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Deficiency in blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) results in life-threating bleeding (hemophilia A) treated by infusions of FVIII concentrates. To improve disease treatment, FVIII has been modified to increase its plasma half-life, which requires understanding mechanisms of FVIII catabolism. An important catabolic actor is hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), which also regulates many other clinically significant processes. Previous studies showed complexity of FVIII site for binding LRP1.To characterize binding sites between FVIII and LRP1 and suggest a model of the interaction.A series of recombinant ligand-binding complement-type repeat (CR) fragments of LRP1 including mutated variants was generated in a baculovirus system and tested for FVIII interaction using surface plasmon resonance, tissue culture model, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, and in silico.Multiple CR doublets within LRP1 clusters II and IV were identified as alternative FVIII-binding sites. These interactions follow the canonical binding mode providing major binding energy, and additional weak interactions are contributed by adjacent CR domains. A representative CR doublet was shown to have multiple contact sites on FVIII.FVIII and LRP1 interact via formation of multiple complex contacts involving both canonical and non-canonical binding combinations. We propose that FVIII-LRP1 interaction occurs via switching such alternative binding combinations in a dynamic mode, and that this mechanism is relevant to other ligand interactions of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family members including LRP1. more...

Supplementary Figures 1-8. Supplementary Figure 1: TWEAK is internalized and degraded following binding to Fn14-positive cells Supplementary Figure 2: Surface plasmon resonance analysis of TWEAK Supplementary Figure 3: GrB-TWEAK specifically internalizes into Fn14-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells Supplementary Figure 4: Effect of GrB-TWEAK in combination with chemotherapeutic agents on MDA-MB-231 cells Supplementary Figure 5: Caspase-independent PARP cleavage Supplementary Figure 6: Expression of PI-9 in various cancer cell lines Supplementary Figure 7: Change in body weight of mice from the xenograft experiments Supplementary Figure 8: Schematic of GrB-Fc-IT4 fusion protein more...

Supplementary materials and methods.

Supplementary Tables 1-4. Supplementary Table 1: In vitro cytotoxicity of GrB-TWEAK Supplementary Table 2: TNBC cell lines are highly sensitive to GrB-Fc-IT4 cytotoxicity Supplementary Table 3: GrB-TWEAK and GrB-Fc-IT4 circumvent MDR1-mediated multidrug resistance Supplementary Table 4: Patient characteristics stratified by Fn14 groups more...

Vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) exert a critical role in sensing and maintaining vascular integrity. These cells abundantly express the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a large endocytic and signaling receptor that recognizes numerous ligands including ApoE-rich lipoproteins, proteases, and protease-inhibitor complexes. We observed the spontaneous formation of aneurysms in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) of both male and female mice in which LRP1 was genetically deleted in v SMC (smLRP1-/- mice). Quantitative proteomics revealed elevated abundance of several proteins in smLRP1-/- mice that are known to be induced by angiotensin II (AngII)-mediated signaling, suggesting that this pathway is dysregulated. Administration of losartan, an AngII type I receptor antagonist, or an angiotensinogen antisense oligonucleotide to reduce plasma angiotensinogen concentrations restored the normal SMA phenotype in smLRP1-/- mice and prevented aneurysm formation. Additionally, employing a vascular injury model, we noted excessive vascular remodeling and neointima formation in smLRP1-/- mice that was restored by losartan administration. Together, these findings reveal that LRP1 regulates vascular integrity and remodeling of the SMA by attenuating excessive AngII-mediated signaling. more...

Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activation contributes to the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in a multitude of pathologies. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a multifaceted endocytic and signaling receptor that is responsible for internalization and lysosomal degradation of diverse proteases, protease inhibitors, and lipoproteins along with numerous other proteins. In this study, we identified MMP-1 as a novel LRP1 ligand. Binding studies employing surface plasmon resonance revealed that both proMMP-1 and active MMP-1 bind to purified LRP1 with equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) of 19 and 25 nM, respectively. We observed that human aortic smooth muscle cells readily internalize and degrade 125I-labeled proMMP-1 in an LRP1-mediated process. Our binding data also revealed that all tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) bind to LRP1 with KD values ranging from 23 to 33 nM. Interestingly, the MMP-1/TIMP-1 complex bound to LRP1 with an affinity (KD = 0.6 nM) that was 30-fold higher than that of either component alone, revealing that LRP1 prefers the protease:inhibitor complex as a ligand. Of note, modification of lysine residues on either proMMP-1 or TIMP-1 ablated the ability of the MMP-1/TIMP-1 complex to bind to LRP1. LRP1's preferential binding to enzyme:inhibitor complexes was further supported by the higher binding affinity for proMMP-9/TIMP-1 complexes than for either of these two components alone. LRP1 has four clusters of ligand-binding repeats, and MMP-1, TIMP-1, and MMP-1/TIMP-1 complexes bound to cluster III most avidly. Our results reveal an important role for LRP1 in controlling ECM homeostasis by regulating MMP-1 and MMP-9 levels. more...

