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Publications
Mol Cancer Res. 2023
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RNF185 control of COL3A1 expression limits prostate cancer migration and metastatic potential
Van Espen B, Oo HZ, Collins C, Fazil L, Molinolo A, Yip K, Murad R, Gleave M, Ronai ZA
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RNF185 is a RING finger domain-containing ubiquitin ligase implicated in ER-associated degradation. Prostate tumor patient data analysis revealed a negative correlation between RNF185 expression and prostate cancer progression and metastasis. Likewise, several prostate cancer cell lines exhibited greater migration and invasion capabilities in culture upon RNF185 depletion. Subcutaneous inoculation of mouse prostate cancer MPC3 cells stably expressing shRNA against RNF185 into mice resulted in larger tumors and more frequent lung metastases. RNA-sequencing and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified wound healing and cellular movement among the most significant pathways upregulated in RNF185-depleted, compared to control prostate cancer cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analyses performed in samples from patients harboring low RNF185 expression and in RNF185-depleted lines confirmed the deregulation of genes implicated in EMT. Among those, COL3A1 was identified as the primary mediator of RNF185's ability to impact migration phenotypes. Correspondingly, enhanced migration and metastasis of RNF185 KD prostate cancer cells were attenuated upon co-inhibition of COL3A1. Our results identify RNF185 as a gatekeeper of prostate cancer metastasis, partly via its control of COL3A1 availability. Implications: RNF185 identified as novel marker for prostate cancer metastasis, through control of COL3A1 expression.

PMID: 37831068

Cancer Res. 2023; 83(12):2016-2033
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Ubiquitin Ligases Siah1a/2 Control Alveolar Macrophage Functions to Limit Carcinogen-Induced Lung Adenocarcinoma
Scortegagna M, Du Y, Bradley LM, Wang K, Molinolo A, Ruppin E, Murad R, Ronai ZA
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Cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, including myeloid cells, play important roles in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its response to therapy. Here, we characterize the function of the ubiquitin ligases Siah1a/2 in regulating the differentiation and activity of alveolar macrophages (AM) and assess the implication of Siah1a/2 control of AMs for carcinogen-induced LUAD. Macrophage-specific genetic ablation of Siah1a/2 promoted accumulation of AMs with an immature phenotype and increased expression of protumorigenic and pro-inflammatory Stat3 and β-catenin gene signatures. Administration of urethane to wild-type mice promoted enrichment of immature-like AMs and lung tumor development, which was enhanced by macrophage-specific Siah1a/2 ablation. The profibrotic gene signature seen in Siah1a/2-ablated immature-like macrophages was associated with increased tumor infiltration of CD14+ myeloid cells and poorer survival of patients with LUAD. Single-cell RNA-seq confirmed the presence of a cluster of immature-like AMs expressing a profibrotic signature in lungs of patients with LUAD, a signature enhanced in smokers. These findings identify Siah1a/2 in AMs as gatekeepers of lung cancer development.

PMID: 37078793

Sci Adv. 2023 9(27):eadf6621
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Melanoma-intrinsic NR2F6 activity regulates antitumor immunity
Kim H, Feng Y, Murad R, Pozniak J, Pelz C, Chen Y, Dalal B, Sears R, Sergienko E, Jackson M, Ruppin E, Herlyn M, Harris C, Marine JC, Klepsch V, Baier G, Ronai ZA
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Nuclear receptors (NRs) are implicated in the regulation of tumors and immune cells. We identify a tumor-intrinsic function of the orphan NR, NR2F6, regulating antitumor immunity. NR2F6 was selected from 48 candidate NRs based on an expression pattern in melanoma patient specimens (i.e., IFN-γ signature) associated with positive responses to immunotherapy and favorable patient outcomes. Correspondingly, genetic ablation of NR2F6 in a mouse melanoma model conferred a more effective response to PD-1 therapy. NR2F6 loss in B16F10 and YUMM1.7 melanoma cells attenuated tumor development in immune-competent but not -incompetent mice via the increased abundance of effector and progenitor-exhausted CD8+ T cells. Inhibition of NACC1 and FKBP10, identified as NR2F6 effectors, phenocopied NR2F6 loss. Inoculation of NR2F6 KO mice with NR2F6 KD melanoma cells further decreased tumor growth compared with NR2F6 WT mice. Tumor-intrinsic NR2F6 function complements its tumor-extrinsic role and justifies the development of effective anticancer therapies.

PMID: 37406115

Nat Cell Biol. 2022 (9):1422-1432
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NRF2 mediates melanoma addiction to GCDH by modulating apoptotic signalling
Verma S, Crawford D, Khateb A, Feng Y, Sergienko E, Pathria G, Ma CT, Olson SH, Scott D, Murad R, Ruppin E, Jackson M, Ronai ZA
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Tumour dependency on specific metabolic signals has been demonstrated and often guided numerous therapeutic approaches. We identify melanoma addiction to the mitochondrial protein glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), which functions in lysine metabolism and controls protein glutarylation. GCDH knockdown induced cell death programmes in melanoma cells, an activity blocked by inhibition of the upstream lysine catabolism enzyme DHTKD1. The transcription factor NRF2 mediates GCDH-dependent melanoma cell death programmes. Mechanistically, GCDH knockdown induces NRF2 glutarylation, increasing its stability and DNA binding activity, with a concomitant transcriptional upregulation of ATF4, ATF3, DDIT3 and CHAC1, resulting in cell death. In vivo, inducible inactivation of GCDH effectively inhibited melanoma tumour growth. Correspondingly, reduced GCDH expression correlated with improved survival of patients with melanoma. These findings identify melanoma cell addiction to GCDH, limiting apoptotic signalling by controlling NRF2 glutarylation. Inhibiting the GCDH pathway could thus represent a therapeutic approach to treat melanoma.

