scholarly journals Using Biosensors to Study Protein–Protein Interaction in the Hippo Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Pipchuk ◽  
Xiaolong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Affinity Purification ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

The Hippo signaling network is dependent on protein–protein interactions (PPIs) as a mechanism of signal transduction to regulate organ size, cellular proliferation and differentiation, tumorigenesis, and other cellular processes. Current efforts aim to resolve the complex regulation of upstream Hippo components or focus on identifying targeted drugs for use in cancer therapy. Despite extensive characterization of the Hippo pathway interactome by affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS) and other methodologies, previous research methods have not been sufficient to achieve these aims. In this review, we describe several recent studies that make use of luciferase-based biosensors as a new approach to study the Hippo Pathway. These biosensors serve as powerful tools with which to study PPIs both in vitro using purified biosensor proteins, and in real time in live cells. Notably, luciferase biosensors have excellent sensitivity and have been used to screen for upstream kinase regulators of the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, the high sensitivity and stability of these biosensors enables their application in high throughput screening for Hippo-targeted chemotherapeutics. Finally, we describe the strengths and weaknesses of this method relative to AP-MS and discuss potential future directions for using biosensors to study Hippo signaling.

scholarly journals Increasing kinase domain proximity promotes MST2 autophosphorylation during Hippo signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (47) ◽  
pp. 16166-16179
Author(s):  
Thao Tran ◽  
Jaba Mitra ◽  
Taekjip Ha ◽  
Jennifer M. Kavran
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Signal Propagation ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Membrane Recruitment ◽  
Chemically Induced Dimerization ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

The Hippo pathway plays an important role in developmental biology, mediating organ size by controlling cell proliferation through the activity of a core kinase cassette. Multiple upstream events activate the pathway, but how each controls this core kinase cassette is not fully understood. Activation of the core kinase cassette begins with phosphorylation of the kinase MST1/2 (also known as STK3/4). Here, using a combination of in vitro biochemistry and cell-based assays, including chemically induced dimerization and single-molecule pulldown, we revealed that increasing the proximity of adjacent kinase domains, rather than formation of a specific protein assembly, is sufficient to trigger autophosphorylation. We validate this mechanism in cells and demonstrate that multiple events associated with the active pathway, including SARAH domain–mediated homodimerization, membrane recruitment, and complex formation with the effector protein SAV1, each increase the kinase domain proximity and autophosphorylation of MST2. Together, our results reveal that multiple and distinct upstream signals each utilize the same common molecular mechanism to stimulate MST2 autophosphorylation. This mechanism is likely conserved among MST2 homologs. Our work also highlights potential differences in Hippo signal propagation between each activating event owing to differences in the dynamics and regulation of each protein ensemble that triggers MST2 autophosphorylation and possible redundancy in activation.

scholarly journals NPHP4, a cilia-associated protein, negatively regulates the Hippo pathway

2011 ◽  
Vol 193 (4) ◽  
pp. 633-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Habbig ◽  
Malte P. Bartram ◽  
Roman U. Müller ◽  
Ricarda Schwarz ◽  
Nikolaos Andriopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Transcriptional Coactivator ◽  
Hippo Signaling Pathway ◽  
The Hippo Pathway ◽  
Potent Negative Regulator

The conserved Hippo signaling pathway regulates organ size in Drosophila melanogaster and mammals and has an essential role in tumor suppression and the control of cell proliferation. Recent studies identified activators of Hippo signaling, but antagonists of the pathway have remained largely elusive. In this paper, we show that NPHP4, a known cilia-associated protein that is mutated in the severe degenerative renal disease nephronophthisis, acts as a potent negative regulator of mammalian Hippo signaling. NPHP4 directly interacted with the kinase Lats1 and inhibited Lats1-mediated phosphorylation of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) and TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding domain), leading to derepression of these protooncogenic transcriptional regulators. Moreover, NPHP4 induced release from 14-3-3 binding and nuclear translocation of YAP and TAZ, promoting TEA domain (TEAD)/TAZ/YAP-dependent transcriptional activity. Consistent with these data, knockdown of NPHP4 negatively affected cellular proliferation and TEAD/TAZ activity, essentially phenocopying loss of TAZ function. These data identify NPHP4 as a negative regulator of the Hippo pathway and suggest that NPHP4 regulates cell proliferation through its effects on Hippo signaling.

scholarly journals Ratiometric bioluminescent sensors towards in vivo imaging of bacterial signaling

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B Dippel ◽  
W. A. Anderson ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
F. H. Yildiz ◽  
M.C. Hammond
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Second Messenger ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Signaling Networks ◽  
Mammalian Host ◽  
Host Infection

