Active GTP Research Articles

Abstract 4553: Gβγ subunits inhibit Epac-induced melanoma cell migration

Abstract Background: Recently we reported that activation of Epac1, an Exchange protein activated by cAMP, increases melanoma cell migration via Ca 2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). G-protein subunits (Gβγ) are known to act as an independent signaling molecule upon activation of G-protein coupled receptor. However, the role of Gβγ in Ca2+ signaling and migration in melanoma has not been well studied. Here we report that there is crosstalk of Ca2+ signaling between Gβγ and Epac1 in melanoma, which results in inhibition of Epac-induced cell migration. Methods: Human metastatic melanoma cell lines, SK-Mel-2, SK-Mel-24, SK-Mel-187, c8161, WM1552C, and WM1361A, were used in this study. Intracellular Ca2+ level was measured with Fura-2AM and/or Fluo-4AM fluorescent dyes. Cell migration was examined with the Boyden chambers. Gβ1 and Gγ2 subunits were overexpressed with plasmid harboring each subunit. C-terminus of β adrenergic receptor kinase (βARK-CT), which inhibits Gβγ, was overexpressed with adenovirus. Results: A Gβγ -activating peptide, mSIRK, increased cytosolic Ca2+, in all melanoma cell lines. mSIRK induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by depletion of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that Gβγ activates Ca2+ influx from extracellular space. When cells were pretreated with mSIRK, but not with mSIRK (L9A), a non-functional mSIRK analogue, 8-(4-Methoxyphenylthio)-2′-O-methyladenosine- 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-pMeOPT), an Epac-specific agonist, failed to increase cytosolic Ca2+. In addition, co-overexpression of β1 and βγ2, which is a major combination of Gβγ, also inhibited 8-pMeOPT-induced Ca2+ elevation. Inhibition of Gβγ with βARK-CT, an inhibiting-peptide for Gβγ, or guanosine 5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPβS), a GDP analogue that inactivates Gβγ, recovered 8-pMeOPT-induced Ca2+ elevation. These data suggested that Gβγ inhibits Epac-induced Ca2+ release. We then examined the effect of Gβγ on Epac-induced cell migration. Epac-induced cell migration was decreased by mSIRK. Gp(CH)2pp (Guanosine 5′, α-β-methylene triphosphate), a constitutively active GTP analogue, also inhibited Epac-induced cell migration. Further, co-overexpression of Gβ1 and Gγ2 subunits inhibited Epac1-induced cell migration. By contrast, when βARK-CT was overexpressed, mSIRK's inhibitory effect on cell migration was negated. These data suggested that Gβγ has an inhibitory effect on Epac-induced melanoma cell migration. Finally, W-5, an inhibitor for calmodulin, negated mSIRK's inhibitory effects on Epac-induced Ca2+ elevation, and cell migration, suggesting involvement of calmodulin in the crosstalk of Ca2+ signaling between Gβγ and Epac. Conclusion: Gβγ evokes Ca2+ entry from extracellular space, which results in suppression of Epac-induced cytosolic Ca2+ elevation and cell migration in melanoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4553. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4553

Induction of Nonapoptotic Cell Death by Activated Ras Requires Inverse Regulation of Rac1 and Arf6