LRP1 (low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) is a large endocytic receptor that binds over 100 structurally unrelated ligands. Our lab has demonstrated that a sm22 promoter-driven, smooth muscle specific knock-out of LRP1 (smLRP1-/-) results in aortic aneurysms in mice due to fragmentation and degradation of the elastic fibers, further implicating LRP1 in vascular development. Furthermore, the identification of a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) harboring missense mutations in LRP1 has allowed for investigations into the role of LRP1 in aneurysm formation. Utilizing a combination of biochemical and proteomic techniques, we sought to understand the role of these mutations in cellular function. By means of a receptor-ligand binding assay, we quantified the internalization and degradation of 125 I-activated alpha-2-macroglobulin (a2M*) in LRP1-deficient cells transfected with mutant LRP1 and aortic smooth muscle cells isolated from a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm and LRP1 missense mutations. The results showed defects in LRP1-mediated internalization of a 2 M* in LRP1 variants when compared to wild type LRP1. Furthermore, through extensive proteomic analysis of primary patient cells harboring these mutations, multiple dysregulated pathways of interest have been identified along with elevated levels of MMP-1 in the cultured media. In total, our data highlights the biochemical deficits in different variants of LRP1 that may contribute to the pathogenesis of AAA. Pinpointing the role of LRP1 in aneurysm mechanisms will allow for non-invasive interventions to be employed before aortic rupture. more...

Objectives: LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) is known to contribute to vascular homeostasis and plays a protective role against the development of aneurysms. LRP1 has specifically been associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms in GWAS studies. We and others have also previously reported that mice with a conditional smooth muscle cell (SMC) knock-out of LRP1 (smLRP1-/-) exhibit vascular wall dysfunction and aortic dilation. In this study, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which LRP1 regulates vessel wall integrity in hopes of identifying potential therapeutic targets against aneurysm progression. Approach and Results: Analysis of proteomic data of the descending thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) of smLRP1-/- mice confirmed excess activation of the angiotensin signaling pathway. To verify these observations, we designed experiments to determine if losartan, an angiotensin-II receptor blocker, could prevent aneurysm progression in smLRP1-/- mice. Following treatment, we analyzed the aortic vasculature from LRP1+/+ and smLRP1-/- adult mice (16-weeks of age) with or without treatment. Without losartan, smLRP1-/- mice developed spontaneous aortic and SMA aneurysms as demonstrated by increased vessel dilation, vessel medial thickening and significant fragmentation of the elastic lamina. We found that when treated with losartan, smLRP1-/- mice had a complete restoration of medial layer thickness and a partial decrease of elastin fragmentation compared to untreated smLRP1-/- mice. Furthermore, losartan completely blocked SMA aneurysm formation in smLRP1-/- mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a critical role for LRP1 in maintaining vascular homeostasis and preventing aneurysm formation through its regulation of the angiotensin signaling pathway. Further studies will need to investigate the connection between LRP1 and the angiotensin signaling pathway in aneurysm formation to further understand the complex pathophysiology and potentially develop effective therapeutic targets for this disease. more...

Objective— Mutations affecting contractile-related proteins in the ECM (extracellular matrix), microfibrils, or vascular smooth muscle cells can predispose the aorta to aneurysms. We reported previously that the LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1) maintains vessel wall integrity, and smLRP1 −/− mice exhibited aortic dilatation. The current study focused on defining the mechanisms by which LRP1 regulates vessel wall function and integrity. Approach and Results— Isometric contraction assays demonstrated that vasoreactivity of LRP1-deficient aortic rings was significantly attenuated when stimulated with vasoconstrictors, including phenylephrine, thromboxane receptor agonist U-46619, increased potassium, and L-type Ca 2+ channel ligand FPL-64176. Quantitative proteomics revealed proteins involved in actin polymerization and contraction were significantly downregulated in aortas of smLRP1 −/− mice. However, studies with calyculin A indicated that although aortic muscle from smLRP1 −/− mice can contract in response to calyculin A, a role for LRP1 in regulating the contractile machinery is not revealed. Furthermore, intracellular calcium imaging experiments identified defects in calcium release in response to a RyR (ryanodine receptor) agonist in smLRP1 −/− aortic rings and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Conclusions— These results identify a critical role for LRP1 in modulating vascular smooth muscle cell contraction by regulating calcium signaling events that potentially protect against aneurysm development. more...