ABSTRACTSecond messenger signaling networks allow cells to sense and adapt to changing environmental conditions. In bacteria, the nearly ubiquitous second messenger molecule cyclic di-GMP coordinates diverse processes such as motility, biofilm formation, and virulence. In bacterial pathogens, these signaling networks allow the bacteria to survive changing environment conditions that are experienced during infection of a mammalian host. While studies have examined the effects of cyclic di-GMP levels on virulence in these pathogens, it has previously not been possible to visualize cyclic di-GMP levels in real time during the stages of host infection. Towards this goal, we generate the first ratiometric, chemiluminescent biosensor scaffold that selectively responds to c-di-GMP. By engineering the biosensor scaffold, a suite of Venus-YcgR-NLuc (VYN) biosensors is generated that provide extremely high sensitivity (KD < 300 pM) and large BRET signal changes (up to 109%). As a proof-of-concept that VYN biosensors can image cyclic di-GMP during host infection, we show that the VYN biosensors function in the context of a tissue phantom model, with only ∼103-104 biosensor-expressing cells required for the measurement. Furthermore, the stable BRET signal suggests that the sensors could be used for long-term imaging of cyclic di-GMP dynamics during host infection. The VYN sensors developed here can serve as robust in vitro diagnostic tools for high throughput screening, as well as genetically encodable tools for monitoring the dynamics of c-di-GMP in live cells, and lay the groundwork for live cell imaging of c-di-GMP dynamics in bacteria during host infection, and other complex environments.

scholarly journals Dynamic patterns of YAP1 expression and cellular localization in the developing and injured utricle

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikrant Borse ◽  
Matthew Barton ◽  
Harry Arndt ◽  
Tejbeer Kaur ◽  
Mark E. Warchol
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cell ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Cell Injury ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Supporting Cells ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

AbstractThe Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway involved in regulating organ size, development, homeostasis and regeneration1–4. YAP1 is a transcriptional coactivator and the primary effector of Hippo signaling. Upstream activation of the Hippo pathway leads to nuclear translocation of YAP1, which then evokes changes in gene expression and cell cycle entry5. A prior study has demonstrated nuclear translocation of YAP1 in the supporting cells of the developing utricle6, but the possible role of YAP1 in hair cell regeneration is unclear. The present study characterizes the cellular localization of YAP1 in the utricles of mice and chicks, both under normal conditions and after hair cell injury. During neonatal development of the mouse utricle, YAP1 expression was observed in the cytoplasm of supporting cells, and was also transiently expressed in the cytoplasm of hair cells. We also observed temporary nuclear translocation of YAP1 in supporting cells of the mouse utricle at short time periods after placement in organotypic culture. However, little or no nuclear translocation of YAP1 was observed after injury to the utricles of neonatal or mature mice. In contrast, a significant degree of YAP1 nuclear translocation was observed in the chicken utricle after streptomycin-induced hair cell damage in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data suggest that differences in YAP1 signaling may be partly responsible for the distinct regenerative abilities of the avian vs. mammalian inner ear.

scholarly journals STK25 directly activates LATS1/2 independent of MST/MAP4Ks

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanghee Lim ◽  
Nicole Hermance ◽  
Tenny Mudianto ◽  
Hatim M. Mustaly ◽  
Ian Paolo Morelos Mauricio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Activation Loop ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Functional Inactivation ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

AbstractThe Hippo pathway maintains tissue homeostasis by negatively regulating the oncogenic transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ. Though functional inactivation of the Hippo pathway is common in tumors, mutations in core pathway components are rare. Thus, understanding how tumor cells inactivate Hippo signaling remains a key unresolved question. Here, we identify the kinase STK25 as a novel activator of Hippo signaling. We demonstrate that loss of STK25 promotes YAP/TAZ activation and enhanced cellular proliferation, even under normally growth-suppressive conditions. We reveal that STK25 activates LATS via a previously unobserved mechanism, in which STK25 directly phosphorylates the LATS activation loop. This represents a new paradigm in Hippo activation and distinguishes STK25 from all other identified kinase activators of LATS. STK25 is significantly focally deleted across a wide spectrum of human cancers, suggesting STK25 loss may represent a common mechanism by which tumor cells functionally impair the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway.

scholarly journals Spontaneous recovery from sunitinib-induced disruption of sarcomere in human iPSC-cardiomyocytes and possible involvement of the Hippo pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshikatsu Matsui ◽  
Tadahiro Shinozawa
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Spontaneous Recovery ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Adverse Cardiac Events ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

