Nuclear Protein Accumulation Research Articles

Macrothrombocytopenia and dense granule deficiency associated with FLI1 variants: ultrastructural and pathogenic features.

Congenital macrothrombocytopenia is a family of rare diseases, of which a significant fraction remains to be genetically characterized. To analyze cases of unexplained thrombocytopenia, 27 individuals from a patient cohort of the Bleeding and Thrombosis Exploration Center of the University Hospital of Marseille were recruited for a high-throughput gene sequencing study. This strategy led to the identification of two novel FLI1 variants (c.1010G>A and c.1033A>G) responsible for macrothrombocytopenia. The FLI1 variant carriers’ platelets exhibited a defect in aggregation induced by low-dose adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen and thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP), a defect in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion, a reduced mepacrine uptake and release and a reduced CD63 expression upon TRAP stimulation. Precise ultrastructural analysis of platelet content was performed using transmission electron microscopy and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. Remarkably, dense granules were nearly absent in the carriers’ platelets, presumably due to a biogenesis defect. Additionally, 25–29% of the platelets displayed giant α-granules, while a smaller proportion displayed vacuoles (7–9%) and autophagosome-like structures (0–3%). In vitro study of megakaryocytes derived from circulating CD34+ cells of the carriers revealed a maturation defect and reduced proplatelet formation potential. The study of the FLI1 variants revealed a significant reduction in protein nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity properties. Intraplatelet flow cytometry efficiently detected the biomarker MYH10 in FLI1 variant carriers. Overall, this study provides new insights into the phenotype, pathophysiology and diagnosis of FLI1 variant-associated thrombocytopenia.

Selinexor and Low Dose Dexamethasone (Sd) in Patients with Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide, Bortezomib, Carfilzomib and Anti-CD38 Ab Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): STORM Study

Selinexor and Low Dose Dexamethasone (Sd) in Patients with Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide, Bortezomib, Carfilzomib and Anti-CD38 Ab Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): STORM Study

Efficacy of Selinexor Is Dependent on IκB-α Expression and NF-Kb Deactivation in Multiple Myeloma Cells

