ERK Isoforms Research Articles

Leishmania donovani mitogen-activated protein kinases as a host-parasite interaction interface

Leishmaniasis, a major globally re-emerging neglected tropical disease, has a restricted repertoire of chemotherapeutic options due to a narrow therapeutic index, drug resistance, or patient non-compliance due to toxicity. The disease is caused by the parasite Leishmania that resides in two different forms in two different environments: as sessile intracellular amastigotes within mammalian macrophages and as motile promastigotes in sandfly gut. As mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play important roles in cellular differentiation and survival, we studied the expression of Leishmania donovani MAPKs (LdMAPKs). The homology studies by multiple sequence alignment show that excepting LdMAPK1 and LdMAPK2, all thirteen other LdMAPKs share homology with human ERK and p38 isoforms. Expression of LdMAPK4 and LdMAPK5 is less in avirulent promastigotes and amastigotes. Compared to miltefosine-sensitive L. donovani parasites, miltefosine-resistant parasites have higher LdMAPK1, LdMAPK3-5, LdMAPK7-11, LdMAPK13, and LdMAPK14 expression. IL-4-treatment of macrophages down-regulated LdMAPK11, in virulent amastigotes whereas up-regulated LdMAPK5, but down-regulated LdMAPK6, LdMAPK12-15, expression in avirulent amastigotes. IL-4 up-regulated LdMAPK1 expression in both virulent and avirulent amastigotes. IFN-γ-treatment down-regulated LdMAPK6, LdMAPK13, and LdMAPK15 in avirulent amastigotes but up-regulated in virulent amastigotes. This complex profile of LdMAPKs expression among virulent and avirulent parasites, drug-resistant parasites, and in amastigotes within IL-4 or IFN-γ-treated macrophages suggests that LdMAPKs are differentially controlled at the host-parasite interface regulating parasite survival and differentiation, and in the course of IL-4 or IFN-γ dominated immune response.

ERK1/2 inhibitors act as monovalent degraders inducing ubiquitylation and proteasome-dependent turnover of ERK2, but not ERK1.

Innate or acquired resistance to small molecule BRAF or MEK1/2 inhibitors (BRAFi or MEKi) typically arises through mechanisms that sustain or reinstate ERK1/2 activation. This has led to the development of a range of ERK1/2 inhibitors (ERKi) that either inhibit kinase catalytic activity (catERKi) or additionally prevent the activating pT-E-pY dual phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by MEK1/2 (dual-mechanism or dmERKi). Here, we show that eight different ERKi (both catERKi or dmERKi) drive the turnover of ERK2, the most abundant ERK isoform, with little or no effect on ERK1. Thermal stability assays show that ERKi do not destabilise ERK2 (or ERK1) in vitro, suggesting that ERK2 turnover is a cellular consequence of ERKi binding. ERK2 turnover is not observed upon treatment with MEKi alone, suggesting it is ERKi binding to ERK2 that drives ERK2 turnover. However, MEKi pre-treatment, which blocks ERK2 pT-E-pY phosphorylation and dissociation from MEK1/2, prevents ERK2 turnover. ERKi treatment of cells drives the poly-ubiquitylation and proteasome-dependent turnover of ERK2 and pharmacological or genetic inhibition of Cullin-RING E3 ligases prevents this. Our results suggest that ERKi, including current clinical candidates, act as 'kinase degraders', driving the proteasome-dependent turnover of their major target, ERK2. This may be relevant to the suggestion of kinase-independent effects of ERK1/2 and the therapeutic use of ERKi.

Identification and biochemical characterization of small molecule inhibitors of ERK2 that target the D-recruitment site.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is the culmination of a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade that regulates cellular processes like proliferation, migration, and survival. Consequently, abnormal ERK signaling often plays a role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of numerous cancers. ERK inhibition is a sought-after treatment for cancers, especially since clinically approved drugs that target signaling upstream of ERK often induce acquired resistance. Furthermore, the ERK2 isoform may have a differential role in various cancers from the other canonical isoform, ERK1. We demonstrate that small molecules can inhibit ERK2 catalytic and noncatalytic functions by binding to the D-recruitment site (DRS), a protein-protein interaction site distal to the enzyme active site. Using a fluorescence anisotropy-based high-throughput screening, we identify compounds that bind to the DRS and exhibit dose-dependent inhibition of ERK2 activity and ERK2 phosphorylation. We characterize the dose-dependent potency of ERK2 inhibitors using fluorescence anisotropy-based binding assays, fluorescence-based ERK2 substrate phosphorylation assays, and in vitro ERK2 activation assays. In our example, the binding of a DRS inhibitor can be prevented by mutating the DRS residue Cys-159 to serine, indicating that this residue is essential for the interaction. Resulting inhibitors from this process can be assessed in cellular and in vivo experiments for inhibition of ERK signaling and can be evaluated as potential cancer drugs.

