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Biomedical subjects

Andrey S Shaw

Publications and source records attributed to Andrey S Shaw.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The MAPK scaffold kinase suppressor of Ras is involved in ERK activation by stress and proinflammatory cytokines and induction of arthritis.

The MAPK ERK is required for LPS-induced TNF production by macrophages. Although the scaffold kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR)1 is required for efficient Erk activation by mitogenic stimuli, the role of KSR1 in ERK activation by inflammatory and stress stimuli is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of KSR deficiency on ERK activation by stress stimuli and show that ERK activation by TNF, IL-1, and sorbitol is attenuated in the absence of KSR1. To determine the significance of this defect in vivo, we tested KSR-deficient mice using a passive transfer model of arthritis. We found that the induction of arthritis is impaired in the absence of KSR. Thus, KSR plays a role in ERK activation during inflammatory and stress responses both in vitro and in vivo.

Animals↗

Bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 is a specific marker of type I IFN-producing cells in the naive mouse, but a promiscuous cell surface antigen following IFN stimulation.

Type I IFN-producing cells (IPC) are sentinels of viral infections. Identification and functional characterization of these cells have been difficult because of their small numbers in blood and tissues and their complex cell surface phenotype. To overcome this problem in mice, mAbs recognizing IPC-specific cell surface molecules have been generated. In this study, we report the identification of new Abs specific for mouse IPC, which recognize the bone marrow stromal cell Ag 2 (BST2). Interestingly, previously reported IPC-specific Abs 120G8 and plasmacytoid dendritic cell Ag-1 also recognize BST2. BST2 is predominantly specific for mouse IPC in naive mice, but is up-regulated on most cell types following stimulation with type I IFNs and IFN-gamma. The activation-induced promiscuous expression of BST2 described in this study has important implications for the use of anti-BST2 Abs in identification and depletion of IPC. Finally, we show that BST2 resides within an intracellular compartment corresponding to the Golgi apparatus, and may be involved in trafficking secreted cytokines in IPC.

Animals↗

Vav1 controls DAP10-mediated natural cytotoxicity by regulating actin and microtubule dynamics.

The NK cell-activating receptor NKG2D recognizes several MHC class I-related molecules expressed on virally infected and tumor cells. Human NKG2D transduces activation signals exclusively via an associated DAP10 adaptor containing a YxNM motif, whereas murine NKG2D can signal through either DAP10 or the DAP12 adaptor, which contains an ITAM sequence. DAP10 signaling is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by PI3K and is independent of Syk/Zap-70 kinases; however, the exact mechanism by which DAP10 induces natural cytotoxicity is incompletely understood. Herein, we identify Vav1, a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, as a critical signaling mediator downstream of DAP10 in NK cells. Specifically, using mice deficient in Vav1 and DAP12, we demonstrate an essential role for Vav1 in DAP10-induced NK cell cytoskeletal polarization involving both actin and microtubule networks, maturation of the cytolytic synapse, and target cell lysis. Mechanistically, we show that Vav1 interacts with DAP10 YxNM motifs through the adaptor protein Grb2 and is required for activation of PI3K-dependent Akt signaling. Based on these findings, we propose a novel model of ITAM-independent signaling by Vav downstream of DAP10 in NK cells.

Actins↗

Identification of a novel inhibitory actin-capping protein binding motif in CD2-associated protein.

CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) is a scaffold molecule that plays a critical role in the maintenance of the kidney filtration barrier. Little, however, is understood about its mechanism of function. We used mass spectrometry to identify CD2AP-interacting proteins. Many of the proteins that we identified suggest a role for CD2AP in endocytosis and actin regulation. To address the role of CD2AP in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, we focused on characterizing the interaction of CD2AP with actin-capping protein CP. We identified a novel binding motif LXHXTXXRPK(X)6P present in CD2AP that is also found in its homolog Cin85 and other capping protein-associated proteins such as CARMIL and CKIP-1. CD2AP inhibits the function of capping protein in vitro. Therefore, our results support a role of CD2AP in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton.

