Protein Export Research Articles

Phase 1 study of indenoisoquinoline LMP744 in adults with relapsed solid tumors and lymphomas.

3022 Background: Indenoisoquinolines (IIQ) are non-camptothecin inhibitors of topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) that have improved characteristics over camptothecin TOP1 inhibitors. IIQs demonstrate better chemical stability, produce more persistent DNA breaks induced by trapping DNA-TOP1 cleavage complexes, induce DNA breaks at different sites than camptothecins, and are not substrates for cellular export proteins. We present data from a trial of LMP744 (NSC 706744), which was the most efficacious IIQ in a canine lymphoma trial, designed to establish the safety, efficacy, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of LMP744. Methods: We conducted a multicenter phase 1 trial in adult patients (pts) with dose escalations following design 3 of the Simon accelerated titration designs. LMP744 was administered intravenously daily on d1-5 in 28-day cycles (C), starting at dose level (DL) 1 (6 mg/m2/d). Responses and adverse events (AEs) were defined by RECIST 1.1 and CTCAE v4.0, respectively. Plasma concentrations were determined by LC-MS/MS with a validated assay over a range of 1-3,000 ng/mL. Paired biopsies (baseline and C1D2) were analyzed for DNA damage response markers (γH2AX, pNBS1, and Rad51) by IFA. Results: A total of 36 pts were enrolled, median age was 61 years (range 35-81), median prior lines of systemic treatment was 5 (range 2-10) and 26 pts (72%) had received prior TOP1 inhibitor therapy. One pt on DL6 (190 mg/m2/d) experienced a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of grade 3 hypokalemia during C1, reverting the study to a 3+3 design. MTD was established at DL6. Of 24 patients evaluable for response, 1 pt with small cell lung cancer on DL6 achieved a partial response (PR), remaining on treatment for 7C. 17 pts had stable disease (including 1 pt with an unconfirmed PR), and 6 had progressive disease. Median duration of response among pts with SD was 4.5C (range 1-28). A total of 6 pts on DL6 with colorectal cancer (n=4, all had received prior irinotecan), mesothelioma (n=1), and low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (n=1) remained on study for >6C. Treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs included leukopenia (n=9), anemia (n=4), dehydration (n=2), neutropenia (n=2) and nausea (n=2). Pharmacokinetic (PK) data for the first 17 patients suggests dose-linear PK, best fit to a 2-compartment model. Approximate half-life, clearance, central and peripheral volume values were 30 h, 90 L/h, 200 L, and 2500 L, respectively. Induction of γH2AX and Rad51 was measured in the pt with PR. Conclusions: The MTD of LMP744 was established at 190 mg/m2/d on d1-5 in a 28d C. The single agent activity of LMP744 in this heavily pretreated population was limited; however, 4 colorectal cancer pts had prolonged stabilization of disease with prior progression on irinotecan. Analyses of secondary and exploratory correlatives are ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03030417 .

Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ induces FOXM1 SUMOylation and accumulation on the inner nuclear membrane and accelerates G2/M cell cycle transition

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) has been reported to regulate transcription factor activity and cancer development, but how it affects the function of Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1), a crucial transcription factor and key oncogene participating in tumorigenesis, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the regulatory role of Ca2+ on FOXM1 and found that Ca2+ depletion caused the distribution of FOXM1 to aggregate on the nuclear envelope, which was also observed in many cell lines. Further experiments revealed that sequestrated FOXM1 colocalized with lamin B in the inner nuclear membrane (INM) and was affected by the activity of nuclear export protein exportin 1 (XPO1). To investigate how intracellular Ca2+ affects FOXM1, we found that among the posttranscriptional modifications, only SUMOylation of FOXM1 showed a pronounced increase under reduced Ca2+, and suppressed SUMOylation rescued FOXM1 sequestration. In addition, Ca2+-dependent SUMOylated FOXM1 appeared to enhance the G2/M transition of the cell cycle and decrease cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings provide a molecular basis for the relationship between Ca2+ signaling and FOXM1 regulation, and we look to elucidate Ca2+-dependent FOXM1 SUMOylation-related biological functions in the future.

Identification and characterization of karyopherin a-2, a nuclear export protein in lung adenocarcinoma.