Background: Selinexor is a Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound that binds to and inhibits XPO1 mediated nuclear export, resulting in nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins (TSPs) including p53, pRB, and IκB-α. Selinexor has therapeutic benefit both pre-clinically and clinically (NCT01607892, NCT02336815) in multiple myeloma (MM). It has been previously demonstrated that the extent of NF-κB transcriptional inhibition is one of the critical mechanisms contributing to the efficacy and/or resistance to selinexor in cells. However, the mechanism leading to NF-κB inhibition after selinexor treatment is not fully understood. We hypothesized that the level of the cellular inhibitor of NF-κB, IκB-α, and its compartmental localization play an important role in NF-κB transactivation and response to selinexor. In this study, we investigate the effect of selinexor treatment on MM cells with low expression of IκB-α and high NF-kB activity in order to understand the mechanism of NF-κB inhibition by selinexor.Methods: IM9 and RPMI-8226cells were treated with selinexor in the presence or absence of 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα; inflammatory mimic) and whole protein lysates were analyzed by immunoblotting. Cytotoxic effects of selinexor were evaluated using standard viability assays. IκB-α knockdown was performed using transfection of specific siRNA duplexes. NF-κB transcriptional activity was analyzed using an ELISA assay.Results: Selinexor induces nuclear localization of IκB-α in MM cells. RNAi of IκB-α in MM cells reduced the cytotoxic effects of selinexor by 10-fold. In addition, knockdown of IκB-α reduces the synergy of the selinexor plus proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib or carfilzomib) combination. This data suggests that in MM, IκB-α plays a major role in cellular sensitivity to selinexor potentially through NF-κB activity. Selinexor inhibited NF-kB transcriptional activity in IM9 and RPMI-8226 cells with IC50 of 1079 nM and 591 nM respectively. Although the difference in NF-κB activity IC50 is only 2-fold between the two MM cell lines (MTT IC50s are ~100 nM), IM9 cells have a 100-fold higher basal NF-kB activity when compared to RPMI-8226 cells. Under TNFα stimulation NF-kB activity was induced by 1.5- and 35-fold in IM9 and RPMI-8226, respectively. We observed that selinexor treatment caused a dose dependent inhibition of IκB kinase (IKK)-mediated phosphorylation of serine 32/36 on IκB-α and serine 536 on the NF-κB p65 subunit (RelA) upon TNFα stimulation in both cell lines. In RPMI-8226 cells, selinexor reduced TNFα-induced IκB-α phosphorylation in a dose dependent manner and protected IκB-α from degradation. In IM9 cells that have high basal NF-κB activity, TNFα did not induce NF-kB activity or cause IκB-α degradation. However, selinexor treatment inhibited NF-kB activity below its basal level (70% reduction) which resulted in dose dependent reduction in the level of IκB-α protein perhaps through inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional control of IκB-α mRNA expression.Conclusions: IκB-α plays a major role in the cellular cytotoxicity of selinexor in cancer cells. Multiple myeloma cells lose sensitivity to selinexor treatment upon IκB-α silencing, which in turn reduces the cytotoxicity of selinexor. TNFα stimulation induces the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 subunit and IκB-α through increased IKK activity resulting in IκB-α degradation and NF-κB activation. In RPMI-8226 cells, selinexor treatment blocked TNFα-induced degradation of IκB-α. However, in IM9 cells TNFα alone did not have any significant effect on IκB-α which might be due to the high basal NF-kB activity. Interestingly, IκB-α is also a transcriptional target of NF-kB. In IM9 cells, selinexor treatment reduces NF-kB activity below the high basal level in a dose dependent manner resulting in near complete inhibition of NF-kB-controlled IκB-α mRNA transcription and a loss of the IκB-α protein. Ultimately, selinexor treatment inhibits cell viability and NF-kB transcriptional activity regardless of basal NF-κB activity in MM cells. Because of this IκB-α/NF-kB transcriptional mechanism, selinexor treatment can inhibit both chronic (unresponsive to TNFα) and acute (TNFα-simulated) inflammatory signaling which makes selinexor an applicable therapy to cancer cells with a variety of aberrant signaling pathways. DisclosuresKashyap:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Klebanov:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Argueta:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lee:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Shacham:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kauffman:Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Landesman:Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Other: stockholder. Senapedis:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Nuclear Proteomics Uncovers Diurnal Regulatory Landscapes in Mouse Liver

SummaryDiurnal oscillations of gene expression controlled by the circadian clock and its connected feeding rhythm enable organisms to coordinate their physiologies with daily environmental cycles. While available techniques yielded crucial insights into regulation at the transcriptional level, much less is known about temporally controlled functions within the nucleus and their regulation at the protein level. Here, we quantified the temporal nuclear accumulation of proteins and phosphoproteins from mouse liver by SILAC proteomics. We identified around 5,000 nuclear proteins, over 500 of which showed a diurnal accumulation. Parallel analysis of the nuclear phosphoproteome enabled the inference of the temporal activity of kinases accounting for rhythmic phosphorylation. Many identified rhythmic proteins were parts of nuclear complexes involved in transcriptional regulation, ribosome biogenesis, DNA repair, and the cell cycle and its potentially associated diurnal rhythm of hepatocyte polyploidy. Taken together, these findings provide unprecedented insights into the diurnal regulatory landscape of the mouse liver nucleus.

Using Fluorescent Reporters in Conjunction with Cytometry and Statistics to Assess Nuclear Accumulation of Ribosomal Proteins.

