PH Domain Leucine-rich Repeat Protein Phosphatase Research Articles

MEOX2 Participates in Hepatic Stellate Cells-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Regulating the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) serve as the crucial accelerating factor in the progression of liver fibrosis (LF). In contrast to HSCs, adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSCs) exhibit greater potency in terms of differentiation and proliferation, rendering them highly applicable in LF treatment. The objective of this study is to identify new therapeutic targets for LF by comparing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ADHLSCs and HSCs. We investigated DEGs between ADHLSCs and HSCs using the GSE49995 dataset obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets for LF. Subsequently, we activated HSCs to delve deeper into the mesenchyme homeobox 2 (MEOX2), PH domain Leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways in LF progression, employing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and conducted infection with Overexpression (OE)-MEOX2 and shRNA-MEOX2 (sh-MEOX2) lentiviruses. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, while cell proliferation was evaluated through 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry. Relative mRNA expression levels were determined via qPCR. Western blot analysis was performed to measure protein expression levels, and the regulatory role of MEOX2 was investigated using dual luciferase reporter assays. We identified 332 DEGs that were down-regulated and 201 DEGs that were up-regulated between ADHLSCs and HSCs. Notably, MEOX2 expression in ADHLSCs was significantly reduced. These DEGs primarily participated in the collagen-containing extracellular matrix and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. MEOX2 could inhibit cancer cell proliferation via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, the JASRPAR2022 database predicted the target gene PHLPP of MEOX2. Our results indicated that OE-MEOX2 significantly inhibited HSCs' cell vitality and proliferation. Further analysis revealed that MEOX2 binds to PHLPP promoters, thereby up-regulating its transcription. This action led to the inhibition of p-AKT expression, consequently reducing HSC proliferation and slowing the progression of LF. MEOX2 up-regulates PHLPP expression and inhibits AKT phosphorylation, thereby reducing the cell activity and proliferation ability of HSCs and inhibiting the progression of LF.

Peptides derived from sea cucumber accelerate cells proliferation and migration for wound healing by promoting energy metabolism and upregulating the ERK/AKT pathway

Numerous bioactive peptides have high potential in accelerating skin repair. This study aimed to explore wound healing capacity of sea cucumber-derived tetrapeptides with amino acid sequence of Val-Thr-Pro-Tyr (VTPY) and Val-Leu-Leu-Tyr (VLLY) by human skin fibroblast (HSF) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. The results showed that VTPY and VLLY possessed excellent capacity to induce the proliferation and migration of HSF cells and HUVEC cells. Among them, VTPY possessed a higher cell migration-promotion capacity than VLLY. Meanwhile, VTPY and VLLY increased mitochondrial respiratory capacity of cells, leading to the significant increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Additionally, VTPY and VLLY significantly increased the percentage of S phase in cell cycle of HUVEC via upregulation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Molecular docking further indicated the interaction of peptides with mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP) and PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) binding site in the ERK2 and AKT, respectively, leading to subsequent increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT. Overall, peptides of VTPY and VLLY possessed outstanding capacity to induce the proliferation and migration of HSF cells and HUVEC cells in vitro and the mechanism was mainly related to improving mitochondrial respiratory capacity to produce more ATP for biological energy, blocking the binding of MKP to ERK2 and PHLPP to AKT and thus upregulating the ERK/AKT pathway.

The role of PHLPP in regulating mitochondrial dynamics in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 100,000 new CRC cases and 50,000 CRC‐related deaths are estimated in 2019. A better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying tumor initiation and progression in CRC is urgently needed. We have shown previously that the PH domain leucine‐rich‐repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) family of phosphatases function as tumor suppressors by inhibiting several oncogenic signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt and RAS/RAF signaling. In our studies to determine the role of PHLPP in regulating cellular metabolism, we uncovered a novel link between PHLPP and Drp1, a member of the dynamin family of GTPases that plays a key role in regulating mitochondrial dynamics. Phosphorylation of Drp1 at S616 has been shown to increase its activity and induce mitochondrial fission. A number of protein kinases have been implicated in phosphorylating S616 site, however, how phosphorylation of Drp1 is regulated by phosphatases remains largely unknown. We found that knockdown of PHLPP increased, whereas overexpression of PHLPP decreased, the phosphorylation of Drp1 at S616, suggesting that PHLPP may negatively regulate Drp1 activity. As a consequence, increased levels of mitochondrial fragmentation were observed in PHLPP knockdown cells. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis of normal and tumor samples in TCGA dataset showed that the expression of Drp1 (DNM1L) gene is significantly increased in colon adenocarcinoma supporting a role of Drp1 in promoting tumorigenesis in CRC. Taken together, we identified PHLPP as a regulator of Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial fission. Results from our studies will provide novel insights into the functional significance of PHLPP‐mediated regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in CRC.Support or Funding Information5R01CA133429‐12 THE ROLE OF PHLPP IN COLON CANCER