It is well-established that complexes of plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) with its target enzymes bind tightly to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), but the molecular details of this interaction are not well-defined. Furthermore, considerable controversy exists in the literature regarding the nature of the interaction of free PAI-1 with LRP1. In this study, we examined the binding of free PAI-1 and complexes of PAI-1 with low-molecular-weight urokinase-type plasminogen activator to LRP1. Our results confirmed that uPA:PAI-1 complexes bind LRP1 with ∼100-fold increased affinity over PAI-1 alone. Chemical modification of PAI-1 confirmed an essential requirement of lysine residues in PAI-1 for the interactions of both PAI-1 and uPA:PAI-1 complexes with LRP1. Results of surface plasmon resonance measurements supported a bivalent binding model in which multiple sites on PAI-1 and uPA:PAI-1 complexes interact with complementary sites on LRP1. An ionic-strength dependence of binding suggested the critical involvement of two charged residues for the interaction of PAI-1 with LRP1 and three charged residues for the interaction of uPA:PAI-1 complexes with LRP1. An enhanced affinity resulting from the interaction of three regions of the uPA:PAI-1 complex with LDLa repeats on LRP1 provided an explanation for the increased affinity of uPA:PAI-1 complexes for LRP1. Mutational analysis revealed an overlap between LRP1 binding and binding of a small-molecule inhibitor of PAI-1, CDE-096, confirming an important role for Lys-207 in the interaction of PAI-1 with LRP1 and of the orientations of Lys-207, -88, and -80 for the interaction of uPA:PAI-1 complexes with LRP1. more...

Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in coagulation factor VIII (fVIII) that affects 1 in 5,000 males. Current prophylactic replacement therapy, although effective, is difficult to maintain due to the cost and frequency of injections. Hepatic clearance of fVIII is mediated by the LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a member of the LDL receptor family. Although it is well established that fVIII binds LRP1, the molecular details of this interaction are unclear as most of the studies have been performed using fragments of fVIII and LRP1. In the current investigation, we examine the binding of intact fVIII to full-length LRP1 to gain insight into the molecular interaction. Chemical modification studies confirm the requirement for lysine residues in the interaction of fVIII with LRP1. Examination of the ionic strength dependence of the interaction of fVIII with LRP1 resulted in a Debye-Huckel plot with a slope of 1.8 ± 0.5, suggesting the involvement of two critical charged residues in the interaction of fVIII with LRP1. Kinetic studies utilizing surface plasmon resonance techniques reveal that the high affinity of fVIII for LRP1 results from avidity effects mediated by the interactions of two sites in fVIII with complementary sites on LRP1 to form a bivalent fVIII·LRP1 complex. Furthermore, although fVIII bound avidly to soluble forms of clusters II and IV from LRP1, only soluble cluster IV competed with the binding of fVIII to full-length LRP1, revealing that cluster IV represents the major fVIII binding site in LRP1. more...

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), pathological forms of tau are transferred from cell to cell and "seed" aggregation of cytoplasmic tau. Phosphorylation of tau plays a key role in neurodegenerative tauopathies. In addition, apolipoprotein E (apoE), a major component of lipoproteins in the brain, is a genetic risk determinant for AD. The identification of the apoE receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), as an endocytic receptor for tau raises several questions about the role of LRP1 in tauopathies: is internalized tau, like other LRP1 ligands, delivered to lysosomes for degradation, and does LRP1 internalize pathological tau leading to cytosolic seeding? We found that LRP1 rapidly internalizes 125I-labeled tau, which is then efficiently degraded in lysosomal compartments. Surface plasmon resonance experiments confirm high affinity binding of tau and the tau microtubule-binding domain to LRP1. Interestingly, phosphorylated forms of recombinant tau bind weakly to LRP1 and are less efficiently internalized by LRP1. LRP1-mediated uptake of tau is inhibited by apoE, with the apoE4 isoform being the most potent inhibitor, likely because of its higher affinity for LRP1. Employing post-translationally-modified tau derived from brain lysates of human AD brain tissue, we found that LRP1-expressing cells, but not LRP1-deficient cells, promote cytosolic tau seeding in a process enhanced by apoE. These studies identify LRP1 as an endocytic receptor that binds and processes monomeric forms of tau leading to its degradation and promotes seeding by pathological forms of tau. The balance of these processes may be fundamental to the spread of neuropathology across the brain in AD. more...

Objective- Mutations affecting contractile-related proteins in the ECM (extracellular matrix), microfibrils, or vascular smooth muscle cells can predispose the aorta to aneurysms. We reported previously that the LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) maintains vessel wall integrity, and smLRP1 more...