ERK2 signaling regulates cell-cell adhesion of epithelial cells and enhances growth factor-induced cell scattering

The ERK signaling pathway, consisting of core protein kinases Raf, MEK and effector kinases ERK1/2, regulates various biological outcomes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, or cell migration. Signal transduction through the ERK signaling pathway is tightly controlled at all levels of the pathway. However, it is not well understood whether ERK pathway signaling can be modulated by the abundance of ERK pathway core kinases. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-level overexpression of the ERK2 isoform on the phenotype and scattering of cuboidal MDCK epithelial cells growing in discrete multicellular clusters. We show that ERK2 overexpression reduced the vertical size of lateral membranes that contain cell-cell adhesion complexes. Consequently, ERK2 overexpressing cells were unable to develop cuboidal shape, remained flat with increased spread area and intercellular adhesive contacts were present only on the basal side. Interestingly, ERK2 overexpression was not sufficient to increase phosphorylation of multiple downstream targets including transcription factors and induce global changes in gene expression, namely to increase the expression of pro-migratory transcription factor Fra1. However, ERK2 overexpression enhanced HGF/SF-induced cell scattering as these cells scattered more rapidly and to a greater extent than parental cells. Our results suggest that an increase in ERK2 expression primarily reduces cell-cell cohesion and that weakened intercellular adhesion synergizes with upstream signaling in the conversion of the multicellular epithelium into single migrating cells. This mechanism may be clinically relevant as the analysis of clinical data revealed that in one type of cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ERK2 overexpression correlates with a worse prognosis.

Differential functions of ERK1 and ERK2 in lung metastasis processes in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by metastasis, drug resistance and high rates of recurrence. With a lack or targeted therapies, TNBC is challenging to treat and carries a poor prognosis. Patients with TNBC tumors expressing high levels of ERK2 have a poorer prognosis than those with low ERK2-expressing tumors. The MAPK pathway is often found to be highly activated in TNBC, however the precise functions of the ERK isoforms (ERK1 and ERK2) in cancer progression have not been well defined. We hypothesized that ERK2, but not ERK1, promotes the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype and metastasis in TNBC. Stable knockdown clones of the ERK1 and ERK2 isoforms were generated in SUM149 and BT549 TNBC cells using shRNA lentiviral vectors. ERK2 knockdown significantly inhibited anchorage-independent colony formation and mammosphere formation, indicating compromised self-renewal capacity. This effect correlated with a reduction in migration and invasion. SCID-beige mice injected via the tail vein with ERK clones were employed to determine metastatic potential. SUM149 shERK2 cells had a significantly lower lung metastatic burden than control mice or mice injected with SUM149 shERK1 cells. The Affymetrix HGU133plus2 microarray platform was employed to identify gene expression changes in ERK isoform knockdown clones. Comparison of gene expression levels between SUM149 cells with ERK2 or ERK1 knockdown revealed differential and in some cases opposite effects on mRNA expression levels. Those changes associated with ERK2 knockdown predominantly altered regulation of CSCs and metastasis. Our findings indicate that ERK2 promotes metastasis and the CSC phenotype in TNBC.

Isoform-Specific Roles of ERK1 and ERK2 in Arteriogenesis

Despite the clinical importance of arteriogenesis, this biological process is poorly understood. ERK1 and ERK2 are key components of a major intracellular signaling pathway activated by vascular endothelial growth (VEGF) and FGF2, growth factors critical to arteriogenesis. To investigate the specific role of each ERK isoform in arteriogenesis, we used mice with a global Erk1 knockout as well as Erk1 and Erk2 floxed mice to delete Erk1 or Erk2 in endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells. We found that ERK1 controls macrophage infiltration following an ischemic event. Loss of ERK1 in endothelial cells and macrophages induced an excessive macrophage infiltration leading to an increased but poorly functional arteriogenesis. Loss of ERK2 in endothelial cells leads to a decreased arteriogenesis due to decreased endothelial cell proliferation and a reduced eNOS expression. These findings show for the first time that isoform-specific roles of ERK1 and ERK2 in the control of arteriogenesis.

