Rho GTPase Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Research Articles

Apical polarity proteins recruit the RhoGEF Cysts to promote junctional myosin assembly

The spatio-temporal regulation of small Rho GTPases is crucial for the dynamic stability of epithelial tissues. However, how RhoGTPase activity is controlled during development remains largely unknown. To explore the regulation of Rho GTPases in vivo, we analyzed the Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RhoGEF) Cysts, the Drosophila orthologue of mammalian p114RhoGEF, GEF-H1, p190RhoGEF, and AKAP-13. Loss of Cysts causes a phenotype that closely resembles the mutant phenotype of the apical polarity regulator Crumbs. This phenotype can be suppressed by the loss of basolateral polarity proteins, suggesting that Cysts is an integral component of the apical polarity protein network. We demonstrate that Cysts is recruited to the apico-lateral membrane through interactions with the Crumbs complex and Bazooka/Par3. Cysts activates Rho1 at adherens junctions and stabilizes junctional myosin. Junctional myosin depletion is similar in Cysts- and Crumbs-compromised embryos. Together, our findings indicate that Cysts is a downstream effector of the Crumbs complex and links apical polarity proteins to Rho1 and myosin activation at adherens junctions, supporting junctional integrity and epithelial polarity.

FgBud3, a Rho4-Interacting Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, Is Involved in Polarity Growth, Cell Division and Pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum.

Rho GTPases are signaling macromolecules that are associated with developmental progression and pathogenesis of Fusarium graminearum. Generally, enzymatic activities of Rho GTPases are regulated by Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs). In this study, we identified a putative RhoGEF encoding gene (FgBUD3) in F. graminearum database and proceeded further by using a functional genetic approach to generate FgBUD3 targeted gene deletion mutant. Phenotypic analysis results showed that the deletion of FgBUD3 caused severe reduction in growth of FgBUD3 mutant generated during this study. We also observed that the deletion of FgBUD3 completely abolished sexual reproduction and triggered the production of abnormal asexual spores with nearly no septum in ΔFgbud3 strain. Further results obtained from infection assays conducted during this research revealed that the FgBUD3 defective mutant lost its pathogenicity on wheat and hence, suggests FgBud3 plays an essential role in the pathogenicity of F. graminearum. Additional, results derived from yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that FgBud3 strongly interacted with FgRho4 compared to the interaction with FgRho2, FgRho3, and FgCdc42. Moreover, we found that FgBud3 interacted with both GTP-bound and GDP-bound form of FgRho4. From these results, we subsequently concluded that, the Rho4-interacting GEF protein FgBud3 crucially promotes vegetative growth, asexual and sexual development, cell division and pathogenicity in F. graminearum.

Glioma-Targeted Drug Delivery Enabled by a Multifunctional Peptide.

The rapid proliferation of glioma relies on vigorous angiogenesis for the supply of essential nutrients; thus, a radical method of antiglioma therapy should include blocking tumor neovasculature formation. A phage display selected heptapeptide, the glioma-initiating cell peptide GICP, was previously reported as a ligand of VAV3 protein (a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor), which is overexpressed on glioma cells and tumor neovasculature. Therefore, GICP holds potential for the multifunctional targeting of glioma (tumor cells and neovasculature). We developed GICP-modified micelle-based paclitaxel delivery systems for antiglioma therapy in vitro and in vivo. GICP and GICP-modified PEG-PLA micelles (GICP-PEG-PLA) could be significantly taken up by U87MG cells, a human cell line derived from malignant gliomas and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, GICP-PEG-PLA micelles demonstrated enhanced penetration in a tumor spheroid model in vitro in comparison to unmodified micelles. In vivo, DiR-loaded GICP-PEG-PLA micelles exhibited superior accumulation in the tumor region by targeting neovasculature and glioma cells in nude mice bearing subcutaneous glioma. When loaded with paclitaxel, GICP-PEG-PLA micelles could more effectively suppress tumor growth and neovasculature formation than unmodified micelles in vivo. Our results indicated that GICP could serve as a promising multifunctional ligand for glioma targeting.