Fluorescently labeled ribosomal proteins can be used to detect and monitor the intracellular localization of these proteins. Both Rps2, a subunit of the 40S ribosome, and Rpl25, a subunit of the 60S ribosome, have been fused to the coding sequence of GFP at their C-termini and the fusions have been used to monitor their localization within cells using fluorescent microscopy. Normally these proteins are efficiently incorporated into ribosomes and exported into the cytoplasm where they exhibit a low uniform fluorescence. However, these Rps2- and Rpl25-GFP proteins accumulate in the nucleus of mutants defective in ribosome biogenesis or export. Here, we describe a single-cell quantitative method to assess the nuclear accumulation of ribosomal proteins using cytometry and biostatistics. This assay was developed for use with GFP reporters for ribosome biogenesis in budding yeast but could be adapted for use with any GFP reporter that accumulates into the nucleus under adverse conditions.

Mms21 SUMO Ligase Activity Promotes Nucleolar Function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The budding yeast E3 SUMO ligase Mms21, also known as Nse2, is a component of the Smc5/6 complex, which regulates sister chromatid cohesion, DNA replication, and repair. Our study shows that the mms21RINGΔ mutant exhibits (1) reduced ribosomal RNA production; (2) nuclear accumulation of ribosomal proteins; (3) elevated Gcn4 translation, indicating translational stress; and (4) upregulation of Gcn4 targets. Genes involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation are downregulated in the mms21RINGΔ mutant. We identified RPL19A as a novel genetic suppressor of the mms21RINGΔ mutant. Deletion of RPL19A partially suppresses growth defects in both smc5-6 and mms21RINGΔ mutants as well as nuclear accumulation of ribosome subunits in the mms21RINGΔ mutant. Deletion of a previously identified strong suppressor, MPH1, rescues both the accumulation of ribosome subunits and translational stress. This study suggests that the Smc5/6 complex supports nucleolar function.

Phase IB Study of Selinexor, a First-in-Class Inhibitor of Nuclear Export, in Patients With Advanced Refractory Bone or Soft Tissue Sarcoma

We evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of selinexor, an oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export compound, in patients with advanced soft tissue or bone sarcoma with progressive disease. Fifty-four patients were treated with oral selinexor twice per week (on days 1 and 3) at one of three doses (30 mg/m(2), 50 mg/m(2), or flat dose of 60 mg) either continuously or on a schedule of 3 weeks on, 1 week off. PK analysis was performed under fasting and fed states (low v high fat content) and using various formulations of selinexor (tablet, capsule, or suspension). Tumor biopsies before and during treatment were evaluated for pharmacodynamic changes. The most commonly reported drug-related adverse events (grade 1 or 2) were nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue, which were well managed with supportive care. Commonly reported grade 3 or 4 toxicities were fatigue, thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphopenia, and leukopenia. Selinexor was significantly better tolerated when administered as a flat dose on an intermittent schedule. PK analysis of selinexor revealed a clinically insignificant increase (approximately 15% to 20%) in drug exposure when taken with food. Immunohistochemical analysis of paired tumor biopsies revealed increased nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins, decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and stromal deposition. Of the 52 patients evaluable for response, none experienced an objective response by RECIST (version 1.1); however, 17 (33%) showed durable (≥ 4 months) stable disease, including seven (47%) of 15 evaluable patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Selinexor was well tolerated at a 60-mg flat dose on a 3-weeks-on, 1-week-off schedule. There was no clinically meaningful impact of food on PKs. Preliminary evidence of anticancer activity in sarcoma was demonstrated.

Abstract 2899: Selinexor inhibits NF-κB activity by sequestering IkB-a in the nucleus and blocking IkB-a degradation

