Phosphorylation Of IRE1 Research Articles

Ginsenoside Rb1 reduced ischemic stroke-induced apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated IRE1/TRAF2/JNK pathway.

The neuroprotective function of ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was lately emphasized. However, whether GRb1 plays a regulatory role on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated pathway in cerebral I/R damage is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the function of GRb1 in cerebral ischemia-induced ER stress and the underlying mechanism related to IRE1/TRAF2/JNK pathway. Longa method, cerebral infarct volume, and HE staining were used to evaluate the efficacy of GRb1 in mice with a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion (MCAO/R). We also investigated the effect and mechanism of GRb1 against ischemic stroke using in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation reperfusion (OGD/R) model. We found that GRb1 could improve neurological scores, infarct volume, and histological injury in ischemic mice. Ischemic attack also activated neuronal apoptosis and ER stress, and this effect was attenuated by GRb1. In addition, GRb1 significantly reduced I/R-induced IRE1-TRAF2 interaction, IRE1, and JNK phosphorylation. The present study also confirmed that GRb1 significantly improved OGD/R-induced PC12 cells injury. GRb1 could decrease ER stress in OGD/R-injured PC12 cells, which was reflected by the decreased expression of GRP78 and CHOP. The ER stress inducer tunicamycin partially prevented the effects of GRb1 on cell viability, ER stress, and apoptosis after OGD/R, whereas the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, GRb1 markedly decreased IRE1-TRAF2 interaction, IRE1, and JNK phosphorylation in the presence of OGD/R insult. Furthermore, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and IRE1 inhibitor DBSA pretreatment further promoted the inhibition of GRb1 on ER stress induction and cell damage induced by OGD/R. Molecular docking further elucidated that the mechanism by which GRb1 improves cerebral ischemia maybe related to its direct binding to the kinase domain of IRE1, which in turn inhibited the phosphorylation of IRE1. Collectively, these results demonstrated that GRb1 reduced ischemic stroke-induced apoptosis through the ER stress-associated IRE1/TRAF2/JNK pathway and GRb1 has the potential as a protective drug for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Tumour suppressor protein sMEK1 links to IRE1 signalling pathway to modulate its activity during ER stress

The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a pervasive, dynamic cellular organelle that performs a wide range of functions in the eukaryotic cell, including protein folding and maturation. Upon stress, ER activates an adaptive cellular pathway, namely Unfolded Protein Response, that transduces information from ER to nucleus, restoring homeostasis in the ER milieu. UPR consists of three membrane-tethered sensors; IRE1, PERK and ATF6. Among all the UPR sensors, the IRE1 branch acts as a central pathway that orchestrates several pathways to determine cell fate. However, the detailed knowledge underlying the whole process is not understood yet. Previously, we determined the sMEK1 as one of the interacting partners of IRE1. sMEK1 is a protein phosphatase, which has been indicated in a number of critical cellular functions like apoptosis, cell proliferation, and tumour suppression. In this study, we evaluated the role of sMEK1 on the IRE1 signalling pathway. Our data indicate that sMEK1 can inhibit IRE1 phosphorylation under ER stress. This inhibitory effect of sMEK1 could be reflected in its downstream effectors, Xbp1 and RIDD, which are downregulated in the presence of sMEK1. We also found that the repressing effect of sMEK1 was specific to the IRE1 signalling pathway and could be preserved even under prolonged ER stress. Our findings also indicate that sMEK1 can inhibit IRE1 and its downstream molecules under ER stress irrespective of other UPR sensors. These results help to draw the mechanistic details giving insights into different molecular connections of UPR with other pathways.

The Bcl-2 family protein bid interacts with the ER stress sensor IRE1 to differentially modulate its RNase activity.

