Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 33
Filter
Add more filters










Publication year range
1.
Nature ; 595(7867): 404-408, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34163073

ABSTRACT

Congenital myasthenia (CM) is a devastating neuromuscular disease, and mutations in DOK7, an adaptor protein that is crucial for forming and maintaining neuromuscular synapses, are a major cause of CM1,2. The most common disease-causing mutation (DOK71124_1127 dup) truncates DOK7 and leads to the loss of two tyrosine residues that are phosphorylated and recruit CRK proteins, which are important for anchoring acetylcholine receptors at synapses. Here we describe a mouse model of this common form of CM (Dok7CM mice) and a mouse with point mutations in the two tyrosine residues (Dok72YF). We show that Dok7CM mice had severe deficits in neuromuscular synapse formation that caused neonatal lethality. Unexpectedly, these deficits were due to a severe deficiency in phosphorylation and activation of muscle-specific kinase (MUSK) rather than a deficiency in DOK7 tyrosine phosphorylation. We developed agonist antibodies against MUSK and show that these antibodies restored neuromuscular synapse formation and prevented neonatal lethality and late-onset disease in Dok7CM mice. These findings identify an unexpected cause for disease and a potential therapy for both DOK7 CM and other forms of CM caused by mutations in AGRIN, LRP4 or MUSK, and illustrate the potential of targeted therapy to rescue congenital lethality.


Subject(s)
Muscle Proteins/genetics , Mutation , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/drug therapy , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/genetics , Aging , Agrin/genetics , Agrin/metabolism , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Antibodies/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Female , LDL-Receptor Related Proteins/genetics , LDL-Receptor Related Proteins/metabolism , Male , Mice , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/chemistry , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism , Muscle Proteins/chemistry , Muscle Proteins/metabolism , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/immunology , Phosphorylation , Phosphotyrosine/genetics , Phosphotyrosine/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-crk/metabolism , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Recurrence , Synapses/metabolism
2.
Curr Opin Cell Biol ; 63: 174-185, 2020 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32114309

ABSTRACT

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are single-span transmembrane receptors in which relatively conserved intracellular kinase domains are coupled to divergent extracellular modules. The extracellular domains initiate receptor signaling upon binding to either soluble or membrane-embedded ligands. The diversity of extracellular domain structures allows for coupling of many unique signaling inputs to intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation. The combinatorial power of this receptor system is further increased by the fact that multiple ligands can typically interact with the same receptor. Such ligands often act as biased agonists and initiate distinct signaling responses via activation of the same receptor. Mechanisms behind such biased agonism are largely unknown for RTKs, especially at the level of receptor-ligand complex structure. Using recent progress in understanding the structures of active RTK signaling units, we discuss selected mechanisms by which ligands couple receptor activation to distinct signaling outputs.


Subject(s)
Ligands , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Animals , Cell Membrane/drug effects , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Enzyme Activation/drug effects , Humans , Phosphorylation , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/chemistry , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Signal Transduction/physiology
3.
Nanomedicine ; 24: 102053, 2020 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31344502

ABSTRACT

Here, we report various therapeutic cargo-loadable DNA nanostructures that are shelled in polydopamine and noncovalently tethered with cancer cell-targeting DNA aptamers. Initial DNA nanostructure was formed by rolling-circle amplification and condensation with Mu peptides. This DNA nanostructure was loaded with an antisense oligonucleotide, a photosensitizer, or an anticancer chemotherapeutic drug. Each therapeutic agent-loaded DNA nanostructure was then shelled with polydopamine (PDA), and noncovalently decorated with a poly adenine-tailed nucleic acid aptamer (PA) specific for PTK7 receptor, resulting in PA-tethered and PDA-shelled DNA nanostructure (PA/PDN). PDA coating shell enabled photothermal therapy. In the cells overexpressing PTK7 receptor, photosensitizer-loaded PA/PDN showed greater photodynamic activity. Doxorubicin-loaded PA/PDN exerted higher anticancer activity than the other groups. Antisense oligonucleotide-loaded PA/PDN provided selective reduction of target proteins compared with other groups. Our results suggest that the PA-tethered and PDA-shelled DNA nanostructures could enable the specific receptor-targeted phototherapy, chemotherapy, and gene therapy against cancer cells.


