Inhibitory receptors bind ANGPTLs and support blood stem cells and leukaemia development.

How environmental cues regulate adult stem cell and cancer cell activity through surface receptors is poorly understood. Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs), a family of seven secreted glycoproteins, are known to support the activity of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro and in vivo. ANGPTLs also have important roles in lipid metabolism, angiogenesis and inflammation, but were considered 'orphan ligands' because no receptors were identified. Here we show that the immune-inhibitory receptor human leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2 (LILRB2) and its mouse orthologue paired immunoglobulin-like receptor (PIRB) are receptors for several ANGPTLs. LILRB2 and PIRB are expressed on human and mouse HSCs, respectively, and the binding of ANGPTLs to these receptors supported ex vivo expansion of HSCs. In mouse transplantation acute myeloid leukaemia models, a deficiency in intracellular signalling of PIRB resulted in increased differentiation of leukaemia cells, revealing that PIRB supports leukaemia development. Our study indicates an unexpected functional significance of classical immune-inhibitory receptors in maintenance of stemness of normal adult stem cells and in support of cancer development.

Angiopoietin-like protein 2 induces proinflammatory responses in peritoneal cells.

Monocytes and macrophages are important effectors and regulators of inflammation, and both their differentiation and activation are regulated strictly in response to environmental cues. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (Angptl2) is a multifaceted protein, displaying many physiological and pathological functions in inflammation, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, and tumor development. Although recent studies implicate Angptl2 in chronic inflammation, the mechanisms of inflammation caused by Angptl2 remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the role of Angptl2 in inflammation by understanding the effects of Angptl2 on monocytes/macrophages. We showed that Angptl2 directly activates resident murine peritoneal monocytes and macrophages and induces a drastic upregulation of the transcription of several inflammatory genes including nitric oxide synthase 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, and several proinflammatory cytokine genes such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, and CSF2, along with activation of ERK, JNK, p38, and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways. Concordantly, proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, and GM-CSF, were rapidly elevated from murine peritoneal monocytes and macrophages. These results demonstrate a novel role for Angptl2 in inflammation via the direct activation of peritoneal monocytes and macrophages.

Angiopoietin-like protein 3 supports the activity of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow niche.

The physiologic roles of angiopoietin-like proteins (Angptls) in the hematopoietic system remain unknown. Here we show that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in Angptl3-null mice are decreased in number and quiescence. HSCs transplanted into Angptl3-null recipient mice exhibited impaired repopulation. Bone marrow sinusoidal endothelial cells express high levels of Angptl3 and are adjacent to HSCs. Importantly, bone marrow stromal cells or endothelium deficient in Angptl3 have a significantly decreased ability to support the expansion of repopulating HSCs. Angptl3 represses the expression of the transcription factor Ikaros, whose unregulated overexpression diminishes the repopulation activity of HSCs. Angptl3, as an extrinsic factor, thus supports the stemness of HSCs in the bone marrow niche.

IGF binding protein 2 supports the survival and cycling of hematopoietic stem cells.

The role of IGF binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) in cell growth is intriguing and largely undefined. Previously we identified IGFBP2 as an extrinsic factor that supports ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here we showed that IGFBP2-null mice have fewer HSCs than wild-type mice. While IGFBP2 has little cell-autonomous effect on HSC function, we found decreased in vivo repopulation of HSCs in primary and secondary transplanted IGFBP2-null recipients. Importantly, bone marrow stromal cells that are deficient for IGFBP2 have significantly decreased ability to support the expansion of repopulating HSCs. To investigate the mechanism by which IGFBP2 supports HSC activity, we demonstrated that HSCs in IGFBP2-null mice had decreased survival and cycling, down-regulated expression of antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2, and up-regulated expression of cell cycle inhibitors p21, p16, p19, p57, and PTEN. Moreover, we found that the C-terminus, but not the RGD domain, of extrinsic IGFBP2 was essential for support of HSC activity. Defective signaling of the IGF type I receptor did not rescue the decreased repopulation of HSCs in IGFBP2-null recipients, suggesting that the environmental effect of IGFBP2 on HSCs is independent of IGF-IR mediated signaling. Therefore, as an environmental factor, IGFBP2 supports the survival and cycling of HSCs.

