1
|
Grozavu I, Stuart S, Lyakisheva A, Yao Z, Pathmanathan S, Ohh M, Stagljar I. D154Q Mutation does not Alter KRAS Dimerization. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167392. [PMID: 34896362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167392] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers. Despite nearly 40 years of research, KRAS remains largely undruggable, in part due to an incomplete understanding of its biology. Recently, KRAS dimerization was discovered to play an important role in its signalling function. The KRAS D154Q mutant was described as a dimer-deficient variant that can be used to study the effect of dimerization in KRAS oncogenicity. However, we show here that KRAS D154Q homo- and heterodimerized with KRAS WT using three separate protein-protein interaction assays, and that oncogenic KRAS dimerization was not negatively impacted by the presence of a secondary D154Q mutation. In conclusion, we advise caution in using this variant to study the purpose of dimerization in KRAS oncogenic behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Grozavu
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Stuart
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Lyakisheva
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhong Yao
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shivanthy Pathmanathan
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Ohh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Igor Stagljar
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences (MedILS), Split, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Split, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Roupakia E, Markopoulos GS, Kolettas E. Genes and pathways involved in senescence bypass identified by functional genetic screens. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 194:111432. [PMID: 33422562 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a state of stable and irreversible cell cycle arrest with active metabolism, that normal cells undergo after a finite number of divisions (Hayflick limit). Senescence can be triggered by intrinsic and/or extrinsic stimuli including telomere shortening at the end of a cell's lifespan (telomere-initiated senescence) and in response to oxidative, genotoxic or oncogenic stresses (stress-induced premature senescence). Several effector mechanisms have been proposed to explain senescence programmes in diploid cells, including the induction of DNA damage responses, a senescence-associated secretory phenotype and epigenetic changes. Senescent cells display senescence-associated-β-galactosidase activity and undergo chromatin remodeling resulting in heterochromatinisation. Senescence is established by the pRb and p53 tumour suppressor networks. Senescence has been detected in in vitro cellular settings and in premalignant, but not malignant lesions in mice and humans expressing mutant oncogenes. Despite oncogene-induced senescence, which is believed to be a cancer initiating barrier and other tumour suppressive mechanisms, benign cancers may still develop into malignancies by bypassing senescence. Here, we summarise the functional genetic screens that have identified genes, uncovered pathways and characterised mechanisms involved in senescence evasion. These include cell cycle regulators and tumour suppressor pathways, DNA damage response pathways, epigenetic regulators, SASP components and noncoding RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Roupakia
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45100, Greece; Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Georgios S Markopoulos
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45100, Greece; Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Evangelos Kolettas
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45100, Greece; Biomedical Research Division, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Ioannina, 45110, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khan MGM, Ghosh A, Variya B, Santharam MA, Ihsan AU, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. Prognostic significance of SOCS1 and SOCS3 tumor suppressors and oncogenic signaling pathway genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:774. [PMID: 32807134 PMCID: PMC7433106 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07285-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SOCS1 and SOCS3 genes are considered tumor suppressors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to frequent epigenetic repression. Consistent with this notion, mice lacking SOCS1 or SOCS3 show increased susceptibility to diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. As SOCS1 and SOCS3 are important regulators of cytokine and growth factor signaling, their loss could activate oncogenic signaling pathways. Therefore, we examined the correlation between SOCS1/SOCS3 and key oncogenic signaling pathway genes as well as their prognostic significance in HCC. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset on HCC comprising clinical and transcriptomic data was retrieved from the cBioportal platform. The correlation between the expression of SOCS1 or SOCS3 and oncogenic pathway genes was evaluated using the GraphPad PRISM software. The inversely correlated genes were assessed for their impact on patient survival using the UALCAN platform and their expression quantified in the regenerating livers and DEN-induced HCC tissues of mice lacking Socs1 or Socs3. Finally, the Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the predictive potential of SOCS1 and SOCS3 when combined with the genes of select oncogenic signaling pathways. Results SOCS1 expression was comparable between HCC and adjacent normal tissues, yet higher SOCS1 expression predicted favorable prognosis. In contrast, SOCS3 expression was significantly low in HCC, yet it lacked predictive potential. The correlation between SOCS1 or SOCS3 expression and key genes of the cell cycle, receptor tyrosine kinase, growth factor and MAPK signaling pathways were mostly positive than negative. Among the negatively correlated genes, only a few showed elevated expression in HCC and predicted survival. Many PI3K pathway genes showed mutual exclusivity with SOCS1 and/or SOCS3 and displayed independent predictive ability. Among genes that negatively correlated with SOCS1 and/or SOCS3, only CDK2 and AURKA showed corresponding modulations in the regenerating livers and DEN-induced tumors of hepatocyte-specific Socs1 or Socs3 deficient mice and predicted patient survival. The Cox proportional hazards model identified the combinations of SOCS1 or SOCS3 with CXCL8 and DAB2 as highly predictive. Conclusions SOCS1 expression in HCC has an independent prognostic value whereas SOCS3 expression does not. The predictive potential of SOCS1 expression is increased when combined with other oncogenic signaling pathway genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Gulam Musawwir Khan
- Immunology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Amit Ghosh
- Cell biology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Bhavesh Variya
- Cell biology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Madanraj Appiya Santharam
- Cell biology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Awais Ullah Ihsan
