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International audience; Integrin endocytosis is essential for many fundamental cellular processes. Whether and how the internalization impacts cellular mechanics remains elusive. Whereas previous studies reported the contribution of the integrin activator, talin, in force development, the involvement of inhibitors is less documented. We identified ICAP-1 as an integrin inhibitor involved in mechanotransduction by co-working with NME2 to control clathrin-mediated endocytosis of integrins at the edge of focal adhesions (FA). Loss of ICAP-1 enables β3-integrin-mediated force generation independently of β1 integrin. β3-integrin-mediated forces were associated with a decrease in β3 integrin dynamics stemming from their reduced diffusion within adhesion sites and slow turnover of FA. The decrease in β3 integrin dynamics correlated with a defect in integrin endocytosis. ICAP-1 acts as an adaptor for clathrin-dependent endocytosis of integrins. ICAP-1 controls integrin endocytosis by interacting with NME2, a key regulator of dynamin-dependent clathrin-coated pits fission. Control of clathrin-mediated integrin endocytosis by an inhibitor is an unprecedented mechanism to tune forces at FA.

International audience; Epithelial–mesenchymal transition is associated with migration, invasion, and metastasis. The translation at the tissue scale of these changes has not yet been enlightened while being essential in the understanding of tumor progression. Thus, biophysical tools dedicated to measurements on model tumor systems are needed to reveal the impact of epithelial–mesenchymal transition at the collective cell scale. Herein, using an original biophysical approach based on magnetic nanoparticle insertion inside cells, we formed and flattened multicellular aggregates to explore the consequences of the loss of the metastasis suppressor NME1 on the mechanical properties at the tissue scale. Multicellular spheroids behave as viscoelastic fluids, and their equilibrium shape is driven by surface tension as measured by their deformation upon magnetic field application. In a model of breast tumor cells genetically modified for NME1, we correlated tumor invasion, migration, and adhesion modifications with shape maintenance properties by measuring surface tension and exploring both invasive and migratory potential as well as adhesion characteristics.

Metastasis suppressor genes (MSGs) inhibit different biological processes during metastatic progression without globally influencing development of the primary tumor. The first MSG, NM23 (non-metastatic clone 23, isoform H1) or now called NME1 (stands for non-metastatic) was identified some decades ago. Since then, ten human NM23 paralogs forming two groups have been discovered. Group I NM23 genes encode enzymes with evolutionarily highly conserved nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) activity. In this review we summarize how results from NDPKs in model organisms converged on human NM23 studies. Next, we examine the role of NM23-H1 and its homologs within the metastatic cascade, e.g. cell migration and invasion, proliferation and apoptosis. NM23-H1 homologs are well known inhibitors of cell migration. Drosophila studies revealed that AWD, the fly counterpart of NM23-H1 is a negative regulator of cell motility by modulating endocytosis of chemotactic receptors on the surface of migrating cells in cooperation with Shibire/Dynamin; this mechanism has been recently confirmed by human studies. NM23-H1 inhibits proliferation of tumor cells by phosphorylating the MAPK scaffold, kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR), resulting in suppression of MAPK signalling. This mechanism was also observed with the C. elegans homolog, NDK-1, albeit with an inverse effect on MAPK activation. Both NM23-H1 and NDK-1 promote apoptotic cell death. In addition, NDK-1, NM23-H1 and their mouse counterpart NM23-M1 were shown to promote phagocytosis in an evolutionarily conserved manner. In summary, inhibition of cell migration and proliferation, alongside actions in apoptosis and phagocytosis are all mechanisms through which NM23-H1 acts against metastatic progression.

Background Mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK-D, NME4, NM23-H4) is a multifunctional enzyme mainly localized in the intermembrane space, bound to the inner membrane. Results We constructed loss-of-function mutants of NDPK-D, lacking either NDP kinase activity or membrane interaction and expressed mutants or wild-type protein in cancer cells. In a complementary approach, we performed depletion of NDPK-D by RNA interference. Both loss-of-function mutations and NDPK-D depletion promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition and increased migratory and invasive potential. Immunocompromised mice developed more metastases when injected with cells expressing mutant NDPK-D as compared to wild-type. This metastatic reprogramming is a consequence of mitochondrial alterations, including fragmentation and loss of mitochondria, a metabolic switch from respiration to glycolysis, increased ROS generation, and further metabolic changes in mitochondria, all of which can trigger pro-metastatic protein expression and signaling cascades. In human cancer, NME4 expression is negatively associated with markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor aggressiveness and a good prognosis factor for beneficial clinical outcome. Conclusions These data demonstrate NME4 as a novel metastasis suppressor gene, the first localizing to mitochondria, pointing to a role of mitochondria in metastatic dissemination.

