Smad Transcriptional Activity Research Articles

The Src Family Kinase Inhibitors PP2 and PP1 Block TGF-Beta1-Mediated Cellular Responses by Direct and Differential Inhibition of Type I and Type II TGF-Beta Receptors

Both the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src and the receptors for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (TβRI, TβRII) play major roles during tumorigenesis by regulating cell growth, migration/invasion and metastasis. The common Src family kinase inhibitors PP2 and PP1 effectively block Src activity in vitro and in vivo, however, they may exert non-specific effects on other kinases. In this study, we have evaluated PP2 and PP1 for their ability to inhibit TGFβ1-mediated responses in the TGF-β-responsive pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line Panc1. We show that PP2 and PP1 but not the more specific Src inhibitor SU6656 effectively relieved TGF-b1-induced growth arrest and p21(WAF1) induction, while basal growth was enhanced by PP2 and PP1, and suppressed by SU6656. PP2 and PP1 but not SU6656 also suppressed TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as evidenced by their ability to inhibit downregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, and upregulation of the EMT-associated transcription factor Slug. Likewise, PP2 and PP1 but not SU6656 effectively blocked TGF-β1-induced activation of Smad2 and p38 MAPK and partially suppressed Smad activation and transcriptional activity on TGF-β/Smad-responsive reporters of a kinase-active TβRI mutant ectopically expressed in Panc1 cells. Interestingly, PP2 and PP1 strongly inhibited recombinant TβRI in an in vitro kinase assay, with PP1 being more potent and PP2 being nearly as potent as the established TβRI inhibitor SB431542. PP2 but not PP1 also weakly inhibited the TβRII kinase. Together, these data provide evidence that PP2 and PP1 are powerful inhibitors of TβR function that can block TGF-β/Smad signaling in a Src-unrelated fashion. Both agents may be useful as dual TGF-β/Src inhibitors in experimental therapeutics of late stage metastatic disease.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Activation Inhibits Tumor Metastasis by Antagonizing Smad3-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was shown to confer tumor cells with abilities essential for metastasis, including migratory phenotype, invasiveness, resistance to apoptosis, evading immune surveillance, and tumor stem cell traits. Therefore, inhibition of EMT can be an important therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor metastasis. Here, we show that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) inhibits transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced EMT in lung cancer cells and prevents metastasis by antagonizing Smad3 function. Activation of PPAR-γ by synthetic ligands (troglitazone and rosiglitazone) or by a constitutively active form of PPAR-γ prevents TGF-β-induced loss of E-cadherin expression and inhibits the induction of mesenchymal markers (vimentin, N-cadherin, fibronectin) and matrix metalloproteases. Consistently, activation of PPAR-γ also inhibited EMT-induced migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, effects of PPAR-γ ligands were attenuated by siRNA-mediated knockdown of PPAR-γ, indicating that the ligand-induced responses are PPAR-γ dependent. Selective knockdown of Smad2 and Smad3 by siRNA showed that TGF-β-induced EMT is Smad3 dependent in lung cancer cells. Activation of PPAR-γ inhibits TGF-β-induced Smad transcriptional activity but had no effect on the phosphorylation or nuclear translocation of Smads. Consistently, PPAR-γ activation prevented TGF-β-induced transcriptional repression of E-cadherin promoter and inhibited transcriptional activation of N-cadherin promoter. Finally, treatment of mice with troglitazone or knockdown of Smad3 in tumor cells significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced experimental metastasis in SCID-Beige mice. Together, with the low toxicity profile of PPAR-γ ligands, our data show that these ligands may serve as potential therapeutic agents to inhibit metastasis.

