Role of Protein Phosphatases in Tumor Angiogenesis: Assessing PP1, PP2A, PP2B and PTPs Activity.

Tumor angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels to support tumor growth and metastasis, is a complex process regulated by a multitude of signaling pathways. Dysregulation of signaling pathways involving protein kinases has been extensively studied, but the role of protein phosphatases in angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment remains less explored. However, among angiogenic pathways, protein phosphatases play critical roles in modulating signaling cascades. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the involvement of protein phosphatases in tumor angiogenesis, highlighting their diverse functions and mechanisms of action. Protein phosphatases are key regulators of cellular signaling pathways by catalyzing the dephosphorylation of proteins, thereby modulating their activity and function. This review aims to assess the activity of the protein tyrosine phosphatases and serine/threonine phosphatases. These phosphatases exert their effects on angiogenic signaling pathways through various mechanisms, including direct dephosphorylation of angiogenic receptors and downstream signaling molecules. Moreover, protein phosphatases also crosstalk with other signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis, further emphasizing their significance in regulating tumor vascularization, including endothelial cell survival, sprouting, and vessel maturation. In conclusion, this review underscores the pivotal role of protein phosphatases in tumor angiogenesis and accentuate their potential as therapeutic targets for anti-angiogenic therapy in cancer.

PP2A Affects Angiogenesis via Its Interaction with a Novel Phosphorylation Site of TSP1.

Alterations in angiogenic properties play a pivotal role in the manifestation and onset of various pathologies, including vascular diseases and cancer. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) protein is one of the master regulators of angiogenesis. This study unveils a novel aspect of TSP1 regulation through reversible phosphorylation. The silencing of the B55α regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in endothelial cells led to a significant decrease in TSP1 expression. Direct interaction between TSP1 and PP2A-B55α was confirmed via various methods. Truncated TSP1 constructs were employed to identify the phosphorylation site and the responsible kinase, ultimately pinpointing PKC as the enzyme phosphorylating TSP1 on Ser93. The biological effects of B55α-TSP1 interaction were also analyzed. B55α silencing not only counteracted the increase in TSP1 expression during wound closure but also prolonged wound closure time. Although B55α silenced cells initiated tube-like structures earlier than control cells, their spheroid formation was disrupted, leading to disintegration. Cells transfected with phosphomimic TSP1 S93D exhibited smaller spheroids and reduced effectiveness in tube formation, revealing insights into the effects of TSP1 phosphorylation on angiogenic properties. In this paper, we introduce a new regulatory mechanism of angiogenesis by reversible phosphorylation on TSP1 S93 by PKC and PP2A B55α.

TIMAP, a Regulatory Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 1, Inhibits In Vitro Neuronal Differentiation.

TIMAP (TGF-ß-inhibited membrane associated protein) is abundant in endothelial cells, and it has been regarded as a member of the myosin phosphatase targeting protein (MYPT) family. Our workgroup previously identified several interacting protein partners of TIMAP and proved its regulatory subunit role for protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1c). TIMAP is also expressed in neuronal cells, but details of its function have not been studied yet. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of TIMAP in neuronal cells, especially during differentiation. Expression of TIMAP was proved both at mRNA and protein levels in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells was optimized and proved by the detection of neuronal differentiation markers, such as ß3-tubulin, nestin and inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1) using qPCR and Western blot. We found downregulation of TIMAP during differentiation. In accordance with this, overexpression of recombinant TIMAP attenuated the differentiation of neuronal cells. Moreover, the subcellular localization of TIMAP has changed during differentiation as it translocated from the plasma membrane into the nucleus. The nuclear interactome of TIMAP revealed more than 50 proteins, offering the possibility to further investigate the role of TIMAP in several key physiological pathways of neuronal cells.

Epigallocatechine-3-gallate Inhibits the Adipogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the Regulation of Protein Phosphatase-2A and Myosin Phosphatase.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has widespread effects on adipocyte development. However, the molecular mechanisms of EGCG are not fully understood. We investigate the adipogenic differentiation of human-derived mesenchymal stem cells, including lipid deposition and changes in the expression and phosphorylation of key transcription factors, myosin, protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A), and myosin phosphatase (MP). On day 6 of adipogenic differentiation, EGCG (1-20 µM) suppressed lipid droplet formation, which was counteracted by an EGCG-binding peptide for the 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR), suggesting that EGCG acts via 67LR. EGCG decreased the phosphorylation of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein beta via the activation of PP2A in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner, leading to the partial suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and adiponectin expression. Differentiated cells exhibited a rounded shape, cortical actin filaments, and lipid accumulation. The EGCG treatment induced cell elongation, stress fiber formation, and less lipid accumulation. These effects were accompanied by the degradation of the MP target subunit-1 and increased the phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain. Our results suggest that EGCG acts as an agonist of 67LR to inhibit adipogenesis via the activation of PP2A and suppression of MP. These events are coupled with the decreased phosphorylation and expression levels of adipogenic transcription factors and changes in cell shape, culminating in curtailed adipogenesis.