IRE1 is a transmembrane signalling protein that activates the unfolded protein response under endoplasmic reticulum stress. IRE1 is endowed with kinase and endoribonuclease activities. The ribonuclease activity of IRE1 can switch substrate specificities to carry out atypical splicing of Xbp1 mRNA or trigger the degradation of specific mRNAs. The mechanisms regulating the distinct ribonuclease activities of IRE1 have yet to be fully understood. Here, we report the Bcl-2 family protein Bid as a novel recruit of the IRE1 complex, which directly interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of IRE1. Bid binding to IRE1 leads to a decrease in IRE1 phosphorylation in a way that it can only perform Xbp1 splicing while mRNA degradation activity is repressed. The RNase outputs of IRE1 have been found to regulate the homeostatic-apoptotic switch. This study, thus, provides insight into IRE1-mediated cell survival.

Enteroviruses Manipulate the Unfolded Protein Response through Multifaceted Deregulation of the Ire1-Xbp1 Pathway.

Many viruses are known to trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in host cells, which in turn can develop a protective unfolded protein response (UPR). Depending on the conditions, the UPR may lead to either cell survival or programmed cell death. One of three UPR branches involves the upregulation of Xbp1 transcription factor caused by the unconventional cytoplasmic splicing of its mRNA. This process is accomplished by the phosphorylated form of the endoribonuclease/protein kinase Ire1/ERN1. Here, we show that the phosphorylation of Ire1 is up-regulated in HeLa cells early in enterovirus infection but down-regulated at later stages. We also find that Ire1 is cleaved in poliovirus- and coxsackievirus-infected HeLa cells 4-6 h after infection. We further show that the Ire1-mediated Xbp1 mRNA splicing is repressed in infected cells in a time-dependent manner. Thus, our results demonstrate the ability of enteroviruses to actively modulate the Ire1-Xbp1 host defensive pathway by inducing phosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage of the ER stress sensor Ire1, as well as down-regulating its splicing activity. Inactivation of Ire1 could be a novel mode of the UPR manipulation employed by viruses to modify the ER stress response in the infected cells.

Inhibitory effect of (pro)renin receptor decoy inhibitor PRO20 on endoplasmic reticulum stress during cardiac remodeling.

Background: Ectopic activation of renin-angiotensin-system contributes to cardiovascular and renal diseases. (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) binds to renin and prorenin, participating in the progression of nephrology. However, whether PRR could be considered as a therapeutic target for cardiac remodeling and heart failure remains unknown. Materials and methods: Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery was performed to establish a mouse model of chronic pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated and stimulated by Angiotensin II (Ang II). PRR decoy inhibitor PRO20 was synthesized and used to evaluate its effect on cardiac remodeling. Results: Soluble PRR and PRR were significantly upregulated in TAC-induced cardiac remodeling and Ang II-treated CMs and CFs. Results of In vivo experiments showed that suppression of PRR by PRO20 significantly retarded cardiac remodeling and heart failure indicated by morphological and echocardiographic analyses. In vitro experiments, PRO20 inhibited CM hypertrophy, and also alleviated CF activation, proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Mechanically, PRO20 enhanced intracellular cAMP levels, but not affected cGMP levels in CMs and CFs. Moreover, treatment of PRO20 in CFs markedly attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species and phosphorylation of IRE1 and PERK, two well-identified markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Accordingly, administration of PRO20 reversed ER stressor thapsigargin-induced CM hypertrophy and CF activation/migration. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that inhibition of PRR by PRO20 attenuates cardiac remodeling through increasing cAMP levels and reducing ER stress in both CMs and CFs.

Attenuation of Olanzapine-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Improves Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic Beta Cells.

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), in particular, olanzapine and clozapine, have been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and metabolic syndrome in individuals with schizophrenia. In this context, beta cell dysfunction is a plausible mechanism by which SGAs cause T2D. Herein, we analyzed the direct effects of olanzapine, a commonly prescribed SGA with diabetogenic properties, on the INS-1 (821/13) beta cell line and isolated pancreatic islets. Treatment of INS-1 beta cells with non-toxic concentrations of olanzapine (3–6 μM) during 4 h activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated signaling by increasing PERK/eIF2α phosphorylation, IRE-1 phosphorylation and XBP-1 splicing. Moreover, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was inhibited when olanzapine was present for 16 h. The insulin secretory function of INS-1 cells was restored by inhibiting olanzapine-induced ER stress with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Similar effects of olanzapine with or without TUDCA on ER-stress-mediated signaling and GSIS were found in pancreatic islets from female mice. Our results indicate that early activation of ER stress in pancreatic beta cells is a potential mechanism behind the alterations in glucose homeostasis induced by olanzapine.

