RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Cellular senescence limits tumourigenesis by blocking the proliferation of premalignant cells. Additionally, however, senescent cells can exert paracrine effects influencing tumour growth. Senescent cells are present in premalignant pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, yet their effects on the disease are poorly characterised. It is currently unknown whether senolytic drugs, aimed at eliminating senescent cells from lesions, could be beneficial in blocking tumour development. DESIGN: To uncover the functions of senescent cells and their potential contribution to early pancreatic tumourigenesis, we isolated and characterised senescent cells from PanINs formed in a Kras-driven mouse model, and tested the consequences of their targeted elimination through senolytic treatment. RESULTS: We found that senescent PanIN cells exert a tumour-promoting effect through expression of a proinflammatory signature that includes high Cox2 levels. Senolytic treatment with the Bcl2-family inhibitor ABT-737 eliminated Cox2-expressing senescent cells, and an intermittent short-duration treatment course dramatically reduced PanIN development and progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that senescent PanIN cells support tumour growth and progression, and provide a first indication that elimination of senescent cells may be effective as preventive therapy for the progression of precancerous lesions.
Assuntos
Adenocarcinoma/patologia , Senescência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patologia , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas/patologia , Senoterapia/uso terapêutico , Adenocarcinoma/metabolismo , Animais , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Camundongos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/metabolismo , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas/metabolismoRESUMO
During embryonic gonad coalescence, primordial germ cells (PGCs) follow a carefully choreographed migratory route circumscribed by guidance signals towards somatic gonadal precursor cells (SGPs). In Drosophila melanogaster, SGP-derived Hedgehog (Hh), which serves as a guidance cue for the PGCs, is potentiated by mesodermally restricted HMGCoA-reductase (Hmgcr) and the ABC transporter Multi-drug-resistant-49 (Mdr49). Given the importance of cholesterol modification in the processing and long-distance transmission of the Hh ligand, we have analyzed the involvement of the Niemann-Pick disease type C-1a (NPC1a) protein, a cholesterol transporter, in germ cell migration and Hedgehog signaling. We show that mesoderm-specific inactivation of Npc1a results in germ cell migration defects. Similar to Mdr49, PGC migration defects in the Npc1a embryos are ameliorated by a cholesterol-rich diet. Consistently, reduction in Npc1a weakens the ability of ectopic HMG Coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr) to induce germ cell migration defects. Moreover, compromising Npc1a levels influences Hh signaling adversely during wing development, a process that relies upon long-range Hh signaling. Last, doubly heterozygous embryos (Mdr49/Npc1a) display enhanced germ cell migration defects when compared with single mutants (Npc1a/+ or Mdr49/+), supporting cooperative interaction between the two.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Drosophila/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Animais , Movimento Celular/genética , Movimento Celular/fisiologia , Proteínas de Drosophila/genética , Drosophila melanogaster , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento/genética , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento/fisiologia , Células Germinativas/metabolismo , Heterozigoto , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Neurônios/metabolismo , Proteína C1 de Niemann-Pick , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologiaRESUMO
The causes of ovarian dysgenesis remain incompletely understood. Two sisters with XX ovarian dysgenesis carried compound heterozygous truncating mutations in the BRCA2 gene that led to reduced BRCA2 protein levels and an impaired response to DNA damage, which resulted in chromosomal breakage and the failure of RAD51 to be recruited to double-stranded DNA breaks. The sisters also had microcephaly, and one sister was in long-term remission from leukemia, which had been diagnosed when she was 5 years old. Drosophila mutants that were null for an orthologue of BRCA2 were sterile, and gonadal dysgenesis was present in both sexes. These results revealed a new role for BRCA2 and highlight the importance to ovarian development of genes that are critical for recombination during meiosis. (Funded by the Israel Science Foundation and others.).
