Kinases Tyk2 Research Articles

IL-4 and IL-13 employ discrete signaling pathways for target gene expression in alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages

Monocytes/macrophages are innate immune cells that play a crucial role in the resolution of inflammation. In the presence of the Th2 cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), they display an anti-inflammatory profile and this activation pathway is known as alternative activation. In this study we compare and differentiate pathways mediated by IL-4 and IL-13 activation of human monocytes/macrophages. Here we report differential regulation of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling in monocytes/macrophages starting from IL-4/IL-13 cytokine receptors to Jak/Stat-mediated signaling pathways that ultimately control expression of several inflammatory genes. Our data demonstrate that although the receptor-associated tyrosine kinases Jak2 and Tyk2 are activated after the recruitment of IL-13 to its receptor (containing IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1), IL-4 stimulates Jak1 activation. We further show that Jak2 is upstream of Stat3 activation and Tyk2 controls Stat1 and Stat6 activation in response to IL-13 stimulation. In contrast, Jak1 regulates Stat3 and Stat6 activation in IL-4-induced monocytes. Our results further reveal that although IL-13 utilizes both IL-4Rα/Jak2/Stat3 and IL-13Rα1/Tyk2/Stat1/Stat6 signaling pathways, IL-4 can use only the IL-4Rα/Jak1/Stat3/Stat6 cascade to regulate the expression of some critical inflammatory genes, including 15-lipoxygenase, monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), and the scavenger receptor CD36. Moreover, we demonstrate here that IL-13 and IL-4 can uniquely affect the expression of particular genes such as dual-specificity phosphatase 1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-3 and do so through different Jaks. As evidence of differential regulation of gene function by IL-4 and IL-13, we further report that MAO-A-mediated reactive oxygen species generation is influenced by different Jaks. Collectively, these results have major implications for understanding the mechanism and function of alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages by IL-4 and IL-13 and add novel insights into the pathogenesis and potential treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

The JAK kinase Tyk2 and the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (Stat3) are required for Brown Adipose Tissue Differentiation

Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and Alzheimer's disease are some of the numerous disorders associated with the obesity epidemic. Two functionally different types of fat that maintain energy balance contribute to the development of obesity. White adipose (WAT) is the primary site of energy storage, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) is responsible for energy expenditure in a process termed thermogenesis.We have made the novel observations that mice which do not express the Jak tyrosine kinase Tyk2 become obese with age, and Tyk2 is required for BAT differentiation. In addition to Tyk2, expression of the constitutively active form of the transcription factor Stat3, (CAStat3) restores BAT differentiation and the expression of BAT‐specific genes in Tyk2−/−‐preadipocytes as well as Tyk2−/− mice that express CAStat3 in BAT. In contrast, disruption of Stat3 expression in Tyk2+/+ preadipocytes prevents proper development of brown adipocytesExpression of CEBP/B and PRDM16, a master‐regulator of BAT differentiation, restores BAT differentiation in Tyk2−/− preadipocytes. Consistent with the observation that Stat3 and PRDM16 form a complex with C/EBPB□ Stat3 is also required for CEBP/B and PRDM16 mediated differentiation of brown adipocytes.. These studies define a novel role for the tyrosine kinase Tyk2 and Stat3 as determinants of brown fat‐lineage.

The Role of Tyk2 in Regulating Energy Expenditure and Preventing Obesity

Brown adipose tissue(BAT) and skeletal muscle(SKM) are the two major tissues involved in energy expenditure, mediated by thermogenesis.We have observed that mice that do not express the JAK kinase‐ Tyk2 become spontaneously obese and exhibit the metabolic syndrome. Tyk2−/− mice show defects in BAT and SKM, which arise from the same lineage of Myf5+ progenitors of the mesenchymal lineage. Tyk2−/− mice exhibit decreased expression of BAT specific genes like UCP1 and PRDM16. The expression of SKM specific transcription factors is elevated in Tyk2−/− BAT. Tyk2−/− mice also have more muscle mass compared to the wild type controls. However, the skeletal muscle is functionally impaired as shown by decreased mitochondria respiration capacity, decreased expression of mRNAs involved in muscle contraction, exercise intolerence and a defect in maintaining the core‐body temperature upon cold exposure.Taken together, these findings suggest a novel role for Tyk2 kinase in regulation of energy expenditure and preventing the obese phenotype.

Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Protein Kinase D2 Mediates Ligand-inducible Elimination of the Type 1 Interferon Receptor

Type 1 interferons (including IFNα/β) activate their cell surface receptor to induce the intracellular signal transduction pathways that play an important role in host defenses against infectious agents and tumors. The extent of cellular responses to IFNα is limited by several important mechanisms including the ligand-stimulated and specific serine phosphorylation-dependent degradation of the IFNAR1 chain of Type 1 IFN receptor. Previous studies revealed that acceleration of IFNAR1 degradation upon IFN stimulation requires activities of tyrosine kinase TYK2 and serine/threonine protein kinase D2 (PKD2), whose recruitment to IFNAR1 is also induced by the ligand. Here we report that activation of PKD2 by IFNα (but not its recruitment to the receptor) depends on TYK2 catalytic activity. PKD2 undergoes IFNα-inducible tyrosine phosphorylation on specific phospho-acceptor site (Tyr-438) within the plekstrin homology domain. Activated TYK2 is capable of facilitating this phosphorylation in vitro. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PKD2 is required for IFNα-stimulated activation of this kinase as well as for efficient serine phosphorylation and degradation of IFNAR1 and ensuing restriction of the extent of cellular responses to IFNα.

Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) 1 Inhibits Type I Interferon (IFN) Signaling via the Interferon α Receptor (IFNAR1)-associated Tyrosine Kinase Tyk2

Type I IFNs are critical players in host innate and adaptive immunity. IFN signaling is tightly controlled to ensure appropriate immune responses as imbalance could result in uncontrolled inflammation or inadequate responses to infection. It is therefore important to understand how type I IFN signaling is regulated. Here we have investigated the mechanism by which suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) inhibits type I IFN signaling. We have found that SOCS1 inhibits type I IFN signaling not via a direct interaction with the IFN α receptor 1 (IFNAR1) receptor component but through an interaction with the IFNAR1-associated kinase Tyk2. We have characterized the residues/regions involved in the interaction between SOCS1 and Tyk2 and found that SOCS1 associates via its SH2 domain with conserved phosphotyrosines 1054 and 1055 of Tyk2. The kinase inhibitory region of SOCS1 is also essential for its interaction with Tyk2 and inhibition of IFN signaling. We also found that Tyk2 is preferentially Lys-63 polyubiquitinated and that this activation reaction is inhibited by SOCS1. The consequent effect of SOCS1 inhibition of Tyk2 not only results in a reduced IFN response because of inhibition of Tyk2 kinase-mediated STAT signaling but also negatively impacts IFNAR1 surface expression, which is stabilized by Tyk2.

Mechanism of HCV's resistance to IFN-α in cell culture involves expression of functional IFN-α receptor 1

The mechanisms underlying the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) resistance to interferon alpha (IFN-α) are not fully understood. We used IFN-α resistant HCV replicon cell lines and an infectious HCV cell culture system to elucidate the mechanisms of IFN-α resistance in cell culture. The IFN-α resistance mechanism of the replicon cells were addressed by a complementation study that utilized the full-length plasmid clones of IFN-α receptor 1 (IFNAR1), IFN-α receptor 2 (IFNAR2), Jak1, Tyk2, Stat1, Stat2 and the ISRE- luciferase reporter plasmid. We demonstrated that the expression of the full-length IFNAR1 clone alone restored the defective Jak-Stat signaling as well as Stat1, Stat2 and Stat3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and antiviral response against HCV in all IFN-α resistant cell lines (R-15, R-17 and R-24) used in this study. Moreover RT-PCR, Southern blotting and DNA sequence analysis revealed that the cells from both R-15 and R-24 series of IFN-α resistant cells have 58 amino acid deletions in the extracellular sub domain 1 (SD1) of IFNAR1. In addition, cells from the R-17 series have 50 amino acids deletion in the sub domain 4 (SD4) of IFNAR1 protein leading to impaired activation of Tyk2 kinase. Using an infectious HCV cell culture model we show here that viral replication in the infected Huh-7 cells is relatively resistant to exogenous IFN-α. HCV infection itself induces defective Jak-Stat signaling and impairs Stat1 and Stat2 phosphorylation by down regulation of the cell surface expression of IFNAR1 through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress mechanisms. The results of this study suggest that expression of cell surface IFNAR1 is critical for the response of HCV to exogenous IFN-α.