Interleukin-1β promotes interleulin-6 expression via ERK1/2 signaling pathway in canine dermal fibroblasts.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of the immune response and inflammation. In this study, we investigated effect of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on IL-6 expression in canine dermal fibroblasts. IL-1β induced IL-6 mRNA expression and protein release in a time- and dose-dependent manner. When cells were treated with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor FR180240 inhibited IL-1β-induced IL-6 mRNA expression, but not SP600125 or SKF86002, which are c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK inhibitors, respectively. In cells treated with U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK), which activates ERK, IL-1β-induced IL-6 mRNA expression was also inhibited. IL-1β stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In cells transfected with ERK1 and ERK2 isoform siRNAs, IL-1β-induced IL-6 mRNA expression was reduced. These observations suggest that IL-1β induces IL-6 expression via ERK1/2 signaling pathway in canine dermal fibroblasts.

Dissociable involvement of estrogen receptors in perirhinal cortex-mediated object-place memory in male rats

Estrogens and the estrogen receptors (ER) - ERα, ERβ, and the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) - are implicated in various forms of hippocampus (HPC)-dependent memory. However, the involvement of ER-related mechanisms in perirhinal cortex (PRh), which is necessary for object memory, remains much less clear. Moreover, there is a paucity of data assessing ER contributions to cognition in males,despite documented sex differences at the cellular level.We hypothesized that estrogens in PRh are important for object memory in males, assessingthe role of 17-βestradiol (E2), ERα, ERβ, GPER, and their downstream signaling pathways, in PRh-mediated object-in-place (OiP) memory in gonadally-intact male rats. Intra-PRh administration of E2 enhanced both long-term memory (LTM; 24 h) and short-term memory (STM; 20 min). Conversely, aromatase inhibition with letrozole impaired LTM and STM. The semi-selective ER inhibitor ICI 182780 impaired LTM, but not STM. This effect may be due to inhibition of ERβ, as the ERβagonist DPN, but not ERαagonist PPT, enhanced LTM. GPER was also found to be necessary in PRh, as the antagonist G15 impaired both LTM and STM. Western blot analyses demonstrated that phosphorylation levels of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK2 isoform), awell-establisheddownstream signaling pathway activated by estrogens through ERα/ERβ, was elevated in PRh 5 min following OiP learning.We also reportincreased levels of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK; p46 and p54 isoforms) phosphorylation in PRh 5 min following learning,consistent with recent research linking GPER activation and JNK signaling in the HPC. This effect was abolished by intra-PRh administration of G15, but not letrozole, suggesting that JNK signaling is triggered via GPER activation during OiP learning, and is possibly E2-independent, similar to findings in the HPC. These results, therefore, reveal interesting dissociations between the roles of various ERs, possibly involving both estrogen-dependent and independent mechanisms, in PRh-mediated object-place learning in male rats.

Decidualization modulates a signal transduction system via protease-activated receptor-1 in endometrial stromal cells.

Decidual cells are thought to be involved in the maintenance of pregnancy. We conducted this study to evaluate the cellular function of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) transitioning to decidualization. Normal endometrial specimens were obtained from premenopausal patients who had undergone hysterectomies for subserosal leiomyomas. Decidualization of the ESCs (DSCs) was induced by incubating subconfluent cells in media containing medroxyprogesterone acetate and dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate. We first analyzed the expression profile of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) between ESCs and DSCs. To investigate the intracellular signal transduction system in the DSCs, we incubated cells with thrombin receptor activator peptide 6 (TRAP-6). The levels of IL-8, monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The activation of the MAP kinase signaling pathway was detected by a Western blot analysis. The activation was evaluated for the expression of p21. PAR-1 receptor expression is upregulated in DSCs. The productions of chemokine and MMP-1 increased in the DSCs with the addition of TRAP-6. The activity of both the ERK-1 and ERK-2 isoforms was increased by 5-15minute after TRAP-6 treatment. p70 S6 kinase showed the strongest expression after 1hour. p21 was strongly observed in ESCs compared to the DSCs. Our results suggest that cell function is changed by decidualization in association with increasing PAR-1 expression. The upregulation of PAR-1 may have some influence on pregnancy in the decidua.