Objective: Mutations affecting proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM), microfibrils, or vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that impact contractility can predispose individuals to thoracic aortic aneurysms. We reported previously that the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) maintains vessel wall integrity, and smooth muscle LRP1-deficient ( smLRP1 -/- ) mice exhibited aortic dilatation. The current study focused on the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) and examined the role of LRP1 in VSMC contractility and its potential effect on the vascular ECM. Approach and Results: LRP1-deficient VSMCs exhibited a synthetic phenotype characterized by higher proliferation rates and an increase in synthetic organelles, mitochondria, multivesicular bodies, and macropinocytotic vesicles. LRP1-deficient VSMCs also displayed changes in their microfilament and actin structure that result in an inadequate interaction with the ECM. Quantitative proteomics identified proteins involved in actin polymerization and contraction that were downregulated significantly in the DTA of smLRP1 -/- mice. Further analysis by qRT-PCR revealed attenuated mRNA levels for α-1D adrenergic receptor ( adra1d ) and calcium voltage-gated channel subunit α1 C ( cacna1c ) in smLRP1 -/- aortas. Isometric contraction assays confirmed aberrant contraction of smLRP1 -/- aortic rings when stimulated with vasoconstrictors. Furthermore, intracellular calcium imaging identified defects in response to a ryanodine receptor agonist in smLRP1 -/- aortic rings. Conclusions: These results suggest that LRP1 is required for maintaining the VSMC contractile phenotype and identifies a novel role for LRP1 in calcium homeostasis that potentially protects against aneurysm development. more...

Mac-1 exhibits a unique inhibitory activity toward IL-13-induced JAK/STAT activation and thereby regulates macrophage to foam cell transformation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. In this study, we report the identification of IL-13Rα1, a component of the IL-13 receptor (IL-13R), as a novel ligand of integrin Mac-1, using a co-evolution-based algorithm. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that recombinant IL-13Rα1 binds Mac-1 in a purified system and supports Mac-1-mediated cell adhesion. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that endogenous Mac-1 forms a complex with IL-13Rα1 in solution, and confocal fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that these two receptors co-localize with each other on the surface of macrophages. Moreover, we found that genetic inactivation of Mac-1 promotes IL-13-induced JAK/STAT activation in macrophages, resulting in enhanced polarization along the alternative activation pathway. Importantly, we observed that Mac-1(-/-) macrophages exhibit increased expression of foam cell differentiation markers including 15-lipoxygenase and lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor-1 both in vitro and in vivo. Indeed, we found that Mac-1(-/-)LDLR(-/-) mice develop significantly more foam cells than control LDLR(-/-) mice, using an in vivo model of foam cell formation. Together, our data establish for the first time a molecular mechanism by which Mac-1 regulates the signaling activity of IL-13 in macrophages. This newly identified IL-13Rα1/Mac-1-dependent pathway may offer novel targets for therapeutic intervention in the future. more...

The cytokine TWEAK and its receptor, Fn14, have emerged as potentially valuable targets for cancer therapy. Granzyme B (GrB)–containing Fn14-targeted constructs were generated containing either the Fn14 ligand TWEAK (GrB-TWEAK) or an anti-Fn14 humanized single-chain antibody (GrB-Fc-IT4) as the targeting moieties. Both constructs showed high affinity and selective cytotoxicity against a panel of Fn14-expressing human tumor cells including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lines. Cellular expression of the GrB inhibitor PI-9 in target cells had no impact on the cytotoxic effect of either construct. Cellular expression of MDR1 showed no cross-resistance to the fusion constructs. GrB-TWEAK and GrB-Fc-IT4 activated intracellular caspase cascades and cytochrome c–related proapoptotic pathways consistent with the known intracellular functions of GrB in target cells. Treatment of mice bearing established HT-29 xenografts with GrB-TWEAK showed significant tumor growth inhibition compared with vehicle alone (P < 0.05). Both GrB-TWEAK and GrB-Fc-IT4 displayed significant tumor growth inhibition when administered to mice bearing orthotopic MDA-MB-231 (TNBC) tumor xenografts. The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis revealed that Fn14 mRNA expression was significantly higher in TNBC and in HER2-positive disease (P < 0.0001) compared with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, and in basal-like 2 tumors (P = 0.01) compared with other TNBC molecular subtypes. IHC analysis of a 101 patient TNBC tumor microarray showed that 55 of 101 (54%) of tumors stained positive for Fn14, suggesting that this may be an excellent potential target for precision therapeutic approaches. Targeting Fn14 using fully human, GrB-containing fusion constructs may form the basis for a new class of novel, potent, and highly effective constructs for targeted therapeutic applications. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(11); 2688–705. ©2014 AACR. more...

