bims-unfpre Biomed News
on Unfolded protein response
Issue of 2019–07–21
twelve papers selected by
Susan Logue, University of Manitoba



  1. Nat Commun. 2019 Jul 18. 10(1): 3185
      Unfolded protein response (UPR) is an adaptive mechanism that aims at restoring ER homeostasis under severe environmental stress. Malignant cells are resistant to environmental stress, which is largely due to an activated UPR. However, the molecular mechanisms by which different UPR branches are selectively controlled in tumor cells are not clearly understood. Here, we provide evidence that PRKCSH, previously known as glucosidase II beta subunit, functions as a regulator for selective activation of the IRE1α branch of UPR. PRKCSH boosts ER stress-mediated autophosphorylation and oligomerization of IRE1α through mutual interaction. PRKCSH contributes to the induction of tumor-promoting factors and to tumor resistance to ER stress. Increased levels of PRKCSH in various tumor tissues are positively correlated with the expression of XBP1-target genes. Taken together, our data provide a molecular rationale for selective activation of the IRE1α branch in tumors and adaptation of tumor cells to severe environmental stress.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11019-w
  2. Oncogene. 2019 Jul 16.
      Missense mutations in the TP53 gene are frequent in human cancers, giving rise to mutant p53 proteins that can acquire oncogenic properties. Gain of function mutant p53 proteins can enhance tumour aggressiveness by promoting cell invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. Accumulating evidences indicate that mutant p53 proteins can also modulate cell homeostatic processes, suggesting that missense p53 mutation may increase resistance of tumour cells to intrinsic and extrinsic cancer-related stress conditions, thus offering a selective advantage. Here we provide evidence that mutant p53 proteins can modulate the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) to increase cell survival upon Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, a condition to which cancer cells are exposed during tumour formation and progression, as well as during therapy. Mechanistically, this action of mutant p53 is due to enhanced activation of the pro-survival UPR effector ATF6, coordinated with inhibition of the pro-apoptotic UPR effectors JNK and CHOP. In a triple-negative breast cancer cell model with missense TP53 mutation, we found that ATF6 activity is necessary for viability and invasion phenotypes. Together, these findings suggest that ATF6 inhibitors might be combined with mutant p53-targeting drugs to specifically sensitise cancer cells to endogenous or chemotherapy-induced ER stress.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-019-0878-3
  3. FASEB J. 2019 Jul 17. fj201900600RR
      During endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions, an adaptive signaling network termed the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated. The UPR's function is to increase ER protein-folding capacity in order to attenuate ER stress, restore ER homeostasis, and, most importantly, promote cell survival. X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) is one component of the UPR and is a proadaptive transcription factor that is subject to transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational control. In the present study, we identified a post-transcriptional mechanism mediated by miR-34c-5p that governs the expression of both the spliced (active) and unspliced (latent) forms of XBP1 mRNAs. We showed that miR-34c-5p directly attenuates spliced XBP1 (XBP1s) mRNA levels during ER stress and thus regulates the proadaptive component of the UPR that is mediated by XBP1s without interfering with the induction of apoptotic responses.-Bartoszewska, S., Cabaj, A., Dąbrowski, M., Collawn, J. F., Bartoszewski, R. miR-34c-5p modulates X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) expression during the adaptive phase of the unfolded protein response.
    Keywords:  ER stress; UPR; XBP1; miRNA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.201900600RR
  4. Nat Chem Biol. 2019 Aug;15(8): 764-775
      Accumulation of unfolded proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a salient attribute of many human diseases including obesity, liver disorders, cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration. To restore ER proteostasis, cells activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling pathway that imposes adaptive programs or triggers apoptosis of damaged cells. The UPR is critical to sustain the normal function of specialized secretory cells (i.e., pancreatic β cells and B lymphocytes) and to control the production of lipids and cholesterol in the liver. In the context of disease, adaptive UPR responses have been linked to the growth of solid tumors, whereas chronic ER stress contributes to cell dysfunction in brain diseases, metabolic syndromes, among other conditions. Here we discuss recent developments in the design and optimization of novel compounds to manipulate UPR signaling and their efficacy in various disease models.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-019-0326-2
