GPI-anchored Membrane Protein Research Articles

Abstract 6727: QL335, a novel T cell engager with enhanced safety profile targeting MSS colorectal cancer

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of death in the world with a global mortality rate of over 700,000 annually. While recent advancement in diagnosis and prevention has reduced the overall number of deaths, the lack of effective and durable treatment has not significantly improved survival rate. Emerging modalities in immunotherapy such as T cell engagers have paved new ways for disease management. However, a common challenge to advancing T cell engagers in the clinic is poor target specificity and high toxicity associated with non-specific T cell activation and cytokine release. To overcome these shortcomings, we have developed QL335, a bispecific antibody bridging LY6G6D antigen on tumor cells and CD3 on T cells. LY6G6D or Lymphocyte Antigen 6 Family Member G6D, is a GPI-anchored membrane protein that, according to TCGA RNAseq data, is highly expressed in microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer but not in normal tissues. We analyzed LY6G6D expression by IHC in over 200 CRC patient tumors and 40+ normal tissue samples from different organs, confirming its highly restricted CRC expression pattern. We constructed our bispecific antibody in a 2+1 format, comprising two high affinity LY6G6D binding domains and one reduced affinity CD3 binding domain. Such format allows for higher tumor accumulation while mitigating non-specific T cell activation in the periphery. In vitro evaluation showed that QL335 induced potent yet highly specific T cell activation and killing of only target cells expressing LY6G6D. QL335 demonstrated robust anti-tumor efficacy in vivo against human colon cancer xenograft models with human PBMC reconstitution. Importantly, QL335 was well tolerated in cynomolgus monkeys dosed up to 50 mg/kg, supporting the enhanced safety profile by design of this therapeutic candidate. QL335 is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical trial. Citation Format: Shenda Gu, Guangjie Guo, Helena Yee, Hieu V. Tran, Shihao Chen, Chuanzeng Cao, Ke Liu, Chunyan Jin, Weihua Lun, Ruixue Ma, Lele Ren. QL335, a novel T cell engager with enhanced safety profile targeting MSS colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6727.

Abstract 4318: CD24 enhances cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by suppressing autophagy

Abstract Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers with the highest mortality rate. Most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease and will relapse due to chemoresistance. CD24, a highly glycosylated GPI-anchored membrane protein. Recent studies have shown that CD24 expression is significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer and is associated with chemotherapy resistance, and CD24 also plays an inhibitory role in tumor immunity by binding to Siglec-10 on macrophages. However, the molecular mechanisms of how CD24 affects chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer remain unclear. In this study, we used shRNAs to knockdown CD24 and explore the impact and mechanism of CD24 on the chemotherapy resistance of ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that knockdown of CD24 in ovarian cancer cells SKOV3 and TOV21G significantly reduced cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle in S phase. Knockdown of CD24 also significantly increased the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin but had no effect on paclitaxol treatment. Further experiments showed that knockdown of CD24 increased cisplatin sensitivity by promoting autophagy-induced cell death. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze the correlation between the expression of CD24 and its biological functions in the TCGA ovarian cancer dataset. The results showed that CD24 is mostly correlated to cell proliferation and autophagy-related pathways in ovarian cancers. Further mouse xenograft tumor transplantation experiments also confirmed that knockdown of CD24 reduced tumor size and increased sensitivity to cisplatin treatment by increasing cell autophagy. Taken together, these results indicate that CD24 regulates cell growth and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells and that inhibition of CD24 may be helpful in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Yuh-Ling Chen, Tse-Ming Hong, Yu-Yi Wen. CD24 enhances cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by suppressing autophagy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4318.

Abstract 5676: SGN-BB228, a CD228-directed costimulatory antibody anticalin® bispecific provides potent and conditional 4-1BB costimulation to T cells in vivo and in an in vitro model of T cell exhaustion