A Novel Requirement for Janus Kinases as Mediators of Drug Resistance Induced by Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 in Human Cancer Cells

The development of resistance to chemotherapy is a major cause of cancer-related death. Elucidating the mechanisms of drug resistance should thus lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 signaling induces the assembly of a multi-protein complex that provides tumor cells with the molecular machinery necessary for drug resistance. This complex, which involves protein kinase C (PKC) ε, v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (B-RAF) and p70 S6 kinase β (S6K2), enhances the selective translation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAP) family members and these are able to protect multiple cancer cell types from chemotherapy-induced cell death. The Janus kinases (JAKs) are most noted for their critical roles in mediating cytokine signaling and immune responses. Here, we show that JAKs have novel functions that support their consideration as new targets in therapies aimed at reducing drug resistance. As an example, we show that the Janus kinase TYK2 is phosphorylated downstream of FGF-2 signaling and required for the full phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Moreover, TYK2 is necessary for the induction of key anti-apoptotic proteins, such as BCL-2 and myeloid cell leukemia sequence (MCL) 1, and for the promotion of cell survival upon FGF-2. Silencing JAK1, JAK2 or TYK2 using RNA interference (RNAi) inhibits FGF2-mediated proliferation and results in the sensitization of tumor cells to chemotherapy-induced killing. These effects are independent of activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1, STAT3 and STAT5A/B, the normal targets of JAK signaling. Instead, TYK2 associates with the other kinases previously implicated in FGF-2-mediated drug resistance. In light of these findings we hypothesize that TYK2 and other JAKs are important modulators of FGF-2-driven cell survival and that inhibitors of these kinases will likely improve the effectiveness of other cancer therapies.

Two Naturally Occurring Terpenes, Dehydrocostuslactone and Costunolide, Decrease Intracellular GSH Content and Inhibit STAT3 Activation

The main purpose of the present study is to envisage the molecular mechanism of inhibitory action ofdehydrocostuslactone (DCE) andcostunolide (CS), two naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactones, towards the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). We report that, in human THP-1 cell line, they inhibit IL-6-elicited tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 and its DNA binding activity with EC50 of 10 µM with concomitantdown-regulation ofthe phosphorylation of the tyrosine Janus kinases JAK1, JAK2 and Tyk2. Furthermore, these compounds that contain an α-β-unsatured carbonyl moiety and function as potent Michael reaction acceptor, induce a rapid drop in intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentration by direct interaction with it, thereby triggering S-glutathionylation of STAT3. Dehydrocostunolide (HCS), the reduced form of CS lacking only the α-β-unsaturated carbonyl group, fails to exert any inhibitory action. Finally, the glutathione ethylene ester (GEE), the cell permeable GSH form, reverts the inhibitory action of DCE and CS on STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. We conclude that these two sesquiterpene lactones are able to induce redox-dependent post-translational modification of cysteine residues of STAT3 protein in order to regulate its function.