Phagocytosis of various targets, such as apoptotic cells or opsonized pathogens, by macrophages is coordinated by a complex signaling network initiated by distinct phagocytic receptors. Despite the different initial signaling pathways, each pathway ends up regulating the actin cytoskeletal network, phagosome formation and closure, and phagosome maturation leading to degradation of the engulfed particle. Herein, we describe a new phagocytic function for the nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (NDK-1), the nematode counterpart of the first identified metastasis inhibitor NM23-H1 (nonmetastatic clone number 23) nonmetastatic clone number 23 or nonmetastatic isoform 1 (NME1). We reveal by coimmunoprecipitation, Duolink proximity ligation assay, and mass spectrometry that NDK-1/NME1 works in a complex with DYN-1/Dynamin (Caenorhabditis elegans/human homolog proteins), which is essential for engulfment and phagosome maturation. Time-lapse microscopy shows that NDK-1 is expressed on phagosomal surfaces during cell corpse clearance in the same time window as DYN-1. Silencing of NM23-M1 in mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages resulted in decreased phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes. In human macrophages, NM23-H1 and Dynamin are corecruited at sites of phagosome formation in F-actin–rich cups. In addition, NM23-H1 was required for efficient phagocytosis. Together, our data demonstrate that NDK-1/NME1 is an evolutionarily conserved element of successful phagocytosis.—Farkas, Z., Petric, M., Liu, X., Herit, F., Rajnavölgyi, É., Szondy, Z., Budai, Z., Orbán, T. I., Sándor, S., Mehta, A., Bajtay, Z., Kovács, T., Jung, S. Y., Afaq Shakir, M., Qin, J., Zhou, Z., Niedergang, F., Boissan, M., Takács-Vellai, K. The nucleoside diphosphate kinase NDK-1/NME1 promotes phagocytosis in concert with DYN-1/dynamin.

Mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK-D; synonyms: NME4, NM23-H4) represents the major mitochondrial NDP kinase. The homohexameric complex emerged as a protein with multiple functions in bioenergetics and phospholipid signaling. It occurs at different but precise mitochondrial locations and can affect among other mitochondrial shapes and dynamics, as well as the specific elimination of defective mitochondria or cells via mitophagy or apoptosis. With these various functions in cell homeostasis, NDPK-D/NME4 adds to the group of so-called moonlighting (or gene sharing) proteins.

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are nucleotide metabolism enzymes encoded by NME genes (also called NM23). Given the fact that not all NME-encoded proteins are catalytically active NDPKs and that NM23 generally refers to clinical studies on metastasis, we use here NME/NDPK to denote the proteins. Since their discovery in the 1950's, NMEs/NDPKs have been shown to be involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes, but the molecular mechanisms have not been fully determined. Recent progress in elucidating these underlying mechanisms has been presented by experts in the field at the 10th International Congress on the NDPK/NME/AWD protein family in October 2016 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and is summarized in review articles or original research in this and an upcoming issue of Laboratory Investigation. Within this editorial, we discuss three major cellular processes that involve members of the multi-functional NME/NDPK family: (i) cancer and metastasis dissemination, (ii) membrane remodeling and nucleotide channeling, and iii) protein histidine phosphorylation.

International audience; Mitophagy is an emerging paradigm for mitochondrial quality control and cell homeostasis. Dysregulation of mitophagy can lead to human pathologies such as neurodegenerative disorders and contributes to the aging process. Complex protein signaling cascades have been described that regulate mitophagy. We have identified a novel lipid signaling pathway that involves the phospholipid cardiolipin (CL). CL is synthesized and normally confined at the inner mitochondrial membrane. However, upon a mitophagic trigger, ie, collapse of the inner membrane potential, CL is rapidly externalized to the mitochondrial surface with the assistance of the hexameric nucleoside diphosphate kinase D (NME4, NDPK-D, or NM23-H4). In addition to its NDP kinase activity, NME4/NDPK-D shows intermembrane phospholipid transfer activity in vitro and in cellular systems, which relies on NME4/NDPK-D interaction with CL, CL-dependent crosslinking of inner and outer mitochondrial membranes by symmetrical, hexameric NME4/NDPK-D, and a putative NME4/NDPK-D-based CL-transfer pathway. CL exposed at the mitochondrial surface then serves as an 'eat me' signal for the mitophagic machinery; it is recognized by the LC3 receptor of autophagosomes, targeting the dysfunctional mitochondrion to lysosomal degradation. Similar NME4-supported CL externalization is likely also involved in apoptosis and inflammatory reactions.