Ser69 phosphorylation of TIMAP affects endothelial cell migration.

PURPOSE/AIM: TIMAP (TGF-ß-inhibited membrane-associated protein) is a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). The N-terminal region contains a binding motif for the catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1c) and a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Phosphorylation of TIMAP on Ser331, Ser333 and Ser337 side chains was shown to regulate the activity of the TIMAP-PP1c complex. Several studies, however, reported an additional side chain of TIMAP. Ser69 is located near to the PP1c binding motif and NLS, therefore, we hypothesized that the phosphorylation of this side chain perhaps may regulate the interaction between TIMAP and PP1c, or may affect the nuclear transport of TIMAP. Materials and Methods: To study the significance of Ser69 phosphorylation, GST-tagged or c-myc-tagged wild type, phosphomimic S69D and phosphonull S69A recombinant TIMAP proteins were expressed in bacteria or endothelial cells, respectively. Protein-protein interactions of the wild type or mutant forms of TIMAP were studied by pull-down and Western blot. Localization of TIMAP S69 mutants in pulmonary artery endothelial cells was detected by immunofluorescent staining and expression and localization of the recombinants were investigated by subcellular fractionation and Western blot. Results: Modifications of Ser69 of TIMAP had no effect on binding of PP1c, ERM or RACK1. However, S69D TIMAP showed enhanced membrane localization and an increased number of membrane protrusions were observed in the cells overexpressing this phosphomimic mutant. Furthermore, significantly faster wound healing and migration rate of the S69D mutant overexpressing cells were detected by endothelial barrier resistance measurements (ECIS). Specific interaction was shown between TIMAP and polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4), a potential kinase to phosphorylate Ser69. Conclusions: Altogether, our results indicate that Ser69 phosphorylation by PLK4 may evoke an enrichment of TIMAP in the plasma membrane region and may play an important role in endothelial cell migration without affecting the PP1c binding ability of TIMAP.

Dephosphorylation of annexin A2 by protein phosphatase 1 regulates endothelial cell barrier.

Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a multifunctional protein expressed in nearly all human tissues and cell types, playing a role in various signaling pathways. It is subjected to phosphorylation, but no specific protein phosphatase has been identified in its posttranslational regulation yet. Using pull-down assay followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis we found that ANXA2 interacts with TIMAP (TGF-beta-inhibited membrane-associated protein) in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. TIMAP is highly expressed in endothelial cells, where it acts as a regulatory and targeting subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). TIMAP plays an important role in the regulation of the endothelial barrier maintenance through the dephosphorylation of its several substrate proteins. In the present work, phosphorylation of Ser25 side chain in ANXA2 by protein kinase C (PKC) was shown both in vivo and in vitro. Phosphorylation level of ANXA2 at Ser25 increased greatly by inhibition of PP1 and by depletion of its regulatory subunit, TIMAP, implying a role of this PP1 holoenzyme in the dephosphorylation of ANXA2. Immunofluorescence staining and subcellular fractionations revealed a diffuse subcellular localization for the endogenous ANXA2, but phospho-Ser25 ANXA2 was mainly detected in the membrane. ANXA2 depletion lowered the basal endothelial barrier and inhibited cell migration, but had no significant effect on cell proliferation or viability. ANXA2 depleted cells failed to respond to PMA treatment, indicating an intimately involvement of phospho-ANXA2 in PKC signaling. Moreover, phosphorylation of ANXA2 disrupted its interaction with S100A10 suggesting a phosphorylation dependent multiple regulatory role of ANXA2 in endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate the pivotal role of PKC-ANXA2-PP1 pathway in endothelial cell signaling, especially in barrier function and cell migration.

The Proteasome Activators Blm10/PA200 Enhance the Proteasomal Degradation of N-Terminal Huntingtin.