Sensor dimer disruption as a new mode of action to block the IRE1-mediated unfolded protein response

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated to cope with an accumulation of improperly folded proteins in the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The Inositol requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) is the most evolutionary conserved transducer of the UPR. Activated IRE1 forms ‘back-to-back’-dimers that enables the unconventional splicing of X-box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1) mRNA. The spliced XBP1 (XBP1s) mRNA is translated into a transcription factor controlling the expression of UPR target genes. Herein, we report a detailed in silico screening specifically targeting for the first time the dimer interface at the IRE1 RNase region. Using the database of FDA approved drugs, we identified four compounds (neomycin, pemetrexed, quercitrin and rutin) that were able to bind to and distort IRE1 RNase cavity. The activity of the compounds on IRE1 phosphorylation was evaluated in HEK293T cells and on IRE1 RNase activity using an in vitro fluorescence assay. These analyzes revealed sub-micromolar IC50 values. The current study reveals a new and unique mode of action to target and block the IRE1-mediated UPR signaling, whereby we may avoid problems associated with selectivity occurring when targeting the IRE1 kinase pocket as well as the inherent reactivity of covalent inhibitors targeting the RNase pocket.

Protein Disulphide Isomerase 6 (PDIA6) Attenuates Platelet Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Secretion in a Mouse Model

Background:Platelet hyperreactivity involves increased secretion of their granule content which promotes platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Platelet hyperreactivity is observed in conditions such as diabetes mellitus and is associated with decreased cardioprotective effect from antiplatelet agents in this patient group. Diabetes is associated with increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress from hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Protein disulphide isomerase 6 (PDIA6) is an endoplasmic reticulum protein which folds nascent proteins by reduction and oxidation of their disulphide bonds. PDIA6 has been shown to inhibit downstream ER stress pathways by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IRE-1 in fibroblasts (Eletto, Mol Cell, 2014). We hypothesized that ER stress pathways are functional in platelets and that PDIA6 may inhibit ER stress pathways leading to platelet secretion.Methods:We generated conditional PDIA6 knockout mice (PF4Cre+ Pdia6 fl/fl) (CKO) in the megakaryocyte/platelet lineage by CRISPR-Cas9 technology (Fig.1A). Megakaryopoiesis and haemostasis was assessed by bone marrow histology, coagulation assays, platelet aggregation and tail bleeding studies. We induced ER stress of purified platelets by incubation with thapsigargin and tunicamycin. Activation of the PERK and IRE1 pathways was measured by Western blot. Thrombosis was assessed in vitro by microfluidic devices and in vivo by electrolytic injury of the carotid artery.Results:PDIA6 CKO mice displayed a mild macrothrombocytopenia: the mean (+/-SD) platelet count in Pf4Cre+/Pdia6fl/fl was 775 +/- 98 x10 3/ul compared with 874 +/- 55 x10 3/ul in Pdia6fl/fl (p<0.005). The median platelet volume was 6.3 fL in Pf4Cre+/Pdia6fl/fl compared with 5.7 fL in Pdia6fl/fl (p<0.005). Megakaryopoiesis was normal at baseline. However, PDIA6 CKO mice showed significant upregulation of intracellular platelet PDIs including PDIA1, PDIA3 and PDIA4. PDIA6 deficient platelets displayed significant increase of disulphide reductase activity and the generation of free thiols on the platelet surface. Activation of the PERK and IRE-1 pathway at baseline and after induction of ER stress was increased in PDIA6 deficient platelets (Figure 1B, C). There was striking hypersecretion of PDIA1 (Figure 1D) and α-granule proteins (Figure 1E, F) in response to shear and stimulation with thrombin. PDIA6 CKO mice displayed a prothrombotic phenotype with increased platelet adhesion to fibrinogen under shear (500 s-1) and decreased time to carotid artery occlusion (mean+/SD: 10.8 +/-3.2 min in Pf4Cre+/Pdia6fl/fl compared with 15.3 +/-5.2 min in Pdia6fl/fl, n=8-10, p<0.05).Conclusion:We have identified a role for platelet PDIA6 in attenuating platelet ER stress and secretion. This opens avenues for further study into the role of platelet PDIs in conditions with increased ER stress, such as obesity and diabetes.Figure 1: PDIA6 deficient platelets have increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and are hypersecretory. A. Western blot of PDIA6 protein in platelets from Pf4Cre+/Pdia6fl/fl mice and control mice (Pdia6fl/fl) showing efficient deletion of PDIA6 in platelets. B. PDIA6 deficient platelets have increased phosphorylation of pEIF2a (PERK phosphorylation pathway) at baseline and after induction of ER stress by thapsigargin, representative image. C. Normalized band intensity (peIF2a/beta actin) in platelets treated with DMSO control or thapsigargin. D. Increased secretion of thiol isomerase PDIA1. E. alpha granule proteins: platelet factor 4 (PF4) and F. von Willebrand factor (vWF) from PDIA6 deficient platelets compared with controls after stimulation with thrombin 0.5 U/ml. n=3-5 Pf4Cre+/Pdia6fl/fl (red boxes) and n=3-5 Pdia6fl/fl mice (grey boxes). Columns are presented as mean+/-SD, *p<0.05, ** p<0.001 by Mann Whitney. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Marine-Derived Xyloketal Compound Ameliorates MPP+-Induced Neuronal Injury through Regulating of the IRE1/XBP1 Signaling Pathway.