Breast cancer is a major health problem worldwide. In ~15% of breast cancers, the epidermal growth factor receptor HER2, a transmembrane protein, is overexpressed. This HER2 overexpression is associated with an aggressive form of the disease and a poor clinical prognosis. The extracellular domain (ECD) of HER2 is released into the blood by a proteolytic mechanism known as "ECD shedding". This proteolytic shedding leaves a constitutively active truncated receptor in the membrane that is 10-100-fold more oncogenic than the full-length receptor and promotes the growth and survival of cancer cells. Shedding of the HER2 ECD is increased during metastasis: whereas 15% of primary breast cancer patients have elevated levels of serum HER2 ECD (sHER2 ECD), the levels reach 45% in patients with metastatic disease. Thus, sHER2 ECD has been proposed as a promising biomarker for cancer recurrence and for monitoring the disease status of patients overexpressing HER2. Nevertheless, in 2016, the American Society of Clinical Oncology advises clinicians not to use soluble HER2 levels to guide their choice of adjuvant therapy for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, because the evidence was considered not strong enough. Currently, biomarkers such as carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 15-3 are widely used to monitor metastatic breast cancer disease even if the level of evidence of clinical impact of this monitoring is poor. In this article, we review the evidence that sHER2 ECD might be used in some situations as a biomarker for breast cancer. Although this serum biomarker will not replace the direct measurement of tumor HER2 status for diagnosis of early-stage tumors; it might be especially useful in metastatic disease for prognosis, as an indicator of cancer progression and of therapy response, particularly to anti-HER2 therapies. Owing to these data, sHER2 ECD should be considered as a promising biomarker to detect cancer recurrence and metastasis.

Mitophagy is critical for cell homeostasis. Externalization of the inner mitochondrial membrane phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), to the surface of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) was identified as a mitophageal signal recognized by the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3. However, the CL-translocating machinery remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that a hexameric intermembrane space protein, NDPK-D (or NM23-H4), binds CL and facilitates its redistribution to the OMM. We found that mitophagy induced by a protonophoric uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), caused externalization of CL to the surface of mitochondria in murine lung epithelial MLE-12 cells and human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells. RNAi knockdown of endogenous NDPK-D decreased CCCP-induced CL externalization and mitochondrial degradation. A R90D NDPK-D mutant that does not bind CL was inactive in promoting mitophagy. Similarly, rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine triggered mitophagy in SH-SY5Y cells was also suppressed by knocking down of NDPK-D. In situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) showed that mitophagy-inducing CL-transfer activity of NDPK-D is closely associated with the dynamin-like GTPase OPA1, implicating fission-fusion dynamics in mitophagy regulation.

Nm23-H1 suppresses metastasis, as well as in vitro cell motility, invasion and anchorage independent growth, in a variety of cancer models. Eight human homologs of Nm23 have been identified that share 26-88% identity with the prototype Nm23-H1. Here, we examine the potential of its homologs, -H2, DR-, -H4 and -H5, to inhibit in vitro correlates of metastasis in two highly metastatic human cell lines, MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231. The metastatic cells were transfected with mammalian expression constructs containing the genes encoding for Nm23-H1, -H2, DR-, -H4 and -H5 and the resultant transfectants were analyzed by Boyden chamber motility and soft agar colonization assays. Nm23-H1 suppressed motility by 3.3- and 1.5-fold in MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively and inhibited anchorage independent growth in soft agar by 2.9- and 1.9-fold, respectively. None of the -H1 homologs were capable of suppressing motility in MDA-MB-435 cells, but in MDA-MB-231 cells, -H2 inhibited motility by 3-fold upon overexpression. When anchorage independent growth was assessed, -H2, -H4 and -H5 suppressed growth from 1.2- to 2.0-fold in both cell lines. Given their ability to suppress anchorage independent growth, Nm23-H1 homologs -H2, -H4 and -H5 may have some capacity to suppress metastasis. Motility suppression appears to be cell context dependent, but sequence disparities between -H1/H2 and the other family members may reveal regions critical for this inhibitory phenotype. Similarly, sequence differences between DR-Nm23 and its homologs may be important for anchorage independent growth suppression.