Role of ERK in IRF3-Mediated Immune Responses

Insulin resistance precedes and contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it is now believed that chronic inflammation is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Both cellular and secreted factors participate in the pathological and physiological changes that occur to promote inflammation. However, the molecular signaling pathways that drive these processes remain elusive. The mitogen activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 module (ERK1/2), and the transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF3), are both activated downstream of Toll-like receptor 4 and associated with the development of insulin resistance. We examined whether inhibition of ERK activity blocked IRF3-mediated immune responses. ERK1 and ERK2 isoforms can have different cellular functions; thus, to determine which ERK isoform is involved in the regulation of IRF3 activity, we performed siRNA to knockdown either ERK1, ERK2, or both in RAW 264.7 macrophages and saw 70% knockdown of each ERK1 and ERK2. Knockdown of ERK1 or ERK2 or both blocked IRF3 translocation to the nucleus with LPS treatment (100 ng/ml, 1 hour), as determined by immunofluorescence using an antibody specific for nuclear IRF3. Because phosphorylated and dimerized IRF3 translocates to the nucleus to regulate the transcription of interferon (IFN)-beta expression, we investigated whether ERK1 or ERK2 inhibited IFN-beta release. Macrophages were treated with LPS (100 ng/ml, 6 hour). LPS induced an IFN-beta production of 791±18.0 pg/ml, but knockdown of either ERK1 or ERK2 decreased the release of IFN-beta to 199±12.3 and 282±32.7 pg/ml, respectively. However, double knockdown of ERK1 and ERK 2 had the greatest inhibition of IFN-beta release (121±15.2 pg/ml). In summary, both ERK1 and ERK2 regulate IRF3 nuclear translocation and signaling in macrophages. We propose that ERK positively regulates IRF3-mediated immune responses and inhibition of ERK signaling will protect against insulin resistance. Disclosure P.F. Chang: None. D. Acevedo: None. S.M. Reyna: None.

Lighting up kinase action in platelets

Platelet functions are highly regulated by signaling networks involving at least 300 protein kinases [2]. Platelets express members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family including p42 ERK2 and, at lower concentrations, p44 ERK1. Both ERK isoforms are activated by agonists like von Willebrand factor, collagen, thrombin, ADP and thromboxane A2 [3-7]. ERK activation depends on MAPK kinase (MKK-1 or MEK) and involves Gq, Gi, phospholipase C and Src family kinase signaling [5, 8]. Active ERK has been shown to stimulate thromboxane A2 production [5] and to contribute to platelet aggregation [4, 9]. Downstream substrates of ERK have not been identified in platelets so far. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

MP39-10 INTRA-TUMOR HETEROGENEITY IN RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF RENAL MASS BIOPSIES

You have accessJournal of UrologyKidney Cancer: Basic Research & Pathophysiology I1 Apr 2017MP39-10 INTRA-TUMOR HETEROGENEITY IN RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF RENAL MASS BIOPSIES Rustin Massoudi, Christian Hoerner, Thomas Metzner, Jennifer O'Rourke, Rachael Curtis, Laurel Stell, Chiara Sabatti, James Brooks, Alice Fan, and John Leppert Rustin MassoudiRustin Massoudi More articles by this author , Christian HoernerChristian Hoerner More articles by this author , Thomas MetznerThomas Metzner More articles by this author , Jennifer O'RourkeJennifer O'Rourke More articles by this author , Rachael CurtisRachael Curtis More articles by this author , Laurel StellLaurel Stell More articles by this author , Chiara SabattiChiara Sabatti More articles by this author , James BrooksJames Brooks More articles by this author , Alice FanAlice Fan More articles by this author , and John LeppertJohn Leppert More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.02.1184AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) is the presence of cell clones with different genetic or histologic phenotypes that occupy distinct spaces within a tumor. Whether genomic ITH translates into functional ITH on the level of protein expression and activity is less well characterized. We hypothesized that variation in expression and activation of critical RCC signaling proteins is less than genomic ITH, resulting in a limited number of functional phenotypes in a tumor. This framework would allow for representative sampling of RCC using renal mass biopsy and advanced proteomic techniques. METHODS We profiled the expression and activation state of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a critical effector of the MAPK signaling pathway, in 131 ex vivo biopsies from 39 clear cell RCC tumors and adjacent normal parenchyma after nephrectomy. We performed fine-needle aspirate (FNA) biopsies of grossly representative sections after bivalving the kidney. We performed nano-scale immunoassays (NIA) to quantify the absolute and relative abundances of the phospho-isoforms of ERK1/2 using the Peggy Sue instrument (Protein Simple). ERK1/2 was interrogated with a pan-ERK antibody. Expression levels of ERK levels were compared across samples by normalization to the levels of the ubiquitously expressed protein HSP70. RESULTS ERK1 was infrequently activated, with most samples (69%) demonstrating no phosphorylation of ERK1. In contrast, ERK2 demonstrated phosphorylation in the majority of the samples. Two distinct mono-phosphorylated ERK2 isoforms were detected (pERK2a and pERK2b), with relative abundances ranging from 0-58% and 1-57%, respectively. The relative abundance of dual-phosphorylated ERK2 (ppERK2) ranged from 0-26%. The overall ITH of ERK2 activation was low (average standard deviation [SD] 6%) compared with the difference in ERK2 activation among the 39 tumors (SD 5% - 22%). CONCLUSIONS The abundance and activation of ERK1/2 can be measured from scant FNAs of RCC using novel proteomic methods. We found little ITH of ERK, which suggests that protein ITH is generally less than functional heterogeneity among tumors. These data suggest that a single renal mass biopsy may accurately measure the activity of relevant signaling pathways within a tumor, which may facilitate future precision medicine approaches. © 2017FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 4SApril 2017Page: e496-e497 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017MetricsAuthor Information Rustin Massoudi More articles by this author Christian Hoerner More articles by this author Thomas Metzner More articles by this author Jennifer O'Rourke More articles by this author Rachael Curtis More articles by this author Laurel Stell More articles by this author Chiara Sabatti More articles by this author James Brooks More articles by this author Alice Fan More articles by this author John Leppert More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Crosstalk between Smad2/3 and specific isoforms of ERK in TGF-β1-induced TIMP-3 expression in rat chondrocytes.

