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Yosef Yarden

Publications and source records attributed to Yosef Yarden.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Tal, a Tsg101-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, regulates receptor endocytosis and retrovirus budding.

The tumor suppressor gene 101 (tsg101) regulates vesicular trafficking processes in yeast and mammals. We report a novel protein, Tal (Tsg101-associated ligase), whose RING finger is necessary for multiple monoubiquitylation of Tsg101. Bivalent binding of Tsg101 to a tandem tetrapeptide motif (PTAP) and to a central region of Tal is essential for Tal-mediated ubiquitylation of Tsg101. By studying endocytosis of the epidermal growth factor receptor and egress of the human immunodeficiency virus, we conclude that Tal regulates a Tsg101-associated complex responsible for the sorting of cargo into cytoplasm-containing vesicles that bud at the multivesicular body and at the plasma membrane.

Base Sequence↗

Role of protein ubiquitylation in regulating endocytosis of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Growth factors and their transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases play pivotal roles in morphogenesis, cell fate determination and pathogenesis, including multiple stages of cancer. The amplitude and kinetics of signaling by growth factor receptors are determined by an endocytic process, which sorts activated, autophosphorylated receptors to degradation in lysosomes. Recent studies uncovered the role of protein ubiquitylation in vesicular trafficking of growth factor receptors. Decoration of ligand-activated receptors by multiple monomeric ubiquitins distinguishes this degradative route from the proteasome-mediated pathway, which involves polymeric chains of ubiquitin. Although receptor ubiquitylation occurs at the cell surface, its major role is to sort internalized receptors to the lumen of the multivesicular body, en route to the lysosome. The ubiquitin ligases that control this late sorting event belong to the Cbl family of RING finger adaptors, which bind specific phosphotyrosine residues in the receptors upon activation by ligand. Another group of E3 ubiquitin ligases, the Nedd4 family, regulates the initial sorting event, which targets receptors to clathrin-coated regions of the plasma membrane. This step entails ubiquitin-dependent assembly of a clathrin-binding complex of adaptors such as epsins, which share ubiquitin-interacting motifs. The concerted action of both ubiquitin-binding adaptors of membrane coats and E3 ligases, as well as their regulation by protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, ensure robust endocytosis of growth factor receptors. Genetic defects and virus-mediated manipulations of the endocytic pathway divert receptors to a default recycling pathway, thereby enabling unrestrained signaling characteristic to transformed cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Signal transduction and oncogenesis by ErbB/HER receptors.

Growth factors enable cells to escape irradiation-induced death (apoptosis). One important family of growth factors share an epidermal growth factor motif, and all bind to ErbB transmembrane receptors. In response to growth factor ligands, ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases induce a variety of cellular responses, including proliferation, differentiation and motility. Signal transduction pathways are initiated upon ligand-induced receptor homo- or heterodimerization and activation of tyrosine kinase activity. The complement of induced signaling pathways, as well as their magnitude and duration, determines the biological outcome of signaling, and in turn, is regulated by the identity of the ligand and the receptor composition. Recent insights into the structural basis for receptor dimerization, as provided by crystallographic analysis, are described, as is the differential activation of signaling pathways and downregulatory mechanisms. Further, dysregulation of the ErbB network is implicated in a variety of human cancers, and the nature of aberrant signaling through ErbB proteins, as well as current therapeutic approaches, are discussed, highlighting the role of the highly oncogenic ErbB-2 molecule.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Oncogenic growth factor receptors: implications for signal transduction therapy.

Growth factors of the EGF family and their respective ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinases underlie many landmarks of tumor cells, including excessive growth, invasive behavior and attraction of blood vessels. Enhanced expression of ErbB proteins, existence of permanently active receptor mutants and occurrence of autocrine loops are frequently observed in human cancer, and in some cases they associate with poor disease outcome. The four ErbB proteins and their 11 ligands act within a layered signaling network coordinated by ErbB-2/HER2, the most oncogenic family member. Drugs that intercept signals emanating from ErbB-2 and ErbB-1 are already in routine clinical application. Here we review three major strategies to develop new ErbB-targeted therapies. These are monoclonal anti-receptor antibodies, specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antagonists of heat shock protein 90. The underlying mechanisms are critically examined, with an emphasis on potential drug combinations, which hold promise for enhanced clinical efficacy.