Thapsigargin‐induced Ca2+ increase inhibits TGFβ1‐mediated Smad2 transcriptional responses via Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signalling plays important roles in a variety of tissues and cell types. Impaired TGFβ signalling contributes to several pathologies, including cancer, fibrosis as well as neurodegenerative diseases. TGFβ receptor type I-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2, the formation of the Smad2-Smad4 complex and translocation to the nucleus are critical steps of the TGFβ signalling pathway. Here, we demonstrate that thapsigargin-mediated increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations inhibited TGFβ1-induced Smad2 transcriptional activity in the oligodendroglial cell line OLI-neu. We provide evidence that thapsigargin treatment dramatically reduced the nuclear translocation of Smad2 after TGFβ1 treatment but had no effect on its phosphorylation at Ser465/467. Moreover, using Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitors and a constitutively active CaMKII mutant, we provide evidence that the observed inhibition of TGFβ signalling in OLI-neu cells was strongly dependent on Ca(2+)-mediated CaMKII activation. In summary, this study clearly shows that the TGFβ1-induced Smad2 nuclear translocation is negatively regulated by intracellular Ca(2+) in OLI-neu cells and that increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations block Smad2-mediated transcription of TGFβ target genes. These results underline the importance of intracellular Ca(2+) for the regulation of TGFβ signalling.

Quantitative analysis of TGFBR2 mutations in Marfan-syndrome-related disorders suggests a correlation between phenotypic severity and Smad signaling activity

Mutations in the gene encoding transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II (TGFBR2) have been described in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), Marfan syndrome type 2 (MFS2) and familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD). Here, we present a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of TGFBR2 expression, turnover and TGF-β-induced Smad and ERK signaling activity for nine mutations identified in patients with LDS, MFS2 and TAAD. The mutations had different effects on protein stability, internalization and signaling. A dominant-negative effect was demonstrated for mutations associated with LDS and MFS2. No mutation showed evidence of an immediate cell-autonomous paradoxical activation of TGF-β signaling. There were no cell biological differences between mutations described in patients with LDS and MFS2. By contrast, R460C, which has been found in familial TAAD but not in MFS2 or LDS, showed a less-severe dominant-negative effect and retained residual Smad phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. TAAD is characterized primarily by thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissections. By contrast, MFS2 is characterized by numerous skeletal abnormalities, and patients with LDS additionally can display craniofacial and other abnormalities. Therefore, our findings suggest that the balance between defects in Smad and ERK signaling might be an important determinant of phenotypic severity in disorders related to mutations in TGFBR2.

PD-1 Signals Inhibit Cell Cycle Progression by Mediating Upregulation of Both KIP and INK Family of Cdk Inhibitors

AbstractAbstract 585The PD-1 pathway plays a critical role in the inhibition of T cell activation and the maintenance of T cell tolerance. PD-1 is expressed on activated T cells and limits T cell clonal expansion and effector function upon engagement with its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. PD-1 signals are vital for inhibition of autoimmunity whereas PD-1 ligation by PD-L1 and PD-L2 expressed on malignant cells has a detrimental effect on tumor-specific immunity. Furthermore, PD-1 signals result in T cell exhaustion in several chronic viral infections. The mechanism via which PD-1 signals mediate inhibition of T cell expansion is currently poorly understood. Here, we sought to determine the effects of PD-1 signals on mechanistic regulation of cell cycle progression mediated via TCR/CD3 and CD28 in primary human CD4+ T cells using anti-CD3/CD28 with or without agonist anti-PD-1 mAb conjugated to magnetic beads. Cell cycle analysis by ethynyl-deoxyuridine incorporation revealed that PD-1 induced blockade of cell cycle progression at the early G1 phase. To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the blocked cell cycle progression we examined the expression and activation of cyclins and cdks and the regulation of cdk inhibitors that counterbalance the enzymatic activation of cyclin/cdk holoenzyme complexes. Our studies revealed that PD-1 mediated signals inhibited upregulation of Skp2, the SCF ubiquitin ligase that leads p27kip1 cdk inhibitor to ubiquitin-dependent degradation, and resulted in accumulation of p27kip1. Expression of cyclin E that is induced at the G1/S phase transition, and cyclin A that is synthesized during the S phase of the cell cycle, was dramatically reduced in the presence of PD-1 signaling. Strikingly, although expression of cdk4 and cdk2 was comparable between cells cultured in the presence or in the absence of PD-1, cdk2 enzymatic activation was significantly reduced in the presence of PD-1 signaling. Smad3 is a novel critical cdk substrate. Maximum cdk-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation occurs at the G1/S phase junction and requires activation of cdk2. Phosphorylation by cdk antagonizes TGF-β-induced transcriptional activity and antiproliferative function of Smad3 whereas impaired phosphorylation on the cdk-specific sites renders Smad3 more effective in executing its antiproliferative function. Based on those findings, we examined the effects of PD-1 signaling on Smad3 phosphorylation on cdk-specific and TGF-β-specific sites using site-specific phospho-Smad3 antibodies. Compared to anti-CD3/CD28 alone, culture in the presence of PD-1 induced impaired cdk2 activity, reduced levels of Smad3 phosphorylation on the cdk-specific sites and increased Smad3 phophorylation on the TGF-b-specific site. To determine whether the differential phosphorylation of Smad3 might differentially regulate Smad3 transcriptional activity in CD4+ T cells cultured in the presence versus the absence of PD-1, we examined expression of the INK family cdk4/6 inhibitor p15, a known downstream transcriptional target of Smad3. Expression of p15 was upregulated in CD4+ T cells cultured in the presence of PD-1 but not in cells cultured in the presence of CD3/CD28-coated beads alone. These results indicate that PD-1 signals inhibit cell cycle progression by mediating upregulation of both KIP and INK family of cdk inhibitors and Smad3 is a critical component of this mechanism, regulating blockade at the early G1 phase. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Oncoprotein c-Ski Functions as a Direct Antagonist of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Type I Receptor