The Blm10/PA200 family of proteasome activators modulates the peptidase activity of the core particle (20S CP). They participate in opening the 20S CP gate, thus facilitating the degradation of unstructured proteins such as tau and Dnm1 in a ubiquitin- and ATP-independent manner. Furthermore, PA200 also participates in the degradation of acetylated histones. In our study, we use a combination of yeast and human cell systems to investigate the role of Blm10/PA200 in the degradation of N-terminal Huntingtin fragments (N-Htt). We demonstrate that the human PA200 binds to N-Htt. The loss of Blm10 in yeast or PA200 in human cells results in increased mutant N-Htt aggregate formation and elevated cellular toxicity. Furthermore, Blm10 in vitro accelerates the proteasomal degradation of soluble N-Htt. Collectively, our data suggest N-Htt as a new substrate for Blm10/PA200-proteasomes and point to new approaches in Huntington's disease (HD) research.

Indoxylsulfate, a Metabolite of the Microbiome, Has Cytostatic Effects in Breast Cancer via Activation of AHR and PXR Receptors and Induction of Oxidative Stress.

Changes to bacterial metabolite-elicited signaling, in oncobiosis associated with breast cancer, plays a role in facilitating the progression of the disease. We show that indoxyl-sulfate (IS), a tryptophan metabolite, has cytostatic properties in models of breast cancer. IS supplementation, in concentrations corresponding to the human serum reference range, suppressed tumor infiltration to the surrounding tissues and metastasis formation in a murine model of breast cancer. In cellular models, IS suppressed NRF2 and induced iNOS, leading to induction of oxidative and nitrosative stress, and, consequently, reduction of cell proliferation; enhanced oxidative and nitrosative stress are crucial in the subsequent cytostasis. IS also suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition vital for suppressing cellular movement and diapedesis. Furthermore, IS rendered cells hypometabolic, leading to a reduction in aldehyde-dehydrogenase positive cells. Pharmacological inhibition of the pregnane-X receptor using CH223191 and the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor using ketoconazole diminished the IS-elicited effects, suggesting that these receptors were the major receptors of IS in these models. Finally, we showed that increased expression of the human enzymes that form IS (Cyp2E1, Sult1A1, and Sult1A2) is associated with better survival in breast cancer, an effect that is lost in triple negative cases. Taken together, IS, similar to indolepropionic acid (another tryptophan metabolite), has cytostatic properties and higher expression of the metabolic machinery responsible for the formation of IS supports survival in breast cancer.

Indolepropionic Acid, a Metabolite of the Microbiome, Has Cytostatic Properties in Breast Cancer by Activating AHR and PXR Receptors and Inducing Oxidative Stress.

Oncobiotic transformation of the gut microbiome may contribute to the risk of breast cancer. Recent studies have provided evidence that the microbiome secretes cytostatic metabolites that inhibit the proliferation, movement, and metastasis formation of cancer cells. In this study, we show that indolepropionic acid (IPA), a bacterial tryptophan metabolite, has cytostatic properties. IPA selectively targeted breast cancer cells, but it had no effects on non-transformed, primary fibroblasts. In cell-based and animal experiments, we showed that IPA supplementation reduced the proportions of cancer stem cells and the proliferation, movement, and metastasis formation of cancer cells. These were achieved through inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inducing oxidative and nitrosative stress, and boosting antitumor immune response. Increased oxidative/nitrosative stress was due to the IPA-mediated downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and enhanced mitochondrial reactive species production. Increased oxidative/nitrosative stress led to cytostasis and reductions in cancer cell stem-ness. IPA exerted its effects through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) receptors. A higher expression of PXR and AHR supported better survival in human breast cancer patients, highlighting the importance of IPA-elicited pathways in cytostasis in breast cancer. Furthermore, AHR activation and PXR expression related inversely to cancer cell proliferation level and to the stage and grade of the tumor. The fecal microbiome's capacity for IPA biosynthesis was suppressed in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, especially with stage 0. Bacterial indole biosynthesis showed correlation with lymphocyte infiltration to tumors in humans. Taken together, we found that IPA is a cytostatic bacterial metabolite, the production of which is suppressed in human breast cancer. Bacterial metabolites, among them, IPA, have a pivotal role in regulating the progression but not the initiation of the disease.

Protein phosphatase 2A-mediated flotillin-1 dephosphorylation up-regulates endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis regulation.