Objective— Low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1 (LRP1) is a large endocytic and signaling receptor that is abundant in vascular smooth muscle cells. Mice in which the lrp1 gene is deleted in smooth muscle cells (smLRP1 −/− ) on a low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient background display excessive platelet derived growth factor-signaling, smooth muscle cell proliferation, aneurysm formation, and increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis. The objectives of the current study were to examine the potential of LRP1 to modulate vascular physiology under nonatherogenic conditions. Approach and Results— We found smLRP1 −/− mice to have extensive in vivo aortic dilatation accompanied by disorganized and degraded elastic lamina along with medial thickening of the arterial vessels resulting from excess matrix deposition. Surprisingly, this was not attributable to excessive platelet derived growth factor-signaling. Rather, quantitative differential proteomic analysis revealed that smLRP1 −/− vessels contain a 4-fold increase in protein levels of high-temperature requirement factor A1 (HtrA1), which is a secreted serine protease that is known to degrade matrix components and to impair elastogenesis, resulting in fragmentation of elastic fibers. Importantly, our study discovered that HtrA1 is a novel LRP1 ligand. Proteomics analysis also identified excessive accumulation of connective tissue growth factor, an LRP1 ligand and a key mediator of fibrosis. Conclusions— Our findings suggest a critical role for LRP1 in maintaining the integrity of vessels by regulating protease activity as well as matrix deposition by modulating HtrA1 and connective tissue growth factor protein levels. This study highlights 2 new molecules, connective tissue growth factor and HtrA1, which contribute to detrimental changes in the vasculature and, therefore, represent new target molecules for potential therapeutic intervention to maintain vessel wall homeostasis. more...

We have identified a novel low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family member, termed LDL receptor class A domain containing 3 (LRAD3), which is expressed in neurons. The LRAD3 gene encodes an ∼50 kDa type I transmembrane receptor with an ectodomain containing three LDLa repeats, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain containing a conserved dileucine internalization motif and two polyproline motifs with potential to interact with WW-domain-containing proteins. Immunohistochemical analysis of mouse brain reveals LRAD3 expression in the cortex and hippocampus. In the mouse hippocampal-derived cell line HT22, LRAD3 partially colocalizes with amyloid precursor protein (APP) and interacts with APP as revealed by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. To identify the portion of APP that interacts with LRAD3, we used solid-phase binding assays that demonstrated that LRAD3 failed to bind to a soluble APP fragment (sAPPα) released after α-secretase cleavage. In contrast, C99, the β-secretase product that remains cell associated, coprecipitated with LRAD3, confirming that regions within this portion of APP are important for associating with LRAD3. The association of LRAD3 with APP increases the amyloidogenic pathway of APP processing, resulting in a decrease in sAPPα production and increased Aβ peptide production. Pulse-chase experiments confirm that LRAD3 expression significantly decreases the cellular half-life of mature APP. These results reveal that LRAD3 influences APP processing and raises the possibility that LRAD3 alters APP function in neurons, including its downstream signaling. more...

In addition to its endocytic function, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) also contributes to cell signaling events. In the current study, the potential of LRP1 to modulate the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway was investigated. PDGF is a key regulator of cell migration and proliferation and mediates the tyrosine phosphorylation of LRP1 within its cytoplasmic domain. In WI-38 fibroblasts, PDGF-mediated LRP1 tyrosine phosphorylation occurred at 37 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C, where endocytosis is minimized. Furthermore, blockade of endocytosis with the dynamin inhibitor, dynasore, also prevented PDGF-mediated LRP1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Immunofluorescence studies revealed co-localization of LRP1 with the PDGF receptor after PDGF treatment within endosomal compartments, whereas surface biotinylation experiments confirmed that phosphorylated LRP1 primarily originates from intracellular compartments. Together, the data reveal the association of these two receptors in endosomal compartments where they form a signaling complex. To study the contribution of LRP1 to PDGF signaling, we used mouse embryonic fibroblasts genetically deficient in LRP1 and identified phenotypic changes in these cell lines in response to PDGF stimulation by performing phospho-site profiling. Of 38 phosphorylated proteins analyzed, 8 were significantly different in LRP1 deficient fibroblasts and were restored when LRP1 was expressed back in these cells. Importantly, the results revealed that LRP1 expression is necessary for PDGF-mediated activation of ERK. Overall, the studies reveal that LRP1 associates with the PDGF receptor in endosomal compartments and modulates its signaling properties affecting the MAPK and Akt/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways. more...

