Dysregulation Of Post-translational Modifications Research Articles

Role of Post-Translational Modifications in Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. CRC metastasis is a multi-step process with various factors involved, including genetic and epigenetic regulations, which turn out to be a serious threat to CRC patients. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins involve the addition of chemical groups, sugars, or proteins to specific residues, which fine-tunes a protein’s stability, localization, or interactions to orchestrate complicated biological processes. An increasing number of recent studies suggest that dysregulation of PTMs, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation, play pivotal roles in the CRC metastasis cascade. Here, we summarized recent advances in the role of post-translational modifications in diverse aspects of CRC metastasis and its detailed molecular mechanisms. Moreover, advances in drugs targeting PTMs and their cooperation with other anti-cancer drugs, which might provide novel targets for CRC treatment and improve therapeutic efficacy, were also discussed.

Integrated analysis to study the interplay between post-translational modifications (PTM) in hepatitis C virus proteins and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development

Many PTMs dysregulation is known to be the major cause of many cancers including HCV induced HCC. PTMs of hepatitis C virus (HCV) regions NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B are crucial for proper protein functions and replication that directly affect the generation of infectious virus particles and completion of its life cycle. In this study, we have performed comprehensive analysis of PTMs within HCV non-structural proteins (NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B) through bioinformatics analysis to examine post-translational crosstalk between phosphorylation, palmitoylation, methylation, acetylation and ubiquitination sites in selected viral proteins. Our analysis has revealed many highly putative PTMs sites that are also conserved among major genotypes conferring the importance of these sites. We have also analysed viral 3D structures in their modified and unmodified forms to address extent and signatures of structural changes upon PTM. This study provides evidence that PTMs induce significant conformational changes and make viral proteins more stable. To find the potential role of PTMs in HCV induced HCC, docking analysis between selected viral proteins and p38-MAPK has been performed which also confirms their strong association with HCV induced HCC. The major findings proposed that PTMs at specific sites of HCV viral proteins could dysregulate specific pathways that cause the development of HCC.

PTMs: A Missing Piece for Schizophrenia Studies.

One of the closest regulatory mechanisms to a cellular phenotype is post-translational modifications (PTMs), a diverse class of changes that proteins can undergo to change various physical and functional properties. PTMs hold great potential to better understand multifactorial diseases and disorders like schizophrenia. The field of PTMomics is still expanding and developing, though several modifications have already been implicated in the etiology and treatment of schizophrenia. Nonetheless, much has yet to be uncovered due to the vast number of modifications that occur on proteins. Here, some of the most well-supported arguments for PTM dysregulation in schizophrenia are raised, leaving the door open for multiple other modifications and their potential.

Unambiguous Tracking of Protein Phosphorylation by Fast High-Resolution FOSY NMR*.

Dysregulation of post‐translational modifications (PTMs) like phosphorylation is often involved in disease. NMR may elucidate exact loci and time courses of PTMs at atomic resolution and near‐physiological conditions but requires signal assignment to individual atoms. Conventional NMR methods for this base on tedious global signal assignment that may often fail, as for large intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). We present a sensitive, robust alternative to rapidly obtain only the local assignment near affected signals, based on FOcused SpectroscopY (FOSY) experiments using selective polarisation transfer (SPT). We prove its efficiency by identifying two phosphorylation sites of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) in human Tau40, an IDP of 441 residues, where the extreme spectral dispersion in FOSY revealed unprimed phosphorylation also of Ser409. FOSY may broadly benefit NMR studies of PTMs and other hotspots in IDPs, including sites involved in molecular interactions.

Post-translational Control of RNA-Binding Proteins and Disease-Related Dysregulation.

Cell signaling mechanisms modulate gene expression in response to internal and external stimuli. Cellular adaptation requires a precise and coordinated regulation of the transcription and translation processes. The post-transcriptional control of mRNA metabolism is mediated by the so-called RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which assemble with specific transcripts forming messenger ribonucleoprotein particles of highly dynamic composition. RBPs constitute a class of trans-acting regulatory proteins with affinity for certain consensus elements present in mRNA molecules. However, these regulators are subjected to post-translational modifications (PTMs) that constantly adjust their activity to maintain cell homeostasis. PTMs can dramatically change the subcellular localization, the binding affinity for RNA and protein partners, and the turnover rate of RBPs. Moreover, the ability of many RBPs to undergo phase transition and/or their recruitment to previously formed membrane-less organelles, such as stress granules, is also regulated by specific PTMs. Interestingly, the dysregulation of PTMs in RBPs has been associated with the pathophysiology of many different diseases. Abnormal PTM patterns can lead to the distortion of the physiological role of RBPs due to mislocalization, loss or gain of function, and/or accelerated or disrupted degradation. This Mini Review offers a broad overview of the post-translational regulation of selected RBPs and the involvement of their dysregulation in neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and other pathologies.