Upregulation of Vav3 Is Required for Leukemogenesis By BCR-ABL through Polycomb Repression Complex Dependent De-Repression of the Cdkn2a Locus

Activating mutations of Rho-family of small GTPases have been linked to lymphoproliferative disorders, although the pathogenesis mechanism involved is unknown. BCR-ABL (p190) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) arises from the expression of the oncofusion protein BCR-ABL in a B-cell progenitor. The transforming effect of BCR-ABL is dependent on the tyrosine kinase (TK) activity of the fusion protein that leads to autophosphorylation, recruitment of adaptor proteins, and subsequent activation of downstream signaling. TK inhibitors (TKIs) have been used as frontline treatment for Ph+ B-ALL patients. However, relapse is common in Ph+ B-ALL despite high rates of complete response with initial therapy, probably because of survival of leukemic progenitors. These BCR-ABL+ progenitors appear to develop additional epigenetic and genetic alterations that result in proliferative advantage frequently associated with silencing of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor Cdkn2a, even before mutant Cdkn2a gene deleted cells are selected during clonal evolution. Recent work by our group (Chang KH et al., Blood 2012) identified the Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3 in BCR-ABL mediated lymphoid leukemogenesis. We showed that the deficiency of the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3 delays leukemogenesis and phenocopies the effect of Rac2 (and combined Rac2/Rac1) deficiency (Thomas EK et al., Cancer Cell 2007; Sengupta A et al., Blood 2010), a downstream effector of Vav3. Upregulated Vav3 expression and activation only partly depend on ABL TK activity, and Vav3 deficiency collaborates with tyrosine kinase inhibitors to impair leukemogenesis in vitro and in vivo through impaired proliferation and survival. On the other hand, our group has demonstrated that Bmi1 overexpression frequently found in BCR-ABL+ B-ALL results in B-cell progenitor reprogramming through acquisition of a stem cell-like phenotype (Sengupta A et al., Blood 2012). Bmi1 forms part of the classical polycomb repression complex 1 (PRC1) where its component Ring1A/B catalyzes histone H2A mono-ubiquitination at lysine 119, which in conjunction with the PRC2 complex activity leads to chromatin compaction and repression of target genes. Through epistasis experiments, we found that Vav3 or Rac2 deficiency abrogates the oncogenic effect of Bmi1 overexpression. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in nuclear and cytoplasmic cell extracts demonstrated that Vav3 and Rac1/Rac2 co-immunoprecipitate with Bmi1 in the nucleus but not in the cytosol of BCR-ABL+ leukemic cells. Interestingly, control non-BCR-ABL expressing nuclear extracts show minimal, if any, level of co-immunoprecipitation. This co-immunoprecipitation is not directly induced by BCR-ABL since BCR-ABL does not co-immunoprecipitate with Vav3/Rac1/Rac2 but does with Bmi1, suggesting that nuclear Vav3 activity may be dissected from the TK activity of BCR-ABL. Biochemically, the overexpression of Bmi1 results in increased activation of nuclear Rac which is practically abrogated by the deficiency of Vav3 as assessed in cellular pulldown assays of primary leukemic B-cell progenitors. As expected, downstream expression of Cdkn2a is repressed by overexpression by Bmi1. Deficiency of Vav3 restores the expression of Cdkn2a to control levels. This data suggests a transcriptional regulatory role of the signaling proteins Vav3/Rac2 in the nucleus. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR for Bmi1, Ring1B and polycomb repressive histone marks (H2AK119 and H3K27me3) and the assay for Tn5-transposase accessible chromatin (ATAQ)-qPCR for the Cdkn2a locus in Vav3- or Rac2-deficient, BCR-ABL+ primary B-cell progenitors were compared with their BCR-ABL, Vav3/Rac2 expressing counterparts. These assays confirmed that Vav3 and Rac2 are essential for PRC dependent transcriptional repression of Cdkn2a through occupancy of the Cdkn2a promoter and decreased accessibility to Cdkn2a chromatin. In conclusion, our studies establish for the first time an association between nuclear Vav3/Rac and polycomb repressive activities in p190-BCR-ABL+ leukemogenesis through their activity on the Cdkn2a locus. Vav3 may represent a novel target for adjuvant therapy with TKI in BCR-ABL+ lymphoblastic leukemia. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Adult Drosophila sensory neurons specify dendritic territories independently of dendritic contacts through the Wnt5-Drl signaling pathway.

