scholarly journals Phase-separation of EML4-ALK variant 3 is dependent upon an active ALK conformation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephina Sampson ◽  
Mark W. Richards ◽  
Jene Choi ◽  
Andrew M. Fry ◽  
Richard Bayliss

ABSTRACTOncogenic fusions involving tyrosine kinases are common drivers of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are at least 15 different variants of the EML4-ALK fusion, all of which have a similar portion of ALK that includes the kinase domain, but different portions of EML4. Targeted treatment with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has proven effective but patient outcomes are variable. Here, we focus on one common variant, EML4-ALK V3, which drives an aggressive form of the disease. EML4-ALK V3 protein forms cytoplasmic liquid droplets that contain the signalling proteins GRB2 and SOS1. The TKIs ceritinib and lorlatinib dissolve these droplets and the EML4-ALK V3 protein re-localises to microtubules, an effect recapitulated by an inactivating mutation in the ALK catalytic site. Mutations that promote a constitutively active ALK stabilise the liquid droplets even in the presence of TKIs, indicating that droplets do not depend on kinase activity per se. Uniquely, the TKI alectinib promotes droplet formation of both the wild-type and catalytically inactive EML4-ALK V3 mutant, but not in a mutant that disrupts a hallmark of the kinase activity, the Lys-Glu salt-bridge. We propose that EML4-ALK V3 liquid droplet formation occurs through transient dimerization of the ALK kinase domain in its active conformation in the context of stable EML4-ALK trimers. Our results provide insights into the relationship between ALK activity, conformational state and the sub-cellular localisation of EML4-ALK V3 protein, and reveal the different effects of structurally divergent ALK TKIs on these properties.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Sánchez-Martín ◽  
Yu-shin Sou ◽  
Shun Kageyama ◽  
Masaaki Komatsu

Abstractp62/SQSTM1 is a multivalent protein that has an ability to cause a liquid-liquid phase separation and serves as a receptor protein that participates in cargo isolation during selective autophagy. This protein is also involved in the non-canonical activation of the Keap1-Nrf2 system, a major oxidative stress response pathway. Here we show a role of Neighbor of BRCA1 gene 1 (NBR1), an autophagy receptor structurally similar to p62/SQSTM1, in the p62-liquid droplet formation and the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. The overexpression of NBR1 blocked selective degradation of p62/SQSTM1 through autophagy and promoted the accumulation and phosphorylation of p62/SQSTM1 in liquid-like bodies, which is required for the activation of Nrf2. NBR1 was induced in response to oxidative stress, and then the p62-mediated Nrf2 activation was up-regulated. Conversely, loss of Nbr1 suppresses not only the formation of p62/SQSTM1-liquid droplets but also p62-dependent Nrf2 activation during oxidative stress. Taken together, our results show that NBR1 mediates p62/SQSTM1-liquid droplet formation to activate the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 1579-1584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengfei Zhang ◽  
Ying Fan ◽  
Heng Ru ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Venkat Giri Magupalli ◽  
...  