e21025 Background: It is emerging that the Karyopherin a-2 (KPNA2), a nucleocytoplasmic transport protein, regulates the nuclear import of macromolecules and contributes to carcinogenesis and changes in cellular phenotype. In particular, it can be a poor prognostic marker by causing aberrant subcellular localization of DNA damage response proteins or OCT4-c MYC pathway molecules depending on the type of carcinoma and inducing anticancer resistance. In some carcinomas, an association with the p53 oncogenic pathway has been reported, showing good prognostic values. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance and metabolic pathway of stable cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) and cancer cells for KPNA2. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data extracted from EMR for NSCLC patients receiving curative surgical resection in Uijeongbu and Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospitals (n = 165). Immunohistochemistry staining was performed on the tumor microarray samples using antibodies against KPNA2. The functional assay and gene silencing was conducted. Results: Based on the TMA staining, mean KPNA2 score was 36.5 [0-240] and median value was 10. The clinical and pathological information of the experimental group is as follows. Table 1. Scatter plots and correlation between KPNA2 expression levels and tumor invasiveness markers reveals that high KPNA2 expressor was related to lymphatic invasion (p = 0.00782), advanced stage (p = 0.0202) and current smoker (p = 0.0074). KPNA2 expression was higher in squamous cell carcinoma(SqCC) histotype than in adenocarcinoma (SqCC ratio (%), 13.5 vs 43.4 in Low exp vs High exp; p = 0.007). Patients with high expression of KPNA2 showed shorter survival than other patients (median OS (months), 72.8 vs 42.2, P < 0.0001; median RFS (months), 72.8 vs 32.1, P < 0.0011) and relevant to high recurrence (recurrence rate (%), 24.7 vs 44.7, p = 0.007). Further, high KPNA2 expression was associated with poor survival outcomes. To test the effect of KPNA2 on cancer cell invasion, we knocked down Kpna2 via shRNA. Spheroids composed of H1299, Calu-6, A549, HCC827 lung cancer cells with either Kpna2-overexpression or Kpna2-knockdown, and spheroid invasion was then monitored for two days. Eminently, the 3-D invasion of spheroids was suppressed via Kpna2 knockdown. In addition, Kpna2-overexpressing cells promoted cancer invasion to a greater extent than control. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that KPNA2 protein expression has a poor prognostic association, revealed by its association with survival outcome or invasiveness markers. Its clinical significance as an oncogenic target molecule is emerging, and further evaluation using an organoid model is in progress.

The CRM1‐mediated nuclear export effectuates the role conversion of tumour suppressor gene BATF2 in colorectal cancer

The CRM1‐mediated nuclear export effectuates the role conversion of tumour suppressor gene BATF2 in colorectal cancer

Selenium-mediated Cr(VI) reduction and SeNPs synthesis accelerated Bacillus cereus SES to remediate Cr contamination

Microbial biotransformation of Cr(VI) is a sustainable approach to reduce Cr(VI) toxicity and remediate Cr(VI) contamination. In this study, Bacillus cereus SES with the capability of reducing both Cr(VI) and Se(IV) was isolated, and the effect of Se supplementation on Cr(VI) reduction by Bacillus cereus SES was investigated. Se(IV) addition enabled 2.6-fold faster Cr(VI) reduction, while B. cereus SES reduced 96.96% Se(IV) and produced more selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in the presence of Cr(VI). Co-reduction products of B. cereus SES on Cr(VI) and Se(IV) were SeNPs adsorbed with Cr(III). The relevant mechanisms were further revealed by proteomics. Se(IV) supplementation mediated the synthesis of Cr(VI) reductants and stress-resistant substances, thus enhancing Cr(VI) resistance and promoting Cr(VI) reduction. Meanwhile, high Se(IV) reduction rate was associated with Cr(VI)-induced electron transport processes, and Cr(VI) mediated the up-regulation of flagellar assembly, protein export and ABC transporters pathways to synthesis and export more SeNPs. Furthermore, Se combined with B. cereus SES had the potential to reduce the toxicity of Cr(VI) via reducing the bioavailability of Cr and improving the bioavailability of Se in soil. Results suggested that Se could be an efficient strategy to enhance the remediation of B. cereus SES on Cr contamination.

Proteomic analysis of near-isogenic lines reveals key biomarkers on wheat chromosome 4B conferring drought tolerance.

Drought is a major constraint for wheat production that is receiving increased attention due to global climate change. This study conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation proteomic analysis on near-isogenic lines to shed light on the underlying mechanism of qDSI.4B.1 quantitative trait loci (QTL) on the short arm of chromosome 4B conferring drought tolerance in wheat. Comparing tolerant with susceptible isolines, 41 differentially expressed proteins were identified to be responsible for drought tolerance with a p-value of < 0.05 and fold change >1.3 or <0.7. These proteins were mainly enriched in hydrogen peroxide metabolic activity, reactive oxygen species metabolic activity, photosynthetic activity, intracellular protein transport, cellular macromolecule localization, and response to oxidative stress. Prediction of protein interactions and pathways analysis revealed the interaction between transcription, translation, protein export, photosynthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism as the most important pathways responsible for drought tolerance. The five proteins, including 30S ribosomal protein S15, SRP54 domain-containing protein, auxin-repressed protein, serine hydroxymethyltransferase, and an uncharacterized protein with encoding genes on 4BS, were suggested as candidate proteins responsible for drought tolerance in qDSI.4B.1 QTL. The gene coding SRP54 protein was also one of the differentially expressed genes in our previous transcriptomic study.