One of the most aggressive cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma, which is associated with a very poor patient outcome due to a high recurrence rate and metastatic spread. NM23, the first metastasis suppressor gene to be identified, has been widely studied in human cancers. However, conflicting results have been obtained depending on the tumor type and the evaluation protocol. The current knowledge of NM23 as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma is reviewed herein. Most studies demonstrate an inverse association between the expression of NM23-H1 and the metastatic potential, which is not observed with the closely related NM23-H2 isoform. Transfection of metastatic hepatoma cells with NM23 reduced their metastatic potential, as for other tumor cell lines. The demonstration of a causative role of NM23 in metastatic dissemination in a mouse model of hepatocarcinoma suggests that hepatocarcinoma-derived cells could be good models for the analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in NM23 action.

Nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinases, responsible for the synthesis of nucleoside triphosphates and produced by the nm23 genes, are involved in numerous regulatory processes associated with proliferation, development, and differentiation. Their possible role in providing the GTP/ATP required for sperm function is unknown. Testis biopsies and ejaculated sperm were examined by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence microscopy using specific antibodies raised against Nm23-H5, specifically expressed in testis germinal cells and the ubiquitous NDP kinases A to D. Nm23-H5 was present in sperm extract, together with the ubiquitous A and B NDP kinases (but not the C and D isoforms) as shown by Western blotting. Nm23-H5 was located in the flagella of spermatids and spermatozoa, adjacent to the central pair and outer doublets of axonemal microtubules. High levels of NDP kinases A and B were observed at specific locations in postmeiotic germinal cells. NDP kinase A was transiently located in round spermatid nuclei and became asymmetrically distributed in the cytoplasm at the nuclear basal pole of elongating spermatids. The distribution of NDP kinase B was reminiscent of the microtubular structure of the manchette. In ejaculated spermatozoa, the proteins presented specific locations in the head and flagella. Nm23/NDP kinase isoforms may have specific functions in the phosphotransfer network involved in spermiogenesis and flagellar movement.

It has been reported that upstream components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling axis could be overexpressed during hepatocarcinogenesis in humans and rodents. However, the signal transduction pathways activated downstream have been poorly studied. Here, we examined whether glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) could be a target in human hepatoma cell lines and transgenic ASV mice with hepatic expression of the SV40 large T antigen. In HuH7, Mahlavu, and Hep3B cells, basal levels of GSK-3beta(Ser9) phosphorylation were strongly elevated, indicating that GSK-3beta was inhibited. GSK-3beta phosphorylation was insensitive to exogenous IGFs and was blocked with an IGF-1 receptor-neutralizing antibody in Mahlavu and Hep3B cells. By using LY294002 and ML-9, which act as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) and Akt inhibitors, respectively, we showed that GSK-3beta phosphorylation required PI3-K activation in both cell lines whereas downstream Akt activation was required only in Mahlavu cells. However, in the 2 cell lines, GSK-3beta(Ser9) phosphorylation was controlled by protein kinase C (PKC)zeta because it was blocked by an inhibitory PKCzeta peptide. The blockage of GSK-3beta phosphorylation markedly inhibited glycogen synthesis and decreased beta-catenin expression. In addition, the overexpression of a constitutively active GSK-3beta reduced AP-1-mediated gene transcription in Hep3B cells. Finally, we observed that reexpression of IGF-2 in tumoral livers from ASV mice was associated with a marked phosphorylation of GSK-3beta. In conclusion, our results identify GSK-3beta as a molecular target of the constitutive activation of the IGF axis in in vitro and in vivo models of hepatocarcinogenesis. Persistent phosphorylation of GSK-3beta could be critical for regulation of glycogen metabolism and cell growth in hepatoma cells.