PMID: 36050469 

Nat Commun. 2021 12(1):5397
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The ubiquitin ligase RNF5 determines acute myeloid leukemia growth and susceptibility to histone deacetylase inhibitors
Khateb A, Deshpande A, Feng Y, Finlay D, Lee JS, Lazar I, Fabre B, Li Y, Fujita Y, Zhang T, Yin J, Pass I, Livneh I, Jeremias I, Burian C, Mason JR, Almog R, Horesh N, Ofran Y, Brown K, Vuori K, Jackson M, Ruppin E, Deshpande AJ, Ronai ZA
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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains incurable, largely due to its resistance to conventional treatments. Here, we find that increased abundance of the ubiquitin ligase RNF5 contributes to AML development and survival. High RNF5 expression in AML patient specimens correlates with poor prognosis. RNF5 inhibition decreases AML cell growth in culture, in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) samples and in vivo, and delays development of MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis in mice, prolonging their survival. RNF5 inhibition causes transcriptional changes that overlap with those seen upon histone deacetylase (HDAC)1 inhibition. RNF5 induces the formation of K29 ubiquitin chains on the histone-binding protein RBBP4, promoting its recruitment to and subsequent epigenetic regulation of genes involved in AML maintenance. Correspondingly, RNF5 or RBBP4 knockdown enhances AML cell sensitivity to HDAC inhibitors. Notably, low expression of both RNF5 and HDAC coincides with a favorable prognosis. Our studies identify an ERAD-independent role for RNF5, demonstrating that its control of RBBP4 constitutes an epigenetic pathway that drives AML, and highlight RNF5/RBBP4 as markers useful to stratify patients for treatment with HDAC inhibitors.

PMID: 34518534

FEBS Lett. 2022 596(11):1468-1480
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Arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase 1 (ATE1) promotes melanoma cell growth and migration
Lazar I, Fabre B, Feng Y, Khateb A, Frit P, Kashina A, Zhang T, Avitan-Hersh E, Kim H, Brown K, Topisirovic I, Ronai ZA
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Arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase 1 (ATE1) catalyses N-terminal protein arginylation, a post-translational modification implicated in cell migration, invasion and the cellular stress response. Herein, we report that ATE1 is overexpressed in NRAS-mutant melanomas, while it is downregulated in BRAF-mutant melanomas. ATE1 expression was higher in metastatic tumours, compared with primary tumours. Consistent with these findings, ATE1 depletion reduced melanoma cell viability, migration and colony formation. Reduced ATE1 expression also affected cell responses to mTOR and MEK inhibitors and to serum deprivation. Among putative ATE1 substrates is the tumour suppressor AXIN1, pointing to the possibility that ATE1 may fine-tune AXIN1 function in melanoma. Our findings highlight an unexpected role for ATE1 in melanoma cell aggressiveness and suggest that ATE1 constitutes a potential new therapeutic target.

PMID: 35561126

EMBO Rep. 2021 Mar 3;22(3):e51436
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MAPK signaling regulates c-MYC for melanoma cell adaptation to asparagine restriction
Pathria G, Verma S, Yin J, Scott DA, Ronai ZA
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Amino acid restriction is among promising potential cancer treatment strategies. However, cancer cells employ a multitude of mechanisms to mount resistance to amino acid restriction, which impede the latter's clinical development. Here we show that MAPK signaling activation in asparagine-restricted melanoma cells impairs GSK3-β-mediated c-MYC degradation. In turn, elevated c-MYC supports ATF4 translational induction by enhancing the expression of the amino acid transporter SLC7A5, increasing the uptake of essential amino acids, and the subsequent maintenance of mTORC1 activity in asparagine-restricted melanoma cells. Blocking the MAPK-c-MYC-SLC7A5 signaling axis cooperates with asparagine restriction to effectively suppress melanoma cell proliferation. This work reveals a previously unknown axis of cancer cell adaptation to asparagine restriction and informs mechanisms that may be targeted for enhanced therapeutic efficacy of asparagine limiting strategies.

PMID: 33554439

Mol Cancer Ther. 2021 May;20(5):816-832
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Identification and Characterization of IMD-0354 as a Glutamine Carrier Protein Inhibitor in Melanoma
Feng Y, Pathria G, Heynen-Genel S, Jackson M, James B, Yin J, Scott DA, Ronai ZA
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A key hallmark of cancer, altered metabolism, is central to cancer pathogenesis and therapy resistance. Robust glutamine metabolism is among cellular processes regulating tumor progression and responsiveness to therapy in a number of cancers, including melanoma and breast cancer. Among mechanisms underlying the increase in glutamine metabolism in tumors is enhanced glutamine uptake mediated by the glutamine transporters, with SLC1A5 (also known as ASCT2) shown to play a predominant role. Correspondingly, increased SLC1A5 expression coincides with poorer survival in patients with breast cancer and melanoma. Therefore, we performed an image-based screen to identify small molecules that are able to prevent the localization of SLC1A5 to the plasma membrane without impacting cell shape. From 7,000 small molecules, nine were selected as hits, of which one (IMD-0354) qualified for further detailed functional assessment. IMD-0354 was confirmed as a potent inhibitor of glutamine uptake that attained sustained low intracellular glutamine levels. Concomitant with its inhibition of glutamine uptake, IMD-0354 attenuated mTOR signaling, suppressed two- and three-dimensional growth of melanoma cells, and induced cell-cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis. Pronounced effect of IMD-0354 was observed in different tumor-derived cell lines, compared with nontransformed cells. RNA-sequencing analysis identified the unfolded protein response, cell cycle, and response (DNA damage response pathways) to be affected by IMD-0354. Combination of IMD-0354 with GLS1 or LDHA inhibitors enhanced melanoma cell death. In vivo, IMD-0354 suppressed melanoma growth in a xenograft model. As a modulator of glutamine metabolism, IMD-0354 may serve as an important therapeutic and experimental tool that deserves further examination.