Methuosis is a unique form of nonapoptotic cell death triggered by alterations in the trafficking of clathrin-independent endosomes, ultimately leading to extreme vacuolization and rupture of the cell. Methuosis can be induced in glioblastoma cells by expression of constitutively active Ras. This study identifies the small GTPases, Rac1 and Arf6, and the Arf6 GTPase-activating protein, GIT1, as key downstream components of the signaling pathway underlying Ras-induced methuosis. The extent to which graded expression of active H-Ras(G12V) triggers cytoplasmic vacuolization correlates with the amount of endogenous Rac1 in the active GTP state. Blocking Rac1 activation with the specific Rac inhibitor, EHT 1864, or coexpression of dominant-negative Rac1(T17N), prevents the accumulation of vacuoles induced by H-Ras(G12V). Coincident with Rac1 activation, H-Ras(G12V) causes a decrease in the amount of active Arf6, a GTPase that functions in the recycling of clathrin-independent endosomes. The effect of H-Ras(G12V) on Arf6 is blocked by EHT 1864, indicating that the decrease in Arf6-GTP is directly linked to the activation of Rac1. Constitutively active Rac1(G12V) interacts with GIT1 in immunoprecipitation assays. Ablation of GIT1 by short hairpin RNA prevents the decrease in active Arf6, inhibits vacuolization, and prevents loss of cell viability in cells expressing Rac1(G12V). Together, the results suggest that perturbations of endosome morphology associated with Ras-induced methuosis are due to downstream activation of Rac1 combined with reciprocal inactivation of Arf6. The latter seems to be mediated through Rac1 stimulation of GIT1. Further insights into this pathway could suggest opportunities for the induction of methuosis in cancers that are resistant to apoptotic cell death.

A novel approach for stress-induced gastritis based on paradoxical anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory action of exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) attack guanine bases in DNA and form 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which has been regarded simply as an oxidative mutagenic by-product. On the other hand, our previous report showed paradoxically ROS attenuating action of generated 8-OHdG. In the current study, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were executed in order to document anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of 8-OHdG in cell model and to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy against water immersion restraint stress (WIRS)-induced gastritis animal model. Electron spin resonance measurements showed that 8-OHdG at >5 μg/ml completely scavenged OH − radicals, which was further confirmed by checking 2′-7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) spectroscopy. On molecular assay, 8-OHdG antagonized the action of GTP on Rac, a small GTP binding protein, without affecting Rac-guanosine exchange factor (GEF) or phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) activity. In Raw264.7 cells, 8-OHdG was found to be associated with marked attenuations of NOX1, NOXO1, and NOXA1 accompanied with the decreased expressions of LPS-induced inflammatory mediators including COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6. Similarly, 8-OHdG attenuated hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), COX-2, iNOS, IL-8, and VEGF expressions in HUVEC cells. At transcriptional level, 8-OHdG inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, inhibitory κB kinase (IKK) β kinase activation, and decreased phospho-IκBα levels. 8-OHdG efficiently ameliorated WIRS-induced gastric mucosal injury as evidenced with improvement of gross lesion index and attenuation of engaging mediators. Taken together, exogenous 8-OHdG can be a functional molecule regulating oxidative stress-induced gastritis through either antagonizing Rac-GTP binding or blocking the signals responsible for gastric inflammatory cascade.

The Mon1-Ccz1 Complex Is the GEF of the Late Endosomal Rab7 Homolog Ypt7

Rab GTPases coordinate membrane fusion reactions [1]. Rab-GDP requires a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for its conversion to the active GTP form. It then binds to effectors such as multimeric tethering complexes and supports fusion [2]. GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) promote GTP hydrolysis to inactivate the Rab. GEFs are thus critical activators of fusion reactions [3, 4]. The Rab GEF family is diverse, ranging from multimeric complexes [5] to monomeric GEFs [6-9]. At the late endosome, Rab7 activation is critical for endosomal maturation. The yeast Rab7 homolog Ypt7 binds to the homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex [10, 11]. Its subunit Vps39/Vam6 has been proposed as a GEF for Ypt7 [12] and the Rag GTPase Gtr1 [13], but other genetic evidence has implicated the endosomal protein Ccz1 as a GEF for Ypt7 [14]. Ccz1 and its binding partner Mon1 have been linked to endosomal transport and maturation [15-20]. We now provide evidence that the dimeric Mon1-Ccz1 complex is the Rab7/Ypt7 GEF. The Mon1-Ccz1 complex, but neither protein alone, counteracts GAP function in vivo, rescues in vitro fusion of vacuoles carrying Ypt7-GDP, and promotes nucleotide exchange on Ypt7 independently of Vps39/HOPS. Our data indicate that the Mon1-Ccz1 complex triggers endosomal maturation by activating Ypt7 on late endosomes.