Itch and Nedd4 are members of the Nedd4 family of E3 ubiquitin ligases that are important in a number of biological processes. Precise regulation of their enzymatic activity is required for normal physiological function. Nedd4-like E3 ligases exist in an inactive form resulting from intramolecular interactions of their catalytic HECT domain with their WW domains. We identified the low-density-lipoprotein receptor class A domain containing 3 (LRAD3), a member of the LDL receptor family, as a potent activator of Itch and Nedd4 as evidenced by their increased auto-ubiquitination when bound to LRAD3. LRAD3 contains two PPxY motifs within its intracellular domain, both of which can bind to the WW domains on Itch and other Nedd4 family members with high affinity. Mutational analysis revealed that binding of Itch to the terminal LRAD3 PPxY motif is required to promote its auto-ubiquitination. We also determined that association of Itch and Nedd4 with LRAD3 leads to increased auto-ubiquitination and subsequent degradation through proteasome-mediated processes. Our findings reveal that LRAD3 is a component of pathways that function effectively to modulate Itch and Nedd4 auto-ubiquitination and levels. The identification of potential ligands for LRAD3 that may modulate LRAD3-induced activation of Itch and Nedd4 is likely to identify additional novel substrates and cellular functions for these important E3 ligases. more...

The authors issue the following correction in order to cite and discuss previously published in vitro studies on the role of LRP1 that are relevant to this article. The sentence in the Abstract should read “To date, several macrophage receptors have been identified that contribute to the uptake of modified forms of lipoproteins leading to foam cell formation, but the in vivo contribution of the LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) to this process is not known.” In addition, the following paragraphs should be added to the Discussion: In the current study it is not clear what form of lipoprotein is recognized by macrophages in vivo. The potential of LRP1 to mediate the uptake of lipoprotein particles was first suggested in cell-based studies demonstrating that LRP1 mediates the uptake of cholesterol esters derived from apolipoprotein E enriched β-VLDL lipoprotein particles [2]. This early study established two important principals regarding the role of LRP1 in mediating lipoprotein catabolism. First, the study demonstrated a requirement for enrichment of the β-VLDL particles with apolipoprotein E in order to be recognized by LRP1 which led to the sequestration model for LRP1 mediated hepatic uptake of lipoproteins [3]. The in vivo role of LRP1 in chylomicron remnant metabolism was firmly established in 1998 when Rohlmann et al. [4] used a genetic approach to reveal LRP1's role as a chylomicron receptor. A second observation from early studies was the finding that unlike the LDL receptor, LRP1 levels are not reduced when cells are incubated with excess hydroxycholesterol [2]. These results suggested that LRP1-mediated uptake of lipoproteins could lead to foam cell formation, and indeed this was demonstrated to be the case when human monocyte-derived macrophages or vascular smooth muscle cells were incubated with aggregated LDL[5,6]. However, it is highly unlikely that aggregated LDL represents the physiological ligand for LRP1 in the macLRP1-/- / LDLR-/- mice fed a Western diet, since we observed accumulation of triglyceride-rich VLDL particles in the plasma of these mice. This result suggests that some form of VLDL particle is the physiological ligand for macrophage LRP1. Indeed, studies have suggested that LRP1-deficient macrophages are defective in mediating the internalization of VLDL particles [7], although we were unable to reproduce this observation in the current study using thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. Very likely, the in vivo uptake of lipoproteins by LRP1 in macrophages is complex, and difficult to reproduce in cell culture experiments. more...

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a member of the low density lipoprotein receptor family and plays important roles in a number of physiological and pathological processes. Expression of LRP1 requires the receptor-associated protein (RAP), a molecular chaperone that binds LRP1 and other low density lipoprotein receptor family members in the endoplasmic reticulum and traffics with them to the Golgi where the acidic environment causes its dissociation. Exogenously added RAP is a potent LRP1 antagonist and binds to LRP1 on the cell surface, preventing ligands from binding. Following endocytosis, RAP dissociates in the acidic endosome, allowing LRP1 to recycle back to the cell surface. The acid-induced dissociation of RAP is mediated by its D3 domain, a relatively unstable three-helical bundle that denatures at pH more...

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) functions in the catabolism of numerous ligands including proteinases, proteinase inhibitor complexes, and lipoproteins. In the current study we provide evidence indicating an expanded role for LRP in modulating cellular signaling events. Our results show that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB induces a transient tyrosine phosphorylation of the LRP cytoplasmic domain in a process dependent on PDGF receptor activation and c-Src family kinase activity. Other growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, were unable to mediate tyrosine phosphorylation of LRP. The basis for this selectivity may result from the ability of LRP to bind PDGFBB, because surface plasmon resonance experiments demonstrated that only PDGF, and not basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, or insulin-like growth factor-1, bound to purified LRP immobilized on a sensor chip. The use of LRP mini-receptor mutants as well as in vitro phosphorylation studies demonstrated that the tyrosine located within the second NPXY motif found in the LRP cytoplasmic domain is the primary site of tyrosine phosphorylation by Src and Src family kinases. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that PDGF-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of LRPs cytoplasmic domain results in increased association of the adaptor protein Shc with LRP and that Shc recognizes the second NPXY motif within LRPs cytoplasmic domain. In the accompanying paper, Boucher et al. (Boucher, P., Liu, P. V., Gotthardt, M., Hiesberger, T., Anderson, R. G. W., and Herz, J. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 15507–15513) reveal that LRP is found in caveolae along with the PDGF receptor. Together, these studies suggest that LRP functions as a co-receptor that modulates signal transduction pathways initiated by the PDGF receptor. more...