Abstract Background Sunitinib is known to cause cardiotoxicity in clinical settings. However, among sunitinib-treated patients experiencing adverse cardiac events, decreased cardiac function was reportedly reversible in > 50% of the patients. We previously showed that anti-cancer drugs such as sunitinib cause marked sarcomere disruption in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs), and the extent of sarcomere disruption can be used to predict drug-induced cardiotoxicity in humans. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the reversibility of sunitinib-induced cardiac events in clinical settings can be mimicked in vitro, and to examine the molecular mechanism responsible for sunitinib-induced cardiotoxicity focusing on the Hippo pathway. Methods iPSC-CMs were stimulated with sunitinib for 72 h and the morphology of sarcomere structures were analyzed by high-content analysis before and after sunitinib washout. To examine the involvement of the Hippo pathway in the sunitinib-induced sarcomere disruption, the extent of nuclear localization of YAP1 (yes-associated protein 1, a Hippo signaling target) was determined. iPSC-CMs were also stimulated with sunitinib and a small molecule inhibitor of the Hippo pathway, XMU-MP-1 and sarcomere structures were analyzed. Results We observed a spontaneous recovery in cardiac sarcomeres in iPSC-CMs that were significantly disrupted by sunitinib treatment after a 72 h or 144 h washout of sunitinib. The extent of nuclear localization of YAP1 was significantly reduced after sunitinib stimulation and tended to return to normal levels after drug washout. Simultaneous stimulation of iPSC-CM with sunitinib and XMU-MP-1 suppressed the sunitinib-induced disruption of sarcomeres. Conclusions These results indicate that iPSC-CMs have the ability to recover from sunitinib-induced sarcomere disruption, and the Hippo pathway plays a role in the process of sunitinib-induced disruption of sarcomere and its recovery. Inhibition of the Hippo pathway may help to develop a co-medication strategy for mitigating the risk of sunitinib-induced adverse cardiac events.

scholarly journals Yes-associated protein 1 is required for proliferation and function of bovine granulosa cells in vitro†

2019 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1001-1017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele R Plewes ◽  
Xiaoying Hou ◽  
Pan Zhang ◽  
Aixin Liang ◽  
Guohua Hua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Small Cells ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Hippo Signaling Pathway ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

Abstract Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a major component of the Hippo signaling pathway. Although the exact extracellular signals that control the Hippo pathway are currently unknown, increasing evidence supports a critical role for the Hippo pathway in embryonic development, regulation of organ size, and carcinogenesis. Granulosa cells (GCs) within the ovarian follicle proliferate and produce steroids and growth factors, which facilitate the growth of follicle and maturation of the oocyte. We hypothesize that YAP1 plays a role in proliferation and estrogen secretion of GCs. In the current study, we examined the expression of the Hippo signaling pathway in bovine ovaries and determined whether it was important for GC proliferation and estrogen production. Mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1) and large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) were identified as prominent upstream components of the Hippo pathway expressed in granulosa and theca cells of the follicle and large and small cells of the corpus luteum. Immunohistochemistry revealed that YAP1 was localized to the nucleus of growing follicles. In vitro, nuclear localization of the downstream Hippo signaling effector proteins YAP1 and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was inversely correlated with GC density, with greater nuclear localization under conditions of low cell density. Treatment with verteporfin and siRNA targeting YAP1 or TAZ revealed a critical role for these transcriptional co-activators in GC proliferation. Furthermore, knockdown of YAP1 in GCs inhibited follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced estradiol biosynthesis. The data indicate that Hippo pathway transcription co-activators YAP1/TAZ play an important role in GC proliferation and estradiol synthesis, two processes necessary for maintaining normal follicle development.

scholarly journals Dynamic patterns of YAP1 expression and cellular localization in the developing and injured utricle

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikrant Borse ◽  
Matthew Barton ◽  
Harry Arndt ◽  
Tejbeer Kaur ◽  
Mark E. Warchol
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Supporting Cells ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

AbstractThe Hippo signaling pathway is a key regulator of tissue development and regeneration. Activation of the Hippo pathway leads to nuclear translocation of the YAP1 transcriptional coactivator, resulting in changes in gene expression and cell cycle entry. Recent studies have demonstrated the nuclear translocation of YAP1 during the development of the sensory organs of the inner ear, but the possible role of YAP1 in sensory regeneration of the inner ear is unclear. The present study characterized the cellular localization of YAP1 in the utricles of mice and chicks, both under normal conditions and after HC injury. During neonatal development, YAP1 expression was observed in the cytoplasm of supporting cells, and was transiently expressed in the cytoplasm of some differentiating hair cells. We also observed temporary nuclear translocation of YAP1 in supporting cells of the mouse utricle after short periods in organotypic culture. However, little or no nuclear translocation of YAP1 was observed in the utricles of neonatal or mature mice after ototoxic injury. In contrast, substantial YAP1 nuclear translocation was observed in the chicken utricle after streptomycin treatment in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data suggest that differences in YAP1 signaling may partially account for the differing regenerative abilities of the avian vs. mammalian inner ear.