Subject(s)
Aptamers, Nucleotide , Genetic Therapy , Hyperthermia, Induced , Neoplasms , Phototherapy , Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry , Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacology , Cell Adhesion Molecules/agonists , Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Humans , Nanostructures/chemistry , Nanostructures/therapeutic use , Neoplasm Proteins/agonists , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasms/therapy , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
4.
BMC Bioinformatics ; 20(1): 242, 2019 May 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31092187

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: ErbB4/HER4 is a unique member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases concerning its activation of anti-proliferative JAK2-STAT5 pathway when stimulated by ligand Neuregulin (NRG). Activation of this pathway leads to expression of genes like ß-casein which promote cell differentiation. Recent experimental studies on mouse HC11 mammary epithelial cells stimulated by ligand Neuregulin (NRG) showed a time-dependent switching behavior in the ß-casein expression. This behavior cannot be explained using currently available mechanistic models of the JAK-STAT pathway. We constructed an improved mechanistic model which introduces two crucial modifications to the canonical HER4-JAK2-STAT5 pathway based on literature findings. These modifications include competitive HER4 heterodimerization with other members of the ErbB family and a slower JAK2 independent activation STAT5 through HER4. We also performed global sensitivity analysis on the model to test the robustness of the predictions and parameter combinations that are sensitive to the outcome. RESULTS: Our model was able to reproduce the time-dependent switching behavior of ß-casein and also establish that the modifications mentioned above to the canonical JAK-STAT pathway are necessary to reproduce this behavior. The sensitivity studies show that the competitive HER4 heterodimerization reactions have a profound impact on the sensitivity of the pathway to NRG stimulation, while the slower JAK2-independent pathway is necessary for the late stage promotion of ß-casein mRNA transcription. The difference in the time scales of the JAK-dependent and JAK-independent pathways was found to be the main contributing factor to the time-dependent switch. The transport rates controlling activated STAT5 dimer nuclear import and ß-casein mRNA export to cytoplasm affected the time delay between NRG stimulation and peak ß-casein mRNA activity. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the effect of competitive and parallel reaction pathways on both short and long-term dynamics of receptor-mediated signaling. It provides robust and testable predictions of the dynamical behavior of the HER4 mediated JAK-STAT pathway which could be useful in designing treatments for various cancers where this pathway is activated/altered.


Subject(s)
Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Signal Transduction , Animals , Caseins/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Cell Line , Cell Nucleus/metabolism , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Janus Kinase 2/metabolism , Ligands , Mice , Models, Biological , Protein Multimerization , Protein Transport , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Receptor, ErbB-4/metabolism , STAT5 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Time Factors , Transcription, Genetic
5.
Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm ; 6(3): e547, 2019 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30882021

ABSTRACT

Objective: To isolate and characterize muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) monoclonal antibodies from patients with MuSK myasthenia gravis (MG) on a genetic and functional level. Methods: We generated recombinant MuSK antibodies from patient-derived clonal MuSK-specific B cells and produced monovalent Fab fragments from them. Both the antibodies and Fab fragments were tested for their effects on neural agrin-induced MuSK phosphorylation and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering in myotube cultures. Results: The isolated MuSK monoclonal antibody sequences included IgG1, IgG3, and IgG4 that had undergone high levels of affinity maturation, consistent with antigenic selection. We confirmed their specificity for the MuSK Ig-like 1 domain and binding to neuromuscular junctions. Monovalent MuSK Fab, mimicking functionally monovalent MuSK MG patient Fab-arm exchanged serum IgG4, abolished agrin-induced MuSK phosphorylation and AChR clustering. Surprisingly, bivalent monospecific MuSK antibodies instead activated MuSK phosphorylation and partially induced AChR clustering, independent of agrin. Conclusions: Patient-derived MuSK antibodies can act either as MuSK agonist or MuSK antagonist, depending on the number of MuSK binding sites. Functional monovalency, induced by Fab-arm exchange in patient serum, makes MuSK IgG4 antibodies pathogenic.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Autoantibodies/immunology , Myasthenia Gravis/immunology , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology , Receptors, Cholinergic/immunology , Adult , Antibodies, Monoclonal/isolation & purification , Autoantibodies/isolation & purification , Cells, Cultured , Humans , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Recombinant Proteins
6.
Neurobiol Dis ; 124: 340-352, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30528255