Abstract Agonist antibodies targeting 4-1BB (CD137) effectively costimulate cytotoxic T cells and are active in preclinical models of cancer. However, the clinical development of these agents has been hampered by limited efficacy and/or poor tolerability at active doses. To overcome the efficacy and safety limitations of this approach, SGN-BB228, a first-in-class, investigational CD228 × 4-1BB costimulatory Antibody Anticalin® bispecific (MabcalinTM) was created. SGN-BB228 is designed to target CD228 (melanotransferrin), a GPI-anchored oncofetal membrane protein with limited normal tissue expression, but high prevalence and expression in melanoma, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other tumor types. SGN-BB228 is designed to provide a potent costimulatory bridge between tumor-specific T cells and tumor cells, improving and limiting T cell-mediated cytotoxicity to tumors, potentially expanding the therapeutic window for 4-1BB agonism. Here we describe the anti-tumor activity and pharmacodynamic effects of SGN-BB228 in vivo using humanized mouse tumor models, and the in vitro costimulatory effect of SGN-BB228 in a tumor cell line-based model of functional T cell exhaustion. In vivo, SGN-BB228 improved the quality and magnitude of the cytotoxic T cell response within CD228-expressing tumors, augmenting anti-tumor immunity. In vitro, 4-1BB costimulation provided by SGN-BB228 elicited proliferation, and cytokine production from functionally exhausted human T cells when in culture with CD228-expressing tumor cell lines engineered to engage the T cell receptor. Functionally exhausted T cells in this system are a mixed population that share phenotypic markers and single cell transcriptional signatures associated with either progenitor exhausted T cells (TPEX) or terminally exhausted T cells (TEX). Interestingly, in this system, anti-PD-1 (nivolumab) failed to reinvigorate functionally exhausted T cells despite high PD-L1 expression by tumor cells. The unique ability of 4-1BB costimulation provided by SGN-BB228 to improve T cell activity in this model suggests the potential to drive immunomodulation in circumstances where PD-1 blockade fails. Together these data highlight SGN-BB228, a first-in-class, investigational CD228 × 4-1BB costimulatory Antibody Anticalin® bispecific with potent and CD228-conditional 4-1BB costimulatory activity with therapeutic potential in multiple solid tumor types. These data support the first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial of SGN-BB228 in advanced melanoma and other solid tumors (NCT05571839), which is currently recruiting. Citation Format: Barrett Updegraff, Johannes Urban, James Mutschler, Gregory L. Szeto, Brian P. O'Connor, Shyra J. Gardai, Ryan A. Heiser. SGN-BB228, a CD228-directed costimulatory antibody anticalin® bispecific provides potent and conditional 4-1BB costimulation to T cells in vivo and in an in vitro model of T cell exhaustion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5676.

A Soluble PrPC Derivative and Membrane-Anchored PrPC in Extracellular Vesicles Attenuate Innate Immunity by Engaging the NMDA-R/LRP1 Receptor Complex.

Nonpathogenic cellular prion protein (PrPC) demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity; however, the responsible mechanisms are incompletely defined. PrPC exists as a GPI-anchored membrane protein in diverse cells; however, PrPC may be released from cells by ADAM proteases or when packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs). In this study, we show that a soluble derivative of PrPC (S-PrP) counteracts inflammatory responses triggered by pattern recognition receptors in macrophages, including TLR2, TLR4, TLR7, TLR9, NOD1, and NOD2. S-PrP also significantly attenuates the toxicity of LPS in mice. The response of macrophages to S-PrP is mediated by a receptor assembly that includes the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1). PrPC was identified in EVs isolated from human plasma. These EVs replicated the activity of S-PrP, inhibiting cytokine expression and IκBα phosphorylation in LPS-treated macrophages. The effects of plasma EVs on LPS-treated macrophages were blocked by PrPC-specific Ab, by antagonists of LRP1 and the NMDA-R, by deleting Lrp1 in macrophages, and by inhibiting Src family kinases. Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C dissociated the LPS-regulatory activity from EVs, rendering the EVs inactive as LPS inhibitors. The LPS-regulatory activity that was lost from phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C-treated EVs was recovered in solution. Collectively, these results demonstrate that GPI-anchored PrPC is the essential EV component required for the observed immune regulatory activity of human plasma EVs. S-PrP and EV-associated PrPC regulate innate immunity by engaging the NMDA-R/LRP1 receptor system in macrophages. The scope of pattern recognition receptors antagonized by S-PrP suggests that released forms of PrPC may have broad anti-inflammatory activity.

EXPRESSION PROFILING AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS REVEAL THAT CELL CYCLE PROGRESSION PATHWAYS ARE HIGHLY UPREGULATED IN MURINE ENDOMETRIOSIS LESIONS DEFICIENT IN CD55

To identify differentially expressed pathways in endometriosis lesions originating from CD55 deficient endometrium. Complement pathway genes are often dysregulated in endometriosis, including the regulatory GPI-anchored membrane protein CD55. CD55 is abundant in secretory phase endometrium and suppresses lesion formation in a murine model of endometriosis.

