Yan Yan Yip

WD40-repeat protein 62 is a JNK-phosphorylated spindle pole protein required for spindle maintenance and timely mitotic progression

Summary The impact of aberrant centrosomes and/or spindles on asymmetric cell division in embryonic development indicates the tight regulation of bipolar spindle formation and positioning that is required for mitotic progression and cell fate determination. WD40-repeat protein 62 (WDR62) was recently identified as a spindle pole protein linked to the neurodevelopmental defect of microcephaly but its roles in mitosis have not been defined. We report here that the in utero electroporation of neuroprogenitor cells with WDR62 siRNAs induced their cell cycle exit and reduced their proliferative capacity. In cultured cells, we demonstrated cell-cycle-dependent accumulation of WDR62 at the spindle pole during mitotic entry that persisted until metaphase–anaphase transition. Utilizing siRNA depletion, we revealed WDR62 function in stabilizing the mitotic spindle specifically during metaphase. WDR62 loss resulted in spindle orientation defects, decreased the integrity of centrosomes displaced from the spindle pole and delayed mitotic progression. Additionally, we revealed JNK phosphorylation of WDR62 is required for maintaining metaphase spindle organization during mitosis. Our study provides the first functional characterization of WDR62 and has revealed requirements for JNK/WDR62 signaling in mitotic spindle regulation that may be involved in coordinating neurogenesis.

The C-terminus of Raf-1 acts as a 14-3-3-dependent activation switch

The Raf-1 protein kinase is a major activator of the ERK MAPK pathway, which links signaling by a variety of cell surface receptors to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration. Signaling by Raf-1 is regulated by a complex and poorly understood interplay between phosphorylation events and protein-protein interactions. One important mode of Raf-1 regulation involves the phosphorylation-dependent binding of 14-3-3 proteins. Here, we have examined the mechanism whereby the C-terminal 14-3-3 binding site of Raf-1, S621, controls the activation of MEK-ERK signaling. We show that phosphorylation of S621 turns over rapidly and is enriched in the activated pool of endogenous Raf-1. The phosphorylation on this site can be mediated by Raf-1 itself but also by other kinase(s). Mutations that prevent the binding of 14-3-3 proteins to S621 render Raf-1 inactive by specifically disrupting its capacity to bind to ATP, and not by gross conformational alteration as indicated by intact MEK binding. Phosphorylation of S621 correlates with the inhibition of Raf-1 catalytic activity in vitro, but 14-3-3 proteins can completely reverse this inhibition. Our findings suggest that 14-3-3 proteins function as critical cofactors in Raf-1 activation, which induce and maintain the protein in a state that is competent for both ATP binding and MEK phosphorylation.

Folliculin directs the formation of a Rab34–RILP complex to control the nutrient‐dependent dynamic distribution of lysosomes

The spatial distribution of lysosomes is important for their function and is, in part, controlled by cellular nutrient status. Here, we show that the lysosome associated Birt–Hoge–Dubé (BHD) syndrome renal tumour suppressor folliculin (FLCN) regulates this process. FLCN promotes the peri‐nuclear clustering of lysosomes following serum and amino acid withdrawal and is supported by the predominantly Golgi‐associated small GTPase Rab34. Rab34‐positive peri‐nuclear membranes contact lysosomes and cause a reduction in lysosome motility and knockdown of FLCN inhibits Rab34‐induced peri‐nuclear lysosome clustering. FLCN interacts directly via its C‐terminal DENN domain with the Rab34 effector RILP. Using purified recombinant proteins, we show that the FLCN‐DENN domain does not act as a GEF for Rab34, but rather, loads active Rab34 onto RILP. We propose a model whereby starvation‐induced FLCN association with lysosomes drives the formation of contact sites between lysosomes and Rab34‐positive peri‐nuclear membranes that restrict lysosome motility and thus promote their retention in this region of the cell.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun inhibits fibroblast proliferation by negatively regulating the levels of stathmin/oncoprotein 18

The JNKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinases) are stress-activated serine/threonine kinases that can regulate both cell death and cell proliferation. We have developed a cell system to control JNK re-expression at physiological levels in JNK1/2-null MEFs (murine embryonic fibroblasts). JNK re-expression restored basal and stress-activated phosphorylation of the c-Jun transcription factor and attenuated cellular proliferation with increased cells in G1/S-phase of the cell cycle. To explore JNK actions to regulate cell proliferation, we evaluated a role for the cytosolic protein, STMN (stathmin)/Op18 (oncoprotein 18). STMN, up-regulated in a range of cancer types, plays a crucial role in the control of cell division through its regulation of microtubule dynamics of the mitotic spindle. In JNK1/2-null or c-Jun-null MEFs or cells treated with c-Jun siRNA (small interfering RNA), STMN levels were significantly increased. Furthermore, a requirement for JNK/cJun signalling was demonstrated by expression of wild-type c-Jun, but not a phosphorylation-defective c-Jun mutant, being sufficient to down-regulate STMN. Critically, shRNA (small hairpin RNA)-directed STMN down-regulation in JNK1/2-null MEFs attenuated proliferation. Thus JNK/c-Jun regulation of STMN levels provides a novel pathway in regulation of cell proliferation with important implications for understanding the actions of JNK as a physiological regulator of the cell cycle and tumour suppressor protein.