The 39-kDa receptor-associated protein (RAP) is an endoplasmic reticulum resident protein that binds to the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) as well as certain members of the low density lipoprotein receptor superfamily and antagonizes ligand binding. In order to identify important functional regions of RAP, studies were performed to define the domain organization and domain boundaries of this molecule. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments revealed that the process of thermal denaturation of RAP is highly reversible and occurs in a broad temperature range with two well resolved heat absorption peaks. A good fit of the endotherm was obtained with four two-state transitions suggesting these many cooperative domains in the molecule. A number of recombinant fragments of RAP were expressed in bacteria, and their domain composition and stability were characterized by DSC, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results confirmed that RAP is composed of four independently folded domains, D1, D2, D3, and D4, that encompass residues 1-92, 93-163, 164-216, and 217-323, respectively. The first and the fourth domains preserved their structure and stability when isolated, whereas the compact structure of the fragment corresponding to D2 seems to be altered when isolated from the parent molecule. Isolated D3 was partially degraded during isolation from bacterial lysates. The isolated D4 was capable of binding with high affinity to LRP whereas neither D1 nor D2 bound. At the same time a fragment containing both D1 and D2 exhibited high affinity binding to LRP. These facts combined with the thermodynamic analysis of the melting process of the fragments containing D1 and D2 indicate that these two domains interact with each other and that the proper folding of the second domain into a native-like active conformation requires presence of the first domain. more...

The TNFR superfamily member Fn14, the receptor for TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), has emerged as a potentially clinically valuable target for cancer therapy. Fn14 expression was relatively low in normal tissues but was found to be elevated in various human solid tumor types, including brain, breast and melanoma, and can be a negative prognostic indicator. TMAs of melanoma patient tumors found elevated Fn14 expression in 173/190(92%) of primary specimens and 86/150(58%) of metastases. Studies are underway examining expression vs survival. Studies are also underway examining TNBC microarrays for expression as well. To target the Fn14 receptor, we constructed a novel chimeric protein designated granzyme B (GrB)-TWEAK, using the human TWEAK receptor-binding domain as a targeting moiety and the human Granzyme B as a cytotoxic domain. In addition, we developed a high mw(160kDa) fusion protein composed of a single-chain anti-Fn14 scFv and GrB(designated scIGB). Both fusion construct was expressed in mammalian cells and purified to homogeneity. BiaCore analysis of TWEAK, GrB-TWEAK and scIGB binding to the Fn14 extracellular domain indicated that these proteins bound to Fn14 with similar affinities(Kds of ∼ 3-8 nM). Confocal immunofluoresence studies showed that GrB-TWEAK and scIGB specifically and rapidly (within 3 hrs) internalized into Fn14-expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Against a panel of 26 human cancer cell lines in culture, GrB-TWEAK demonstrated impressive and selective cytotoxicity to Fn14-expressing cells in the low nanomolar range (IC50 ranged from 0.4 nM-330 nM) and were 6 to 1117 fold more potent than free GrB. Treatment of cells expressing the multidrug resistance protein MDR1 showed no cross-resistance to the fusion construct in vitro. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that GrB-TWEAK activated caspase cascades and cytochrome C related pro-apoptotic mechanisms in keeping with the known intracellular functions of GrB in target cells. Preliminary mouse xenograft tumor model studies are ongoing. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C231. Citation Format: Hong Zhou, Mary Migliorini, Walter Hittelman, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Nhan Tran, Janine LoBello, Jeffrey A. Winkles, Michael G. Rosenblum. Novel, fully-human GrB-containing constructs targeting the Fn14 receptor for TWEAK on solid tumor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C231. more...

