Non-receptor Protein Tyrosine Kinase Research Articles

Src tyrosine kinase mediates endothelin-1-induced early growth response protein-1 expression via MAP kinase-dependent pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells.

We have previously demonstrated that the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase(NR-PTK) c-Src is an upstream regulator of endothelin-1(ET-1) and angiotensinII-induced activation of protein kinaseB(PKB) signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs). We have also demonstrated that ET-1 potently induces the expression of the early growth response protein-1(Egr-1), a zinc finger transcription factor that is overexpressed in models of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. However, the involvement of c-Src in ET-1‑induced Egr-1 expression has not yet been investigated and its role in mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the role of c-Src in the ET-1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) and p38MAPK, 3key members of the MAPK family and in the regulation of Egr-1 expression in rat aortic A10VSMCs. ET-1 rapidly induced the phosphorylation of MAPKs, as well as the expression of Egr-1; however, treatment of the VSMCs with PP2, a specific pharmacological inhibitor of c-Src, dose-dependently reduced the phosphorylation of the 3MAPKs and the expression of Egr-1 induced by ET-1. Furthermore, in mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs) deficient in c-Src(SYF), the ET-1-induced Egr-1 expression and MAPK phosphorylation were significantly suppressed, as compared to MEFs expressing normal Src levels. These results suggest that c-Src plays a critical role in mediating ET-1-induced MAPK phosphorylation and Egr-1 expression in VSMCs.

Crystal structures of spleen tyrosine kinase in complex with novel inhibitors: structural insights for design of anticancer drugs.

The atomic coordinates and structure factors for human SYK are in the Protein Data Bank under accession codes 4XG2 (inhibitor-free form), 4XG3 (G206), 4XG4 (G207), 5GHV (O178), 4XG6 (O194), 4XG7 (O259), 4XG8 (O272), and 4XG9 (O282).

Molecular Pathways: Endothelial Cell FAK-A Target for Cancer Treatment.

The nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase, focal adhesion kinase (FAK, also known as PTK2), is a key mediator of signal transduction downstream of integrins and growth factor receptors in a variety of cells, including endothelial cells. FAK is upregulated in several advanced-stage solid tumors and has been described to promote tumor progression and metastasis through effects on both tumor cells and stromal cells. This observation has led to the development of several FAK inhibitors, some of which have entered clinical trials (GSK2256098, VS-4718, VS-6062, VS-6063, and BI853520). Resistance to chemotherapy is a serious limitation of cancer treatment and, until recently, most studies were restricted to tumor cells, excluding the possible roles performed by the tumor microenvironment. A recent report identified endothelial cell FAK (EC-FAK) as a major regulator of chemosensitivity. By dysregulating endothelial cell-derived paracrine (also known as angiocrine) signals, loss of FAK solely in the endothelial cell compartment is able to induce chemosensitization to DNA-damaging therapies in the malignant cell compartment and thereby reduce tumor growth. Herein, we summarize the roles of EC-FAK in cancer and development and review the status of FAK-targeting anticancer strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3718-24. ©2016 AACR.

MiR-7a is an important mediator in Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD)-regulated expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK).

Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD), a classical adaptor protein mediating apoptotic stimuli-induced cell death, has been reported to engage in several non-apoptotic processes such as T cell and cardiac development and tumorigenesis. Recently, there are several reports about the FADD's involvement in cell migration, however the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we present a new finding that FADD could regulate the expression of FAK, a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase overexpressed in many cancers, and played an important role in cell migration in murine MEF and melanoma cells with different metastatic potential, B16F10 and B16F1. Moreover, miR-7a, a tumor suppressor which prohibits cell migration and invasion, was up-regulated in FADD-deficient cells. And FAK was verified to be the direct target gene of miR-7a in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-7a was a necessary mediator in FADD-regulated FAK expression. In contrast to its classical apoptotic role, FADD interference could reduce the rate of cell migration, which could be rescued by inhibiting miR-7a expression. Taken together, our data provide a novel explanation regarding how FADD regulates cell migration in murine melanoma cells.