Endothelial cells have key functions in endothelial barrier integrity and in responses to angiogenic signals that promote cell proliferation, cell migration, cytoskeletal reorganization, and formation of new blood vessels. These functions highly depend on protein-protein interactions in cell-cell junction and cell attachment complexes and on interactions with cytoskeletal proteins. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dephosphorylates several target proteins involved in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion. Our goal was to find new interacting and substrate proteins of the PP2A-B55α holoenzyme in bovine pulmonary endothelial cells. Using LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified flotillin-1 as a protein that binds recombinant GSH S-transferase-tagged PP2A-B55α. Immunoprecipitation experiments, proximity ligation assays, and immunofluorescent staining confirmed the interaction between these two endogenous proteins in endothelial cells. Originally, flotillins were described as regulatory proteins for axon regeneration, but they appear to function in many cellular processes, such as membrane receptor signaling, endocytosis, and cell adhesion. Ser315 is a known PKC-targeted site in flotillin-1. Utilizing phosphomutants of flotillin-1 and the NanoBiT luciferase assay, we show here that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of Ser315 in flotillin-1 significantly affects its interaction with PP2A-B55α and that PP2A-B55α dephosphorylates phospho-Ser315 Spreading, attachment, migration, and in vitro tube formation rates of S315A variant-overexpressing cells were faster than those of nontransfected or S315D-transfected cells. These results indicate that the PP2A-flotillin-1 interaction identified here affects major physiological activities of pulmonary endothelial cells.

Cadaverine, a metabolite of the microbiome, reduces breast cancer aggressiveness through trace amino acid receptors.

Recent studies showed that changes to the gut microbiome alters the microbiome-derived metabolome, potentially promoting carcinogenesis in organs that are distal to the gut. In this study, we assessed the relationship between breast cancer and cadaverine biosynthesis. Cadaverine treatment of Balb/c female mice (500 nmol/kg p.o. q.d.) grafted with 4T1 breast cancer cells ameliorated the disease (lower mass and infiltration of the primary tumor, fewer metastases, and lower grade tumors). Cadaverine treatment of breast cancer cell lines corresponding to its serum reference range (100-800 nM) reverted endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inhibited cellular movement and invasion, moreover, rendered cells less stem cell-like through reducing mitochondrial oxidation. Trace amino acid receptors (TAARs), namely, TAAR1, TAAR8 and TAAR9 were instrumental in provoking the cadaverine-evoked effects. Early stage breast cancer patients, versus control women, had reduced abundance of the CadA and LdcC genes in fecal DNA, both responsible for bacterial cadaverine production. Moreover, we found low protein expression of E. coli LdcC in the feces of stage 1 breast cancer patients. In addition, higher expression of lysine decarboxylase resulted in a prolonged survival among early-stage breast cancer patients. Taken together, cadaverine production seems to be a regulator of early breast cancer.

Lithocholic acid, a bacterial metabolite reduces breast cancer cell proliferation and aggressiveness.

Our study aimed at finding a mechanistic relationship between the gut microbiome and breast cancer. Breast cancer cells are not in direct contact with these microbes, but disease could be influenced by bacterial metabolites including secondary bile acids that are exclusively synthesized by the microbiome and known to enter the human circulation. In murine and bench experiments, a secondary bile acid, lithocholic acid (LCA) in concentrations corresponding to its tissue reference concentrations (< 1 µM), reduced cancer cell proliferation (by 10-20%) and VEGF production (by 37%), aggressiveness and metastatic potential of primary tumors through inducing mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, increased antitumor immune response, OXPHOS and the TCA cycle. Part of these effects was due to activation of TGR5 by LCA. Early stage breast cancer patients, versus control women, had reduced serum LCA levels, reduced chenodeoxycholic acid to LCA ratio, and reduced abundance of the baiH (7α/ß-hydroxysteroid dehydroxylase, the key enzyme in LCA generation) gene in fecal DNA, all suggesting reduced microbial generation of LCA in early breast cancer.

