Dawn M. Kilkenny

Polymorphic variants in the human bile salt export pump (BSEP; ABCB11): functional characterization and interindividual variability.

Objectives Our aims were to identify and functionally characterize coding region nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the hepatic efflux transporter, bile salt export pump (BSEP; ABCB11), and to assess interindividual variability in BSEP expression. Methods We identified 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms, including nine nonsynonymous variants, in ABCB11 from genomic DNA of ∼250 ethnically diverse healthy individuals using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and DNA sequencing. Wild type and variant BSEP were generated and functionally characterized for taurocholate transport activity in vitro in HeLa cells using a recombinant vaccinia-based method. BSEP expression was assessed by real-time mRNA analysis, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Results For the most part, polymorphisms were rare and ethnic-dependent. In vitro functional studies revealed several rare variants, including 616A>G, 1674G>C, 1772A>G, and 3556G>A, to be associated with significantly impaired taurocholate transport activity while the 890A>G variant trended towards impaired function but was not statistically significant. The 3556G>A variant was associated with reduced cell surface to total protein expression compared with wild-type BSEP. Expression of BSEP by mRNA and protein analysis was determined from a bank of human liver samples. Wide interindividual variability was noted in both mRNA (19-fold) and protein (31-fold) expression levels. The common variant 1331T>C was associated with significantly reduced hepatic BSEP mRNA levels. Conclusion Accordingly, our study indicates there are functionally relevant polymorphisms in ABCB11 which may be of potential relevance in the predisposition to acquired liver disorders such as drug-induced cholestasis.

Bves directly interacts with GEFT, and controls cell shape and movement through regulation of Rac1/Cdc42 activity

Bves is an integral membrane protein with no determined function and no homology to proteins outside of the Popdc family. It is widely expressed throughout development in myriad organisms. Here, we demonstrate an interaction between Bves and guanine nucleotide exchange factor T (GEFT), a GEF for Rho-family GTPases. This interaction represents the first identification of any protein that has a direct physical interaction with any member of the Popdc family. Bves and GEFT are shown to colocalize in adult skeletal muscle. We also demonstrate that exogenous expression of Bves reduces Rac1 and Cdc42 activity levels while not affecting levels of active RhoA. Consistent with a repression of Rac1 and Cdc42 activity, we show changes in speed of cell locomotion and cell roundness also result from exogenous expression of Bves. Modulation of Rho-family GTPase signaling by Bves would be highly consistent with previously described phenotypes occurring upon disruption of Bves function in a wide variety of model systems. Therefore, we propose Bves as a novel regulator of the Rac1 and Cdc42 signaling cascades.

Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Like-1 (FGFRL1) Interacts with SHP-1 Phosphatase at Insulin Secretory Granules and Induces Beta-cell ERK1/2 Protein Activation

Background: FGFRL1 has a unique intracellular domain predicted to inhibit intracellular signaling. Results: FGFRL1 localizes to pancreatic beta-cell insulin granules and enhances intracellular signaling, insulin content, and matrix adhesion. Signaling was reduced by mutation of the intracellular domain. Conclusion: Contrary to prediction, FGFRL1 enhances biological responses in these cells. Significance: This study reveals a novel mechanism of intracellular signaling regulation. FGFRL1 is a newly identified member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family expressed in adult pancreas. Unlike canonical FGFRs that initiate signaling via tyrosine kinase domains, the short intracellular sequence of FGFRL1 consists of a putative Src homology domain-2 (SH2)-binding motif adjacent to a histidine-rich C terminus. As a consequence of nonexistent kinase domains, FGFRL1 has been postulated to act as a decoy receptor to inhibit canonical FGFR ligand-induced signaling. In pancreatic islet beta-cells, canonical FGFR1 signaling affects metabolism and insulin processing. This study determined beta-cell expression of FGFRL1 as well as consequent effects on FGFR1 signaling and biological responses. We confirmed FGFRL1 expression at the plasma membrane and within distinct intracellular granules of both primary beta-cells and βTC3 cells. Fluorescent protein-tagged FGFRL1 (RL1) induced a significant ligand-independent increase in MAPK signaling. Removal of the histidine-rich domain (RL1-ΔHis) or entire intracellular sequence (RL1-ΔC) resulted in greater retention at the plasma membrane and significantly reduced ligand-independent ERK1/2 responses. The SHP-1 phosphatase was identified as an RL1-binding substrate. Point mutation of the SH2-binding motif reduced the ability of FGFRL1 to bind SHP-1 and activate ERK1/2 but did not affect receptor localization to insulin secretory granules. Finally, overexpression of RL1 increased cellular insulin content and matrix adhesion. Overall, these data suggest that FGFRL1 does not function as a decoy receptor in beta-cells, but rather it enhances ERK1/2 signaling through association of SHP-1 with the receptors intracellular SH2-binding motif.