Abstract 2809: Pathway dependence on the tyrosine kinase TYK2 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract To identify novel oncogenic pathways that are dysregulated in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), we carried out an RNA interference (RNAi) screen using a retroviral library of inducible short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in T-ALL cell lines. We found that loss of TYK2, a JAK family tyrosine kinase, was lethal in each of three T-ALL cell lines that we tested in this screen. An independent RNAi screen using a small-interference RNA (siRNA) library that individually silences each member of the tyrosine kinase gene family in primary T-ALL cells from a pediatric T-ALL specimens also demonstrated a dependence on TYK2 for cell viability. We confirmed by targeted knock-down analysis with multiple independent shRNAs that the loss of TYK2 induces apoptosis in T-ALL cells, whereas knock-down of other JAK proteins (JAK1, JAK2 or JAK3) had no effect. The TYK2 protein is constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in many T-ALL cell lines, and sequence analysis of the TYK2 gene in T-ALL cell lines and patient samples revealed a diversity of TYK2 point mutations in the FERM domain (V15A), pseudo-kinase domain (V731I) and kinase domain (E957D and R1027H). TYK2 cDNAs harboring each of these mutations, but not wild-type TYK2 cDNA, could transform Ba/F3 cells to factor-independent growth, and TYK2 was heavily phosphorylated in the Ba/F3 cell lines transformed with mutant cDNAs, indicating that these mutations activated the TYK2 kinase. TYK2-dependent T-ALL cell lines and the transformed Ba/F3 cells were sensitive to small-molecule JAK/TYK2 inhibitors. Moreover, we identified that inhibition of TYK2 induces downregulation of STAT1 phosphorylation, and that loss of STAT1 inhibits the growth of TYK2-dependent T-ALL cells, indicating that this transcription factor is involved in the TYK2 pathway and required for cell survival. Gene expression analysis after TYK2 or STAT1 knock-down in TYK2-dependent T-ALL cell lines revealed that BCL2 is upregulated by this pathway. In conclusion, our results establish a requirement for the TYK2-STAT1 pathway to promote T-ALL cell the survival, and establish TYK2 as a novel therapeutic target for this disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2809. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2809

Protein Pathway Activation Associated with Sustained Virologic Response in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Pegylated Interferon (PEG-IFN) and Ribavirin (RBV)

Only half of chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN+RBV) achieve sustained virologic response) SVR. In addition to known factors, we postulated that activation of key protein signaling networks in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) may contribute to SVR due to inherent patient-specific basal immune cell signaling architecture. In this study, we included 92 patients with CH-C. PBMCs were collected while patients were not receiving treatment and used for phosphoprotein-based network profiling. Patients received a full course of PEG-IFN+RBV with overall SVR of 55%. From PBMC, protein lysates were extracted and then used for Reverse Phase Protein Microarray (RPMA) analysis, which quantitatively measured the levels of cytokines and activation levels of 25 key protein signaling molecules involved in immune cell regulation and interferon alpha signaling. Regression models for predicting SVR were generated by stepwise bidirectional selection. Both clinical-laboratory and RPMA parameters were used as predictor variables. Model accuracies were estimated using 10-fold cross-validation. Our results show that by comparing patients who achieved SVR to those who did not, phosphorylation levels of 6 proteins [AKT(T308), JAK1(Y1022/1023), p70 S6 Kinase (S371), PKC zeta/lambda(T410/403), TYK2(Y1054/1055), ZAP-70(Y319)/Syk(Y352)] and overall levels of 6 unmodified proteins [IL2, IL10, IL4, IL5, TNF-alpha, CD5L] were significantly different (P < 0.05). For SVR, the model based on a combination of clinical and proteome parameters was developed, with an AUC = 0.914, sensitivity of 92.16%, and specificity of 85.0%. This model included the following parameters: viral genotype, previous treatment status, BMI, phosphorylated states of STAT2, AKT, LCK, and TYK2 kinases as well as steady state levels of IL4, IL5, and TNF-alpha. In conclusion, SVR could be predicted by a combination of clinical, cytokine, and protein signaling activation profiles. Signaling events elucidated in the study may shed some light into molecular mechanisms of response to anti-HCV treatment.