Study on the Conformational Change of c-Src Tyrosine Kinase: Targeted Molecular Dynamics Simulation

A non-receptor Src-family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) play a critical role in cell growth, differentiation, and various metabolism by controlling cell signal. The regulation of cell signaling by SFKs is mediated by the conformational activation/inactivation of the tyrosine kinases. We investigated the conformational change of c-Src, one of the member of SFKs, from the inactive form (PDB id: 2SRC) to the active form (PDB id: 1Y57) employing targeted molecular dynamics (TMD) simulation. In this study, we propose the dynamical scenario for the activation process of the c-Src tyrosine kinase. Also, we discuss the role of key residue (W260) and hydrophobic pocket formed by (L325, V328, L308, and A311) and correlation between the domains (SH2, SH3 and catalytic domain) in the process of the activation of c-Src complex.

Novel Mechanisms of FRNK Inhibition of FAK in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an important regulator of growth and migration in smooth muscle cells that acts as a kinase and a scaffolding protein. FAK-related nonkinase (FRNK) is an endogenously expressed truncated form of FAK that inhibits FAK signaling through an unknown mechanism. Traditionally, FRNK has been thought to inhibit FAK by displacing it from focal adhesion binding sites. We propose an additional parallel mechanism wherein FRNK binds directly to FAK, inhibiting downstream signaling. Initial co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggested FAK and FRNK interact. We quantified fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from FAK to FRNK using acceptor photobleaching and fluorescence lifetime measurements. Both approaches used total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy for selective illumination. Acceptor photo-bleaching experiments indicated 5.2±1.2% FRET between CER-FRNK and YFP-FAK. Fluorescence lifetime FRET experiments revealed 8.6±0.9% FRET between GFP-FAK and mCherry-FRNK. Furthermore, we show that FAK and FRNK localize to specific locations within focal adhesions. FRNK appears to be localized preferentially towards the proximal side of the focal adhesion. We hypothesize that this polarization is induced by strain on the focal adhesion from the attached actin stress fiber. Lastly, we have identified a phosphorylation site on FRNK, serine at position 217, that appears to regulate FRNK inhibition. A phosphomimetic mutant with serine 217 mutated to aspartic acid reduced FAK Y397 (activation site) phosphorylation by approximately 50% compared to wild type. The phosphomimetic mutant tagged with mCherry exhibited reduced FRET with GFP-FAK (5.4 ± 0.8) compared to wild type FRNK (8.6 ± 0.9%) suggesting decreased FAK binding or an altered conformation of the FAK/FRNK regulatory complex. We conclude that FRNK regulates FAK through a direct inhibitory interaction, and the inhibitory potency of FRNK is modulated by phosphorylation of serine 217.

FAK and Pyk2 in disease

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) are non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases that are involved in cell proliferation, migration and survival. Current research of FAK and Pyk2 is greatly focused in cancer biology and several small molecule inhibitors are being tested under clinical development. Like cancer, certain chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bone disease, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological disorders, share malignant characteristics of cancer. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that FAK and Pyk2 contribute to other proliferative and degenerative diseases. Thus, the goal of this review is to briefly highlight studies that have implicated FAK and Pyk2 as players in disease progression.

Src promotes cutaneous wound healing by regulating MMP-2 through the ERK pathway.

Wound healing is a highly orchestrated, multistep process, and delayed wound healing is a significant symptomatic clinical problem. Keratinocyte migration and re-epithelialization play the most important roles in wound healing, as they determine the rate of wound healing. In our previous study, we found that Src, one of the oldest proto-oncogenes encoding a membrane-associated, non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, promotes keratinocyte migration. We therefore hypothesized that Src promotes wound healing through enhanced keratinocyte migration. In order to test this hypothesis, vectors for overexpressing Src and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for silencing of Src were used in the present study. We found that the overexpression of Src accelerated keratinocyte migration in vitro and promoted wound healing in vivo without exerting a marked effect on cell proliferation. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways play important roles in Src-accelerated keratinocyte migration. Further experiments demonstrated that Src induced the protein expression of matrix metallopro-teinase-2 (MMP-2) and decreased the protein expression of E-cadherin. We suggest that ERK signaling is involved in the Src-mediated regulation of MMP-2 expression. The present study provided evidence that Src promotes keratinocyte migration and cutaneous wound healing, in which the regulation of MMP-2 through the ERK pathway plays an important role, and thus we also demonstrated a potential therapeutic role for Src in cutaneous wound healing.

