Harvey B. Pollard

Molecular dissection of nucleolin’s role in growth and cell proliferation: new insights

Cells require optimum protein synthetic activity in order to support cell proliferation, maintain homeostatic and metabolic integrity, and repair damage. Since growth depends on protein synthesis through ribosome biogenesis, the control of biosynthesis of ribosomes is necessarily a key element for control of growth. Nucleolin is a major nucleolar protein of exponentially growing eukaryotic cells, which is directly involved in the regulation of ribosome biogenesis and maturation. The highly conserved nucleolin contains three major domains through which it controls the organization of nucleolar chromatin, packaging of pre‐RNA, rDNA transcription, and ribosome assembly. Numerous reports have implicated the involvement of nucleolin either directly or indirectly in the regulation of cell proliferation and growth, cytokinesis, replication, embryogenesis, and nucleogenesis. Nucleolin, an RNA binding protein, is also an autoantigen, a transcriptional repressor, and a switch region targeting factor. In addition, nucleolin exhibits autodegradation, DNA and RNA helicase activities, and DNA‐dependent ATPase activity. An interesting aspect of nucleolin action is that it is a target for regulation by proteolysis, methylation, ADP‐ribosylation, and phosphorylation by CKII, cdc2, PKC‐ξ, cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase, and ecto‐protein kinase. For these and other reasons, nucleolin is fundamental to the survival and proliferation of cells. Considerable progress has been made in recent years with the identification of new nucleolin binding proteins that may mediate these many nucleolin‐dependent functions. Nucleolin also functions as a cell surface receptor, where it acts as a shuttling protein between cytoplasm and nucleus, and thus can even provide a mechanism for extracellular regulation of nuclear events. Exploration of the regulation of this multifaceted protein in a remarkable number of diverse functions is challenging.—Srivastava, M., Pollard, H. B. Molecular dissection of nucleolins role in growth and cell proliferation: new insights. FASEB J. 13, 1911–1922 (1999)

Elevated miR-155 Promotes Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis by Driving Hyperexpression of Interleukin-8

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a massive proinflammatory phenotype in the lung arising from profound expression of inflammatory genes, including interleukin-8 (IL-8). We have previously reported that IL-8 mRNA is stabilized in CF lung epithelial cells, resulting in concomitant hyperexpression of IL-8 protein. However, the mechanistic link between mutations in CFTR and acquisition of the proinflammatory phenotype in the CF airway has remained elusive. We hypothesized that specific microRNAs (miRNAs) might mediate this linkage. To identify the potential link, we screened an miRNA library for differential expression in ΔF508-CFTR and wild type CFTR lung epithelial cell lines. Of 22 differentially and significantly expressed miRNAs, we found that expression of miR-155 was more than 5-fold elevated in CF IB3-1 lung epithelial cells in culture, compared with control IB3-1/S9 cells. Clinically, miR-155 was also highly expressed in CF lung epithelial cells and circulating CF neutrophils biopsied from CF patients. We report here that high levels of miR-155 specifically reduced levels of SHIP1, thereby promoting PI3K/Akt activation. However, overexpressing SHIP1 or inhibition of PI3K in CF cells suppressed IL-8 expression. Finally, we found that phospho-Akt levels were elevated in CF lung epithelial cells and were specifically lowered by either antagomir-155 or elevated expression of SHIP1. We therefore suggest that elevated miR-155 contributes to the proinflammatory expression of IL-8 in CF lung epithelial cells by lowering SHIP1 expression and thereby activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These data suggest that miR-155 may play an important role in the activation of IL-8-dependent inflammation in CF.

ANX7, a candidate tumor suppressor gene for prostate cancer

The ANX7 gene is located on human chromosome 10q21, a site long hypothesized to harbor a tumor suppressor gene(s) (TSG) associated with prostate and other cancers. To test whether ANX7 might be a candidate TSG, we examined the ANX7-dependent suppression of human tumor cell growth, stage-specific ANX7 expression in 301 prostate specimens on a prostate tissue microarray, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of microsatellite markers at or near the ANX7 locus. Here we report that human tumor cell proliferation and colony formation are markedly reduced when the wild-type ANX7 gene is transfected into two prostate tumor cell lines, LNCaP and DU145. Consistently, analysis of ANX7 protein expression in human prostate tumor microarrays reveals a significantly higher rate of loss of ANX7 expression in metastatic and local recurrences of hormone refractory prostate cancer as compared with primary tumors (P = 0.0001). Using four microsatellite markers at or near the ANX7 locus, and laser capture microdissected tumor cells, 35% of the 20 primary prostate tumors show LOH. The microsatellite marker closest to the ANX7 locus showed the highest rate of LOH, including one homozygous deletion. We conclude that the ANX7 gene exhibits many biological and genetic properties expected of a TSG and may play a role in prostate cancer progression.