Regulatory Effects of Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1 (RSK1) in IFNλ Signaling

Although the mechanisms of generation of signals that control transcriptional activation of Type III IFN (IFNλ)-regulated genes have been identified, very little is known about the mechanisms by which the IFNλ receptor generates signals for mRNA translation of IFNλ-activated genes. We provide evidence that IFNλ activates the p90 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (RSK1) and its downstream effector, initiation factor eIF4B. Prior to its engagement by the IFNλ receptor, the non-active form of RSK1 is present in a complex with the translational repressor 4E-BP1 in IFNλ-sensitive cells. IFNλ-inducible phosphorylation/activation of RSK1 results in its dissociation from 4E-BP1 at the same time that 4E-BP1 dissociates from eIF4E to allow formation of eIF4F and initiation of cap-dependent translation. Our studies demonstrate that such IFNλ-dependent engagement of RSK1 is essential for up-regulation of p21(WAF1/CIP1) expression, suggesting a mechanism for generation of growth-inhibitory responses. Altogether, our data provide evidence for a critical role for the activated RSK1 in IFNλ signaling.

STAT3, HIF-1, glucose addiction and Warburg effect

Oncogenes as the center of cancer research focused attention 30 years ago on signal transduction especially tyrosine phosphorylation. Discovery that the Jun oncoprotein was a site-specific DNA binding protein demanded a connection of signaling abnormalities with transcriptional control [1]. The cytokine responsive Jak-STAT pathway, discovered through studying α-interferon activation of STATs 1 and 2 by the Jak tyrosine kinases (Tyk2, Jak1, Jak2) was soon broadened to include the other five STATs [2]. The first description of STAT3 in 1994 [3] raised suspicion in the direction of cancer because IL-6 and EGF, already recognized to have cancer connections, were the originally recognized ligands that activated the STAT3 homodimer.

Bcr-Abl Directly Activates Stat5 Independent of Jak2

AbstractAbstract 511Persistent activation of the transcription factor Stat5 is a signaling hallmark of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). In mouse models, Stat5 was required for initial myeloid and lymphoid transformation (by Bcr-Abl p210 or p185 and v-Abl). Most importantly, we and others recently showed that Stat5 was also required for maintenance of Bcr-Abl-dependent leukemia in vivo and for engraftment and reconstitution of Bcr-Abl p210-positive leukemia in secondary recipients. Therefore, Stat5 is of central functional importance in the Bcr-Abl signaling network and represents a possible critical vulnerable node in CML. In contrast to the well-studied functional role of Stat5 in disease models, the molecular mechanism of Bcr-Abl dependent Stat5 activation, including the tyrosine kinase(s) that phosphorylate and activate Stat5, remain only partially understood. In particular, conflicting views on the involvement of the Jak2 kinase and its potential role as a drug target in CML exist.We used conditional Jak2 knock-out mice to study the contribution of Jak2 in Bcr-Abl-dependent transformation and leukemogenicity. Jak2 ablation did not compromise the Bcr-Abl p210-mediated transforming capability in primary murine bone marrow- or fetal liver-derived hematopoietic cells in vitro. In contrast, initial lymphoid transformation by v-abl and Bcr-Abl p185 was abolished in Jak2 knock-out mice. Jak2 deletion did not have an effect on maintenance of lymphoid leukemia cells in vitro, whereas deletion of Stat5 induced a G1 arrest and subsequent apoptosis. In line with this, ablation of Jak2 expression after leukemia induction did not alter disease latency or disease phenotype.Consistently, we did not observe a decrease in Stat5 activation upon siRNA-mediated knock-down of Jak2 alone or all four Jak kinases (Jak1, Jak2, Jak3 and Tyk2) in CML cell lines. Using a panel of pharmacological inhibitors, we found that neither Jak2-selective, nor pan-Jak kinase inhibitors or Src family kinase-selective inhibitors led to a decrease in Stat5 phosphorylation, while the highly selective Bcr-Abl inhibitor nilotinib completely abrogated Stat5 phosphorylation. To study possible contributions of other tyrosine kinases in the Bcr-Abl dependent activation of Stat5, we used Ba/F3 cells expressing the TKI-resistant Bcr-Abl mutant T315I in combination with different broad-specificity tyrosine kinase inhibitors, like dasatinib. At dasatinib concentrations that inhibited several dozens of tyrosine kinases, Stat5 phosphorylation in Ba/F3 Bcr-Abl T315I cells was unaffected, excluding a role for most tyrosine kinases other than Bcr-Abl in Stat5 activation and pointing towards a direct phosphorylation of Stat5 by Bcr-Abl. Together, this data excludes a role of Jak and Src kinases in the activation of Stat5 in Bcr-Abl positive cell lines.Finally, in comprehensive enzyme kinetic analysis experiments using recombinant kinase, Stat5 had a similar KM value for Bcr-Abl as the canonical direct Bcr-Abl substrate CrkL and displayed only mildly lower kinase substrate parameters (vmax, kcat) than CrkL, fully compatible with direct phosphorylation of Stat5 by Bcr-Abl.Together with our earlier data on the pivotal role of Stat5 in the transcriptional and signaling network of Bcr-Abl, we propose a hypersensitive switch-like behavior of the Bcr-Abl-Stat5 kinase substrate pair that mechanistically rationalizes the central functional role of Stat5 in the signaling of CML cells.In summary, we provide compelling evidence that activation of Stat5 by Bcr-Abl is likely to be direct and that targeting of Jak2 in CML may not be of therapeutic benefit, as Jak2 is not required for CML initiation or maintenance. Disclosures:Hantschel:Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria.