Na/K-ATPase beta1-subunit associates with neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) to participate in intercellular interactions

Neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) is a GPI-anchored membrane protein that is involved in neural cell adhesion and communication. Multiple genome wide association studies have found that NEGR1 is a generic risk factor for multiple human diseases, including obesity, autism, and depression. Recently, we reported that Negr1−/− mice showed a highly increased fat mass and affective behavior. In the present study, we identified Na/K-ATPase, beta1-subunit (ATP1B1) as an NEGR1 binding partner by yeast two-hybrid screening. NEGR1 and ATP1B1 were found to form a relatively stable complex in cells, at least partially co-localizing in membrane lipid rafts. We found that NEGR1 binds with ATP1B1 at its C-terminus, away from the binding site for the alpha subunit, and may contribute to intercellular interactions. Collectively, we report ATP1B1 as a novel NEGR1-interacting protein, which may help deciphering molecular networks underlying NEGR1-associated human diseases.

UPAR Knockout Results in a Deep Glycolytic and OXPHOS Reprogramming in Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines.

Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA) Receptor (uPAR) is a well-known GPI-anchored three-domain membrane protein with pro-tumor roles largely shown in all the malignant tumors where it is over-expressed. Here we have exploited the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene knock out approach to investigate its role in the oxidative metabolism in human melanoma and colon cancer as the consequences of its irreversible loss. Knocking out PLAUR, a uPAR-encoding gene, in A375p, A375M6 and HCT116, which are two human melanoma and a colon carcinoma, respectively, we have observed an increased number of mitochondria in the two melanoma cell lines, while we evidenced an immature biogenesis of mitochondria in the colon carcinoma culture. Such biological diversity is, however, reflected in a significant enhancement of the mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity, fueled by an increased expression of GLS2, and in a decreased glycolysis paired with an increased secretion of lactate by all uPAR KO cells. We speculated that this discrepancy might be explained by an impaired ratio between LDHA and LDHB.

Pancreatic cancer-educated macrophages protect cancer cells from complement-dependent cytotoxicity by up-regulation of CD59

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are versatile immune cells that promote a variety of malignant behaviors of pancreatic cancer. CD59 is a GPI-anchored membrane protein that prevents complement activation by inhibiting the formation of the membrane attack complex, which may protect cancer cells from complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The interactions between CD59, TAMs and pancreatic cancer remain largely unknown. A tissue microarray of pancreatic cancer patients was used to evaluate the interrelationship of CD59 and TAMs and their survival impacts were analyzed. In a coculture system, THP-1 cells were used as a model to study the function of TAMs and the roles of pancreatic cancer-educated macrophages in regulating the expression of CD59 in pancreatic cancer cells were demonstrated by real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The effects of macrophages on regulating CDC in pancreatic cancer cells were demonstrated by an in vitro study. To explore the potential mechanisms, RNA sequencing of pancreatic cancer cells with or without co-culture of THP-1 macrophages was performed, and the results showed that the IL-6R/STAT3 signaling pathway might participate in the regulation, which was further demonstrated by target-siRNA transfection, antibody neutralization and STAT3 inhibitors. Our data revealed that the infiltration of TAMs and the expression of CD59 of pancreatic cancer were paralleled, and higher infiltration of TAMs and higher expression of CD59 predicted worse survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Pancreatic cancer-educated macrophages could protect cancer cells from CDC by up-regulating CD59 via the IL-6R/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings uncovered the novel mechanisms between TAMs and CD59, and contribute to providing a new promising target for the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer.

Tumor Associated Macrophages Protect Pancreatic Cancer from Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity by Up-regulation of Complement Regulator CD59 via IL-6R/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Introduction: Cooperation between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and pancreatic cancer cells plays crucial roles to promote varieties of malignant behaviors of pancreatic cancer. CD59 is a GPI-anchored membrane protein that prevents complement activation by inhibiting the formation of the membrane attack complex, which may protect cancer cells from complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The interactions between CD59, TAMs and pancreatic cancer has not been reported. Method: A tissue microarray of pancreatic cancer patients was constructed to evaluate the interrelationship of CD59 and TAMs and their survival impacts. The roles of TAMs to up-regulate the expression of CD59 in pancreatic cancer cells were demonstrated by real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. That CD59 protected pancreatic cancer cells from CDC was demonstrated in vitro. To explore the potential mechanisms, RNA sequencing of pancreatic cancer cells with or without co-culture of TAMs were performed and the results showed that IL-6R/STAT3 signaling pathway may participate in the regulation, which was further demonstrated by target-siRNA transfection, antibody neutralization and STAT3 inhibitors. Result: Our data showed that the infiltration of TAMs and the expression of CD59 of pancreatic cancer paralleled and higher infiltration of TAMs and higher expression of CD59 predicted worse survival of pancreatic cancer patients. TAMs could protect pancreatic cancer from CDC by up-regulation of complementary regulator CD59 via IL-6R/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: These findings uncovered the novel mechanisms between TAMs and CD59, contributing to provide a new promising target for immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer.