The IRE1/XBP1 signaling pathway is the most conserved component of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPRER). Activating this branch to correct defects in ER proteostasis is regarded as a promising anti-Parkinson's disease (PD) strategy. P-53 is a marine-derived xyloketal B analog which exhibited potential neuroprotective activities in previous research studies; however, the molecular mechanism underneath its protective effect remains unknown. Herein, a transcriptomic approach was introduced to explore the protective mechanism of P-53. RNA microarray profiling was conducted based on an MPP+-induced C. elegans PD model, and bioinformatics analyses including GO enrichment and PPI network analysis were subsequently performed. In particular, the recovery of the impaired UPRER was highlighted as a main physiological change caused by P-53, and a cluster of genes including abu and hsp family genes which are involved in the IRE1/XBP1 branch of the UPRER were identified as the key genes related to its neuroprotective effect. The transcription levels of these key genes were validated by RT-qPCR assays. Further results showed that P-53 enhanced the phosphorylation of IRE1, the splicing of xbp-1 mRNA, and the translation of XBP1S and boosted the expression level of the downstream targets of the IRE1/XBP1 signaling pathway. Moreover, it was also demonstrated that P-53 accelerated the scavenging of misfolded α-synuclein and attenuated the correlative mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, the protective effect of P-53 against MPP+-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss was assessed. Taken together, these results revealed that P-53 plays its neuroprotective role through regulating of the IRE1/XBP1 signaling pathway and laid the foundation for its further development as an ER proteostasis-regulating agent.

Microcystin-leucine arginine exposure contributes to apoptosis and follicular atresia in mice ovaries by endoplasmic reticulum stress-upregulated Ddit3

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), an intracellular toxin to cause reproduction toxicity, is produced by blooming cyanobacteria and widely distributed in eutrophic waters. It is revealed that MC-LR-induced female reproductive toxicity is more severe than male reproductive toxicity. Previous studies mainly focused on male reproductive toxicity, and the molecular mechanisms of MC-LR-induced apoptosis, follicular atresia and infertility in female remain largely unclear. Here, it was found that MC-LR treatment could induce apoptosis, inflammation, follicular atresia, and decrease of gonadal index in mice ovaries. RNA-Seq data showed that the up-regulation of DNA-damage inducible transcript 3 (Ddit3) under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress had predominantly regulatory role in MC-LR-induced apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, MC-LR exposure promoted cleavage of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6, 50kd), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (Ire1) expression, phosphorylation of IRE1, mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (Map3k5) and Ddit3 expression, which was accompanied by the upregulation of death receptor 5 (Dr5) and active-caspase-3, and a decrease in Bcl-2 expression. ER stress inhibitor 4-Phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) ameliorated these MC-LR-induced changes in protein or mRNA level. More importantly, knockdown of Ddit3 suppressed MC-LR-induced cell apoptosis and follicular atresia by directly regulating Dr5 and Bcl-2. Additionally, it was also found that MC-LR increased Map3k5 phosphorylation by inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity, and then promoted Ddit3 expression. In short, our data suggests that Ddit3 promotes MC-LR-induced mice ovarian cells apoptosis and follicular atresia via ER stress activation, which provides a new insight into the relation between infertility in females and the emerging water pollutant MC-LR.