The oncoprotein c-Ski has been implicated in the negative regulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling owing to its ability to repress Smad transcriptional activity via recruitment of a transcriptional corepressor complex containing histone deacetylases. However, c-Ski has also been shown to localize to the cytoplasm, raising the interesting possibility that it might disable TGF-β signaling through alternative mechanisms. Here, we provide evidence that c-Ski can restrict TGF-β signaling by interacting directly with the activated TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI). We explored the physiologic relevance of the c-Ski/TβRI interaction and found that it can culminate in a constitutive association of TβRI with a nonfunctional R-Smad/Smad4 complex. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the interaction between c-Ski and TβRI might interfere with nuclear translocation of the R-Smad/Smad4 complex, thereby attenuating TGF-β signaling. Such a mechanism may play a crucial role in tumor progression, because many tumors that express high levels of c-Ski also display impaired nuclear accumulation of Smads.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4-mediated phosphorylation inhibits Smad3 activity in cyclin D-overexpressing breast cancer cells.

Smad3, a component of the transforming growth factor β signaling cascade, contributes to G(1) arrest in breast cancer cells. Cyclin D1/cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) promotes G(1)-S-phase transition, and CDK phosphorylation of Smad3 has been associated with inhibition of Smad3 activity. We hypothesized that overexpression of cyclin D1 exerts tumorigenic effects in breast cancer cells through CDK4-mediated phosphorylation and inhibition of Smad3 and release of G(1) arrest. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting were used to evaluate expression of study proteins in cyclin D1-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Smad3 transcriptional activity and cell cycle control were examined in cells transfected with wild-type (WT) Smad3 or Smad3 with single or multiple CDK phosphorylation site mutations (M) in the presence or absence of the CDK4 inhibitor or cotransfection with cdk4 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Transfection of the Smad3 5M construct resulted in decreased c-myc and higher p15(INK4B) expression. Compared with WT Smad3, overexpression of the Smad3 T8, T178, 4M, or 5M mutant constructs resulted in higher Smad3 transcriptional activity. Compared with cells transfected with WT Smad3, Smad3 transcriptional activity was higher in cells overexpressing Smad3 mutant constructs and treated with the CDK4 inhibitor or transfected with cdk4 siRNA. Cells transfected with Smad3 T8 or T178 and treated with the CDK4 inhibitor showed an increase in the G(1) cell population. Inhibition of CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation released cyclin D1-regulated blockade of Smad3 transcriptional activity and recovered cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. Targeted inhibition of CDK4 activity may have a role in the treatment of cyclin D-overexpressing breast cancers.