Assuntos
Proteína BRCA2/deficiência , Quebra Cromossômica , Reparo do DNA , Genes BRCA2 , Disgenesia Gonadal/genética , Ovário/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Adolescente , Animais , Proteína BRCA2/fisiologia , Quebra Cromossômica/efeitos dos fármacos , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Drosophila melanogaster , Feminino , Humanos , Hipogonadismo/genética , Masculino , Microcefalia/genética , Mitomicina/farmacologia , Modelos Animais , Ovário/fisiologia , Linhagem , Irmãos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The generation of point mutations is a major tool for evaluating the roles of specific nucleotides or amino acids within the regulatory or functional landscape. However, examination of these mutations in vivo requires the generation of animals carrying only the relevant point mutations at the endogenous genomic loci, which is technically challenging. The CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing greatly facilitates the generation of such genetically modified animals; however, most of the described methods use double-strand DNA (dsDNA) as the donor template. The dsDNA plasmids frequently undergo undesired integration events into the targeted genomic locus. The use of a single-strand oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) as the donor template prevents this complication and is therefore the preferred choice for introducing point mutations, as well as short sequences such as protein tags. RESULTS: We successfully applied the CRISPR-based white co-conversion strategy with a ssODN template, instead of the originally described dsDNA plasmid, to create genetically modified Drosophila melanogaster strains. We used the technique to easily introduce point mutations in two distinct chromosomes. Using the generated flies, we were able to demonstrate the in vivo importance of the respective mutations. For the Nucleoporin107 (Nup107) gene, the 1090G > A mutation was confirmed to affect ovarian development, while for the tinman (tin) gene, the regulatory role of the downstream core promoter element (DPE) was demonstrated within the developing Drosophila melanogaster embryo. CONCLUSIONS: The described approach has facilitated the successful generation of point mutations in two different chromosomes, by two different labs. Distinct phenotypes associated with the newly-generated genotype were identified, thus exemplifying the importance of investigating the in vivo role of specific nucleotides. In addition, detailed guidelines, recommendations and crossing schemes are provided in order to support the generation of additional genetically modified animals by the scientific community.
RESUMO
T cell antigen receptor (TCR) binding of a peptide antigen presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the context of surface MHC molecules initiates signaling events that regulate T cell activation, proliferation and differentiation. A key event in the activation process is the phosphorylation of the conserved tyrosine residues within the CD3 chain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs), which operate as docking sites for SH2 domain-containing effector proteins. Phosphorylation of the CD3ζ ITAMs renders the CD3 chain capable of binding the ζ-chain associated protein 70 kDa (ZAP70), a protein tyrosine kinase that is essential for T cell activation. We found that TCR/CD3 crosslinking in Jurkat T cells promotes the association of Crk adaptor proteins with the transiently phosphorylated CD3ζ chain. Pull down assays using bead-immobilized GST fusion proteins revealed that the Crk-SH2 domain mediates binding of phospho-CD3ζ. Phospho-CD3ζ binding is selective and is mediated by the three types of Crk, including CrkI, CrkII, and CrkL, but not by other SH2 domain-containing adaptor proteins, such as Grb2, GRAP and Nck. Crk interaction with phospho-CD3ζ is rapid and transient, peaking 1 min post TCR/CD3 crosslinking. The results suggest the involvement of Crk adaptor proteins in the early stages of T cell activation in which Crk might help recruiting effector proteins to the vicinity of the phospho-CD3ζ and contribute to the fine-tuning of the TCR/CD3-coupled signal transduction pathways.
Assuntos
Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-crk/metabolismo , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Proteína-Tirosina Quinase ZAP-70/química , Proteína-Tirosina Quinase ZAP-70/metabolismo , Sítios de Ligação , Humanos , Fosfotirosina/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
We recently identified a missense mutation in Nucleoporin107 (Nup107; D447N) underlying XX-ovarian-dysgenesis, a rare disorder characterized by underdeveloped and dysfunctional ovaries. Modeling of the human mutation in Drosophila or specific knockdown of Nup107 in the gonadal soma resulted in ovarian-dysgenesis-like phenotypes. Transcriptomic analysis identified the somatic sex-determination gene doublesex (dsx) as a target of Nup107. Establishing Dsx as a primary relevant target of Nup107, either loss or gain of Dsx in the gonadal soma is sufficient to mimic or rescue the phenotypes induced by Nup107 loss. Importantly, the aberrant phenotypes induced by compromising either Nup107 or dsx are reminiscent of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP signaling hyperactivation). Remarkably, in this context, the metalloprotease AdamTS-A, a transcriptional target of both Dsx and Nup107, is necessary for the calibration of BMP signaling. As modulation of BMP signaling is a conserved critical determinant of soma-germline interaction, the sex- and tissue-specific deployment of Dsx-F by Nup107 seems crucial for the maintenance of the homeostatic balance between the germ cells and somatic gonadal cells.