TIMAP, the versatile protein phosphatase 1 regulator in endothelial cells.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß inhibited membrane associated protein, TIMAP, is the member of the myosin phosphatase targeting protein (MYPT) family of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunits. The N-terminal part of TIMAP has a typical MYPT family structure with a sequence element called MyPhone (myosin phosphatase N-terminal element), a putative bipartite nuclear localization signal, a PP1 catalytic subunit binding motif, and five ankyrin repeats. The C-terminal half of TIMAP is intrinsically disordered, but ends with a functional CAAX box for lipid modification which allows localization of TIMAP at the plasma membrane. TIMAP is prenylated by farnesyl transferase with the contribution of the anchoring protein, RACK1 in the cytoplasm. The controlling effect of TIMAP on PP1 is moderated by PKA/GSK3ß and PKC mediated phosphorylation of TIMAP, the sites are located in the disordered region of the protein. TIMAP is abundant in endothelial cells. A growing body of evidence attained through characterization of newly identified protein partners calls attention to its critical role in normal and pathological activities of the endothelium via regulation of PP1. TIMAP binds the non-integrin laminin receptor 1 and the endothelin converting enzyme 1, which may connect TIMAP to angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. Barrier protecting role of TIMAP was shown for pulmonary artery endothelial cells. ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) proteins, as potential in vivo PP1-TIMAP substrates, are critical targets in the barrier maintenance. TIMAP affects phosphorylation level and subcellular localization of merlin and eukaryotic elongation factor-1A1. Merlin is a key component of signaling pathways regulating cell proliferation, membrane domain formation and cell-cell junction organization. Noncanonical functions of the elongation factor include a role in organization of cytoskeleton dynamics and in apoptosis. The interacting/binding partners identified so far demonstrate a rather complex role of TIMAP in key functions of the endothelium offering TIMAP as a plausible target in pathological issues. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(12):918-928, 2017.

PKC mediated phosphorylation of TIMAP regulates PP1c activity and endothelial barrier function.

TGF-ß inhibited membrane-associated protein (TIMAP) is greatly expressed in endothelial cell lines and serves as a protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunit. Phosphorylation state of TIMAP, through affecting PP1 activity, has a remarkable effect on endothelial barrier function. Here we present evidence for a previously unidentified PKC phosphorylation site in TIMAP. Protein-protein interaction was detected in pulmonary endothelial cells between endogenous TIMAP and activated PKCα. PKCα phosphorylated the full length recombinant TIMAP in in vitro kinase assay and Ser331 of TIMAP was shown to be phosphorylated by PKC. Phosphorylation of TIMAP upon PKC activation in endothelial cells results in enrichment of TIMAP in the membrane, but no such change can be observed in PKC depleted cells. However, the previously identified PKA/GSK-3ß induced enrichment of TIMAP at the plasma membrane was not affected in the absence of PKC. Interaction between TIMAP and the TIMAP-PP1 substrate phospho-ERM was described earlier, but now we show that binding of PKC phosphorylated TIMAP to ERM is severely reduced. This suggests an inhibitory effect of phospho-Ser331 on TIMAP-PP1 activity toward phospho-ERM. Accordingly, phospho-ERM level in the membrane fraction of the phospho-mimic S331D TIMAP mutant transfected cells was increased, but the S331A mutant overexpressing endothelial cells had a lower phospho-ERM level. Consistent with the phospho-ERM level, electric resistance measurements showed that the S331A mutation of TIMAP resulted in faster recovery from the PMA treatment. Taken together, phosphorylation of TIMAP on Ser331 by PKC represents a new mechanism of endothelial barrier regulation, through the inhibition of phospho-ERM dephosphorylation.

Regulation of merlin by protein phosphatase 1-TIMAP and EBP50 in endothelial cells.