Mapping of Genomic Vulnerabilities in the Post-Translational Ubiquitination, SUMOylation and Neddylation Machinery in Breast Cancer.

Simple SummaryBreast cancer is a major cause of death worldwide and remains incurable in advanced stages. The dysregulation of the post-translational machinery has been found to underlie tumorigenesis and drug resistance in preclinical models but has only recently led to early trials in cancer patients. We performed an in silico analysis of the most common genomic alterations occurring in ubiquitination and ubiquitin-like SUMOylation and neddylation using data from publicly available repositories and with the aim of identifying those with prognostic and predictive value and those exploitable for therapeutic intervention. Clinical and statistical criteria were used to sort out the best candidates and the results were validated in independent datasets. UBE2T, UBE2C, and BIRC5 amplifications predicted a worse survival and poor response to therapy across different intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer. Mutated USP9X and USP7 also conferred detrimental outcome. Leveraging these molecular vulnerabilities as biomarkers or drug targets could benefit breast cancer patients.The dysregulation of post-translational modifications (PTM) transversally impacts cancer hallmarks and constitutes an appealing vulnerability for drug development. In breast cancer there is growing preclinical evidence of the role of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like SUMO and Nedd8 peptide conjugation to the proteome in tumorigenesis and drug resistance, particularly through their interplay with estrogen receptor signaling and DNA repair. Herein we explored genomic alterations in these processes using RNA-seq and mutation data from TCGA and METABRIC datasets, and analyzed them using a bioinformatic pipeline in search of those with prognostic and predictive capability which could qualify as subjects of drug research. Amplification of UBE2T, UBE2C, and BIRC5 conferred a worse prognosis in luminal A/B and basal-like tumors, luminal A/B tumors, and luminal A tumors, respectively. Higher UBE2T expression levels were predictive of a lower rate of pathological complete response in triple negative breast cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, whereas UBE2C and BIRC5 expression was higher in luminal A patients with tumor relapse within 5 years of endocrine therapy or chemotherapy. The transcriptomic signatures of USP9X and USP7 gene mutations also conferred worse prognosis in luminal A, HER2-enriched, and basal-like tumors, and in luminal A tumors, respectively. In conclusion, we identified and characterized the clinical value of a group of genomic alterations in ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and neddylation enzymes, with potential for drug development in breast cancer.

Histone H3.3 beyond cancer: Germline mutations in Histone 3 Family 3A and 3B cause a previously unidentified neurodegenerative disorder in 46 patients.

Although somatic mutations in Histone 3.3 (H3.3) are well-studied drivers of oncogenesis, the role of germline mutations remains unreported. We analyze 46 patients bearing de novo germline mutations in histone 3 family 3A (H3F3A) or H3F3B with progressive neurologic dysfunction and congenital anomalies without malignancies. Molecular modeling of all 37 variants demonstrated clear disruptions in interactions with DNA, other histones, and histone chaperone proteins. Patient histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) analysis revealed notably aberrant local PTM patterns distinct from the somatic lysine mutations that cause global PTM dysregulation. RNA sequencing on patient cells demonstrated up-regulated gene expression related to mitosis and cell division, and cellular assays confirmed an increased proliferative capacity. A zebrafish model showed craniofacial anomalies and a defect in Foxd3-derived glia. These data suggest that the mechanism of germline mutations are distinct from cancer-associated somatic histone mutations but may converge on control of cell proliferation.

