scholarly journals γ-Catenin is regulated by the APC tumor suppressor and its oncogenic activity is distinct from that of β-catenin

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 1319-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank T. Kolligs ◽  
Barbara Kolligs ◽  
Karen M. Hajra ◽  
Gang Hu ◽  
Masachika Tani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Protein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Transforming Activity ◽  
Altered Regulation

β-Catenin and γ-catenin (plakoglobin), vertebrate homologs of Drosophila armadillo, function in cell adhesion and the Wnt signaling pathway. In colon and other cancers, mutations in the APC tumor suppressor protein orβ-catenin's amino terminus stabilizeβ-catenin, enhancing its ability to activate transcription of Tcf/Lef target genes. Thoughβ- and γ-catenin have analogous structures and functions and like binding to APC, evidence that γ-catenin has an important role in cancer has been lacking. We report here that APC regulates bothβ- and γ-catenin andγ-catenin functions as an oncogene. In contrast to β-catenin, for which only amino-terminal mutated forms transform RK3E epithelial cells, wild-type and several amino-terminal mutated forms of γ-catenin had similar transforming activity. γ-Catenin's transforming activity, like β-catenin's, was dependent on Tcf/Lef function. However, in contrast toβ-catenin, γ-catenin strongly activated c-Myc expression and c-Myc function was crucial for γ-catenin transformation. Our findings suggest APC mutations alter regulation of bothβ- and γ-catenin, perhaps explaining why the frequency of APC mutations in colon cancer far exceeds that of β-catenin mutations. Elevated c-Myc expression in cancers with APC defects may be due to altered regulation of both β- andγ-catenin. Furthermore, the data implyβ- and γ-catenin may have distinct roles in Wnt signaling and cancer via differential effects on downstream target genes.

scholarly journals Murine Cytomegalovirus M25 Proteins Sequester the Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 in Nuclear Accumulations

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Kutle ◽  
Katarzyna M. Szymańska-de Wijs ◽  
Boris Bogdanow ◽  
Berislav Cuvalo ◽  
Lars Steinbrück ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Protein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Protein P53 ◽  
Protein P53 ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Infection Interaction

ABSTRACT To ensure productive infection, herpesviruses utilize tegument proteins and nonstructural regulatory proteins to counteract cellular defense mechanisms and to reprogram cellular pathways. The M25 proteins of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) belong to the betaherpesvirus UL25 gene family that encodes viral proteins implicated with regulatory functions. Through affinity purification and mass spectrometric analysis, we discovered the tumor suppressor protein p53 as a host factor interacting with the M25 proteins. M25-p53 interaction in infected and transfected cells was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation. Moreover, the proteins colocalized in nuclear dot-like structures upon both infection and inducible expression of the two M25 isoforms. p53 accumulated in wild-type MCMV-infected cells, while this did not occur upon infection with a mutant lacking the M25 gene. Both M25 proteins were able to mediate the effect, identifying them as the first CMV proteins responsible for p53 accumulation during infection. Interaction with M25 proteins led to substantial prolongation of the half-life of p53. In contrast to the higher abundance of the p53 protein in wild-type MCMV-infected cells, the transcript levels of the prominent p53 target genes Cdkn1a and Mdm2 were diminished compared to cells infected with the ΔM25 mutant, and this was associated with reduced binding of p53 to responsive elements within the respective promoters. Notably, the productivity of the M25 deletion mutant was partially rescued on p53-negative fibroblasts. We propose that the MCMV M25 proteins sequester p53 molecules in the nucleus of infected cells, reducing their availability for activating a subset of p53-regulated genes, thereby dampening the antiviral role of p53. IMPORTANCE Host cells use a number of factors to defend against viral infection. Viruses are, however, in an arms race with their host cells to overcome these defense mechanisms. The tumor suppressor protein p53 is an important sensor of cell stress induced by oncogenic insults or viral infections, which upon activation induces various pathways to ensure the integrity of cells. Viruses have to counteract many functions of p53, but complex DNA viruses such as cytomegaloviruses may also utilize some p53 functions for their own benefit. In this study, we discovered that the M25 proteins of mouse cytomegalovirus interact with p53 and mediate its accumulation during infection. Interaction with the M25 proteins sequesters p53 molecules in nuclear dot-like structures, limiting their availability for activation of a subset of p53-regulated target genes. Understanding the interaction between viral proteins and p53 may allow to develop new therapeutic strategies against cytomegalovirus and other viruses.

scholarly journals The Wnt signaling pathway in tumorigenesis, pharmacological targets, and drug development for cancer therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuo Wang ◽  
Tingting Zhao ◽  
Shihui Zhang ◽  
Junkai Wang ◽  
Yunyun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Beta Catenin ◽  
Downstream Target

AbstractWnt signaling was initially recognized to be vital for tissue development and homeostasis maintenance. Further studies revealed that this pathway is also important for tumorigenesis and progression. Abnormal expression of signaling components through gene mutation or epigenetic regulation is closely associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in several tissues. Additionally, Wnt signaling also influences the tumor microenvironment and immune response. Some strategies and drugs have been proposed to target this pathway, such as blocking receptors/ligands, targeting intracellular molecules, beta-catenin/TCF4 complex and its downstream target genes, or tumor microenvironment and immune response. Here we discuss the roles of these components in Wnt signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, the underlying mechanisms that is responsible for the activation of Wnt signaling, and a series of drugs targeting the Wnt pathway provide multiple therapeutic values. Although some of these drugs exhibit exciting anti-cancer effect, clinical trials and systematic evaluation should be strictly performed along with multiple-omics technology.