Sensory neurons with common functions are often nonrandomly arranged and form dendritic territories in stereotypic spatial patterns throughout the nervous system, yet molecular mechanisms of how neurons specify dendritic territories remain largely unknown. In Drosophila larvae, dendrites of class IV sensory (C4da) neurons completely but nonredundantly cover the whole epidermis, and the boundaries of these tiled dendritic fields are specified through repulsive interactions between homotypic dendrites. Here we report that, unlike the larval C4da neurons, adult C4da neurons rely on both dendritic repulsive interactions and external positional cues to delimit the boundaries of their dendritic fields. We identify Wnt5 derived from sternites, the ventral-most part of the adult abdominal epidermis, as the critical determinant for the ventral boundaries. Further genetic data indicate that Wnt5 promotes dendrite termination on the periphery of sternites through the Ryk receptor family kinase Derailed (Drl) and the Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor Trio in C4da neurons. Our findings thus uncover the dendritic contact-independent mechanism that is required for dendritic boundary specification and suggest that combinatory actions of the dendritic contact-dependent and -independent mechanisms may ensure appropriate dendritic territories of a given neuron.

Inhibition of gastric cancer cell growth and invasion through siRNA-mediated knockdown of guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3

Vav3, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is associated with tumor growth, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, the role of Vav3 in gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, Vav3 expression was blocked by specific siRNA in gastric cancer cell line MGC803. MTT was used to assay cell proliferation activity; wound healing assay and transwell assay were applied to detect cell migration and invasion ability; and qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect expression levels of Vav3 as well as proliferation, migration, and invasion-related genes. The results showed that Vav3 expression in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines was significantly upregulated and was higher than that in adjacent tissues of cancer and normal gastric mucosal cell lines. Vav3 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of MGC803 gastric cancer cells. The expression of P21, P27, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 was upregulated, while proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin E1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-7 were downregulated by Vav3 knockdown in MGC803 gastric cells. In conclusion, Vav3 is involved in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cell as a tumor oncogene.

Abstract 1069: Vav3 enhances androgen receptor splice variant activity and is critical for castration resistant prostate cancer growth and survival.

Abstract Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is treated by androgen deprivation; however, patients inevitably relapse with castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that grows independently of androgen. However, CRPC remains dependent on androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which includes constitutive, ligand–independent action of naturally occurring AR splice variants. For example, the AR splice variant AR3 (also termed AR–V7) is expressed in CRPC and is linked to poor prognosis. Vav3, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is an AR coactivator that is up–regulated in human prostate cancer as compared to benign tissue as well as in pre–clinical models of CRPC. Vav3 confers castration–resistant growth to androgen–dependent human prostate cancer cells and increased expression has been linked to increased clinical biochemical relapse. Despite the importance of AR coactivators in promoting CRPC, the potential role of these regulatory proteins in modulating AR splice variant activity is unknown. We examined the contributions of Vav3 to AR activity in two CRPC cell lines that naturally express relatively high levels of Vav3 and AR3. Vav3 or AR3 knockdown greatly attenuated cell proliferation, soft agar growth and ligand–independent AR activity. Vav3 potently enhanced the transcriptional activity of AR3 and another clinically relevant AR splice variant ARv567es. Furthermore, Vav3 enhanced AR splice variant activity through a distinctly different mechanism than Vav3 coactivation of full length AR. Vav3 knockdown resulted in lowered nuclear AR3 levels while total AR3 protein and mRNA levels remained static. Conversely, overexpression of Vav3 resulted in increased nuclear AR3. Co–immunoprecipitation revealed that AR3 and Vav3 interact. These novel data demonstrating physical and functional interactions between Vav3, a unique AR coactivator, and an AR splice variant provide insights into the mechanisms by which Vav3 exploits and enhances AR signaling in the progression to CRPC. Citation Format: Stephanie Peacock, Cale D. Fahrenholtz, Kerry L. Burnstein. Vav3 enhances androgen receptor splice variant activity and is critical for castration resistant prostate cancer growth and survival. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1069. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1069

Novel Interaction between the Co-chaperone Cdc37 and Rho GTPase Exchange Factor Vav3 Promotes Androgen Receptor Activity and Prostate Cancer Growth*