Actins↗

Bigenic mouse models of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis involving pairwise interaction of CD2AP, Fyn, and synaptopodin.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the most common primary glomerular diagnosis resulting in end-stage renal disease. Defects in several podocyte proteins have been implicated in the etiology of FSGS, including podocin, alpha-actinin-4, CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), and TRPC6. Despite our growing understanding of genes involved in the pathogenesis of focal segmental sclerosis, the vast majority of patients with this disease, even those with a familial linkage, lack a clear genetic diagnosis. Here, we tested whether combinations of genetic heterozygosity (bigenic heterozygosity) that alone do not result in clinical kidney disease could function together to enhance susceptibility to glomerular damage and FSGS. Combinations of Cd2ap heterozygosity and heterozygosity of either synaptopodin (Synpo) or Fyn proto-oncogene (Fyn) but not kin of IRRE like 1 (Neph1) resulted in spontaneous proteinuria and in FSGS-like glomerular damage. These genetic interactions were also reflected at a functional level, as we found that CD2AP associates with Fyn and Synpo but not with Neph1. This demonstrates that bigenic heterozygosity can lead to FSGS and suggests that combined mutations in 2 or multiple podocyte genes may be a common etiology for glomerular disease.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Lipid rafts: now you see them, now you don't.

The 'lipid raft' hypothesis has been a contentious topic over the past 5 years, with much of the immunology community divided into 'believers' and 'nonbelievers'. The disagreement is due mainly to the inability to observe these membrane domains directly and to the widespread use of experimental approaches of dubious utility. As a lipid raft 'dilettante' who has dabbled in the area over the years, I view the lipid raft model with some skepticism and disinterest because of that confusion. Although progress in the field has helped clarify some of the issues, more work is still needed to formally confirm the lipid raft hypothesis and to reestablish the scientific credibility of this area.

Animals↗

The molecular scaffold kinase suppressor of Ras 1 is a modifier of RasV12-induced and replicative senescence.

In primary mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), oncogenic Ras induces growth arrest via Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-mediated activation of the p19ARF/p53 and INK4/Rb tumor suppressor pathways. Ablation of these same pathways causes spontaneous immortalization in MEFs, and oncogenic transformation by Ras requires ablation of one or both of these pathways. We show that Kinase Suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1), a molecular scaffold for the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade, is necessary for RasV12-induced senescence, and its disruption enhances primary MEF immortalization. RasV12 failed to induce p53, p19ARF, p16INK4a, and p15INK4b expression in KSR1-/- MEFs and increased proliferation instead of causing growth arrest. Reintroduction of wild-type KSR1, but not a mutated KSR1 construct unable to bind activated ERK, rescued RasV12-induced senescence. On continuous culture, deletion of KSR1 accelerated the establishment of spontaneously immortalized cultures and increased the proportion of cultures escaping replicative crisis. Despite enhancing escape from both RasV12-induced and replicative senescence, however, both primary and immortalized KSR1-/- MEFs are completely resistant to RasV12-induced transformation. These data show that escape from senescence is not necessarily a precursor for oncogenic transformation. Furthermore, these data indicate that KSR1 is a member of a unique class of proteins whose deletion blocks both senescence and transformation.

Animals↗

Proteinuria precedes podocyte abnormalities inLamb2-/- mice, implicating the glomerular basement membrane as an albumin barrier.