Hematopoietic stem cells acquire survival advantage by loss of RUNX1 methylation identified in familial leukemia

AbstractRUNX1 is among the most frequently mutated genes in human leukemia, and the loss or dominant-negative suppression of RUNX1 function is found in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). How posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of RUNX1 affect its in vivo function, however, and whether PTM dysregulation of RUNX1 can cause leukemia are largely unknown. We performed targeted deep sequencing on a family with 3 occurrences of AML and identified a novel RUNX1 mutation, R237K. The mutated R237 residue is a methylation site by protein arginine methyltransferase 1, and loss of methylation reportedly impairs the transcriptional activity of RUNX1 in vitro. To explore the biologic significance of RUNX1 methylation in vivo, we used RUNX1 R233K/R237K double-mutant mice, in which 2 arginine-to-lysine mutations precluded RUNX1 methylation. Genetic ablation of RUNX1 methylation led to loss of quiescence and expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and it changed the genomic and epigenomic signatures of phenotypic HSCs to a poised progenitor state. Furthermore, loss of RUNX1 R233/R237 methylation suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress–induced unfolded protein response genes, including Atf4, Ddit3, and Gadd34; the radiation-induced p53 downstream genes Bbc3, Pmaip1, and Cdkn1a; and subsequent apoptosis in HSCs. Mechanistically, activating transcription factor 4 was identified as a direct transcriptional target of RUNX1. Collectively, defects in RUNX1 methylation in HSCs confer resistance to apoptosis and survival advantage under stress conditions, a hallmark of a preleukemic clone that may predispose affected individuals to leukemia. Our study will lead to a better understanding of how dysregulation of PTMs can contribute to leukemogenesis.

Histone Acetyltransferase MOF Orchestrates Outcomes at the Crossroad of Oncogenesis, DNA Damage Response, Proliferation, and Stem Cell Development.

The DNA and protein complex known as chromatin is subject to posttranslational modifications (PTMs) that regulate cellular functions such that PTM dysregulation can lead to disease, including cancer. One critical PTM is acetylation/deacetylation, which is being investigated as a means to develop targeted cancer therapies. The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) family of proteins performs histone acetylation. In humans, MOF (hMOF), a member of the MYST family of HATs, acetylates histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac). MOF-mediated acetylation plays a critical role in the DNA damage response (DDR) and embryonic stem cell development. Functionally, MOF is found in two distinct complexes: NSL (nonspecific lethal) in humans and MSL (male-specific lethal) in flies. The NSL complex is also able to acetylate additional histone H4 sites. Dysregulation of MOF activity occurs in multiple cancers, including ovarian cancer, medulloblastoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Bioinformatics analysis of KAT8, the gene encoding hMOF, indicated that it is highly overexpressed in kidney tumors as part of a concerted gene coexpression program that can support high levels of chromosome segregation and cell proliferation. The linkage between MOF and tumor proliferation suggests that there are additional functions of MOF that remain to be discovered.

3548 De novo germline variants in Histone 3 Family 3A (H3F3A) and Histone 3 Family 3B (H3F3B) cause a severe neurodegenerative disorder and functional effects unique from their somatic mutations

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Histones are nuclear proteins that associate with DNA to facilitate packaging into condensed chromatin. Histones are dynamically decorated with post-translational modifications (PTMs), which regulate such processes as DNA repair, gene expression, mitosis, and meiosis. Histone 3 Family 3 (H3F3) histones (H3.3), encoded by H3F3A and H3F3B, mark active genes, maintain epigenetic memory, and maintain heterochromatin and telomeric integrity. Specific somatic mutations in H3F3A and H3F3B have been strongly associated with pediatric glia and other tumors, but no germline mutations have been reported. The goal of our study was to further understand the functional effects of germline mutations of H3F3A and H3F3B. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We analyzed 32 patients bearing de novo germline missense mutations in H3F3A or H3F3B with core phenotypes of progressive neurologic dysfunction and congenital anomalies, but no malignancies. Patient histones were analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry (qMS). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: qMS results revealed that the mutant histone proteins are present at a concentration similar to that of wild-type H3.3. qMS analysis showed strikingly aberrant PTM patterns that suggested local dysregulation. These patterns are distinct from the dominant negative somatic mutations, which cause more global PTM dysregulation. Patient cells also demonstrated upregulation of the expression of genes related to mitosis and cell division, and had a greater proliferative capacity. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Our data suggests that the pathogenic mechanism of germline histone mutations is distinct from that of the published cancer-associated somatic histone mutations, but may converge on control of cell proliferation. Further clarification of the pathophysiology in these patients can elucidate the roles of histones and histone PTMs in human development and non-syndromic neurodegeneration. In addition, it provides a framework for targeted therapy development for this and related progressive neurologic disorders.