PHLPP Sensitizes Multiple Myeloma Cells to Bortezomib Through Regulating LAMP2.

IntroductionTreatment of bortezomib (BTZ) improves the clinical outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, primary resistance and acquired resistance to BTZ frequently develop in patients with MM. PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) plays an important role in chemoresistance in a number of cancers. However, the role of PHLPP on MM remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of PHLPP in BTZ-resistant MM cells.MethodsBrdU assays, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry analyses, and immunofluorescence assays were performed.ResultsPHLPP and lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) levels were downregulated in BTZ-resistant MM cells compared with BTZ-sensitive MM cells, accompanied by inactivation of autophagy pathway evaluated by a reduction in Beclin1, Atg5 and LC3B and increase in p62. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that PHLPP partially re-sensitized MM cells to BTZ. In addition, PHLPP overexpression increased whereas PHLPP knockdown reduced LAMP2 expression, subsequently regulating the autophagy pathway in MM cells. Further findings demonstrated that LAMP2 knockdown reversed PHLPP-mediated cell apoptosis and autophagy activation in MM cells.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that PHLPP is a potential strategy for overcoming BTZ resistance in patients with MM.

Pink1 regulates FKBP5 interaction with AKT/PHLPP and protects neurons from neurotoxin stress induced by MPP.

Loss of function mutations in the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (Pink1) gene have been linked with an autosomal recessive familial form of early onset Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for degeneration remains elusive. Presently, using co-immunoprecipitation in HEK (Human embryonic kidney) 293 cells, we show that Pink1 endogenously interacts with FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51 or FKBP5), FKBP5 and directly phosphorylates FKBP5 at Serine in an invitro kinase assay. Both FKBP5 and Pink1 have been previously associated with protein kinase B (AKT) regulation. We provide evidence using primary cortical cultured neurons from Pink1-deficient mice that Pink1 increases AKT phosphorylation at Serine 473 (Ser473) challenged by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+ ) and that over-expression of FKBP5 using an adeno-associated virus delivery system negatively regulates AKT phosphorylation at Ser473 in murine-cultured cortical neurons. Interestingly, FKBP5 over-expression promotes death in response to MPP+ in the absence of Pink1. Conversely, shRNA-mediated knockdown of FKBP5 in cultured cortical neurons is protective and this effect is reversed with inhibition of AKT signaling. In addition, shRNA down-regulation of PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) in Pink1 WT neurons increases neuronal survival, while down-regulation of PHLPP in Pink1 KO rescues neuronal death in response to MPP+ . Finally, using co-immunoprecipitation, we show that FKBP5 interacts with the kinase AKT and phosphatase PHLPP. This interaction is increased in the absence of Pink1, both in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEF) and in mouse brain tissue. Expression of kinase dead Pink1 (K219M) enhances FKBP5 interaction with both AKT and PHLPP. Overall, our results suggest a testable model by which Pink1 could regulate AKT through phosphorylation of FKBP5 and interaction of AKT with PHLPP. Our results suggest a potential mechanism by which PINK1-FKBP5 pathway contributes to neuronal death in PD. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 2 (PHLPP2) regulates G-protein–coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in vitro

PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) is a serine/threonine phosphatase that has been shown to regulate cell growth and survival through dephosphorylation of several members of the AGC family of kinases. G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) is an AGC kinase that regulates phenylephrine (PE)-induced cardiac hypertrophy through its noncanonical function of directly targeting proteins to the nucleus to regulate transcription. Here we investigated the possibility that the PHLPP2 isoform can regulate GRK5-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). We show that removal of PHLPP2 by siRNA induces hypertrophic growth of NRVMs as measured by cell size changes at baseline, potentiated PE-induced cell size changes, and re-expression of fetal genes atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic peptide. Endogenous GRK5 and PHLPP2 were found to interact in NRVMs, and PE-induced nuclear accumulation of GRK5 was enhanced upon down-regulation of PHLPP2. Conversely, overexpression of PHLPP2 blocked PE-induced hypertrophic growth, re-expression of fetal genes, and nuclear accumulation of GRK5, which depended on its phosphatase activity. Finally, using siRNA against GRK5, we found that GRK5 was necessary for the hypertrophic response induced by PHLPP2 knockdown. Our findings demonstrate for the first time a novel regulation of GRK5 by the phosphatase PHLPP2, which modulates hypertrophic growth. Understanding the signaling pathways affected by PHLPP2 has potential for new therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and failure.

Expression of PH Domain Leucine-rich Repeat Protein Phosphatase, Forkhead Homeobox Type O 3a and RAD51, and their Relationships with Clinicopathologic Features and Prognosis in Ovarian Serous Adenocarcinoma.

Background:Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma can be divided into low- and high-grade tumors, which exhibit substantial differences in pathogenesis, clinicopathology, and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), forkhead homeobox type O 3a (FoxO3a), and RAD51 protein expressions, and their associations with prognosis in patients with low- and high-grade ovarian serous adenocarcinomas.Methods:The PHLPP, FoxO3a, and RAD51 protein expressions were examined in 94 high- and 26 low-grade ovarian serous adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry. The differences in expression and their relationships with pathological features and prognosis were analyzed.Results:In high-grade serous adenocarcinomas, the positive rates of PHLPP and FoxO3a were 24.5% and 26.6%, while in low-grade tumors, they were 23.1% and 26.9%, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. the control specimens; low- vs. high-grade: P > 0.05). The positive rates of RAD51 were 70.2% and 65.4% in high- and low-grade serous adenocarcinomas, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. the control specimens; low- vs. high-grade: P > 0.05). Meanwhile, in high-grade tumors, Stage III/IV tumors and lymph node and omental metastases were significantly associated with lower PHLPP and FoxO3a and higher RAD51 expression. The 5-year survival rates of patients with PHLPP- and FoxO3a-positive high-grade tumors (43.5% and 36.0%) were significantly higher than in patients with PHLPP-negative tumors (5.6% and 7.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). Similarly, the 5-year survival rate of RAD51-positive patients (3.0%) was significantly lower than in negative patients (42.9%; P < 0.05). In low-grade tumors, the PHLPP, FoxO3a, and RAD51 expressions were not significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, omental metastasis, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, or prognosis.Conclusions:Abnormal PHLPP, FoxO3a, and RAD51 protein expressions may be involved in the development of high- and low-grade ovarian serous adenocarcinomas, suggesting common molecular pathways. Decreased PHLPP and FoxO3a and increased RAD51 protein expression may be important molecular markers for poor prognosis, and RAD51 may be an independent prognosis factor, of high-grade, but not low-grade, ovarian serous adenocarcinomas.

PHLPP regulates hexokinase 2-dependent glucose metabolism in colon cancer cells

Increased glucose metabolism is considered as one of the most important metabolic alterations adapted by cancer cells in order to generate energy as well as high levels of glycolytic intermediates to support rapid proliferation. PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) belongs to a novel family of Ser/Thr protein phosphatases that function as tumor suppressors in various types of human cancer. Here we determined the role of PHLPP in regulating glucose metabolism in colon cancer cells. Knockdown of PHLPP increased the rate of glucose consumption and lactate production, whereas overexpression of PHLPP had the opposite effect. Bioenergetic analysis using Seahorse Extracelluar Flux Analyzer revealed that silencing PHLPP expression induced a glycolytic shift in colon cancer cells. Mechanistically, we found that PHLPP formed a complex with Akt and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in the mitochondrial fraction of colon cancer cells and knockdown of PHLPP enhanced Akt-mediated phosphorylation and mitochondrial localization of HK2. Depletion of HK2 expression or treating cells with Akt and HK2 inhibitors reversed PHLPP loss-induced increase in glycolysis. Furthermore, PHLPP knockdown cells became addicted to glucose as a major energy source in that glucose starvation significantly decreased cancer cell survival. As HK2 is the key enzyme that determines the direction and magnitude of glucose flux, our study identified PHLPP as a novel regulator of glucose metabolism by controlling HK2 activity in colon cancer cells.