Primary defects in either podocytes or the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) cause proteinuria, a fact that complicates defining the barrier to albumin. Laminin beta2 (LAMB2) is a GBM component required for proper functioning of the glomerular filtration barrier. To investigate the GBM's role in glomerular filtration, we characterized GBM and overlying podocyte architecture in relation to development and progression of proteinuria in Lamb2-/- mice, which model Pierson syndrome, a rare congenital nephrotic syndrome. We found ectopic deposition of several laminins and mislocalization of anionic sites in the GBM, which together suggest that the Lamb2-/- GBM is severely disorganized, although it is ultrastructurally intact. Importantly, albuminuria was detectable shortly after birth and preceded podocyte foot process effacement and loss of slit diaphragms by at least 7 days. Expression and localization of slit diaphragm and foot process-associated proteins appeared normal at early stages. GBM permeability to the electron-dense tracer ferritin was dramatically elevated in Lamb2-/- mice, even before widespread foot process effacement. Increased ferritin permeability was not observed in nephrotic CD2-associated protein-null (Cd2ap-/-) mice, which have a primary podocyte defect. Together these data show that the GBM serves as a barrier to protein in vivo and that the glomerular slit diaphragm alone is not sufficient to prevent the passage of albumin into the urinary space.

Albuminuria↗

Glomerular expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms in mice lacking CD2-associated protein.

Mice lacking CD2-associated protein (CD2AP-/-) develop glomerular lesions resembling human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) between 3-4 weeks of age and die approximately 2 weeks later from massive proteinuria and renal failure. The mechanisms involved in the glomerular injury in this model are unclear. In this study, we used laser capture microdissection (LCM) and real-time PCR, and examined expression of TGF-ss isoforms in CD2AP-/- mice at the level of isolated glomeruli. Total RNA yield from cryosections of 30 glomeruli was 10.71 ng (SD, 5.45) in CD2AP+/+ group (n =7), and 4.20 ng (SD, 2.04) in CD2AP-/- group (n =8), p =0.008. Expression of TGF-ss1 mRNA was increased 1.5-fold in the whole kidney (p =0.030), and twofold in isolated CD2AP-/- glomeruli (p =0.026). Whole kidney mRNA of TGF-ss receptor I (RI) and II (RII) was not different in CD2AP-/- and CD2AP+/+ animals, but it was increased in CD2AP-/- glomerular samples by 4.38-fold (p =0.001) and 11.37-fold (p =0.0163), respectively. By using LCM we confirmed increased glomerular expression levels of TGF-ss isoforms previously described by our group in glomeruli isolated by sieving in CD2AP KO mice and underscored the importance of local factors in the development of glomerulosclerosis.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Costimulation through NKG2D enhances murine CD8+ CTL function: similarities and differences between NKG2D and CD28 costimulation.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that the NK cell activating receptor NKG2D can function as a costimulatory receptor for both mouse and human CD8+ T cells. However, it has recently been suggested that stimulation through NKG2D is insufficient for costimulation of CD8+ T cells. To aid in the delineation of NKG2D function in CTL responses, we investigated whether stimulation of NKG2D by the natural ligand RAE1epsilon was able to costimulate effector functions of a murine CTL line generated from DUC18 TCR transgenic mice. We found that NKG2D was able to costimulate DUC CTL responses and did so in a manner similar to CD28 costimulation. The T cells exhibited increased proliferation, IFN-gamma release, and cytotoxicity when presented antigenic peptide by P815 cells expressing RAE1epsilon or B7-1 compared with untransfected P815. In addition, both RAE1epsilon and B7-1 enhanced Ag-independent IFN-gamma secretion in response to IL-12 and IL-18 by DUC CTL. However, only costimulation through CD28 allowed for DUC CTL survival upon secondary stimulation, whereas ligation of NKG2D, but not CD28, induced DUC CTL to form an immune synapse with target cells in the absence of TCR stimulation. Understanding the outcomes of these differences may allow for a better understanding of T cell costimulation in general.

Animals↗

The c-SMAC: sorting it all out (or in).