Small molecule blockers of the Alzheimer A calcium channel potently protect neurons from A cytotoxicity

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a common, chronic neurodegenerative disease that is thought to be caused by the neurotoxic effect of the Amyloid beta peptides (Aβ). We have hypothesized that the intrinsic Aβ calcium channel activity of the oligomeric Aβ polymer may be responsible for the neurotoxic properties of Aβ, and that Aβ channel blockers may be candidate AD therapeutics. As a consequence of a rational search paradigm based on the model structure of the Aβ channel, we have identified two compounds of interest: MRS2481 and an enatiomeric species, MRS2485. These are amphiphilic pyridinium salts that both potently block the Aβ channel and protect neurons from Aβ toxicity. Both block the Aβ channel with similar potency (≈500 nM) and efficacy (100%). However, we find that inhibition by MRS2481 is easily reversible, whereas inhibition by MRS2485 is virtually irreversible. We suggest that both species deserve consideration as candidates for Alzheimers disease drug discovery.

From CFTR biology toward combinatorial pharmacotherapy: Expanded classification of cystic fibrosis mutations

More than 2000 mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have been described that confer a range of molecular cell biological and functional phenotypes. Most of these mutations lead to compromised anion conductance at the apical plasma membrane of secretory epithelia and cause cystic fibrosis (CF) with variable disease severity. Based on the molecular phenotypic complexity of CFTR mutants and their susceptibility to pharmacotherapy, it has been recognized that mutations may impose combinatorial defects in CFTR channel biology. This notion led to the conclusion that the combination of pharmacotherapies addressing single defects (e.g., transcription, translation, folding, and/or gating) may show improved clinical benefit over available low-efficacy monotherapies. Indeed, recent phase 3 clinical trials combining ivacaftor (a gating potentiator) and lumacaftor (a folding corrector) have proven efficacious in CF patients harboring the most common mutation (deletion of residue F508, ΔF508, or Phe508del). This drug combination was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for patients homozygous for ΔF508. Emerging studies of the structural, cell biological, and functional defects caused by rare mutations provide a new framework that reveals a mixture of deficiencies in different CFTR alleles. Establishment of a set of combinatorial categories of the previously defined basic defects in CF alleles will aid the design of even more efficacious therapeutic interventions for CF patients.

A New Hypothesis for the Mechanism of Amyloid Toxicity, Based on the Calcium Channel Activity of Amyloid β Protein (AβP) in Phospholipid Bilayer Membranes

Amyloid β protein (AβP) is the 40–42 residue polypeptide implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease (AD). We have reconstituted this peptide into phosphatidylserine liposomes and then fused the liposomes with a planar lipid bilayer. When incorporated into this bilayer, the AβP forms cation selective channels capable of transporting calcium and some monovalent cations including cesium, lithium, potassium, and sodium. The channels behave in an ohmic fashion and single channels can be shown to exhibit multiple subconductance states. Hitherto, AβP has been presumed to be neurotoxic, although direct demonstration of toxicity has proved elusive. On the basis of the present data we suggest that the ion channel activity of the polypeptide may be the basis of its neurotoxic effects.

Realizing the Promise of Reverse Phase Protein Arrays for Clinical, Translational, and Basic Research: A Workshop Report The RPPA (Reverse Phase Protein Array) Society

Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) technology introduced a miniaturized “antigen-down” or “dot-blot” immunoassay suitable for quantifying the relative, semi-quantitative or quantitative (if a well-accepted reference standard exists) abundance of total protein levels and post-translational modifications across a variety of biological samples including cultured cells, tissues, and body fluids. The recent evolution of RPPA combined with more sophisticated sample handling, optical detection, quality control, and better quality affinity reagents provides exquisite sensitivity and high sample throughput at a reasonable cost per sample. This facilitates large-scale multiplex analysis of multiple post-translational markers across samples from in vitro, preclinical, or clinical samples. The technical power of RPPA is stimulating the application and widespread adoption of RPPA methods within academic, clinical, and industrial research laboratories. Advances in RPPA technology now offer scientists the opportunity to quantify protein analytes with high precision, sensitivity, throughput, and robustness. As a result, adopters of RPPA technology have recognized critical success factors for useful and maximum exploitation of RPPA technologies, including the following: preservation and optimization of pre-analytical sample quality, application of validated high-affinity and specific antibody (or other protein affinity) detection reagents, dedicated informatics solutions to ensure accurate and robust quantification of protein analytes, and quality-assured procedures and data analysis workflows compatible with application within regulated clinical environments. In 2011, 2012, and 2013, the first three Global RPPA workshops were held in the United States, Europe, and Japan, respectively. These workshops provided an opportunity for RPPA laboratories, vendors, and users to share and discuss results, the latest technology platforms, best practices, and future challenges and opportunities. The outcomes of the workshops included a number of key opportunities to advance the RPPA field and provide added benefit to existing and future participants in the RPPA research community. The purpose of this report is to share and disseminate, as a community, current knowledge and future directions of the RPPA technology.