A novel homolog of protein tyrosine kinase Fyn identified in Lampetra japonica with roles in the immune response

The non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase (nrPTK) Fyn, a member of the avian sarcoma virus transforming gene (Src) kinase family, plays a very significant role in cell growth, survival, apoptosis, tumor formation and immune response. In this study, a homolog of nrPTK Fyn was identified for the first time in the lamprey, Lampetra japonica and was named “Lja-Fyn”. The cDNA fragment of lamprey lja-fyn contains a 1611-bp open reading frame, which encodes a protein of 537 amino acids. Multiple sequence alignment analysis showed that it shares four conserved domains (Src homology (SH) 4, SH3, SH2 and protein kinases catalytic domains) and a variable unique domain with vertebrates Fyn molecules. Though Lja-Fyn has high sequence similarity with typical Fyn and Yes molecules of jawed vertebrates, the identities among Lja-Fyn and typical Fyn molecules in unique domain are relatively higher than that among Lja-Fyn and typical Yes molecules. The result indicates that Lja-Fyn is a homolog of Fyn rather than Yes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Fyn, Yes and Src molecules are grouped into three distinct phylogenetic clusters, and Lja-Fyn is grouped as a single branch in Fyn cluster. The real-time quantitative PCR assay revealed the wide distribution of the lja-fyn mRNA in lamprey immune related tissues. After stimulation with mixed antigens, the levels of lja-fyn mRNA were obviously up-regulated in the gill and lymphocyte-like cells, and the similar results were got by western blot analysis of Lja-Fyn protein expression. These results indicated that nrPTK Lja-Fyn was likely to be involved in immune response. Furthermore, our present findings also provide the necessary information for understanding the distinction between lamprey Lja-Fyn and other members of jawed vertebrates in Src family.

Pyk2 is essential for astrocytes mobility following brain lesion.

Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is a calcium-dependent, non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) family. Pyk2 is enriched in the brain, especially the forebrain. Pyk2 is highly expressed in neurons but is also present in astrocytes, where its role is not known. We used Pyk2 knockout mice (Pyk2(-/-) ) developed in our laboratory to investigate the function of Pyk2 in astrocytes. Morphology and basic properties of astrocytes in vivo and in culture were not altered in the absence of Pyk2. However, following stab lesions in the motor cortex, astrocytes-mediated wound filling was slower in Pyk2(-/-) than in wild-type littermates. In an in vitro wound healing model, Pyk2(-/-) astrocytes migrated slower than Pyk2(+/+) astrocytes. The role of Pyk2 in actin dynamics was investigated by treating astrocytic cultures with the actin-depolymerizing drug latrunculin B. Actin filaments re-polymerization after latrunculin B treatment was delayed in Pyk2(-/-) astrocytes as compared with wild-type astrocytes. We mimicked wound-induced activation by treating astrocytes in culture with tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), which increased Pyk2 phosphorylation at Tyr402. TNFα increased PKC activity, and Rac1 phosphorylation at Ser71 similarly in wild-type and Pyk2-deficient astrocytes. Conversely, we found that gelsolin, an actin-capping protein known to interact with Pyk2 in other cell types, was less enriched at the leading edge of migrating Pyk2(-/-) astrocytes, suggesting that its lack of recruitment mediated in part the effects of the mutation. This work shows the critical role of Pyk2 in astrocytes migration during wound healing.

Tris DBA Palladium Overcomes Hypoxia Mediated Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma

Introduction:Despite recent progress in novel and targeted therapies, multiple myeloma (MM) remains a therapeutically challenging incurable disease. The regulation of important cellular processes and its link to cancer presented Src as an attractive target for MM. Src is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase which regulates multiple fundamental cellular processes including cell growth, migration, survival and differentiation. Activated Src in cancer lead to studies with Src as a target for anti-cancer drugs, and numerous Src inhibitors have become available to test the importance of Src in tumor initiation and progression. In MM, it has been described that in cell lines and MM patient-derived tumors, c-Src is constitutively activated, which plays an important role in drug resistance mechanisms. Tris dibenzylideneacetone dipalladium (Tris DBA), a small-molecule palladium complex, was shown to reduce Src/NMT-1 complex in melanoma cells, as well as inhibit downstream signaling including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK kinase) and phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). We suggest a novel strategy to improve the treatment of MM and overcome the drug resistance for the current therapeutic agents by specific inhibition of Src in MM cells by an organopalladium compound, Tris DBA.Methods:Tris DBA was prepared by Dr. Arbiser. MM cell lines (MM.1S, MM.1R, H929, RPMI-8826, and OPM2) and PBMCs were cultured with Tris DBA (0-10 µM) for 24h. MM cells were analyzed for cell proliferation by MTT assay; cell cycle by DNA staining with PI and analyzed by flow cytometry; apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V/PI staining and analyzed by flow cytometry; and cell signaling associated with proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis was analyzed by western blotting. In addition, cell proliferation assay of Tris DBA with or without combination of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) bortezomib or carfilzomib for 24h was analyzed on the proliferation of MM cells in normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Moreover, we tested the effect of combination treatment on cell cycle and apoptosis signaling under normoxic conditions. We then evaluated the effect of Tris DBA on HIF1α expression, migration and drug resistance under normoxic or hypoxic conditions.Results:The Src inhibitor Tris DBA reduced the proliferation of MM cell lines with an IC50 of about 1.5 - 3 µM after 24h treatment as a single agent, while none of the normal PBMC controls showed effect on their proliferation in the same dose range. These results were consistent with the decreased expression of proliferation signaling proteins from MAPK pathways (pERK), as well as PI3K (pS6R). Src inhibition led to the induction of a sub-G1 peak, which indicated accumulating apoptotic cells shown by DNA staining with PI. Apoptosis was then analyzed by Annexin/PI and confirmed by cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP.We found that Tris DBA synergized with bortezomib and carfilzomib by inhibiting proliferation of MM cells and reducing cell cycle protein signaling more than either of the drugs alone. Moreover, the Tris DBA/Bortezomib or Tris DBA/Carfilzomib combination therapies significantly increased apoptosis by caspase-3 cleavage more than treatment with either proteasome inhibitor individually.Tris DBA inhibited HIF1α expression in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. HIF1α is an important target for hypoxia-driven drug resistance. Our studies confirmed hypoxia promoted faster chemotaxis of MM cells towards the chemo-attractants found in stromal cell conditioned media, and that Tris DBA treatment could overcome this hypoxia-induced effect. In addition, the development of hypoxia-induced drug resistance to individual bortezomib or carfilzomib treatment was overcome with combination treatment of Tris DBA under hypoxic conditions.Conclusions:Tris DBA reduces proliferation and induces G1 arrest and apoptosis in MM cells. Tris DBA synergized with PIs reducing proliferation and cell cycle signaling, as well as increasing apoptosis more than each drug alone. Tris DBA overcame hypoxia-induced effects such as enhanced chemotaxis or drug resistance to PIs by inhibition of HIF1α expression. Moreover, we found that Tris DBA is an effective anti-myeloma agent alone or in combination with other targeted drugs and that it reverses hypoxia-induced drug resistance in myeloma. These results suggest the use of Tris DBA as a new therapeutic agent in relapsed refractory myeloma. DisclosuresArbiser:ABBY Therapeutics: Other: Jack L Arbiser is listed as inventor on a US Patent for imipramine blue. He is cofounder of ABBY Therapeutics, which has licensed imipramine blue from Emory University.. Azab:Verastem: Research Funding; Targeted Therapeutics LLC: Other: Founder and owner ; Selexys: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Cell Works: Research Funding.

A Pyrazolo[3,4-d]Pyrimidine Compound Reduces Fyn Phosphorylation and Induces Apoptosis in Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia Cells