Transcription factor C/EBP-β induces tumor-suppressor phosphatase PHLPP2 through repression of the miR-17-92 cluster in differentiating AML cells.

PHLPP2, a member of the PH-domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) family, which targets oncogenic kinases, has been actively investigated as a tumor suppressor in solid tumors. Little is known, however, regarding its regulation in hematological malignancies. We observed that PHLPP2 protein expression, but not its mRNA, was suppressed in late differentiation stage acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtypes. MicroRNAs (miR or miRNAs) from the miR-17-92 cluster, oncomir-1, were shown to inhibit PHLPP2 expression and these miRNAs were highly expressed in AML cells that lacked PHLPP2 protein. Studies showed that miR-17-92 cluster regulation was, surprisingly, independent of transcription factors c-MYC and E2F in these cells; instead all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a drug used for terminally differentiating AML subtypes, markedly suppressed miR-17-92 expression and increased PHLPP2 protein levels and phosphatase activity. Finally, we demonstrate that the effect of ATRA on miR-17-92 expression is mediated through its target, transcription factor C/EBPβ, which interacts with the intronic promoter of the miR-17-92 gene to inhibit transactivation of the cluster. These studies reveal a novel mechanism for upregulation of the phosphatase activity of PHLPP2 through C/EBPβ-mediated repression of the miR-17-92 cluster in terminally differentiating myeloid cells.

Abstract 227: The Effect of PHLPP2 Removal on Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

Crucial cellular decisions that lead to cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, and survival are all dependent on the precise control of the phosphorylation state of proteins. The serine/threonine phosphatase, PHLPP (PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase) has been shown to directly dephosphorylate several members of the AGC family of kinases. Knockdown of PHLPP1 by siRNA in neonatal cardiomyocytes potentiates Akt activity and phosphorylation specifically at Ser473 basally and following agonist stimulation while, the removal of PHLPP2 in cardiomyocytes does not affect Akt phosphorylation as previously reported in other cells. We hypothesize that PHLPP2 may target other AGC kinases in cardiomyocytes to regulate cardiac hypertrophy. Preliminary data suggests that removal of PHLPP2 activates fetal gene re-expression at baseline and potentiates phenylephrine (PE) induced gene expression 2 fold over siControl. Recently, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5), which is an AGC kinase, has been shown to regulate cardiac hypertrophy through HDAC5 phosphorylation and de-repression of gene transcription. We wanted to determine whether PHLPP2 regulates GRK5 phosphorylation and localization in cardiomyocytes. GRK5 translocates to the nucleus following hypertrophic stimulation and we found that removal of PHLPP2 increased GRK5 translocation to the nucleus at baseline and with PE treatment compared to siControl cells. Also, removal of PHLPP2 increased nuclear export of HDAC5 at baseline and following PE treatment. Conversely, overexpression of PHLPP2 blocked nuclear translocation of GRK5 following PE treatment. Ongoing studies will determine whether PHLPP acts as a scaffold or if its phosphatase activity is necessary for inhibition of GRK5 translocation by directly measuring the phosphorylation of GRK5 in the presence and absence of PHLPP2 following hypertrophic stimulation. Our preliminary data is the first to uncover GRK5 as a novel PHLPP2 target in cardiomyocytes. Since little is known about the non-canonical regulation of GRK5, understanding whether phosphorylation and localization is regulated within the cardiomyocyte by PHLPP has potential for new therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and failure.

Biochemical characterization of the phosphatase domain of the tumor suppressor PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase.

PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) directly dephosphorylates and inactivates Akt and protein kinase C and is therefore a prime target for pharmacological intervention of two key signaling pathways, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and diacylglycerol signaling pathways. Here we report on the first biochemical characterization of the phosphatase domain of a PHLPP family member. The human PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 phosphatase domains were expressed and purified from bacteria or insect cells and their activities compared to that of full-length proteins immunoprecipitated from mammalian cells. Biochemical analyses reveal that the PHLPP phosphatase domain effectively dephosphorylates synthetic and peptidic substrates, that its activity is modulated by metals and lipophilic compounds, and that it has relatively high thermal stability. Mutational analysis of PHLPP2 reveals an unusual active site architecture compared to the canonical architecture of PP2C phosphatases and identifies key acidic residues (Asp 806, Glu 989, and Asp 1024) and bulky aromatic residues (Phe 783 and Phe 808) whose mutation impairs activity. Consistent with a unique active site architecture, we identify inhibitors that discriminate between PHLPP2 and PP2Cα. These data establish PHLPP as a member of the PP2C family of phosphatases with a unique active site architecture.

PHLPP phosphatases are master regulators of cellular receptor tyrosine kinase levels (802.19)

Growth factor receptor levels are aberrantly high in diverse cancers, driving the proliferation and survival of tumor cells. Understanding the molecular basis for this aberrant elevation has profound clinical applications. Here we show that the PH domain leucine‐rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) suppresses the steady‐state levels of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) by a novel mechanism unrelated to its previously described function as the hydrophobic motif phosphatase for AKT, protein kinase C and S6 kinase. Specifically, genetic depletion and pharmacological studies reveal that PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 promote histone deacetylase (HDAC)‐dependent repression of the transcription of diverse growth factor receptors, including the EGF receptor. These data uncover a novel, and much broader, role for PHLPP in regulation of growth factor signaling beyond its direct inactivation of AKT: by suppressing RTK levels, PHLPP dampens the downstream signaling output of two major oncogenic pathways, the PI3 kinase/AKT and the RAS/ERK pathways. Our data are consistent with a model in which PHLPP is a master regulator of the RTK signaling output of cells.

PHLPP1 Gene Deletion Protects the Brain from Ischemic Injury

A recently discovered protein phosphatase PHLPP (PH domain Leucine-rich repeat Protein Phosphatase) has been shown to dephosphorylate Akt on its hydrophobic motif (Ser473) thereby decreasing Akt kinase activity. We generated PHLPP1 knockout (KO) mice and used them to explore the ability of enhanced in vivo Akt signaling to protect the brain against ischemic insult. Brains from KO mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hours showed significantly greater increases in Akt activity and less neurovascular damage after reperfusion than wild-type (WT) mice. Remarkably, infarct volume in the PHLPP1 KO was significantly reduced compared with WT (12.7±2.7% versus 22.9±3.1%) and this was prevented by Akt inhibition. Astrocytes from KO mice and neurons in which PHLPP1 was downregulated showed enhanced Akt activation and diminished cell death in response to oxygen-glucose deprivation. Thus, deletion of PHLPP1 can enhance Akt activation in neurons and astrocytes, and can significantly increase cell survival and diminish infarct size after MCAO. Inhibition of PHLPP could be a therapeutic approach to minimize damage after focal ischemia.

Abstract P185: Cardiac Characterization of Phlpp1 Knockout Mice: A Novel Phosphatase to Terminate Akt Signaling

The serine/threonine kinase Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), regulates a wide variety of cellular processes including metabolism, cell growth, survival, protein synthesis, and gene transcription. Akt is activated by upstream kinases through sequential phosphorylation on its activation loop (Thr308) followed by phosphorylation on the hydrophobic motif (Ser473). Studies using overexpression of Akt in vitro and in vivo have implicated the kinase in either attenuating or increasing cardiac hypertrophy, depending on signal intensity and localization of Akt in the cell. Recently the protein phosphatase PHLPP (PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase) was shown to dephosphorylate Akt on its hydrophobic motif (Ser473), thereby decreasing kinase activity. We hypothesized that PHLPP could serve as an important regulator of Akt signaling in the heart and that loss of PHLPP would accentuate Akt activation under physiological conditions. We generated phlpp1 null mice to investigate the cardiac phenotype induced by modulating the kinetics of Akt activation in vivo . Myocytes were isolated from PHLPP1 knock-out and wild-type mice to demonstrate loss of PHLPP1 protein and increased Akt phosphorylation following stimulation with the cytokine LIF. Histological examination of hearts revealed that PHLPP1 KO mice have an increased capillary to myocyte ratio compared to age matched wild-type mice at baseline. Increased capillary networks were also detected in the PHLPP1 KO mice relative to wild-type mice using corrosion casting. To determine the role of PHLPP removal on cardiac hypertrophy, PHLPP1 null mice and wild-type mice were subjected to two weeks pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Cardiac hypertrophy was unexpectedly attenuated in PHLPP1 null mice (26% increase in HW/BW ratio vs. 48% in wild-type mice). In contrast, PHLPP1 null mice display an accentuated response to physiological hypertrophy induced by swimming compared to wild-type controls (46% vs. 38% respectively). Our data suggests that there is enhanced Akt activation following PHLPP removal and this attenuates pathological hypertrophy due to changes in capillary density.