ABSTRACT

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, is characterized by rapid decline of motor function and ultimately respiratory failure. As motor neuron death occurs late in the disease, therapeutics that prevent the initial disassembly of the neuromuscular junction may offer optimal functional benefit and delay disease progression. To test this hypothesis, we treated the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS with an agonist antibody to muscle specific kinase (MuSK), a receptor tyrosine kinase required for the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction. Chronic MuSK antibody treatment fully preserved innervation of the neuromuscular junction when compared with control-treated mice; however, no preservation of diaphragm function, motor neurons, or survival benefit was detected. These data show that anatomical preservation of neuromuscular junctions in the diaphragm via MuSK activation does not correlate with functional benefit in SOD1G93A mice, suggesting caution in employing MuSK activation as a therapeutic strategy for ALS patients.


Subject(s)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/enzymology , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/physiopathology , Diaphragm/physiopathology , Neuromuscular Junction/physiopathology , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/pathology , Animals , Diaphragm/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Enzyme Activation/physiology , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Transgenic , Motor Neurons/pathology , Neuromuscular Junction/pathology , Superoxide Dismutase-1/genetics
7.
EBioMedicine ; 29: 112-127, 2018 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29433983

ABSTRACT

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutation-positive non-smallcell lung cancer (NSCLC) is incurable, despite high rates of response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We investigated receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), Src family kinases and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as genetic modifiers of innate resistance in EGFR-mutation-positive NSCLC. We performed gene expression analysis in two cohorts (Cohort 1 and Cohort 2) of EGFR-mutation-positive NSCLC patients treated with EGFR TKI. We evaluated the efficacy of gefitinib or osimertinib with the Src/FAK/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor, TPX0005 in vitro and in vivo. In Cohort 1, CUB domain-containing protein-1 (CDCP1) was an independent negative prognostic factor for progression-free survival (hazard ratio of 1.79, p=0.0407) and overall survival (hazard ratio of 2.23, p=0.0192). A two-gene model based on AXL and CDCP1 expression was strongly associated with the clinical outcome to EGFR TKIs, in both cohorts of patients. Our preclinical experiments revealed that several RTKs and non-RTKs, were up-regulated at baseline or after treatment with gefitinib or osimertinib. TPX-0005 plus EGFR TKI suppressed expression and activation of RTKs and downstream signaling intermediates. Co-expression of CDCP1 and AXL is often observed in EGFR-mutation-positive tumors, limiting the efficacy of EGFR TKIs. Co-treatment with EGFR TKI and TPX-0005 warrants testing.


Subject(s)
Antigens, CD/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality , Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/mortality , Mutation , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Animals , Antigens, Neoplasm , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Cell Adhesion Molecules/agonists , Cell Survival , Disease Models, Animal , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm , Enzyme Activation , ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors , Female , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Mice , Middle Aged , Models, Biological , Neoplasm Proteins/agonists , Proteomics/methods , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/agonists , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Survival Analysis , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays , Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
8.
Diabetes Obes Metab ; 19 Suppl 1: 4-21, 2017 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28880476

ABSTRACT

Four major receptor families enable cells to respond to chemical and physical signals from their proximal environment. The ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels, G-protein-coupled receptors, nuclear hormone receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases are all allosteric proteins that carry multiple, spatially distinct, yet conformationally linked ligand-binding sites. Recent studies point to common mechanisms governing the allosteric transitions of these receptors, including the impact of oligomerization, pre-existing and functionally distinct conformational ensembles, intrinsically disordered regions, and the occurrence of allosteric modulatory sites. Importantly, synthetic allosteric modulators are being discovered for these receptors, providing an enriched, yet challenging, landscape for novel therapeutics.