PMID: 33632871

Sci Transl Med 2020 Jul 8;12(551):eaaz5683
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PRMT5 control of cGAS/STING and NLRC5 pathways defines melanoma response to antitumor immunity
Kim H, Kim H, Feng Y, Li Y, Tamiya H, Tocci S, Ronai ZA
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Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) controls diverse cellular processes and is implicated in cancer development and progression. Here, we report an inverse correlation between PRMT5 function and antitumor immunity. PRMT5 expression was associated with an antitumor immune gene signature in human melanoma tissue. Reducing PRMT5 activity antagonized melanoma growth in immunocompetent but not immunocompromised mice. PRMT5 methylation of IFI16 [interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-inducible protein 16] or its murine homolog IFI204, which are components of the cGAS/STING (stimulator of IFN genes) pathway, attenuated cytosolic DNA-induced IFN and chemokine expression in melanoma cells. PRMT5 also inhibited transcription of the gene encoding NLRC5 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family caspase recruitment domain containing 5), a protein that promotes the expression of genes implicated in major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) antigen presentation. PRMT5 knockdown augmented IFN and chemokine production and increased MHCI abundance in melanoma. Increased expression of IFI204 and NLRC5 was associated with decreased melanoma growth in murine models, and increased expression of IFI16 and NLRC5 correlated with prolonged survival of patients with melanoma. Combination of pharmacological (GSK3326595) or genetic (shRNA) inhibition of PRMT5 with immune checkpoint therapy limited growth of murine melanoma tumors (B16F10 and YUMM1.7) and enhanced therapeutic efficacy, compared with the effect of either treatment alone. Overall, our findings provide a rationale to test PRMT5 inhibitors in immunotherapy-based clinical trials as a means to enhance an antitumor immune response.

DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz5683 PMID: 32641491

Trends Cancer 2020 Jun 12:S2405-8033(20)30167-9
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Unfolded Protein Response in Leukemia: From Basic Understanding to Therapeutic Opportunities
Khateb A, Ronai ZA
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Understanding genetic and epigenetic changes that underlie abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells is critical for development of new approaches to monitor and treat leukemia. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved adaptive signaling pathway that governs protein folding, secretion, and energy production and serves to maintain protein homeostasis in various cellular compartments. Deregulated UPR signaling, which often occurs in hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia, defines the degree of cellular toxicity and perturbs protein homeostasis, and at the same time, offers a novel therapeutic target. Here, we review current knowledge related to altered UPR signaling in leukemia and highlight possible strategies for exploiting the UPR as treatment for this disease.

DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.05.012. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32540455 

Cell Stress 2020 Jul 13;4(8):199-215
PRMT5 function and targeting in cancer
Kim H, Ronai ZA
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Protein methyl transferases play critical roles in numerous regulatory pathways that underlie cancer development, progression and therapy-response. Here we discuss the function of PRMT5, a member of the nine-member PRMT family, in controlling oncogenic processes including tumor intrinsic, as well as extrinsic microenvironmental signaling pathways. We discuss PRMT5 effect on histone methylation and methylation of regulatory proteins including those involved in RNA splicing, cell cycle, cell death and metabolic signaling. In all, we highlight the importance of PRMT5 regulation and function in cancer, which provide the foundation for therapeutic modalities targeting PRMT5.

DOI: 10.15698/cst2020.08.228.  PMID: 32743345 

Invest Dermatol 2020 Apr 29:S0022-202X(20)31404-4
Regulation of eIF2α by RNF4 Promotes Melanoma Tumorigenesis and Therapy Resistance
Avitan-Hersh E, Feng Y, Oknin Vaisman A, Abu Ahmad Y, Zohar Y, Zhang T, Lee JS, Lazar I, Sheikh Khalil S, Feiler Y, Kluger H, Kahana C, Brown K, Ruppin E, Ronai ZA, Orian A.J
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Among the hallmarks of melanoma are impaired proteostasis and rapid development of resistance to targeted therapy that represent a major clinical challenge. However, the molecular machinery that links these processes is unknown. Here we describe that by stabilizing key melanoma oncoproteins, the ubiquitin ligase RNF4 promotes tumorigenesis and confers resistance to targeted therapy in melanoma cells, xenograft mouse models, and patient samples. In patients, RNF4 protein and mRNA levels correlate with poor prognosis and with resistance to MAPK inhibitors. Remarkably, RNF4 tumorigenic properties, including therapy resistance, require the translation initiation factor initiation elongation factor alpha (eIF2α). RNF4 binds, ubiquitinates, and stabilizes the phosphorylated eIF2α (p-eIF2α) but not activating transcription factor 4 or C/EBP homologous protein that mediates the eIF2α-dependent integrated stress response. In accordance, p-eIF2α levels were significantly elevated in high-RNF4 patient-derived melanomas. Thus, RNF4 and p-eIF2α establish a positive feed-forward loop connecting oncogenic translation and ubiquitin-dependent protein stabilization in melanoma.

DOIi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.04.008. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32360601

Mol Cancer Res 2020 Jun 22
SPANX Control of Lamin A/C Modulates Nuclear Architecture and Promotes Melanoma Growth
Lazar I, Fabre B, Feng Y, Khateb A, Turko P, Martinez Gomez JM, Frederick DT, Levesque MP, Feld L, Zhang G, Zhang T, James B, Shklover J, Avitan-Hersh E, Livneh I, Scortegagna M, Brown K, Larsson O, Topisirovic I, Wolfenson H, Herlyn M, Flaherty K, Dummer R, Ronai ZA
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Mechanisms regulating nuclear organization control fundamental cellular processes, including the cell and chromatin organization. Their disorganization, including aberrant nuclear architecture, has been often implicated in cellular transformation. Here, we identify Lamin A, among proteins essential for nuclear architecture, as SPANX (sperm protein associated with the nucleus on the X chromosome), a cancer testis antigen previously linked to invasive tumor phenotypes, interacting protein in melanoma. SPANX interaction with Lamin A was mapped to the immunoglobulin fold-like domain, a region critical for Lamin A function, which is often mutated in laminopathies. SPANX downregulation in melanoma cell lines perturbed nuclear organization, decreased cell viability, and promoted senescence-associated phenotypes. Moreover, SPANX knockdown (KD) in melanoma cells promoted proliferation arrest, a phenotype mediated in part by IRF3/IL1A signaling. SPANX KD in melanoma cells also prompted the secretion of IL1A, which attenuated the proliferation of naïve melanoma cells. Identification of SPANX as a nuclear architecture complex component provides an unexpected insight into the regulation of Lamin A and its importance in melanoma. IMPLICATIONS: SPANX, a testis protein, interacts with LMNA and controls nuclear architecture and melanoma growth.

DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.MCR-20-0291. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32571981

Cell Rep. 2020 Feb 11; 30(6):1753-1766.e6
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Prebiotic-Induced Anti-tumor Immunity Attenuates Tumor Growth
Li Y, Elmén L, Segota I, Xian Y, Tinoco R, Feng Y, Fujita Y, Segura Muñoz RR, Schmaltz R, Bradley LM, Ramer-Tait A, Zarecki R, Long T, Peterson SN, Ronai ZA
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Growing evidence supports the importance of gut microbiota in the control of tumor growth and response to therapy. Here, we select prebiotics that can enrich bacterial taxa that promote anti-tumor immunity. Addition of the prebiotics inulin or mucin to the diet of C57BL/6 mice induces anti-tumor immune responses and inhibition of BRAF mutant melanoma growth in a subcutaneously implanted syngeneic mouse model. Mucin fails to inhibit tumor growth in germ-free mice, indicating that the gut microbiota is required for the activation of the anti-tumor immune response. Inulin and mucin drive distinct changes in the microbiota, as inulin, but not mucin, limits tumor growth in syngeneic mouse models of colon cancer and NRAS mutant melanoma and enhances the efficacy of a MEK inhibitor against melanoma while delaying the emergence of drug resistance. We highlight the importance of gut microbiota in anti-tumor immunity and the potential therapeutic role for prebiotics in this process.

PMID: 32049008

Nat Commun. 2020 Jan 7; 11(1):99
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Siah2 control of T-regulatory cells limits anti-tumor immunity
Scortegagna M, Hockemeyer K, Dolgalev I, Poźniak J, Rambow F, Li Y, Feng Y, Tinoco R, Otero DC, Zhang T, Brown K, Bosenberg M, Bradley LM, Marine JC, Aifantis I, Ronai ZA
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Understanding the mechanisms underlying anti-tumor immunity is pivotal for improving immune-based cancer therapies. Here, we report that growth of BRAF-mutant melanoma cells is inhibited, up to complete rejection, in Siah2-/- mice. Growth-inhibited tumors exhibit increased numbers of intra-tumoral activated T cells and decreased expression of Ccl17, Ccl22, and Foxp3. Marked reduction in Treg proliferation and tumor infiltration coincide with G1 arrest in tumor infiltrated Siah2-/- Tregs in vivo or following T cell stimulation in culture, attributed to elevated expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27, a Siah2 substrate. Growth of anti-PD-1 therapy resistant melanoma is effectively inhibited in Siah2-/- mice subjected to PD-1 blockade, indicating synergy between PD-1 blockade and Siah2 loss. Low SIAH2 and FOXP3 expression is identified in immune responsive human melanoma tumors. Overall, Siah2 regulation of Treg recruitment and cell cycle progression effectively controls melanoma development and Siah2 loss in the host sensitizes melanoma to anti-PD-1 therapy.

PMID: 31911617

Nat Cell Biol. 2019 Dec; 21(12):1590-1603
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Translational reprogramming marks adaptation to asparagine restriction in cancer
Pathria G, Lee JS, Hasnis E, Tandoc K, Scott DA, Verma S, Feng Y, Larue L, Sahu AD, Topisirovic I, Ruppin E, Ronai ZA
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While amino acid restriction remains an attractive strategy for cancer therapy, metabolic adaptations limit its effectiveness. Here we demonstrate a role of translational reprogramming in the survival of asparagine-restricted cancer cells. Asparagine limitation in melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells activates receptor tyrosine kinase-MAPK signalling as part of a feedforward mechanism involving mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent increase in MAPK-interacting kinase 1 (MNK1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), resulting in enhanced translation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) mRNA. MAPK inhibition attenuates translational induction of ATF4 and the expression of its target asparagine synthetase (ASNS), sensitizing melanoma and pancreatic tumours to asparagine restriction, reflected in inhibition of their growth. Correspondingly, low ASNS expression is among the top predictors of response to inhibitors of MAPK signalling in patients with melanoma and is associated with favourable prognosis when combined with low MAPK signalling activity. These studies reveal an axis of adaptation to asparagine deprivation and present a rationale for clinical evaluation of MAPK inhibitors in combination with asparagine restriction approaches.

PMID: 31740775

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2019 Dec 6; 62:48-52
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The gut microbiome: an unexpected player in cancer immunity
Peterson SN, Bradley LM, Ronai ZA
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Numerous independent studies link gut microbiota composition and disease and imply a causal role of select commensal microbes in disease etiology. In the gut, commensal microbiota or pathobionts secrete metabolites that underlie pathological conditions, often impacting proximal tissues and gaining access to the bloodstream. Here we focus on extrinsic and intrinsic factors affecting composition of gut microbiota and their impact on the immune system, as key drivers of anti-tumor immunity. In discussing exciting advances relevant to microbiome-tumor interaction, we note existing knowledge gaps that need to be filled to advance basic and clinical research initiatives.

PMID: 31816571

Nat Commun. 2019 Apr 2; 10(1):1492. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09525-y
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Gut microbiota dependent anti-tumor immunity restricts melanoma growth in Rnf5-/- mice
Li Y, Tinoco R, Elmén L, Segota I, Xian Y, Fujita Y, Sahu A, Zarecki R, Marie K, Feng Y, Khateb A, Frederick DT, Ashkenazi SK, Kim H, Perez EG, Day CP, Segura Muñoz RS, Schmaltz R, Yooseph S, Tam MA, Zhang T, Avitan-Hersh E, Tzur L, Roizman S, Boyango I, Bar-Sela G, Orian A, Kaufman RJ, Bosenberg M, Goding CR, Baaten B, Levesque MP, Dummer R, Brown K, Merlino G, Ruppin E, Flaherty K, Ramer-Tait A, Long T, Peterson SN, Bradley LM, Ronai ZA
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Accumulating evidence points to an important role for the gut microbiome in anti-tumor immunity. Here, we show that altered intestinal microbiota contributes to anti-tumor immunity, limiting tumor expansion. Mice lacking the ubiquitin ligase RNF5 exhibit attenuated activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) components, which coincides with increased expression of inflammasome components, recruitment and activation of dendritic cells and reduced expression of antimicrobial peptides in intestinal epithelial cells. Reduced UPR expression is also seen in murine and human melanoma tumor specimens that responded to immune checkpoint therapy. Co-housing of Rnf5-/- and WT mice abolishes the anti-tumor immunity and tumor inhibition phenotype, whereas transfer of 11 bacterial strains, including B. rodentium, enriched in Rnf5-/- mice, establishes anti-tumor immunity and restricts melanoma growth in germ-free WT mice. Altered UPR signaling, exemplified in Rnf5-/- mice, coincides with altered gut microbiota composition and anti-tumor immunity to control melanoma growth.

