Hyperactivation of HER2-SHCBP1-PLK1 axis promotes tumor cell mitosis and impairs trastuzumab sensitivity to gastric cancer.

Trastuzumab is the backbone of HER2-directed gastric cancer therapy, but poor patient response due to insufficient cell sensitivity and drug resistance remains a clinical challenge. Here, we report that HER2 is involved in cell mitotic promotion for tumorigenesis by hyperactivating a crucial HER2-SHCBP1-PLK1 axis that drives trastuzumab sensitivity and is targeted therapeutically. SHCBP1 is an Shc1-binding protein but is detached from scaffold protein Shc1 following HER2 activation. Released SHCBP1 responds to HER2 cascade by translocating into the nucleus following Ser273 phosphorylation, and then contributing to cell mitosis regulation through binding with PLK1 to promote the phosphorylation of the mitotic interactor MISP. Meanwhile, Shc1 is recruited to HER2 for MAPK or PI3K pathways activation. Also, clinical evidence shows that increased SHCBP1 prognosticates a poor response of patients to trastuzumab therapy. Theaflavine-3, 3'-digallate (TFBG) is identified as an inhibitor of the SHCBP1-PLK1 interaction, which is a potential trastuzumab sensitizing agent and, in combination with trastuzumab, is highly efficacious in suppressing HER2-positive gastric cancer growth. These findings suggest an aberrant mitotic HER2-SHCBP1-PLK1 axis underlies trastuzumab sensitivity and offer a new strategy to combat gastric cancer.

Targeting the Shc-EGFR interaction with indomethacin inhibits MAP kinase pathway signalling.

Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-mediated hyperactivation of the MAPK/Erk pathway is responsible for a large number of pathogenic outcomes including many cancers. Considerable effort has been directed at targeting this pathway with varying degrees of long term therapeutic success. Under non-stimulated conditions Erk is bound to the adaptor protein Shc preventing aberrant signalling by sequestering Erk from activation by Mek. Activated RTK recruits Shc, via its phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain (ShcPTB), precipitating the release of Erk to engage in a signalling response. Here we describe a novel approach to inhibition of MAP kinase signal transduction through attempting to preserve the Shc-Erk complex under conditions of activated receptor. A library of existing drug molecules was computationally screened for hits that would bind to the ShcPTB and block its interaction with the RTKs EGFR and ErbB2. The primary hit from the screen was indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Validation of this molecule in vitro and in cellular efficacy studies in cancer cells provides proof of principle of the approach to pathway down-regulation and a potential optimizable lead compound.

The ShcD phosphotyrosine adaptor subverts canonical EGF receptor trafficking.

Shc family signalling adaptors connect activated transmembrane receptors to proximal effectors, and most also contain a sequence involved in clathrin-mediated receptor endocytosis. Notably, this AP2 adaptin-binding motif (AD) is absent from the ShcD (also known as Shc4) homolog, which also uniquely promotes ligand-independent phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We now report that cultured cells expressing ShcD exhibit reduced EGF uptake, commensurate with a decrease in EGFR surface presentation. Under basal conditions, ShcD colocalises with the EGFR and facilitates its phosphorylation, ubiquitylation and accumulation in juxtanuclear vesicles identified as Rab11-positive endocytic recycling compartments. Accordingly, ShcD also functions as a constitutive binding partner for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl. EGFR phosphorylation and focal accumulation likewise occur upon ShcD co-expression in U87 glioma cells. Loss of ShcD phosphotyrosine-binding function or insertion of the ShcA AD sequence each restore ligand acquisition through distinct mechanisms. The AD region also contains a nuclear export signal, indicating its multifunctionality. Overall, ShcD appears to possess several molecular permutations that actively govern the EGFR, which may have implications in development and disease.

EGF-receptor specificity for phosphotyrosine-primed substrates provides signal integration with Src.

Aberrant activation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) contributes to many human cancers by activating the Ras-MAPK pathway and other pathways. EGFR signaling is augmented by Src-family kinases, but the mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we show that human EGFR preferentially phosphorylates peptide substrates that are primed by a prior phosphorylation. Using peptides based on the sequence of the adaptor protein Shc1, we show that Src mediates the priming phosphorylation, thus promoting subsequent phosphorylation by EGFR. Importantly, the doubly phosphorylated Shc1 peptide binds more tightly than singly phosphorylated peptide to the Ras activator Grb2; this binding is a key step in activating the Ras-MAPK pathway. Finally, a crystal structure of EGFR in complex with a primed Shc1 peptide reveals the structural basis for EGFR substrate specificity. These results provide a molecular explanation for the integration of Src and EGFR signaling with downstream effectors such as Ras.