scholarly journals The Human Adenovirus Type 5 E4orf4 Protein Targets Two Phosphatase Regulators of the Hippo Signaling Pathway

2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (17) ◽  
pp. 8855-8870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Z. Mui ◽  
Yiwang Zhou ◽  
Paola Blanchette ◽  
Naila Chughtai ◽  
Jennifer F. Knight ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Cell ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Affinity Purification ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Human Adenovirus ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Hippo Signaling Pathway ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

ABSTRACTWhen expressed alone at high levels, the human adenovirus E4orf4 protein exhibits tumor cell-specific p53-independent toxicity. A major E4orf4 target is the B55 class of PP2A regulatory subunits, and we have shown recently that binding of E4orf4 inhibits PP2AB55phosphatase activity in a dose-dependent fashion by preventing access of substrates (M. Z. Mui et al., PLoS Pathog 9:e1003742, 2013,http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1003742). While interaction with B55 subunits is essential for toxicity, E4orf4 mutants exist that, despite binding B55 at high levels, are defective in cell killing, suggesting that other essential targets exist. In an attempt to identify additional targets, we undertook a proteomics approach to characterize E4orf4-interacting proteins. Our findings indicated that, in addition to PP2AB55subunits, ASPP-PP1 complex subunits were found among the major E4orf4-binding species. Both the PP2A and ASPP-PP1 phosphatases are known to positively regulate effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, which controls the expression of cell growth/survival genes by dephosphorylating the YAP transcriptional coactivator. We find here that expression of E4orf4 results in hyperphosphorylation of YAP, suggesting that Hippo signaling is affected by E4orf4 interactions with PP2AB55and/or ASPP-PP1 phosphatases. Furthermore, knockdown of YAP1 expression was seen to enhance E4orf4 killing, again consistent with a link between E4orf4 toxicity and inhibition of the Hippo pathway. This effect may in fact contribute to the cancer cell specificity of E4orf4 toxicity, as many human cancer cells rely heavily on the Hippo pathway for their enhanced proliferation.IMPORTANCEThe human adenovirus E4orf4 protein has been known for some time to induce tumor cell-specific death when expressed at high levels; thus, knowledge of its mode of action could be of importance for development of new cancer therapies. Although the B55 form of the phosphatase PP2A has long been known as an essential E4orf4 target, genetic analyses indicated that others must exist. To identify additional E4orf4 targets, we performed, for the first time, a large-scale affinity purification/mass spectrometry analysis of E4orf4 binding partners. Several additional candidates were detected, including key regulators of the Hippo signaling pathway, which enhances cell viability in many cancers, and results of preliminary studies suggested a link between inhibition of Hippo signaling and E4orf4 toxicity.

scholarly journals PMEPA1 isoform a drives progression of glioblastoma by promoting protein degradation of the Hippo pathway kinase LATS1

Oncogene ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1125-1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianxiong Ji ◽  
Kaikai Ding ◽  
Tao Luo ◽  
Ran Xu ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Human Gliomas ◽  
Hippo Signaling Pathway ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

Abstract The Hippo signaling pathway controls organ development and is also known, in cancer, to have a tumor suppressing role. Within the Hippo pathway, we here demonstrate, in human gliomas, a functional interaction of a transmembrane protein, prostate transmembrane protein, androgen induced 1 (PMEPA1) with large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1). We show that PMEPA1 is upregulated in primary human gliomas. The PMEPA1 isoform PMEPA1a was predominantly expressed in glioma specimens and cell lines, and ectopic expression of the protein promoted glioma growth and invasion in vitro and in an orthotopic xenograft model in nude mice. In co-immunoprecipitation experiments, PMEPA1a associated with the Hippo tumor suppressor kinase LATS1. This interaction led to a proteasomal degradation of LATS1 through recruitment of the ubiquitin ligase, neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4), which led to silencing of Hippo signaling. Alanine substitution in PMEPA1a at PY motifs resulted in failed LATS1 degradation. Targeting of a downstream component in the Hippo signaling pathway, YAP, with shRNA, interfered with the growth promoting activities of PMEPA1a in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the presented work shows that PMEPA1a contributes to glioma progression by a dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway and thus represents a promising target for the treatment of gliomas.

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