PMID: 30940817

Trends Mol Med. 2019 Mar 18; (19)30034-6
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Ubiquitin Ligases in Cancer Immunotherapy - Balancing Antitumor and Autoimmunity
Fujita Y, Tinoco R, Li Y, Senft D, Ronai ZA
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Considerable progress has been made in understanding the contribution of E3 ubiquitin ligases to health and disease, including the pathogenesis of immunological disorders. Ubiquitin ligases exert exquisite spatial and temporal control over protein stability and function, and are thus crucial for the regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Given that immune responses can be both detrimental (autoimmunity) and beneficial (antitumor immunity), it is vital to understand how ubiquitin ligases maintain immunological homeostasis. Such knowledge could reveal novel mechanisms underlying immune regulation and identify new therapeutic approaches to enhance antitumor immunity and safeguard against autoimmunity.

PMID: 30898473

Cancer Lett. 2019 May 1; 449:145-162
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Identification and characterization of small molecule inhibitors of the ubiquitin ligases Siah1/2 in melanoma and prostate cancer cells
Feng Y, Sessions EH, Zhang F, Ban F, Placencio-Hickok V, Ma CT, Zeng FY, Pass I, Terry DB, Cadwell G, Bankston LA, Liddington RC, Chung TDY, Pinkerton AB, Sergienko E, Gleave M, Bhowmick NA, Jackson MR, Cherkasov A, Ronai ZA
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Inhibition of ubiquitin ligases with small molecule remains a very challenging task, given the lack of catalytic activity of the target and the requirement of disruption of its interactions with other proteins. Siah1/2, which are E3 ubiquitin ligases, are implicated in melanoma and prostate cancer and represent high-value drug targets. We utilized three independent screening approaches in our efforts to identify small-molecule Siah1/2 inhibitors: Affinity Selection-Mass Spectrometry, a protein thermal shift-based assay and an in silico based screen. Inhibitors were assessed for their effect on viability of melanoma and prostate cancer cultures, colony formation, prolyl-hydroxylase-HIF1α signaling, expression of selected Siah2-related transcripts, and Siah2 ubiquitin ligase activity. Several analogs were further characterized, demonstrating improved efficacy. Combination of the top hits identified in the different assays demonstrated an additive effect, pointing to complementing mechanisms that underlie each of these Siah1/2 inhibitors.

PMID: 30771432

EMBO J. 2018 Oct 15; 37(20). pii: e99735. DOI: 10.15252/embj.201899735. Epub 2018 Sep 12
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Targeting the Warburg effect via LDHA inhibition engages ATF4 signaling for cancer cell survival
Pathria G, Scott DA, Feng Y, Sang Lee J, Fujita Y, Zhang G, Sahu AD, Ruppin E, Herlyn M, Osterman AL, Ronai ZA
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Nutrient restriction reprograms cellular signaling and metabolic network to shape cancer phenotype. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) has a key role in aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) through regeneration of the electron acceptor NAD+ and is widely regarded as a desirable target for cancer therapeutics. However, the mechanisms of cellular response and adaptation to LDHA inhibition remain largely unknown. Here, we show that LDHA activity supports serine and aspartate biosynthesis. Surprisingly, however, LDHA inhibition fails to impact human melanoma cell proliferation, survival, or tumor growth. Reduced intracellular serine and aspartate following LDHA inhibition engage GCN2-ATF4 signaling to initiate an expansive pro-survival response. This includes the upregulation of glutamine transporter SLC1A5 and glutamine uptake, with concomitant build-up of essential amino acids, and mTORC1 activation, to ameliorate the effects of LDHA inhibition. Tumors with low LDHA expression and melanoma patients acquiring resistance to MAPK signaling inhibitors, which target the Warburg effect, exhibit altered metabolic gene expression reminiscent of the ATF4-mediated survival signaling. ATF4-controlled survival mechanisms conferring synthetic vulnerability to the approaches targeting the Warburg effect offer efficacious therapeutic strategies.

PMID: 30209241

Cell Rep. 2018 Sep 18; 24(12):3296-3311.e6. DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.08.057
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Regulation of S100A8 Stability by RNF5 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells Determines Intestinal Inflammation and Severity of Colitis
Fujita Y, Khateb A, Li Y, Tinoco R, Zhang T, Bar-Yoseph H, Tam MA, Chowers Y, Sabo E, Gerassy-Vainberg S, Starosvetsky E, James B, Brown K, Shen-Orr SS, Bradley LM, Tessier PA, Ronai ZA
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is prevalent, but the mechanisms underlying disease development remain elusive. We identify a role for the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF5 in IBD. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) express a high level of RNF5, while the colon of Rnf5-/- mice exhibits activated dendritic cells and intrinsic inflammation. Rnf5-/- mice exhibit severe acute colitis following dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment. S100A8 is identified as an RNF5 substrate, resulting in S100A8 ubiquitination and proteasomal-dependent degradation that is attenuated upon inflammatory stimuli. Loss of RNF5 from IECs leads to enhanced S100A8 secretion, which induces mucosal CD4+ T cells, resulting in Th1 pro-inflammatory responses. Administration of S100A8-neutralizing antibodies to DSS-treated Rnf5-/- mice attenuates acute colitis development and increases survival. An inverse correlation between RNF5 and S100A8 protein expression in IECs of IBD patients coincides with disease severity. Collectively, RNF5-mediated regulation of S100A8 stability in IECs is required for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.