Subject(s)
Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/metabolism , Models, Molecular , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels/metabolism , Allosteric Regulation/drug effects , Allosteric Site/drug effects , Animals , Binding Sites/drug effects , Dimerization , Drug Discovery/trends , Drugs, Investigational/chemistry , Drugs, Investigational/pharmacology , Humans , Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/agonists , Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/antagonists & inhibitors , Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/chemistry , Ligands , Protein Conformation/drug effects , Protein Multimerization/drug effects , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/chemistry , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/agonists , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/chemistry , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/chemistry , Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels/chemistry
9.
Methods Mol Biol ; 1652: 127-133, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28791639

ABSTRACT

Signals transduced from ligand-activated receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) lead to a diverse array of biological outcomes, such as cell proliferation. Strict regulation of RTK activity is therefore necessary to prevent aberrancies in cell signaling that can lead to diseases such as cancer. RTKs are activated at the plasma membrane (PM) upon ligand binding. Contrary to the initial belief, RTK activity does not terminate immediately following endocytosis, instead RTKs remain active while being trafficked in endosomes. Here we describe a two-pulse endosomal stimulation approach which can specifically activate endosome-accumulated EGFR and drive cell proliferation.


Subject(s)
Endosomes/metabolism , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Animals , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , DNA Replication/drug effects , Dogs , Epidermal Growth Factor/pharmacology , ErbB Receptors/agonists , ErbB Receptors/metabolism , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Signal Transduction/drug effects
10.
J Cereb Blood Flow Metab ; 37(6): 1971-1981, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27389179

ABSTRACT

Axl, a tyrosine kinase receptor, was recently identified as an essential component regulating innate immune response. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 are potent Axl-inducible negative inflammatory regulators. This study investigated the role of Axl signaling pathway in immune restoration in an autologous blood-injection mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and R428 were administrated as specific agonist and antagonist. In vivo knockdown of Axl or suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 by siRNA was applied. After intracerebral hemorrhage, the expression of endogenous Axl, soluble Axl, and Gas6 was increased, whereas the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 was inhibited. Recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 administration alleviated brain edema and improved neurobehavioral performances. Moreover, enhanced Axl phosphorylation with cleavage of soluble Axl (sAxl), and an upregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 were observed. In vivo knockdown of Axl and R428 administration both abolished the effect of recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 on brain edema and also decreased the expression suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. In vivo knockdown of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 aggravated cytokine releasing despite of recombinant growth arrest-specific 6. In conclusion, Axl plays essential role in immune restoration after intracerebral hemorrhage. And recombinant growth arrest-specific 6 attenuated brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage, probably by enhancing Axl phosphorylation and production of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3.


Subject(s)
Cerebral Hemorrhage/drug therapy , Immunity, Innate/drug effects , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/therapeutic use , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Administration, Intranasal , Animals , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Benzocycloheptenes/pharmacology , Cerebral Hemorrhage/immunology , Cerebral Hemorrhage/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Male , Mice, Inbred Strains , Mice, Knockout , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Recombinant Proteins , Triazoles/pharmacology , Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
11.
Methods Mol Biol ; 1487: 35-52, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27924557