Transcriptional response of endometrial cells to Insulin, cultured using microfluidics.

Obesity is a rapidly growing public health issue among women of reproductive age associated with decreased reproductive function including implantation failure. This can result from a myriad of factors including impaired gametes and endometrial dysfunction. The mechanisms of how obesity-related hyperinsulinaemia disrupts endometrial function are poorly understood. We investigated potential mechanisms by which insulin alters endometrial transcript expression. Ishikawa cells were seeded into a microfluidics device attached to a syringe pump to deliver a constant flow rate of 1uL/min of the following: 1) control 2) vehicle control (acetic acid) or, 3) Insulin (10 ng/ml) for 24 hours (n=3 biological replicates). Insulin-induced transcriptomic response of endometrial epithelial cells was determined via RNA sequencing, and DAVID and Webgestalt to identify Gene Ontology (GO) terms and signalling pathways. A Total of 29 transcripts showed differential expression levels across two comparison groups (control v vehicle control; vehicle control v insulin). Nine transcripts were differentially expressed in vehicle control v insulin comparison (p<0.05). Functional annotation analysis of transcripts altered by insulin (n=9) identified three significantly enriched GO terms: SRP-dependent cotranslational protein targeting to membrane, poly(A) binding, and RNA binding (p<0.05). Over-representation analysis found three significantly enriched signalling pathways relating to insulin-induced transcriptomic response: protein export, glutathione metabolism, and ribosome pathways (p<0.05). Transfection of siRNA for RASPN successfully knocked down expression (p<0.05) but this did not have any effect on cellular morphology. Insulin-induced dysregulation of biological functions and pathways highlight potential mechanisms by which high insulin concentrations within maternal circulation may perturb endometrial receptivity.

Ribosomal Protein uS5 and Friends: Protein-Protein Interactions Involved in Ribosome Assembly and Beyond.

Ribosomal proteins are fundamental components of the ribosomes in all living cells. The ribosomal protein uS5 (Rps2) is a stable component of the small ribosomal subunit within all three domains of life. In addition to its interactions with proximal ribosomal proteins and rRNA inside the ribosome, uS5 has a surprisingly complex network of evolutionarily conserved non-ribosome-associated proteins. In this review, we focus on a set of four conserved uS5-associated proteins: the protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3), the programmed cell death 2 (PDCD2) and its PDCD2-like (PDCD2L) paralog, and the zinc finger protein, ZNF277. We discuss recent work that presents PDCD2 and homologs as a dedicated uS5 chaperone and PDCD2L as a potential adaptor protein for the nuclear export of pre-40S subunits. Although the functional significance of the PRMT3-uS5 and ZNF277-uS5 interactions remain elusive, we reflect on the potential roles of uS5 arginine methylation by PRMT3 and on data indicating that ZNF277 and PRMT3 compete for uS5 binding. Together, these discussions highlight the complex and conserved regulatory network responsible for monitoring the availability and the folding of uS5 for the formation of 40S ribosomal subunits and/or the role of uS5 in potential extra-ribosomal functions.

Safety, tolerability, and clinical activity of selinexor in combination with pembrolizumab in treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

In lung cancer, overexpression of nuclear export proteins can result in inactivation of critical tumor suppressor proteins and cell-cycle regulators. Selective suppression of nuclear export proteins has immunomodulatory activities. Here, clinical safety and early efficacy data are presented on the combination of pembrolizumab and an oral selective nuclear export inhibitor, selinexor, for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). The primary objective of this prospective investigator-initiated study was to determine the safety and tolerability of selinexor in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with mNSCLC. Secondary objectives included determination of objective tumor response rate, disease control rate, and progression-free survival duration. A total of 17 patients were included in the final analysis. Fifteen (88%) received more than two lines of prior systemic therapy and 10 (59%) had prior exposure to anti-PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy. The median age was 67.5years. Ten patients had grade ≥3 adverse events related to selinexor treatment. Responses to treatment occurred in patients who did and did not undergo previous anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and in patients with activating driver mutations. The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 11.4months (95% CI, 3.4-19.8months) and 3.0months (95% CI, 1.7-5.7months), respectively. The overall response rate was 18% and the 6-month disease control rate was 24%. Selinexor in combination with pembrolizumab demonstrated promising antitumor activity in patients with mNSCLC, including those who had previously received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. The therapy-related toxic effects were consistent with the prior safety data for both drugs, and no overlapping toxic effects were observed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02419495. New strategies to prevent or reverse resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors are under investigation. Selective inhibitors of nuclear export proteins, such as selinexor, can induce restoration of tumor-suppressing pathways and induce potent immunomodulatory activities. This article contains the clinical safety and early efficacy data on the combination of pembrolizumab and selinexor in treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

The endoplasmic reticulum acetyl-CoA transporter AT-1 plays a role in the protective unfolded protein response in the exocrine pancreas