PMID: 30232010

J Cell Biol. 2018 Jan 16; pii: jcb.201712007. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201712007
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Rewired Notch/p53 by Numb'ing Mdm2
Hyungsoo Kim, Ze’ev A Ronai
Nat Rev Cancer. 2017 Dec 15; DOI: 10.1038/nrc.2017.105
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Ubiquitin ligases in oncogenic transformation and cancer therapy
Daniela Senft, Jianfei Qi, Ze’ev A. Ronai
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The cellular response to external stress signals and DNA damage depends on the activity of ubiquitin ligases (E3s), which regulate numerous cellular processes, including homeostasis, metabolism and cell cycle progression. E3s recognize, interact with and ubiquitylate protein substrates in a temporally and spatially regulated manner. The topology of the ubiquitin chains dictates the fate of the substrates, marking them for recognition and degradation by the proteasome or altering their subcellular localization or assembly into functional complexes. Both genetic and epigenetic alterations account for the deregulation of E3s in cancer. Consequently, the stability and/or activity of E3 substrates are also altered, in some cases leading to downregulation of tumour-suppressor activities and upregulation of oncogenic activities. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying E3 regulation and function in tumorigenesis is expected to identify novel prognostic markers and to enable the development of the next generation of anticancer therapies. This Review summarizes the oncogenic and tumour-suppressor roles of selected E3s and highlights novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

PMID: 29242641

J Clin Invest. 2018 Jan 2; 128(1):517-530
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SHARPIN-mediated regulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 controls melanoma growth
Tamiya H, Kim H, Klymenko O, Kim H, Feng Y, Zhang T, Han JY, Murao A, Snipas SJ, Jilaveanu L, Brown K, Kluger H, Zhang H, Iwai K, Ronai ZAnai ZA
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SHARPIN, an adaptor for the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC), plays important roles in NF-κB signaling and inflammation. Here, we have demonstrated a LUBAC-independent role for SHARPIN in regulating melanoma growth. We observed that SHARPIN interacted with PRMT5, a type II protein arginine methyltransferase, and increased its multiprotein complex and methyltransferase activity. Activated PRMT5 controlled the expression of the transcription factors SOX10 and MITF by SHARPIN-dependent arginine dimethylation and inhibition of the transcriptional corepressor SKI. Activation of PRMT5 by SHARPIN counteracted PRMT5 inhibition by methylthioadenosine, a substrate of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase, which is codeleted with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) in approximately 15% of human cancers. Collectively, we identified a LUBAC-independent role for SHARPIN in enhancing PRMT5 activity that contributes to melanomagenesis through the SKI/SOX10 regulatory axis.

PMID: 29227283

Trends Mol Med. 2017 Oct; 23(10):874-898
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Precision Oncology: The Road Ahead
Senft D, Leiserson MDM, Ruppin E, Ronai ZA

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Current efforts in precision oncology largely focus on the benefit of genomics-guided therapy. Yet, advances in sequencing techniques provide an unprecedented view of the complex genetic and nongenetic heterogeneity within individual tumors. Herein, we outline the benefits of integrating genomic and transcriptomic analyses for advanced precision oncology. We summarize relevant computational approaches to detect novel drivers and genetic vulnerabilities, suitable for therapeutic exploration. Clinically relevant platforms to functionally test predicted drugs/drug combinations for individual patients are reviewed. Finally, we highlight the technological advances in single cell analysis of tumor specimens. These may ultimately lead to the development of next-generation cancer drugs, capable of tackling the hurdles imposed by genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity on current anticancer therapies.

PMID: 28887051

JCI Insight. 2017 Dec 7; 2(23). pii: 97128. DOI: 10.1172
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The E3 ubiquitin ligase Siah1 regulates adrenal gland organization and aldosterone secretion
Scortegagna M, Berthon A, Settas N, Giannakou A, Garcia G, Li JL, James B, Liddington RC, Vilches-Moure JG, Stratakis CA, Ronai ZA
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Primary and secondary hypertension are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Elevated secretion of aldosterone resulting from primary aldosteronism (PA) is a key driver of secondary hypertension. Here, we report an unexpected role for the ubiquitin ligase Siah1 in adrenal gland development and PA. Siah1a-/- mice exhibit altered adrenal gland morphology, as reflected by a diminished X-zone, enlarged medulla, and dysregulated zonation of the glomerulosa as well as increased aldosterone levels and aldosterone target gene expression and reduced plasma potassium levels. Genes involved in catecholamine biosynthesis and cAMP signaling are upregulated in the adrenal glands of Siah1a-/- mice, while genes related to retinoic acid signaling and cholesterol biosynthesis are downregulated. Loss of Siah1 leads to increased expression of the Siah1 substrate PIAS1, an E3 SUMO protein ligase implicated in the suppression of LXR, a key regulator of cholesterol levels in the adrenal gland. In addition, SIAH1 sequence variants were identified in patients with PA; such variants impaired SIAH1 ubiquitin ligase activity, resulting in elevated PIAS1 expression. These data identify a role for the Siah1-PIAS1 axis in adrenal gland organization and function and point to possible therapeutic targets for hyperaldosteronism.

PMID: 29212953

Trends in Cancer, Vol. 2, Issue 8, p429–442, 2016
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Adaptive Stress Responses During Tumor Metastasis and Dormancy
Daniela Senft, Ze'ev A. Ronai
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To survive inhospitable environments, tumor cells are forced to remodel their signaling pathways by altering transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications. This adaptation is regulated in a spatial and temporal manner and gives rise to individual tumor cells with distinct gene expression and metabolic signatures. Such phenotypic heterogeneity is the result of tumor cell plasticity, which–together with the genetic background of the tumor–determines whether cells resist environmental stress, enter dormancy, or metastasize. This review summarizes our understanding of how tumor cells exploit the cellular stress response to balance proliferation, differentiation, and survival signals, as well as to remodel local and distant environments. We focus in particular on tumor metastasis, which is the greatest impediment to clinical management of cancers today.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Aug 9; 113(32):8894-6 

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Monoubiquitination in proteasomal degradation
Ronai ZA