Endoglin differentially regulates TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 and Smad1/5 signalling and its expression correlates with extracellular matrix production and cellular differentiation state in human chondrocytes

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a critical role in cartilage homeostasis and deregulation of its signalling is implicated in osteoarthritis (OA). TGF-β isoforms signal through a pair of transmembrane serine/threonine kinases known as the type I and type II TGF-β receptors. Endoglin is a TGF-β co-receptor that binds TGF-β with high affinity in the presence of the type II TGF-β receptor. We have previously shown that endoglin is expressed in human chondrocytes and that it forms a complex with the TGF-β signalling receptors. However, the functional significance of endoglin expression in chondrocytes is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether endoglin regulates TGF-β/Smad signalling and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in human chondrocytes and whether its expression varies with chondrocyte differentiation state. Endoglin function was determined by overexpression or antisense morpholino/siRNA knockdown of endoglin in human chondrocytes and measuring TGF-β-induced Smad phosphorylation, transcriptional activity and ECM production. Alterations in endoglin expression levels were determined during subculture-induced dedifferentiation of human chondrocytes and in normal vs OA cartilage samples. Endoglin enhances TGF-β1-induced Smad1/5 phosphorylation and inhibits TGF-β1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation, Smad3-driven transcriptional activity and ECM production in human chondrocytes. In addition, the enhancing effect of endoglin siRNA knockdown on TGF-β1-induced Smad3-driven transcription is reversed by ALK1 overexpression. Furthermore, endoglin levels are increased in chondrocytes following subculture-induced dedifferentiation and in OA cartilage as compared to normal cartilage. Together, our results suggest that endoglin regulates the balance between TGF-β/ALK1/Smad1/5 and ALK5/Smad2/3 signalling and ECM production in human chondrocytes and that endoglin may represent a marker for chondrocyte phenotype.

IdGene Regulation and Function in the Prosensory Domains of the Chicken Inner Ear: A Link between Bmp Signaling andAtoh1

Bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps) regulate the expression of the proneural gene Atoh1 and the generation of hair cells in the developing inner ear. The present work explored the role of Inhibitor of Differentiation genes (Id1-3) in this process. The results show that Id genes are expressed in the prosensory domains of the otic vesicle, along with Bmp4 and Bmp7. Those domains exhibit high levels of the phosphorylated form of Bmp-responding R-Smads (P-Smad1,5,8), and of Bmp-dependent Smad transcriptional activity as shown by the BRE-tk-EGFP reporter. Increased Bmp signaling induces the expression of Id1-3 along with the inhibition of Atoh1. Conversely, the Bmp antagonist Noggin or the Bmp-receptor inhibitor Dorsomorphin elicit opposite effects, indicating that Bmp signaling is necessary for Id expression and Atoh1 regulation in the otocyst. The forced expression of Id3 is sufficient to reduce Atoh1 expression and to prevent the expression of hair cell differentiation markers. Together, these results suggest that Ids are part of the machinery that mediates the regulation of hair cell differentiation exerted by Bmps. In agreement with that, during hair cell differentiation Bmp4 expression, P-Smad1,5,8 levels and Id expression are downregulated from hair cells. However, Ids are also downregulated from the supporting cells which contrarily to hair cells exhibit high levels of Bmp4 expression, P-Smad1,5,8, and BRE-tk-EGFP activity, suggesting that in these cells Ids escape from Bmp/Smad signaling. The differential regulation of Ids in time and space may underlie the multiple functions of Bmp signaling during sensory organ development.

AMP-activated protein kinase is required for induction of apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase which has been implicated in the regulation of cellular energy homeostasis. Relatively very little is known about its role in other cellular processes. We observed that AMPK-α can be activated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in mouse hepatocytes. Inhibition of AMPK by Compound C, a selective AMPK-α inhibitor, inhibited TGF-β1-induced apoptosis and EMT in hepatocytes. In addition, overexpression of a dominant-negative form of AMPK-α subunit also suppressed TGF-β1-induced EMT and apoptosis in AML12 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of AMPK suppressed TGF-β1-induced Smad3 transcriptional activity. This study indicates that AMPK is able to modulate Smad3 transcriptional activity, which plays an important role in TGF-β1-induced apoptosis and EMT.

C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1 Promotes Transforming Growth Factor–β1–Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via Control of Linker Phosphorylation and Transcriptional Activity of Smad3