This study investigated the roles of ERK1 and ERK2 in transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐3 (TIMP‐3) expression in rat chondrocytes, and the specific roles of ERK1 and ERK2 in crosstalk with Smad2/3 were investigated to demonstrate the molecular mechanism of ERK1/2 regulation of TGF‐β1 signalling. To examine the interaction of specific isoforms of ERK and the Smad2/3 signalling pathway, chondrocytes were infected with LV expressing either ERK1 or ERK2 siRNA and stimulated with or without TGF‐β1. At indicated time‐points, TIMP‐3 expression was determined by real‐time PCR and Western blotting; p‐Smad3, nuclear p‐Smad3, Smad2/3, p‐ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 levels were assessed. And then, aggrecan, type II collagen and the intensity of matrix were examined. TGF‐β1‐induced TIMP‐3 expression was significantly inhibited by ERK1 knock‐down, and the decrease in TIMP‐3 expression was accompanied by a reduction of p‐Smad3 in ERK1 knock‐down cells. Knock‐down of ERK2 had no effect on neither TGF‐β1‐induced TIMP‐3 expression nor the quantity of p‐Smad3. Moreover, aggrecan, type II collagen expression and the intensity of matrix were significantly suppressed by ERK1 knock‐down instead of ERK2 knock‐down. Taken together, ERK1 and ERK2 have different roles in TGF‐β1‐induced TIMP‐3 expression in rat chondrocytes. ERK1 instead of ERK2 can regulate TGF‐β/Smad signalling, which may be the mechanism through which ERK1 regulates TGF‐β1‐induced TIMP‐3 expression.

Isolation and Characterization of Intrinsically Active (MEK-Independent) Mutants of Mpk1/Erk.

The extracellular-regulated kinase (Erk) pathway is a major determinant in the control of diverse cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and motility. The pathway executes its effects through kinases of the Erk family. Erks are not only critical for a variety of physiological processes, but are also associated with neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and a large number of human cancers. However, the exact role of each Erk molecule in these biological and pathological processes is not fully determined. An efficient strategy for revealing these roles is to activate each Erk isoform individually, in a signal independent manner, and to monitor the molecular, physiological, and pathological effects. This could be achieved by developing intrinsically active variants for each Erk isoform and splicing variant and expressing these molecules individually in biological systems. A screening method that selects for relevant and useful active mutants of Erks is described in this chapter. The main principle of the method is to screen for mutants of Erk that function in the total absence of their relevant MEKs. Another principle is that the screen should be unbiased toward particular domains or mechanisms of action. We describe how these principles are combined into a screen that takes advantage of the yeast Mpk1/Erk pathway. Following the description of how intrinsically active Mpk1 molecules are isolated, we provide comprehensive and detailed descriptions of the methods used to characterize their catalytic activity, autophosphorylation capabilities, and phosphorylation status, as well as the methods used to determine the precise phosphorylated sites. The principles of the screen and the methods described here could be easily adapted for any Erk molecule in any organism.