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commentary

Sci Signal. 2015 Dec 8; 8(406):ra124
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The transcription factor ATF2 promotes melanoma metastasis by suppressing protein fucosylation
Lau E, Feng Y, Claps G, Fukuda MN, Perlina A, Donn D, Jilaveanu L, Kluger H, Freeze HH, Ronai ZA
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Melanoma is one of the most lethal skin cancers worldwide, primarily because of its propensity to metastasize. Thus, the elucidation of mechanisms that govern metastatic propensity is urgently needed. We found that protein kinase Cε (PKCε)-mediated activation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) controls the migratory and invasive behaviors of melanoma cells. PKCε-dependent phosphorylation of ATF2 promoted its transcriptional repression of the gene encoding fucokinase (FUK), which mediates the fucose salvage pathway and thus global cellular protein fucosylation. In primary melanocytes and cell lines representing early-stage melanoma, the abundance of PKCε-phosphorylated ATF2 was low, thereby enabling the expression of FUK and cellular protein fucosylation, which promoted cellular adhesion and reduced motility. In contrast, increased expression of the gene encoding PKCε and abundance of phosphorylated, transcriptionally active ATF2 were observed in advanced-stage melanomas and correlated with decreased FUK expression, decreased cellular protein fucosylation, attenuated cell adhesion, and increased cell motility. Restoring fucosylation in mice either by dietary fucose supplementation or by genetic manipulation of murine Fuk expression attenuated primary melanoma growth, increased the number of intratumoral natural killer cells, and decreased distal metastasis in murine isograft models. Tumor microarray analysis of human melanoma specimens confirmed reduced fucosylation in metastatic tumors and a better prognosis for primary melanomas that had high abundance of fucosylation. Thus, inhibiting PKCε or ATF2 or increasing protein fucosylation in tumor cells may improve clinical outcome in melanoma patients.

PMID: 26645581
Cancer Research 2015 November 24
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SBI-0640756 Attenuates the Growth of Clinically Unresponsive Melanomas by Disrupting the eIF4F Translation Initiation Complex
Feng Y, Pinkerton AB, Hulea L, Zhang T, Davies MA, Grotegut S, Cheli Y, Yin H, Lau E, Kim H, De SK, Barile E, Pellecchia M, Bosenberg M, Li JL, James B, Hassig CA, Brown KM, Topisirovic I, Ronai ZA
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Disrupting the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex offers an appealing strategy to potentiate the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies and to overcome resistance to drugs such as BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi). Here, we identified and characterized the small molecule SBI-0640756 (SBI-756), a first-in-class inhibitor that targets eIF4G1 and disrupts the eIF4F complex. SBI-756 impaired the eIF4F complex assembly independently of mTOR and attenuated growth of BRAF-resistant and BRAF-independent melanomas. SBI-756 also suppressed AKT and NF-κB signaling, but small-molecule derivatives were identified that only marginally affected these pathways while still inhibiting eIF4F complex formation and melanoma growth, illustrating the potential for further structural and functional manipulation of SBI-756 as a drug lead. In the gene expression signature patterns elicited by SBI-756, DNA damage, and cell-cycle regulatory factors were prominent, with mutations in melanoma cells affecting these pathways conferring drug resistance. SBI-756 inhibited the growth of NRAS, BRAF, and NF1-mutant melanomas in vitro and delayed the onset and reduced the incidence of Nras/Ink4a melanomas in vivo. Furthermore, combining SBI-756 and a BRAFi attenuated the formation of BRAFi-resistant human tumors. Taken together, our findings show how SBI-756 abrogates the growth of BRAF-independent and BRAFi-resistant melanomas, offering a preclinical rationale to evaluate its antitumor effects in other cancers.

PMID: 26603897

Cell Reports. 2015 Jun. DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2015.04.049 
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Downregulation of the Ubiquitin Ligase RNF125 Underlies Resistance of Melanoma Cells to BRAF Inhibitors via JAK1 Deregulation
Kim H, Frederick DT, Levesque MP, Cooper ZA, Feng Y, Krepler C, Brill L Samuels Y, Hayward NK, Perlina A, Piris A, Zhang T, Halaban R, Herlyn MM, Brown KM, Wargo JA, Dummer R, Flaherty KT, Ronai ZA
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Despite the remarkable clinical response of melanoma harboring BRAF mutations to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi), most tumors become resistant. Here, we identified the downregulation of the ubiquitin ligase RNF125 in BRAFi-resistant melanomas and demonstrated its role in intrinsic and adaptive resistance to BRAFi in cultures as well as its association with resistance in tumor specimens. Sox10/MITF expression correlated with and contributed to RNF125 transcription. Reduced RNF125 was associated with elevated expression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including EGFR. Notably, RNF125 altered RTK expression through JAK1, which we identified as an RNF125 substrate. RNF125 bound to and ubiquitinated JAK1, prompting its degradation and suppressing RTK expression. Inhibition of JAK1 and EGFR signaling overcame BRAFi resistance in melanoma with reduced RNF125 expression, as shown in culture and in in vivo xenografts. Our findings suggest that combination therapies targeting both JAK1 and EGFR could be effective against BRAFi-resistant tumors with de novo low RNF125 expression.  

Cancer Cell 2015 Mar 9; 27(3):354-69
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Regulation of Glutamine Carrier Proteins by RNF5 Determines Breast Cancer Response to ER Stress-inducing Chemotherapies
Jeon YJ, Khelifa S, Ratnikov B, Scott DA, Feng Y, Parisi F, Ruller C, Lau E, Kim H, Brill LM, Jiang T, Rimm DL, Cardiff RD, Mills GB, Smith JW, Osterman AL, Kluger Y, Ronai ZA
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Many tumor cells are fueled by altered metabolism and increased glutamine (Gln) dependence. We identify regulation of the L-glutamine carrier proteins SLC1A5 and SLC38A2 (SLC1A5/38A2) by the ubiquitin ligase RNF5. Paclitaxel-induced ER stress to breast cancer (BCa) cells promotes RNF5 association, ubiquitination, and degradation of SLC1A5/38A2. This decreases Gln uptake, levels of TCA cycle components, mTOR signaling, and proliferation while increasing autophagy and cell death. Rnf5-deficient MMTV-PyMT mammary tumors were less differentiated and showed elevated SLC1A5 expression. Whereas RNF5 depletion in MDA-MB-231 cells promoted tumorigenesis and abolished paclitaxel responsiveness, SLC1A5/38A2 knockdown elicited opposing effects. Inverse RNF5(hi)/SLC1A5/38A2(lo) expression was associated with positive prognosis in BCa. Thus, RNF5 control of Gln uptake underlies BCa response to chemotherapies. 