Alleviating chronic ER stress by p38-Ire1-Xbp1pathway and insulin-associated autophagy in C. elegans neurons.

ER stress occurs in many physiological and pathological conditions. However, how chronic ER stress is alleviated in specific cells in an intact organism is an outstanding question. Here, overexpressing the gap junction protein UNC-9 (Uncoordinated) in C. elegans neurons triggers the Ire1-Xbp1-mediated stress response in an age-dependent and cell-autonomous manner. The p38 MAPK PMK-3 regulates the chronic stress through IRE-1 phosphorylation. Overexpressing gap junction protein also activates autophagy. The insulin pathway functions through autophagy, but not the transcription of genes encoding ER chaperones, to counteract the p38-Ire1-Xbp1-mediated stress response. Together, these results reveal an intricate cellular regulatory network in response to chronic stress in a subset of cells in multicellular organism.

Involvement of ER stress‐mediated sEH Activation in Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury

ObjectivesPrevious studies have suggested the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was found to be protective against I/R‐induced injury. Whether ER stress mediates myocardial I/R injury via regulating sEH remains uninvestigated. The present study aimed to understand the role of ER stress‐sEH signaling in cardiac and coronary function in an in vitro rat model of myocardial I/R.MethodsIsolated rat hearts were randomly divided into four groups including control, I/R, and I/R groups pretreated with either the IRE1α inhibitor GSK2850163 or the sEH inhibitor dicyclohexylurea (DCU). The hearts were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus and I/R groups were subjected to 30‐min global ischemia followed by 60‐min reperfusion. GSK2850163 and DCU were perfused for 15 min prior to the onset of ischemia. Left ventricular function was monitored during the experiment. Branches of the left anterior descending artery were isolated after I/R for study of endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation in a myograph. The protein expression of IRE1, phosphorylated IRE1 (p‐IRE1), and sEH was determined by western blotting.ResultsLeft ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was increased and the maximum velocity of contraction (+dp/dtmax) and relaxation (‐dp/dtmax) of the left ventricle was decreased during I/R, which could be partially reversed by GSK2850163 or DCU pretreatment. Relaxant response of coronary artery to acetylcholine was also improved by GSK2850163 or DCU. Inhibition of IRE1 phosphorylation by GSK2850163 significantly downregulated the protein expression of sEH.ConclusionsActivation of sEH induced by the IRE1 branch of ER stress is involved in I/R‐induced cardiac dysfunction, in which impairment of coronary dilator function is an important contributing factor.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NSFC 81870227 &amp; 81870288, Tianjin Science and Technology Commission (18PTZWHZ00060) &amp; Binhai New Area Health Bureau (2018BWKZ005), and Non‐profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences 2018TX31002 &amp; 2019XK310001.