Abstract Background: Selinexor is a small-molecule therapeutic that inhibits XPO1 mediated nuclear export, resulting in nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins (TSPs) and subsequently cancer cell death while sparing normal cells. It has been previously demonstrated that the inhibitor of NFκB, IκB-, is localized to the cytoplasm by XPO1 in several cancer cell lines and that treatment of cancer cells with selinexor reduces NF-κB transcriptional activity. The mechanism of NF-κB inhibition by selinexor, however, is not fully understood. We hypothesized that nuclear retention of IκB- and down-regulation of IκB- kinase (IKK) in response to selinexor treatment would inhibit NF-κB transcriptional activity. Methods: U2OS (Osteosarcoma) cells were treated with selinexor in the presence or absence of TNF stimulation and whole protein lysates were analyzed by Western blotting. IκB- localization was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy and NF-κB transcriptional activity by ELISA (Thermo Scientific). Results: TNFα induced the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 subunit on serine 536 and IκB- on serine 32/36 through IKK. This resulted in the dissociation of IκB-α from NF-κB and led to IκB-α degradation via the 26S proteasome. Free NF-κB could now migrate into the nucleus and initiate transcriptional activation supporting tumorigenicity and inflammation. The IKK kinase is a complex made of two kinases (IKKα and IKKβ) and one regulatory subunit, NEMO/IKKγ. We found that selinexor treatment blocked IKK activity through the down regulation of the IKK (IKKγ) gamma subunit protein levels. This inhibition was dose dependent and prevented IκB- phosphorylation, thereby protecting IκB- from degradation. The protection of intact IκB- from degradation and its forced nuclear accumulation through XPO1 inhibition enabled inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity even in the presence of TNFα. Selinexor did not alter the protein levels of IKK or IKK. Conclusions: Selinexor blocks TNFα induced degradation of IκB- by reducing the levels of IKK. In addition, selinexor increased nuclear IκB- levels through the inhibition of nuclear export. This blocked NF-κB activity and enhanced cancer cell death. We are currently investigating the beneficial effects of combining selinexor with proteasome inhibitors, which are known to prevent IκB- degradation. Citation Format: Trinayan Kashyap, Christian Argueta, Boris Klebanov, TJ Unger, Benjamin Link, Maxwell Werman, Margaret Lee, Sharon Shacham, Yosef Landesman. Selinexor inhibits NF-κB activity by sequestering IkB-a in the nucleus and blocking IkB-a degradation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2899.

Modulation of Macrophage Inflammatory Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) Signaling by Intracellular Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is a common facultative intracellular pathogen that can cause life-threatening fungal meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. Shortly after infection, Cn is detectable as both extra- and intracellular yeast particles, with Cn being capable of establishing long-lasting latent infections within host macrophages. Although recent studies have shown that shed capsular polysaccharides and intact extracellular Cn can compromise macrophage function through modulation of NF-κB signaling, it is currently unclear whether intracellular Cn also affects NF-κB signaling. Utilizing live cell imaging and computational modeling, we find that extra- and intracellular Cn support distinct modes of NF-κB signaling in cultured murine macrophages. Specifically, in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages treated with extracellular glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), the major Cn capsular polysaccharide, LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 is inhibited, whereas in cells with intracellular Cn, LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 is both amplified and sustained. Mathematical simulations and quantification of nascent protein expression indicate that this is a possible consequence of Cn-induced "translational interference," impeding IκBα resynthesis. We also show that long term Cn infection induces stable nuclear localization of p65 and IκBα proteins in the absence of additional pro-inflammatory stimuli. In this case, nuclear localization of p65 is not accompanied by TNFα or inducible NOS (iNOS) expression. These results demonstrate that capsular polysaccharides and intact intracellular yeast manipulate NF-κB via multiple distinct mechanisms and provide new insights into how Cn might modulate cellular signaling at different stages of an infection.

Soy Protein Isolate Protects Against Ethanol-Mediated Tumor Progression in Diethylnitrosamine-Treated Male Mice.