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a key mediator of lung remodeling and fibrosis. Epithelial cells are both a source of and can respond to TGF-β1 with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We recently determined that TGF-β1-induced EMT in lung epithelial cells requires the presence of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1. Because TGF-β1 signals via Smad complexes, the goal of the present study was to determine the impact of JNK1 on phosphorylation of Smad3 and Smad3-dependent transcriptional responses in lung epithelial cells. Evaluation of JNK1-deficient lung epithelial cells demonstrated that TGF-β1-induced terminal phosphorylation of Smad3 was similar, whereas phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase sites in the linker regions of Smad3 was diminished, in JNK1-deficient cells compared with wild-type cells. In comparison to wild-type Smad3, expression of a mutant Smad3 in which linker mitogen-activated protein kinase sites were ablated caused a marked attenuation in JNK1 or TGF-β1-induced Smad-binding element transcriptional activity, and expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibronectin-1, high-mobility group A2, CArG box-binding factor-A, and fibroblast-specific protein-1, genes critical in the process of EMT. JNK1 enhanced the interaction between Smad3 and Smad4, which depended on linker phosphorylation of Smad3. Conversely, Smad3 with phosphomimetic mutations in the linker domain further enhanced EMT-related genes and proteins, even in the absence of JNK1. Finally, we demonstrated a TGF-β1-induced interaction between Smad3 and JNK1. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Smad3 phosphorylation in the linker region and Smad transcriptional activity are directly or indirectly controlled by JNK1, and provide a putative mechanism whereby JNK1 promotes TGF-β1-induced EMT.

Notch and Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) Signaling Pathways Cooperatively Regulate Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation

Notch and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) play pivotal roles during vascular development and the pathogenesis of vascular disease. The interaction of these two pathways is not fully understood. The present study utilized primary human smooth muscle cells (SMC) to examine molecular cross-talk between TGFbeta1 and Notch signaling on contractile gene expression. Activation of Notch signaling using Notch intracellular domain or Jagged1 ligand induced smooth muscle alpha-actin (SM actin), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, and calponin1, and the expression of Notch downstream effectors hairy-related transcription factors. Similarly, TGFbeta1 treatment of human aortic smooth muscle cells induced SM actin, calponin1, and smooth muscle protein 22-alpha (SM22alpha) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Hairy-related transcription factor proteins, which antagonize Notch activity, also suppressed the TGFbeta1-induced increase in SMC markers, suggesting a general mechanism of inhibition. We found that Notch and TGFbeta1 cooperatively activate SMC marker transcripts and protein through parallel signaling axes. Although the intracellular domain of Notch4 interacted with phosphoSmad2/3 in SMC, this interaction was not observed with Notch1 or Notch2. However, we found that CBF1 co-immunoprecipitated with phosphoSmad2/3, suggesting a mechanism to link canonical Notch signaling to phosphoSmad activity. Indeed, the combination of Notch activation and TGFbeta1 treatment led to synergistic activation of a TGFbeta-responsive promoter. This increase corresponded to increased levels of phosphoSmad2/3 interaction at Smad consensus binding sites within the SM actin, calponin1, and SM22alpha promoters. Thus, Notch and TGFbeta coordinately induce a molecular and functional contractile phenotype by co-regulation of Smad activity at SMC promoters.

Abstract 3965: Geldanamycin-induced heat shock protein 70 negatively regulates TGF-β signaling through interaction with TGF-β receptors

Abstract Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays important roles in a variety of physiological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of TGF-β signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases including cancer; therefore, pharmacological inhibitors that target the TGF-β signaling pathway might be promising drugs for disease therapy. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of inhibition of TGF-β signaling by the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA). Treatment with GA suppressed TGF-β signaling, as evidenced by inhibition of TGF-β-induced phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of Smad3 and decreased induction of target genes. Western blot analysis revealed that GA induced degradation of TGF-β type I and type II receptors through a proteasome-dependent pathway. Hsp70 interacted directly with TGF-β receptors following GA treatment. Notably, induction of Hsp70 by GA correlated with inhibition of TGF-β signaling. Suppression of Hsp70 expression by Hsp70 siRNA or KNK437, an inhibitor of Hsp70 synthesis, blocked the inhibition of TGF-β signaling by GA. Furthermore, down-regulation of endogenous Hsp70 enhanced TGF-β induced transcriptional activity and cell cycle arrest. These results strongly suggest that GA-induced Hsp70 acts as a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3965.