ABSTRACT

Tyrosine phosphorylation is an essential posttranslational modification in intracellular signaling molecules. Since tyrosine phosphorylation occurs in less than 0.1 % of all phosphorylated amino acids in mammalian cells, it is difficult to detect the nascent phosphotyrosine at a high signal-to-noise ratio due to high intracellular backgrounds (i.e., unexpected crosstalks among endogenous signaling molecules). In order to address this issue, we reconstituted the mammalian signaling pathway involving an extracellular ligand and a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a lower eukaryote that lacks endogenous tyrosine kinases. In this chapter, we describe a method for high-throughput analysis of ligand-receptor interaction by combining the yeast cell-surface display technique with an automated single-cell analysis and isolation system. Yeast cells coexpressing the cell-wall-anchored form of the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the human EGF receptor (EGFR) fused with a signal peptide at the N terminus facilitated the interaction of EGF with EGFR in an autocrine manner, followed by EGFR oligomerization and subsequent autophosphorylation. Furthermore, yeast cells expressing cell-wall-anchored forms of a conformationally constrained random peptide library instead of EGF are treated with a fluorophore-labeled anti-phosphorylated EGFR antibody and then subjected to the automated single-cell analysis and isolation system. The yeast cells with the highest level of fluorescence were shown to display novel and efficient EGFR agonistic peptides. Thus, our yeast display technique serves as a quantitative measurement for RTK activation, which is applicable to high-throughput de novo screening of RTK agonistic peptides.


Subject(s)
High-Throughput Screening Assays , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Yeasts/metabolism , Animals , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Surface Display Techniques , DNA, Complementary/genetics , Enzyme Activation , Epidermal Growth Factor/genetics , Epidermal Growth Factor/metabolism , ErbB Receptors/metabolism , Gene Expression , High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods , Humans , Ligands , Peptide Library , Peptides/genetics , Peptides/isolation & purification , Peptides/metabolism , Phosphorylation , Protein Interaction Mapping , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism , Single-Cell Analysis , Yeasts/genetics
12.
Cell ; 166(5): 1084-1102, 2016 08 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27565340

ABSTRACT

Four major receptor families enable cells to respond to chemical and physical signals from their proximal environment. The ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels, G-protein-coupled receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases are all allosteric proteins that carry multiple, spatially distinct, yet conformationally linked ligand-binding sites. Recent studies point to common mechanisms governing the allosteric transitions of these receptors, including the impact of oligomerization, pre-existing and functionally distinct conformational ensembles, intrinsically disordered regions, and the occurrence of allosteric modulatory sites. Importantly, synthetic allosteric modulators are being discovered for these receptors, providing an enriched, yet challenging, landscape for novel therapeutics.


Subject(s)
Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/chemistry , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/chemistry , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/chemistry , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/chemistry , Allosteric Regulation , Allosteric Site , Animals , Disease/genetics , Drug Design , Humans , Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/agonists , Ligands , Models, Chemical , Mutation , Protein Conformation , Protein Multimerization , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/agonists , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists , Signal Transduction
13.
J Pharm Pharmacol ; 68(3): 368-78, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26888375

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors were the first class of smart drugs being specifically designed to inhibit a disease causing target. There is a very important but unresolved question as whether or not the overall therapeutic role of an individual tinib results from an action at its primary target, a single most likely, tyrosine kinase, or from the combined or aggregate action at the multiple targets which each tinib addresses. METHODS: We selected a series of ten tinibs (gefitinib, sunitinib, lapatinib, erlotinib, imatinib, sorafenib, axitinib, vanitinib, bosutinib, dasatinib) with various known targets and investigated their activities in the inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis and GAG hyperelongation stimulated by a tyrosine kinase receptor agonist, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and for contrast, a serine/threonine kinase receptor agonist, TGF ß and some downstream signalling pathways. RESULTS: The inhibitory activity varied from little to total inhibition. The actions of the tinibs were directed more towards inhibition of the tyrosine kinase, PDGF receptor signalling pathway compared to the TGF ß. CONCLUSION: There was no suggestion of any synergistic effect arising from inhibition of multiple kinases as the most potent compound, dasatinib, is known to inhibit the broadest spectrum of kinases.