Regulation of poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1 functions by post-translational modifications.

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) catalyze poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, a post-translational modification of proteins. This consists of the attachment of mono- or poly-adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose units from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to specific polar residues of target proteins. PARP1 is the most abundant and best-characterized member of the family of PARP enzymes. PARP1 plays key roles in DNA repair, as well as a wide variety of cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, chromatin modulation, cellular signaling pathway, inflammation, cellular stress responses and so on. Hence, PARP1 inhibitors have become a promising therapeutic approach for human diseases including cancer. Recent studies indicate that post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation are crucial for the regulation of PARP1 activity, and dysregulation of modifications on PARP1 is observed in human cancer. In this review, we describe the importance of PTMs to regulate the activity of PARP1, and the involvement of dysregulation of PTMs in human cancer.

Abstract B040: MERTK activates Akt by antagonizing SAV1 binding

Abstract Hyperactivation of the PI3K-Akt pathway is observed in virtually all solid tumors. Multiple genetic events such as PTEN loss and PIK3CA amplification partially account for the increase in the pathway activation. In addition to genetic changes, dysregulation of post-translational modifications of Akt, including phosphorylation, acetylation, hydroxylation, methylation, and others that are necessary for Akt activation is also frequently observed in various types of cancers. However, whether and how Akt is regulated by its binding partners is minimally understood. To this end, through a proteomic approach, we have identified the tumor suppressor SAV1 as a novel Akt-interacting partner to suppress Akt activation. Furthermore, we identified MERTK as a major upstream kinase phosphorylating Akt1-Y26 to disrupt SAV1 binding and subsequently activate Akt. Mechanistically, MERTK-mediated Akt1-Y26 phosphorylation facilitates Akt plasma membrane recruitment by PI(3,4,5)P3 and promotes PDK1 binding to promote Akt activation. Importantly, cancer patient-derived SAV1 mutants and Akt1 mutants were identified to exert elevated oncogenicity by bypassing SAV1 binding and suppression, further supporting a pathophysiologic role of the identified MERTK/Akt/SAV1 signaling in tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Pengda Liu, Yao Jiang. MERTK activates Akt by antagonizing SAV1 binding [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B040.

Detection of post-translational modifications using solid-phase proximity ligation assay

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate protein activities to help orchestrate and fine-tune cellular processes. Dysregulation of PTMs is often related with disorders and malignancies, and may serve as a precise biomarker of disease. Developing sensitive tools to measure and monitor low-abundant PTMs in tissue lysates or serum will be instrumental for opening up new PTM-based diagnostic avenues. Here, we investigate the use of solid-phase proximity ligation assay (SP-PLA) for detection of different PTMs. The assay depends on the recognition of the target protein molecule and its modification by three affinity binders. Using antibodies and lectins, we applied the method for detection of glycosylated CD44 and E-Cadherin, and phosphorylated p53 and EGFR. The assay was found to have superior dynamic range and limit of detection compared to standard ELISAs. In summary, we have established the use of SP-PLA as an appropriate method for sensitive detection of PTMs in lysates and sera, which may provide a basis for future PTM-based diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Regulation of synaptic plasticity and cognition by SUMO in normal physiology and Alzheimer's disease.

Learning and memory and the underlying cellular correlate, long-term synaptic plasticity, involve regulation by posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Here we demonstrate that conjugation with the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a novel PTM required for normal synaptic and cognitive functioning. Acute inhibition of SUMOylation impairs long-term potentiation (LTP) and hippocampal-dependent learning. Since Alzheimer's disease (AD) prominently features both synaptic and PTM dysregulation, we investigated SUMOylation under pathology induced by amyloid-β (Aβ), a primary neurotoxic molecule implicated in AD. We observed that SUMOylation is dysregulated in both human AD brain tissue and the Tg2576 transgenic AD mouse model. While neuronal activation normally induced upregulation of SUMOylation, this effect was impaired by Aβ42 oligomers. However, supplementing SUMOylation via transduction of its conjugating enzyme, Ubc9, rescued Aβ-induced deficits in LTP and hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Our data establish SUMO as a novel regulator of LTP and hippocampal-dependent cognition and additionally implicate SUMOylation impairments in AD pathogenesis.