In this study, diethylnitrosamine-treated male mice were assigned to three groups: (i) a 35% high fat ethanol liquid diet (EtOH) with casein as the protein source, (ii) the same EtOH liquid diet with soy protein isolate as the sole protein source (EtOH/SPI), (iii) and a chow group. EtOH feeding continued for 16 weeks. As expected, EtOH increased the incidence and multiplicity of basophilic lesions and adenomas compared with the chow group, P < 0.05. Soy protein replacement of casein in the EtOH diet significantly reduced adenoma progression when compared with the EtOH and EtOH/SPI group (P < 0.05). Tumor reduction in the EtOH/SPI group corresponded to reduced liver injury associated with decreased hepatic Tnfα and Cd14 antigen (Cd14) expression and decreased nuclear accumulation of NF-κB1 protein compared with the EtOH group (P < 0.05). Detection of sphingolipids using high-resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (MALDI-FTICR) imaging mass spectrometry revealed increased accumulation of long acyl chain ceramide species, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in the EtOH group that were significantly reduced in the EtOH/SPI group. Chronic EtOH feeding also increased mRNA expression of β-catenin transcriptional targets, including cyclin D1 (Ccnd1), matrix metallopeptidase 7 (Mmp7), and glutamine synthetase (Glns), which were reduced in the EtOH/SPI group (P < 0.05). We conclude that soy prevents tumorigenesis by reducing proinflammatory and oxidative environment resulting from EtOH-induced hepatic injury, and by reducing hepatocyte proliferation through inhibition of β-catenin signaling. These mechanisms may involve changes in sphingolipid signaling. Cancer Prev Res; 9(6); 466-75. ©2016 AACR.

An unbiased nuclear proteomics approach reveals novel nuclear protein components that participates in MAMP-triggered immunity

ABSTRACT(MAMP)-triggered immunity (MTI) is the first layer of molecular defense encountered by pathogens. Genetic screens have contributed to our knowledge of MTI, but are limited to phenotype-causing mutations. Here we attempt to identify novel factors involved in the early event leading to plant MTI by comparing the nuclear proteomes of two Arabidopsis genotypes treated with chitosan. Our approach revealed that following chitosan treatment, cerk1 plants had many nuclear accumulating proteins in common, but also some unique ones, when compared with Col-0 plants. Analysis of the identified proteins revealed a nuclear accumulation of DNA-modifying enzymes, RNA-binding proteins and ribosomal proteins. Our results demonstrate that nuclear proteomic is a valid, phenotype-independent approach to uncover factor involved in cellular processes.

Nuclear accumulation of myocyte muscle LIM protein is regulated by heme oxygenase 1 and correlates with cardiac function in the transition to failure.

The present study investigated the mechanism associated with impaired cardiac mechanosensing that leads to heart failure by examining the factors regulating muscle LIM protein subcellular distribution in myocytes. In myocytes, muscle LIM protein subcellular distribution is regulated by cell contractility rather than passive stretch via heme oxygenase-1 and histone deacetylase signalling. The result of the present study provide new insights into mechanotransduction in cardiac myocytes. Myocyte mechanosensitivity, as indicated by the muscle LIM protein ratio, is also correlated with cardiac function in the transition to failure in a guinea-pig model of disease. This shows that the loss mechanosensitivity plays an important role during the transition to failure in the heart. The present study provides the first indication that mechanosensing could be modified pharmacologically during the transition to heart failure. Impaired mechanosensing leads to heart failure and a decreased ratio of cytoplasmic to nuclear CSRP3/muscle LIM protein (MLP ratio) is associated with a loss of mechanosensitivity. In the present study, we tested whether passive or active stress/strain was important in modulating the MLP ratio and determined whether this correlated with heart function during the transition to failure. We exposed cultured neonatal rat myocytes to a 10% cyclic mechanical stretch at 1Hz, or electrically paced myocytes at 6.8V (1Hz) for 48h. The MLP ratio decreased by 50% (P<0.05, n=4) only in response to electrical pacing, suggesting impaired mechanosensitivity. Inhibition of contractility with 10μm blebbistatin resulted in an ∼3-fold increase in the MLP ratio (n=8, P<0.05), indicating that myocyte contractility regulates nuclear MLP. Inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) signalling with trichostatin A increased nuclear MLP following passive stretch, suggesting that HDACs block MLP nuclear accumulation. Inhibition of heme oxygenase1 (HO-1) activity with protoporphyrin IX zinc(II) blocked MLP nuclear accumulation. To examine how mechanosensitivity changes during the transition to heart failure, we studied a guinea-pig model of angiotensin II infusion (400ngkg(-1) min(-1) ) over 12 weeks. Using subcellular fractionation, we showed that the MLP ratio increased by 88% (n=4, P<0.01) during compensated hypertrophy but decreased significantly during heart failure (P<0.001, n=4). The MLP ratio correlated significantly with the E/A ratio (r=0.71, P<0.01, n=12), a clinical measure of diastolic function. These data indicate for the first time that myocyte mechanosensitivity as indicated by the MLP ratio is regulated primarily by myocyte contractility via HO-1 and HDAC signalling.