Subject(s)
Imatinib Mesylate/pharmacology , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects , Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/metabolism , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Proteoglycans/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Drug Synergism , Humans , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
14.
Curr Opin Chem Biol ; 26: 1-7, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25621729

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this perspective is to build on the unexpected outcomes of previous laboratory experiments using antibody agonists to raise questions concerning how activation of a given receptor can be involved in inducing differentiation of cells along different pathways some of which may even derive from different lineages. While not yet answered, the question illustrates how the advent of agonists not present in nature may give a different dimension to the important problem of signal transduction. Thus, if one studies a natural agonist-receptor system one can learn details about its signal transduction pathway. However, if one has a set of orthogonal agonists, one may learn about the yet undiscovered potential of the system that, in the end, may necessitate refinements to the currently used models. Thus, we wonder why receptors conventionally linked to a given pathway induce a different pattern of differentiation when agonized in another way.


Subject(s)
Antibodies/pharmacology , Peptide Library , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptors, Cell Surface/agonists , Small Molecule Libraries/chemistry , Stem Cells/drug effects , Antibodies/chemistry , Antibodies/genetics , Bone Marrow Cells/cytology , Bone Marrow Cells/drug effects , Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques , Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 , Gene Expression Regulation , Genetic Vectors/chemistry , Genetic Vectors/metabolism , Humans , Lentivirus/genetics , Lentivirus/metabolism , Netrin Receptors , Protein Engineering , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics , Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Small Molecule Libraries/metabolism , Small Molecule Libraries/pharmacology , Stem Cells/cytology , Stem Cells/metabolism
15.
Cancer Res ; 74(16): 4470-81, 2014 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25125683

ABSTRACT

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for cell-cell communication during normal and oncogenic tissue patterning and tumor growth. Somatic mutation profiles of several cancer genomes suggest EphA3 as a tumor suppressor, but its oncogenic expression pattern and role in tumorigenesis remain largely undefined. Here, we report unexpected EphA3 overexpression within the microenvironment of a range of human cancers and mouse tumor xenografts where its activation inhibits tumor growth. EphA3 is found on mouse bone marrow-derived cells with mesenchymal and myeloid phenotypes, and activation of EphA3(+)/CD90(+)/Sca1(+) mesenchymal/stromal cells with an EphA3 agonist leads to cell contraction, cell-cell segregation, and apoptosis. Treatment of mice with an agonistic α-EphA3 antibody inhibits tumor growth by severely disrupting the integrity and function of newly formed tumor stroma and microvasculature. Our data define EphA3 as a novel target for selective ablation of the tumor microenvironment and demonstrate the potential of EphA3 agonists for anticancer therapy.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/biosynthesis , Receptor, EphA3/agonists , Receptor, EphA3/biosynthesis , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic , Disease Models, Animal , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Mice , Mice, Nude , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Receptor, EphA3/immunology , Receptor, EphA3/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Stromal Cells/drug effects , Stromal Cells/pathology , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
16.
Science ; 341(6150): 1113-6, 2013 Sep 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24009394

ABSTRACT

Animal development is coupled with innate behaviors that maximize chances of survival. Here, we show that the prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), a neuropeptide that controls the developmental transition from juvenile stage to sexual maturation, also regulates light avoidance in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. PTTH, through its receptor Torso, acts on two light sensors--the Bolwig's organ and the peripheral class IV dendritic arborization neurons--to regulate light avoidance. We found that PTTH concomitantly promotes steroidogenesis and light avoidance at the end of larval stage, driving animals toward a darker environment to initiate the immobile maturation phase. Thus, PTTH controls the decisions of when and where animals undergo metamorphosis, optimizing conditions for adult development.