MiR-190-Mediated Downregulation of PHLPP Contributes to Arsenic-Induced Akt Activation and Carcinogenesis

The role of trivalent arsenic (As(3+)) on the regulation of the recently identified noncoding small RNAs, mainly microRNAs, has not been explored so far. In the present study, we provide evidence showing that As(3+) is a potent inducer for the expression of miR-190 in human bronchial epithelial cells. The induction of miR-190 by As(3+) is concentration dependent and associated with the expression of the host gene of miR-190, talin 2, a gene encoding a high-molecular-weight cytoskeletal protein. The elevated level of miR-190 induced by As(3+) is capable of downregulating the translation of the PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), a negative regulator of Akt signaling. Such a downregulation is occurred through direct interaction of the miR-190 with the 3'-UTR region of the PHLPP mRNA, leading to a diminished PHLPP protein expression and consequently, an enhanced Akt activation and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, an Akt-regulated protein. Overexpression of miR-190 itself is able to enhance proliferation and malignant transformation of the cells as determined by anchorage-independent growth of the cells in soft agar. Accordingly, the data presented suggest that induction of miR-190 is one of the key mechanisms in As(3+)-induced carcinogenesis.

Cutting Edge: PHLPP Regulates the Development, Function, and Molecular Signaling Pathways of Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a reduced capacity to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway downstream of the TCR, and the resulting low activity of Akt is necessary for their development and function. The molecular basis for the failure of Tregs to activate Akt efficiently, however, remains unknown. We show that PH-domain leucine-rich-repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), which dephosphorylates Akt, is upregulated in Tregs, thus suppressing Akt activation. Tregs expressed higher levels of PHLPP than those of conventional T cells, and knockdown of PHLPP1 restored TCR-mediated activation of Akt in Tregs. Consistent with their high Akt activity, the suppressive capacity of Tregs from PHLPP1(-/-) mice was significantly reduced. Moreover, the development of induced Tregs was impaired in PHLPP1(-/-) mice. The increased level of Akt's negative regulator, PHLPP, provides a novel mechanism used by T cells to control the Akt pathway and the first evidence, to our knowledge, for a molecular mechanism underlying the functionally essential reduction of Akt activity in Tregs.

Dual Inhibition of mTORC1/mTORC2 Induces Apoptosis of Mantle Cell Lymphoma by Preventing Rictor Mediated AKTS473 Phosphorylation by Potentiating AKT2-PHLPP1 Association