Serine protease PRSS55 is crucial for male mouse fertility via affecting sperm migration and sperm\u2013egg binding

Testis-specific PRSS55 is a highly conserved chymotrypsin-like serine protease among mammalian species. So far, the physiological function of PRSS55 remains unknown. Here, we show that PRSS55 is a GPI-anchored membrane protein, specifically expressed in adult mouse testis and mainly observed in the luminal side of seminiferous tubules and sperm acrosome. Mice deficient for Prss55 develop male infertile with normal reproduction-related parameters observed. Interestingly, in vivo fertilization rate of Prss55−/− males is dramatically decreased, possibly due to incapable migration of Prss55−/− sperm from uterus into oviduct. However, in vitro fertilization rate has no difference between two genotypes although Prss55−/− sperm presents defective recognition/binding to zona-intact or zona-free oocytes. Further study reveals that mature ADAM3 is almost undetectable in Prss55−/− sperm, while precursor ADAM3 remains unchanged in the testis. However, it is shown that ADAM3 has no interaction with PRSS55 by immunoprecipitation with anti-PRSS55 antibody. The expression levels of several proteins known to be related to the observed phenotypes remain comparable between wt and Prss55−/− mice. Moreover, we found that Prss55 deficiency has no effect on PRSS37 or vice versa albeit two mutant males share almost the same phenotypes. Microarray analysis reveals a total of 72 differentially expressed genes in Prss55−/− testis, most of which are associated with cellular membrane and organelle organization, protein transport and complex assembly, and response to stimulus and signaling. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that PRSS55 plays vital roles in regulating male fertility of mice, including in vivo sperm migration and in vitro sperm–egg interaction, possibly by affecting the maturation of ADAM3 in sperm and the expression of multiple genes in testis.

A Cell Fusion-Based Screening Method Identifies Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Protein Ly6e as the Receptor for Mouse Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Syncytin-A

Syncytin genes are envelope genes of retroviral origin that have been exapted for a role in placentation. They are involved in the formation of a syncytial structure (the syncytiotrophoblast) at the fetomaternal interface via their fusogenic activity. The mouse placenta is unique among placental mammals since the fetomaternal interface comprises two syncytiotrophoblast layers (ST-I and ST-II) instead of one, as observed in humans and all other hemochorial placentae. Each layer specifically expresses a distinct mouse syncytin, namely, syncytin-A (SynA) for ST-I and syncytin-B (SynB) for ST-II, which have been shown to be essential to placentogenesis and embryo survival. Their cognate cellular receptors, which are necessary to mediate cell-cell fusion and syncytiotrophoblast formation, are still unknown. By devising a sensitive method that combines a cell-cell fusion assay with the screening of a mouse cDNA library, we succeeded in identifying the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein lymphocyte antigen 6E (Ly6e) as a candidate receptor for SynA. Transfection of cells with the cloned receptor led to their fusion to cells expressing SynA, with no cross-reactive fusion activity with SynB. Knocking down Ly6e greatly reduced SynA-induced cell fusion, thus suggesting that Ly6e is the sole receptor for SynA in vivo Interaction of SynA with Ly6e was further demonstrated by a competition assay using the soluble ectodomain of Ly6e. Finally, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of Ly6e expression on a representative panel of mouse tissues shows that it is significantly expressed in the mouse placenta together with SynA.IMPORTANCE Syncytin genes are envelope genes of endogenous retroviruses, co-opted for a physiological function in placentation. Syncytins are fusogenic proteins that mediate cell-cell fusion by interacting with receptors present on the partner cells. Here, by devising a sensitive in vitro fusion assay that enables the high-throughput screening of normalized cDNA libraries, we identified the long-sought receptor for syncytin-A (SynA), a mouse syncytin responsible for syncytiotrophoblast formation at the maternofetal interface of the mouse placenta. This protein, Ly6e (lymphocyte antigen 6E), is a GPI-anchored membrane protein, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments targeting its deletion as well as a decoy assay using a recombinant soluble receptor show that Ly6e is the necessary and sufficient partner of SynA. Its profile of expression is consistent with a role in both ancestral endogenization of a SynA founder retrovirus and present-day placenta formation. This study provides a powerful general method to identify genes involved in cell-cell fusion processes.