Merlin (moesin-ezrin-radixin like protein), the product of neurofibromatosis type 2 gene, was primarily recognized as a tumor suppressor, but it also functions as a membrane-cytoskeletal linker and regulator of multiple signaling pathways. The activity and localization of merlin is regulated by head to tail folding that is controlled by phosphorylation of the Ser518 side chain. Merlin localizes in the nucleus when the Ser518 side chain is not phosphorylated, while the phosphorylated form is present in the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane. In this work interactions and their impact on the subcellular localization and phosphorylation state of the Ser518 side chain of merlin were investigated in endothelial cells. It is shown that merlin (dephospho-Ser518 form) interacts in the nucleus of endothelial cells with the scaffolding protein EBP50, a member of the Na+/H+exchanger regulatory factor family. Upon EBP50 depletion, merlin translocated from the nucleus, suggesting that binding of merlin to EBP50 is critical in the nuclear localization of merlin. Along with the translocation, the phosphorylation level of phospho-Ser518-merlin was increased in EBP50 depleted cells. TIMAP (TGFß-inhibited membrane-associated protein), a type 1 protein phosphatase (PP1) regulatory subunit, was newly recognized as an interacting partner for merlin. Domain mapping using truncated mutant forms in GST pull down revealed that the N-terminal half of TIMAP (aa 1-290) and the FERM domain of merlin are the regions responsible for the interaction.The catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1c) was present in all merlin-TIMAP pull down or immunoprecipitation samples demonstrating that merlin actually interacts with the PP1c-TIMAP holoenzyme. On the other hand, from TIMAP depleted cells, without its targeting protein, PP1c could not bind to merlin. Also, when the phosphatase activity of PP1c-TIMAP was inhibited either with depletion of TIMAP or by treatment of the cells with specific PP1 inhibitor, there was an increase in the amount of phospho-Ser518 form of merlin in the membrane of the cells. These data strongly suggest that the PP1c-TIMAP- complex dephosphorylates phospho-Ser518-merlin. ECIS measurements indicate that phospho-merlin accelerates in vitro wound healing of the endothelial monolayer. In conclusion, in endothelial cells, EBP50 is required for the nuclear localization of merlin and the PP1c-TIMAP holoenzyme plays an important role in the dephosphorylation of merlin on its Ser518 side chain, which influence cell migration and proliferation.

Role of Human Corneal Stroma-Derived Mesenchymal-Like Stem Cells in Corneal Immunity and Wound Healing.

Corneal tissue regeneration is of crucial importance for maintaining normal vision. We aimed to isolate and cultivate human corneal stroma-derived mesenchymal stem-like cells (CSMSCs) from the central part of cadaver corneas and study their phenotype, multipotency, role in immunity and wound healing. The isolated cells grew as monolayers in vitro, expressed mesenchymal- and stemness-related surface markers (CD73, CD90, CD105, CD140b), and were negative for hematopoietic markers as determined by flow cytometry. CSMSCs were able to differentiate in vitro into fat, bone and cartilage. Their gene expression profile was closer to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) than to limbal epithelial stem cells (LESC) as determined by high-throughput screening. The immunosuppressive properties of CSMSCs were confirmed by a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), while they could inhibit proliferation of activated immune cells. Treatment of CSMSCs by pro-inflammatory cytokines and toll-like receptor ligands significantly increased the secreted interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL-10) levels, as well as the cell surface adhesion molecules. CSMSCs were capable of closing a wound in vitro under different stimuli. These cells thus contribute to corneal tissue homeostasis and play an immunomodulatory and regenerative role with possible implications in future cell therapies for treating sight-threatening corneal diseases.

TIMAP-protein phosphatase 1-complex controls endothelin-1 production via ECE-1 dephosphorylation.

Endothelin induced signaling pathways can affect blood pressure and vascular tone, but the influence of endothelins on tumor cells is also significant. We have detected elevated endothelin-1 secretion from TIMAP (TGF-ß inhibited membrane associated protein) depleted vascular endothelial cells. The autocrine signaling activated by the elevated endothelin-1 level through the ETB receptors evoked an angiogenic-like phenotype, the cells assumed an elongated morphology, and enhanced tube formation and wound healing abilities. The depleted protein, TIMAP, is a highly specific and abundant protein in the endothelial cells, and it is a regulatory/targeting subunit for the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1c). Protein-protein interaction between the TIMAP-PP1c complex and the endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) was detected, the latter of which is a transmembrane protein that produces the biologically active 21-amino acid form of endothelin-1 from proendothelin. The results indicate that silencing of TIMAP induces a reduction in TIMAP-PP1c activity connected to ECE-1. This leads to an increase in the amount of ECE-1 protein in the plasma membrane and a consequent increase in endothelin-1 secretion. Similarly, activation of PKC, the kinase responsible for ECE-1 phosphorylation increased ECE-1 protein level in the membrane fraction of the endothelial cells. The elevated ECE-1 level was mitigated in time in normal cells, but was clearly preserved in TIMAP-depleted cells. Overall, our results indicate that PKC-phosphorylated ECE-1 is a TIMAP-PP1c substrate and this phosphatase complex has an important role in endothelin-1 production of EC through the regulation of ECE-1 activity.

Elongation factor-1A1 is a novel substrate of the protein phosphatase 1-TIMAP complex.