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large multidomain protein with both a Ras of complex (ROC) domain and a kinase domain (KD) and, therefore, exhibits both GTPase and kinase activities. Human genetics studies have linked LRRK2 as a major genetic contributor to familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative movement disorder that inflicts millions worldwide. The C-terminal region of LRRK2 is a Trp-Asp-40 (WD40) domain with poorly defined biological functions but has been implicated in microtubule interaction. Here, we present the crystal structure of the WD40 domain of human LRRK2 at 2.6-Å resolution, which reveals a seven-bladed WD40 fold. The structure displays a dimeric assembly in the crystal, which we further confirm by measurements in solution. We find that structure-based and PD-associated disease mutations in the WD40 domain including the common G2385R polymorphism mainly compromise dimer formation. Assessment of full-length LRRK2 kinase activity by measuring phosphorylation of Rab10, a member of the family of Rab GTPases known to be important kinase substrates of LRRK2, shows enhancement of kinase activity by several dimerization-defective mutants including G2385R, although dimerization impairment does not always result in kinase activation. Furthermore, mapping of phylogenetically conserved residues onto the WD40 domain structure reveals surface patches that may be important for additional functions of LRRK2. Collectively, our analyses provide insights for understanding the structures and functions of LRRK2 and suggest the potential utility of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors in treating PD patients with WD40 domain mutations.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3970-3970
Author(s):  
◽  
Srinivasa Rao Bandi ◽  
Marion Rensinghoff ◽  
Rebekka Grundler ◽  
Lara Tickenbrock ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3970 Poster Board III-906 Purpose The Cbl proto-oncogene products have emerged as important components of the signal transduction cascades downstream of both non-receptor and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). By regulation of receptor trafficking and degradation, they have been shown to tightly regulate the intensity and amplitude of RTK activation. c-Kit belongs to the family of the class-III RTKs and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). So far, very little is known about the role of c-Cbl mutants in the role of c-Kit signaling. Results We analyzed the interaction of c-Cbl with c-Kit and the functional relevance of this interaction in the IL-3-dependent murine myeloid progenitor cell line 32Dcl3. We recently identified the first c-Cbl mutation in human disease in an AML patient, named Cbl-R420Q. Co-expression of two different dominant negative mutants of c-Cbl (Cbl-R420Q or Cbl-70Z) with Kit induced cytokine-independent proliferation, survival and clonogenic growth. Importantly, transformation was observed also with kinase-dead forms of Kit and Flt3 in the presence of Cbl-70Z, but not in the absence of Kit or Flt3, suggesting a mechanism dependent on RTKs, but independent of their kinase activity. Instead, transformation appeared to depend on Src family kinases (SFKs), as c-Cbl co-immunoprecipitated with SFKs and SFK inhibition abolished transformation. Conclusion Our results indicate that c-Cbl has an important role in c-Kit signal mitigation. They demonstrate that disturbed mechanisms of c-Kit internalization have important implications for its transforming potential, possibly in the development of AML. Furthermore, these findings may explain primary resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeted at RTKs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (19) ◽  
pp. 4197-4208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivasa Rao Bandi ◽  
Christian Brandts ◽  
Marion Rensinghoff ◽  
Rebekka Grundler ◽  
Lara Tickenbrock ◽  
...  

Abstract Somatic mutations of Kit have been found in leukemias and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The proto-oncogene c-Cbl negatively regulates Kit and Flt3 by its E3 ligase activity and acts as a scaffold. We recently identified the first c-Cbl mutation in human disease in an acute myeloid leukemia patient, called Cbl-R420Q. Here we analyzed the role of Cbl mutants on Kit-mediated transformation. Coexpression of Cbl-R420Q or Cbl-70Z with Kit induced cytokine-independent proliferation, survival, and clonogenic growth. Primary murine bone marrow retrovirally transduced with c-Cbl mutants and transplanted into mice led to a generalized mastocytosis, a myeloproliferative disease, and myeloid leukemia. Overexpression of these Cbl mutants inhibited stem cell factor (SCF)–induced ubiquitination and internalization of Kit. Both Cbl mutants enhanced the basal activation of Akt and prolonged the ligand-dependent activation. Importantly, transformation was observed also with kinase-dead forms of Kit and Flt3 in the presence of Cbl-70Z, but not in the absence of Kit or Flt3, suggesting a mechanism dependent on receptor tyrosine kinases, but independent of their kinase activity. Instead, transformation depends on the Src family kinase Fyn, as c-Cbl coimmunoprecipitated with Fyn and inhibition abolished transformation. These findings may explain primary resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeted at receptor tyrosine kinases.


1989 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 4131-4140 ◽  
Author(s):  
C A Koch ◽  
M Moran ◽  
I Sadowski ◽  
T Pawson

A conserved noncatalytic domain SH2 (for src homology region 2) is located immediately N terminal to the kinase domains of all cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases. We found that the wild-type v-fps SH2 domain stimulated the enzymatic activity of the adjacent kinase domain 10-fold and functioned as a powerful positive effector of catalytic and transforming activities within the v-fps oncoprotein (P130gag-fps). Partial proteolysis of P130gag-fps and supporting genetic data indicated that the v-fps SH2 domain exerts its effect on catalytic activity through an intramolecular interaction with the kinase domain. Amino acid alterations in the SH2 domain that impaired kinase function interfered with association of the SH2 domain with the kinase domain. Deletion of a conserved octapeptide motif converted the v-fps SH2 domain from an activator to an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase activity. This latent inhibitory activity of v-fps SH2 has functional implications for phospholipase C-gamma and p21ras GTPase-activating protein, both of which have two distinct SH2 domains suggestive of complex regulation. In addition to regulating the specific activity of the kinase domain, the SH2 domain of P130gag-fps was also found to be required for the tyrosine phosphorylation of specific cellular proteins, notably polypeptides of 124 and 62 kilodaltons. The SH2 domain therefore appears to play a dual role in regulation of kinase activity and recognition of cellular substrates.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (14) ◽  
pp. 2429-2437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Toffalini ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Demoulin