Animals↗

Hsp90 restrains ErbB-2/HER2 signalling by limiting heterodimer formation.

ErbB-2/HER2 is an oncogenic tyrosine kinase that regulates a signalling network by forming ligand-induced heterodimers with several growth factor receptors of the ErbB family. Hsp90 and co-chaperones regulate degradation of ErbB-2 but not other ErbB members. Here, we report that the role of Hsp90 in modulating the ErbB network extends beyond regulation of protein stability. The capacity of ErbB-2 to recruit ligand-bound receptors into active heterodimers is limited by Hsp90, which is dissociated from ErbB-2 following ligand-induced heterodimerization. We show that Hsp90 binds a specific loop within the kinase domain of ErbB-2, thereby restraining heterodimer formation and catalytic function. These results define a role for Hsp90 as a molecular switch regulating the ErbB signalling network by limiting formation of ErbB-2-centred receptor complexes.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Molecular approach to breast cancer treatment.

The tumor biology of the individual patients' disease is increasingly becoming an important factor to consider when choosing a treatment for breast cancer. Equally, there is now more emphasis on understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and how these can be exploited when designing new therapeutic agents. Tumorigenesis in humans is a multistep process involving genetic alterations that drive the progressive transformation of normal cells into malignant types. Dysregulated processes involved in tumorigenesis, such as regulation of cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and apoptosis provide rational targets for novel therapies. The family of human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER) is well characterized and its role in normal cell growth and tumorigenesis has been extensively researched. Trastuzumab (Herceptin; F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland), an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (MAb), was one of the first rationally developed and clinically available targeted agents, setting the precedent for providing specific therapy for HER-dysregulated cancer. This and other targeted agents show how research in tumor biology can be used to develop improved cancer therapies. Capecitabine (Xeloda; F. Hoffmann-La Roche) is an example of a rationally designed cytotoxic treatment. It is designed to generate 5-fluorouracil preferentially in tumor cells by exploiting the higher activity of the activating enzyme thymidine phosphorylase in tumors compared with healthy tissues. Tumor-specific activation has the potential to enhance efficacy and minimize toxicity. Proof of this principle is provided by clinical trial results showing that capecitabine is effective and has a favorable safety profile in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In summary, we are now at the stage where breast cancer treatment will be determined by tumor biology as well as patient characteristics. Improved molecular characterization and greater understanding of tumorigenesis will enable more individualized treatment.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

The achilles heel of ErbB-2/HER2: regulation by the Hsp90 chaperone machine and potential for pharmacological intervention.

Signal transduction mediated by ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinases is crucial for the development and maintenance of epithelial tissues, and aberrant signaling is frequently associated with malignancies of epithelial origin. This review focuses on the roles played by the Hsp90 chaperone machinery in the regulation of signaling through the ErbB/HER network, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies that disrupt chaperone functions. Hsp90 and its associated cochaperones regulate ErbB signal transduction through multiple mechanisms. The chaperone system controls the stability of the nascent forms of both ErbB-1 (EGF-receptor) and ErbB-2/HER2, while regulation of the mature form is restricted to ErbB-2. Regulation by the Hsp90 complex extends to downstream effectors of ErbB signaling, namely Raf-1, Pdk-1 and Akt/PKB. Disrupting the function of Hsp90 results in the degradation of both the receptors and their effectors, thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth. The importance of an Hsp90-recognition motif located within the kinase domain of ErbB-2 is discussed, as well as a direct role for Hsp90 in regulating tyrosine kinase activity. In light of recent observations, we emphasize the ability of specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors to selectively target ErbB-2 to the chaperone-mediated degradation pathway. ErbB-specific drugs are already used to treat cancers, and clinical trials are underway for additional compounds that intercept ErbB signaling, including drugs that target Hsp90. Hence, the dependence of ErbB-2 upon Hsp90 reveals an Achilles heel, which opens a window of opportunity for combating cancers driven by the ErbB/HER signaling network.