Elevated androgen receptor (AR) activity in castration-resistant prostate cancer may occur through increased levels of AR co-activator proteins. Vav3, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is up-regulated following progression to castration resistance in preclinical models and is overexpressed in a significant number of human prostate cancers. Vav3 is a novel co-activator of the AR. We sought to identify Vav3 binding partners in an effort to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying Vav3 enhancement of AR activity and to identify new therapeutic targets. The cell division cycle 37 homolog (Cdc37), a protein kinase-specific co-chaperone for Hsp90, was identified as a Vav3 interacting protein by yeast two-hybrid screening. Vav3-Cdc37 interaction was confirmed by GST pulldown and, for native proteins, by co-immunoprecipitation experiments in prostate cancer cells. Cdc37 potentiated Vav3 co-activation of AR transcriptional activity and Vav3 enhancement of AR N-terminal-C-terminal interaction, which is essential for optimal receptor transcriptional activity. Cdc37 increased prostate cancer cell proliferation selectively in Vav3-expressing cells. Cdc37 did not affect Vav3 nucleotide exchange activity, Vav3 protein levels, or subcellular localization. Disruption of Vav3-Cdc37 interaction inhibited Vav3 enhancement of AR transcriptional activity and AR N-C interaction. Diminished Vav3-Cdc37 interaction also caused decreased prostate cancer cell proliferation selectively in Vav3-expressing cells. Taken together, we identified a novel Vav3 interacting protein that enhances Vav3 co-activation of AR and prostate cancer cell proliferation. Vav3-Cdc37 interaction may provide a new therapeutic target in prostate cancer.

Vav3 Enhances Androgen Receptor Splice Variant Activity and Is Critical for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Growth and Survival

Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is treated by androgen deprivation; however, patients inevitably relapse with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC remains dependent on androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which may include constitutive, ligand-independent action of naturally occurring AR splice variants. For example, the AR splice variant AR3 (also termed AR-V7) is expressed in CRPC and is linked to poor prognosis. Vav3, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is an AR coactivator that is up-regulated in human prostate cancer compared with benign tissue and in preclinical models of CRPC. Vav3 confers castration-resistant growth to androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells. Despite the importance of AR coactivators in promoting CRPC, the potential role of these regulatory proteins in modulating AR splice variant activity is unknown. We examined the contributions of Vav3 to AR activity in two CRPC cell lines that naturally express relatively high levels of Vav3 and AR3. Vav3 or AR3 knockdown greatly attenuated cell proliferation, soft agar growth, and ligand-independent AR activity. Vav3 potently enhanced the transcriptional activity of AR3 and another clinically relevant AR splice variant, ARv567es. Vav3 knockdown resulted in lowered nuclear AR3 levels, whereas total AR3 levels remained similar. Conversely, overexpression of Vav3 resulted in increased nuclear AR3. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that AR3 and Vav3 interact. These novel data demonstrating physical and functional interactions between Vav3, a unique AR coactivator, and an AR splice variant provide insights into the mechanisms by which Vav3 exploits and enhances AR signaling in the progression to CRPC.

Molecular differences between normal breast epithelia, pure DCIS, and DCIS adjacent to invasion.

50 Background: With the use of screening mammography, the diagnosis of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is increasing worldwide. Currently there are no applied molecular markers to aid in predicting risk of DCIS progression to invasive breast cancer (IBC). Studies predicted that the transition from DCIS to invasive disease was associated with quantitative rather than qualitative differences in gene and protein expression. Methods: We developed monochrome imaging-based method to measure protein expression as a continuous variable in fixed tissue (Furstenau et al. BREA 2010). The insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR), Ras oncogene –like protein 1 (Rap1), and a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav2 implicated in the regulation of invasion in preclinical models have been chosen for protein analysis in tissue. In pilot study, we performed quantitative protein profiling on 90 samples of the breast: 17 histologically normal tissues, 16 benign lesions; 15 CIS, and 42 IBC. In addition, we analyzed 24 DCIS: 12 pure and 12 associated with IBC. Results: The expression of the IGF-IR and Rap1 was increased in pure CIS; significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased in CIS adjacent to IBC as well as in IBC compared with non-cancerous tissue. In the majority of pure DCIS the levels of Vav2 were similar to that in normal epithelia; however, the Vav2 levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher in DCIS adjacent to invasion and in IBC. Moreover, IGF-IR, Rap1 and Vav2 significantly discriminated invasive from non-invasive tissues, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under curve, AUC=0.8. Interestingly, younger women (< 50 years of age) were more likely to develop IBC with increased expression of the Vav2 protein (OR= 2.05; 95% CI 1.08-3.86). No significant correlation was found between IGF-IR, Rap1 expression levels and patient’s age. Conclusions: We conclude that our assessment of protein expression in breast tissue revealed previously unidentified quantitative differences in the IGF-IR, Rap1, and Vav2 protein expression in breast cancer progression series. These findings open door for studies on molecular-based prediction of individualized risk for developing invasion in early diagnosed DCIS.