A targeted proteomics approach to the quantitative analysis of ERK/Bcl-2-mediated anti-apoptosis and multi-drug resistance in breast cancer.

Apoptosis suppression caused by overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins is a central factor to the acquisition of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in breast cancer. As a highly conserved anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 can initiate an anti-apoptosis response via an ERK1/2-mediated pathway. However, the details therein are still far from completely understood and a quantitative description of the associated proteins in the biological context may provide more insights into this process. Following our previous attempts in the quantitative analysis of MDR mechanisms, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based targeted proteomics was continually employed here to describe ERK/Bcl-2-mediated anti-apoptosis. A targeted proteomics assay was developed and validated first for the simultaneous quantification of ERK1/2 and Bcl-2. In particular, ERK isoforms (i.e., ERK1 and ERK2) and their differential phosphorylated forms including isobaric ones were distinguished. Using this assay, differential protein levels and site-specific phosphorylation stoichiometry were observed in parental drug-sensitive MCF-7/WT cancer cells and drug-resistant MCF-7/ADR cancer cells and breast tissue samples from two groups of patients who were either suspected or diagnosed to have drug resistance. In addition, quantitative analysis of the time course of both ERK1/2 and Bcl-2 in doxorubicin (DOX)-treated MCF-7/WT cells confirmed these findings. Overall, we propose that targeted proteomics can be used generally to resolve more complex cellular events.

Cholesterol Depletion Alters Cardiomyocyte Subcellular Signaling and Increases Contractility

Membrane cholesterol levels play an important factor in regulating cell function. Sarcolemmal cholesterol is concentrated in lipid rafts and caveolae, which are flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane. The scaffolding protein caveolin permits the enrichment of cholesterol in caveolae, and caveolin interactions with numerous proteins regulate their function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute reductions in cardiomyocyte cholesterol levels alter subcellular protein kinase activation, intracellular Ca2+ and contractility. Methods: Ventricular myocytes, isolated from adult Sprague Dawley rats, were treated with the cholesterol reducing agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD, 5 mM, 1 hr, room temperature). Total cellular cholesterol levels, caveolin-3 localization, subcellular, ERK and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, contractility, and [Ca2+]i were assessed. Results: Treatment with MβCD reduced cholesterol levels by ~45 and shifted caveolin-3 from cytoskeleton and triton-insoluble fractions to the triton-soluble fraction, and increased ERK isoform phosphorylation in cytoskeletal, cytosolic, triton-soluble and triton-insoluble membrane fractions without altering their subcellular distributions. In contrast the primary effect of MβCD was on p38 subcellular distribution of p38α with little effect on p38 phosphorylation. Cholesterol depletion increased cardiomyocyte twitch amplitude and the rates of shortening and relaxation in conjunction with increased diastolic and systolic [Ca2+]i. Conclusions: These results indicate that acute reductions in membrane cholesterol levels differentially modulate basal cardiomyocyte subcellular MAPK signaling, as well as increasing [Ca2+]i and contractility.