Conformation-Dependent Human p52Shc Phosphorylation by Human c-Src.

Phosphorylation of the human p52Shc adaptor protein is a key determinant in modulating signaling complex assembly in response to tyrosine kinase signaling cascade activation. The underlying mechanisms that govern p52Shc phosphorylation status are unknown. In this study, p52Shc phosphorylation by human c-Src was investigated using purified proteins to define mechanisms that affect the p52Shc phosphorylation state. We conducted biophysical characterizations of both human p52Shc and human c-Src in solution as well as membrane-mimetic environments using the acidic lipid phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate or a novel amphipathic detergent (2,2-dihexylpropane-1,3-bis-ß-D-glucopyranoside). We then identified p52Shc phosphorylation sites under various solution conditions, and the amount of phosphorylation at each identified site was quantified using mass spectrometry. These data demonstrate that the p52Shc phosphorylation level is altered by the solution environment without affecting the fraction of active c-Src. Mass spectrometry analysis of phosphorylated p52Shc implies functional linkage among phosphorylation sites. This linkage may drive preferential coupling to protein binding partners during signaling complex formation, such as during initial binding interactions with the Grb2 adaptor protein leading to activation of the Ras/MAPK signaling cascade. Remarkably, tyrosine residues involved in Grb2 binding were heavily phosphorylated in a membrane-mimetic environment. The increased phosphorylation level in Grb2 binding residues was also correlated with a decrease in the thermal stability of purified human p52Shc. A schematic for the phosphorylation-dependent interaction between p52Shc and Grb2 is proposed. The results of this study suggest another possible therapeutic strategy for altering protein phosphorylation to regulate signaling cascade activation.

Quantitative in vivo fluorescence cross-correlation analyses highlight the importance of competitive effects in the regulation of protein-protein interactions.

Computer-assisted simulation is a promising approach for clarifying complicated signaling networks. However, this approach is currently limited by a deficiency of kinetic parameters determined in living cells. To overcome this problem, we applied fluorescence cross-correlation spectrometry (FCCS) to measure dissociation constant (Kd) values of signaling molecule complexes in living cells (in vivo Kd). Among the pairs of fluorescent molecules tested, that of monomerized enhanced green fluorescent protein (mEGFP) and HaloTag-tetramethylrhodamine was most suitable for the measurement of in vivo Kd by FCCS. Using this pair, we determined 22 in vivo Kd values of signaling molecule complexes comprising the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. With these parameters, we developed a kinetic simulation model of the EGFR-Ras-ERK MAP kinase pathway and uncovered a potential role played by stoichiometry in Shc binding to EGFR during the peak activations of Ras, MEK, and ERK. Intriguingly, most of the in vivo Kd values determined in this study were higher than the in vitro Kd values reported previously, suggesting the significance of competitive bindings inside cells. These in vivo Kd values will provide a sound basis for the quantitative understanding of signal transduction.

A nuclear export signal and oxidative stress regulate ShcD subcellular localisation: a potential role for ShcD in the nucleus.

Tumour cells alter their gene expression profile to acquire a more invasive and resistant phenotype. Overexpression of the signalling adaptor protein ShcD in melanoma was found to be a prerequisite for melanoma migration and invasion. In common with other Shc proteins, ShcD has been shown to be involved in coupling receptor tyrosine kinases to the Ras-mitogen activated protein kinase signalling pathway, and to have a predominant cytoplasmic distribution. Here we report that ShcD can exist within the nucleus, and show that its CH2 domain has a critical role in nuclear export of ShcD. Analysis of GFP-tagged ShcD mutants containing deletions or amino acid substitutions within the CH2 domain revealed (83)LCTLIPRM(90) as a functional nuclear export signal. We have further demonstrated that ShcD accumulates in the nucleus upon hydrogen peroxide treatment in FLAG-ShcD expressing HEK293 cells, as well as 518.A2 melanoma cells. Cross linking experiments showed that a proportion of ShcD is associated with DNA. Moreover we have shown that ShcD fused to the GAL4 DNA binding domain can drive transcription of a GAL4 site-driven luciferase reporter, suggesting a role for ShcD in regulating gene transcription. We suggest that ShcD nuclear translocation might provide melanoma cells with a mechanism that enables them to resist DNA damage due to oxidative stress.

Teaching an old dogma new tricks: twenty years of Shc adaptor signalling.