Ectopic coexpression of keratin 8 and 18 promotes invasion of transformed keratinocytes and is induced in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) results from transformation of epidermal keratinocytes. Invasion of transformed keratinocytes through the basement membrane into the dermis results in invasive cSCC with substantial metastatic potential. To better understand the mechanisms for invasion and metastasis, we compared the protein expression profiles of a non-metastatic transformed mouse keratinocyte line and its metastatic derivative. Keratin 8 (Krt8) and Krt18, not seen in normal keratinocytes, were coexpressed and formed Krt8/18 filaments in the metastatic line. The metastatic line efficiently invaded an artificial basement membrane in vitro owing to the Krt8/18-coexpression, since coexpression of exogenous Krt8/18 in the non-invasive parental line conferred invasiveness. To test whether the Krt8/18-coexpression is induced and is involved in cSCC invasion, we examined specimens from 21 pre-invasive and 24 invasive cSCC patients by immunohistochemistry, and the ectopic Krt8/18-coexpression was almost exclusively found in invasive cSCC. Further studies are needed to examine the clinical significance of ectopic Krt8/18-coexpression in cSCC.

miR-935 Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Targets Inositol Polyphosphate-4-phosphatase Type IA (INPP4A).

BACKGROUND/AIM: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy with poor prognosis. Therefore, novel therapeutic options are needed to improve prognosis of OSCC. Recently, microRNAs (miRs) have received increasing attention as a potential therapeutic tool for carcinomas. However, no definitive miR-based drugs for patients with OSCC have been reported to date. The aim of this study was to identify new miRs potentially involved in cellular processes associated with OSCC malignancy, which could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified miRs that are modulated in OSCC and possibly regulate OSCC malignancy, using miR microarray on OSCC cell lines. RESULTS: miR-935 and miR-509-3p were down-regulated in OSCC cell lines and patient tissues. When miR-935 was overexpressed in HSC-3-M3 cells, proliferation, migration, and invasion of the cell line was suppressed, whereas apoptosis was increased. Moreover, we showed that the gene inositol polyphosphate-4-phosphatase type I A (INPP4A) is a potential target whose expression is positively regulated by miR-935. CONCLUSION: miR-935 may function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting OSCC malignancy via INPP4A induction. Therefore, miR-935 can be a new therapeutic candidate for OSCC treatment.

Quadruple Multiple Primary Malignancies: Early Detection of Second Primary Malignancy by Esophagogastroduodenoscopy/Colonoscopy Is Crucial for Patients with Classic Kaposi's Sarcoma.

Currently, Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is treated following the recommendations of international guidelines. These guidelines recommend esophagogastroduodenoscopy/colonoscopy for detecting multicentric KS of visceral lesions. Second primary malignancies (SPMs) are also a common KS complication; however, information on their detection and treatment is unfortunately not yet indicated in these guidelines. This paper reports on an 86-year-old man who suffered from quadruple primary malignancies: skin classic KS with colon adenocarcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma (maxilla), and well-differentiated stomach adenocarcinoma. Gastric cancer was incidentally detected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which was performed to detect visceral KS. We suggest that esophagogastroduodenoscopy/colonoscopy be routinely performed during the follow-up of patients with KS. As SPMs are crucial complications in patients with KS, these malignancies should be detected as early as possible.

Rap2 function requires palmitoylation and recycling endosome localization.

Rap2A, Rap2B, and Rap2C are Ras-like small G proteins. The role of their post-translational processing has not been investigated due to the lack of information on their downstream signaling. We have recently identified the Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK), a member of the STE20 group of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinases, as a specific Rap2 effector. Here we report that, in HEK293T cells, Rap2A (farnesylated) and Rap2C (likely farnesylated), but not Rap2B (geranylgeranylated), require palmitoylation for membrane-association and TNIK activation, whereas all Rap2 proteins, including Rap2B, require palmitoylation for induction of TNIK-mediated phenotype, the suppression of cell spreading. Furthermore, we report for the first time that, in COS-1 cells, Rap2 proteins localize, and recruit TNIK, to the recycling endosomes, but not the Golgi nor the endoplasmic reticulum, in a palmitoylation-dependent manner. These observations implicate the involvement of palmitoylation and recycling endosome localization in cellular functions of Rap2 proteins.

MINK is a Rap2 effector for phosphorylation of the postsynaptic scaffold protein TANC1.

Rap1 and Rap2 are similar Ras-like G proteins but perform distinct functions. By the affinity chromatography/mass-spectrometry approach and the yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified Misshapen/NIKs-related kinase (MINK) as a novel Rap2-interacting protein that does not interact with Rap1 or Ras. MINK is a member of the STE20 group of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinases. The interaction between MINK and Rap2 was GTP-dependent and required Phe39 within the effector region of Rap2; the corresponding residue in Rap1 and Ras is Ser. MINK was enriched in the brain, and both MINK and its close relative, Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK), interacted with a postsynaptic scaffold protein containing tetratricopeptide repeats, ankyrin repeats and a coiled-coil region (TANC1) and induced its phosphorylation, under control of Rap2 in cultured cells. These are novel actions of MINK and TNIK, and consistent with a role of MINK as a Rap2 effector in the brain.