Vav3 collaborates with p190-BCR-ABL in lymphoid progenitor leukemogenesis, proliferation, and survival

Despite the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, the prognosis for p190-BCR-ABL(+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia remains poor. In the present study, we present the cellular and molecular roles of the Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav in lymphoid leukemogenesis and explore the roles of Vav proteins in BCR-ABL-dependent signaling. We show that genetic deficiency of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3 delays leukemogenesis by p190-BCR-ABL and phenocopies the effect of Rac2 deficiency, a downstream effector of Vav3. Compensatory up-regulation of expression and activation of Vav3 in Vav1/Vav2-deficient B-cell progenitors increases the transformation ability of p190-BCR-ABL. Vav3 deficiency induces apoptosis of murine and human leukemic lymphoid progenitors, decreases the activation of Rho GTPase family members and p21-activated kinase, and is associated with increased Bad phosphorylation and up-regulation of Bax, Bak, and Bik. Finally, Vav3 activation only partly depends on ABL TK activity, and Vav3 deficiency collaborates with tyrosine kinase inhibitors to inhibit CrkL activation and impair leukemogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that Vav3 represents a novel specific molecular leukemic effector for multitarget therapy in p190-BCR-ABL-expressing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Abstract 2148: Exploitation of androgen receptor splice variant signaling by guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3 in castration resistant prostate cancer

Abstract The treatment for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy. Patients inevitably relapse and the cancer is now termed androgen-independent or castration resistant (CRPC). CRPC remains dependent on androgen receptor (AR) signaling. One of the proteins implicated in the reactivation of AR transcriptional activity in CRPC is Vav3, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor. Vav3 is up-regulated in human prostate cancer tumors compared to benign tissue and in preclinical models of prostate cancer progression to CRPC. Vav3 enhances AR activity at both physiological and as well as at subnanomolar androgen concentrations, similar to prostatic microenvironment levels demonstrated in CRPC. Vav3 confers castration resistant growth to a classically androgen dependent cell line in a mouse xenograft model. Thus, elevated levels of Vav3 seem to be pivotal in promoting continued AR signaling in CRPC. We examined the contributions of Vav3 to AR activity and cell proliferation in the CRPC cell lines CWR-22Rv1 and CWR-R1. Knockdown of Vav3 attenuated cell growth and reduced AR activity as compared to the shGFP control. However knockdown of full length AR had little effect, perhaps due to impaired ligand-mediated transcriptional activity of the mutated AR expressed in these cell lines. Because CWR-22Rv1 also express AR splice variants that lack the ligand binding domain and are proposed to underlie CRPC growth, we examined the possibility that Vav3 enhances AR splice variant signaling. The AR splice variant, ARV7 (also known as AR3), exhibits constitutive ligand independent activity and is linked to poor prognosis and survival. Depletion of ARV7 in 22Rv1 and CWR-R1 cell lines resulted in slowed growth and lowered AR activity. Soft agar assays revealed that knockdown of either Vav3 or ARV7 resulted in greatly decreased anchorage independent growth. Vav3 potently enhanced the activity of ARV7 in reporter gene assays. Further, knockdown of Vav3 resulted in lowered levels of nuclear AR splice variants in CWR-22Rv1. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed that ARV7 and Vav3 directly interact. These results suggest that Vav3 may enhance ARV7 activity through increased nuclear localization and that the interaction of Vav3 and ARV7 may be required for robust growth of CRPC cells. These novel data demonstrating interaction between a versatile AR coactivator and an AR splice variant provide insights into the possible mechanisms by which Vav3 exploits and enhances AR splice variant signaling in the progression of prostate cancer malignancy and castration resistance. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2148. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2148

Abstract B147: P-Rex1 is required for efficient melanoma metastasis.