Assuntos
Aquaporinas , Proteínas de Drosophila , Animais , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/metabolismo , Drosophila/genética , Proteínas de Drosophila/metabolismo , Drosophila melanogaster/genética , Drosophila melanogaster/metabolismo , Feminino , Diferenciação Sexual/genéticaRESUMO
Acinar metaplasia is an initial step in a series of events that can lead to pancreatic cancer. Here we perform single-cell RNA-sequencing of mouse pancreas during the progression from preinvasive stages to tumor formation. Using a reporter gene, we identify metaplastic cells that originated from acinar cells and express two transcription factors, Onecut2 and Foxq1. Further analyses of metaplastic acinar cell heterogeneity define six acinar metaplastic cell types and states, including stomach-specific cell types. Localization of metaplastic cell types and mixture of different metaplastic cell types in the same pre-malignant lesion is shown. Finally, single-cell transcriptome analyses of tumor-associated stromal, immune, endothelial and fibroblast cells identify signals that may support tumor development, as well as the recruitment and education of immune cells. Our findings are consistent with the early, premalignant formation of an immunosuppressive environment mediated by interactions between acinar metaplastic cells and other cells in the microenvironment.
Assuntos
Células Acinares/patologia , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/genética , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Pâncreas/patologia , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/genética , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas/genética , Animais , Animais Geneticamente Modificados , Biópsia , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/mortalidade , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/patologia , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/cirurgia , Diferenciação Celular , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/genética , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/metabolismo , Heterogeneidade Genética , Proteínas de Homeodomínio/genética , Proteínas de Homeodomínio/metabolismo , Humanos , Estimativa de Kaplan-Meier , Masculino , Metaplasia/genética , Camundongos , Mutação , Pâncreas/citologia , Pâncreas/cirurgia , Pancreatectomia , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/mortalidade , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patologia , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/cirurgia , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas/patologia , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas p21(ras)/genética , RNA-Seq , Análise de Célula Única , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Microambiente Tumoral/genéticaRESUMO
T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of a peptide antigen in the context of MHC molecules initiates positive and negative cascades that regulate T cell activation, proliferation and differentiation, and culminate in the acquisition of effector T cell functions. These processes are a prerequisite for the induction of specific T cell-mediated adaptive immune responses. A key event in the activation of TCR-coupled signaling pathways is the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues within the cytoplasmic tails of the CD3 subunits, predominantly CD3ζ. These transiently formed phosphotyrosyl epitopes serve as docking sites for SH2-domain containing effector molecules, predominantly the ZAP70 protein tyrosine kinase, which is critical for signal propagation. We found that CrkI and CrkII adaptor proteins also interact with CD3ζ in TCR activated-, but not in resting-, T cells. Crk binding to CD3ζ was independent of ZAP70 and also occurred in ZAP70-deficient T cells. Binding was mediated by Crk-SH2 domain interaction with phosphotyrosine-containing motifs on CD3ζ, via a direct physical interaction, as demonstrated by Far-Western blot. CrkII binding to CD3ζ could also be demonstrated in a heterologous system, where coexpression of a catalytically active Lck was used to phosphorylate the CD3ζ chain. TCR activation-induced Crk binding to CD3ζ resulted in increased and prolonged phosphorylation of CD3ζ, as well as ZAP70 and LAT, suggesting a positive role for CrkI/II binding to CD3ζ in regulation of TCR-coupled signaling pathways. Furthermore, Crk-dependent increased phosphorylation of CD3ζ coincided with inhibition of TCR downmodulation, supporting a positive role for Crk adaptor proteins in TCR-mediated signal amplification.