Abstract A large number of alterations in genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), namely FLT3, c-KIT, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors, and the anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase (ALK), have been found in hematopoietic malignancies. They have drawn much attention after the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. RTK gene alterations include point mutations and gene fusions that result from chromosomal rearrangements. In both cases, they activate the kinase domain in the absence of ligand, producing a permanent signal for cell proliferation. Recently, this simple model has been refined. First, by contrast to wild-type RTK, many mutated RTK do not seem to signal from the plasma membrane, but from various locations inside the cell. Second, their signal transduction properties are altered: the pathways that are crucial for cell transformation, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors, do not necessarily contribute to the physiologic functions of these receptors. Finally, different mechanisms prevent the termination of the signal, which normally occurs through receptor ubiquitination and degradation. Several mutations inactivating CBL, a key RTK E3 ubiquitin ligase, have been recently described. In this review, we discuss the possible links among RTK trafficking, signaling, and degradation in leukemic cells.


2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 947-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Chen ◽  
Alan Cheng ◽  
Fabio Candotti ◽  
Yong-Jie Zhou ◽  
Anka Hymel ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The structure of Janus kinases (JAKs) is unique among protein tyrosine kinases in having tandem, nonidentical kinase and pseudokinase domains. Despite its conservation in evolution, however, the function of the pseudokinase domain remains poorly understood. Lack of JAK3 expression results in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). In this study, we analyze two SCID patients with mutations in the JAK3 pseudokinase domain, which allows for protein expression but disrupts the regulation of the kinase activity. Specifically, these mutant forms of JAK3 had undetectable kinase activity in vitro but were hyperphosphorylated both in patients' Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cells and when overexpressed in COS7 cells. Moreover, reconstitution of cells with these mutants demonstrated that, although they were constitutively phosphorylated basally, they were unable to transmit cytokine-dependent signals. Further analysis showed that the isolated catalytic domain of JAK3 was functional whereas either the addition of the pseudokinase domain or its deletion from the full-length molecule reduced catalytic activity. Through coimmunoprecipitation of the isolated pseudokinase domain with the isolated catalytic domain, we provide the first evidence that these two domains interact. Furthermore, whereas the wild-type pseudokinase domain modestly inhibited kinase domain-mediated STAT5 phosphorylation, the patient-derived mutants markedly inhibited this phosphorylation. We thus conclude that the JAK3 pseudokinase domain is essential for JAK3 function by regulating its catalytic activity and autophosphorylation. We propose a model in which this occurs via intramolecular interaction with the kinase domain and that increased inhibition of kinase activity by the pseudokinase domain likely contributes to the disease pathogenesis in these two patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori J Wirth ◽  
Elizabeth G Grubbs ◽  
Masha J Livhits ◽  
Steven I Sherman ◽  
Steven P Weitzman ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) initiate signaling cascades, including growth and differentiation. Activation can occur through chromosomal rearrangements that lead to gene fusions. RTK fusions are potential targets for small molecule inhibitors to treat advanced cancers. The original Afirma Xpression Atlas (XA) reported 761 selected variants and 130 fusion pairs in Bethesda III/IV Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) suspicious or Bethesda V/VI nodules. The landscape of additional potentially actionable gene fusions has not been explored in treatment-naïve patients. Methods: Anonymized RNA-seq data from >37,000 Bethesda III-VI samples were examined with STAR-fusion to determine gene/gene fusions. All samples were examined for NTRK1, NTRK3, RET, ALK, and BRAF fusions, regardless of fusion partner. Fusions were evaluated for being in-frame, with an intact kinase domain at the 3’ end of the fusion pair. Fusion pairs not currently reported by XA and not reported in thyroid TCGA fusion data are denoted “additional”. All fusion pairs were searched for in the literature and public fusion databases. Results: Examining the Veracyte clinical database revealed 7 additional NTRK1/3 fusions, with 3 NTRK fusions observed more than once - SQSTM1/NTRK3, VIM/NTRK3, and EML4/NTRK3. One of the 7 NTRK fusions had not been previously reported. Eight additional ALK fusions were identified, with 4 observed more than once- ITSN2/ALK, PPP1R21/ALK, PDE8B/ALK, NPAT/ALK. Five of these 8 ALK fusions had not been previously described. Seventeen additional RET fusions were identified, with 5 observed recurrently - KIAA1217/RET, AFAP1L2/RET, ACBD5/RET, SQSTM1/RET, and TFG/RET. Six of the 17 RET fusions had not been previously reported. Seventy-two additional BRAF fusions were identified, and 58 of them have not been previously reported. Eight of the 72 BRAF fusions were observed more than once. Examining >50,000 Afirma samples, NTRK1, NTRK3, RET, ALK, or BRAF fusions were not identified among the Afirma GSC Benign, and were present in 3.2% of 16,594 Bethesda III/IV Afirma GSC Suspicious samples, and 8.0% of 1,692 Bethesda V/VI samples. Correlation with surgical histology is unknown. Conclusions: By examining a large cohort of patients with an unbiased, whole-transcriptome RNA-seq assay, we identified potentially actionable kinase fusions in thyroid nodules beyond those described in TCGA. All fusions described here are either novel and not previously reported, rarely reported in one or two case studies, or not described in thyroid cancers. Additional NTRK, ALK, RET and BRAF fusions were found, all of which may be targeted with specific kinase inhibitors currently available. Future studies may determine genotype-phenotype correlations regarding the natural history of these neoplasms. Because of the potential clinical implications of these genomic markers for patient management, all 104 fusions described here are now included among the 235 gene pairs reported by the expanded Afirma XA.