Abstract Background: P-Rex1 is a Rac-specific Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor that has recently been implicated in cancer for the first time. As Rac has a central role in control of cell motility, we assessed the role of P-Rex1 in melanoma, a cancer where metastasis is the major cause of death. This was the first evaluation of P-Rex1 in a genetically modified animal model of cancer. We also investigated the function of P-Rex1 in melanoblasts, as the molecular pathways that drive their developmental migration are believed to underpin the movement of metastatic melanoma cells. Methods: P-Rex1−/− mice were crossed to mice carrying the DCT-lacZ transgene, a melanoblast reporter line, and a Tyr::NrasQ61K/°; INK4a−/− metastatic melanoma mouse model. Allograft tail vein (TV) injections were performed to further assess the endogenous function of P-Rex1 in metastasis. Panels of human melanoma cell lines and tissue were investigated with microarray, tissue culture, and immunohistochemical techniques. Results: P-Rex1−/− mice have a melanoblast migration defect during development (p=0.01), evidenced by a white belly. They were resistant to metastasis when crossed to the Tyr::NrasQ61K/°; INK4a−/− murine model of melanoma (1/30 mice with metastases vs 13/30 in control cohort; p=0.001). When melanocytes derived from this model were TV-injected into immune-competent allografts, endogenous P-Rex1 was found to facilitate metastatic incidence, growth, and organ spread following the intravasation stage of the metastatic cascade (p=0.02). Mechanistically, this was associated with P-Rex1 driving invasion in a Rac-dependent manner. In humans, P-Rex1 was elevated in the great majority of melanoma cell lines, with mRNA levels above the median statistically associated with metastasic propensity (p=0.005). Tissue immunohistochemistry revealed an association between tumor progression and P-Rex1 expression. Conclusions: P-Rex1 is a key component of melanoma progression, invasion and metastatic signaling, supporting the value of pharmacological inhibition of P-Rex1 activation of Rac for treatment of metastatic or high risk primary melanomas. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B147.

P-Rex1 is required for efficient melanoblast migration and melanoma metastasis

Metastases are the major cause of death from melanoma, a skin cancer that has the fastest rising incidence of any malignancy in the Western world. Molecular pathways that drive melanoblast migration in development are believed to underpin the movement and ultimately the metastasis of melanoma. Here we show that mice lacking P-Rex1, a Rac-specific Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, have a melanoblast migration defect during development evidenced by a white belly. Moreover, these P-Rex1(-/-) mice are resistant to metastasis when crossed to a murine model of melanoma. Mechanistically, this is associated with P-Rex1 driving invasion in a Rac-dependent manner. P-Rex1 is elevated in the majority of human melanoma cell lines and tumour tissue. We conclude that P-Rex1 has an important role in melanoblast migration and cancer progression to metastasis in mice and humans.

A novel nuclear role for the Vav3 nucleotide exchange factor in androgen receptor coactivation in prostate cancer

Increased androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional activity mediated by coactivator proteins may drive castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) growth. Vav3, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), is over-expressed in human prostate cancers particularly in models of CRPC progression. Vav3 coactivates AR in a Vav3 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-dependent but GEF-independent manner. Ectopic expression of Vav3 in androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells conferred robust castration resistant xenograft tumor growth. Vav3 but not a Vav3 PH mutant greatly stimulated interaction between the AR amino and carboxyl termini (N-C interaction), which is required for maximal receptor transcriptional activity. Vav3 was distributed between the cytoplasm and nucleus with nuclear localization dependent upon the Vav3 PH domain. Membrane targeting of Vav3 abolished Vav3 potentiation of AR activity; whereas, nuclear targeting of a Vav3 PH mutant rescued AR coactivation suggesting that nuclear localization is a key function of the Vav3 PH domain. A nuclear role for Vav3 was further demonstrated by sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, which revealed that Vav3 and AR were recruited to the same transcriptional complexes of an AR target gene enhancer. These data demonstrate the importance of Vav3 in CRPC and define a novel nuclear function of Vav3 in regulating AR activity.

Oncogenic Activity of Ect2 Is Regulated through Protein Kinase Cι-mediated Phosphorylation

The Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor Ect2 is genetically and biochemically linked to the PKCι oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ect2 is overexpressed and mislocalized to the cytoplasm of NSCLC cells where it binds the oncogenic PKCι-Par6 complex, leading to activation of the Rac1 small GTPase. Here, we identify a previously uncharacterized phosphorylation site on Ect2, threonine 328, that serves to regulate the oncogenic activity of Ect2 in NSCLC cells. PKCι directly phosphorylates Ect2 at Thr-328 in vitro, and RNAi-mediated knockdown of either PKCι or Par6 leads to a decrease in phospho-Thr-328 Ect2, indicating that PKCι regulates Thr-328 Ect2 phosphorylation in NSCLC cells. Both wild-type Ect2 and a phosphomimetic T328D Ect2 mutant bind the PKCι-Par6 complex, activate Rac1, and restore transformed growth and invasion when expressed in NSCLC cells made deficient in endogenous Ect2 by RNAi-mediated knockdown. In contrast, a phosphorylation-deficient T328A Ect2 mutant fails to bind the PKCι-Par6 complex, activate Rac1, or restore transformation. Our data support a model in which PKCι-mediated phosphorylation regulates Ect2 binding to the oncogenic PKCι-Par6 complex thereby activating Rac1 activity and driving transformed growth and invasion.