Supplying power: Right time, right place Cell membranes are very flexible and easily molded to shape; however, to physically pinch off a membrane vesicle from a membrane tube still requires power. A type of molecular machine known as dynamin is involved in this sort of membrane remodeling. Dynamins use guanosine triphosphate (GTP) rather than the more commonly used cellular energy source adenosine triphosphate to work. Boissan et al. now show that two separate dynamins found in the cytoplasm or the mitochondria both use the same sort of enzyme—nucleoside diphosphate kinases—to provide GTP at just the right time and the right place to power membrane fission. Science , this issue p. 1510

International audience; A novel paradigm for the function of the mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase NM23-H4/NDPK-D is proposed: acting as a bifunctional nanoswitch in bioenergetics and cardiolipin (CL) trafficking and signaling. Similar to some other mitochondrial proteins like cytochrome c or AIF, NM23-H4 seems to have dual functions in bioenergetics and apoptotic signaling. In its bioenergetic phosphotransfer mode, the kinase reversibly phosphorylates NDPs into NTPs, driven by mitochondrially generated ATP. Among others, this reaction can locally supply GTP to mitochondrial GTPases as shown for the dynamin-like GTPase OPA1, found in a complex together with NM23-H4. Further, NM23-H4 is functionally coupled to adenylate translocase (ANT) of the mitochondrial inner membrane (MIM), so generated ADP can stimulate respiration to rapidly regenerate ATP. The lipid transfer mode of NM23-H4 can support, dependent on the presence of CL, the transfer of anionic lipids between membranes in vitro and the sorting of CL from its mitochondrial sites of synthesis (MIM) to the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) in vivo. Such (partial) collapse of MIM/MOM CL asymmetry results in CL externalization on the mitochondrial surface, where CL can serve as pro-apoptotic or pro-mitophagic “eat me”-signal. The functional state of NM23-H4 depends on its degree of CL-membrane interaction. In vitro assays have shown that only NM23-H4 that fully cross-links two membranes is lipid transfer competent, but at the same time phosphotransfer (kinase) inactive. Thus, the two functions of NM23-H4 seem to be mutually exclusive. This novel mitochondrial regulatory circuit has potential for the development of interventions in various human pathologies.

International audience; Historically, cellular trafficking of lipids has received much less attention than protein trafficking, mostly because its biological importance was underestimated, involved sorting and translocation mechanisms were not known, and analytical tools were limiting. This has changed during the last decade, and we discuss here some progress made in respect to mitochondria and the trafficking of phospholipids, in particular cardiolipin. Different membrane contact site or junction complexes and putative lipid transfer proteins for intra- and intermembrane lipid translocation have been described, involving mitochondrial inner and outer membrane, and the adjacent membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum. An image emerges how cardiolipin precursors, remodeling intermediates, mature cardiolipin and its oxidation products could migrate between membranes, and how this trafficking is involved in cardiolipin biosynthesis and cell signaling events. Particular emphasis in this review is given to mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase D and mitochondrial creatine kinases, which emerge to have roles in both, membrane junction formation and lipid transfer.

Mast cells (MC) are tissue elements derived from hematopoietic stem cells. Their differentiation and proliferation processes are under the influence of cytokines, including one of utmost importance known as stem cell factor (SCF). SCF receptor is encoded by the protooncogene c-kit, belongs to the type III receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily, and is also expressed on other hematopoietic or non-hematopoietic cells. Ligation of c-kit receptor by SCF induces its dimerization, followed by induction of multiple intracellular signaling pathways leading to cell proliferation and activation. Mastocytosis, a relatively rare group of diseases characterized by accumulation of MC in various tissues, are found isolated or sometimes associated with other hematological malignancies in humans. Although the initial events leading to mastocytosis are not yet unraveled, alterations of the c-kit gene have been described. Particularly interesting are acquired mutations resulting in a constitutively activated receptor, possibly involved in the increased numbers of MC in tissues. For this reason, future strategies might be envisaged to target specifically the mutated c-kit and/or its intracellular signaling. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 135–148; 2000.

International audience; Nm23-H4/NDPK-D forms symmetrical homohexameric complexes in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. The well established function of the enzyme is phosphotransfer activity as a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK), using mitochondrial ATP to regenerate nucleoside triphosphates. Nm23-H4 is further known to strongly bind in vitro to anionic phospholipids, mainly cardiolipin, and in vivo to inner mitochondrial membranes. We show here that such protein/lipid complexes inhibit NDPK activity but are necessary for Nm23-H4 to function in selective intermembrane lipid transfer. Nm23-H4-deficient HeLa cells expressing either wild-type Nm23-H4 or a membrane-binding deficient mutant were analyzed by membrane fractionation and LC-ESI-MS. Data revealed that wild-type Nm24-H4 increased cardiolipin content in the outer mitochondrial membrane as compared to mutant enzyme. This correlated with higher susceptibility of wild-type enzyme expressing cells to rotenone-induced apoptosis as seen by increased annexin V binding, elevated caspase 3/7 activity and stimulated release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Molecular modeling of Nm23-H4 binding with cardiolipin reveals potential intermembrane transfer mechanisms. We propose that Nm23-H4 acts as a lipid-dependent mitochondrial switch with dual function, allowing either for phosphotransfer or for cardiolipin transfer, with a role in apoptotic signaling.