Reck and Gpr124 Are Essential Receptor Cofactors for Wnt7a/Wnt7b-Specific Signaling in Mammalian CNS Angiogenesis and Blood-Brain Barrier Regulation

Reck, a GPI-anchored membrane protein, and Gpr124, an orphan GPCR, have been implicated in Wnt7a/Wnt7b signaling in the CNS vasculature. We show here that vascular endothelial cell (EC)-specific reduction in Reck impairs CNS angiogenesis and thatEC-specific postnatal loss of Reck, combined with loss of Norrin, impairs blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance. The most N-terminal domain of Reck binds to the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) and immunoglobulin (Ig) domains of Gpr124, and weakening this interaction by targeted mutagenesis reduces Reck/Gpr124 stimulation of Wnt7a signaling in cell culture and impairs CNS angiogenesis. Finally, a soluble Gpr124(LRR-Ig) probe binds to cells expressing Frizzled, Wnt7a or Wnt7b, and Reck, and a soluble Reck(CC1-5) probe binds to cells expressing Frizzled, Wnt7a or Wnt7b, and Gpr124. These experiments indicate that Reck and Gpr124 are part of the cell surface protein complex that transduces Wnt7a- and Wnt7b-specific signals in mammalian CNS ECs to promote angiogenesis and regulate the BBB.

SGN-CD48A: a Novel Humanized Anti-CD48 Antibody-Drug Conjugate for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy of transformed plasma cells. New targeted biological therapeutics are needed to increase the stringency and durability of remissions. In this study we describe SGN-CD48A, a potent CD48-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) utilizing a novel glucuronide-monomethylauristatin E (MMAE) linker, under development for the treatment of MM. CD48, or SLAMF2 (Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule family member 2), is a GPI-anchored membrane protein in the SLAM family of immunoreceptors. CD48 is expressed on B and T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and other immune cell types where it functions to modulate immune cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. CD48 is also a tumor antigen broadly expressed in MM. We observed CD48 expression on the surface of malignant plasma cells in 90% (90/100) of human multiple myeloma patient samples examined by flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for human CD48 were evaluated and a lead antibody was selected based on binding characteristics and cytotoxic activity against myeloma cells as an auristatin ADC. SGN-CD48A is a humanized anti-CD48 mAb to which eight molecules of MMAE, a potent microtubule disrupting cytotoxic drug, have been conjugated via a β-glucuronidase-cleavable linker. This novel glucuronide-MMAE drug-linker incorporates a PEG side chain and self-stabilizing maleimide to achieve homogenous drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) 8 conjugates with decreased plasma clearance and increased preclinical antitumor activity. Following binding of CD48 at the myeloma cell surface, SGN-CD48A internalizes and traffics to lysosomal vesicles. Intracellular MMAE drug released from SGN-CD48A in myeloma cells induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, phospho-histone H3 (Ser-10) phosphorylation, and caspase 3/7 dependent apoptotic cell death. SGN-CD48A demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity (EC50 values 1.0 - 11 ng/mL) against a panel of human MM cell lines, with CD48 expression levels of 135,000 - 480,000 receptors per cell. In contrast, SGN-CD48A had negligible cytotoxic activity against normal resting human B, NK, and T lymphocytes. We evaluated the in vivo antitumor activity of SGN-CD48A in disseminated MM cell line mouse xenograft models. In the NCI-H929 and EJM xenograft models, a single intraperitoneal dose of 0.3 mg/kg SGN-CD48A produced durable complete remissions in 8/8 and 6/8 mice, respectively. Similarly, in the U-266 xenograft model, a single dose of 1.0 mg/kg SGN-CD48A produced durable complete remissions in 7/8 mice. Neither unconjugated mAb nor a non-binding control MMAE ADC were active in these MM xenograft models, demonstrating that targeted delivery of MMAE drug through CD48 binding is required for activity. In summary, CD48 is a highly expressed new multiple myeloma target and the novel glucuronide-MMAE ADC SGN-CD48A shows potent antitumor activity against cell line models of MM. DisclosuresLewis:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Olson:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gordon:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sandall:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Quick:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Finn:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Westendorf:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Linares:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Leiske:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Nesterova:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Law:Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership.