Assuntos
Complexo CD3/metabolismo , Regulação para Baixo , Ativação Linfocitária , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-crk/metabolismo , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Animais , Anticorpos/metabolismo , Células COS , Chlorocebus aethiops , Reagentes de Ligações Cruzadas/farmacologia , Regulação para Baixo/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Células Jurkat , Ativação Linfocitária/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Peso Molecular , Fosforilação/efeitos dos fármacos , Fosfotirosina/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-crk/química , Linfócitos T/efeitos dos fármacos , Vanadatos/farmacologia , Proteína-Tirosina Quinase ZAP-70/metabolismo , Domínios de Homologia de srcRESUMO
Ovarian development and maintenance are poorly understood; however, diseases that affect these processes can offer insights into the underlying mechanisms. XX female gonadal dysgenesis (XX-GD) is a rare, genetically heterogeneous disorder that is characterized by underdeveloped, dysfunctional ovaries, with subsequent lack of spontaneous pubertal development, primary amenorrhea, uterine hypoplasia, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Here, we report an extended consanguineous family of Palestinian origin, in which 4 females exhibited XX-GD. Using homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing, we identified a recessive missense mutation in nucleoporin-107 (NUP107, c.1339G>A, p.D447N). This mutation segregated with the XX-GD phenotype and was not present in available databases or in 150 healthy ethnically matched controls. NUP107 is a component of the nuclear pore complex, and the NUP107-associated protein SEH1 is required for oogenesis in Drosophila. In Drosophila, Nup107 knockdown in somatic gonadal cells resulted in female sterility, whereas males were fully fertile. Transgenic rescue of Drosophila females bearing the Nup107D364N mutation, which corresponds to the human NUP107 (p.D447N), resulted in almost complete sterility, with a marked reduction in progeny, morphologically aberrant eggshells, and disintegrating egg chambers, indicating defective oogenesis. These results indicate a pivotal role for NUP107 in ovarian development and suggest that nucleoporin defects may play a role in milder and more common conditions such as premature ovarian failure.
Assuntos
Aquaporinas/fisiologia , Proteínas de Drosophila/fisiologia , Disgenesia Gonadal 46 XX/genética , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto , Complexo de Proteínas Formadoras de Poros Nucleares/genética , Ovário/patologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Animais , Animais Geneticamente Modificados , Aquaporinas/deficiência , Aquaporinas/genética , Consanguinidade , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Proteínas de Drosophila/deficiência , Proteínas de Drosophila/genética , Drosophila melanogaster/genética , Feminino , Humanos , Infertilidade Feminina/genética , Masculino , Camundongos , Modelos Moleculares , Morfogênese , Complexos Multiproteicos , Complexo de Proteínas Formadoras de Poros Nucleares/deficiência , Complexo de Proteínas Formadoras de Poros Nucleares/fisiologia , Oogênese/genética , Óvulo/patologia , Linhagem , Conformação ProteicaRESUMO
The Crk adapter proteins consist of Src homology 2 (SH2) SH2 and SH3 domains, which bind tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides and polyproline-rich motives, respectively. They are linked to multiple signaling pathways in different cell types, including lymphocytes, and because of their lack of catalytic activity, many studies on Crk were aimed at the identification of their binding partners and determination of the physiologic meaning of these interactions. Crk proteins were found to be involved in the early steps of lymphocyte activation through their SH2-mediated transient interaction with signal-transducing molecules, such as Cbl, ZAP-70, CasL, and STAT5. In addition, Crk proteins are constitutively associated with effector molecules that mediate cell adhesion and thereby regulate lymphocyte extravasation and recruitment to sites of inflammation. This article describes selected studies of Crk, performed predominantly in lymphocytes, and discusses their potential relevance to the role of Crk in the regulation of lymphocyte functions.
Assuntos
Proteínas Adaptadoras de Transdução de Sinal , Proteínas Adaptadoras de Transporte Vesicular/imunologia , Linfócitos/imunologia , Domínios de Homologia de src/fisiologia , Animais , Humanos , Fosforilação , Ligação Proteica , Proteínas Quinases/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-crkRESUMO
Argos, a secreted inhibitor of the Drosophila epidermal growth factor receptor, and the only known secreted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, acts by sequestering the EGFR ligand Spitz. We use computational modeling to show that this biochemically-determined mechanism of Argos action can explain available genetic data for EGFR/Spitz/Argos interactions in vivo. We find that efficient Spitz sequestration by Argos is key for explaining the existing data and for providing a robust feedback loop that modulates the Spitz gradient in embryonic ventral ectoderm patterning. Computational analysis of the EGFR/Spitz/Argos module in the ventral ectoderm shows that Argos need not be long-ranged to account for genetic data, and can actually have very short range. In our models, Argos with long or short length scale functions to limit the range and action of secreted Spitz. Thus, the spatial range of Argos does not have to be tightly regulated or may act at different ranges in distinct developmental contexts.