T cells integrate and transduce the key signals necessary to mount an appropriate immune response. To do this, they rely on both secreted factors as well as physical cell-cell contact. Much attention has focused on the organization of proteins at the contact area between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell, known as the immunological synapse. It has been shown in vitro that proteins segregate into two distinct regions within this contact area, a central area referred to as the c-SMAC, where the T cell receptor and associated signaling molecules are enriched, and a peripheral region called the p-SMAC containing LFA-1 and the scaffolding protein talin. Whether or not these structures form in vivo and how they function in T cell activation remain issues of great interest. Here, we review recently published work and propose several possible functions for the role of the c-SMAC in T cell activation.

Animals↗

Getting downstream without a Raft.

The role of plasma-membrane microdomains in the organization of signaling proteins has been a controversial topic in T cell signaling. In this issue of Cell, use of single-molecule fluorescence suggests that protein-protein interactions, not detergent insolubility, regulate the assembly of signaling complexes in the plasma membrane.

Biomarkers↗

Association of CD2AP with dynamic actin on vesicles in podocytes.

The docking protein CD2AP (CD2-associated protein) serves a nonredundant function in podocytes as CD2AP knockout mice die of renal failure at the age of 6-7 wk. Furthermore, haploinsufficiency due to mutation of the CD2AP gene is associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in humans. Although CD2AP has been shown to interact with proteins regulating actin polymerization, with proteins of the slit diaphragm, and with the endocytic machinery, its critical function in podocytes remains unclear. In conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes, we demonstrate that CD2AP colocalizes with cortactin and F-actin in spots of < or =0.5-microm diameter. Confocal time-lapse microscopy in living podocytes expressing GFP-CD2AP or GFP-actin revealed that spots are motile, possess a limited lifetime, and are frequently associated with vesicles. A significant portion of spot-associated vesicles belongs to a later endosomal-sorting compartment, characterized by delayed uptake of fluorescent dextran (10 kDa) and by colocalization with Rab4, but not Rab5 and AP-2. Rapid accumulation of microinjected G-actin in spots and abrogation of spot motility by jasplakinolide demonstrate that spot movements depend on actin polymerization. Furthermore, a high turnover (half-time < 10 s) of CD2AP in spots was demonstrated by FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching). Our results demonstrate that CD2AP is associated with dynamic actin in a specific late endosomal compartment in podocytes, suggesting that CD2AP might be crucially involved in endosomal sorting and/or trafficking via regulation of actin assembly on vesicles.

Actins↗

CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) expression in podocytes rescues lethality of CD2AP deficiency.

Mice born without CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) develop renal failure and nephrotic syndrome about 4 weeks after birth and die around 6 weeks of age. Although CD2AP is widely expressed, the severity of the renal failure precludes a clear determination of the role of CD2AP in other tissues. Here we generated transgenic mice expressing CD2AP using a podocyte-specific promoter. Podocyte-specific expression of CD2AP prevented the development of proteinuria, demonstrating that the renal failure is solely due to loss of CD2AP in podocytes and not in other renal or in immune cells. CD2AP-deficient mice are long-lived and appear phenotypically normal. Histological analysis demonstrated testicular abnormalities that were age-related. CIN85, a paralog of CD2AP, is poorly expressed in both the podocyte and the basal seminiferous tubule, suggesting that the loss of CD2AP in specific tissues may be compensated for by CIN85.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

MAPK p38 alpha is dispensable for lymphocyte development and proliferation.

Signals mediated by the p38alpha MAPK have been implicated in many processes required for the development and effector functions of innate and adaptive immune responses. As mice deficient in p38alpha exhibit embryonic lethality, most analyses of p38alpha function in lymphocytes have relied on the use of pharmacologic inhibitors and dominant-negative or constitutively active transgenes. In this study, we have generated a panel of low passage p38alpha(+/+), p38alpha(+/-), and p38alpha(-/-) embryonic stem (ES) cells through the intercrossing of p38alpha(+/-) mice. These ES cells were used to generate chimeric mice by RAG-deficient blastocyst complementation, with the lymphocytes in these mice being derived entirely from the ES cells. Surprisingly, B and T cell development were indistinguishable when comparing chimeric mice generated with p38alpha(+/+), p38alpha(+/-), and p38alpha(-/-) ES cell lines. Moreover, proliferation of p38alpha(-/-) B and T cells in response to Ag receptor and non-Ag receptor stimuli was intact. Thus, p38alpha is not an essential component of signaling pathways required for robust B and T lymphocyte developmental, nor is p38alpha essential for the proliferation of mature B and T cells.