Folic Acid Represses Hypoxia-Induced Inflammation in THP-1 Cells through Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α Pathway.

Though hypoxia has been implicated as a cause of inflammation, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Folic acid has been shown to provide protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with cardiovascular disease and various models approximating insult to tissue via inflammation. It has been reported that hypoxia-induced inflammation is associated with oxidative stress, upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), and production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Whether folic acid protects human monocytic cells (THP-1 cells) against hypoxia-induced damage, however, remains unknown. We used THP-1 cells to establish a hypoxia-induced cellular injury model. Pretreating THP-1 cells with folic acid attenuated hypoxia-induced inflammatory responses, including a decrease in protein and mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), coupled with increased levels of IL-10. Folic acid also reduced hypoxia-induced Akt phosphorylation and decreased nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α protein. Both LY294002 (a selective inhibitor of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase, PI3K) and KC7F2 (a HIF-1α inhibitor) reduced levels of hypoxia-induced inflammatory cytokines. We also found that insulin (an Akt activator) and dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG, a HIF-1α activator) induced over-expression of inflammatory cytokines, which could be blocked by folic acid. Taken together, these findings demonstrate how folic acid attenuates the hypoxia-induced inflammatory responses of THP-1 cells through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway.

RASSF1A Suppresses the Invasion and Metastatic Potential of Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting YAP Activation through the GEF-H1/RhoB Pathway.

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A by promoter hypermethylation represents a key event underlying the initiation and progression of lung cancer. RASSF1A inactivation is also associated with poor prognosis and may promote metastatic spread. In this study, we investigated how RASSF1A inactivation conferred invasive phenotypes to human bronchial cells. RNAi-mediated silencing of RASSF1A induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fomenting a motile and invasive cellular phenotype in vitro and increased metastatic prowess in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that RASSF1A blocked tumor growth by stimulating cofilin/PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1, thereby stimulating its ability to activate the antimetastatic small GTPase RhoB. Furthermore, RASSF1A reduced nuclear accumulation of the Hippo pathway transcriptional cofactor Yes-associated protein (YAP), which was reinforced by RhoB activation. Collectively, our results indicated that RASSF1 acts to restrict EMT and invasion by indirectly controlling YAP nuclear shuttling and activation through a RhoB-regulated cytoskeletal remodeling process, with potential implications to delay the progression of RASSF1-hypermethylated lung tumors.

Nuclear accumulation of Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) maintains the survival of doxorubicin-induced senescent cells by promoting survivin expression

Although chemotherapeutic drugs can induce senescence to prohibit further division of tumor cells, senescence could also promote tumorigenesis mainly through a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Therefore, senescent tumor cells should be eliminated immediately to prevent drug resistance and recurrence. Here, we used a doxorubicin-induced senescence model to explore the mechanism underlying the survival of therapy-induced senescent cells. After low-dose doxorubicin treatment, tumor cells turned on a senescence program and became large and flattened, increasing their contact area with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, Yes-associated protein (YAP) accumulated in the nucleus and YAP activity was increased in doxorubicin-induced senescent cells. Knockdown of YAP increased the sensitivity of cells to low-dose doxorubicin treatment, causing apoptosis rather than senescence. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic gene survivin, a YAP target gene, was overexpressed in senescent cells. Inhibition of survivin could lead to selective elimination of senescent cells through apoptosis. Our study indicates that nuclear accumulation of YAP could promote the survival of senescent cells by increasing survivin expression. Therefore, targeting YAP or survivin might be a new strategy for clearing senescent cancer cells during drug treatment.