IntroductionAccording to WHO classification, large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGL leukemia) includes three entities: T-cell LGL leukemia, chronic NK lymphoproliferative disorders (NK-CLPD) and aggressive NK cell leukemia. Since no standard therapies for immature NK cell neoplasms have been established so far and the overall outcomes are dismal, new therapeutic options are needed.A pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine library of compounds have already been studied in a previous work by Tintori et al. It has been demonstrated that one of these compounds proved to be efficient against some member of Src-family of nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, in particular against Fyn. Its abnormal activity has been shown to be related to various hematological malignancies.In this context we verified the effect of the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 4c compound on LGL leukemia cells and we investigated its mechanism of action.MethodsThe pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 4c compound was tested in a time course MTS test (24, 48, 72 h) at different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10 µM) on NK leukemia cells (KHYG1 and NK92), hepatosplenic gamma-delta T cell lymphoma cells (Derl-2 and Derl-7), acute T cell leukemia cells (Jurkat), chronic myeloid leukemia cells (Jurl-MK1), acute myeloid leukemia cells (OCI), multiple myeloma cells (SKM-M1), cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and healthy stem cells (CD34+).Fyn mRNA and protein expression was evaluated in all cell lines by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting (WB). Fyn mRNA levels were evaluated in cells from 10 healthy controls, 10 T-LGL leukemia, 5 GD-LGL leukemia and 8 NK-CLPD patients by qRT-PCR.Apoptosis and cell cycle studies were performed on KHYG1 after treatment with this compound at 4 µM for 24 h using cytometric analysis by labeling cells with annexin V and propidium iodide. Apoptosis pathway was investigated using proteome profiler human apoptosis array kit; pro-caspase 3, activated caspase 3, Akt and p70S6 kinase were validated by WB. Fyn immunoprecipitation was conducted on treated KHYG1 at 4 µM for 24 h.ResultsThe pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 4c compound reduced cell viability in KHYG1 cells (50% of reduction after 24 h of treatment at 4 µM), in Derl-2 cells (about 50% after 72 h at 4 µM), in Derl-7 (about 40% after 72 h at 8 µM), in Jurkat cells (50% after 72 h at 2 µM), in NK92 cells (40% after 72 h at 4 µM). No differences in cell viability were observed in Jurl-MK1, OCI, SKM-M1, HeLa and CD34+. To evaluate Fyn expression level, we performed qRT-PCR and WB showing that both transcript and protein levels were highest in NK and T cells (KHYG1>NK92>Jurkat>Derl-7>Derl-2) compared to other cells. Furthermore, we investigated the viability reduction in treated KHYG1 cells demonstrating that pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 4c compound induced 45% of apoptosis caspase-3 mediated and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. In these cells we detected a reduction of Fyn phosphorylation after treatment and we also observed a decrease of total levels of Akt and p70S6 kinase, other two protein involved in apoptotic process and cell proliferation.Interestingly, qRT-PCR data showed a significant over-expression of Fyn mRNA level also in T-LGL, GD-LGL and NK-CLPD patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.001).ConclusionIn this study we demonstrated a higher Fyn expression in LGL leukemia patients compared to healthy controls. We also demonstrated an apoptotic effect of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 4c compound on NK leukemia cells and we provided in vitro preliminary evidences that Fyn is its possible cellular target. DisclosuresMusto:Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; Janssen: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria.

Interplay of Matrix Stiffness and c-SRC in Hepatic Fibrosis.

Introduction: In liver fibrosis activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) comprises phenotypical change into profibrotic and myofibroplastic cells with increased contraction and secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The small GTPase RhoA orchestrates cytoskeleton formation, migration, and mobility via non-receptor tyrosine-protein kinase c-SRC (cellular sarcoma) in different cells. Furthermore, RhoA and its downstream effector Rho-kinase also play a crucial role in hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrogenesis. Matrix stiffness promotes HSC activation via cytoskeleton modulation. This study investigated the interaction of c-SRC and RhoA under different matrix stiffness conditions.Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats using bile duct ligation (BDL), thioacetamide (TAA) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) models. mRNA levels of albumin, PDGF-R, RHOA, COL1A1, and αSMA were analyzed via qRT-PCR. Western Blots using phospho-specific antibodies against p-c-SRC418 and p-c-SRC530 analyzed the levels of activating and inactivating c-SRC, respectively. LX2 cells and hepatocytes were cultured on acrylamide gels of 1 and 12 kPa or on plastic to mimic non-fibrotic, fibrotic, or cirrhotic environments then exposed to SRC-inhibitor PP2. Overexpression of RhoA was performed by transfection using RhoA-plasmids. Additionally, samples from cirrhotic patients and controls were collected at liver transplantations and tumor resections were analyzed for RhoA and c-SRC protein expression by Western Blot.Results: Transcription of albumin and RhoA was decreased, whereas transcription and activation of c-SRC was increased in hepatocytes cultured on 12 kPa compared to 1 kPa gels. LX2 cells cultured on 12 kPa gels showed upregulation of RHOA, COL1A1, and αSMA mRNA levels. Inhibition of c-SRC by PP2 in LX2 cells led to an increase in COL1A1 and αSMA most prominently in 12 kPa gels. In LX2 cells with RhoA overexpression, c-SRC inhibition by PP2 failed to improve fibrosis. RhoA expression was significantly elevated in human and experimental liver fibrosis, while c-SRC was inactivated.Conclusions: This study shows that c-SRC is inactive in activated myofibroblast-like HSC in liver cirrhosis. Inactivation of c-SRC is mediated by a crosstalk with RhoA upon hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrosis progression.