Abstract 3974: TIAF1 blocks p53 suppression of SMAD promoter activation

Abstract p53 participates in the TGF-β signaling. How p53 regulates SMAD gene transcription is largely unknown. TIAF1 is a TGF-β1-induced factor and a downstream effector of the TGF-β signaling. TIAF1 is known to control nuclear localization of Ser15-phosphorylated p53. Ectopic TIAF1 induces growth inhibition and apoptosis of monocytic U937 and many non-fibroblasts, via upregulation of p53, p21, and Smad2/4, but downregulation of ERK phosphorylation. Wild type p53 suppresses the transcriptional activation of SMAD gene, whereas isoform p53γ induces the gene activation. TGF-β1 increases the physical association of TIAF1 with Smad4, and when overexpressed, TIAF1 inhibits Smad4-dependent promoter activation. In combination, TIAF1 and p53 support the promoter activation regulated by endogenous or ectopic Smad4, indicating that TIAF1 blocks p53 suppression of the SMAD promoter activation, and vice versa. Without Ser46 phosphorylation in p53 (p53ΔS46), p53ΔS46 alone, or in the co-presence of TIAF1, abolishes the Smad4-regulated promoter activation. These observations suggest a critical role of Ser46 in p53 in controlling SMAD transcriptional activation. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3974.

Prolyl isomerase Pin1 controls TGF-β-Smad signaling and pulmonary fibrosis (142.12)

Abstract Normal pulmonary function requires precise control over the content and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). During the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis, a net increase in ECM content displaces epithelial cells and causes severe reductions of pulmonary function. This process is often associated with elevated levels of TGF-β1 which enhances ECM production by fibroblasts. However, the signaling mechanisms that coordinate ECM production remain unclear. Here, we show that Pin1, a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase which isomerizes pSer/pThr-Pro peptide bonds, reciprocally controls the production of pro- and anti-fibrogenic ECM. Pin1 knockout mice treated with bleomycin, which induces pulmonary fibrosis by elevating TGF-β1, showed significantly attenuated expression of collagens (I, III and V), TIMPs (TIMP1 and 4) and fibrogenic cytokines (TGF-β1, IL-1β and CTGF) but increased MMPs (MMP2 and 3). In primary lung fibroblasts, Pin1 was required for TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear transactivation of Smad3. These functions were mediated by TGF-β1 dependent interactions of Pin1 with inhibitory Smad6. In Pin1 knockout cells, Smad6 remained predominantly cytoplasmic, likely attenuating Smad3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. These data support and extend our previous observations that Pin1 blockade in vivo significantly reduced total collagen deposition in the lungs of animal models of asthma and lung transplantation.

Metformin attenuates cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting the TGFβ1–Smad3 signalling pathway

The mechanism of the cardioprotective action of metformin is incompletely understood. We determined the role of metformin in cardiac fibrosis and investigated the mechanism. Ten-week-old male mice (C57BL/6) were subjected to left ventricular pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction. Mice received metformin (200 mg/kg/day) or normal saline for 6 weeks. Metformin inhibited cardiac fibrosis (fibrosis area/total heart area: 0.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.9%, P < 0.01) induced by pressure overload and improved cardiac diastolic function (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure: 5.2 +/- 0.9 vs. 11.0 +/- 1.6 mmHg, P < 0.05). Metformin inhibited the pressure overload-induced transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) production in mouse hearts and the TGF-beta(1)-induced collagen synthesis in cultured adult mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Metformin suppressed the phosphorylation of Smad3 in response to TGF-beta(1) in CFs. Metformin also inhibited the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of Smad3 in CFs. Metformin inhibited cardiac fibrosis induced by pressure overload in vivo and inhibited collagen synthesis in CFs probably via inhibition of the TGF-beta(1)-Smad3 signalling pathway. These findings provide a new mechanism for the cardioprotective effects of metformin.

Upregulation of Id1 by Epstein-Barr Virus-encoded LMP1 confers resistance to TGFβ-mediated growth inhibition

BackgroundEpstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded LMP1 protein is commonly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). LMP1 is a prime candidate for driving tumourigenesis given its ability to activate multiple signalling pathways and to alter the expression and activity of variety of downstream targets. Resistance to TGFβ-mediated cytostasis is one of the growth transforming effects of LMP1. Of the downstream targets manipulated by LMP1, the induction of Id1 and inactivation of Foxo3a appear particularly relevant to LMP1-mediated effects. Id1, a HLH protein is implicated in cell transformation and plays a role in cell proliferation, whilst Foxo3a, a transcription factor controls cell integrity and homeostasis by regulating apoptosis. The mechanism(s) by which LMP1 induces these effects have not been fully characterised.ResultsIn this study, we demonstrate that the ability of LMP1 to induce the phosphorylation and inactivation of Foxo3a is linked to the upregulation of Id1. Furthermore, we show that the induction of Id1 is essential for the transforming function of LMP1 as over-expression of Id1 increases cell proliferation, attenuates TGFβ-SMAD-mediated transcription and renders cells refractory to TGFβ-mediated cytostasis. Id1 silencing in LMP1-expressing epithelial cells abolishes the inhibitory effect of LMP1 on TGFβ-mediated cell growth arrest and reduces the ability of LMP1 to attenuate SMAD transcriptional activity. In response to TGFβ stimulation, LMP1 does not abolish SMAD phosphorylation but inhibits p21 protein expression. In addition, we found the induction of Id1 in LMP1-expressing cells upon stimulation by TGFβ. We provide evidence that LMP1 suppresses the transcriptional repressor ATF3, possibly leading to the TGFβ-induced Id1 upregulation.ConclusionThe current data provide novel information regarding the mechanisms by which LMP1 suppresses TGFβ-induced cytostasis, highlighting the importance of Id1 in LMP1 mediated cell transformation

Geldanamycin inhibits TGF-β signaling through induction of Hsp70

Dysregulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases including cancer; therefore, pharmacological inhibitors that target the TGF-β signaling pathway might be promising drugs for disease therapy. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of inhibition of TGF-β signaling by the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA). Treatment with GA suppressed TGF-β signaling, as evidenced by inhibition of TGF-β-induced phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of Smad3 and decreased induction of target genes. Western blot analysis revealed that GA induced degradation of TGF-β type I and type II receptors through a proteasome-dependent pathway. Notably, induction of Hsp70 by GA correlated with inhibition of TGF-β signaling. Suppression of Hsp70 expression by Hsp70 siRNA or KNK437, an inhibitor of Hsp70 synthesis, blocked the inhibition of TGF-β signaling by GA. Furthermore, Hsp70 interacted directly with TGF-β receptors following GA treatment. Our results suggest that GA-mediated induction of Hsp70 and its subsequent interaction with TGF-β receptors plays a crucial role in inhibition of TGF-β signaling.

Nuclear CDKs Drive Smad Transcriptional Activation and Turnover in BMP and TGF-β Pathways

TGF-beta and BMP receptor kinases activate Smad transcription factors by C-terminal phosphorylation. We have identified a subsequent agonist-induced phosphorylation that plays a central dual role in Smad transcriptional activation and turnover. As receptor-activated Smads form transcriptional complexes, they are phosphorylated at an interdomain linker region by CDK8 and CDK9, which are components of transcriptional mediator and elongation complexes. These phosphorylations promote Smad transcriptional action, which in the case of Smad1 is mediated by the recruitment of YAP to the phosphorylated linker sites. An effector of the highly conserved Hippo organ size control pathway, YAP supports Smad1-dependent transcription and is required for BMP suppression of neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. The phosphorylated linker is ultimately recognized by specific ubiquitin ligases, leading to proteasome-mediated turnover of activated Smad proteins. Thus, nuclear CDK8/9 drive a cycle of Smad utilization and disposal that is an integral part of canonical BMP and TGF-beta pathways.

Modulation of the transforming growth factor-β1-induced Smad phosphorylation by the extracellular matrix receptor β1-integrin

Integrins, heterodimeric receptors for the extracellular matrix, are known to modulate transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-mediated cell behavior. However, the interplay between beta1-integrin and Smad signaling, regulated by TGF-beta1, is not clearly understood. This study focuses on the alterations of the regulatory Smads (R-Smads) by TGF-beta1 in beta1-integrin-transfected HepG2 cells. The phosphorylation at the C-terminal site of R-Smads by TGF-beta1 was impaired in the beta1-integrin-transfected cells. However, the R-Smads were constitutively phosphorylated at the linker region in a MAP kinase-dependent manner. Furthermore, the expression of a mutant Smad3, that lacks the phosphorylation sites in the linker region, restored the TGF-beta1-induced Smad transcriptional activity. These results suggest that beta1-integrin impairs the TGF-beta1-mediated signals through the altered phosphorylation of the R-Smads.