Animals↗

T-cell activation and immunologic synapse.

The focus of my laboratory is in three areas. The first area is our long-standing interest in the mechanics of T-cell activation. In addition to our interest in protein phosphorylation mediated by T-cell receptor engagement, we have been interested in defining the function of the immunologic synapse. The second area of focus is on the pathogenesis of glomerular disease. Here we are interested in the function of the podocyte and trying to understand how genetic deficiency of CD2AP in podocytes leads to kidney failure. The third area is the effect of modifiers of protein kinase cascades. Here we are focused on scaffold proteins, namely KSR and its role in controlling the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

Live Cell Imaging of ERK and MEK: simple binding equilibrium explains the regulated nucleocytoplasmic distribution of ERK.

In response to epidermal growth factor (EGF), the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK2 translocates into the nucleus. To probe the mechanisms regulating the subcellular localization of ERK2, we used live cell imaging to examine the interaction between MEK1 and ERK2. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies show that MEK1 and ERK2 directly interact and demonstrate that this interaction in the cytoplasm is largely responsible for cytoplasmic retention of ERK2. Stimulation with EGF caused loss of FRET as ERK separated from MEK and moved into the nucleus. FRET was recovered as ERK returned to the cytosol, indicating ERK reassociation with MEK in the cytoplasm. The EGF-induced transit of ERK through the nucleus was complete within 20 min, and there was no significant movement of MEK into the nucleus. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments was used to assess the rate of movement of MEK and ERK. The steady-state rate of ERK entry into the nucleus in resting cells was energy-independent and greater than the rate of ERK entry upon EGF stimulation. This suggests that the rate constant for ERK transport across the nuclear membrane is not limiting nuclear entry. Thus, we suggest that the movement of ERK into and out of the nucleus in response to agonist occurs primarily by diffusion and is controlled by interactions with binding partners in the cytosol and nucleus. No evidence of ERK dimerization was detected by FRET methods; the kinetics for nucleocytoplasmic transport were unaffected by mutations in the ERK putative dimerization domain.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A novel role for the adaptor molecule CD2-associated protein in transforming growth factor-beta-induced apoptosis.

CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) is an adaptor molecule involved in T cell receptor signaling and podocyte homeostasis. CD2AP-deficient mice develop nephrotic syndrome and renal failure caused by glomerulosclerosis. Here we report that increased transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression and apoptosis were present in podocytes at the onset of albuminuria and were followed by depletion of podocytes associated with progressive focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis in CD2AP-/- mice. Conditionally immortalized podocytes derived from CD2AP-/- mice were more susceptible to TGF-beta-induced apoptosis compared with CD2AP+/+ podocytes. Reconstitution of CD2AP rescued CD2AP-/- podocytes from TGF-beta-induced apoptosis. CD2AP was required for early activation of anti-apoptotic phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 by TGF-beta. In contrast, activation of pro-apoptotic p38 MAPK by TGF-beta was accelerated and enhanced in the absence of CD2AP. CD2AP was not required for PI3K/AKT activation by insulin and epidermal growth factor, indicating that CD2AP is a selective mediator of anti-apoptotic TGF-beta signaling. In summary, we identified CD2AP as a novel mediator for selective activation of survival pathways and repression of apoptosis signaling by TGF-beta in podocytes. Together, our in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that TGF-beta-induced podocyte apoptosis is an early pathomechanism in mice developing focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with functional impairment of CD2AP.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