GBF1- and ACBD3-Independent Recruitment of PI4KIIIβ to Replication Sites by Rhinovirus 3A Proteins

PI4KIIIβ recruitment to Golgi membranes relies on GBF1/Arf and ACBD3. Enteroviruses such as poliovirus and coxsackievirus recruit PI4KIIIβ to their replication sites via their 3A proteins. Here, we show that human rhinovirus (HRV) 3A also recruited PI4KIIIβ to replication sites. Unlike other enterovirus 3A proteins, HRV 3A failed to bind GBF1. Although HRV 3A was previously shown to interact with ACBD3, our data suggest that PI4KIIIβ recruitment occurred independently of both GBF1 and ACBD3.     

The lipid kinase PI4KIIIβ and the eEF1A2 oncogene co-operate to disrupt three-dimensional in vitro acinar morphogenesis

The study of in vitro morphogenesis is fundamental to understanding neoplasia since the dysregulation of morphogenic pathways that create multi-cellular organisms is a common hallmark of oncogenesis. The in vitro culture of human breast epithelial cells on reconstituted basement membranes recapitulate some features of in vivo breast development, including the formation of a three-dimensional structure termed an acinus. Importantly, the capacity to disrupt in vitro acinar morphogenesis is a common property of human breast oncogenes. In this report, we find that phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ (PI4KIIIβ), a lipid kinase that phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol (PI) to PI(4)P, disrupts in vitro mammary acinar formation. The PI4KIIIβ protein localizes to the basal surface of acini created by human MCF10A cells and ectopic expression of PI4KIIIβ induces multi-acinar devlopment. Furthermore, expression of an oncogenic PI4KIIIβ activator, eEF1A2 (eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2), phenocopies the PI4KIIIβ multi-acinar phenotype. Ectopic expression of PI4KIIIβ or eEF1A2 alters the localization of PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P₂ within acini, indicating the importance of these lipids in acinar development. Our work shows that PI4KIIIβ, eEF1A2 and PI(4)P likely play an important role in mammary neoplasia and acinar development.     

The 3A protein from multiple picornaviruses utilizes the golgi adaptor protein ACBD3 to recruit PI4KIIIβ

The activity of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase class III beta (PI4KIIIβ) has been shown to be required for the replication of multiple picornaviruses; however, it is unclear whether a physical association between PI4KIIIβ and the viral replication machinery exists and, if it does, whether association is necessary. We examined the ability of the 3A protein from 18 different picornaviruses to form a complex with PI4KIIIβ by affinity purification of Strep-Tagged transiently transfected constructs followed by mass spectrometry and Western blotting for putative interacting targets. We found that the 3A proteins of Aichi virus, bovine kobuvirus, poliovirus, coxsackievirus B3, and human rhinovirus 14 all copurify with PI4KIIIβ. Furthermore, we found that multiple picornavirus 3A proteins copurify with the Golgi adaptor protein acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) binding domain protein 3 (ACBD3/GPC60), including those from Aichi virus, bovine kobuvirus, human rhinovirus 14, poliovirus, and coxsackievirus B2, B3, and B5. Affinity purification of ACBD3 confirmed interaction with multiple picornaviral 3A proteins and revealed the ability to bind PI4KIIIβ in the absence of 3A. Mass-spectrometric analysis of transiently expressed Aichi virus, bovine kobuvirus, and human klassevirus 3A proteins demonstrated that the N-terminal glycines of these 3A proteins are myristoylated. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis along the entire length of Aichi virus 3A followed by transient expression and affinity purification revealed that copurification of PI4KIIIβ could be eliminated by mutation of specific residues, with little or no effect on recruitment of ACBD3. One mutation at the N terminus, I5A, significantly reduced copurification of both ACBD3 and PI4KIIIβ. The dependence of Aichi virus replication on the activity of PI4KIIIβ was confirmed by both chemical and genetic inhibition. Knockdown of ACBD3 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) also prevented replication of both Aichi virus and poliovirus. Point mutations in 3A that eliminate PI4KIIIβ association sensitized Aichi virus to PIK93, suggesting that disruption of the 3A/ACBD3/PI4KIIIβ complex may represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention that would be complementary to the inhibition of the kinase activity itself.     