3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinases↗

c-Cbl is a critical modulator of the Ron tyrosine kinase receptor.

Ron, the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) for the macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), activates multiple signaling pathways by recruiting several positive regulators to a multifunctional docking site. Here we show that stimulation by MSP also recruits a negative regulator, the c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase, to the multifunctional docking site as well as to a juxtamembrane tyrosine autophosphorylation site. c-Cbl recruitment to these two sites results in polyubiquitylation of Ron molecules, which are subsequently sorted for endocytosis and degradation. Both the phosphotyrosine binding domain of c-Cbl and its RING domain are essential for downregulation of Ron. Although Ron and c-Cbl are found also in physical complexes that include Grb2, these associations are insufficient for productive ubiquitylation of Ron. Our results shed light on the mechanism of receptor desensitization mediated by c-Cbl and its binding partner Grb2.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Endocytosis of receptor tyrosine kinases is driven by monoubiquitylation, not polyubiquitylation.

Growth factors stimulate specific receptor tyrosine kinases, but subsequent receptor endocytosis terminates signaling. The ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl targets epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) to endocytosis by tagging them with multiple ubiquitin molecules. However, the type of ubiquitylation is unknown; whereas polyubiquitin chains signal proteasomal degradation, ubiquitin monomers control other processes. We report that in isolation c-Cbl mediates monoubiquitylation rather than polyubiquitylation of EGFRs. Consistent with the sufficiency of monoubiquitylation, when fused to the tail of EGFR, a single ubiquitin induces receptor endocytosis and degradation in cells. By using receptor and ubiquitin mutants, we infer that c-Cbl attaches a founder monoubiquitin to the kinase domain of EGFR and this is complemented by the conjugation of additional monoubiquitins. Hence, receptor tyrosine kinases are desensitized through conjugation of multiple monoubiquitins, which is distinct from polyubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation.

Animals↗

The deaf and the dumb: the biology of ErbB-2 and ErbB-3.

ErbB-2 (also called HER2/neu) and ErbB-3 are closely related to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB-1), but unlike EGFR, ErbB-2 is a ligandless receptor, whereas ErbB-3 lacks tyrosine kinase activity. Hence, both ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 are active only in the context of ErbB heterodimers, and ErbB-2. ErbB-3 heterodimers, which are driven by neuregulin ligands, are the most prevalent and potent complexes. These stringently controlled heterodimers are repeatedly employed throughout embryonic development and dictate the establishment of several cell lineages through mesenchyme-epithelial inductive processes and the interactions of neurons with muscle, glia, and Schwann cells. Likewise, the potent combination of signaling pathways engaged by the heterodimers drives an aggressive phenotype of tumors of secretory epithelia, including breast and lung cancers. This review highlights recent structural insights into the mechanism of ligand-induced heterodimer formation, and concentrates on signaling pathways employed by ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 in normal and in malignant cells.

Animals↗

Src promotes destruction of c-Cbl: implications for oncogenic synergy between Src and growth factor receptors.

Cellular Src and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) collaborate in the progression of certain human malignancies, and their cooverexpression characterizes relatively aggressive animal tumors. Our study addressed the mode of oncogenic cooperation and reports that overexpression of c-Src in model cellular systems results in the accumulation of EGFR at the cell surface. The underlying mechanism involves inhibition of the normal, c-Cbl-regulated process of ligand-induced receptor down-regulation. In response to activation of c-Src, c-Cbl proteins undergo tyrosine phosphorylation that promotes their ubiquitylation and proteasomal destruction. Consequently, ubiquitylation of EGFR by c-Cbl is restrained in Src-transformed cells, and receptor sorting to endocytosis is impaired. In conclusion, by promoting destruction of c-Cbl, c-Src enables EGFR to evade desensitization, which explains Src-EGFR collaboration in oncogenesis.

Animals↗

Sprouty fine-tunes EGF signaling through interlinked positive and negative feedback loops.