MTORC2 activation is regulated by the urokinase receptor (uPAR) in bladder cancer

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) has been identified as a major regulator of bladder cancer cell migration and invasion. Upstream pathways that mediate mTORC2 activation remain poorly defined. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a GPI-anchored membrane protein and known activator of cell-signaling. We identified increased uPAR expression in 94% of invasive human bladder cancers and in 54–71% of non-invasive bladder cancers, depending on grade. Normal urothelium was uPAR-immunonegative. Analysis of publicly available datasets identified uPAR gene amplification or mRNA upregulation in a subset of bladder cancer patients with reduced overall survival. Using biochemical approaches, we showed that uPAR activates mTORC2 in bladder cancer cells. Highly invasive bladder cancer cell lines, including T24, J82 and UM-UC-3 cells, showed increased uPAR mRNA expression and protein levels compared with the less aggressive cell lines, UROtsa and RT4. uPAR gene-silencing significantly reduced phosphorylation of Serine-473 in Akt, an mTORC2 target. uPAR gene-silencing also reduced bladder cancer cell migration and Matrigel invasion. S473 phosphorylation was observed by immunohistochemistry in human bladder cancers only when the tumors expressed high levels of uPAR. S473 phosphorylation was not controlled by uPAR in bladder cancer cell lines that are PTEN-negative; however, this result probably did not reflect altered mTORC2 regulation. Instead, PTEN deficiency de-repressed alternative kinases that phosphorylate S473. Our results suggest that uPAR and mTORC2 are components of a single cell-signaling pathway. Targeting uPAR or mTORC2 may be beneficial in patients with bladder cancer.

Urokinase receptor and resistance to targeted anticancer agents.

The urokinase receptor (uPAR) is a GPI-anchored membrane protein, which regulates protease activity at the cell surface and, in collaboration with a system of co-receptors, triggers cell-signaling and regulates gene expression within the cell. In normal tissues, uPAR gene expression is limited; however, in cancer, uPAR is frequently over-expressed and the gene may be amplified. Hypoxia, which often develops in tumors, further increases uPAR expression by cancer cells. uPAR-initiated cell-signaling promotes cancer cell migration, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem cell-like properties, survival, and release from states of dormancy. Newly emerging data suggest that the pro-survival cell-signaling activity of uPAR may allow cancer cells to “escape” from the cytotoxic effects of targeted anticancer drugs. Herein, we review the molecular properties of uPAR that are responsible for its activity in cancer cells and its ability to counteract the activity of anticancer drugs.

A specific and sensitive assay for blood levels of glycated CD59: A novel biomarker for diabetes

Increasing evidence links the complement system with complications of human diabetes. The complement regulatory protein CD59, an inhibitor of formation of membrane attack complex (MAC), is inhibited by hyperglycemia-induced glycation fostering increased deposition of MAC, a major effector of complement-mediated tissue damage. CD59, an ubiquitous GPI-anchored membrane protein, is shed from cell membranes by phospholipases generating a soluble form present in blood and urine. We established an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure serum/plasma glycated human CD59 (hCD59) (GCD59) and evaluated its potential as a diabetes biomarker. We used a synthetic peptide strategy to generate (a) a mouse monoclonal antibody to capture hCD59, (b) a rabbit monoclonal antibody to detect GCD59, and (c) a GCD59 surrogate for assay standardization. ELISA conditions were optimized for precision, reproducibility, and clinical sensitivity. The clinical utility of the assay was initially evaluated in 24 subjects with or without diabetes and further validated in a study that included 100 subjects with and 90 subjects without a diagnosis of diabetes. GCD59 (a) was significantly higher in individuals with than in individual without diabetes, (b) was independently associated with HbA1c, and (c) identified individuals with diabetes with high specificity and sensitivity. We report the development and standardization of a novel, sensitive, and specific ELISA for measuring GCD59 in blood. The assay distinguished individuals with diabetes from those without, and showed strong correlation between GCD59 and HbA1c. Because GCD59 likely contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes complications, measurement of blood levels of GCD59 may be useful in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.