Haploinsufficiency of Anx7 tumor suppressor gene and consequent genomic instability promotes tumorigenesis in the Anx7(+/-) mouse

Annexin 7 (ANX7) acts as a tumor suppressor gene in prostate cancer, where loss of heterozygosity and reduction of ANX7 protein expression is associated with aggressive metastatic tumors. To investigate the mechanism by which this gene controls tumor development, we have developed an Anx7(+/-) knockout mouse. As hypothesized, the Anx7(+/-) mouse has a cancer-prone phenotype. The emerging tumors express low levels of Anx7 protein. Nonetheless, the wild-type Anx7 allele is detectable in laser-capture microdissection-derived tumor tissue cells. Genome array analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma tissue indicates that the Anx7(+/-) genotype is accompanied by profound reductions of expression of several other tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, and apoptosis-related genes. In situ analysis by tissue imprinting from chromosomes in the primary tumor and spectral karyotyping analysis of derived cell lines identify chromosomal instability and clonal chromosomal aberrations. Furthermore, whereas 23% of the mutant mice develop spontaneous neoplasms, all mice exhibit growth anomalies, including gender-specific gigantism and organomegaly. We conclude that haploinsufficiency of Anx7 expression appears to drive disease progression to cancer because of genomic instability through a discrete signaling pathway involving other tumor suppressor genes, DNA-repair genes, and apoptosis-related genes.

Rescue of ΔF508-CFTR by the SGK1/Nedd4-2 Signaling Pathway

The most common mutation in cystic fibrosis (CF) is ΔF508, which is associated with failure of the mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to traffic to the plasma membrane. By a still unknown mechanism, the loss of correctly trafficked ΔF508-CFTR results in an excess of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) on the apical plasma membrane. ENaC trafficking is known to be regulated by a signaling pathway involving the glucocorticoid receptor, the serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase SGK1, and the ubiquitin E3 ligase Nedd4-2. We show here that dexamethasone rescues functional expression of ΔF508-CFTR. The half-life of ΔF508-CFTR is also dramatically enhanced. Dexamethasone-activated ΔF508-CFTR rescue is blocked either by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486 or by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicate that Nedd4-2 binds to both wild-type- and ΔF508-CFTR. These complexes are inhibited by dexamethasone treatment, and CFTR ubiquitination is concomitantly decreased. We further show that knockdown of Nedd4-2 by small interfering RNA also corrects ΔF508-CFTR trafficking. Conversely, knockdown of SGK1 by small interfering RNA completely blocks dexamethasone-activated ΔF508-CFTR rescue. These data suggest that the SGK1/Nedd4-2 signaling pathway regulates both CFTR and ENaC trafficking in CF epithelial cells.

The cytokine temporal profile in rat cortex after controlled cortical impact

Cerebral inflammatory responses may initiate secondary cascades following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Changes in the expression of both cytokines and chemokines may activate, regulate, and recruit innate and adaptive immune cells associated with secondary degeneration, as well as alter a host of other cellular processes. In this study, we quantified the temporal expression of a large set of inflammatory mediators in rat cortical tissue after brain injury. Following a controlled cortical impact (CCI) on young adult male rats, cortical and hippocampal tissue of the injured hemisphere and matching contralateral material was harvested at early (4, 12, and 24 hours) and extended (3 and 7 days) time points post-procedure. Naïve rats that received only anesthesia were used as controls. Processed brain homogenates were assayed for chemokine and cytokine levels utilizing an electrochemiluminescence-based multiplex ELISA platform. The temporal profile of cortical tissue samples revealed a multi-phasic injury response following brain injury. CXCL1, IFN-γ, TNF-α levels significantly peaked at four hours post-injury compared to levels found in naïve or contralateral tissue. CXCL1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels were then observed to decrease at least 3-fold by 12 hours post-injury. IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-13 levels were also significantly elevated at four hours post-injury although their expression did not decrease more than 3-fold for up to 24 hours post-injury. Additionally, IL-1β and IL-4 levels displayed a biphasic temporal profile in response to injury, which may suggest their involvement in adaptive immune responses. Interestingly, peak levels of CCL2 and CCL20 were not observed until after four hours post-injury. CCL2 levels in injured cortical tissue were significantly higher than peak levels of any other inflammatory mediator measured, thus suggesting a possible use as a biomarker. Fully elucidating chemokine and cytokine signaling properties after brain injury may provide increased insight into a number of secondary cascade events that are initiated or regulated by inflammatory responses.