Pancreatic acinar cells are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes. In order to sustain high rates of secretory protein production, acinar cells rely on adaptive mechanisms to mitigate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and maintain secretory homeostasis. The adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR), mediated by the IRE1-XBP1s axis, is essential for acinar function and protects against cellular injury. Recent work has demonstrated that the ER acetyl-CoA transporter, AT-1, is necessary for nascent secretory protein acetylation and export out of the ER and is regulated by IRE1-XBP1s. Furthermore, AT-1 is rapidly downregulated during experimental pancreatitis. To investigate the role of AT-1 in exocrine pancreas function, we generated inducible, acinar-specific AT-1 knockout mice (Ela-Cre AT-1-/-). Loss of AT-1 produced a chronic pancreatitis phenotype characterized by inflammation, immune cell infiltration, tissue fibrosis, and aberrant intracellular activation of the proteolytic digestive enzyme trypsin. Despite the histological and biochemical dysfunction observed, Ela-Cre AT-1-/- mice grow normally, have typical lifespans, and do not lose pancreatic mass. Interestingly, XBP1s expression is significantly upregulated in Ela-Cre AT-1-/- and may confer a protective effect with loss of AT-1. Our data suggests a role for AT-1 in the IRE1-XBP1s axis and highlights the previously undescribed role of protein acetylation in exocrine pancreas physiology. Given the numerous potential downstream effects of dysregulated acetyl-CoA transport, this model will advance our understanding of pancreatic function and disease. NIH This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Nutrient Limitation Mimics Artemisinin Tolerance in Malaria.

Mounting evidence demonstrates that nutritional environment can alter pathogen drug sensitivity. While the rich media used for in vitro culture contains supraphysiological nutrient concentrations, pathogens encounter a relatively restrictive environment in vivo. We assessed the effect of nutrient limitation on the protozoan parasite that causes malaria and demonstrated that short-term growth under physiologically relevant mild nutrient stress (or "metabolic priming") triggers increased tolerance of a potent antimalarial drug. We observed beneficial effects using both short-term survival assays and longer-term proliferation studies, where metabolic priming increases parasite survival to a level previously defined as resistant (>1% survival). We performed these assessments by either decreasing single nutrients that have distinct roles in metabolism or using a media formulation that simulates the human plasma environment. We determined that priming-induced tolerance was restricted to parasites that had newly invaded the host red blood cell, but the effect was not dependent on genetic background. The molecular mechanisms of this intrinsic effect mimic aspects of genetic tolerance, including translational repression and protein export. This finding suggests that regardless of the impact on survival rates, environmental stress could stimulate changes that ultimately directly contribute to drug tolerance. Because metabolic stress is likely to occur more frequently in vivo compared to the stable in vitro environment, priming-induced drug tolerance has ramifications for how in vitro results translate to in vivo studies. Improving our understanding of how pathogens adjust their metabolism to impact survival of current and future drugs is an important avenue of research to slow the evolution of resistance. IMPORTANCE There is a dire need for effective treatments against microbial pathogens. Yet, the continuing emergence of drug resistance necessitates a deeper knowledge of how pathogens respond to treatments. We have long appreciated the contribution of genetic evolution to drug resistance, but transient metabolic changes that arise in response to environmental factors are less recognized. Here, we demonstrate that short-term growth of malaria parasites in a nutrient-limiting environment triggers cellular changes that lead to better survival of drug treatment. We found that these strategies are similar to those employed by drug-tolerant parasites, which suggests that starvation "primes" parasites to survive and potentially evolve resistance. Since the environment of the human host is relatively nutrient restrictive compared to growth conditions in standard laboratory culture, this discovery highlights the important connections among nutrient levels, protective cellular pathways, and resistance evolution.

Pancreatic beta cell ER export in health and diabetes.

In the secretory pathway of the pancreatic beta cell, proinsulin and other secretory granule proteins are first produced in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Beta cell ER homeostasis is vital for normal beta cell functions and is maintained by the delicate balance between protein synthesis, folding, export and degradation. Disruption of ER homeostasis leads to beta cell death and diabetes. Among the four components to maintain ER homeostasis, the role of ER export in insulin biogenesis or beta cell survival was not well-understood. COPII (coat protein complex II) dependent transport is a conserved mechanism for most cargo proteins to exit ER and transport to Golgi apparatus. Emerging evidence began to reveal a critical role of COPII-dependent ER export in beta cells. In this review, we will first discuss the basic components of the COPII transport machinery, the regulation of cargo entry and COPII coat assembly in mammalian cells, and the general concept of receptor-mediated cargo sorting in COPII vesicles. On the basis of these general discussions, the current knowledge and recent developments specific to the beta cell COPII dependent ER export are summarized under normal and diabetic conditions.