  5. Oncogene. 2019 Jul 16.
      Cancer cells exploit many of the cellular adaptive responses to support their survival needs. One such critical pathway in eukaryotic cells is the unfolded protein response (UPR) that is important in normal physiology as well as disease states, including cancer. Since UPR can serve as a lever between survival and death, regulated control of its activity is critical for tumor formation and growth although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that one of the main transcriptional effectors of UPR, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), is essential for prostate cancer (PCa) growth and survival. Using systemic unbiased gene expression and proteomic analyses, we identified a novel direct ATF4 target gene, family with sequence similarity 129 member A (FAM129A), which is critical in mediating ATF4 effects on prostate tumorigenesis. Interestingly, FAM129A regulated both PERK and eIF2α in a feedback loop that differentially channeled the UPR output. ATF4 and FAM129A protein expression is increased in patient PCa samples compared with benign prostate. Importantly, in vivo therapeutic silencing of ATF4-FAM129A axis profoundly inhibited tumor growth in a preclinical PCa model. These data support that one of the canonical UPR branches, through ATF4 and its target gene FAM129A, is required for PCa growth and thus may serve as a novel therapeutic target.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-019-0879-2
  6. Curr Biol. 2019 Jul 02. pii: S0960-9822(19)30758-4. [Epub ahead of print]
      The unfolded protein response of the endoplasmic reticulum (UPRER) is a crucial mediator of secretory pathway homeostasis. Expression of the spliced and active form of the UPRER transcription factor XBP-1, XBP-1s, in the nervous system triggers activation of the UPRER in the intestine of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) through release of a secreted signal, leading to increased longevity. We find that expression of XBP-1s in the neurons or intestine of the worm strikingly improves proteostasis in multiple tissues, through increased clearance of toxic proteins. To identify the mechanisms behind this enhanced proteostasis, we conducted intestine-specific RNA-seq analysis to identify genes upregulated in the intestine when XBP-1s is expressed in neurons. This revealed that neuronal XBP-1s increases the expression of genes involved in lysosome function. Lysosomes in the intestine of animals expressing neuronal XBP-1s are more acidic, and lysosomal protease activity is higher. Moreover, intestinal lysosome function is necessary for enhanced lifespan and proteostasis. These findings suggest that activation of the UPRER in the intestine through neuronal signaling can increase the activity of lysosomes, leading to extended longevity and improved proteostasis across tissues.
    Keywords:  C. elegans; aging; lysosome; neuron; proteostasis; signaling
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.06.031
  7. Cell Rep. 2019 Jul 16. pii: S2211-1247(19)30830-7. [Epub ahead of print]28(3): 581-589.e4
      The endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPRER) is a cellular stress response that maintains homeostasis within the secretory pathway, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, and influences longevity. To ask whether this role in lifespan determination depends upon metabolic intermediaries, we metabotyped C. elegans expressing the active form of the UPRER transcription factor XBP-1, XBP-1s, and found many metabolic changes. These included reduced levels of triglycerides and increased levels of oleic acid (OA), a monounsaturated fatty acid associated with lifespan extension in C. elegans. Here, we show that constitutive XBP-1s expression increases the activity of lysosomal lipases and upregulates transcription of the Δ9 desaturase FAT-6, which is required for the full lifespan extension induced by XBP-1s. Dietary OA supplementation increases the lifespan of wild-type, but not xbp-1s-expressing animals and enhances proteostasis. These results suggest that modulation of lipid metabolism by XBP-1s contributes to its downstream effects on protein homeostasis and longevity.
    Keywords:  C. elegans; aging; lipids; metabolism; monounsaturated; neurons; proteostasis; signaling
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.057
  8. Science. 2019 07 19. pii: eaau6499. [Epub ahead of print]365(6450):
      Inositol-requiring enzyme 1[α] (IRE1[α])-X-box binding protein spliced (XBP1) signaling maintains endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis while controlling immunometabolic processes. Yet, the physiological consequences of IRE1α-XBP1 activation in leukocytes remain unexplored. We found that induction of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2/Cox-2) and prostaglandin E synthase (Ptges/mPGES-1) was compromised in IRE1α-deficient myeloid cells undergoing ER stress or stimulated through pattern recognition receptors. Inducible biosynthesis of prostaglandins, including the pro-algesic mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), was decreased in myeloid cells that lack IRE1α or XBP1 but not other ER stress sensors. Functional XBP1 transactivated the human PTGS2 and PTGES genes to enable optimal PGE2 production. Mice that lack IRE1α-XBP1 in leukocytes, or that were treated with IRE1α inhibitors, demonstrated reduced pain behaviors in PGE2-dependent models of pain. Thus, IRE1α-XBP1 is a mediator of prostaglandin biosynthesis and a potential target to control pain.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aau6499
  9. BMC Cancer. 2019 Jul 18. 19(1): 706
       BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely deadly form of brain cancer with limited treatment options and thus novel therapeutic modalities are necessary. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have demonstrated clinical and preclinical activities against GBM. (Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog, Sirt1) abbreviated as Sirtuin 1, has been implicated in GBM. We explored the activity of the Sirt1 activator SRT2183 in glioma cell lines in terms of biological response.
    METHODS: The effects of SRT2183 on glioma cell growth and neurosphere survival were evaluated in vitro using the CCK-8, clonogenic and neurosphere assays, respectively. Glioma cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. SRT2183-induced autophagy was investigated by detection of GFP-microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (GFP-LC3) puncta, conversion of the nonlipidated form of LC3 (LC3-I) to the phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated form (LC3-II). Acetylation of STAT3 and NF-κB in SRT2183-treated glioma cells was examined using immunoprecipitation. The expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins were assayed by immunoblotting.