AbstractAbstract 772The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a crucial role in proliferative and anti-apoptotic signals in various lymphomas. The mTORC1 inhibitors, such as the rapamycin analogs temsirolimus and everolimus, have achieved a 38% overall response rate in heavily pretreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); however, most responses are partial, and many patients are resistant. One mechanism for resistance to mTORC1 inhibitors is that mTORC2 remains unaffected (Blood 2009 Oct 1; 114 (14): 2926–2935). We hypothesize that combined mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition will be more effective in MCL. We tested the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor OSI-027 (OSI Pharmaceuticals) on MCL cell lines and patient samples that were demonstrated to have a high amount of mTORC2 (Rictor and its target p-AKTS473) and mTORC1 (Raptor and its targets pS6 and p4E-BP1) targets. Dual inhibition through OSI-027 inhibited pAKTSer473, a direct target of mTORC2 without any obvious effect on AKTTh308 in these cells. On the other hand, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin had no effect on pAKTSer473. Interestingly, both drugs effectively suppressed phosphorylation of S6; only OSI-027 decreased phosphorylation of 4E-BP1Th37/46. We next assessed the effect of OSI-027 on MCL proliferation and apoptosis and showed that dual inhibition of mTORC1/mTORC2 through OSI-027 caused growth arrest and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in both MCL patient cells treated ex vivo and established MCL cell lines; however, we did not see any significant effect of rapamycin on apoptosis. Recent studies have shown that AKT has direct effects on some members of the apoptosis pathway such as forkhead transcription factors (FOXO), caspase 9, and BAD. OSI-027 treatment significantly inhibited p-FOXO3AT32 with some inhibitory effect on pBADS136. These data suggest that FOXO3A is an important target of AKT through which OSI-027 is exerting its apoptotic effects. There are several potential mechanisms whereby OSI-027 prevents AKTS473 phosphorylation: 1) deactivation of kinases upstream of AKT; 2) activation of phosphatases down-stream of AKT. OSI-027 treatment of MCL cells produced no change in phosphorylated PI3K p85/p55 or PDK1 protein. These data eliminate the possibility of involvement of the PI3K pathway in OSI-027 mediated AKT dephosphorylation. We did find that OSI-027 mediated deactivation of AKTS473 is, at least in part, phosphatase dependent. The PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) family of phosphatases have been shown to directly dephosphorylate and inactivate AKTS473. To determine if AKT and PHLPP1 or PHLPP2 are associated in MCL cells, we immunoprecipitated AKT from MCL cells and probed for association with endogenous PHLPP1 and PHLPP2. All the MCL lines do express endogenous PHLPP1 and PHLPP2; however, they are not complexed to AKT. Further studies using the AKT isoforms AKT1 and AKT2 found AKT2 to be associated with PHLPP1; there was no association of AKT1 or AKT2 to PHLPP2. To investigate if OSI-027 enhanced the AKT2-PHLPP1 interaction, we repeated the co-immunoprecipitation assay in the OSI-027 treated MCL cell lines and demonstrated that OSI-027 increased the interaction of AKT2-PHLPP1. Further we showed that OSI-027 exposure did not alter the expression level of PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 proteins. In summary the dual inhibition of mTORC1/mTORC2 by OSI-027 in MCL is more effective than mTORC1 inhibition by rapamycin. We present the mechanism that OSI-027 induces apoptosis in MCL cell lines by inhibition of Rictor-AKT-FOXO3A signaling, and this is mediated in part by activation of the phosphatase PHLPP1. These findings indicate that simultaneously targeting mTORC1 and mTORC2 may be effective in patients with MCL. Disclosures:Barr:OSI Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors of the PH Domain Leucine-Rich Repeat Protein Phosphatase (PHLPP) by Chemical and Virtual Screening

PH domain Leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) directly dephosphorylates and inactivates Akt and protein kinase C, poising it as a prime target for pharmacological intervention of two major survival pathways. Here we report on the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of the phosphatase activity of PHLPP, a member of the PP2C family of phosphatases for which there are no general pharmacological inhibitors. First, the Diversity Set of the NCI was screened for inhibition of the purified phosphatase domain of PHLPP2 in vitro. Second, selected libraries from the open NCI database were docked into a virtual model of the phosphatase domain of PHLPP2, previously trained with our experimental data set, unveiling additional inhibitors. Biochemical and cellular assays resulted in the identification of two structurally diverse compounds that selectively inhibit PHLPP in vitro, increase Akt signaling in cells, and prevent apoptosis. Thus, chemical and virtual screening has resulted in the identification of small molecules that promote Akt signaling by inhibiting its negative regulator PHLPP.