Shc (Src homology and collagen homology) proteins are considered prototypical signalling adaptors in mammalian cells. Consisting of four unique members, ShcA, B, C and D, and multiple splice isoforms, the family is represented in nearly every cell type in the body, where it engages in an array of fundamental processes to transduce environmental stimuli. Two decades of investigation have begun to illuminate the mechanisms of the flagship ShcA protein, whereas much remains to be learned about the newest discovery, ShcD. It is clear, however, that the distinctive modular architecture of Shc proteins, their promiscuous phosphotyrosine-based interactions with a multitude of membrane receptors, involvement in central cascades including MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and Akt, and unconventional contributions to oxidative stress and apoptosis all require intricate regulation, and underlie diverse physiological function. From early cardiovascular development and neuronal differentiation to lifespan determination and tumorigenesis, Shc adaptors have proven to be more ubiquitous, versatile and dynamic than their structures alone suggest.

Nef surfaces: where to interfere with function.

The HIV-1 Nef protein is an accessory protein of 24-27 kDa mass that mediates a multitude of effector functions in infected cells. Although not essentially required for viral replication, HIV-1 Nef exhibits stimulating potential towards disease progression to AIDS and is therefore considered a pathogenic factor in retroviridae. Here we correlate sequence conservation in HIV-1 Nef with surface hydrophobicity and functionality in protein-protein interaction to identify accessible substructures on the surface of Nef that might be suitable as pharmacological target sites. Recent advances in targeting of Nef by small molecular compounds that interfere with SH3 domain binding or MHC class I down-regulation are discussed. Similarly, approaches for the use of larger molecules are introduced, such as tailored fusion proteins that simultaneously interact with multiple highly conserved sequence motifs of Nef. In addition, the design of a single domain antibody from llama that interferes with CD4 down-regulation activity and PAK2 binding is discussed. The flexibility in binding recognition is exemplarily shown for the modulation of RT-loop binding using engineered SH3 domains. The various considerations corroborate the potential of HIV-1 Nef as a promising target for the development of potent Nef inhibitors.

[Role of the p66Shc protein in physiological state and in pathologies]. / Rola bialka p66Shc w fizjologii i patologii.

The p66Shc adaptor protein has been in the spotlight of many researchgroups around the world for over adecade. Experiments conducted inrecent years unraveled its structure and enabled the recognition of basic cellular functions. Despite an undoubtedly tremendous progress in the characterization of p66Shc, mechanisms through which this protein potentially impacts the metabolism of mitochondria, and thus the cellular energetics are still waiting to be elucidated. Particularly interesting and profoundly studied is the concept that p66Shc may be a key component of the cell response to oxidative stress which may effectively contribute to the lifespan of the organism. p66Shc phosphorylation at serine 36 triggers a cascade of events leading to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The widely accepted free radical theory of ageing, proposed by Harman inthe - 1950s, assumes that an uncontrolled increase of ROS may lead to oxidation of fundamental cellular components such as proteins and phospholipids even sometimes premature dand cause DNA damage. Accumulation of such lesions in cells may unfavorably affect the functions of tissues and organs, leading to pathologies oreath of the organism. Although well experimentally established, knowledge regarding the involvement of the p66Shc protein in the production of ROS and its impact on the lifespan of organisms remains insufficient and requires a lot of additional research. Further investigation will permit a better understanding ofthe mechanisms governing the processes o f aging andthe emergence of variouspathologies associated with oxidative stress. This work is an attempt to systematize the existing knowledge about the p66Shc protein structure and functions. Another objective was to draw attention to the most interesting aspects and results of in vivo and in vitro studies in different models in the context of oxidative stress-associated pathologies and in aging.

Integrin {beta}3 phosphorylation dictates its complex with the Shc phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain.

Adaptor protein Shc plays a key role in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which can be mediated through a number of different receptors including integrins. By specifically recognizing the tyrosine-phosphorylated integrin ß(3), Shc has been shown to trigger integrin outside-in signaling, although the structural basis of this interaction remains nebulous. Here we present the detailed structural analysis of Shc phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain in complex with the bi-phosphorylated ß(3)integrin cytoplasmic tail (CT). We show that this complex is primarily defined by the phosphorylation state of the integrin C-terminal Tyr(759), which fits neatly into the classical PTB pocket of Shc. In addition, we have identified a novel binding interface which concurrently accommodates phosphorylated Tyr(747) of the highly conserved NPXY motif of ß(3). The structure represents the first snapshot of an integrin cytoplasmic tail bound to a target for mediating the outside-in signaling. Detailed comparison with the known Shc PTB structure bound to a target TrkA peptide revealed some significant differences, which shed new light upon the PTB domain specificity.