Abstract B190: Allosteric modulation of Src family kinases via SH3 domain displacement

Abstract The Src family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases (SFKs) plays a crucial role in cancer progression by affecting multiple signaling pathways linked to tumor cell adhesion, invasion and survival. Recent work from our group and others has shown that individual Src-family members may have unique and in some cases opposing roles in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Discovery and development of SFK isoform-selective inhibitors and agonists is therefore essential for the most effective therapeutic targeting of this ubiquitous kinase family. Current SFK inhibitors target the ATP-binding site of the kinase domain or an allosteric pocket nearby. However, the highly conserved nature of the active site across the Src kinase family limits identification of isoform-selective compounds. One possible solution to this problem involves small molecule modulation of SFK activity via the regulatory SH3 and SH2 domains. SFK activity is tightly regulated by intramolecular interactions of the SH3 domain with the SH2:kinase linker and the SH2 domain with the phosphorylated C-terminal tail. Small molecules that either enhance or disrupt these interactions are anticipated to result in kinase inhibition or activation, respectively. Recently, we reported that binding of a short proline-rich peptide to the SH3 domains of several Src-family members is sufficient to induce kinase activation in vitro. This peptide, known as VSL12 (VSLARRPLPLP), was postulated to disrupt the regulatory SH3:linker interaction in the downregulated kinase. In the present study, we used VSL12 as probe to better understand the structural basis of kinase activation by SH3 displacement. We first compared the affinity and kinetics of the VSL12 peptide interaction with SFK SH3 domains vs. the near full-length kinase proteins using surface plasmon resonance. We found that VSL12 bound to the isolated SH3 domains of Src, Hck, Lyn and Fyn with similar micromolar potencies. Surprisingly, the KD values for VSL12 binding to the corresponding near-full-length kinases were in the low nanomolar range, suggesting that the peptide makes additional contacts with residues outside of the SH3 domain that result in the stable, active complex. This idea was tested further using differential scanning fluorimetry to explore the thermal stability of the protein:peptide complexes. Addition of VSL12 enhanced the thermal stability of a recombinant Src SH3-SH2-linker protein, consistent with increased molecular order. However, VSL12 decreased the thermal stability of near full-length c-Src, which may reflect conformational changes in the kinase domain that accompany kinase activation. Addition of the kinase domain inhibitor dasatinib restored thermal stability of the Src:VSL12 complex. Complexes of the Src SH3-SH2-linker protein with the VSL12 peptide readily formed crystals that diffract X-rays to 2.6 Å resolution, providing further support for the stabilization of the complex by VSL12 binding. Determining the structures of the Src SH3-SH2-linker protein and the near-full-length kinase in complex with VSL12 will provide fresh insight as to the mechanism of c-Src activation by SH3 domain displacement and aid in the design of potent and selective non-peptide allosteric modulators. Citation Format: Heather L. Rust, Jamie A. Moroco, John J. Alvarado, John J. Engen, Thomas E. Smithgall. Allosteric modulation of Src family kinases via SH3 domain displacement. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr B190.

The role of non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases in the excitotoxicity induced by the overactivation of NMDA receptors.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is one of the primary modes of regulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The non-receptor tyrosine kinases are one of the two types of protein tyrosine kinases that are involved in this process. The overactivation of NMDA receptors is a primary reason for neuron death following cerebral ischemia. Many studies have illustrated the important role of non-receptor tyrosine kinases in ischemia insults. This review introduces the roles of Src, Fyn, focal adhesion kinase, and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 in the excitotoxicity induced by the overactivation of NMDA receptors following cerebral ischemia.