BACKGROUND: Growth factors and their receptor tyrosine kinases play pivotal roles in development, normal physiology, and pathology. Signal transduction is regulated primarily by receptor endocytosis and degradation in lysosomes ("receptor downregulation"). c-Cbl is an adaptor that modulates this process by recruiting binding partners, such as ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. The role of another group of adaptors, Sprouty proteins, is less understood; although, studies in insects implicated the founder protein in the negative regulation of several receptor tyrosine kinases. RESULTS: By utilizing transfection of living cells, as well as reconstituted in vitro systems, we identified a dual regulatory mechanism that combines human Sprouty2 and c-Cbl. Upon activation of the receptor for the epidermal growth factor (EGFR), Sprouty2 undergoes phosphorylation at a conserved tyrosine that recruits the Src homology 2 domain of c-Cbl. Subsequently, the flanking RING finger of c-Cbl mediates poly-ubiquitination of Sprouty2, which is followed by proteasomal degradation. Because phosphorylated Sprouty2 sequesters active c-Cbl molecules, it impedes receptor ubiquitination, downregulation, and degradation in lysosomes. This competitive interplay occurs in endosomes, and it regulates the amplitude and longevity of intracellular signals. CONCLUSIONS: Sprouty2 emerges as an inducible antagonist of c-Cbl, and together they set a time window for receptor activation. When incorporated in signaling networks, the coupling of positive (Sprouty) to negative (Cbl) feedback loops can greatly enhance output diversification.

Animals↗

Polar expression of ErbB-2/HER2 in epithelia. Bimodal regulation by Lin-7.

ErbB-2/HER2 drives epithelial malignancies by forming heterodimers with growth factor receptors. The primordial invertebrate receptor is sorted to the basolateral epithelial surface by binding of the PDZ domain of Lin-7 to the receptor's tail. We show that all four human ErbBs are basolaterally expressed, even when the tail motif is absent. Mutagenesis of hLin-7 unveiled a second domain, KID, that binds to the kinase region of ErbBs. The PDZ interaction mediates stabilization of ErbB-2 at the basolateral surface. On the other hand, binding of KID is involved in initial delivery to the basolateral surface, and in its absence, unprocessed ErbB-2 molecules are diverted to the apical surface. Hence, distinct domains of Lin-7 regulate receptor delivery to and maintenance at the basolateral surface of epithelia.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

The role of ubiquitylation in signaling by growth factors: implications to cancer.

Cancer cells depend on multiple, locally produced growth factors. Signaling by growth factors entails phosphorylation events, and its termination is determined primarily by endocytosis of growth factor receptor complexes. One group of growth factor receptors frequently implicated in human cancer is the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. By using ErbB as a prototype, here we review the role of protein ubiquitylation in the process that terminates signaling. Specifically, we concentrate on several adaptor proteins, including c-Cbl and Hgs, to elucidate the complexity of receptor sorting for degradation. Detailed understanding of ubiquitylation control on receptor desensitization may lead to better ways to diagnose and eradicate cancer.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Drug-induced ubiquitylation and degradation of ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases: implications for cancer therapy.

Overexpression of ErbB-2/HER2 is associated with aggressive human malignancies, and therapeutic strategies targeting the oncoprotein are currently in different stages of clinical application. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that block the nucleotide-binding site of the kinase are especially effective against tumors. Here we report an unexpected activity of TKIs: along with inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation, they enhance ubiquitylation and accelerate endocytosis and subsequent intracellular destruction of ErbB-2 molecules. Especially potent is an irreversible TKI (CI-1033) that alkylates a cysteine specific to ErbB receptors. The degradative pathway stimulated by TKIs appears to be chaperone mediated, and is common to the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) antagonist geldanamycin and a stress-induced mechanism. In agreement with this conclusion, CI-1033 and geldanamycin additively inhibit tumor cell growth. Based upon a model for drug-induced degradation of ErbB-2, we propose a general strategy for selective destruction of oncoproteins by targeting their interaction with molecular chaperones.

Antineoplastic Agents↗