O-GlcNAcylation promotes the cytosolic localization of the m6A reader YTHDF1 and colorectal cancer tumorigenesis

O-linked GlcNAc (O-GlcNAc) is an emerging post-translation modification that couples metabolism with cellular signal transduction by crosstalk with phosphorylation and ubiquitination to orchestrate various biological processes. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of O-GlcNAc modifications in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulation are not fully characterized. Herein, we show that O-GlcNAc modifies the m6A mRNA reader YTH domain family 1 (YTHDF1) and fine-tunes its nuclear translocation by the exportin protein Crm1. First, we present evidence that YTHDF1 interacts with the sole O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). Second, we verified Ser196/Ser197/Ser198 as the YTHDF1 O-GlcNAcylation sites, as described in numerous chemoproteomic studies. Then we constructed the O-GlcNAc-deficient YTHDF1-S196A/S197F/S198A (AFA) mutant, which significantly attenuated O-GlcNAc signals. Moreover, we revealed that YTHDF1 is a nucleocytoplasmic protein, whose nuclear export is mediated by Crm1. Furthermore, O-GlcNAcylation increases the cytosolic portion of YTHDF1 by enhancing binding with Crm1, thus upregulating downstream target (e.g. c-Myc) expression. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that O-GlcNAcylation at S197 promotes the binding between the nuclear export signal motif and Crm1 through increasing hydrogen bonding. Mouse xenograft assays further demonstrate that YTHDF1-AFA mutants decreased the colon cancer mass and size via decreasing c-Myc expression. In sum, we found that YTHDF1 is a nucleocytoplasmic protein, whose cytosolic localization is dependent on O-GlcNAc modification. We propose that the OGT-YTHDF1-c-Myc axis underlies colorectal cancer tumorigenesis.

Combination of single-nucleus and bulk RNA-seq reveals the molecular mechanism of thalamus haemorrhage-induced central poststroke pain.

Central poststroke pain (CPSP) induced by thalamic haemorrhage (TH) can be continuous or intermittent and is accompanied by paresthesia, which seriously affects patient quality of life. Advanced insights into CPSP mechanisms and therapeutic strategies require a deeper understanding of the molecular processes of the thalamus. Here, using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), we sequenced the transcriptomes of 32332 brain cells, which revealed a total of four major cell types within the four thalamic samples from mice. Compared with the control group, the experimental group possessed the higher sensitivity to mechanical, thermal, and cold stimuli, and increased microglia numbers and decreased neuron numbers. We analysed a collection of differentially expressed genes and neuronal marker genes obtained from bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) data and found that Apoe, Abca1, and Hexb were key genes verified by immunofluorescence (IF). Immune infiltration analysis found that these key genes were closely related to macrophages, T cells, related chemokines, immune stimulators and receptors. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis also showed that the key genes were enriched in biological processes such as protein export from nucleus and protein sumoylation. In summary, using large-scale snRNA-seq, we have defined the transcriptional and cellular diversity in the brain after TH. Our identification of discrete cell types and differentially expressed genes within the thalamus can facilitate the development of new CPSP therapeutics.

Export of Diverse and Bioactive Small Proteins through a Type I Secretion System

Small proteins perform a diverse array of functions, from microbial competition, to endocrine signaling, to building biomaterials. Microbial systems that can produce recombinant small proteins enable discovery of new effectors, exploration of sequence activity relationships, and have the potential for in vivo delivery. However, we lack simple systems for controlling small-protein secretion from Gram-negative bacteria. Microcins are small-protein antibiotics secreted by Gram-negative bacteria that inhibit the growth of neighboring microbes. They are exported from the cytosol to the environment in a one-step process through a specific class of type I secretion systems (T1SSs). However, relatively little is known about substrate requirements for small proteins exported through microcin T1SSs. Here, we investigate the prototypic microcin V T1SS from Escherichia coli and show that it can export a remarkably wide range of natural and synthetic small proteins. We demonstrate that secretion is largely independent of the cargo protein's chemical properties and appears to be constrained only by protein length. We show that a varied range of bioactive sequences, including an antibacterial protein, a microbial signaling factor, a protease inhibitor, and a human hormone, can all be secreted and elicit their intended biological effect. Secretion through this system is not limited to E. coli, and we demonstrate its function in additional Gram-negative species that can inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Our findings uncover the highly promiscuous nature of small-protein export through the microcin V T1SS, which has implications for native-cargo capacity and the use of this system in Gram-negative bacteria for small-protein research and delivery. IMPORTANCE Type I secretion systems for microcin export in Gram-negative bacteria transport small antibacterial proteins from the cytoplasm to the extracellular environment in a single step. In nature, each secretion system is generally paired with a specific small protein. We know little about the export capacity of these transporters and how cargo sequence influences secretion. Here, we investigate the microcin V type I system. Remarkably, our studies show that this system can export small proteins of diverse sequence composition and is only limited by protein length. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a wide range of bioactive small proteins can be secreted and that this system can be used in Gram-negative species that colonize the gastrointestinal tract. These findings expand our understanding of secretion through type I systems and their potential uses in a variety of small-protein applications.