- Cell biology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Immunology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada.,Cell biology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada.,CRCHUS, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Immunology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada. .,Cell biology graduate program, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 North 12th avenue, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada. .,CRCHUS, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Seternes OM, Kidger AM, Keyse SM. Dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases in health and disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2018; 1866:124-143. [PMID: 30401534 PMCID: PMC6227380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that a family of dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) play key roles in the regulated dephosphorylation and inactivation of MAP kinase isoforms in mammalian cells and tissues. MKPs provide a mechanism of spatiotemporal feedback control of these key signalling pathways, but can also mediate crosstalk between distinct MAP kinase cascades and facilitate interactions between MAP kinase pathways and other key signalling modules. As our knowledge of the regulation, substrate specificity and catalytic mechanisms of MKPs has matured, more recent work using genetic models has revealed key physiological functions for MKPs and also uncovered potentially important roles in regulating the pathophysiological outcome of signalling with relevance to human diseases. These include cancer, diabetes, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. It is hoped that this understanding will reveal novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for disease, thus contributing to more effective diagnosis and treatment for these debilitating and often fatal conditions. A comprehensive review of the dual-specificity MAP kinase Phosphatases (MKPs) Focus is on MKPs in the regulation of MAPK signalling in health and disease. Covers roles of MKPs in inflammation, obesity/diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ole-Morten Seternes
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Andrew M Kidger
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, England, UK.
| | - Stephen M Keyse
- Stress Response Laboratory, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, James Arrot Drive, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu D, Skomorovska Y, Song J, Bowler E, Harris R, Ravasz M, Bai S, Ayati M, Tamai K, Koyuturk M, Yuan X, Wang Z, Wang Y, Ewing R. ELF3 is an antagonist of oncogenic-signalling-induced expression of EMT-TF ZEB1. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 20:90-100. [PMID: 30148686 PMCID: PMC6292503 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1507256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the transformation of epithelial cells into migratory and invasive tumour cells. Intricate positive and negative regulatory processes regulate EMT. Many oncogenic signalling pathways can induce EMT, but the specific mechanisms of how this occurs, and how this process is controlled are not fully understood. Methods: RNA-Seq analysis, computational analysis of protein networks and large-scale cancer genomics datasets were used to identify ELF3 as a negative regulator of the expression of EMT markers. Western blotting coupled to siRNA as well as analysis of tumour/normal colorectal cancer panels was used to investigate the expression and function of ELF3. Results: RNA-Seq analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing mutant and wild-type β-catenin and analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing inducible mutant RAS showed that ELF3 expression is reduced in response to oncogenic signalling and antagonizes Wnt and RAS oncogenic signalling pathways. Analysis of gene-expression patterns across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and protein localization in colorectal cancer tumour panels showed that ELF3 expression is anti-correlated with β-catenin and markers of EMT and correlates with better clinical prognosis. Conclusions: ELF3 is a negative regulator of the EMT transcription factor (EMT-TF) ZEB1 through its function as an antagonist of oncogenic signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Y Skomorovska
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - J Song
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - E Bowler
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - R Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Ravasz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Bai
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - M Ayati
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - K Tamai
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - M Koyuturk
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - X Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Z Wang
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - R.M. Ewing
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fakih O, Sanver D, Kane D, Thorne JL. Exploring the biophysical properties of phytosterols in the plasma membrane for novel cancer prevention strategies. Biochimie 2018; 153:150-61. [PMID: 29730298 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a global problem with no sign that incidences are reducing. The great costs associated with curing cancer, through developing novel treatments and applying patented therapies, is an increasing burden to developed and developing nations alike. These financial and societal problems will be alleviated by research efforts into prevention, or treatments that utilise off-patent or repurposed agents. Phytosterols are natural components of the diet found in an array of seeds, nuts and vegetables and have been added to several consumer food products for the management of cardio-vascular disease through their ability to lower LDL-cholesterol levels. In this review, we provide a connected view between the fields of structural biophysics and cellular and molecular biology to evaluate the growing evidence that phytosterols impair oncogenic pathways in a range of cancer types. The current state of understanding of how phytosterols alter the biophysical properties of plasma membrane is described, and the potential for phytosterols to be repurposed from cardio-vascular to oncology therapeutics. Through an overview of the types of biophysical and molecular biology experiments that have been performed to date, this review informs the reader of the molecular and biophysical mechanisms through which phytosterols could have anti-cancer properties via their interactions with the plasma cell membrane. We also outline emerging and under-explored areas such as computational modelling, improved biomimetic membranes and ex vivo tissue evaluation. Focus of future research in these areas should improve understanding, not just of phytosterols in cancer cell biology but also to give insights into the interaction between the plasma membrane and the genome. These fields are increasingly providing meaningful biological and clinical data but iterative experiments between molecular biology assays, biosynthetic membrane studies and computational membrane modelling improve and refine our understanding of the role of different sterol components of the plasma membrane.
Collapse
|