PHLPP phosphatase: a key mediator integrating multiple signaling pathways

Cellular responses to bacterial or viral infections and to stress require rapid and accurate transmission of signals from cell-surface receptors to the nucleus (Karin and Hunter, 1995). These signaling pathways, relying on extensive protein phosphorylation events, lead to the activation of specific transcription factors that induce the expression of appropriate target genes. Among the activated transcription factors, nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) is essential for inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation and apoptosis. NF-kB requires a signaling pathway for activation. Such NF-kB-activating pathways can be triggered by a variety of extracellular stimuli, which lead to the phosphorylation and subsequent proteasomemediated degradation of inhibitory molecules, the inhibitor of NF-kB (IkB) proteins (Karin and Ben-Neriah, 2000). Activated NF-kB migrates into the nucleus to regulate the expression of multiple target genes. Two distinct NF-kB-activating pathways have emerged. The classical pathway is triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFa) and leads to the sequential recruitment of various adaptors. This is followed by the recruitment and activation of the classical IkB-kinase (IKK) complex (Devin et al., 2000), which includes the scaffold protein NF-kB essential modulator (NEMO; also named IKKg) (Yamaoka et al., 1998), IKKα and IKKβ kinases (Zandi, 1997). The alternative pathway is NEMO-independent and triggered by cytokines such as lymphotoxin β (Dejardin et al., 2002), B cell activating factor (BAFF) (Claudio et al., 2002) or the CD40 ligand (Coope et al., 2002) and by some viruses (Eliopoulos et al., 2003). This non-canonical signaling pathway relies on the recruitment of TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF) proteins to the membrane and on the NF-kB-inducing kinase (NIK) (Xiao et al., 2001), which activates an IKKα homodimer containing and inhibitory molecule p100 (Senftleben et al., 2001). Once phosphorylated by IKKα on specific serine residues located in both the Nand C-terminal regions (Xiao et al., 2004), p100 is ubiquitinated and cleaved to generate the NF-kB protein p52, which moves as heterodimer with RelB into the nucleus. In both cases, phosphorylation of the proteins in the circuits is essential for the activation of NF-kB. Dozens of kinases have been identified to be involved in the phosphorylation of the components in the pathway. However, the roles of phosphatases in NF-kB signaling remain less defined. In this issue of Frontiers in Biology, an article by Wang and Zhang entitled “RNAi screen to identify protein phosphatases (PPs) that regulate the NF-kB signaling” applies a large-scale RNAi approach to identify PPs that regulate NF-kB activities. They found that PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) plays a critical role in TNFα-stimulated NF-kB transcriptional activation. Unexpectedly, this critical role is not achieved by the well-known mechanism of enhancing NF-kB/p65 nuclear import and retention. Instead, PHLPP promotes TNFα-induced phosphorylation at Ser276 on NF-kB/p65, indicating that PHLPP activates NF-kB pathway through a novel pathway. More intriguingly, knock-down of two important serine/threonine kinases, PKCα and Akt1, which are known targets of PHLPP (Brognard and Newton, 2008), drastically reduces the phosphorylation at Ser276 of NF-kB/p65. The results together suggest that PKC/Akt signaling pathways are communicated to NF-kB/p65 signaling through critical serine phosphorylation, among which PHLPP plays a key role. These findings highlight a highly integrated signaling network in cells that probably communicates signals to their destinations through various circuits, which may be more capable than our current transportation network. Received May 6, 2010; accepted May 13, 2010

PHLPP Phosphatase Regulation of EGFR Expression

The PH domain leucine‐rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) opposes growth factor‐dependent signaling by specifically dephosphorylating Akt and protein kinase C on a key regulatory site, the hydrophobic phosphorylation motif. Here we show that PHLPP also suppresses the amplitude of the Ras/ERK pathway by a distinct mechanism which controls the cellular levels of EGF receptor (EGFR). Depletion of PHLPP1 or PHLPP2 in normal or cancer cell lines results in dramatically enhanced EGF‐mediated activation of Ras, MEK and ERK. The increased amplitude of ERK pathway signaling correlates with a robust increase in signaling‐competent EGFR protein levels. Live‐cell imaging of EGFR kinase activity using a genetically‐encoded FRET reporter reveals that depletion of PHLPP isoforms results in a dramatic increase in EGF‐stimulated EGFR kinase activity. QPCR analysis reveals that EGF receptor mRNA levels are an order of magnitude higher in MEFs lacking PHLPP1 compared to wild‐type MEFs. Thus, PHLPP isoforms control the levels of signaling –competent EGFR by decreasing mRNA levels of the receptor. The finding that PHLPP isoforms control EGF receptor levels establish these phosphatases as key regulators of two critical oncogenic pathways, both the PI3K pathway via effects on Akt and, more globally, growth factor signaling by effects on levels of signaling‐competent receptor.