scholarly journals A kinase-independent function of PAK is crucial for pathogen-mediated actin remodelling

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. e1009902
Author(s):  
Anthony Davidson ◽  
Joe Tyler ◽  
Peter Hume ◽  
Vikash Singh ◽  
Vassilis Koronakis
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Independent Function ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
P21 Activated Kinase ◽  
Actin Remodelling ◽  
Proline Rich Region

The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including actin cytoskeleton remodelling. Numerous bacterial pathogens usurp host signalling pathways that regulate actin reorganisation in order to promote Infection. Salmonella and pathogenic Escherichia coli drive actin-dependent forced uptake and intimate attachment respectively. We demonstrate that the pathogen-driven generation of both these distinct actin structures relies on the recruitment and activation of PAK. We show that the PAK kinase domain is dispensable for this actin remodelling, which instead requires the GTPase-binding CRIB and the central poly-proline rich region. PAK interacts with and inhibits the guanine nucleotide exchange factor β-PIX, preventing it from exerting a negative effect on cytoskeleton reorganisation. This kinase-independent function of PAK may be usurped by other pathogens that modify host cytoskeleton signalling and helps us better understand how PAK functions in normal and diseased eukaryotic cells.

scholarly journals Depletion of Ric-8B leads to reduced mTORC2 activity

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maíra H. Nagai ◽  
Luciana M. Gutiyama ◽  
Victor P. S. Xavier ◽  
Cleiton F. Machado ◽  
Alice H. Reis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hypomorphic Mutation ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor

AbstractmTOR, a serine/threonine protein kinase that is involved in a series of critical cellular processes, can be found in two functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. In contrast to mTORC1, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate mTORC2. Here we show that mTORC2 activity is reduced in mice with a hypomorphic mutation of the Ric-8B gene. Ric-8B is a highly conserved protein that acts as a non-canonical guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for heterotrimeric Gαs/olf type subunits. We found that Ric-8B hypomorph embryos are smaller than their wild type littermates, fail to close the neural tube in the cephalic region and die during mid-embryogenesis. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that signaling pathways involving GPCRs and G proteins are dysregulated in the Ric-8B mutant embryos. Interestingly, this analysis also revealed an unexpected impairment of the mTOR signaling pathway.Phosphorylation of Akt at Ser 473 is downregulated in the Ric-8B mutant embryos, indicating a decreased activity of mTORC2. In contrast, phosphorylation of S6, a downstream target of mTORC1, is unaltered. Knockdown of the endogenous Ric-8B gene in HEK293T cells leads to reduced phosphorylation levels of Akt at Ser 473, but not of S6, further supporting the selective involvement of Ric-8B in mTORC2 activity. Our results reveal a crucial role for Ric-8B in development and provide novel insights into the signals that regulate mTORC2 activity.Author SummaryGene inactivation in mice can be used to identify genes that are involved in important biological processes and that may contribute to disease. By using this approach, we found that the Ric-8B gene is essential for embryogenesis and for the normal development of the nervous system. Ric-8B mutant mouse embryos are smaller than their wild type littermates and show neural tube defects at the cranial region. This approach also allowed us to identify the biological pathways that are involved in the observed phenotypes, the G protein and mTORC2 signaling pathways. mTORC2 plays particular important roles also in the adult brain, and has been implicated in neurological disorders. Ric-8B is highly conserved in mammals, including humans. Our mutant mice provide a model to study the complex molecular and cellular processes underlying the interplay between Ric-8B and mTORC2 in neuronal function.

scholarly journals GIT1 Activates p21-Activated Kinase through a Mechanism Independent of p21 Binding

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 3849-3859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsui-Han Loo ◽  
Yuen-Wai Ng ◽  
Louis Lim ◽  
Ed Manser
Keyword(s):  
Rho Gtpases ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Kinase Activation ◽  
Exchange Factor ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
Rac1 Gtpase ◽  
P21 Activated Kinase

ABSTRACT p21-activated kinases (PAKs) associate with a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Pak-interacting exchange factor (PIX), which in turn binds the paxillin-associated adaptor GIT1 that targets the complex to focal adhesions. Here, a detailed structure-function analysis of GIT1 reveals how this multidomain adaptor also participates in activation of PAK. Kinase activation does not occur via Cdc42 or Rac1 GTPase binding to PAK. The ability of GIT1 to stimulate αPAK autophosphorylation requires the participation of the GIT N-terminal Arf-GAP domain but not Arf-GAP activity and involves phosphorylation of PAK at residues common to Cdc42-mediated activation. Thus, the activation of PAK at adhesion complexes involves a complex interplay between the kinase, Rho GTPases and protein partners that provide localization cues.