Monocyte 15-Lipoxygenase Gene Expression Requires ERK1/2 MAPK Activity

IL-13 induces profound expression of 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in primary human monocytes. Our studies have defined the functional IL-13R complex, association of Jaks with the receptor components, and the tyrosine phosphorylation of several Stat molecules in response to IL-13. Furthermore, we identified both p38MAPK and protein kinase Cδ as critical regulators of 15-LO expression. In this study, we report an ERK1/2-dependent signaling cascade that regulates IL-13-mediated 15-LO gene expression. We show the rapid phosphorylation/activation of ERK1/2 upon IL-13 exposure. Our results indicate that Tyk2 kinase is required for the activation of ERK1/2, which is independent of the Jak2, p38MAPK, and protein kinase Cδ pathways, suggesting bifurcating parallel regulatory pathways downstream of the receptor. To investigate the signaling mechanisms associated with the ERK1/2-dependent expression of 15-LO, we explored the involvement of transcription factors, with predicted binding sites in the 15-LO promoter, in this process including Elk1, early growth response-1 (Egr-1), and CREB. Our findings indicate that IL-13 induces Egr-1 nuclear accumulation and CREB serine phosphorylation and that both are markedly attenuated by inhibition of ERK1/2 activity. We further show that ERK1/2 activity is required for both Egr-1 and CREB DNA binding to their cognate sequences identified within the 15-LO promoter. Furthermore, by transfecting monocytes with the decoy oligodeoxyribonucleotides specific for Egr-1 and CREB, we discovered that Egr-1 and CREB are directly involved in regulating 15-LO gene expression. These studies characterize an important regulatory role for ERK1/2 in mediating IL-13-induced monocyte 15-LO expression via the transcription factors Egr-1 and CREB.

SS8-4 A novel requirement for the Janus kinase TYK2 as a mediator of drug resistance induced by fibroblast growth factor-2 in cancer cells

SS8-4 A novel requirement for the Janus kinase TYK2 as a mediator of drug resistance induced by fibroblast growth factor-2 in cancer cells

A Determinant of Sindbis Virus Neurovirulence Enables Efficient Disruption of Jak/STAT Signaling