ROR2 induces cell apoptosis via activating IRE1\u03b1/JNK/CHOP pathway in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundEpithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal cancer in female genital tumors. New disease markers and novel therapeutic strategies are urgent to identify considering the current status of treatment. Receptor tyrosine kinases family plays critical roles in embryo development and disease progression. However, ambivalent research conclusions of ROR2 make its role in tumor confused and the underlying mechanism is far from being understood. In this study, we sought to clarify the effects of ROR2 on high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) cells and reveal the mechanism.MethodsImmunohistochemistry assay and western-blot assay were used to detect proteins expression. ROR2 overexpression adenovirus and Lentivirus were used to create ROR2 overexpression model in vitro and in vivo, respectively. MTT assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay were used to measure the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of cancer cells. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect cell apoptosis rate. Whole transcriptome analysis was used to explore the differentially expressed genes between ROR2 overexpression group and negative control group. SiRNA targeted IRE1α was used to knockdown IRE1α. Kira6 was used to inhibit phosphorylation of IRE1α.ResultsExpression of ROR2 was significantly lower in HGSOC tissues compared to normal fallopian tube epithelium or ovarian surface epithelium tissues. In HGSOC cohort, patients with advanced stages or positive lymph nodes were prone to express lower ROR2. Overexpression of ROR2 could repress the proliferation of HGSOC cells and induce cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that ROR2 overexpression could induce unfold protein response. The results were also confirmed by upregulation of BIP and phosphorylated IRE1α. Furthermore, pro-death factors like CHOP, phosphorylated JNK and phosphorylated c-Jun were also upregulated. IRE1α knockdown or Kira6 treatment could reverse the apoptosis induced by ROR2 overexpression. Finally, tumor xenograft experiment showed ROR2 overexpression could significantly repress the growth rate and volume of transplanted tumors.ConclusionsTaken together, ROR2 downregulation was associated with HGSOC development and progression. ROR2 overexpression could repress cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in HGSOC cells. And the underlying mechanism might be the activation of IRE1α/JNK/CHOP pathway induced by ROR2.

Linking Endoplasmic Reticular Stress, ELL2, and Alternative Splicing

Abstract RNA splicing patterns in antibody-secreting cells are shaped by endoplasmic reticulum stress, ELL2 transcription elongation factor induction, and changes in the levels of snRNAs. Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces the unfolded protein response; among these stress proteins is Ire1, whose auto-phosphorylation drives it to acquire a regulated mRNA decay activity. The mRNA-modifying function of phosphorylated Ire1 non-canonically splices Xbp1 and yet degrades other cellular mRNAs with related motifs, in a cell-specific manner. Naïve splenic B cells will activate Ire1 phosphorylation early on after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, within 18 h; large-scale changes in mRNA content and splicing patterns result. Inhibition of the mRNA-degradation function of Ire1 is correlated with further differences in the splicing patterns and a reduction in the mRNA factors for snRNA transcription. Some of the &amp;gt;4000 splicing changes seen at 18 h after LPS stimulation persist into the late stages of antibody secretion, up to 72 h. Meanwhile some early splicing changes are supplanted by new splicing changes introduced by the up-regulation of ELL2 which is necessary for immunoglobulin secretion; it does this by changing mRNA processing patterns of immunoglobulin heavy chain and &amp;gt;5000 other genes. unexpectedly, ubiquitination of c-myc by the ELL family members also plays a role in plasma-blast survival.

Linking Endoplasmic Reticular Stress and Alternative Splicing.

RNA splicing patterns in antibody-secreting cells are shaped by endoplasmic reticulum stress, ELL2 (eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia gene 2) induction, and changes in the levels of snRNAs. Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces the unfolded protein response comprising a highly conserved set of genes crucial for cell survival; among these is Ire1, whose auto-phosphorylation drives it to acquire a regulated mRNA decay activity. The mRNA-modifying function of phosphorylated Ire1 non-canonically splices Xbp1 mRNA and yet degrades other cellular mRNAs with related motifs. Naïve splenic B cells will activate Ire1 phosphorylation early on after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, within 18 h; large-scale changes in mRNA content and splicing patterns result. Inhibition of the mRNA-degradation function of Ire1 is correlated with further differences in the splicing patterns and a reduction in the mRNA factors for snRNA transcription. Some of the >4000 splicing changes seen at 18 h after LPS stimulation persist into the late stages of antibody secretion, up to 72 h. Meanwhile some early splicing changes are supplanted by new splicing changes introduced by the up-regulation of ELL2, a transcription elongation factor. ELL2 is necessary for immunoglobulin secretion and does this by changing mRNA processing patterns of immunoglobulin heavy chain and >5000 other genes.