The nucleoside diphosphate kinase Nm23-H4/NDPK-D forms symmetrical hexameric complexes in the mitochondrial intermembrane space with phosphotransfer activity using mitochondrial ATP to regenerate nucleoside triphosphates. We demonstrate the complex formation between Nm23-H4 and mitochondrial GTPase OPA1 in rat liver, suggesting its involvement in local and direct GTP delivery. Similar to OPA1, Nm23-H4 is further known to strongly bind in vitro to anionic phospholipids, mainly cardiolipin, and in vivo to the inner mitochondrial membrane. We show here that such protein-lipid complexes inhibit nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity but are necessary for another function of Nm23-H4, selective intermembrane lipid transfer. Mitochondrial lipid distribution was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using HeLa cells expressing either wild-type Nm23-H4 or a membrane binding-deficient mutant at a site predicted based on molecular modeling to be crucial for cardiolipin binding and transfer mechanism. We found that wild type, but not the mutant enzyme, selectively increased the content of cardiolipin in the outer mitochondrial membrane, but the distribution of other more abundant phospholipids (e.g. phosphatidylcholine) remained unchanged. HeLa cells expressing the wild-type enzyme showed increased accumulation of Bax in mitochondria and were sensitized to rotenone-induced apoptosis as revealed by stimulated release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, elevated caspase 3/7 activity, and increased annexin V binding. Based on these data and molecular modeling, we propose that Nm23-H4 acts as a lipid-dependent mitochondrial switch with dual function in phosphotransfer serving local GTP supply and cardiolipin transfer for apoptotic signaling and putative other functions.

International audience; Mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKlp2), a microtubule-associated motor, is required during mitosis exit for the final step of cytokine;is. It also contributes to retrograde vesicular trafficking from the Golgi apparatus to the endoplasmic reticulum in interphase. The KIF20A gene encoding MKlp2 is controlled by the E2F-retinoblastoma protein-p16 pathway, and its widely expressed mRNA is found in fetal and proliferating adult tissues. The expression pattern and function of MKlp2 in the adult liver, however, have not been investigated. We report herein that MKlp2 transiently accumulates in vivo during mouse liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and is strongly overexpressed in preneoplastic and neoplastic mouse liver. In vitro in mitogen-stimulated primary hepatocytes, MKlp2 accumulated in the nucleus during the G2 phase of the cell cycle coincident with the mitotic kinase Aurora B. Human hepatoma cell lines exhibited high levels of MKlp2; however, it was undetectable in normal human hepatocytes. RNAi-mediated MKlp2 knockdown in hepatoma cells induced polyploidization consistent with its essential function in promoting cytokinesis and inhibited cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis. KIF20A mRNA was strongly accumulated in a large series of human hepatocellular carcinomas, with the highest expression observed in tumors with genomic instability. Accumulation of MKlp2 in normal proliferating, preneoplastic, and transformed hepatocytes suggests that MKlp2 contributes to both normal and pathologic hepatocyte proliferation and is linked to tumor aggressiveness in human hepatocellular carcinomas.

International audience; NME/NDPK family proteins are involved in the control of intracellular nucleotide homeostasis as well as in both physiological and pathological cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, development, apoptosis, and metastasis dissemination, through mechanisms still largely unknown. One family member, NME1/NDPK-A, is a metastasis suppressor, yet the primary physiological functions of this protein are still missing. The purpose of this study was to identify new NME1/NDPK-A-dependent biological functions and pathways regulated by this gene in the liver. We analyzed the proteomes of wild-type and transgenic NME1-null mouse livers by combining two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). We found that the levels of three proteins, namely, phenylalanine hydroxylase, annexin IV, and elongation factor 1 Bα (EF-1Bα), were strongly reduced in the cytosolic fraction of NME1(-/-) mouse livers when compared to the wild type. This was confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. No concomitant reduction in the corresponding messenger RNAs or of total protein level was observed, however, suggesting that NME1 controls annexin IV and EF-1Bα amounts by post-translational mechanisms. NME1 deletion induced a change in the subcellular location of annexin IV in hepatocytes resulting in enrichment of this protein at the plasma membrane. We also observed a redistribution of EF-1Bα in NME1(-/-) hepatocytes to an intracytoplasmic compartment that colocalized with a marker of the reticulum endoplasmic. Finally, we found reduced expression of annexin IV coincident with decreased NME1 expression in a panel of different carcinoma cell lines. Taken together, our data suggest for the first time that NME1 might regulate the subcellular trafficking of annexin IV and EF-1Bα. The potential role of these proteins in metastatic dissemination is discussed.