Subject(s)
Drosophila melanogaster/growth & development , Escape Reaction , Insect Hormones/physiology , Light Signal Transduction , Light , Neurons/physiology , Neurosecretory Systems/physiology , Animals , Darkness , Drosophila Proteins/agonists , Drosophila Proteins/genetics , Enzyme Activation , Insect Hormones/genetics , Larva/growth & development , RNA Interference , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
17.
J Pharm Pharmacol ; 65(4): 465-73, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23488775

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This review discusses the latest developments in G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling related to the transactivation of cell surface protein kinase receptors and the therapeutic implications. KEY FINDINGS: Multiple GPCRs have been known to transactivate protein tyrosine kinase receptors for almost two decades. More recently it has been discovered that GPCRs can also transactivate protein serine/threonine kinase receptors such as that for transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß. Using the model of proteoglycan synthesis and glycosaminoglycan elongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells which is a component of an in vitro model of atherosclerosis, the dual tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase receptor transactivation pathways appear to account for all of the response to the agonists, endothelin and thrombin. SUMMARY: The broadening of the paradigm of GPCR receptor transactivation explains the broad range of activities of these receptors and also the efficacy of GPCR antagonists in cardiovascular therapeutics. Deciphering the mechanisms of transactivation with the aim of identifying a common therapeutic target remains the next challenge.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Agents/pharmacology , Drug Design , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Receptors, Endothelin/metabolism , Receptors, Thrombin/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Animals , Cardiovascular Agents/therapeutic use , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism , Endothelin Receptor Antagonists , Endothelins/antagonists & inhibitors , Endothelins/metabolism , Humans , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/chemistry , Receptors, Cell Surface/agonists , Receptors, Cell Surface/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism , Receptors, Endothelin/agonists , Receptors, Thrombin/agonists , Receptors, Thrombin/antagonists & inhibitors , Thrombin/antagonists & inhibitors , Thrombin/metabolism
18.
MAbs ; 5(3): 373-83, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23529133

ABSTRACT

TAM-163, an agonist monoclonal antibody targeting tyrosine receptor kinase-B (TrkB), is currently being investigated as a potential body weight modulatory agent in humans. To support the selection of the dose range for the first-in-human (FIH) trial of TAM-163, we conducted a mechanistic analysis of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data (e.g., body weight gain) obtained in lean cynomolgus and obese rhesus monkeys following single doses ranging from 0.3 to 60 mg/kg. A target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) model was used to describe the observed nonlinear PK and Emax approach was used to describe the observed dose-dependent PD effect. The TMDD model development was supported by the experimental determination of the binding affinity constant (9.4 nM) and internalization rate of the drug-target complex (2.08 h(-1)). These mechanistic analyses enabled linking of exposure, target (TrkB) coverage, and pharmacological activity (e.g., PD) in monkeys, and indicated that ≥ 38% target coverage (time-average) was required to achieve significant body weight gain in monkeys. Based on the scaling of the TMDD model from monkeys to humans and assuming similar relationship between the target coverage and pharmacological activity between monkey and humans, subcutaneous (SC) doses of 1 and 15 mg/kg in humans were projected to be the minimally and the fully pharmacologically active doses, respectively. Based on the minimal anticipated biological effect level (MABEL) approach for starting dose selection, the dose of 0.05 mg/kg (3 mg for a 60 kg human) SC was recommended as the starting dose for FIH trials, because at this dose level<10% target coverage was projected at Cmax (and all other time points). This study illustrates a rational mechanistic approach for the selection of FIH dose range for a therapeutic protein with a complex model of action.


Subject(s)
Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology , Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology , Cachexia/therapy , Computer Simulation , Immunotherapy/methods , Obesity/therapy , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Animals , Anti-Obesity Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Obesity Agents/adverse effects , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Body Weight/drug effects , CHO Cells , Clinical Trials as Topic , Cricetulus , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Dosage Calculations , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Female , Humans , Macaca fascicularis , Macaca mulatta , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Species Specificity
19.
Biochim Biophys Acta ; 1834(10): 2213-8, 2013 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22982231