    RESULTS: SRT2183 suppressed glioma cell growth and destroyed neurospheres in vitro. Furthermore, SRT2183 induced glioma cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, accompanying by upregulation of the pro-apoptotic Bim and downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Notably, ER stress was triggered in glioma cells upon exposure to SRT2183 while the pre-exposure to 4-PBA, an ER stress inhibitor, significantly antagonized SRT2183-mediated growth inhibition in glioma cells. In addition, SRT2183 induced autophagy in glioma cells and pharmacological modulation of autophagy appeared not to affect SRT2183-inhibited cell growth. Of interest, the acetylation and phosphorylation of p65 NF-κB and STAT3 in glioma cells were differentially affected by SRT2183.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest the ER stress pathway is involved in SRT2183-mediated growth inhibition in glioma. Further investigation in vivo is needed to consolidate the data.
    Keywords:  Endoplasmic reticulum stress; Glioma; NF-κB; STAT3; Sirt1
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-019-5852-5
  10. Oncogene. 2019 Jul 16.
      The major impediment to effective cancer therapy has been the development of drug resistance. The tumour suppressive transcription factor FOXO3 promotes cell cycle arrest, senescence and cell death, and mediates the cytotoxic and cytostatic functions of cancer therapeutics. In consequence, FOXO3 is often downregulated as an adaptive response in cancer and particularly in chemotherapeutic drug-resistant cells. Consistently, we find that FOXO3 expression is attenuated in the drug-resistant MCF-7-EpiR and MCF-7-TaxR compared to the parental MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Using ChIP, short-interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown, and overexpression assays as well as Foxo1/3/4-/- MEFs, we establish the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress defence modulator PERK (eIF2AK3) as a direct downstream transcriptional target of FOXO3. In agreement, there is also a positive correlation between FOXO3 and PERK expression at the protein and RNA levels in breast cancer patient samples. We uncover that PERK expression is downregulated but its activity constitutively elevated in the drug-resistant cells. With this in mind, we exploit this adaptive response of low FOXO3 and PERK expression, and high PERK activity in drug-resistant breast cancer cells and show that these drug-resistant cells are specifically sensitive to PERK inhibition. In support of this finding, we show that ectopic overexpression of FOXO3 can reduce the sensitivity of the resistant cells to the PERK inhibitor GSK2606414, while the Foxo1/3/4-/- MEFs expressing lower levels of PERK are more sensitive to PERK inhibition compared to wild-type MEFs. PERK inhibitor-titration and -time course experiments showed that the drug-resistant cells, which express lower expression and higher activity levels of PERK, are more sensitive to the increasing concentrations of PERK inhibitor compared to parental MCF-7 cells. Our present work thus reveals a chemotherapeutic drug-resistant cancer cell vulnerability in PERK and suggests PERK as a potential target for cancer therapy, specifically in the context of drug-resistant cancers.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-019-0890-7
  11. Oncotarget. 2019 Jul 02. 10(42): 4307-4320
      Cell migration-inducing protein (CEMIP) and binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) are upregulated in human cancers, where they drive cancer progression and metastasis. It has been shown that CEMIP resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it interacts with BiP to induce cell migration, but the relationship between the two proteins was previously unknown. Here we show that CEMIP mediates activation of the BiP promoter and upregulates BiP transcript and protein levels in breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, CEMIP overexpression confers protective adaptations to cancer cells under hypoxic conditions, by decreasing apoptosis, activating autophagy, and increasing glucose uptake, to facilitate tumor growth. We demonstrate that BiP signals downstream of CEMIP, modulating cellular resistance to hypoxia. Reducing BiP in CEMIP-expressing cells sensitized cells to hypoxia treatment, decreased glucose uptake, and resulted in tumor regression in vivo. Our study provides insights into the link between CEMIP and BiP expression and the pro-survival role they play in hypoxia. Better understanding of the mechanisms behind cancer cell adaptations to harsh tumor environments could lead to development of improved cancer treatments.
    Keywords:  BiP; CEMIP; autophagy; hypoxia
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.27036
  12. Nat Med. 2019 Jul 15.
      Flaviviral infections result in a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe disease. Although the correlates of severe disease have been explored1-4, the pathophysiology that differentiates symptomatic from asymptomatic infection remains undefined. To understand the molecular underpinnings of symptomatic infection, the blood transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of individuals were examined before and after inoculation with the live yellow fever viral vaccine (YF17D). It was found that individuals with adaptive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reduced tricarboxylic acid cycle activity at baseline showed increased susceptibility to symptomatic outcome. YF17D infection in these individuals induced maladaptive ER stress, triggering downstream proinflammatory responses that correlated with symptomatic outcome. The findings of the present study thus suggest that the ER stress response and immunometabolism underpin symptomatic yellow fever and possibly even other flaviviral infections. Modulating either ER stress or metabolism could be exploited for prophylaxis against symptomatic flaviviral infection outcome.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-019-0510-7