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are encoded by the NME genes, also called NM23. They catalyze the transfer of gamma-phosphate from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates by a ping-pong mechanism involving the formation of a high energy phospho-histidine intermediate [1, 2]. Besides their known functions in the control of intracellular nucleotide homeostasis, they are involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes such as differentiation, development, metastastic dissemination or cilia functions. Over the past 15 years, ten human genes have been discovered encoding partial, full length, and/or tandemly repeated Nm23/NDPK domains, with or without N-or C-terminal extensions and/or additional domains. These genes encode proteins exhibiting different functions at various tissular and subcellular localizations. Most of these genes appear late in evolution with the emergence of the vertebrate lineage. This review summarizes the present knowledge on these multitalented proteins.

International audience; Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs/Nm23), responsible for intracellular di- and tri-phosphonucleoside homeostasis, play multi-faceted roles in cellular energetic, signaling, proliferation, differentiation and tumor invasion. The mitochondrial NDPK-D, the NME4 gene product, is a peripheral protein of the inner membrane. Several new aspects of the interaction of NDPK-D with the inner mitochondrial membrane have been recently characterized. Surface plasmon resonance analysis using recombinant NDPK-D and different phospholipid liposomes showed that NDPK-D interacts electrostatically with anionic phospholipids, with highest affinity observed for cardiolipin, a phospholipid located mostly in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Mutation of the central arginine (R90) in a surface exposed cationic RRK motif unique to NDPK-D strongly reduced phospholipid interaction in vitro and in vivo. Stable expression of NDPK-D proteins in HeLa cells naturally almost devoid of this isoform revealed a tight functional coupling of NDPK-D with oxidative phosphorylation that depends on the membrane-bound state of the enzyme. Owing to its symmetrical hexameric structure exposing membrane binding motifs on two opposite sides, NDPK-D could bridge liposomes containing anionic phospholipids and promote lipid transfer between them. In vivo, NDPK-D could induce intermembrane contacts and facilitate lipid movements between mitochondrial membranes. Most of these properties are reminiscent to those of the mitochondrial creatine kinase. We review here the common properties of both kinases and we discuss their potential roles in mitochondrial functions such as energy production, apoptosis and mitochondrial dynamics.

International audience; Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK/Nm23), responsible for intracellular di- and triphosphonucleoside homeostasis, plays multiple roles in cellular energetics, signaling, proliferation, differentiation and tumor invasion. The only human NDPK with a mitochondrial targeting sequence is NDPK-D, the NME4 gene product, which is a peripheral protein of mitochondrial membranes. Subfractionation of rat liver and HEK 293 cell mitochondria revealed that NDPK-D is essentially bound to the inner membrane. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the interaction using recombinant NDPK-D and model liposomes showed that NDPK-D interacts electrostatically with anionic phospholipids, with highest affinity observed for cardiolipin. Mutation of the central arginine (Arg-90) in a surface-exposed basic RRK motif unique to NDPK-D strongly reduced interaction with anionic phospholipids. Due to its symmetrical hexameric structure, NDPK-D was able to cross-link anionic phospholipid-containing liposomes, suggesting that NDPK-D could promote intermembrane contacts. Latency assays with isolated mitochondria and antibody binding to mitoplasts indicated a dual orientation for NDPK-D. In HeLa cells, stable expression of wild type but not of the R90D mutant led to membrane-bound enzyme in vivo. Respiration was significantly stimulated by the NDPK substrate TDP in mitochondria containing wild-type NDPK-D, but not in those expressing the R90D mutant, which is catalytically equally active. This indicates local ADP regeneration in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and a tight functional coupling of NDPK-D with oxidative phosphorylation that depends on its membrane-bound state.