Abstract LB299: Identification of key regulators for nuclear protein export inhibitor and chemotherapy combination in pancreatic cancer using spatial genomics approach

Abstract Background: All patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) experience disease progression after gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel (GemPac) treatment with a median time to progression of just under 6 months. There is an urgent need for more effective combination therapies for this highly recalcitrant disease. Previously we showed that the selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) selinexor (Sel) against XPO1 in combination with GemPac enhanced the survival of LSL-Kras G12D/+; Trp53 fl/+; Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mice. The Sel-GemPac combination also showed evaluable response in PDAC patients in a Phase I study. Here we identified key regulatory molecules involved in the synergy of the Sel-GemPac combination, utilizing KPC mouse tumors and patient biopsy samples. We also evaluated the efficacy of this combination in a Phase II study. Methods: The activity of Sel-GemPac was evaluated in KPC mouse derived 2D cell line and 3D spheroid models. RNA-seq was performed to evaluate transcriptional differences associated with synergy. The identified differentially expressed genes (DEG) were validated in vitro through siRNA mediated silencing, qPCR, cytotoxicity, and related assays. The molecular mechanism of synergy was also evaluated in KPC mice tumors and in biopsies from patients enrolled in the Phase I portion of the trial using spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. The efficacy of Sel-Gem was evaluated in a Phase II study in patients with metastatic PDAC (NCT02178436). Results: In a KPC tumor derived cell line, Sel inhibited cell growth and suppressed spheroid formation. Sel synergized with GemPac (CI&amp;lt;1) leading to superior inhibition of cell proliferation and suppressed long term growth (colonies). GSEA of RNA-seq showed inhibition of protein transport mechanism after treatment. In spatial transcriptomic analysis, marked suppression of stroma supporting markers were observed in tumor and stromal compartments of KPC tumors. In the treated cancer and stromal cells, 197 and 42 genes were differentially expressed respectively out of a total 11,650 genes, affecting 16 pathways. The top upregulated genes included Mt2, Nrn1, Gpihbp1 and Pals2 and the top downregulated genes include Chil3, Pglyrp1, Ear10 and Prap1. In the Phase II portion of the trial, 4 patients were given Sel (60 mg oral) with Gem (1000 mg/m2 i.v.) on days 1, 8, and 15 of the 28-day cycle. One patient from Phase II showed stable reduction of tumor lesion from 38.3 × 33.2 cm (before) to 33.2 × 26.9 cm (after). The best response based on RECIST 1.1 was minus 25%. This patient had an overall survival of 16 months. In patient biopsies, spatial transcriptomic analysis of malignant ductal tissues, detected 346 and 487 DEG between a responder and a non-responder at baseline, affecting more than 29 pathways. Most important the top DEG included S100P, B2M, CXCL5 and HP. Conclusions: Collectively, our studies show that XPO1 may be a valid therapeutic target in PDAC and Sel-GemPac is a combination warranting further investigation. Citation Format: Md. Hafiz Uddin, Sahar F. Bannoura, Husain Y. Khan, Amro Aboukameel, Yiwei Li, Ibrahim Azar, Eliza W. Bael, Miguel Tobon, Donald Weaver, Steve Kim, Tanya Odisho, Amr Mohammed, Gregory Dyson, Rafic Beydoun, Ramzi M. Mohammad, Herbert Chen, Bassel El-Rayes, Philip A. Philip, Mohammad N. Al-Hallak, Asfar S. Azmi. Identification of key regulators for nuclear protein export inhibitor and chemotherapy combination in pancreatic cancer using spatial genomics approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB299.

Contribution of serum lipids and cholesterol cellular metabolism in lung cancer development and progression

Neoplasms of the lungs are the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Although immunotherapy has increased the overall survival of patients with lung cancer, there is the need to improve this treatment. At this regard, blood lipid levels are thought to be linked to cancer risk and thus a preventive intervention through regulation of the nutrition of patients with lung cancer is gaining much attention. In this study, we therefore asked about the contribution of serum lipids and cholesterol cellular metabolism in lung cancer development and progression. We measured different serum lipids and analyzed cholesterol synthesis enzymes 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and acetyl-coenzyme A cholesterol acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) as well as the cholesterol cellular export protein ATP-binding cassette (ABC) A-1 mRNA by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the control and tumoral regions of post-surgery lung tissues to analyze the accumulation of cholesterol in cancer cells in a cohort of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We found that triglycerides in serum directly correlated with the body mass index (BMI) in patients with LUAD. By contrast, we found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol inversely correlated with the BMI, C-reactive protein (CRP) and overall survival and total cholesterol inversely correlated with the tumor diameter, serum CRP and overall survival in these LUAD patients. Functionally, the role of cholesterol is indispensable for the growth and development of normal animal cells where it is tightly regulated. Excess of cellular cholesterol regulated by HMGCR is converted to cholesteryl esters by the enzyme ACAT1 and exported extracellularly by the cholesterol transporter ABCA1. Here we found HMGCR and ACAT1 upregulated and ABCA1 downregulated in the lung’s tumoral region of our LUAD cohort, indicating cholesterol dysregulated cellular export in lung tumor cells.