TIMAP (TGF-ß inhibited membrane associated protein) is a protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunit highly abundant in endothelial cells and it is involved in the maintenance of pulmonary endothelial barrier function. It localizes mainly in the plasma membrane, but it is also present in the nuclei and cytoplasm. Direct interaction of TIMAP with the eukaryotic elongation factor 1 A1 (eEF1A1) is shown by pull-down, LC-MS/MS, Far-Western and immunoprecipitations. In connection with the so called moonlighting functions of the elongation factor, eEF1A is thought to establish protein-protein interactions through a transcription-dependent nuclear export motif, TD-NEM, and to aid nuclear export of TD-NEM containing proteins. We found that a TD-NEM-like motif of TIMAP has a critical role in its specific binding to eEF1A1. However, eEF1A1 is not or not exclusively responsible for the nuclear export of TIMAP. On the contrary, TIMAP seems to regulate membrane localization of eEF1A1 as the elongation factor co-localized with TIMAP in the plasma membrane fraction of control endothelial cells, but it has disappeared from the membrane in TIMAP depleted cells. It is demonstrated that membrane localization of eEF1A1 depends on the phosphorylation state of its Thr residue(s); and ROCK phosphorylated eEF1A1 is a novel substrate for TIMAP-PP1 underlining the complex regulatory role of TIMAP in the endothelium. The elongation factor seems to be involved in the regulation of endothelial cell attachment and spreading as silencing of eEF1A1 positively affected these processes which were monitored by transendothelial resistance measurements.

NHERF2 is crucial in ERM phosphorylation in pulmonary endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: EBP50 and NHERF2 adaptor proteins are incriminated in various signaling pathways of the cell. They can bind ERM proteins and mediate ERM-membrane protein interactions. RESULTS: Binding of ERM to EBP50 and NHERF2 was compared in pulmonary artery endothelial cells by immunoprecipitation. NHERF2 associates with all three ERM, but EBP50 appeared to be a weak binding partner if at all. Furthermore, we detected co-localization of NHERF2 and phospho-ERM at the cell membrane and in the filopodia of dividing cells. Silencing of NHERF2 prevented agonist or angiogenesis induced phosphorylation of ERM, while overexpression of the adaptor elevated the phosphorylation level of ERM, likely catalyzed by Rho kinase 2, which co-immunoprecipitated with NHERF2/ERM in control EC, but did not bind to ERM in NHERF2 depleted cells. Dependence of ERM phosphorylation on NHERF2 was also shown in Matrigel tube formation assay, and NHERF2 was proved to be important in angiogenesis as well. Furthermore, when NHERF2 was depleted or cells were overexpressing a mutant form of NHERF2 unable to bind ERM, we found attenuated cell attachment with ECIS measurements, while it was supported by overexpression of wild type NHERF2. CONCLUSIONS: Pivotal role of NHERF2 in the phosphorylation process of ERM in pulmonary artery endothelial cells is shown. We propose that NHERF2 provides a common anchoring surface for ERM and Rho kinase 2. Our results demonstrate the essential role of NHERF2 in endothelial cell adhesion/migration and angiogenesis.

The role of PSD-95 in the rearrangement of Kv1.3 channels to the immunological synapse.

Establishment of the immunological synapse (IS) between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells is a key step in the adaptive immune response. Several proteins accumulate in the IS, such as the Kv1.3 potassium channel; however, the mechanism of this translocation is unknown. PSD-95 and SAP97 are adaptor proteins that regulate the polarized cell surface expression and localization of Kv1 channels in neurons. We investigated whether these proteins affect the redistribution of Kv1.3 into the IS in non-excitable human T cells. We show here that PSD-95 and SAP97 are expressed in Jurkat and interact with the C terminus of Kv1.3. Disruption of the interaction between PSD-95 or SAP97 and Kv1.3 in Jurkat was realized by the expression of a C-terminal truncated Kv1.3, which lacks the binding domain for these proteins, or by the knockdown of the expression of PSD-95 or SAP97 using specific shRNA. Expression of the truncated Kv1.3 or knockdown of PSD-95, but not the knockdown of SAP97, inhibited the recruitment of Kv1.3 into the IS; the fraction of cells showing polarized Kv1.3 expression upon engagement in an IS was significantly lower than in control cells expressing the full-length Kv1.3, and the rearrangement of Kv1.3 did not show time dependence. In contrast, Jurkat cells expressing the full-length channel showed marked time dependence in the recruitment into the IS peaking at 1 min after the conjugation of the cells. These results demonstrate that PSD-95 participates in the targeting of Kv1.3 into the IS, implying its important role in human T-cell activation.