Oxidative stress-dependent p66Shc phosphorylation in skin fibroblasts of children with mitochondrial disorders.

p66Shc, the growth factor adaptor protein, can have a substantial impact on mitochondrial metabolism through regulation of cellular response to oxidative stress. We investigated relationships between the extent of p66Shc phosphorylation at Ser36, mitochondrial dysfunctions and an antioxidant defense reactions in fibroblasts derived from five patients with various mitochondrial disorders (two with mitochondrial DNA mutations and three with methylglutaconic aciduria and genetic defects localized, most probably, in nuclear genes). We found that in all these fibroblasts, the extent of p66Shc phosphorylation at Ser36 was significantly increased. This correlated with a substantially decreased level of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in these cells. This suggest that SOD2 is under control of the Ser36 phosphorylation status of p66Shc protein. As a consequence, an intracellular oxidative stress and accumulation of damages caused by oxygen free radicals are observed in the cells.

Cellular BRET assay suggests a conformational rearrangement of preformed TrkB/Shc complexes following BDNF-dependent activation.

We developed a cellular Bioluminescent Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) assay based on the interaction of TrkB fused to Renilla luciferase with the intracellular adaptor protein Shc fused to Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein (EYFP). The TrkB agonist Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) induced a maximum BRET signal as of 10 min with an EC(50) value of 1.4 nM, similar to the other endogenous agonists NT-3 and NT-4/5, 1.5 nM and 0.34 nM, respectively. Interestingly, measure of the BRET signal with increasing expression of Shc-EYFP, in the presence or absence of BDNF, suggested a conformational change of preformed TrkB/Shc complexes rather than Shc recruitment. Furthermore, the Y516F TrkB mutant deficient to bind Shc as well as the kinase-dead K572R TrkB mutant was unable to respond to BDNF and exhibited a lower basal BRET signal than that of the wild-type TrkB receptor, again suggesting a preformed complex with constitutive activity. The double YY706/707FF TrkB mutant in the kinase activation loop also showed reduced basal activity but surprisingly kept its capacity to enhance BDNF-induced interaction with Shc, though with less efficacy. The Trk selective kinase inhibitors K252a and BMS-9 blocked BDNF-induced BRET signal with similar potency (100-150 nM), the preferential c-Met inhibitor PF-2341006 being one order of magnitude less potent. Remarkably, in the absence of BDNF, K252a and BMS-9 also reduced basal activity to the level of the Y516F TrkB mutant, suggesting that these compounds were able to reduce the TrkB constitutive activity. BRET responses of mutants and to kinase inhibitors thus reveal a complex level of interaction between TrkB and Shc and suggest that this BRET assay could be of great utility to test blockers of TrkB signalling in a physiologically relevant context.

p66ShcA modulates oxidative stress and survival of endothelial progenitor cells in response to high glucose.

AIMS: A close relationship exists between hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and diabetic complications. In fact, high glucose (HG) determines the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the mitochondria. p66ShcA is a gene that regulates the apoptotic responses to oxidative stress. Indeed, p66ShcA knockout (ko) mice display decreased ROS production and increased resistance to ROS-induced cell death in a variety of pathophysiological settings. Reduced endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number, differentiation, and function are relevant components of the angiogenesis impairment observed in diabetic patients. We examined the role of p66ShcA in the EPC deficit induced by HG. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mouse bone marrow-derived c-kit+ cells differentiate in endothelial-like cells when plated on fibronectin (BM-derived EPCs). We found that cell culture in the presence of HG up-regulated p66ShcA protein expression and that HG exposure markedly decreased the number of BM-derived EPCs. Conversely, p66ShcA ko BM-derived EPCs were not sensitive to HG inhibition. Indeed, the resistance of p66ShcA ko BM-derived EPCs to HG was associated with reduced levels of both apoptosis and oxidative stress. To functionally link the HG response to ROS production, p66ShcA ko BM-derived EPCs were reconstituted either with p66ShcA wild-type (wt) or with a p66ShcA allele (p66ShcA qq) that was devoid of its ROS-generating function. We found that only p66ShcA wt and not the qq mutant rescued p66ShcA ko cell sensitivity to HG. One major feature of oxidative stress is its ability to reduce the bio-availability of nitric oxide (NO) that, in turn, plays a crucial role in endothelial differentiation and function. We found that the p66ShcA deletion prevented the HG-induced increase of nitrotyrosine, and that the resistance to HG of p66ShcA ko BM-derived EPCs was prevented by NO synthase inhibition. With a reciprocal approach, the treatment of p66ShcA wt cells with a NO donor prevented the HG-induced deficit. Finally, using a Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay, we demonstrated that p66ShcA ko prevented diabetic impairment of angiogenesis in vivo. CONCLUSION: p66ShcA deletion rescues the BM-derived EPCs defect induced by HG, indicating p66ShcA as a potential therapeutic target in diabetic vasculopathy.