Identification and biochemical characterization of a unique Mn2+-dependent UMP kinase from Helicobacter pylori

Uridine monophosphate (UMP) kinase converts UMP to the corresponding UDP in the presence of metal ions and ATP and is allosterically regulated by nucleotides such as UTP and GTP. Although the UMP kinase reported to date is Mg(2+)-dependent, we found in this study that the UMP kinase of Helicobacter pylori had a preference for Mn(2+) over Mg(2+), which may be related to a conformational difference between the Mn(2+)-bound and Mg(2+)-bound UMP kinase. Similar to previous findings, the UMP kinase activity of H. pylori UMP kinase was inhibited by UTP and activated by GTP. However, a relatively low GTP concentration (0.125 mM) was required to activate H. pylori UMP kinase to a level similar to other bacterial UMP kinases using a higher GTP concentration (0.5 mM). In addition, depending on the presence of either Mg(2+) or Mn(2+), a significant difference in the level of GTP activation was observed. It is therefore hypothesized that the Mg(2+)-bound and Mn(2+)-bound H. pylori UMP kinase may be activated by GTP through different mechanisms.

Differential Effects of Cytohesins 2 and 3 on β1 Integrin Recycling

ADP-ribosylation actor 6 (ARF6) regulates the endocytosis and recycling of a variety of proteins and also promotes peripheral actin rearrangements and cell motility. ARF6 is activated by a large number of guanine nucleotide exchange factors, which likely regulate ARF6 at different locations and during different processes. In this study we investigate the roles of the cytohesin ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-guanine nucleotide exchange factors during the recycling of integrin beta1. Intriguingly, we find that knockdown and overexpression of ARNO/cytohesin 2 and GRP1/cytohesin 3 have opposing effects on cell adhesion and spreading on fibronectin and on cell migration. We find that ARNO/cytohesin 2 is required for integrin beta1 recycling, whereas GRP1/cytohesin 3 is dispensable for this process. This is the first demonstration of unique roles for these proteins.

Abstract A30: NF1 is a tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma that determines retinoic acid response and disease outcome

Abstract Neuroblastoma is a malignancy of early childhood that derives from the developing neural crest and accounts for 15% of all paediatric oncology deaths. The vitamin A derivative retinoic acid (RA) controls neural development and promotes differentiation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of neuronal and neuroblastoma cells. These diverse effects of RA are exerted primarily through the ability to differentially regulate gene expression mediated by the retinoic acid receptors (RARs). RA is used in the clinic to treat high-risk neuroblastoma patients, however with variable success. This variability in clinical response to RA is enigmatic as no mutations in components of the RA signaling cascade have been found. By using large-scale RNAi-based genetic screens, we aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for RA sensitivity in neuroblastoma. We found an unexpected crosstalk between the tumor suppressor neurofibromin (NF1) and RA signaling. NF1 is a negative regulator of RAS signaling that promotes conversion of the active GTP bound form into the inactive GDP bound form of RAS. Activation of RAS-MEK signaling by loss of NF1 repressed ZNF423, a critical transcriptional co-activator of the retinoic acid receptors, and blocked RA induced differentiation and target gene activation. Restoration of ZNF423 levels resensitized NF1 knockdown cells to the inhibitory effect of RA. Moreover, ZNF423 and NF1 expression predicted sensitivity to RA in a large panel of neuroblastoma cell lines. Neuroblastomas with low levels of both NF1 and ZNF423 have extremely poor outcome. We found NF1 mutations in neuroblastoma cell lines and also in primary tumors. Inhibition of MEK signaling downstream of NF1 restored responsiveness to RA, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to overcome RA resistance in NF1 deficient neuroblastomas. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):A30