1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 6696-6703
Author(s):  
S Häfner ◽  
H S Adler ◽  
H Mischak ◽  
P Janosch ◽  
G Heidecker ◽  
...  

The cytoplasmic Raf-1 kinase is essential for mitogenic signalling by growth factors, which couple to tyrosine kinases, and by tumor-promoting phorbol esters such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, which activate protein kinase C (PKC). Signalling by the Raf-1 kinase can be blocked by activation of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). The molecular mechanism of this inhibition is not precisely known but has been suggested to involve attenuation of Raf-1 binding to Ras. Using purified proteins, we show that in addition to weakening the interaction of Raf-1 with Ras, PKA can inhibit Raf-1 function directly via phosphorylation of the Raf-1 kinase domain. Phosphorylation by PKA interferes with the activation of Raf-1 by either PKC alpha or the tyrosine kinase Lck and even can downregulate the kinase activity of Raf-1 previously activated by PKC alpha or amino-terminal truncation. This type of inhibition can be dissociated from the ability of Raf-1 to associate with Ras, since (i) the isolated Raf-1 kinase domain, which lacks the Ras binding domain, is still susceptible to inhibition by PKA, (ii) phosphorylation of Raf-1 by PKC alpha alleviates the PKA-induced reduction of Ras binding but does not prevent the downregulation of Raf-1 kinase activity by PKA and (iii) cAMP agonists antagonize transformation by v-Raf, which is Ras independent.


1989 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 4131-4140
Author(s):  
C A Koch ◽  
M Moran ◽  
I Sadowski ◽  
T Pawson

A conserved noncatalytic domain SH2 (for src homology region 2) is located immediately N terminal to the kinase domains of all cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases. We found that the wild-type v-fps SH2 domain stimulated the enzymatic activity of the adjacent kinase domain 10-fold and functioned as a powerful positive effector of catalytic and transforming activities within the v-fps oncoprotein (P130gag-fps). Partial proteolysis of P130gag-fps and supporting genetic data indicated that the v-fps SH2 domain exerts its effect on catalytic activity through an intramolecular interaction with the kinase domain. Amino acid alterations in the SH2 domain that impaired kinase function interfered with association of the SH2 domain with the kinase domain. Deletion of a conserved octapeptide motif converted the v-fps SH2 domain from an activator to an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase activity. This latent inhibitory activity of v-fps SH2 has functional implications for phospholipase C-gamma and p21ras GTPase-activating protein, both of which have two distinct SH2 domains suggestive of complex regulation. In addition to regulating the specific activity of the kinase domain, the SH2 domain of P130gag-fps was also found to be required for the tyrosine phosphorylation of specific cellular proteins, notably polypeptides of 124 and 62 kilodaltons. The SH2 domain therefore appears to play a dual role in regulation of kinase activity and recognition of cellular substrates.


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