Abstract 1624: Silencing of ERK2 reverses EMT and suppresses the CSC phenotype, inhibiting lung metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 overexpression. Patients with TNBC have a generally poor prognosis due to metastasis, high rates of recurrence, and lack of FDA-approved targeted therapies. We previously showed using functional proteomics that patients with high-ERK2-expressing TNBC tumors had a higher risk of death than those with low-ERK2-expressing tumors. Moreover, ERK2 but not ERK1 plays an important role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is required for acquisition of stem cell-like characteristics. Compared to other breast cancer subtypes, TNBC has a higher proportion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is linked to EMT, two critical features associated with breast cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence in patients. The MAPK signaling pathway is activated in TNBC, but the roles of ERK isoforms in tumor progression and metastasis are not well defined. We hypothesized that ERK2 but not ERK1 promotes EMT, the CSC phenotype, and metastasis in TNBC. Methods and Results: Knockdown of ERK2 in SUM149 and BT549 TNBC cells significantly inhibited anchorage-independent colony formation (p<0.0001), inhibited formation of mammospheres (p = 0.003), and reduced the CSC population (CD44+/CD24-) (p = 0.002) in vitro. This effect correlated with a reduction in migration (p = 0.0004) and invasion (p<0.0001). SCID-beige mice injected via the tail vein with SUM149 shERK2 cells had a significantly lower lung metastatic burden than control mice (p = 0.0034) or mice injected with shERK1 cells (p = 0.0012), suggesting that ERK2 is a mediator of metastatic burden. To determine the mechanism by which ERK2 mediates this phenotype, we performed an Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 array and compared the gene expression levels between SUM149 cells with ERK2 or ERK1 knockdown or transfection with control shRNA. Analysis of microarray data revealed that global gene expression changes associated with ERK2 knockdown predominantly altered regulation of the EMT pathway. Among the genes with ERK2-knockdown-associated expression change was EGR1, an immediate early response transcription factor whose downstream targets affect cell growth and differentiation. EGR1 is down-regulated 6-fold (p = 0.00013) compared to control and shERK1 cells. Knockdown of ERK2, but not ERK1, resulted in significantly lower EGR1 at both the mRNA and protein levels, validating our microarray data. Conclusions and Future Directions: Our findings support our hypothesis, indicating that ERK2 promotes EMT and the CSC phenotype through EGR1 and mediates metastasis in TNBC. Future studies will determine ERK activity and pathway engagement using a novel peptide sensor based on the Sox fluorophore. We will pursue a therapeutic approach using siRNA against ERK2 incorporated in a DOTAP:cholesterol liposome. Citation Format: Mary Kathryn Pitner, Hitomi Saso, Richard Larson, Rachel M. Sammons, Huiqin Chen, Caimiao Wei, Gaurav Chauhan, Kimie Kondo, Naoto T. Ueno, Kevin Dalby, Bisrat G. Debeb, Chandra Bartholomeusz. Silencing of ERK2 reverses EMT and suppresses the CSC phenotype, inhibiting lung metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer. [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 1624.

ERK1 and ERK2 Map Kinases: Specific Roles or Functional Redundancy?

The MAP kinase signaling cascade Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK has been involved in a large variety of cellular and physiological processes that are crucial for life. Many pathological situations have been associated to this pathway. More than one isoform has been described at each level of the cascade. In this review we devoted our attention to ERK1 and ERK2, which are the effector kinases of the pathway. Whether ERK1 and ERK2 specify functional differences or are in contrast functionally redundant, constitutes an ongoing debate despite the huge amount of studies performed to date. In this review we compiled data on ERK1 vs. ERK2 gene structures, protein sequences, expression levels, structural and molecular mechanisms of activation and substrate recognition. We have also attempted to perform a rigorous analysis of studies regarding the individual roles of ERK1 and ERK2 by the means of morpholinos, siRNA, and shRNA silencing as well as gene disruption or gene replacement in mice. Finally, we comment on a recent study of gene and protein evolution of ERK isoforms as a distinct approach to address the same question. Our review permits the evaluation of the relevance of published studies in the field especially when measurements of global ERK activation are taken into account. Our analysis favors the hypothesis of ERK1 and ERK2 exhibiting functional redundancy and points to the concept of the global ERK quantity, and not isoform specificity, as being the essential determinant to achieve ERK function.

Norepinephrine Protects Cerebral Autoregulation and Reduces Hippocampal Necrosis after Traumatic Brain Injury via Blockade of ERK MAPK and IL-6 in Juvenile Pigs.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to morbidity in children, and boys are disproportionately represented. Cerebral autoregulation is impaired after TBI, contributing to poor outcome. Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is often normalized by use of vasoactive agents to increase mean arterial pressure (MAP). In prior studies of 1- to 5-day-old newborn piglets, we observed that norepinephrine (NE) preferentially protected cerebral autoregulation and prevented hippocampal necrosis in females but not males after fluid percussion injury (FPI). The ERK isoform of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) produces hemodynamic impairment after FPI, but less is known about the role of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). We investigated whether NE protects autoregulation and limits histopathology after FPI in older juvenile (4-week-old) pigs and the role of ERK and IL-6 in that outcome by sex. Results show that NE significantly protects autoregulation and prevents reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in both male and female juvenile pigs after FPI; co-administration of the ERK antagonist U 0126 with NE fully protects both indices of outcome. Papaverine induced dilation was unchanged by FPI and NE. NE blunted ERK MAPK and IL-6 upregulation in both males and females after FPI. NE attenuated loss of neurons in CA1 and CA3 hippocampus of males and females after FPI. These data indicate that NE protects autoregulation and limits hippocampal neuronal cell necrosis via blockade of ERK and IL-6 after FPI in both male and female juvenile pigs. These data suggest that use of NE to improve outcome after TBI is both sex and age dependent.