The Rap1 Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor C3G Is Required for Preservation of Larval Muscle Integrity in Drosophila melanogaster

C3G is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and modulator of small G-protein activity, which primarily acts on members of the Rap GTPase subfamily. Via promotion of the active GTP bound conformation of target GTPases, C3G has been implicated in the regulation of multiple cellular and developmental events including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The Drosophila C3G orthologue exhibits a domain organization similar to that of vertebrate C3G. Through deletion of the C3G locus, we have observed that loss of C3G causes semi-lethality, and that escaping adult flies are characterized by a reduction in lifespan and general fitness. In situ hybridization reveals C3G expression in the developing embryonic somatic and visceral muscles, and indeed analysis of C3G mutants suggests essential functions of C3G for normal body wall muscle development during larval stages. C3G mutants display abnormal muscle morphology and attachment, as well as failure to properly localize βPS integrins to muscle attachment sites. Moreover, we show that C3G stimulates guanine nucleotide exchange on Drosophila Rap GTPases in vitro. Taken together, we conclude that Drosophila C3G is a Rap1-specific GEF with important functions in maintaining muscle integrity during larval stages.

Identification and Characterization of a Peptidic Ligand for Ras

The development of new ligands for the oncoprotein Ras can provide tools for the study of this important signaling component or potentially serve as therapeutic agents for the treatment of Ras-associated diseases. Herein, we report a peptidic Ras ligand identified through naïve phage display. Panning a phage library with a diversity of 10(9) transormants successfully identified a peptide dodecamer that contains two internal consensus motifs and binds Ras in both the active GTP- and inactive GDP-bound conformations with low micromolar dissociation constants. The dodecamer does not alter the intrinsic GTPase activity of Ras, does not compete for Ras binding to the Ras binding domain of Raf, and does not alter cell viability. This novel Ras ligand has the potential to serve in the development of higher-affinity ligands and chemical tools targeting Ras.

Cholinergic direct inhibition of N‐methyl‐D aspartate receptor‐mediated currents in the rat neocortex

Acetylcholine (ACh) and N-methyl-D aspartate receptors (NMDARs) interact in the regulation of multiple important brain functions. NMDAR activation is indirectly modulated by ACh through the activation of muscarinic or nicotinic receptors. Scant information is available on whether ACh directly interacts with the NMDAR. By using a cortical brain slice preparation we found that the application of ACh and of other drugs acting on muscarinic or nicotinic receptors induces an acute and reversible reduction of NMDAR-mediated currents (I(NMDA)), ranging from 20 to 90% of the control amplitude. The reduction displayed similar features in synaptic I(NMDA) in brain slices, as well as in currents evoked by NMDA application in brain slices or from acutely dissociated cortical cells, demonstrating its postsynaptic nature. The cholinergic inhibition of I(NMDA) displayed an onset-offset rate in the order of a second, and was resistant to the presence of the muscarinic antagonist atropine (10 microM) in the extracellular solution, and of G-protein blocker GDP(beta)S (500 microM) and activator GTP(gamma)S (400 microM) in the intracellular solution, indicating that it was not G-protein dependent. Recording at depolarized or hyperpolarized holding voltages reduced NMDAR-mediated currents to similar extents, suggesting that the inhibition was voltage-independent, whereas the reduction was markedly more pronounced in the presence of glycine (20 microM). A detailed analysis of the effects of tubocurarine suggested that at least this drug interfered with glycine-dependent NMDAR-activity. We conclude that NMDAR-mediated current scan be inhibited directly by cholinergic drugs, possibly by direct interaction within one or more subunits of the NMDAR. Our results could supply a new interpretation to previous studies on the role of ACh at the glutamatergic synapse.

The sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 5 and sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 are localised in centrosomes: Possible role in regulating cell division

We show here that the endogenous sphingosine 1-phosphate 5 receptor (S1P 5, a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) whose natural ligand is sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)) and sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 (SK1 and SK2), which catalyse formation of S1P, are co-localised in the centrosome of mammalian cells, where they may participate in regulating mitosis. The centrosome is a site for active GTP–GDP cycling involving the G-protein, G i and tubulin, which are required for spindle pole organization and force generation during cell division. Therefore, the presence of S1P 5 (which normally functions as a plasma membrane guanine nucleotide exchange factor, GEF) and sphingosine kinases in the centrosome might suggest that S1P 5 may function as a ligand activated GEF in regulating G-protein-dependent spindle formation and mitosis. The addition of S1P to cells inhibits trafficking of S1P 5 to the centrosome, suggesting a dynamic shuttling endocytic mechanism controlled by ligand occupancy of cell surface receptor. We therefore propose that the centrosomal S1P 5 receptor might function as an intracellular target of S1P linked to regulation of mitosis.

The thiol-oxidizing agent diamide reduces isoproterenol-stimulated amylase release in rat parotid acinar cells

In parotid acinar cells, activation of beta-adrenergic receptors provokes exocytotic amylase release via the accumulation of intracellular cAMP. Cellular redox status plays a pivotal role in the regulation of various cellular functions. Cellular redox imbalance caused by the oxidation of cellular antioxidants, as a result of oxidative stress, induces significant biological damages. In this study, we examined effect of diamide, a thiol-oxidizing reagent, on amylase release in rat parotid acinar cells. In the presence of diamide, isoproterenol (IPR)-induced cAMP formation and amylase release were partially reduced. Diamide had no effect on amylase release induced by forskolin and mastoparan, an adenylate cyclase activator and heterotrimeric GTP binding protein activator, respectively. In the cells pretreated with diamide, the binding affinity of [(3)H]dihydroalprenolol to beta-receptors was reduced. These results suggest that oxidative stress results in reduction of binding affinity of ligand on beta-receptor and consequently reduces protein secretory function in rat parotid acinar cells.

The site for the allosteric activator GTP of Escherichia coli UMP kinase

UMP kinase (UMPK), a key bacterial pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis enzyme, is UTP-inhibited and GTP-activated. We delineate the GTP site of Escherichia coli UMPK by alanine mutagenesis of R92, H96, R103, W119 or R130, abolishing GTP activation; of S124 and R127, decreasing affinity for GTP; and of N111 and D115, with little detrimental effect. We exclude the correspondence with the modulatory ATP site of Bacillus anthracis UMPK, confirming the functionality of the GTP site found by Evrin. Mutants R92A, H96A and R127A are constitutively activated, suggesting key roles of these residues in allosteric signal transduction and of positive charge neutralization in triggering activation. No mutation hampered UTP inhibition, excluding overlapping of the UTP and GTP sites.

Rab10 in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation

In fat and muscle cells, insulin stimulates the movement to and fusion of intracellular vesicles containing GLUT4 with the plasma membrane, a process referred to as GLUT4 translocation. Previous studies have indicated that Akt [also known as PKB (protein kinase B)] phosphorylation of AS160, a GAP (GTPase-activating protein) for Rabs, is required for GLUT4 translocation. The results suggest that this phosphorylation suppresses the GAP activity and leads to the elevation of the GTP form of one or more Rabs required for GLUT4 translocation. Based on their presence in GLUT4 vesicles and activity as AS160 GAP substrates, Rabs 8A, 8B, 10 and 14 are candidate Rabs. Here, we provide further evidence that Rab10 participates in GLUT4 translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Among Rabs 8A, 8B, 10 and 14, only the knockdown of Rab10 inhibited GLUT4 translocation. In addition, we describe the subcellular distribution of Rab10 and estimate the fraction of Rab10 in the active GTP form in vivo. Approx. 5% of the total Rab10 was present in GLUT4 vesicles isolated from the low-density microsomes. In both the basal and the insulin state, 90% of the total Rab10 was in the inactive GDP state. Thus, if insulin increases the GTP form of Rab10, the increase is limited to a small portion of the total Rab10. Finally, we report that the Rab10 mutant considered to be constitutively active (Rab10 Q68L) is a substrate for the AS160 GAP domain and, hence, cannot be used to deduce rigorously the function of Rab10 in its GTP form.