4-Hydroxynonenal activates Src through a non-canonical pathway that involves EGFR/PTP1B

Src, a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase involved in many biological processes, can be activated through both redox-dependent and independent mechanisms. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a lipid peroxidation product that is increased in pathophysiological conditions associated with Src activation. This study examined how HNE activates human c-Src. In the canonical pathway Src activation is initiated by dephosphorylation of pTyr530 followed by conformational change that causes Src auto-phosphorylation at Tyr419 and its activation. HNE increased Src activation in both dose- and time-dependent manner, while it also increased Src phosphorylation at Tyr530 (pTyr530 Src), suggesting that HNE activated Src via a non-canonical mechanism. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor (539741), at concentrations that increased basal pTyr530 Src, also increased basal Src activity and significantly reduced HNE-mediated Src activation. The EGFR inhibitor, AG1478, and EGFR silencing, abrogated HNE-mediated EGFR activation and inhibited basal and HNE-induced Src activity. In addition, AG1478 also eliminated the increase of basal Src activation by a PTP1B inhibitor. Taken together these data suggest that HNE can activate Src partly through a non-canonical pathway involving activation of EGFR and inhibition of PTP1B.

Epibrassinolide alters PI3K/MAPK signaling axis via activating Foxo3a-induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells

Epibrassinolide (EBR), a steroid-derived plant growth regulator, has been recently suggested as an apoptotic inducer in different cancer cells. In this experimental study, we investigated the potential apoptotic effect of EBR on stress-related and survival signaling molecules in colon carcinoma cells. EBR decreased cell viability and colony formation in HCT 116 and HT-29 colon carcinoma cells. The inactivation of PI3K/AKT by EBR treatment led to upregulation of Foxo3a, which in turn induced apoptosis in HCT 116 and HT-29 cells. In addition, the upstream non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase Src was found elevated allowing to the upregulation of p38, stress-activated protein kinase/Jun amino-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and their target genes c-jun, c-fos and c-myc in a time-dependent manner in HCT 116 cells within 48h. The alterations in PA metabolism caused intracellular PA pool decrease. The upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bak, Bax, Puma and Bim were accompanied with the decrease in Mcl-1 in HCT 116 and Bcl-xL expression profiles in HT-29 following 48h EBR treatment. We suggest that the upregulation of Bim expression levels might be related with one of the PI3K/AKT target transcription factor Foxo3a, which was dephosphorylated by EBR treatment in HCT 116 and HT-29 cells.

Hypoxia-driven sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2) downregulation depends on low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1)-signalling in cardiomyocytes

The maintenance of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) activity is crucial for cardiac function and SERCA2 is dramatically reduced in the heart exposed to hypoxic/ischemic conditions. Previous work from our group showed that hypoxia upregulates the phosphorylated form of the Ca2+-dependent nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (pPyk2) protein levels in a low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1)-dependent manner. Pyk2 in turn may modulate SERCA2 in cardiomyocytes although this remains controversial. We therefore aimed to investigate the role of LRP1 on hypoxia-induced SERCA2 depletion in cardiomyocytes and to establish LRP1 signalling mechanisms involved. Western blot analysis showed that hypoxia reduced SERCA2 concomitantly with a sustained increase in LRP1 and pPyk2 protein levels in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. By impairing hypoxia-induced Pyk2 phosphorylation and HIF-1α accumulation, LRP1 deficiency prevented SERCA2 depletion and reduction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, the inhibition of Pyk2 phosphorylation (with the Src-family inhibitor PP2) or the specific silencing of Pyk2 (with siRNA-anti Pyk2) preserved low HIF-1α and high SERCA2 levels in HL-1 cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia. We determined that the LRP1/Pyk2 axis represses SERCA2 mRNA expression via HIF-1α since HIF-1α overexpression abolished the protective effect of LRP1 deficiency on SERCA2 depletion. Our findings show a crucial role of LRP1/Pyk2/HIF-1α in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte SERCA2 downregulation, a pathophysiological process closely associated with heart failure.