scholarly journals A NUMB–EFA6B–ARF6 recycling route controls apically restricted cell protrusions and mesenchymal motility

2018 ◽  
Vol 217 (9) ◽  
pp. 3161-3182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Zobel ◽  
Andrea Disanza ◽  
Francesca Senic-Matuglia ◽  
Michel Franco ◽  
Ivan Nicola Colaluca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
Endocytic Protein ◽  
Membrane Protrusions

The endocytic protein NUMB has been implicated in the control of various polarized cellular processes, including the acquisition of mesenchymal migratory traits through molecular mechanisms that have only been partially defined. Here, we report that NUMB is a negative regulator of a specialized set of understudied, apically restricted, actin-based protrusions, the circular dorsal ruffles (CDRs), induced by either PDGF or HGF stimulation. Through its PTB domain, NUMB binds directly to an N-terminal NPLF motif of the ARF6 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, EFA6B, and promotes its exchange activity in vitro. In cells, a NUMB–EFA6B–ARF6 axis regulates the recycling of the actin regulatory cargo RAC1 and is critical for the formation of CDRs that mark the acquisition of a mesenchymal mode of motility. Consistently, loss of NUMB promotes HGF-induced cell migration and invasion. Thus, NUMB negatively controls membrane protrusions and the acquisition of mesenchymal migratory traits by modulating EFA6B–ARF6 activity.

scholarly journals Vav Regulates Activation of Rac but Not Cdc42 during FcγR-mediated Phagocytosis

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1215-1226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayesh C. Patel ◽  
Alan Hall ◽  
Emmanuelle Caron
Keyword(s):  
Bound State ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Extracellular Signals ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
And Migration

Phagocytosis is the process whereby cells direct the spatially localized, receptor-driven engulfment of particulate materials. It proceeds via remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and shares many of the core cytoskeletal components involved in adhesion and migration. Small GTPases of the Rho family have been widely implicated in coordinating actin dynamics in response to extracellular signals and during diverse cellular processes, including phagocytosis, yet the mechanisms controlling their recruitment and activation are not known. We show herein that in response to ligation of Fc receptors for IgG (FcγR), the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav translocates to nascent phagosomes and catalyzes GTP loading on Rac, but not Cdc42. The Vav-induced Rac activation proceeds independently of Cdc42 function, suggesting distinct roles for each GTPase during engulfment. Moreover, inhibition of Vav exchange activity or of Cdc42 activity does not prevent Rac recruitment to sites of particle attachment. We conclude that Rac is recruited to Fcγ membrane receptors in its inactive, GDP-bound state and that Vav regulates phagocytosis through subsequent catalysis of GDP/GTP exchange on Rac.

scholarly journals The Intermolecular Interaction of Ephexin4 Leads to Autoinhibition by Impeding Binding of RhoG

Cells ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwanhyeong Kim ◽  
Juyeon Lee ◽  
Hyunji Moon ◽  
Sang-Ah Lee ◽  
Deokhwan Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intermolecular Interaction ◽  
Apoptotic Cells ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Conserved Residue

Ephexin4 is a guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) for RhoG and is involved in various RhoG-related cellular processes such as phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and migration of cancer cells. Ephexin4 forms an oligomer via an intermolecular interaction, and its GEF activity is increased in the presence of Elmo, an Ephexin4-interacting protein. However, it is uncertain if and how Ephexin4 is autoinhibited. Here, using an Ephexin4 mutant that abrogated the intermolecular interaction, we report that this interaction impeded binding of RhoG to Ephexin4 and thus inhibited RhoG activation. Mutation of the glutamate residue at position 295, which is a highly conserved residue located in the region of Ephexin4 required for the intermolecular interaction, to alanine (Ephexin4E295A) disrupted the intermolecular interaction and increased binding of RhoG, resulting in augmented RhoG activation. In addition, phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and formation of membrane ruffles were increased more by expression of Ephexin4E295A than by expression of wild-type Ephexin4. Taken together, our data suggest that Ephexin4 is autoinhibited through its intermolecular interaction, which impedes binding of RhoG.

scholarly journals Conformational resolution of nucleotide cycling and effector interactions for multiple small GTPases determined in parallel

2019 ◽  
Vol 294 (25) ◽  
pp. 9937-9948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan C. Killoran ◽  
Matthew J. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
Activation Potential ◽  
Single Complex ◽  
Ras Isoforms