MicroRNA-196a-5p is a potential prognostic marker of delayed lymph node metastasis in early-stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are expected to serve as prognostic tools for cancer. However, many miRs have been reported as prognostic markers of recurrence or metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. We aimed to determine the prognostic markers in early-stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that miR-10a, 10b, 196a-5p, 196a-3p, and 196b were prognostic markers and we retrospectively performed miR expression analyses using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of surgical specimens. Total RNA was isolated from cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissue as control, and samples were collected by laser-capture microdissection. After cDNA synthesis, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed. Statistical analyses for patient clinicopathological characteristics, recurrence/metastasis, and survival rates were performed to discern their relationships with miR expression levels, and the 2-ΔΔCq method was used. miR-196a-5p levels were significantly upregulated in early-stage TSCC, particularly in the lymph node metastasis (LNM) group. The LNM-free survival rate in the low miR-196a-5p ΔΔCq value regulation group was found to be lower than that in the high ΔΔCq value regulation group (P=0.0079). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of ΔΔCq values revealed that miR-196a-5p had a P-value=0.0025, area under the curve=0.740, and a cut-off value=-0.875 for distinguishing LNM. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine LNM-related miRs in early-stage TSCC as well as miRs and 'delayed LNM' in head and neck cancer. miR-196a-5p upregulation may predict delayed LNM. Our data serve as a foundation for future studies to evaluate miR levels and facilitate the prediction of delayed LNM during early-stage TSCC, which prevent metastasis when combined with close follow-up and aggressive adjuvant therapy or elective neck dissection. Moreover, our data will serve as a foundation for future studies to evaluate whether miR-196a-5p can serve as a therapeutic marker for preventing metastasis.

Proteomic analysis of the trabecular meshwork of rats in a steroid-induced ocular hypertension model: downregulation of type I collagen C-propeptides.

PURPOSE: To investigate global protein expression profiles in the trabecular meshwork (TM) of normal and glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertensive rat eyes by proteomic analysis, which has not yet been conducted to date. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat ocular hypertension model was produced by topical application of dexamethasone (DEX) for 4 weeks. Age-matched untreated rats served as controls. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored by an electronic tonometer. TM protein expression profiling and protein identification was carried out by a two-dimensional fluorescence differential gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) system and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, respectively. RESULTS: In DEX-treated rats, average IOP was elevated significantly, as compared with controls. By the DEX treatment, 14 TM protein spots were up- or downregulated consistently in 2-D DIGE analyses. Proteins exhibiting more than 2-fold statistically significant change were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. alpha A-Crystallin and beta A(3)-crystallin were upregulated, while the C-propeptides of type I collagen were downregulated. CONCLUSION: Relatively short-term glucocorticoid application induced alteration in the expression of a number of proteins, including downregulation of type I collagen C-propeptides. This could reflect impaired collagen turnover in the TM of glucocorticoid-treated eyes.

Ex vivo expanded hematopoietic stem cells overcome the MHC barrier in allogeneic transplantation.

The lack of understanding of the interplay between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the immune system has severely hampered the stem cell research and practice of transplantation. Major problems for allogeneic transplantation include low levels of donor engraftment and high risks of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Transplantation of purified allogeneic HSCs diminishes the risk of GVHD but results in decreased engraftment. Here we show that ex vivo expanded mouse HSCs efficiently overcame the major histocompatibility complex barrier and repopulated allogeneic-recipient mice. An 8-day expansion culture led to a 40-fold increase of the allograft ability of HSCs. Both increased numbers of HSCs and culture-induced elevation of expression of the immune inhibitor CD274 (B7-H1 or PD-L1) on the surface of HSCs contributed to the enhancement. Our study indicates the great potential of utilizing ex vivo expanded HSCs for allogeneic transplantation and suggests that the immune privilege of HSCs can be modulated.

Components of the hematopoietic compartments in tumor stroma and tumor-bearing mice.

Solid tumors are composed of cancerous cells and non-cancerous stroma. A better understanding of the tumor stroma could lead to new therapeutic applications. However, the exact compositions and functions of the tumor stroma are still largely unknown. Here, using a Lewis lung carcinoma implantation mouse model, we examined the hematopoietic compartments in tumor stroma and tumor-bearing mice. Different lineages of differentiated hematopoietic cells existed in tumor stroma with the percentage of myeloid cells increasing and the percentage of lymphoid and erythroid cells decreasing over time. Using bone marrow reconstitution analysis, we showed that the tumor stroma also contained functional hematopoietic stem cells. All hematopoietic cells in the tumor stroma originated from bone marrow. In the bone marrow and peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice, myeloid populations increased and lymphoid and erythroid populations decreased and numbers of hematopoietic stem cells markedly increased with time. To investigate the function of hematopoietic cells in tumor stroma, we co-implanted various types of hematopoietic cells with cancer cells. We found that total hematopoietic cells in the tumor stroma promoted tumor development. Furthermore, the growth of the primary implanted Lewis lung carcinomas and their metastasis were significantly decreased in mice reconstituted with IGF type I receptor-deficient hematopoietic stem cells, indicating that IGF signaling in the hematopoietic tumor stroma supports tumor outgrowth. These results reveal that hematopoietic cells in the tumor stroma regulate tumor development and that tumor progression significantly alters the host hematopoietic compartment.