Activity of the Bcr GTPase-activating Domain Is Regulated through Direct Protein/Protein Interaction with the Rho Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitor

The cycling of Rac GTPases, alternating between an active GTP- and an inactive GDP-bound state, is controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), and guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs). Little is known about how these controlling activities are coordinated. Studies using null mutant mice have demonstrated that Bcr and Abr are two physiologically important GAPs for Rac. Here, we report that in the presence of RhoGDIalpha, Bcr is unable to convert Rac-GTP to Rac-GDP because RhoGDI forms a direct protein complex with Bcr. Interestingly, RhoGDIalpha binds to the GAP domain in Bcr and Abr, a domain that also binds to Rac-GTP and catalyzes conversion of the bound GTP to GDP on Rac. The presence of activated Rac diminished the Bcr/RhoGDIalpha interaction. Moreover, a Bcr mutant that lacks the ability to promote hydrolysis of Rac-GTP bound to its GAP domain did not bind to RhoGDIalpha in cell lysates, indicating that binding of RhoGDIalpha and Rac-GTP to the Bcr GAP domain is mutually exclusive. Our results provide the first identification of a protein that regulates BcrGAP activity.

Structural and functional investigations of Ureaplasma parvum UMP kinase - a potential antibacterial drug target

The crystal structure of uridine monophosphate kinase (UMP kinase, UMPK) from the opportunistic pathogen Ureaplasma parvum was determined and showed similar three-dimensional fold as other bacterial and archaeal UMPKs that all belong to the amino acid kinase family. Recombinant UpUMPK exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics with UMP, with K(m) and V(max) values of 214 +/- 4 microm and 262 +/- 24 micromol.min(-1).mg(-1), respectively, but with ATP as variable substrate the kinetic analysis showed positive cooperativity, with an n value of 1.5 +/- 0.1. The end-product UTP was a competitive inhibitor against UMP and a noncompetitive inhibitor towards ATP. Unlike UMPKs from other bacteria, which are activated by GTP, GTP had no detectable effect on UpUMPK activity. An attempt to create a GTP-activated enzyme was made using site-directed mutagenesis. The mutant enzyme F133N (F133 corresponds to the residue in Escherichia coli that is involved in GTP activation), with F133A as a control, were expressed, purified and characterized. Both enzymes exhibited negative cooperativity with UMP, and GTP had no effect on enzyme activity, demonstrating that F133 is involved in subunit interactions but apparently not in GTP activation. The physiological role of UpUMPK in bacterial nucleic acid synthesis and its potential as target for development of antimicrobial agents are discussed.

Germ Line Gain of Function with SOS1 Mutation in Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis

Mutation of human SOS1 is responsible for hereditary gingival fibromatosis type 1, a benign overgrowth condition of the gingiva. Here, we investigated molecular mechanisms responsible for the increased rate of cell proliferation in gingival fibroblasts caused by mutant SOS1 in vitro. Using ectopic expression of wild-type and mutant SOS1 constructs, we found that truncated SOS1 could localize to the plasma membrane, without growth factor stimuli, leading to sustained activation of Ras/MAPK signaling. Additionally, we observed an increase in the magnitude and duration of ERK signaling in hereditary gingival fibromatosis gingival fibroblasts that was associated with phosphorylation of retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein and the up-regulation of cell cycle regulators, including cyclins C, D, and E and the E2F/DP transcription factors. These factors promote cell cycle progression from G(1) to S phase, and their up-regulation may underlie the increased gingival fibroblast proliferation observed. Selective depletion of wild-type and mutant SOS1 through small interfering RNA demonstrates the link between mutation of SOS1, ERK signaling, cell proliferation rate, and the expression levels of Egr-1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. These findings elucidate the mechanisms for gingival overgrowth mediated by SOS1 gene mutation in humans.