Previous studies with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and Sindbis virus (SINV) indicate that alphaviruses are capable of suppressing the cellular response to type I and type II interferons (IFNs) by disrupting Jak/STAT signaling; however, the relevance of this signaling inhibition toward pathogenesis has not been investigated. The relative abilities of neurovirulent and nonneurovirulent SINV strains to downregulate Jak/STAT signaling were compared to determine whether the ability to inhibit IFN signaling correlates with virulence potential. The adult mouse neurovirulent strain AR86 was found to rapidly and robustly inhibit tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 in response to IFN-γ and/or IFN-β. In contrast, the closely related SINV strains Girdwood and TR339, which do not cause detectable disease in adult mice, were relatively inefficient inhibitors of STAT1/2 activation. Decreased STAT activation in AR86-infected cells was associated with decreased activation of the IFN receptor-associated tyrosine kinases Tyk2, Jak1, and Jak2. To identify the viral factor(s) involved, we infected cells with several panels of AR86/Girdwood chimeric viruses. Surprisingly, we found that a single amino acid determinant, threonine at nsP1 position 538, which is required for AR86 virulence, was also required for efficient disruption of STAT1 activation, and this determinant fully restored STAT1 inhibition when it was introduced into the avirulent Girdwood background. These data indicate that a key virulence determinant plays a critical role in downregulating the response to type I and type II IFNs, which suggests that the ability of alphaviruses to inhibit Jak/STAT signaling relates to their in vivo virulence potential.

Structural and Thermodynamic Characterization of the TYK2 and JAK3 Kinase Domains in Complex with CP-690550 and CMP-6

Janus kinases (JAKs) are critical regulators of cytokine pathways and attractive targets of therapeutic value in both inflammatory and myeloproliferative diseases. Although the crystal structures of active JAK1 and JAK2 kinase domains have been reported recently with the clinical compound CP-690550, the structures of both TYK2 and JAK3 with CP-690550 have remained outstanding. Here, we report the crystal structures of TYK2, a first in class structure, and JAK3 in complex with PAN-JAK inhibitors CP-690550 ((3R,4R)-3-[4-methyl-3-[ N-methyl- N-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino]piperidin-1-yl]-3-oxopropionitrile) and CMP-6 (tetracyclic pyridone 2-t-butyl-9-fluoro-3,6-dihydro-7H-benz[h]-imidaz[4,5-f]isoquinoline-7-one), both of which bind in the ATP-binding cavities of both JAK isozymes in orientations similar to that observed in crystal structures of JAK1 and JAK2. Additionally, a complete thermodynamic characterization of JAK/CP-690550 complex formation was completed by isothermal titration calorimetry, indicating the critical role of the nitrile group from the CP-690550 compound. Finally, computational analysis using WaterMap further highlights the critical positioning of the CP-690550 nitrile group in the displacement of an unfavorable water molecule beneath the glycine-rich loop. Taken together, the data emphasize the outstanding properties of the kinome-selective JAK inhibitor CP-690550, as well as the challenges in obtaining JAK isozyme-selective inhibitors due to the overall structural and sequence similarities between the TYK2, JAK1, JAK2 and JAK3 isozymes. Nevertheless, subtle amino acid variations of residues lining the ligand-binding cavity of the JAK enzymes, as well as the global positioning of the glycine-rich loop, might provide the initial clues to obtaining JAK-isozyme selective inhibitors.

Expression, purification, and characterization of TYK-2 kinase domain, a member of the Janus kinase family

The Janus kinase family consists of four members: JAK-1, -2, -3 and TYK-2. While JAK-2 and JAK-3 have been well characterized biochemically, there is little data on TYK-2. Recent work suggests that TYK-2 may play a critical role in the development of a number of inflammatory processes. We have carried out a series of biochemical studies to better understand TYK-2 enzymology and its inhibition profile, in particular how the TYK-2 phosphorylated forms differ from each other and from the other JAK family members. We have expressed and purified milligram quantities of the TYK-2 kinase domain (KD) to high purity and developed a method to separate the non-, mono- (pY 1054) and di-phosphorylated forms of the enzyme. Kinetic studies ( k cat(app)/ K m(app)) indicated that phosphorylation of the TYK-2-KD (pY 1054) increased the catalytic efficiency 4.4-fold compared to its non-phosphorylated form, while further phosphorylation to generate the di-phosphorylated enzyme imparted no further increase in activity. These results are in contrast to those obtained with the JAK-2-KD and JAK-3-KD, where little or no increase in activity occurred upon mono-phosphorylation, while di-phosphorylation resulted in a 5.1-fold increase in activity for the JAK-2-KD. Moreover, ATP-competitive inhibitors demonstrated 10–30-fold shifts in potency ( K i(app)) as a result of the TYK-2-KD phosphorylation state, while the shifts for JAK-3-KD were only 2–3-fold and showed little or no change for JAK-2-KD. Thus, the phosphorlyation state imparted differential effects on both activity and inhibition within the JAK family of kinases.