Dynamics and Distribution of Klothoβ (KLB) and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1) in Living Cells Reveal the Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 (FGF21)-induced Receptor Complex

Background: FGFR1c and KLB form an ill-defined FGF21 signaling complex. Results: FGFR1c competes with galectin for binding to KLB. KLB and FGFR1c interact in a 1:1 heterocomplex, and subsequent addition of FGF21 induces FGFR1c dimers. Conclusion: KLB and FGFR1c activity and dynamics suggest that the galectin lattice modulates FGF21 signaling. Significance: The galectin lattice is a novel target to potentiate therapeutic effects of FGF21. FGF21 stimulates FGFR1c activity in cells that co-express Klothoβ (KLB); however, relatively little is known about the interaction of these receptors at the plasma membrane. We measured the dynamics and distribution of fluorescent protein-tagged KLB and FGFR1c in living cells using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and number and brightness analysis. We confirmed that fluorescent protein-tagged KLB translocates to the plasma membrane and is active when co-expressed with FGFR1c. FGF21-induced signaling was enhanced in cells treated with lactose, a competitive inhibitor of the galectin lattice, suggesting that lattice-binding modulates KLB and/or FGFR1c activity. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis consistently revealed that lactose treatment increased KLB mobility at the plasma membrane, but did not affect the mobility of FGFR1c. The association of endogenous KLB with the galectin lattice was also confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation with galectin-3. KLB mobility increased when co-expressed with FGFR1c, suggesting that the two receptors form a heterocomplex independent of the galectin lattice. Number and brightness analysis revealed that KLB and FGFR1c behave as monomers and dimers at the plasma membrane, respectively. Co-expression resulted in monomeric expression of KLB and FGFR1c consistent with formation of a 1:1 heterocomplex. Subsequent addition of FGF21 induced FGFR1 dimerization without changing KLB aggregate size, suggesting formation of a 1:2 KLB-FGFR1c signaling complex. Overall, these data suggest that KLB and FGFR1 form a 1:1 heterocomplex independent of the galectin lattice that transitions to a 1:2 complex upon the addition of FGF21.

Autofluorescence Imaging of Living Pancreatic Islets Reveals Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 (FGF21)-Induced Metabolism

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) has therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome due to positive effects on fatty acid metabolism in liver and white adipose tissue. FGF21 also improves pancreatic islet survival in excess palmitate; however, much less is known about FGF21-induced metabolism in this tissue. We first confirmed FGF21-dependent activity in islets by identifying expression of the cognate coreceptor Klothoβ, and by measuring a ligand-stimulated decrease in acetyl-CoA carboxylase expression. To further reveal the effect of FGF21 on metabolism, we employed a unique combination of two-photon and confocal autofluorescence imaging of the NAD(P)H and mitochondrial NADH responses while holding living islets stationary in a microfluidic device. These responses were further correlated to mitochondrial membrane potential and insulin secretion. Glucose-stimulated responses were relatively unchanged by FGF21. In contrast, responses to glucose in the presence of palmitate were significantly reduced compared to controls showing diminished NAD(P)H, mitochondrial NADH, mitochondrial membrane potential, and insulin secretion. Consistent with the glucose-stimulated responses being smaller due to continued fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential was increased in FGF21-treated islets by using the fatty acid transport inhibitor etomoxir. Citrate-stimulated NADPH responses were also significantly larger in FGF21-treated islets suggesting preference for citrate cycling rather than acetyl-CoA carboxylase-dependent fatty acid synthesis. Overall, these data show a reduction in palmitate-induced potentiation of glucose-stimulated metabolism and insulin secretion in FGF21-treated islets, and establish the use of autofluorescence imaging and microfluidic devices to investigate cell metabolism in a limited amount of living tissue.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 interacts with the T-cell receptor signalling pathway

Fibroblast growth factor receptors are expressed by some T cells, and provide costimulation for these cells. Such receptors allow T cells to respond to fibroblast growth factors expressed in response to injury and inflammation and may provide a mechanism for ‘context‐dependent’ responses to antigens within the local microenvironment. The mechanisms by which fibroblast growth factor receptors might interact with the TCR signalling pathway are not defined. Here we show that the TCR and fibroblast growth factor receptors co‐localize during combined stimulation. Signalling via fibroblast growth factor receptors alone results in phosphorylation of Lck and induces nuclear translocation of nuclear factors of activated T cells. Combined stimulation via fibroblast growth factor receptors and the TCR synergistically enhances the activation of nuclear factors of activated T cells. The results suggest that peptide growth factors produced at sites of injury and inflammation can contribute to the outcome of T‐cell encounters with antigen.