Abstract 4253: Pan-cancer analysis of XPO1 R749Q mutations across 217,570 patients reveals association with high tumor mutational burden and therapy resistance

Abstract Background: XPO1 is a nuclear export receptor responsible for exporting &amp;gt;200 proteins out of the nucleus, including many cancer-related proteins. We previously reported recurrent hotspot mutations occurring in XPO1 in cancer and identified XPO1 R749Q variant only in solid tumors. To determine the prevalence of XPO1 mutations across cancer types, we performed a large-scale genomic analysis of 217,570 patients with cancer to identify and characterize XPO1 variants from real-world patient tumors. Methods: Solid tumor samples representing 14 cancer types were submitted to Caris Life Sciences (Phoenix, AZ) for Next-generation sequencing of DNA (592 genes or WES). TMB-High (defined as &amp;gt;10 mt/MB) and dMMR/MSI-H was tested by IHC/NGS. We engineered CRISPR knock-in HCT116 and LS-174T colon cancer isogenic cell lines bearing XPO1 R749Q mutations and Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM) analysis was performed. Structural modeling was performed with published XPO1 structures by mapping XPO1 mutations from the MSKCC-IMPACT dataset. Results: A total of 96 patients with XPO1 R749Q mutations were identified (50% occurred in endometrial cancer and 23% occurred in colorectal cancer). TMB-H was observed in 92% of XPO1 R749Q mt tumors (9% were dMMR/MSI-H), while 86% of XPO1 R749Q mt tumors were POLE-mutated within the endonuclease domain. Median variant allele frequency for XPO1 R749Q mt and POLE mt were 25% and 29%, respectively. STORM imaging revealed that XPO1 R749Q mutant cells had significant localization of XPO1 in the cytoplasm compared to XPO1 WT cells, especially at the outside edge of the nuclear pores. Structural modeling predicted that XPO1 R749Q mt affected the regulatory H9-loop of XPO1 favoring increased shuttling and retention in the cytoplasm. Mass spectrometry analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionated proteomes confirmed that XPO1 R749Q mt cells had increased export of proteins compared to XPO1 WT cells. A library screen of &amp;gt;200 FDA-approved drugs revealed a strong therapeutic resistance of XPO1 R749Q cells, especially to chemotherapies used in the treatment of colon cancer. XPO1 inhibition with selinexor synergized with chemotherapy in XPO1 R749Q mt cells in vitro and overcame resistance to irinotecan in vivo in xenograft mice models. Conclusion: This study sheds novel insights into the role of nuclear export in cancers. Specifically, XPO1 R749Q mutations are enriched in TMB-H endometrial and colon cancers and increase nuclear export of key proteins that confer resistance to therapies using DNA-damaging agents. Our current work aims to identify novel therapies that can overcome resistance to DNA-damaging therapies seen in XPO1 mutant cells, such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy given the co-occurrence with POLE mutations and recent reports of high level of response to ICI therapy in TMB-H and POLE mt colorectal cancers. Citation Format: Tulasigeri M. Totiger, Yasmine Baca, Wannasiri Chiraphapphaiboon, Sana Chaudhry, Skye Montoya, Monika Chojnacka, Gabriel Gaidosh, Jumana Afaghani, Maurizio Affer, Christopher D. Armstrong, Ryan Notti, Jenna Zabroski, Jacob Jahn, Vindhya Nawaratne, Ramiro Verdun, Hai Dang Nguyen, Chadi Nabhan, Thomas J. Herzog, Phil Walker, Andrew Elliott, Emil Lou, Wafik S. El-Deiry, Edith Mitchell, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, Justin Taylor. Pan-cancer analysis of XPO1 R749Q mutations across 217,570 patients reveals association with high tumor mutational burden and therapy resistance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4253.

Abstract 1652: A novel reversible inhibitor of XPO1 with potent efficacy in multiple preclinical mouse models