RNA Splicing in the Transition from B Cells to Antibody-Secreting Cells: The Influences of ELL2, Small Nuclear RNA, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

In the transition from B cells to Ab-secreting cells (ASCs) many genes are induced, such as ELL2, Irf4, Prdm1, Xbp1, whereas other mRNAs do not change in abundance. Nonetheless, using splicing array technology and mouse splenic B cells plus or minus LPS, we found that induced and "uninduced" genes can show large differences in splicing patterns between the cell stages, which could influence ASC development. We found that ∼55% of these splicing changes depend on ELL2, a transcription elongation factor that influences expression levels and splicing patterns of ASC signature genes, genes in the cell-cycle and N-glycan biosynthesis and processing pathways, and the secretory versus membrane forms of the IgH mRNA. Some of these changes occur when ELL2 binds directly to the genes encoding those mRNAs, whereas some of the changes are indirect. To attempt to account for the changes that occur in RNA splicing before or without ELL2 induction, we examined the amount of the small nuclear RNA molecules and found that they were significantly decreased within 18 h of LPS stimulation and stayed low until 72 h. Correlating with this, at 18 h after LPS, endoplasmic reticulum stress and Ire1 phosphorylation are induced. Inhibiting the regulated Ire1-dependent mRNA decay with 4u8C correlates with the reduction in small nuclear RNA and changes in the normal splicing patterns at 18 h. Thus, we conclude that the RNA splicing patterns in ASCs are shaped early by endoplasmic reticulum stress and Ire1 phosphorylation and later by ELL2 induction.

Coordination between Two Branches of the Unfolded Protein Response Determines Apoptotic Cell Fate

The kinases PERK and IRE1 alleviate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by orchestrating the unfolded protein response (UPR). If stress mitigation fails, PERK promotes cell death by activating pro-apoptotic genes, including death receptor 5 (DR5). Conversely, IRE1-which harbors both kinase and endoribonuclease (RNase) modules-blocks apoptosis through regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD) of DR5 mRNA. Under irresolvable ER stress, PERK activity persists, whereas IRE1 paradoxically attenuates, by mechanisms that remain obscure. Here, we report that PERK governs IRE1's attenuation through a phosphatase known as RPAP2 (RNA polymerase II-associated protein 2). RPAP2 reverses IRE1 phosphorylation, oligomerization, and RNase activation. This inhibits IRE1-mediated adaptive events, including activation of the cytoprotective transcription factor XBP1s, and ER-associated degradation of unfolded proteins. Furthermore, RIDD termination by RPAP2 unleashes DR5-mediated caspase activation and drives cell death. Thus, PERK attenuates IRE1 via RPAP2 to abort failed ER-stress adaptation and trigger apoptosis.

Abstract 2742: Additional mechanisms of action of ladiratuzumab vedotin contribute to increased immune cell activation within the tumor

Abstract Ladiratuzumab vedotin (LV, SGN-LIV1A) is an antibody-drug conjugate directed against the LIV-1 protein that is currently under investigation for treatment in metastatic breast cancer. This ADC consists of a monoclonal antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a potent microtubule-disrupting agent. LV antitumor activity is thought to primarily be the result of intracellular payload release, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptotic cell death. While LV-induced cell death has been extensively studied, its potential immune modulatory activity has yet to be explored. Whereas normal apoptosis is nonimmunogenic, multiple chemotherapeutics have been shown to elicit a unique form of immunogenic cell death (ICD), characterized by the exposure of various proinflammatory intermediates prior to cell death. We have recently demonstrated that a CD30-directed ADC containing MMAE (brentuximab vedotin) was able to elicit ICD as a consequence of microtubule disruption and subsequent induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Induction of ICD in preclinical models of Hodgkin lymphoma results in directed antitumor immune responses, which is further potentiated by anti-PD-1 therapy. In this study, we provide evidence that ladiratuzumab vedotin induces apoptosis of tumor cells in a manner that is consistent with ICD. Treatment of LIV-1+ cells with LV resulted in the activation of all arms of the ER stress response, via the activation of ATF6 and phosphorylation of IRE1 and eIF2a. Severity of ER stress was confirmed by phosphorylation of the downstream effector Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and induction of the unfolded protein response. Critically, induction of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) indicated irreparable ER stress and subsequent apoptosis. Concurrent with ER stress induction but prior to cell death, LV-treated cells also released ATP and HMGB1 into the supernatant, hallmarks of ICD that are important for immune cell activation and recruitment into the tumor microenvironment. Critically, treatment of subcutaneously engrafted LIV1+ MCF7 cells generated a proinflammatory cytokine response within the tumor. Furthermore, intratumoral dendritic cells and macrophages displayed an inflammatory phenotype, highlighted by increased MHCII expression, providing evidence for improved immune activation and engagement. Via induction of ER stress, tumor cells killed by ladiratuzumab vedotin may initiate an antitumor immune response and provide a rationale for exploring therapeutic strategies that combine ADCs with other immune stimulatory regimens. Citation Format: Anthony T. Cao, Shaylin Higgins, Nicole Stevens, Shyra J. Gardai, Django Sussman. Additional mechanisms of action of ladiratuzumab vedotin contribute to increased immune cell activation within the tumor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2742.