Targeting the Hsp90 Oncoproteome in Burkitt Lymphoma

Introduction: Novel therapies are urgently needed in pediatric Burkitt lymphoma (pBL) where the survival for relapsed disease is less than 20%. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is molecular chaperone that protects proteins from proteolytic degradation including oncogenic signaling complexes. The clinical development of broad-spectrum Hsp90 inhibitors has previously been limited by suboptimal target inhibition and off-target toxicities. PU-H71 is a next-generation Hsp90 inhibitor that preferentially targets tumor enriched (te-Hsp90), the functionally distinct pool of Hsp90 present in tumor cells. PU-H71 is not toxic to normal B-cells and has demonstrated pre-clinical efficacy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, but has not been studied in Burkitt lymphoma. In the current study, we evaluated te-Hsp90 as a potential therapeutic target in pediatric Burkitt lymphoma.Methods and Results: To evaluate overall Hsp90 protein expression in primary pBL tumors we performed immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray. Fifty-three of 59 cases (90%) demonstrated high levels of Hsp90 expression defined as >90% tumor cell positivity (Fig. 1A). To evaluate the sensitivity of pBL to te-Hsp90 inhibition we performed in-vitro viability assays with the ATP-based CellTiter-Glo¨ in a panel of pBL cell lines (Ramos, DG-75, Raji, Namalwa, Daudi, Jiyoye, CA-46, Raji 2R, Raji 4RH) and in-vivo studies with a Ramos xenograft model of pBL. pBL cells were sensitive to inhibition by PU-H71 with IC50s in the low nanomolar range (151-337nM, Fig 1B). The Raji 2R and Raji 4RH pBL cell lines with acquired resistance to chemotherapy (Czuczman et al, Clin Cancer Res 2008) were also sensitive to PU-H71 (IC50 175-181nM). In contrast, normal peripheral blood lymphocytes were resistant (IC50 >37,000nM). In pBL xenograft studies, PU-H71 decreased tumor volume (p<0.01, Fig. 1C) and prolonged survival (p<0.01, Fig. 1D).To evaluate the targets of PU-H71 in pBL we performed high affinity capture followed by proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry. Cellular lysates from pBL cell lines were incubated with PU-H71 conjugated agarose beads and the cargo was subject to tandem mass spectrometry. Data was analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis¨. PI3K and mTOR signaling were among the top networks identified. Given the data supporting a crucial role for PI3K in BL (Sanders et al, Cancer Cell 2012), we further investigated protein targets in this pathway. We found a significant number of proteins in the mTOR (p<0.0001) and PI3K (p<0.0001) signaling pathways including ERK, mTOR, and multiple isoforms of PI3K (p110-β; p110-γ, p110-δ). PI3K targets were validated by pull-downs with PU-H71 conjugated beads (Fig 2A).To investigate the activity of PI3K inhibition in pBL we evaluated a panel of PI3K inhibitors in pBL. Agents with a narrow spectrum of PI3K isoform inhibition such as idelalisib (p110δ inhibition) and IPI-145 (p110 δ and γ inhibition) did not have activity in pBL. In contrast, agents that broadly target PI3K/mTOR such as BEZ235 (pan PI3K and mTOR inhibition) and BKM120 (pan PI3K inhibition) demonstrated activity (IC50 35nM-2602nM). Based on this we concluded that PI3K inhibition is effective in pBL only when multiple components of the pathway are targeted. We hypothesized that PU-H71 will therefore synergize with PI3K inhibitors through dual targeting of PI3K signaling. To test this we evaluated the combination of PU-H71 + BKM-120 and PU-H71 + BEZ235 in four pBL cell lines (Ramos, Namalwa, Daudi, DG-75). The combined response at 48-72 hours was evaluated using the Chou-Talalay method. Both combinations were synergistic in 3 of 4 cell lines with a combinatorial index at the IC50 of <1 (CI 0.44-0.79, Fig. 2B).Conclusion: Our work demonstrates that Hsp90 is over-expressed in primary pBL tumors and that te-Hsp90 inhibition with PU-H71 is toxic to pBL in-vitro and in-vivo. The oncoprotein targets of Hsp90 in pBL include multiple components of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway, highlighting the importance of this pathway in pBL. The anti-lymphoma activity of PU-H71 is synergistic with pan-PI3K inhibition as well as dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition. Overall this work provides support for te-Hsp90 as a therapeutic target in BL and suggests the potential for combination therapy with PU-H71 and inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresCesarman:Weill Cornell Medical College: Patents & Royalties: applied for patent for 6-ETI.