14-3-3 λ protein interacts with ADF1 to regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics in Arabidopsis

Actin cytoskeleton dynamics is critical for variety of cellular events including cell elongation, division and morphogenesis, and is tightly regulated by numerous groups of actin binding proteins. However it is not well understood how these actin binding proteins are modulated in a physiological condition by their interaction proteins. In this study, we describe that Arabidopsis 14-3-3 λ protein interacted with actin depolymerizing factor 1(ADF1) in plant to regulate F-actin stability and dynamics. Loss of 14-3-3 λin Arabidopsis resulted in longer etiolated hypocotyls in dark and changed actin cytoskeleton architecture in hypocotyl cells. Overexpression of ADF1 repressed 14-3-3 λ mutant hypocotyl elongation and actin dynamic phenotype. In addition, the phosphorylation level of ADF1 was increased and the subcellular localization of ADF1 was altered in 14-3-3 λ mutant. Consistent with these observations, the actin filaments were more stable in 14-3-3 λ mutant. Our results indicate that 14-3-3 λ protein mediates F-actin dynamics possibly through inhibiting ADF1 phosphorylation in vivo.     

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) cooperates with Gsk3β to regulate Dishevelled-mediated microtubule stability

Background  

Wnt factors are a large family of signaling molecules that play important roles in the regulation of cell fate specification, tissue polarity and cell movement. In the nervous system, Wnts also regulates the formation of neuronal connection acting as retrograde signals that regulate the remodeling of the axons prior to the assembly of the presynaptic apparatus. The scaffold protein Dishevelled (Dvl) mimics the effect of Wnt on the neuronal cytoskeleton by increasing the number of stable microtubule along the axon shaft and inducing the formation of looped microtubules (MT) at enlarged growth cones. A divergent Wnt-Dvl canonical pathway which bifurcates downstream of Gsk3β regulates MT dynamics.     

Analysis of Aβ (1-40) and Aβ (1-42) monomer and fibrils by capillary electrophoresis

A method based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) with UV absorbance detection is presented to characterize synthetic amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide preparations at different aggregation states. Aggregation of Aβ (1-40) and Aβ (1-42) is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), and studying how Aβ peptides self-assemble to form aggregates is the focus of intense research. Developing methods capable of identifying, characterizing and quantifying a wide range of Aβ species from monomers to fully formed fibrils is critical for AD research and is a major analytical challenge. Monomer and fibril samples of Aβ (1-40) and Aβ (1-42) were prepared and characterized for this study. The monomer-equivalent concentration for each sample was determined by HPLC-UV, and aggregate formation was confirmed and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The same samples were studied using CE with UV absorbance detection. Analysis by mass spectrometry of collected CE fractions was used to confirm the presence of Aβ for some CE-UV peaks. The CE-UV method reported here clearly indicates that monomeric and aggregated Aβ were electrophoretically separated, and substantial differences in the electrophoretic profiles between samples of Aβ (1-40) and Aβ (1-42) were observed. This CE-UV method can differentiate between Aβ monomer, oligomeric intermediates, and mature fibrils.     

Micro(mi) RNA-34a targets protein phosphatase (PP)1γ to regulate DNA damage tolerance

The DNA damage response (DDR) triggers widespread changes in gene expression, mediated partly by alterations in micro(mi) RNA levels, whose nature and significance remain uncertain. Here, we report that miR-34a, which is upregulated during the DDR, modulates the expression of protein phosphatase 1γ (PP1γ) to regulate cellular tolerance to DNA damage. Multiple bio-informatic algorithms predict that miR-34a targets the PP1CCC gene encoding PP1γ protein. Ionising radiation (IR) decreases cellular expression of PP1γ in a dose-dependent manner. An miR-34a-mimic reduces cellular PP1γ protein. Conversely, an miR-34a inhibitor antagonizes IR-induced decreases in PP1γ protein expression. A wild-type (but not mutant) miR-34a seed match sequence from the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of PP1CCC when transplanted to a luciferase reporter gene makes it responsive to an miR-34a-mimic. Thus, miR-34a upregulation during the DDR targets the 3′ UTR of PP1CCC to decrease PP1γ protein expression. PP1γ is known to antagonize DDR signaling via the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase. Interestingly, we find that cells exposed to DNA damage become more sensitive – in an miR-34a-dependent manner – to a second challenge with damage. Increased sensitivity to the second challenge is marked by enhanced phosphorylation of ATM and p53, increased γH2AX formation, and increased cell death. Increased sensitivity can be partly recapitulated by a miR-34a-mimic, or antagonized by an miR-34a-inhibitor. Thus, our findings suggest a model in which damage-induced miR-34a induction reduces PP1γ expression and enhances ATM signaling to decrease tolerance to repeated genotoxic challenges. This mechanism has implications for tumor suppression and the response of cancers to therapeutic radiation.     

Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) and Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signaling and the Consequent Induction of Transformation by Overexpressed 14-3-3γ Protein Require Specific Amino Acids within 14-3-3γ N-terminal Variable Region II

Members of the 14-3-3 superfamily regulate numerous cellular functions by binding phosphoproteins. The seven human isoforms (and the myriad of other eukaryotic 14-3-3 proteins) are highly conserved in amino acid sequence and secondary structure, yet there is abundant evidence that the various isoforms manifest disparate as well as common functions. Several of the human 14-3-3 isoforms are dysregulated in certain cancers and thus have been implicated in oncogenesis; experimentally, 14-3-3γ behaves as an oncogene, whereas 14-3-3σ acts as a tumor suppressor. In this study, we sought to localize these opposing phenotypes to specific regions of the two isoforms and then to individual amino acids therein. Using a bioinformatics approach, six variable regions (VRI–VRVI) were identified. Using this information, two sets of constructs were created in which N-terminal portions (including either VRI–IV or only VRI and VRII) of 14-3-3γ and 14-3-3σ were swapped; NIH3T3 cells overexpressing the four chimeric proteins were tested for transformation activity (focus formation, growth in soft agar) and activation of PI3K and MAPK signaling. We found that the specific phenotypes of 14-3-3γ are associated with the N-terminal 40 amino acids (VRI and VRII); in like fashion, VRI and VRII of 14-3-3σ dictated its tumor suppressor function. Using individual amino acid substitutions within the 14-3-3γ VRII, we identified two residues required for and two contributing to the γ-specific phenotypes. Our observations suggest that isoform-specific phenotypes are dictated by a relatively few amino acids within variable regions.     

Preparation and optimization of new 4-(morpholin-4-yl)-(6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-2-yl)amide derivatives as PI3Kβ inhibitors

From a HTS campaign, a new series of pyrimidone anilides exemplified by compound 1 has been identified with good inhibitory activity for the PI3Kβ isoform. The structure of compound 1 in PI3Kγ was solved revealing a binding mode in agreement with the SAR observed on PI3Kβ. These compounds displayed inhibition in the nanomolar range in the biochemical assay and were also potent p-Akt inhibitors in a PTEN-deficient PC3 prostate cancer cell line. Optimization of in vitro pharmocokinetic properties led to compound 25 exhibiting 52% bioavailability in mice and target engagement in an acute PK/PD study.     

(S)-3-(4-(2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyloxazol-4-yl)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-(piperazin-1-yl)propanoic acid compounds: Synthesis and biological evaluation of dual PPARα/γ agonists

A series of novel, potent PPARα/γ dual agonists were synthesized and appraised. The most potent analogue, compound 2b demonstrated EC₅₀ value of 0.012 ± 0.002 and 0.032 ± 0.01 μM, respectively, for hPPARα and hPPARγ in transactivation assay. Additionally, compound 2b demonstrated good glucose and lipid lowering effect in genetic diabetic (db/db) mice.     

6-(4-Pyridyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones as CNS penetrant glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors

The discovery of a series of 6-(4-pyridyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones derived from a hit compound with low molecular weight and sufficient chemical space is reported. Transformation of substituents led to subnanomolar potent inhibitors with in vivo tau phoshorylation lowering activity.     

3-Hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) Reductase Inhibitor (Statin)-induced 28-kDa Interleukin-1β Interferes with Mature IL-1β Signaling

Multiple clinical trials have shown that the 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors known as statins have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is synthesized as a non-active precursor. The 31-kDa pro-IL-1β is processed into the 17-kDa active form by caspase-1-activating inflammasomes. Here, we report a novel signaling pathway induced by statins, which leads to processing of pro-IL-1β into an intermediate 28-kDa form. This statin-induced IL-1β processing is independent of caspase-1- activating inflammasomes. The 28-kDa form of IL-1β cannot activate interleukin-1 receptor-1 (IL1R1) to signal inflammatory responses. Instead, it interferes with mature IL-1β signaling through IL-1R1 and therefore may dampen inflammatory responses initiated by mature IL-1β. These results may provide new clues to explain the anti-inflammatory effects of statins.     

Identification of 2-(4-pyridyl)thienopyridinones as GSK-3β inhibitors

The discovery of a novel series of 2-(4-pyridyl)thienopyridinone GSK-3β inhibitors is reported. X-ray crystallography reveals its binding mode and enables rationalization of the SAR. The initial optimization of the template for improved cellular activity and predicted CNS penetration is also presented.     

1-(7-Chloroquinolin-4-yl)-N-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-5-Methyl-1H-1,2, 3-Triazole-4- carboxamide Reduces Aβ Formation and Tau Phosphorylation in Cellular Models of Alzheimer’s Disease

1-(7-Chloroquinolin-4-yl)-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4- carboxamide (QTC-4-MeOBnE) is a new multi-target directed ligand (MTDL) rationally designed to have affinity with β-secretase (BACE), Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) and acetylcholinesterase, which are considered promising targets on the development of disease-modifying therapies against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Previously, QTC-4-MeOBnE treatment showed beneficial effects in preclinical AD-like models by influencing in vivo neurogenesis, oxidative and inflammatory pathways. However, the biological effect and mechanism of action exerted by QTC-4-MeOBnE in AD cellular models have not been elucidated yet. Hereby we investigate the acute effect of QTC-4-MeOBnE on neuronal cells overexpressing Amyloid Protein Precursor (APP) or human tau protein, the two main features of the AD pathophysiology. When compared to the control group, QTC-4-MeOBnE treatment prevented amyloid beta (Aβ) formation through the downregulation of APP and BACE levels in APPswe-expressing cells. Furthermore, in N2a cells overexpressing human tau, QTC-4-MeOBnE reduced the levels of phosphorylated forms of tau via the modulation of the GSK3β pathway. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of action exerted by QTC-4-MeOBnE in AD cellular models, and further support its potential as an interesting therapeutic strategy against AD.

     

Phosphorylation and Inactivation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) by Dual-specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-regulated Kinase 1A (Dyrk1A)

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) participates in many cellular processes, and its dysregulation has been implicated in a wide range of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer disease. Inactivation of GSK3β by phosphorylation at specific residues is a primary mechanism by which this constitutively active kinase is controlled. However, the regulatory mechanism of GSK3β is not fully understood. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) has multiple biological functions that occur as the result of phosphorylation of diverse proteins that are involved in metabolism, synaptic function, and neurodegeneration. Here we show that GSK3β directly interacts with and is phosphorylated by Dyrk1A. Dyrk1A-mediated phosphorylation at the Thr³⁵⁶ residue inhibits GSK3β activity. Dyrk1A transgenic (TG) mice are lean and resistant to diet-induced obesity because of reduced fat mass, which shows an inverse correlation with the effect of GSK3β on obesity. This result suggests a potential in vivo association between GSK3β and Dyrk1A regarding the mechanism underlying obesity. The level of Thr(P)³⁵⁶-GSK3β was higher in the white adipose tissue of Dyrk1A TG mice compared with control mice. GSK3β activity was differentially regulated by phosphorylation at different sites in adipose tissue depending on the type of diet the mice were fed. Furthermore, overexpression of Dyrk1A suppressed the expression of adipogenic proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, in 3T3-L1 cells and in young Dyrk1A TG mice fed a chow diet. Taken together, these results reveal a novel regulatory mechanism for GSK3β activity and indicate that overexpression of Dyrk1A may contribute to the obesity-resistant phenotype through phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK3β.     

胰岛素生长因子-1(IGF-1)通过PI3K/Akt通路抑制骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)凋亡

该研究通过构建高表达胰岛素生长因子-1(insulin-like growth factor-1,IGF-1)的异常微环境模型探讨IGF-1对骨髓间充质干细胞(bone mesenchymal stem cells,BMSCs)凋亡的影响及可能的作用机制,为BMSCs作为载体在靶向治疗肿瘤过程中的安全应用提供前期实验基础。取分离纯化的大鼠BMSCs,用流式细胞术鉴定BMSCs表面标志,将实验分为4组:BMSCs空白对照组、IGF-1刺激组、IGF-1+LY294002阻断剂组和IGF-1+MK2206阻断剂组。加药处理2周后,CCK-8法检测细胞增殖能力;Hoechst 33342染色观察细胞核形态及凋亡比例;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡和细胞线粒体膜电位变化;RT-qPCR检测细胞Akt、Bad、Bcl-xl、c-Myc、STAT3的m RNA水平;Western blot检测细胞Akt、p-Akt、Bad、p-Bad、Bcl-xl、c-Myc、STAT3、p-STAT3的蛋白水平。结果显示:IGF-1刺激组细胞与BMSCs空白对照组比较增殖率升高,凋亡率减低;IGF-1刺激组Bad、Bcl-xl、cMyc、STAT3的mRNA的表达均显著高于BMSCs空白对照组(P0.05);IGF-1刺激组p-Akt、Bad、p-Bad、Bcl-xl、c-Myc、STAT3、p-STAT3的蛋白表达水平显著高于BMSCs空白对照组(P0.05)。而阻断剂组细胞(IGF-1+LY294002阻断剂组、IGF-1+MK2206阻断剂组)与IGF-1刺激组比较增殖率均降低,凋亡率增高,相关分子m RNA和蛋白表达水平均明显降低。以上结果表明,IGF-1能通过活化PI3K/Akt通路,激活下游增殖和凋亡相关分子,从而促进BMSCs增殖,抑制BMSCs凋亡。     

Preparation and optimization of new 4-(2-(indolin-1-yl)-2-oxoethyl)-2-morpholinothiazole-5-carboxylic acid and amide derivatives as potent and selective PI3Kβ inhibitors

In our continuous efforts to identify and develop novel targeted cancer treatments, a new morpholino-thiazole scaffold active against PI3Kβ has been identified. This Letter reports the optimization of this compound class to develop PI3Kβ isoform-selective inhibitors with suitable pharmacological properties.