Characterization of Drosophila GDNF Receptor-Like and Evidence for Its Evolutionarily Conserved Interaction with Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM)/FasII

BackgroundGlial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands are secreted growth factors distantly related to the TGF-β superfamily. In mammals, they bind to the GDNF family receptor α (Gfrα) and signal through the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase. In order to gain insight into the evolution of the Ret-Gfr-Gdnf signaling system, we have cloned and characterized the first invertebrate Gfr-like cDNA (DmGfrl) from Drosophila melanogaster and generated a DmGfrl mutant allele.ResultsWe found that DmGfrl encodes a large GPI-anchored membrane protein with four GFR-like domains. In line with the fact that insects lack GDNF ligands, DmGfrl mediated neither Drosophila Ret phosphorylation nor mammalian RET phosphorylation. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that DmGfrl is expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems throughout Drosophila development, but, surprisingly, DmGfrl and DmRet expression patterns were largely non-overlapping. We generated a DmGfrl null allele by genomic FLP deletion and found that both DmGfrl null females and males are viable but display fertility defects. The female fertility defect manifested as dorsal appendage malformation, small size and reduced viability of eggs laid by mutant females. In male flies DmGfrl interacted genetically with the Drosophila Ncam (neural cell adhesion molecule) homolog FasII to regulate fertility.ConclusionOur results suggest that Ret and Gfrl did not function as an in cis receptor-coreceptor pair before the emergence of GDNF family ligands, and that the Ncam-Gfr interaction predated the in cis Ret-Gfr interaction in evolution. The fertility defects that we describe in DmGfrl null flies suggest that GDNF receptor-like has an evolutionarily ancient role in regulating male fertility and a previously unrecognized role in regulating oogenesis.SignificanceThese results shed light on the evolutionary aspects of the structure, expression and function of Ret-Gfrα and Ncam-Gfrα signaling complexes.

Gastrointestinal defects of the Gas1 mutant involve dysregulated Hedgehog and Ret signaling

SummaryThe gastrointestinal (GI) tract defines the digestive system and is composed of the stomach, intestine and colon. Among the major cell types lining radially along the GI tract are the epithelium, mucosa, smooth muscles and enteric neurons. The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been implicated in directing various aspects of the developing GI tract, notably the mucosa and smooth muscle growth, and enteric neuron patterning, while the Ret signaling pathway is selectively required for enteric neuron migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The growth arrest specific gene 1 (Gas1) encodes a GPI-anchored membrane protein known to bind to Sonic Hh (Shh), Indian Hh (Ihh), and Ret. However, its role in the GI tract has not been examined. Here we show that the Gas1 mutant GI tract, compared to the control, is shorter, has thinner smooth muscles, and contains more enteric progenitors that are abnormally distributed. These phenotypes are similar to those of the Shh mutant, supporting that Gas1 mediates most of the Shh activity in the GI tract. Because Gas1 has been shown to inhibit Ret signaling elicited by Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf), we explored whether Gas1 mutant enteric neurons displayed any alteration of Ret signaling levels. Indeed, isolated mutant enteric progenitors not only showed increased levels of phospho-Ret and its downstream effectors, phospho-Akt and phospho-Erk, but also displayed altered responses to Gdnf and Shh. We therefore conclude that phenotypes observed in the Gas1 mutant are due to a combination of reduced Hh signaling and increased Ret signaling.

Karyotypic and Genetic Abnormalities Associated with Clonal Evolution in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria.