The TNFR superfamily member Fn14, the receptor for TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), has emerged as a potentially clinically valuable target for cancer therapy. Specifically, Fn14 expression is relatively low in normal tissues but elevated in various human solid tumor types, including brain, breast, lung and melanoma, and can be a negative prognostic indicator. To target Fn14-overexpressing cancer cells, we constructed via PCR a novel chimeric protein designated granzyme B (GrB)-TWEAK, using the human TWEAK receptor-binding domain as the targeting moiety and the human pro-apoptotic serine protease GrB as the cytotoxic agent. The fusion construct was expressed in mammalian cells and purified to homogeneity from conditioned media. BiaCore analysis of TWEAK and GrB-TWEAK binding to the Fn14 extracellular domain indicated that these proteins bound to Fn14 with similar affinity, with Kds of ∼ 3 nM and ∼ 8 nM, respectively. Confocal immunofluoresence studies showed that GrB-TWEAK specifically and rapidly (within 3 hrs) internalized into Fn14-expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. GrB-TWEAK activity was assessed using a panel of 26 human cancer cell lines and it demonstrated impressive and selective cytotoxicity to Fn14-expressing cells in the low nanomolar range (IC50 ranged from 0.4 nM-330 nM), which was 6- to 1117-fold more potent than free GrB. Treatment of cells expressing the multidrug resistance protein MDR1 showed no cross-resistance to the fusion construct in vitro. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that GrB-TWEAK activated caspase cascades and cytochrome C-related pro-apoptotic mechanisms consistent with the known intracellular functions of GrB in target cells. Preliminary mouse xenograft tumor model studies are ongoing. This work was conducted, in part, by the Clayton Foundation for Research (MGR) and supported by NIH grant NS055126 (JAW). Citation Format: Hong Zhou, Mary Migliorini, Yu Cao, Lawrence H. Cheung, Walter N. Hittelman, Jeffrey A. Winkles, Michael G. Rosenblum. Development and characterization of the fully human chimeric protein GrB-TWEAK targeting Fn14-positive solid tumor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2185. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2185 more...

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a large receptor that participates in endocytosis, signaling pathways, and phagocytosis of necrotic cells. Mechanisms that direct LRP to function in these distinct pathways likely involve its association with distinct cytoplasmic adaptor proteins. We tested the hypothesis that the association of various adaptor proteins with the LRP cytoplasmic domain is modulated by its phosphorylation state. Phosphoamino acid analysis of metabolically labeled LRP revealed that this receptor is phosphorylated at serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues within its cytoplasmic domain, whereas inhibitor studies identified protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) as a kinase capable of phosphorylating LRP. Mutational analysis identified critical threonine and serine residues within the LRP cytoplasmic domain that are necessary for phosphorylation mediated by PKCalpha. Mutating these threonine and serine residues to alanines generated a receptor that was not phosphorylated and that was internalized more rapidly than wild-type LRP, revealing that phosphorylation reduces the association of LRP with adaptor molecules of the endocytic machinery. In contrast, serine and threonine phosphorylation was necessary for the interaction of LRP with Shc, an adaptor protein that participates in signaling events. Furthermore, serine and threonine phosphorylation increased the interaction of LRP with other adaptor proteins such as Dab-1 and CED-6/GULP. These results indicate that phosphorylation of LRP by PKCalpha modulates the endocytic and signaling function of LRP by modifying its association with adaptor proteins. more...

The reaction of several plasmin derivative with ..cap alpha../sub 2/-macroglobulin (..cap alpha../sub 2/M) has been investigated. Titration experiments measuring conformational changes in ..cap alpha../sub 2/M, changes in the number of sulfhydryl groups available for titration with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), and changes in the ability of ..cap alpha../sub 2/M to protect bound plasmin from inhibition by soybean trypsin inhibitor all suggested that between 1.3 and 1.5 mol of plasmin was bound per mole of inhibitor. Under experimental conditions where (plasmin) > (..cap alpha../sub 2/M), the conformational change occurring in the inhibitor and thiol group appearance displayed biphasic kinetics. Examination of the extent of subunit cleavage by plasmin revealed that the rapid phase was associated with cleavage of approximately two to three of the four ..cap alpha../sub 2/M subunits, while cleavage of the remaining subunits occurred during the slow phase of the reaction. Binary (1:1) ..cap alpha../sub 2/M-(/sup 125/I)-plasmin complexes were prepared. Characterization of the purified complex revealed that two of the four subunits were cleaved, and the conformational change,measured by alterations in the fluorescence of 6-(p-toluidino)-2-naphthalenesulfonate (TNS), was approximately 50% of that measured for a 2:1 complex. The association rate of Lys/sub 77/- and Val/sub 442/- plasmin with ..cap alpha../sub 2/Mmore » was examined under conditions where the concentration of ..cap alpha../sub 2/M exceeded that of plasmin, assuring that 1:1 complexes constitute the major product of the reaction. One millimolar element of-aminocaproic acid had no effect on the association rate while the presence of 12 ..mu..M histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) slightly reduced the association rate to 0.31 x 10/sup 5/ M/sup -1/ s/sup -1/. However, these molecules greatly reduce the association of plasmin with ..cap alpha../sub 2/-plasmin inhibitor lowering the rate to a value comparable to that measured for the reaction of plasmin with ..cap alpha../sub 2/M.« less more...