Basophils are rare, circulating leukocytes derived from hematopoietic CD34+ progenitors. The identification of cytokines promoting their development in vitro has led to substantial advances in understanding their differentiation process. An important role could be assigned to interleukin-3 (IL-3), which supports the maturation of hematopoietic progenitors into basophils in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to other myeloid lineages, a specific basophil growth factor has not yet been discovered. Furthermore, it is still unclear whether basophils possess a lineage-restricted progenitor or whether they share a common ancestor with mast cells (MC), eosinophils, or even megakaryocytes. Partial answers to these questions could be provided using in vitro culture systems or taking advantage of hematological disorders, such as chronic and acute myeloid leukemia (CML and AML), some myelodysplastic syndromes, and the very rare acute basophilic leukemia in which basophilic differentiation occurs.

Mitochondria are vulnerable to damage, particularly by oxidative stress-induced injury imposed by many genetic and environmental factors. These malfunctioning mitochondria have to be eliminated to prevent an increasing generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that could trigger cell injury and death. This selective elimination of damaged mitochondria is executed via initiation of a specific type of mitochondrial autophagy - mitophagy. Our previous work has established that a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL) - normally asymmetrically distributed between the mitochondrial inner (IMM) and outer (OMM) membranes - undergoes translocation to the OMM where it becomes externalized to the mitochondrial surface. This externalized CL serves as recognition signal for the autophageal machinery leading to the elimination of these mitochondria. The recognition is achieved through the selective binding of externalized CL with microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3). The mechanisms driving CL redistribution/externalization remain unknown. By using LC-MS analysis of mono-lyso-cardiolipins (mL-CL) formed by phospholipase A2 exogenously added and impermeable to mitochondria, we established that treatment of HeLa cells with a protonophoric uncoupler, CCCP, triggers mitophagy of depolarized mitochondria accompanied by CL externalization. We further found that CL externalization is dependent on an intermembrane space enzyme, nucleoside diphosphate kinase, NDPK-D. The latter, upon interaction with CL, loses its kinase function and turns into a CL-translocase. CL externalization and mitophagy were stimulated by transfecting HeLa cells with w/type but not mutant R90A NDPK-D, incapable of CL binding. Identification of NDPK-D as a pro-mitophageal CL translocase may be used in drug discovery paradigms for regulation of “mitochondrial health.” Supported by NIH U19AIO6802, Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale France (US, DPM20121125557) and Fulbright scholarship program (VEK).

NM23-H4/NDPK-D forms symmetrical homohexameric complexes in the mitochondrial inter-membrane space. The well-established function of NM23-H4 is phosphotransfer activity as a nucleoside diphosphate kinase, using mitochondrial ATP to regenerate NTPs, especially GTP. NM23-H4 also strongly binds in vitro to anionic phospholipids, mainly cardiolipin (CL), and in vivo to the mitochondrial inner membrane (MIM). Membrane-binding seems to be important for close co-localization of NM23-H4 with mitochondrial OPA1, a dynamin-like GTPase, involved in fusion of MIM. NM23-H4/OPA1 association increases GTP-loading on OPA1. Like OPA1 loss-of-function, silencing of NM23-H4, but not cytosolic NM23-H1/H2, results in mitochondrial fragmentation, reflecting fusion defects. Thus, NM23-H4 interacts with and provides GTP to OPA1, similar to what is observed for cytosolic NM23 isoforms which interact with endocytic dynamin-1 and −2 and provide GTP for efficient dynamin-mediated endocytosis (Boissan et al.2014, Science 344:1510). Such close association allows these motor proteins to work with high thermodynamic efficiency. Earlier, we have shown that NM23-H4, when fully bound simultaneously to MIM and outer membrane (MOM), loses its kinase activity, but becomes competent to support intermembrane lipid transfer. This depends on the presence of the mitochondria-specific CL, and allows CL to move from its site of synthesis, MIM, to the opposed MOM (Schlattner et al.2013, JBC 288:111). Once CL is externalized at the mitochondrial surface, it can serve as a recognition signal for the autophageal machinery, leading to the elimination of damaged mitochondria. In cells treated with a protonophoric uncoupler, CCCP, CL externalization and mitophagy are stimulated only by transfection with NM23-H4 wild-type, but not R90D-mutant, incapable of CL binding. Similarly, in mouse lung epithelial cells, knocking-down NM23-H4 suppresses CL externalization and mitophagy. These findings suggest that NM23-H4 has dual functions in bioenergetics and lipid signaling leading to autophagy. Support: FRM,ARC,GEFLUC, NIH(U19AIO6802/HL114453), HFSP(RGP0013/2014).