Regulation of Rap2A by the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-1 controls neurite development.

Nedd4-1 is a "neuronal precursor cell expressed and developmentally downregulated protein" and among the most abundant E3 ubiquitin ligases in mammalian neurons. In analyses of conventional and conditional Nedd4-1-deficient mice, we found that Nedd4-1 plays a critical role in dendrite formation. Nedd4-1, the serine/threonine kinase TNIK, and Rap2A form a complex that controls Nedd4-1-mediated ubiquitination of Rap2A. Ubiquitination by Nedd4-1 inhibits Rap2A function, which reduces the activity of Rap2 effector kinases of the TNIK family and promotes dendrite growth. We conclude that a Nedd4-1/Rap2A/TNIK signaling pathway regulates neurite growth and arborization in mammalian neurons.

PARG1, a protein-tyrosine phosphatase-associated RhoGAP, as a putative Rap2 effector.

Rap2 belongs to the Ras family of small GTP-binding proteins, but its specific signaling role is unclear. By yeast two-hybrid screening, we have found that the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of Rap2 interacts with a protein containing a Rho-GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP) domain, ZK669.1a, whose human ortholog PARG1 exhibits RhoGAP activity in vitro. ZK669.1a and PARG1 share a homology region with previously unknown function, designated the ZK669.1a and PARG1 homology (ZPH) region. Here we show that the ZPH region of PARG1 mediates interaction with Rap2. PARG1 interacted with Rap2 in a GTP-dependent manner but not with Ras or Rap1. We also show that PARG1 and its mutant lacking the ZPH region induce typical cytoskeletal changes for Rho inactivation in fibroblasts. Rap2 suppressed this in vivo action of PARG1 but not that of the mutant PARG1. These results suggest that PARG1 is a putative specific effector of Rap2 to regulate Rho.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 as a putative effector of Rap2 to activate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

Little is known about the specific signaling roles of Rap2, a Ras family small GTP-binding protein. In a search for novel Rap2-interacting proteins by the yeast two-hybrid system, we isolated isoform 3 of the human mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4), a previously described but uncharacterized isoform. Other isoforms of MAP4K4 in humans and mice are known as hematopoietic progenitor kinase (HPK)/germinal center kinase (GCK)-like kinase and Nck-interacting kinase, respectively. MAP4K4 belongs to the STE20 group of protein kinases and regulates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). MAP4K4 interacted with Rap2 through its C-terminal citron homology domain but did not interact with Rap1 or Ras. Interaction with Rap2 required the intact effector region of Rap2. MAP4K4 interacted preferentially with GTP-bound Rap2 over GDP-bound Rap2 in vitro. In cultured cells, MAP4K4 colocalized with Rap2, while a mutant MAP4K4 lacking the citron homology domain failed to do so. Furthermore, Rap2 enhanced MAP4K4-induced activation of JNK. These results suggest that MAP4K4 is a putative effector of Rap2 mediating the activation of JNK by Rap2.

The Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase as a putative effector of Rap2 to regulate actin cytoskeleton.

Rap2 belongs to the Ras family of small GTP-binding proteins, but its specific roles in cell signaling remain unknown. In the present study, we have affinity-purified from rat brain a Rap2-interacting protein of approximately 155 kDa, p155. By liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we have identified p155 as Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK). TNIK possesses an N-terminal kinase domain homologous to STE20, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase, and a C-terminal regulatory domain termed the citron homology (CNH) domain. TNIK induces disruption of F-actin structure, thereby inhibiting cell spreading. In addition, TNIK specifically activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Among our observations, TNIK interacted with Rap2 through its CNH domain but did not interact with Rap1 or Ras. TNIK interaction with Rap2 was dependent on the intact effector region and GTP-bound configuration of Rap2. When co-expressed in cultured cells, TNIK colocalized with Rap2, while a mutant TNIK lacking the CNH domain did not. Rap2 potently enhanced the inhibitory function of TNIK against cell spreading, but this was not observed for the mutant TNIK lacking the CNH domain. Rap2 did not significantly enhance TNIK-induced JNK activation, but promoted autophosphorylation and translocation of TNIK to the detergent-insoluble cytoskeletal fraction. These results suggest that TNIK is a specific effector of Rap2 to regulate actin cytoskeleton.