Small GTPases alternatively bind GDP/GTP guanine nucleotides to gate signaling pathways that direct most cellular processes. Numerous GTPases are implicated in oncogenesis, particularly the three RAS isoforms HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS and the RHO family GTPase RAC1. Signaling networks comprising small GTPases are highly connected, and there is some evidence of direct biochemical cross-talk between their functional G-domains. The activation potential of a given GTPase is contingent on a codependent interaction with the nucleotide and a Mg2+ ion, which bind to individual variants with distinct affinities coordinated by residues in the GTPase nucleotide-binding pocket. Here, we utilized a selective-labeling strategy coupled with real-time NMR spectroscopy to monitor nucleotide exchange, GTP hydrolysis, and effector interactions of multiple small GTPases in a single complex system. We provide insight into nucleotide preference and the role of Mg2+ in activating both WT and oncogenic mutant enzymes. Multiplexing revealed guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), GTPase-activating protein (GAP), and effector-binding specificities in mixtures of GTPases and resolved that the three related RAS isoforms are biochemically equivalent. This work establishes that direct quantitation of the nucleotide-bound conformation is required to accurately determine an activation potential for any given GTPase, as small GTPases such as RAS-like proto-oncogene A (RALA) or the G12C mutant of KRAS display fast exchange kinetics but have a high affinity for GDP. Furthermore, we propose that the G-domains of small GTPases behave autonomously in solution and that nucleotide cycling proceeds independently of protein concentration but is highly impacted by Mg2+ abundance.

scholarly journals The molecular basis for immune dysregulation by the hyperactivated E62K mutant of the GTPase RAC2

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (34) ◽  
pp. 12130-12142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E. Arrington ◽  
Brenda Temple ◽  
Antje Schaefer ◽  
Sharon L. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Gtp Hydrolysis ◽  
Ras Gtpases ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
Parent Protein ◽  
Activating Mutation ◽  
P21 Activated Kinase ◽  
Effector Pathways ◽  
Effector Binding

The RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2) is a member of the RHO subclass of RAS superfamily GTPases required for proper immune function. An activating mutation in a key switch II region of RAC2 (RAC2E62K) involved in recognizing modulatory factors and effectors has been identified in patients with common variable immune deficiency. To better understand how the mutation dysregulates RAC2 function, we evaluated the structure and stability, guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity, and effector binding of RAC2E62K. Our findings indicate the E62K mutation does not alter RAC2 structure or stability. However, it does alter GEF specificity, as RAC2E62K is activated by the DOCK GEF, DOCK2, but not by the Dbl homology GEF, TIAM1, both of which activate the parent protein. Our previous data further showed that the E62K mutation impairs GAP activity for RAC2E62K. As this disease mutation is also found in RAS GTPases, we assessed GAP-stimulated GTP hydrolysis for KRAS and observed a similar impairment, suggesting that the mutation plays a conserved role in GAP activation. We also investigated whether the E62K mutation alters effector binding, as activated RAC2 binds effectors to transmit signaling through effector pathways. We find that RAC2E62K retains binding to an NADPH oxidase (NOX2) subunit, p67phox, and to the RAC-binding domain of p21-activated kinase, consistent with our earlier findings. Taken together, our findings indicate that the RAC2E62K mutation promotes immune dysfunction by promoting RAC2 hyperactivation, altering GEF specificity, and impairing GAP function yet retaining key effector interactions.

scholarly journals A Two-Tiered Mechanism Enables Localized Cdc42 Signaling during Enterocyte Polarization

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas J. M. Bruurs ◽  
Susan Zwakenberg ◽  
Mirjam C. van der Net ◽  
Fried J. Zwartkruis ◽  
Johannes L. Bos
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Apical Membrane ◽  
Cell Polarization ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Differential Diffusion ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange Factor ◽  
Dual Mechanism

ABSTRACT Signaling by the small GTPase Cdc42 governs a diverse set of cellular processes that contribute to tissue morphogenesis. Since these processes often require highly localized signaling, Cdc42 activity must be clustered in order to prevent ectopic signaling. During cell polarization, apical Cdc42 signaling directs the positioning of the nascent apical membrane. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive Cdc42 clustering during polarity establishment are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that during cell polarization localized Cdc42 signaling is enabled via activity-dependent control of Cdc42 mobility. By performing photoconversion experiments, we show that inactive Cdc42-GDP is 30-fold more mobile than active Cdc42-GTP. This switch in apical mobility originates from a dual mechanism involving RhoGDI-mediated membrane dissociation of Cdc42-GDP and Tuba-mediated immobilization of Cdc42-GTP. Interference with either mechanism affects Cdc42 clustering and as a consequence impairs Cdc42-mediated apical membrane clustering. We therefore identify a molecular network, comprised of Cdc42, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Tuba, and RhoGDI, that enables differential diffusion of inactive and active Cdc42 and is required to establish localized Cdc42 signaling during enterocyte polarization.

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