ABSTRACT

The Tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) receptors are a subset of the receptor tyrosine kinase family with an important functionality in the regulation of neurotrophic signaling in the peripheral and central nervous system. As the receptors are able to mediate neuronal survival by associating with their respective neurotrophin ligands, many studies have focused on the therapeutic potential of generating small-molecule mimetic compounds that elicit agonistic effects similar to those of the natural protein ligands. To this end, various structure-based studies have led to the generation of bivalent peptide-based agonists and antibodies that selectively initiate Trk receptor signaling; however, these compounds do not possess the ideal characteristics of a potential drug. Additionally, the reliance of structure-based data to generate the compound libraries, limits the potential identification of novel chemical structures with desirable activity. Therefore, subsequent investigations utilized a cell-based apoptotic screen to facilitate the analysis of large, diverse chemical libraries of small molecules and quickly identify compounds with Trk-dependent anti-apoptotic activity. Herein, we describe the Trk agonists that have been identified by this screening methodology and summarize their in vitro and in vivo neurotrophic activity as well as their efficacy in various neurological disease models, implicating their future utility as therapeutic compounds. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Emerging recognition and activation mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinases.


Subject(s)
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism , Neurons/drug effects , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Small Molecule Libraries/pharmacology , Tropomyosin/metabolism , Amitriptyline/chemistry , Amitriptyline/pharmacology , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics , Flavones/chemistry , Flavones/pharmacology , High-Throughput Screening Assays , Humans , Ligands , Neurons/cytology , Neurons/metabolism , Protein Binding , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Small Molecule Libraries/chemistry , Tropomyosin/chemistry , Xanthones/chemistry , Xanthones/pharmacology
20.
Arthritis Rheum ; 65(3): 671-80, 2013 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23203851

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hyperactivation of innate immunity by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can contribute to the development of autoinflammatory or autoimmune diseases. This study evaluated the activation of Tyro3, Axl, Mer (TAM) receptors, physiologic negative regulators of TLRs, by their agonists, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS-6) and protein S, in the prevention of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS: Adenoviruses overexpressing GAS-6 and protein S were injected intravenously or intraarticularly into mice during CIA. Splenic T helper cell subsets from intravenously injected mice were studied by flow cytometry, and the knee joints of mice injected intravenously and intraarticularly were assessed histologically. Synovium from mice injected intraarticularly was evaluated for cytokine and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) expression. RESULTS: Protein S significantly reduced ankle joint swelling when overexpressed systemically. Further analysis of knee joints revealed a moderate reduction in pathologic changes in the joint and a significant reduction in the number of splenic Th1 cells when protein S was overexpressed systemically. Local overexpression of GAS-6 decreased joint inflammation and joint pathology. Protein S treatment showed a similar trend of protection. Consistently, GAS-6 and protein S reduced cytokine production in the synovium. Moreover, levels of messenger RNA for interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23 were reduced by GAS-6 and protein S treatment, with a corresponding decrease in the production of interferon-γ and IL-17. TAM ligand overexpression was associated with an increase in SOCS-3 levels, which likely contributed to the amelioration of arthritis. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence that TAM receptor stimulation by GAS-6 and protein S can be used to ameliorate arthritis when applied systemically or locally. TAM receptor stimulation limits proinflammatory signaling and adaptive immunity. This pathway provides a novel strategy by which to combat rheumatoid arthritis.


Subject(s)
Arthritis, Experimental/therapy , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics , Protein S/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/agonists , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists , Adenoviridae/genetics , Animals , Arthritis, Experimental/genetics , Arthritis, Experimental/pathology , Cytokines/genetics , Cytokines/metabolism , Genetic Therapy/methods , Injections, Intra-Articular , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Knee Joint/metabolism , Knee Joint/pathology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred DBA , Protein S/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Severity of Illness Index , Signal Transduction/immunology , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/genetics , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/metabolism , Synovial Membrane/metabolism , Synovial Membrane/pathology , Th1 Cells/immunology , Th1 Cells/pathology , c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase , Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL