic activity of TG2. NC9 altered the subcellular distribution of TG2 and, consequently, the co-localization of TG2 with vimentin. Furthermore, NC9 induced a nuclear accumulation of TG2 as a prelude to TG2-dependent gene expression modifications. Since enzyme activity can affect both motility and nuclear functions, targeting of this protein could represent a method to improve therapeutic interventions in breast tumors, particularly those to control progression and to limit drug resistance.
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6
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Elahi A, Emerson J, Rudlong J, Keillor JW, Salois G, Visca A, Girardi P, Johnson GV, Pröschel C. Deletion or Inhibition of Astrocytic Transglutaminase 2 Promotes Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2021; 10:2942. [PMID: 34831164 PMCID: PMC8616117 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Following CNS injury, astrocytes become "reactive" and exhibit pro-regenerative or harmful properties. However, the molecular mechanisms that cause astrocytes to adopt either phenotype are not well understood. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) plays a key role in regulating the response of astrocytes to insults. Here, we used mice in which TG2 was specifically deleted in astrocytes (Gfap-Cre+/- TG2fl/fl, referred to here as TG2-A-cKO) in a spinal cord contusion injury (SCI) model. Deletion of TG2 from astrocytes resulted in a significant improvement in motor function following SCI. GFAP and NG2 immunoreactivity, as well as number of SOX9 positive cells, were significantly reduced in TG2-A-cKO mice. RNA-seq analysis of spinal cords from TG2-A-cKO and control mice 3 days post-injury identified thirty-seven differentially expressed genes, all of which were increased in TG2-A-cKO mice. Pathway analysis revealed a prevalence for fatty acid metabolism, lipid storage and energy pathways, which play essential roles in neuron-astrocyte metabolic coupling. Excitingly, treatment of wild type mice with the selective TG2 inhibitor VA4 significantly improved functional recovery after SCI, similar to what was observed using the genetic model. These findings indicate the use of TG2 inhibitors as a novel strategy for the treatment of SCI and other CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Elahi
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Jacen Emerson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Jacob Rudlong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Garrick Salois
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Adam Visca
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Peter Girardi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Gail V.W. Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Christoph Pröschel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
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7
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Tempest R, Guarnerio S, Maani R, Cooper J, Peake N. The Biological and Biomechanical Role of Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112788. [PMID: 34205140 PMCID: PMC8199963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is the most highly and ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase enzyme family and is primarily involved in protein cross-linking. TG2 has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers, with a direct role in multiple cellular processes and pathways linked to apoptosis, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell phenotype. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical in the formation, progression, and eventual metastasis of cancer, and increasing evidence points to a role for TG2 in matrix remodelling, modulation of biomechanical properties, cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. There is growing interest in targeting the TME therapeutically in response to advances in the understanding of its critical role in disease progression, and a number of approaches targeting biophysical properties and biomechanical signalling are beginning to show clinical promise. In this review we aim to highlight the wide array of processes in which TG2 influences the TME, focussing on its potential role in the dynamic tissue remodelling and biomechanical events increasingly linked to invasive and aggressive behaviour. Drug development efforts have yielded a range of TG2 inhibitors, and ongoing clinical trials may inform strategies for targeting the biomolecular and biomechanical function of TG2 in the TME.
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8
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Maffei B, Laverrière M, Wu Y, Triboulet S, Perrinet S, Duchateau M, Matondo M, Hollis RL, Gourley C, Rupp J, Keillor JW, Subtil A. Infection-driven activation of transglutaminase 2 boosts glucose uptake and hexosamine biosynthesis in epithelial cells. EMBO J 2020; 39:e102166. [PMID: 32134139 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019102166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme with transamidating activity. We report here that both expression and activity of TG2 are enhanced in mammalian epithelial cells infected with the obligate intracellular bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of TG2 impairs bacterial development. We show that TG2 increases glucose import by up-regulating the transcription of the glucose transporter genes GLUT-1 and GLUT-3. Furthermore, TG2 activation drives one specific glucose-dependent pathway in the host, i.e., hexosamine biosynthesis. Mechanistically, we identify the glucosamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFPT) among the substrates of TG2. GFPT modification by TG2 increases its enzymatic activity, resulting in higher levels of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine biosynthesis and protein O-GlcNAcylation. The correlation between TG2 transamidating activity and O-GlcNAcylation is disrupted in infected cells because host hexosamine biosynthesis is being exploited by the bacteria, in particular to assist their division. In conclusion, our work establishes TG2 as a key player in controlling glucose-derived metabolic pathways in mammalian cells, themselves hijacked by C. trachomatis to sustain their own metabolic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Maffei
- Unité de Biologie cellulaire de l'infection microbienne, CNRS UMR3691, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Marc Laverrière
- Unité de Biologie cellulaire de l'infection microbienne, CNRS UMR3691, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Yongzheng Wu
- Unité de Biologie cellulaire de l'infection microbienne, CNRS UMR3691, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Triboulet
- Unité de Biologie cellulaire de l'infection microbienne, CNRS UMR3691, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Perrinet
- Unité de Biologie cellulaire de l'infection microbienne, CNRS UMR3691, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Magalie Duchateau
- Plateforme Protéomique, Unité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie, USR 2000 CNRS, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Plateforme Protéomique, Unité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie, USR 2000 CNRS, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Robert L Hollis
- Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Charlie Gourley
- Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Agathe Subtil
- Unité de Biologie cellulaire de l'infection microbienne, CNRS UMR3691, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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9
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Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 takes center stage as a cancer cell survival factor and therapy target. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:837-853. [PMID: 30693974 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [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: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has emerged as a key cancer cell survival factor that drives epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, drug resistance, cancer stem cell survival and stemness, and invasion and migration. TG2 can exist in a GTP-bound signaling-active conformation or in a transamidase-active conformation. The GTP bound conformation of TG2 contributes to cell survival and the transamidase conformation can contribute to cell survival or death. We present evidence suggesting that TG2 has a role in human cancer, summarize what is known about the TG2 mechanism of action in a range of cancer types, and discuss TG2 as a cancer therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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10
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Akbar A, McNeil NMR, Albert MR, Ta V, Adhikary G, Bourgeois K, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Structure-Activity Relationships of Potent, Targeted Covalent Inhibitors That Abolish Both the Transamidation and GTP Binding Activities of Human Tissue Transglutaminase. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7910-7927. [PMID: 28858494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human tissue transglutaminase (hTG2) is a multifunctional enzyme. It is primarily known for its calcium-dependent transamidation activity that leads to formation of an isopeptide bond between glutamine and lysine residues found on the surface of proteins, but it is also a GTP binding protein. Overexpression and unregulated hTG2 activity have been associated with numerous human diseases, including cancer stem cell survival and metastatic phenotype. Herein, we present a series of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) based on our previously reported Cbz-Lys scaffold. From this structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, novel irreversible inhibitors were identified that block the transamidation activity of hTG2 and allosterically abolish its GTP binding ability with a high degree of selectivity and efficiency (kinact/KI > 105 M-1 min-1). One optimized inhibitor (VA4) was also shown to inhibit epidermal cancer stem cell invasion with an EC50 of 3.9 μM, representing a significant improvement over our previously reported "hit" NC9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Akbar
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Nicole M R McNeil
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Marie R Albert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Viviane Ta
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Karine Bourgeois
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
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11
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Feola J, Barton A, Akbar A, Keillor J, Johnson GVW. Transglutaminase 2 modulation of NF-κB signaling in astrocytes is independent of its ability to mediate astrocytic viability in ischemic injury. Brain Res 2017; 1668:1-11. [PMID: 28522262 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional protein that can contribute to cell death and cell survival processes in a variety of disease contexts. Within the brain, TG2 has been shown to promote cell death in ischemic injury when expressed in astrocytes (Colak and Johnson, 2012). However, the specific functions and characteristics of astrocytic TG2 that mediate this effect are largely unknown. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the role of astrocytic TG2 in mediating cellular viability processes in the context of ischemic injury, with a specific focus on its contributions to intracellular signaling cascades. We show that, in response to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD), acute lentiviral-mediated knockdown of TG2, as well as inhibition with an irreversible TG2 inhibitor, enhances cell survival. We also show that TG2 depletion increases nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, whereas inhibition reduces NF-κB activity. Despite its clear contribution to NF-κB signaling, however, TG2 modulation of NF-κB signaling is not likely to be a major contributor to its ability to mediate astrocytic viability in this context. Overall, the results of this study provide insight into the role of TG2 in astrocytes and suggest possible avenues for future study of the relationship between astrocytic TG2 and ischemic injury.
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12
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Monteagudo A, Ji C, Akbar A, Keillor JW, Johnson GVW. Inhibition or ablation of transglutaminase 2 impairs astrocyte migration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 482:942-947. [PMID: 27899316 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.11.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play numerous complex roles that support and facilitate the function of neurons. Further, when there is an injury to the central nervous system (CNS) they can both facilitate or ameliorate functional recovery depending on the location and severity of the injury. When a CNS injury is relatively severe a glial scar is formed, which is primarily composed of astrocytes. The glial scar can be both beneficial, by limiting inflammation, and detrimental, by preventing neuronal projections, to functional recovery. Thus, understanding the processes and proteins that regulate astrocyte migration in response to injury is still of fundamental importance. One protein that is likely involved in astrocyte migration is transglutaminase 2 (TG2); a multifunctional protein expressed ubiquitously throughout the brain. Its functions include transamidation and GTPase activity, among others, and previous studies have implicated TG2 as a regulator of migration. Therefore, we examined the role of TG2 in primary astrocyte migration subsequent to injury. Using wild type or TG2-/- astrocytes, we manipulated the different functions and conformation of TG2 with novel irreversible inhibitors or mutant versions of the protein. Results showed that both inhibition and ablation of TG2 in primary astrocytes significantly inhibit migration. Additionally, we show that the deficiency in migration caused by deletion of TG2 can only be rescued with the native protein and not with mutants. Finally, the addition of TGFβ rescued the migration deficiency independent of TG2. Taken together, our study shows that transamidation and GTP/GDP-binding are necessary for inhibiting astrocyte migration and it is TGFβ independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Monteagudo
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Changyi Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Abdullah Akbar
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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