Distinct Roles for Rho Versus Rac/Cdc42 GTPases Downstream of Vav2 in Regulating Mammary Epithelial Acinar Architecture

Non-malignant mammary epithelial cells (MECs) undergo acinar morphogenesis in three-dimensional Matrigel culture, a trait that is lost upon oncogenic transformation. Rho GTPases are thought to play important roles in regulating epithelial cell-cell junctions, but their contributions to acinar morphogenesis remain unclear. Here we report that the activity of Rho GTPases is down-regulated in non-malignant MECs in three-dimensional culture with particular suppression of Rac1 and Cdc42. Inducible expression of a constitutively active form of Vav2, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor activated by receptor tyrosine kinases, in three-dimensional MEC culture activated Rac1 and Cdc42; Vav2 induction from early stages of culture impaired acinar morphogenesis, and induction in preformed acini disrupted the pre-established acinar architecture and led to cellular outgrowths. Knockdown studies demonstrated that Rac1 and Cdc42 mediate the constitutively active Vav2 phenotype, whereas in contrast, RhoA knockdown intensified the Vav2-induced disruption of acini, leading to more aggressive cell outgrowth and branching morphogenesis. These results indicate that RhoA plays an antagonistic role to Rac1/Cdc42 in the control of mammary epithelial acinar morphogenesis.

Deleterious Variants of FIG4, a Phosphoinositide Phosphatase, in Patients with ALS

Mutations of the lipid phosphatase FIG4 that regulates PI(3,5)P(2) are responsible for the recessive peripheral-nerve disorder CMT4J. We now describe nonsynonymous variants of FIG4 in 2% (9/473) of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). Heterozygosity for a deleterious allele of FIG4 appears to be a risk factor for ALS and PLS, extending the list of known ALS genes and increasing the clinical spectrum of FIG4-related diseases.

Structure and Function of Salmonella SifA Indicate that Its Interactions with SKIP, SseJ, and RhoA Family GTPases Induce Endosomal Tubulation

The Salmonella typhimurium type III secretion effector protein SifA is essential for inducing tubulation of the Salmonella phagosome and binds the mammalian kinesin-binding protein SKIP. Coexpression of SifA with the effector SseJ induced tubulation of mammalian cell endosomes, similar to that induced by Salmonella infection. Interestingly, GTP-bound RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC also induced endosomal tubulation when coexpressed with SseJ, indicating that SifA likely mimics or activates a RhoA family GTPase. The structure of SifA in complex with the PH domain of SKIP revealed that SifA has two distinct domains; the amino terminus binds SKIP, and the carboxyl terminus has a fold similar to SopE, a Salmonella effector with Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity (GEF). Similar to GEFs, SifA interacted with GDP-bound RhoA, and purified SseJ and RhoA formed a protein complex, suggesting that SifA, SKIP, SseJ, and RhoA family GTPases cooperatively promote host membrane tubulation.

αPIX Rho GTPase Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Regulates Lymphocyte Functions and Antigen Receptor Signaling

AlphaPIX is a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor domain-containing signaling protein that associates with other proteins involved in cytoskeletal-membrane complexes. It has been shown that PIX proteins play roles in some immune cells, including neutrophils and T cells. In this study, we report the immune system phenotype of alphaPIX knockout mice. We extended alphaPIX expression experiments and found that whereas alphaPIX was specific to immune cells, its homolog betaPIX was expressed in a wider range of cells. Mice lacking alphaPIX had reduced numbers of mature lymphocytes and defective immune responses. Antigen receptor-directed proliferation of alphaPIX(-) T and B cells was also reduced, but basal migration was enhanced. Accompanying these defects, formation of T-cell-B-cell conjugates and recruitment of PAK and Lfa-1 integrin to the immune synapse were impaired in the absence of alphaPIX. Proximal antigen receptor signaling was largely unaffected, with the exception of reduced phosphorylation of PAK and expression of GIT2 in both T cells and B cells. These results reveal specific roles for alphaPIX in the immune system and suggest that redundancy with betaPIX precludes a more severe immune phenotype.