Identification of an Endogenously Generated Cryptic Collagen Epitope (XL313) That May Selectively Regulate Angiogenesis by an Integrin Yes-associated Protein (YAP) Mechano-transduction Pathway

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling regulates angiogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms by which structural changes in ECM proteins contribute to angiogenesis are not fully understood. Integrins are molecules with the ability to detect compositional and structural changes within the ECM and integrate this information into a network of signaling circuits that coordinate context-dependent cell behavior. The role of integrin αvβ3 in angiogenesis is complex, as evidence exists for both positive and negative functions. The precise downstream signaling events initiated by αvβ3 may depend on the molecular characteristics of its ligands. Here, we identified an RGD-containing cryptic collagen epitope that is generated in vivo. Surprisingly, rather than inhibiting αvβ3 signaling, this collagen epitope promoted αvβ3 activation and stimulated angiogenesis and inflammation. An antibody directed to this RGDKGE epitope but not other RGD collagen epitopes inhibited angiogenesis and inflammation in vivo. The selective ability of this RGD epitope to promote angiogenesis and inflammation depends in part on its flanking KGE motif. Interestingly, a subset of macrophages may represent a physiologically relevant source of this collagen epitope. Here, we define an endothelial cell mechano-signaling pathway in which a cryptic collagen epitope activates αvβ3 leading to an Src and p38 MAPK-dependent cascade that leads to nuclear accumulation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and stimulation of endothelial cell growth. Collectively, our findings not only provide evidence for a novel mechano-signaling pathway, but also define a possible therapeutic strategy to control αvβ3 signaling by targeting a pro-angiogenic and inflammatory ligand of αvβ3 rather than the receptor itself.

CRM1 inhibitor S109 suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest in renal cancer cells.

Abnormal localization of tumor suppressor proteins is a common feature of renal cancer. Nuclear export of these tumor suppressor proteins is mediated by chromosome region maintenance-1 (CRM1). Here, we investigated the antitumor eff ects of a novel reversible inhibitor of CRM1 on renal cancer cells. We found that S109 inhibits the CRM1-mediated nuclear export of RanBP1 and reduces protein levels of CRM1. Furthermore, the inhibitory eff ect of S109 on CRM1 is reversible. Our data demonstrated that S109 signifi cantly inhibits proliferation and colony formation of renal cancer cells. Cell cycle assay showed that S109 induced G1-phase arrest, followed by the reduction of Cyclin D1 and increased expression of p53 and p21. We also found that S109 induces nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins, Foxo1 and p27. Most importantly, mutation of CRM1 at Cys528 position abolished the eff ects of S109. Taken together, our results indicate that CRM1 is a therapeutic target in renal cancer and the novel reversible CRM1 inhibitor S109 can act as a promising candidate for renal cancer therapy.

Selective Inhibitors of Nuclear Export (SINE) Compounds Suppress Both HIV Replication and AIDS Related Lymphoma