VRML in Cancer Research: Local Changes in Binding Properties of Wild Type and Mutated p53 Tumor Suppressor Protein

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (9) ◽  
pp. 382-385
Author(s):  
Gerd Moeckel ◽  
Matthias Keil ◽  
Monica Hollstein ◽  
Bertold Spiegelhalder ◽  
Helmut Bartsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Research ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Protein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
P53 Tumor Suppressor ◽  
P53 Tumor Suppressor Protein

scholarly journals Mutational activation of c-raf-1 and definition of the minimal transforming sequence.

1990 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 2503-2512 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Heidecker ◽  
M Huleihel ◽  
J L Cleveland ◽  
W Kolch ◽  
T W Beck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Features ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Raf Kinase ◽  
Rich Domain ◽  
Binding Residue ◽  
Transforming Activity ◽  
Mutational Activation

A series of wild-type and mutant raf genes was transfected into NIH 3T3 cells and analyzed for transforming activity. Full-length wild-type c-raf did not show transforming activity. Two types of mutations resulted in oncogenic activity similar to that of v-raf: truncation of the amino-terminal half of the protein and fusion of the full-length molecule to gag sequences. A lower level of activation was observed for a mutant with a tetrapeptide insertion mapping to conserved region 2 (CR2), a serine- and threonine-rich domain located 100 residues amino-terminal of the kinase domain. To determine essential structural features of the transforming region of raf, we analyzed point and deletion mutants of v-raf. Substitutions of Lys-56 modulated the transforming activity, whereas mutation of Lys-53, a putative ATP binding residue, abolished it. Deletion analysis established that the minimal transforming sequence coincided precisely with CR3, the conserved Raf kinase domain. Thus, oncogenic activation of the Raf kinase can be achieved by removal of CR1 and CR2 or by steric distortion and requires retention of an active kinase domain. These findings are consistent with a protein structure model for the nonstimulated enzyme in which the active site is buried within the protein.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Wnt signaling by ICAT, a novel β-catenin-interacting protein

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 1741-1749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken-ichi Tago ◽  
Tsutomu Nakamura ◽  
Michiru Nishita ◽  
Junko Hyodo ◽  
Shin-ichi Nagai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Axis Formation ◽  
Interacting Protein

Wnt signaling has an important role in both embryonic development and tumorigenesis. β-Catenin, a key component of the Wnt signaling pathway, interacts with the TCF/LEF family of transcription factors and activates transcription of Wnt target genes. Here, we identify a novel β-catenin-interacting protein, ICAT, that was found to inhibit the interaction of β-catenin with TCF-4 and represses β-catenin–TCF-4-mediated transactivation. Furthermore, ICAT inhibited Xenopus axis formation by interfering with Wnt signaling. These results suggest that ICAT negatively regulates Wnt signaling via inhibition of the interaction between β-catenin and TCF and is integral in development and cell proliferation.

scholarly journals The microRNA miR-8 is a conserved negative regulator of Wnt signaling

2008 ◽  
Vol 105 (40) ◽  
pp. 15417-15422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Kennell ◽  
Isabelle Gerin ◽  
Ormond A. MacDougald ◽  
Ken M. Cadigan
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Animal Development ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Multiple Levels

Wnt signaling plays many important roles in animal development. This evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway is highly regulated at all levels. To identify regulators of the Wnt/Wingless (Wg) pathway, we performed a genetic screen in Drosophila. We identified the microRNA miR-8 as an inhibitor of Wg signaling. Expression of miR-8 potently antagonizes Wg signaling in vivo, in part by directly targeting wntless, a gene required for Wg secretion. In addition, miR-8 inhibits the pathway downstream of the Wg signal by repressing TCF protein levels. Another positive regulator of the pathway, CG32767, is also targeted by miR-8. Our data suggest that miR-8 potently antagonizes the Wg pathway at multiple levels, from secretion of the ligand to transcription of target genes. In addition, mammalian homologues of miR-8 promote adipogenesis of marrow stromal cells by inhibiting Wnt signaling. These findings indicate that miR-8 family members play an evolutionarily conserved role in regulating the Wnt signaling pathway.