CMF1–Rb interaction promotes myogenesis in avian skeletal myoblasts

CMF1 protein is expressed in developing striated muscle before the expression of contractile proteins, and depletion of CMF1 in myoblasts results in inability to express muscle‐specific proteins. Previous studies of CMF1 identify a functional Rb‐binding domain, which is conserved in the murine and human homologues. Here, we show that CMF1 binds Rb family members, while a CMF1 protein with deletion of the Rb‐binding domain (Rb‐del CMF1) does not. Myogenic cell lines over‐expressing Rb‐del CMF1 proliferate normally, but exhibit markedly impaired differentiation, including dramatically reduced contractile proteins gene expression and failure to fuse into myotubes. Furthermore, by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, MyoD and Myf5 mRNA levels are comparable to wild‐type, while myogenin and contractile protein mRNA levels are significantly attenuated. These data demonstrate that CMF1 regulates myocyte differentiation by interaction with Rb family members to induce expression of myogenic regulatory factors. Developmental Dynamics 237:1424‐1433, 2008.

The FGF21 Receptor Signaling Complex: Klothoβ, FGFR1c, and Other Regulatory Interactions.

Scientific evidence is quickly growing that establishes FGF21 as a cytokine that signals both locally and systemically to induce metabolic effects. The focus of this chapter is the receptor/co-receptor signaling complex formed by endocrine FGF21. We provide an introduction to the major components of the complex including the Klotho family of co-receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), and the fibroblast growth factor ligands, placing each in the context of its own family members while emphasizing structural features that drive interaction. We subsequently focus specifically on FGF21 signaling through FGFR1c and KLB, describing what is known about each proteins structure and how this drives protein interaction and formation of the signaling complex at the plasma membrane. We subsequently explore the stoichiometry of FGFR1c and KLB at the plasma membrane before and after the addition of FGF21 ligand, comparing how unique features of the interaction could potentially affect signaling intensity. Finally, we discuss how formation of the signaling complex is potentially regulated by other regulatory interactions, including galectins, the extracellular matrix, and co-expression of FGFR5.

The FGF21 Receptor Signaling Complex

Scientific evidence is quickly growing that establishes FGF21 as a cytokine that signals both locally and systemically to induce metabolic effects. The focus of this chapter is the receptor/co-receptor signaling complex formed by endocrine FGF21. We provide an introduction to the major components of the complex including the Klotho family of co-receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), and the fibroblast growth factor ligands, placing each in the context of its own family members while emphasizing structural features that drive interaction. We subsequently focus specifically on FGF21 signaling through FGFR1c and KLB, describing what is known about each proteins structure and how this drives protein interaction and formation of the signaling complex at the plasma membrane. We subsequently explore the stoichiometry of FGFR1c and KLB at the plasma membrane before and after the addition of FGF21 ligand, comparing how unique features of the interaction could potentially affect signaling intensity. Finally, we discuss how formation of the signaling complex is potentially regulated by other regulatory interactions, including galectins, the extracellular matrix, and co-expression of FGFR5.

DISCOVERY PROGRAM: INTEGRATING BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE INSTRUCTORS WITH HIGH SCHOOL STEM CURRICULUM

With the diverse nature of the biomedical engineering (BME) field, high school students are often limited in their understanding of the area during consideration for post-secondary study. In effort to improve student comprehension, as well as provide a unique learning opportunity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum, graduate students at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME; University of Toronto) have developed and launched the IBBME Discovery Program. In strong collaboration with high school educators, graduate student instructors designed and executed activityand designbased learning focused on applicable topics in BME aligned with Ontario high school science curriculum learning outcomes. Results from this pilot suggest strong student engagement in data-based experimental learning, and graduate student development in knowledge translation and activity design through collaboration. These results provide a strong foundation for program growth and quantitative assessment.