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that Tyr-317 phosphorylation reduces Shc binding affinity for phosphotyrosyl residues of epidermal growth factor receptor.

The Src homology 2 (SH2) and collagen domain protein Shc plays a pivotal role in signaling via tyrosine kinase receptors, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Shc binding to phospho-tyrosine residues on activated receptors is mediated by the SH2 and phospho-tyrosine binding (PTB) domains. Subsequent phosphorylation on Tyr-317 within the Shc linker region induces Shc interactions with Grb2-Son of Sevenless that initiate Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. We use molecular dynamics simulations of full-length Shc to examine how Tyr-317 phosphorylation controls Shc conformation and interactions with EGFR. Our simulations reveal that Shc tyrosine phosphorylation results in a significant rearrangement of the relative position of its domains, suggesting a key conformational change. Importantly, computational estimations of binding affinities show that EGFR-derived phosphotyrosyl peptides bind with significantly more strength to unphosphorylated than to phosphorylated Shc. Our results unveil what we believe is a novel structural phenomenon, i.e., tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc within its linker region regulates the binding affinity of SH2 and PTB domains for phosphorylated Shc partners, with important implications for signaling dynamics.

Age-related changes in levels of p66Shc and serine 36-phosphorylated p66Shc in organs and mouse tissues.

Mammalian life span can be controlled by p66Shc protein through regulation of cellular response to oxidative stress. We investigated age-related changes in the amount of p66Shc and its Ser36-phosphorylated form in various mouse organs and tissues and correlated it with the level of antioxidant enzymes. Comparing to the newborn, in adult 6-month-old mice, the level of p66Shc was increased particularly in liver, lungs, skin and diaphragm. In older animals the level of p66Shc decreased while signaling pathway responsible for Ser36 phosphorylation of p66Shc protein seemed to be continually enhanced. The amount of p66Shc phosphorylated at Ser36, significantly increased with age, resulted in higher free radical production and, in consequence accumulation of damages caused by free radicals. The increased amount of Ser36-phosphorylated p66Shc in livers of 12- and 23-month-old mice was correlated with the decreased level of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, we found that p66Shc is a resident of mitochondria- and plasma membrane-associated membranes and that its level there depends on the age of animal.

CD247 can bind SHC1, no matter if CD247 is phosphorylated.

On T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, src homology 2 domain-containing transforming protein C1 (SHC1) had been found to bind the tyrosine-phosphorylated CD247 chain of the receptor via its src homology 2 (SH2) domain, delivering signals that control T cell development and activation. However, how the phosphorylation of CD247 led to the instant binding has not been characterized clearly. To study the binding process in detail, we simulated and compared the interaction processes of the SH2 domain with CD247 and phosphorylated CD247, respectively. Unexpectedly, the simulation revealed that SHC1 can also bind the nonphosphorylated CD247 peptide, which was further validated to be a weak binding by affinity pull-down experiment. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation also revealed that the CD247 peptide formed a folding conformation with its Leu209 inserted into the hydrophobic binding pocket in SHC1. And on phosphorylation, it was the electrostatic attraction between the CD247 Tyr(P)206 and the SHC1 Tyr(P)-binding pocket that destroyed the folding conformation of the nonphosphorylated CD247 and, aided by the electrostatic attraction between SHC1 and the Asp203 of CD247, led to the extended conformation of the phosphorylated CD247 binding to SHC1 strongly. The results suggest that nonphosphorylated CD247 can recruit SHC1 in advance to prepare for the instant needs for SHC1 on TCR stimulation. In view of the ubiquity of phosphorylation in protein interaction regulation, we think this study also exemplified the usefulness of MD in more interactome research involving phosphorylation.

Melanoma: targeting signaling pathways and RaLP.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic melanoma remains one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, with a survival expectation of above six months only in rare cases. Despite advances in the characterization of the underlying molecular pathways and in the development of specific targeted treatments, available chemo- and immuno-therapy are unable to prolong survival significantly in advanced-stage melanoma. Rai like protein (RaLP) is a newly identified Src homology 2 domain containing (Shc) family member selectively expressed during the transition to metastatic melanoma and thus is a potential melanoma-specific drugable target. OBJECTIVE: To summarize progress in the ongoing therapeutic approaches to metastatic melanoma and discuss RaLP as a potential novel therapeutic target. METHODS: Current understanding of the major signaling pathways involved in melanoma metastatization and of the corresponding pharmacological inhibitors is discussed. CONCLUSION: RaLP might represent a new drugable target for the treatment of metastatic disease.