Loss of miR-223 and JNK Signaling Contribute to Elevated Stathmin in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is often fatal, and studies have revealed that aberrant miRNAs contribute to MPM development and aggressiveness. Here, a screen of miRNAs identified reduced levels of miR-223 in MPM patient specimens. Interestingly, miR-223 targets Stathmin (STMN1), a microtubule regulator that has been associated with MPM. However, whether miR-223 regulates STMN1 in MPM and the functions of miR-223 and STMN1 in this disease are yet to be determined. STMN1 is also regulated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but whether this occurs in MPM and whether miR-223 plays a role are unknown. The relationship between STMN1, miR-223, and JNK was assessed using MPM cell lines, cells from pleural effusions, and MPM tissue. Evidence indicates that miR-223 is decreased in all MPM tissue compared with normal/healthy tissue. Conversely, STMN1 expression was higher in MPM cell lines when compared with primary mesothelial cell controls. Following overexpression of miR-223 in MPM cell lines, STMN1 levels were reduced, cell motility was inhibited, and tubulin acetylation induced. Knockdown of STMN1 using siRNAs led to inhibition of MPM cell proliferation and motility. Finally, miR-223 levels increased while STMN1 was reduced following the re-expression of the JNK isoforms in JNK-null murine embryonic fibroblasts, and STMN1 was reduced in MPM cell lines following the activation of JNK signaling. Implications: miR-223 regulates STMN1 in MPM, and both are in turn regulated by the JNK signaling pathway. As such, miR-223 and STMN1 play an important role in regulating MPM cell motility and may be therapeutic targets. Mol Cancer Res; 13(7); 1106–18. ©2015 AACR.

The light chains of kinesin-1 are autoinhibited

Significance Despite its importance for a host of cellular processes and contribution to neurological, viral, and bacterial disease, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the heterotetrameric motor kinesin-1 by its light chains and the binding of its cargo are not well understood. Here, we describe how a previously unnoticed intramolecular interaction between the light chain tetratricopeptide repeat domain (KLC2TPR) and a highly conserved peptide motif within an unstructured region of the molecule occludes a key cargo binding site on the light-chain TPR domain. Cargo binding displaces this intramolecular interaction, effecting a global overall conformational change in KLCs that results in a more extended conformation. We propose a model describing how, via this molecular switch, cargo binding regulates the activity of the holoenzyme. The light chains (KLCs) of the microtubule motor kinesin-1 bind cargoes and regulate its activity. Through their tetratricopeptide repeat domain (KLCTPR), they can recognize short linear peptide motifs found in many cargo proteins characterized by a central tryptophan flanked by aspartic/glutamic acid residues (W-acidic). Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensor in combination with X-ray crystallographic, biochemical, and biophysical approaches, we describe how an intramolecular interaction between the KLC2TPR domain and a conserved peptide motif within an unstructured region of the molecule, partly occludes the W-acidic binding site on the TPR domain. Cargo binding displaces this interaction, effecting a global conformational change in KLCs resulting in a more extended conformation. Thus, like the motor-bearing kinesin heavy chains, KLCs exist in a dynamic conformational state that is regulated by self-interaction and cargo binding. We propose a model by which, via this molecular switch, W-acidic cargo binding regulates the activity of the holoenzyme.

Opposing roles for JNK and Aurora A in regulating the association of WDR62 with spindle microtubules

ABSTRACT WD40-repeat protein 62 (WDR62) is a spindle pole protein required for normal cell division and neuroprogenitor differentiation during brain development. Microcephaly-associated mutations in WDR62 lead to mitotic mislocalization, highlighting a crucial requirement for precise WDR62 spatiotemporal distribution, although the regulatory mechanisms are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the WD40-repeat region of WDR62 is required for microtubule association, whereas the disordered C-terminal region regulates cell-cycle-dependent compartmentalization. In agreement with a functional requirement for the WDR62–JNK1 complex during neurogenesis, WDR62 specifically recruits JNK1 (also known as MAPK8), but not JNK2 (also known as MAPK9), to the spindle pole. However, JNK-mediated phosphorylation of WDR62 T1053 negatively regulated microtubule association, and loss of JNK signaling resulted in constitutive WDR62 localization to microtubules irrespective of cell cycle stage. In contrast, we identified that Aurora A kinase (AURKA) and WDR62 were in complex and that AURKA-mediated phosphorylation was required for the spindle localization of WDR62 during mitosis. Our studies highlight complex regulation of WDR62 localization, with opposing roles for JNK and AURKA in determining its spindle association.

cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Mediate Stathmin Phosphorylation for the Maintenance of Interphase Microtubules during Osmotic Stress

Background: Complex phosphorylation mechanisms negatively regulate stathmin microtubule-destabilizing activity. Results: Stathmin is co-regulated by JNK and PKA to maintain the integrity of interphase microtubules during hyperosmotic stress. Conclusion: Stress-activated JNK and PKA pathways are integrated in the regulation of the microtubule array during cell stress. Significance: Stress signaling regulation of microtubule destabilizing stathmin is critical in determining cytoskeleton organization in response to cell stress. Dynamic microtubule changes after a cell stress challenge are required for cell survival and adaptation. Stathmin (STMN), a cytoplasmic microtubule-destabilizing phosphoprotein, regulates interphase microtubules during cell stress, but the signaling mechanisms involved are poorly defined. In this study ectopic expression of single alanine-substituted phospho-resistant mutants demonstrated that STMN Ser-38 and Ser-63 phosphorylation were specifically required to maintain interphase microtubules during hyperosmotic stress. STMN was phosphorylated on Ser-38 and Ser-63 in response to hyperosmolarity, heat shock, and arsenite treatment but rapidly dephosphorylated after oxidative stress treatment. Two-dimensional PAGE and Phos-tag gel analysis of stress-stimulated STMN phospho-isoforms revealed rapid STMN Ser-38 phosphorylation followed by subsequent Ser-25 and Ser-63 phosphorylation. Previously, we delineated stress-stimulated JNK targeting of STMN. Here, we identified cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling as responsible for stress-induced STMN Ser-63 phosphorylation. Increased cAMP levels induced by cholera toxin triggered potent STMN Ser-63 phosphorylation. Osmotic stress stimulated an increase in PKA activity and elevated STMN Ser-63 and CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein) Ser-133 phosphorylation that was substantially attenuated by pretreatment with H-89, a PKA inhibitor. Interestingly, PKA activity and subsequent phosphorylation of STMN were augmented in the absence of JNK activation, indicating JNK and PKA pathway cross-talk during stress regulation of STMN. Taken together our study indicates that JNK- and PKA-mediated STMN Ser-38 and Ser-63 phosphorylation are required to preserve interphase microtubules in response to hyperosmotic stress.

The in vitro anticoagulant effects of Danaparoid, Fondaparinux, and Lepirudin in children compared to adults

INTRODUCTION Major physiological differences in the coagulation system of children compared to that of adults are well documented. We have previously investigated the age-related differences in response to Unfractionated Heparin (UFH). However, the impact of developmental haemostasis on more recent anticoagulant drugs is unknown. A number of these drugs are approved for use in specific indications in adults and none are approved for use in children. This study aimed to determine whether age-related differences in effect and impact on monitoring tests exist in vitro for danaparoid, fondaparinux and lepirudin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plasma samples were obtained from healthy children and pooled into age-specific pools, in order to obtain sufficient quantity of plasma required for the analysis of the three drugs. Each age-specific pool was spiked with different concentrations of danaparoid, fondaparinux and lepirudin and response was measured using standard techniques. All experiments were repeated using three separate plasma pools. The effect of each drug in childrens plasma was compared to the effect in the respective adult plasma pool. RESULTS Age-related differences in effect on thrombin potential and monitoring tests were observed only with the drug lepirudin. Specifically, APTT for children up to 5 years of age was increased compared to adults; all children had lower ECT results compared to adults; children up to 10 years of age had increased inhibition of ETP as compared to adults. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms age-related differences in response to anticoagulants with predominant anti-IIa effect and highlights the need for further research into this area.

A 19S proteasomal subunit cooperates with an ERK MAPK-regulated degron to regulate accumulation of Fra-1 in tumour cells

Fos-related antigen-1 (Fra-1) is a member of the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor superfamily that is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, including colon, breast, lung, bladder and brain. High Fra-1 levels are associated with enhanced cell proliferation, survival, migration and invasion. Despite its frequent overexpression, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the accumulation of Fra-1 proteins in tumour cells are not well understood. Here, we show that turnover of Fra-1, which does not require ubiquitylation, is cooperatively regulated by two distinct mechanisms—association with the 19S proteasomal subunit, TBP-1, and by a C-terminal degron, which acts independently of TBP-1, but is regulated by RAS–ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signalling. TBP-1 depletion stabilized Fra-1 and further increased its levels in tumour cells expressing RAS–ERK pathway oncogenes. These effects correlated with increased AP-1 transcriptional activity. We suggest that during Fra-1 degradation, association with TBP-1 provides a mechanism for ubiquitin-independent proteasomal recognition, while the C terminus of the protein regulates its subsequent proteolytic processing.