AbstractAbstract 2371PNH is a clonal stem cell disease. While nonmalignant, PNH shows certain similarities to MDS and other neoplasms affecting hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, including persistence of an aberrant clone, clonal expansion, and phenotypic abnormalities. In a small proportion of patients, subtle chromosomal abnormalities can be found and cases of otherwise classical PNH due to microdeletions involving the PIG-A locus have been described, illustrating similarities to other malignant conditions. PIG-A gene mutations lead to defective biosynthesis of GPI anchors and are responsible for the PNH phenotype. Similarly, phenotypic features of stem cells affected by PIG-A mutations are believed to be responsible for the extrinsic growth advantage and clonal expansion in the context of immune mediated suppression of hematopoiesis. While this scenario is plausible, there are also observations suggesting that intrinsic factors may be also involved. For instance, PNH persists after successful immunosuppression, often for many years, suggesting activation of stem cell maintenance genes. Furthermore, PNH clones can also be encountered (albeit at a very low frequency) in healthy individuals, and PNH can present in a pure form without aplastic anemia. Such extrinsic factors may include additional, secondary genetic events such as somatic mutations. Supporting this theory, clonal rearrangement of chromosome 12, which leads to overexpression of the transcription factor HMGA2 gene, were found in cells with the PIG-A mutation from 2 PNH cases. Also, we recently reported 3 PNH cases with JAK2 V617F mutation, who presented with a MPN phenotype and thrombosis.We theorized that study of clonal architecture in PNH will reveal clues as to the pathogenesis of clonal evolution of the PNH stem cell. We applied next generation whole exome sequencing to detect somatic mutations in PNH cases (N=6). The subsequent validation set included 45 PNH cases. PNH and non-PNH cells were sorted using magnetic beads. DNA from both fractions was analyzed by whole exome sequencing and results of the non-PNH cells were subtracted from the results of the PNH clone. We found biallelic PIG-A mutations in 2 female cases and a single mutation in each male case. In an index female case with thrombosis, a novel somatic heterozygous mutation of NTNG1 (P24S) was detected, while the patient was negative for the JAK2 mutation. Allelic frequency with the NTNG1 mutation (53/160 sequence reads (33%)) was larger than that with a concomitant heterozygous PIG-A mutation (intron 5 splice donor site G<A) (78/333 reads (23%)). In this case, the size of the other heterozygous PIG-A mutation (G68E) was less (31/194 (16%)) than the other PNH clone. These findings suggest that there are 2 different PNH clones in one case and that the NTNG1 mutation might be acquired before PIG-A gene was mutated. Moreover, NTNG1 encodes a GPI-anchored cell membrane protein and the mutation (P24S) was located in the predicted signal peptide. All together, 3 novel mutations were discovered, including MAGEC1 (C747Y) and BRPF1 (N797S) mutations. Of note, BRPF1 mutations have been also reported in AML. Interestingly, BRPF1 encodes a component of MOZ/MORF complex, positively regulating the transcription of RUNX1.To screen pathogenic karyotypic lesions in PNH clonal expansions, we combined metaphase cytogenetics and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. We detected 14 somatic chromosomal abnormalities in 13 out of 26 PNH cases (50%). Of note is that a microdeletion on 2q13 resulted in the loss of an apoptosis-inducing gene BCL2L11, suggesting a contribution to growth advantage. Somatic UPD lesions strongly suggest the presence of homozygous mutations, for example the SET nuclear oncogene, which is located in UPD9q32qter was observed in another PNH case. Overall, the discovery of these novel mutations, as well the previously described JAK2 mutation, indicates that the pathophysiology of PNH clonal evolution partially overlaps that of other myeloid malignancies.In sum, various novel somatic karyotypic abnormalities and mutations are frequently detected in PNH clones using technology with comprehensive and high resolution. Some of these aberrations play a similar role in the clonal evolution of myeloid malignancies. These results suggest new therapeutic strategies similar to those for other myeloid malignancies should be considered in PNH cases with addition mutations. Disclosures:Makishima:Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative: Research Funding. Maciejewski:NIH: Research Funding; Aplastic Anemia&MDS International Foundation: Research Funding.

Identification and expression of a novel member of Ly-6 superfamily in zebrafish Denio rerio

Ly-6 superfamily members are present in many metazoans and are divided into two groups: secreted proteins and glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI)-anchored membrane proteins. They both contain one or more conserved domain identified as Ly-6/uPAR (LU) domain and play key roles in cellular adhesion and signaling. Here, we identify a novel member, lymphocyte antigen-6 epidermis (lye), of Ly-6 superfamily in zebrafish. In silico analyses revealed that lye codes for a predicted GPI-anchored membrane protein containing a conserved LU domain and 10 position-specific conserved cysteines typical of known Ly-6 proteins. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that lye is predominantly expressed in epidermis. We thus named the gene lye, highlighting it is expressed in epidermis. Lye exhibits a dynamic expression pattern during development, which is initially expressed in enveloping layer at gastrula stage, then expressed in epidermis at later stages. It is also expressed in olfactory placode at 24h post-fertilization. Subsequently, epidermal expression of lye becomes weaker gradually, whereas the expression in pharyngeal arch and pectoral fin increases at 2 and 3days post-fertilization. Our study lays a foundation for further investigation of lye roles in early developmental stages.