Energy deprivation and a deficiency in downstream metabolic target genes during the onset of embryonic heart failure in RXRalpha−/− embryos

Development ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 125 (3) ◽  
pp. 533-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Ruiz-Lozano ◽  
S.M. Smith ◽  
G. Perkins ◽  
S.W. Kubalak ◽  
G.R. Boss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Subtractive Hybridization ◽  
Causative Factor ◽  
Mutant Mice ◽  
Intermediary Metabolism ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Energy Deficiency ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
Energy Deprivation

RXRalpha null mutant mice display ocular and cardiac malformations, liver developmental delay, and die from cardiac failure around embryonic day (E) 14.5 pc. To dissect the molecular basis of the RXRalpha-associated cardiomyopathy, we performed subtractive hybridization and systematically characterized putative downstream target genes that were selectively lacking in the mutant embryos, both at early (E10.5) and late (E13.5) stages of mouse embryonic development. Approximately 50% of the subtracted clones (61/115) encoded proteins involved in intermediary metabolism and electron transport, suggesting an energy deficiency in the RXRalpha−/− embryos. In particular, clone G1, which encodes subunit 14.5b of the NADH-ubiquinone dehydrogenase complex, displayed a dose-dependent expression in the wild-type, heterozygous and RXRalpha mutant mice. This gene was also downregulated in a retinoid-deficient rat embryo model. ATP content and medium Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase mRNA were lower in RXRalpha mutant hearts compared to wild-type mice. Ultrastructural studies showed that the density of mitochondria per myocyte was higher in the RXRalpha mutant compared to wild-type littermates. We propose a model whereby defects in intermediary metabolism may be a causative factor of the RXRalpha−/− phenotype and resembles an embryonic form of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Human DNA-activated protein kinase phosphorylates serines 15 and 37 in the amino-terminal transactivation domain of human p53

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 5041-5049
Author(s):  
S P Lees-Miller ◽  
K Sakaguchi ◽  
S J Ullrich ◽  
E Appella ◽  
C W Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Synthetic Peptides ◽  
Wild Type Mouse ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Protein ◽  
Transactivation Domain ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Human Dna ◽  
Serine 392 ◽  
P53 Peptides

Human DNA-PK is a nuclear, serine/threonine protein kinase that, when activated by DNA, phosphorylates several DNA-binding substrates, including the tumor suppressor protein p53. To identify which p53 residues are phosphorylated, we examined DNA-PK's ability to phosphorylate synthetic peptides corresponding to human p53 sequences. Serines 15 and 37 in the amino-terminal transactivation domain of human p53, and serines 7 and 18 of mouse p53, were phosphorylated by DNA-PK in the context of synthetic peptides. Other serines in these p53 peptides, and serines in other p53 peptides, including peptides containing the serine 315 p34cdc2 site and the serine 392 casein kinase II site, were not recognized by DNA-PK or were phosphorylated less efficiently. Phosphorylation of the conserved serine 15 in human p53 peptides depended on the presence of an adjacent glutamine, and phosphorylation was inhibited by the presence of a nearby lysine. Phosphorylation of recombinant wild-type mouse p53 was inhibited at high DNA concentrations, suggesting that DNA-PK may phosphorylate p53 only when both are bound to DNA at nearby sites. Our study suggests that DNA-PK may have a role in regulating cell growth and indicates how phosphorylation of serine 15 in DNA-bound p53 could alter p53 function.

scholarly journals Nuclear Heparanase Regulates Chromatin Remodeling, Gene Expression and PTEN Tumor Suppressor Function

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2038
Author(s):  
Rada Amin ◽  
Kaushlendra Tripathi ◽  
Ralph D. Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Chromatin Remodeling ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Myeloma Cell ◽  
Chromatin Accessibility ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Function ◽  
Suppressor Activity ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Suppressor Function ◽  
Chromatin Opening

Heparanase (HPSE) is an endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate and has been shown in various cancers to promote metastasis, angiogenesis, osteolysis, and chemoresistance. Although heparanase is thought to act predominantly extracellularly or within the cytoplasm, it is also present in the nucleus, where it may function in regulating gene transcription. Using myeloma cell lines, we report here that heparanase enhances chromatin accessibility and confirm a previous report that it also upregulates the acetylation of histones. Employing the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation CoMMpass database, we demonstrate that patients expressing high levels of heparanase display elevated expression of proteins involved in chromatin remodeling and several oncogenic factors compared to patients expressing low levels of heparanase. These signatures were consistent with the known function of heparanase in driving tumor progression. Chromatin opening and downstream target genes were abrogated by inhibition of heparanase. Enhanced levels of heparanase in myeloma cells led to a dramatic increase in phosphorylation of PTEN, an event known to stabilize PTEN, leading to its inactivity and loss of tumor suppressor function. Collectively, this study demonstrates that heparanase promotes chromatin opening and transcriptional activity, some of which likely is through its impact on diminishing PTEN tumor suppressor activity.

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