Abstract Exportin 1 (XPO1/CRM1) is a key nuclear transport receptor (karyopherin) responsible for the export of different cargo proteins out of the cell’s nucleus into the cytoplasm. Its correct function is essential for cellular homeostasis, however normal XPO1 function is often disrupted in malignant cells. XPO1 is overexpressed in solid and hematological tumors and higher XPO1 expression is often associated with poorer prognosis. XPO1-regulated cargo proteins include tumor suppressor proteins and cell cycle regulators that can be involved in tumorigenesis. For example, aberrant XPO1 function may lead to cytoplasmic mislocalization of tumor suppressor proteins which results in their functional inactivation and hence may cause tumorigenesis. Inhibition of XPO1 function will restore their proper subcellular localization and function and cause tumor regression. Although XPO1 has a central role in cellular homeostasis, it is a good target for cancer therapy, as illustrated by the clinical success of the selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) selinexor. Selinexor is the first and currently the only XPO1 inhibitor clinically approved. It is applied for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma after at least one prior treatment, and for the treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Selinexor covalently binds to XPO1. The second generation SINE eltanexor is also a covalent XPO1 inhibitor but has only minimal brain penetration and consequently lower toxicity in preclinical studies. Here, we describe a novel chemical class of reversible XPO1 inhibitors with high brain penetration but with good tolerability allowing frequent dosing in preclinical models. The lead compound, FR-027, potently inhibits XPO1 function (EC50 69 ± 10 nM) and shows potent cancer cell growth inhibition in vitro of both hematological and solid cancer cell lines (EC50 50-950 nM). FR-027 is a reversible inhibitor of XPO1 and unlike many other XPO1 inhibitors it does not induce XPO1 protein degradation; this may contribute to an increased tolerability. Indeed, while it shows high brain penetration, FR-027 allows frequent dosing in mice with good tolerability (body weight). It is orally bioavailable and demonstrates strong anti-leukemic efficacy in an aggressive MOLT-4 xenograft model. Importantly, it shows potent efficacy in both an orthotopic U87 MG brain tumor xenograft model and a metastatic syngeneic ID8-fLuc ovarian cancer model with significant survival benefit as monotherapy. Altogether, these results demonstrate that FR-027 is a novel, reversible XPO1 inhibitor with important molecular and pharmacological characteristics that warrant further clinical development. Citation Format: Janne Van Hauwenhuyse, Felien Reniers, Leentje Persoons, Sam Noppen, Eline Boel, Els Vanstreels, Ann Vankerckhoven, Bert Kwanten, An Coosemans, Guy Van den Mooter, Wim Dehaen, Dirk Daelemans. A novel reversible inhibitor of XPO1 with potent efficacy in multiple preclinical mouse models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1652.

Abstract 4829: Monitoring metabolic plasticity in the tumor microenvironment in vivo

Abstract Tumor metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer progression, survival, and therapeutic resistance. A targetable class of cancer metabolic adaptation exploits mitophagy, a specialized autophagy pathway known to be linked to the cancer phenotype. Mitophagy selectively eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria by targeting them, via autophagosome shuttling, to the lysosome for degradation. Cancer cell mitophagy is triggered by elevated oxidative stress and mitochondria DNA damage caused by hypoxia, radiotherapy, molecular therapy, and immunotherapy. A high mitophagy demand can overwhelm the lysosome capacity resulting in the accumulation of damaged mitochondria that is harmful to the cell, and can suppress biogenesis of healthy mitochondria. We hypothesize that the newly discovered process of secretory mitophagy exports damaged mitochondrial fission-released segments to reduce the overload pressure on the lysosomal system, and thereby sustains cancer cell survival in the face of therapeutic mitochondrial stress. We have discovered a form of secretory mitophagy occurring in vivo in a growing solid tumor. Our molecular analysis of the full repertoire of extracellular vesicles (EV) shed into the resident tumor interstitial fluid (IF) in vivo yielded a rich set of information about the functional state of mitochondria within the tumor cells, and the host cells. A set of proteins required for sequential steps of fission-induced mitophagy preferentially populated the CD81+/PD-L1+ IF EVs; including PINK1 and ARIH1 E3 ubiquitin ligase (required for Parkin-independent mitophagy), DRP1 and FIS1 (mitochondrial pinching), VDAC-1 (ubiquitination state triggers mitophagy away from apoptosis), and VPS35, SEC22b, and Rab33b (vacuolar sorting). Comparing in vivo IF EVs to in vitro EVs revealed 40% concordance, with an elevation of mitophagy proteins in the CD81+ EVs for both murine and human cell lines subjected to metabolic stress. The export of cellular mitochondria proteins to CD81+ EVs was confirmed by density gradient isolation from the bulk EV isolate followed by anti-CD81 immunoprecipitation, MitoTracker export into CD81+ EVs, and ultrastructural characterization. Further, we stimulated mitochondrial oxidative stress and blocked the fusion of the mitophagosome with the lysosome, which markedly stimulated the export of the secretory mitophagy unit. We also found that mitophagy inducer PINK1 cleavage status (full length versus cleaved), is prominently reflected in the set of mitochondrial proteins exported within IF EVs, and may constitute a new quantitative measurement tool to monitor the real-time state of tumor intracellular mitophagy. The outcome is new understanding of the importance of secretory mitophagy that can constitute an important therapeutic target, and a new clinically relevant means of monitoring the in vivo state of mitophagic flux within the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Marissa Ashton Howard. Monitoring metabolic plasticity in the tumor microenvironment in vivo. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4829.