Translational Positioning of Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease due to T cell attack of the hair follicles and breakdown of their immune privilege resulting in transient non-scarring hair loss which may last from weeks to decades and which presents an enormous psychological burden. As so far no FDA approved successful treatments for AA are available, new hope and light arose on the horizon with the recently published genome wide association studies in AA patients revealing new molecular pathways disrupted in AA including autophagy/apoptosis, transforming growth factor beta/Tregs and JAK (Janus family of non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase) signaling (Petukhova et al., 2010, Betz et al., 2015). Thus, today it is assumed that CD8 + NKG2D + T effector memory cells mediate alopecia areata in part through Janus kinase (JAK) signaling and that alopecia areata might be treated with JAK inhibitors. This assumption has been supported by clinical use of JAK inhibitors within a clinical study setting (Xing et al., 2014) or observed as a “side effect”, when JAK inhibitor treatment of another underlying disease resulted in regrowth of longstanding patchy or universal alopecia areata (Craiglow and King, 2014, Pieri et al., 2015). Xing et al., 2014 demonstrated that the interferon-γ (IFNγ)-signaling pathway is upregulated in AA-lesional skin, and that the use of JAK inhibitors was able to reverse symptoms of the disorder in mice and in three humans with AA. While different groups (Craiglow and King, 2014, Pieri et al., 2015, Higgins et al., 2015) reported successful use of ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor licensed for treating myelofibrosis, others reported successful use of the JAK 1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib in AA while using it for treating psoriasis (Craiglow and King, 2014). In this issue of EBioMedicine, Jabbari et al. followed up on hair growth observed in a patient under baricitinib therapy, also a JAK1/2 inhibitor and studied JAK inhibitor action in the C3H/HeJ graft-recipient mouse model of AA (Jabbari et al., 2015). Under JAK inhibitor treatment, CD8 + cell infiltrates and MHC class I and II expressions were markedly reduced in C3H/HeJ mice grafted with alopecic skin, both in a preventive and a therapeutic setting. In addition, gene expression profiling using the Alopecia Areata Disease Activity Index (ALADIN) biomarker for response to treatment confirmed the assumed normalization of the IFN-gamma gene expression signature. The approach of Jabbari et al. represents an excellent model for translational work, where a specific clinical observation made in a special patient is complemented with mechanistic work, which nicely allows to link macroscopic appearance, immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiles with the current idea of how JAK inhibitors could be beneficial in AA (Jabbari et al., 2015). However, all euphoria should not let forget that JAK inhibitors inhibit multiple pathogenic pathways simultaneously. A broad spectrum of side effects already limits their use in the different licensed indications. Similarly, clinical studies on response rates in larger groups of patients will have to take into account the heterogeneity among AA patients. Maintenance of hair growth and relapse rates after cessation of therapy will have to be monitored carefully. Also, we have to be very aware of the fact that despite its tremendous psychosocial burden, AA is a benign lifelong genetic predisposition, with one third of AA patients being affected before 30 years of age. Safety aspects will have to be carefully considered especially in this young population. With this regard, the small molecule JAK inhibitors do not only offer advantages for effective oral delivery, but are also highly interesting candidate molecules for topical treatment. While overall penetration rates in skin especially via the transfollicular route should not be a problem, a focus of research should be put on ways to increase follicular penetration and reduce systemic absorption. Incorporation in particle-based formulations or even the design of functionalized nanocarriers capable of targeting inflammatory infiltrates along the hair follicle could be one option for future developments in AA management strategies. Such targeted delivery may help increase local drug concentration and efficacy with reduced systemic side-effects. This translational exemplary research may pave the way to further target-oriented strategies based on insights in the disease pathogenesis rather than empiric observation, even in such complex autoimmune mediated diseases as alopecia areata.

Disruption of Src Is Associated with Phenotypes Related to Williams-Beuren Syndrome and Altered Cellular Localization of TFII-I

Src is a nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase that is expressed widely throughout the central nervous system and is involved in diverse biological functions. Mice homozygous for a spontaneous mutation in Src (Src (thl/thl) ) exhibited hypersociability and hyperactivity along with impairments in visuospatial, amygdala-dependent, and motor learning as well as an increased startle response to loud tones. The phenotype of Src (thl/thl) mice showed significant overlap with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), a disorder caused by the deletion of several genes, including General Transcription Factor 2-I (GTF2I). Src phosphorylation regulates the movement of GTF2I protein (TFII-I) between the nucleus, where it is a transcriptional activator, and the cytoplasm, where it regulates trafficking of transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 3 (TRPC3) subunits to the plasma membrane. Here, we demonstrate altered cellular localization of both TFII-I and TRPC3 in the Src mutants, suggesting that disruption of Src can phenocopy behavioral phenotypes observed in WBS through its regulation of TFII-I.