Abstract 3064: HPP1 tumor suppression and JAK-STAT signaling

Abstract Introduction: HPP1 is a putative tumor suppressor gene that is epigenetically silenced in various tumor types including colorectal cancer. We have previously reported that the ectopic expression of HPP1 results in the upregulation of STAT1, STAT2 and a number of interferon-inducible genes, and that activation of STAT1 is critical for HPP1's growth suppressive functions. We have sought to comprehensively evaluate alterations and the importance of the JAK-STAT signaling axis as they relate to HPP1 overexpression. Methods: Full-length HPP1 was amplified and cloned into the pcDNA3.1 expression vector which was then stably transfected into the HCT116 colon cancer cell line. Western Blot analyses were performed to assess both expression and activation for STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2 in HPP1 transfectants and empty vector controls. Functional STAT1 and STAT2 promoter binding were quantified using luciferase reporter plasmids containing ISRE-(Interferon Stimulated Regulatory Element) and GAS-(Gamma Activated Site) promoter elements. Results: The overexpression of HPP1 resulted in increased expression and activation of STAT1 and STAT2. Overexpression of HPP1 was associated with significant increases in both STAT1:STAT1 (p=0.007) and STAT1:STAT2 (p=0.036) binding, suggesting HPP1 mediates tumor suppression via association with Type II-like (gamma) and Type I-like (alpha) interferon pathways. Furthermore, additional corresponding dose-dependent inductions of STAT1 and STAT2 activation were achieved by treatment of HPP1 transfectants with interferon gamma and alpha. In contrast to STAT1 and 2, forced expression of HPP1 resulted in a downregulation of both STAT3 total expression and activation. HPP1 transfectants demonstrated increases in expression and activation of JAK1, JAK2 and JAK3, as well as a reduction in levels of TYK2 and phosphoTYK2. Conclusion: Activation of JAK1, 2 and 3 likely contribute to the upregulation and phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 which in turn, result in the activation of Type I- and Type II-like interferon-inducible elements and their growth suppressive effects. Moreover, we demonstrate a reciprocal abrogation of the oncogenic STAT3 and its associated dominant kinase TYK2. HPP1 appears to mediate tumor suppression via modulation of JAK-STAT-interferon pathways. 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 3064.

Biochemical Monitoring of the Early Endocytic Traffic of the Type I Interferon Receptor

The type I interferon (IFN) receptor consists of two transmembrane chains IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, associated with the tyrosine kinases Tyk2 and Jak1, respectively. Binding of IFN to this receptor complex induces activation of Jak/Stat and non-Stat signaling pathways. Ligand binding also drives receptor internalization and sorting toward degradation or recycling. To gain insights into receptor trafficking and its relation to signaling, we performed subcellular organelle fractionation from IFN-stimulated Daudi cells and defined biochemically an early endosomal antigen-1 (EEA1)-positive compartment bearing the activated IFN receptor. Endosomes were thus purified by immunoaffinity isolation on anti-EEA1 antibodies-coated beads. The content of these purified endosomal fractions was analyzed by Western blot and proteomics. Shortly after IFN stimulation, robustly ubiquitinated IFNAR1 and a small amount of IFNAR2 were found in this endosomal compartment, which also contained tyrosine-phosphorylated Tyk2 and Jak1. These data strongly point to the prolonged interaction during traffic of the tyrosine kinases, still in an activated configuration, with the receptors. Among the major constituents of this EEA1-positive compartment, some proteins that have been implicated in IFN signaling were identified. Altogether, these observations suggest that trafficking of the IFN receptor through endosomes may regulate signaling pathways.