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compromises the immune system leaving infected individuals vulnerable to other pathologies including cancer. HIV-infected patients have an increased risk of cancer development as compared to the general population. Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma with very poor prognosis, typically affects individuals infected with HIV in advanced stages of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). While the use of anti-HIV drugs is associated with better prognosis, treating cancer in HIV-infected patients is often challenging due to potential drug interactions between anti-cancer agents and antiretroviral drugs. We demonstrate that inhibition of the exportin-1 (CRM1/XPO1) mediated nuclear protein transport by SINE compounds results in effective suppression of HIV replication, which was quantified by measuring virus-associated core antigen (p24) by ELISA. In addition by using MTT, assays, Annexin staining, FACS and immunoblot analysis we demonstrated that XPO1 inhibition induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PEL cell lines (BC-1, BCBL-1, and JSC-1) at similar doses. SINE blocked the nuclear export of the late viral partially and unspliced RNA species encoding for the viral structural proteins. In BC-1 PEL cells inhibition of XPO1 resulted in the nuclear accumulation of p53 tumor suppressor protein as well as inhibition of NF-κB activity. In vivo, oral administration twice a week for 4 weeks, 20 mg/kg of the clinical SINE compound selinexor (currently in phase I/II clinical trials) led to a significant suppression of the BC-1 PEL growth in vivo. These findings provide a strong basis for inhibiting XPO1 as a novel strategy for the combined treatment of HIV and PEL or other AIDS-related cancers. DisclosuresTamir:Karyopharm: Employment. Kauffman:Karyopharm: Employment, Equity Ownership. Shacham:Karyopharm: Employment, Equity Ownership. Landesman:Karyopharm: Employment.

XL413, a cell division cycle 7 kinase inhibitor enhanced the anti-fibrotic effect of pirfenidone on TGF-β1-stimulated C3H10T1/2 cells via Smad2/4

Pirfenidone is an orally bioavailable synthetic compound with therapeutic potential for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is thought to act through antioxidant and anti-fibrotic pathways. Pirfenidone inhibits proliferation and/or myofibroblast differentiation of a wide range of cell types, however, little studies have analyzed the effect of pirfenidone on the mesenchymal stem cells, which play an important role on the origin of myofibroblasts. We recently found that pirfenidone had anti-proliferative activity via G1 phase arrest and cell division cycle 7 (Cdc7) kinase expression decrease in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated murine mesenchymal stem C3H10T1/2 cells. Pirfenidone also had inhibiting effect on the migration and α-SMA expression. Moreover, in this study we showed for the first time that Cdc7 inhibitor XL413 enhanced the anti-fibrotic activity of pirfenidone via depressed the expression of Smad2/4 proteins, and also prevented the nuclear accumulation and translocation of Smad2 protein. In conclusion, we demonstrated that pirfenidone inhibited proliferation, migration and differentiation of TGF-β1-stimulated C3H10T1/2 cells, which could be enhanced by Cdc7 inhibitor XL413, via Smad2/4. Combination with pirfenidone and XL413 might provide a potential candidate for the treatment of TGF-β1 associated fibrosis. It needs in vivo studies to further validate its therapeutic function and safety in the future.

Inhibition of the Androgen Receptor by Antiandrogens in Spinobulbar Muscle Atrophy.

Spinal-bulbar muscle atrophy (SBMA) or also named Kennedy's Disease is caused by a polyglutamine expansion (PolyQ) of the coding region of the androgen receptor (AR). The AR is a ligand-controlled transcription factor and member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. The central characteristics of the SBMA pathogenicity are muscle weakness, the loss of motoneurons and the occurrence of AR-containing protein aggregates that are observed in spinal cord motoneurons and skeletal muscles induced by the AR-PolyQ expansion in the presence of androgens. The PolyQ triggers a misfolding in the AR-PolyQ and leads to protein aggregation in spinal cord motoneurons and muscle cells. The AR-PolyQ toxicity is activated by the AR ligand testosterone and dihydrotestosterone that activate the receptor and triggers nuclear toxicity by inducing AR nuclear translocation. In line with this, androgen treatment of SBMA patients worsened the SBMA symptoms. SBMA has been modeled in AR-overexpressing and AR-PolyQ-knock-in animals, but precisely how the PolyQ expansion leads to neurodegeneration is unclear. The androgen-induced toxicity and androgen-dependent nuclear accumulation of AR-PolyQ protein seems to be central to the pathogenesis. Therefore, the inhibition of the androgen-activated AR-PolyQ might be a therapeutic option. Here the use of AR antagonists for treatment option of SBMA will be reviewed and discussed.