Hypothalamic HSP10 Impacts Mitochondrial Dynamics, Insulin Signaling, and Liver Glycogen Content

The mitochondrial chaperones heat shock protein 10 (HSP10) and 60 enable proper protein folding and thereby facilitate mitochondrial function. Previously, we demonstrated a reduction of hypothalamic Hsp60 gene expression in type 2 diabetic mice and patients which caused mitochondrial dysfunction and central insulin resistance. Mitochondrial HSP10 is also reduced in brains of db/db mice. However, the effects of reduced HSP10 expression in brain on metabolism and insulin sensitivity are unknown. Thus, we generated a shRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of Hsp10 in the hypothalamic murine cell line Clu183 and investigated cellular stress responses, mitochondrial function and insulin signaling. 50% KD of HSP10 in vitro causes impaired mitochondrial dynamics and reduced mitochondrial count, but increases mitochondria-endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) contact sites. These cells exhibit reduced mitochondrial respiration and mild oxidative stress represented by a 35% decrease of protein amount of SOD2 along with about 20% decreased protein amounts of subunits of the electron transport chain complexes IV and II. Notably, HSP10 KD induces ER stress shown by the increased gene expression of Chop and increased phosphorylation of IRE1(S724). Most importantly, KD of HSP10 induces acute insulin resistance shown by reduced phosphorylation of IRS-1(Y612) and AKT/PKB(S473) after 5 min of 10 nM insulin stimulation. Preliminary data of a lentiviral-mediated KD approach of Hsp10 in the mediobasal hypothalamus in C57BL/6N mice revealed an unexpected 11% reduction in liver weight partly due to reduced hepatic glycogen content compared to control mice. Consistently, hepatic gene expression of Pepck, which is suppressed by insulin, was increased in Hsp10 KD mice by 60%. In conclusion, we identified an unexpected role of Hsp10 in regulating hypothalamic mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity and liver function. Thus, hypothalamic Hsp10 may present a novel regulator of the brain-liver crosstalk. Disclosure K. Wardelmann: None. J. Castro: None. M. Rath: None. J. Weiß: None. A. Schuermann: None. A. Kleinridders: None.

Phosphorylation of IRE1 at S729 regulates RIDD in B cells and antibody production after immunization

To relieve endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, IRE1 splices XBP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) or engages regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD) of other mRNAs. Upon XBP1 deficiency, IRE1 switches to perform RIDD. We examined IRE1 in XBP1-deficient B cells and discovered that IRE1 undergoes phosphorylation at S729. We generated an anti-phospho-S729 antibody to investigate such phosphorylation. Compared with pharmacological ER stress inducers or Toll-like receptor ligands, the bacterial subtilase cytotoxin has an unusual capability in causing rapid and strong phosphorylation at S729 and triggering B cells to express spliced XBP1. To assess the function of S729 in IRE1, we generated S729A knock-in mice and found S729 is critically important for lipopolysaccharide-stimulated plasmablasts to respond to additional ER stress and for antibody production in response to immunization. We further crossed mice carrying an S729A mutation or ΔIRE1 (missing the kinase domain) with B cell-specific XBP1-deficient mice to trigger RIDD and discovered a critical role for S729 in regulating RIDD in B cells.