Nox1 Redox Signaling Mediates Oncogenic Ras-induced Disruption of Stress Fibers and Focal Adhesions by Down-regulating Rho

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by Ras oncogene-induced NADPH oxidase (Nox) 1 is required for Ras transformation phenotypes including anchorage-independent growth, morphological transformation, and tumorigenesity, but the signaling mechanism downstream of Nox1 remains elusive. Rho is known to be a critical regulator of actin stress fiber formation. Nonetheless, Rho was reported to no longer couple to loss of actin stress fibers in Ras-transformed Swiss3T3 cells despite the elevation of Rho activity. In this study, however, we demonstrate that Rho is inactivated in K-Ras-transformed normal rat kidney cells, and that abrogation of Nox1-generated ROS by Nox1 small interference RNAs or diphenyleneiodonium restores Rho activation, suggesting that Nox1-generated oxidants mediate down-regulation of the Rho activity. This down-regulation involves oxidative inactivation of the low molecular weight protein-tyrosine phosphatase by Nox1-generated ROS and a subsequent elevation in the tyrosine-phosphorylated active form of p190RhoGAP, the direct target of the phosphatase. Furthermore, the decreased Rho activity leads to disruption of both actin stress fibers and focal adhesions in Ras-transformed cells. As for Rac1, Rac1 also appears to participate in the down-regulation of Rho via Nox1. Our discovery defines a mediating role of Nox1-redox signaling for Ras oncogene-induced actin cytoskeletal changes.

Structural Basis for Interaction of the Ribosome with the Switch Regions of GTP-Bound Elongation Factors

Elongation factor G (EF-G) catalyzes tRNA translocation on the ribosome. Here a cryo-EM reconstruction of the 70S*EF-G ribosomal complex at 7.3 A resolution and the crystal structure of EF-G-2*GTP, an EF-G homolog, at 2.2 A resolution are presented. EF-G-2*GTP is structurally distinct from previous EF-G structures, and in the context of the cryo-EM structure, the conformational changes are associated with ribosome binding and activation of the GTP binding pocket. The P loop and switch II approach A2660-A2662 in helix 95 of the 23S rRNA, indicating an important role for these conserved bases. Furthermore, the ordering of the functionally important switch I and II regions, which interact with the bound GTP, is dependent on interactions with the ribosome in the ratcheted conformation. Therefore, a network of interaction with the ribosome establishes the active GTP conformation of EF-G and thus facilitates GTP hydrolysis and tRNA translocation.

Cell Migration and Signaling Specificity Is Determined by the Phosphatidylserine Recognition Motif of Rac1

The Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) control cell shape and motility and are frequently overexpressed during malignant growth. These proteins act as molecular switches cycling between active GTP- and inactive GDP-bound forms. Despite being membrane anchored via their isoprenylated C termini, Rho GTPases rapidly translocate between membrane and cytosolic compartments. Here, we show that the Rho GTPase Rac1 preferentially interacts with phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing bilayers through its polybasic motif (PBM). Rac1 isoprenylation contributes to membrane avidity but is not critical for PS recognition. The similar protein Cdc42 (cell division cycle 42), however, only associates with PS when prenylated. Conversely, other Rho GTPases such as Rac2, Rac3, and RhoA do not bind to PS even when they are prenylated. Cell stimulation with PS induces translocation of Rac1 toward the plasma membrane and stimulates GTP loading, membrane ruffling, and filopodia formation. This stimulation also promotes Cdc42 activation and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase through Rac1/PS signaling. Consequently, the PBM specifically directs Rac1 to effect cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell migration by selective membrane phospholipid targeting.