PMID: 25759021

Oncogene 2015 Mar 2; DOI: 10.1038 

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Transcriptional repression of IFNb1 by ATF2 confers melanoma resistance to therapy
Lau E, Sedy J, Sander C, Shaw MA, Feng Y, Scortegagna M, Claps G, Robinson S, Cheng P, Srivas R, Soonthornvacharin S, Ideker T, Bosenberg M, Gonzalez R, Robinson W, Chanda SK, Ware C, Dummer R, Hoon D, Kirkwood JM, Ronai ZA
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The resistance of melanoma to current treatment modalities represents a major obstacle for durable therapeutic response, and thus the elucidation of mechanisms of resistance is urgently needed. The crucial functions of activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) in the development and therapeutic resistance of melanoma have been previously reported, although the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report a protein kinase C-É› (PKCÉ›)- and ATF2-mediated mechanism that facilitates resistance by transcriptionally repressing the expression of interferon-β1 (IFNβ1) and downstream type-I IFN signaling that is otherwise induced upon exposure to chemotherapy. Treatment of early-stage melanomas expressing low levels of PKCÉ› with chemotherapies relieves ATF2-mediated transcriptional repression of IFNβ1, resulting in impaired S-phase progression, a senescence-like phenotype and increased cell death. This response is lost in late-stage metastatic melanomas expressing high levels of PKCÉ›. Notably, nuclear ATF2 and low expression of IFNβ1 in melanoma tumor samples correlates with poor patient responsiveness to biochemotherapy or neoadjuvant IFN-α2a. Conversely, cytosolic ATF2 and induction of IFNβ1 coincides with therapeutic responsiveness. Collectively, we identify an IFNβ1-dependent, cell-autonomous mechanism that contributes to the therapeutic resistance of melanoma via the PKCÉ›-ATF2 regulatory axis.

PMID: 25728676

Cancer Research 2015 Apr 1; 75(7):1399-412

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PDK1 and SGK3 Contribute to the Growth of BRAF-Mutant Melanomas and Are Potential Therapeutic Targets
Scortegagna M, Lau E, Zhang T, Feng Y, Sereduk C, Yin H, De SK, Meeth K, Platt JT, Langdon CG, Halaban R, Pellecchia M, Davies MA, Brown K, Stern DF, Bosenberg M, Ronai ZA
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Melanoma development involves members of the AGC kinase family, including AKT, PKC, and, most recently, PDK1, as elucidated recently in studies of Braf::Pten mutant melanomas. Here, we report that PDK1 contributes functionally to skin pigmentation and to the development of melanomas harboring a wild-type PTEN genotype, which occurs in about 70% of human melanomas. The PDK1 substrate SGK3 was determined to be an important mediator of PDK1 activities in melanoma cells. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of PDK1 and SGK3 attenuated melanoma growth by inducing G1 phase cell-cycle arrest. In a synthetic lethal screen, pan-PI3K inhibition synergized with PDK1 inhibition to suppress melanoma growth, suggesting that focused blockade of PDK1/PI3K signaling might offer a new therapeutic modality for wild-type PTEN tumors. We also noted that responsiveness to PDK1 inhibition associated with decreased expression of pigmentation genes and increased expression of cytokines and inflammatory genes, suggesting a method to stratify patients with melanoma for PDK1-based therapies. Overall, our work highlights the potential significance of PDK1 as a therapeutic target to improve melanoma treatment.

PMID: 25712345

Trends Biochem Sci. 2015 Mar; 40(3):141-8
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UPR, autophagy, and mitochondria crosstalk underlies the ER stress response
Senft D, Ronai ZA
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Cellular stress, induced by external or internal cues, activates several well-orchestrated processes aimed at either restoring cellular homeostasis or committing to cell death. Those processes include the unfolded protein response (UPR), autophagy, hypoxia, and mitochondrial function, which are part of the global endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS) response. When one of the ERS elements is impaired, as often occurs under pathological conditions, overall cellular homeostasis may be perturbed. Further, activation of the UPR could trigger changes in mitochondrial function or autophagy, which could modulate the UPR, exemplifying crosstalk processes. Among the numerous factors that control the magnitude or duration of these processes are ubiquitin ligases, which govern overall cellular stress outcomes. Here we summarize crosstalk among the fundamental processes governing ERS responses.

PMID: 25656104

Nat Communications  2021 Sep 13;12(1):5397. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25664-7 
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The ubiquitin ligase RNF5 determines acute myeloid leukemia growth and susceptibility to histone deacetylase inhibitors
Ali Khateb, Anagha Deshpande, Yongmei Feng, Darren Finlay, Joo Sang Lee, Ikrame Lazar, Bertrand Fabre, Yan Li, Yu Fujita, Tongwu Zhang, Jun Yin, Ian Pass, Ido Livneh, Irmela Jeremias, Carol Burian, James R Mason, Ronit Almog, Nurit Horesh, Yishai Ofran, Kevin Brown, Kristiina Vuori, Michael Jackson, Eytan Ruppin, Aniruddha J Deshpande, Ze'ev A Ronai
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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains incurable, largely due to its resistance to conventional treatments. Here, we find that the increased abundance of the ubiquitin ligase RNF5 contributes to AML development and survival. High RNF5 expression in AML patient specimens correlates with poor prognosis. RNF5 inhibition decreases AML cell growth in culture, in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) samples, and in vivo and delays the development of MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis in mice, prolonging their survival. RNF5 inhibition causes transcriptional changes that overlap with those seen upon histone deacetylase (HDAC)1 inhibition. RNF5 induces the formation of K29 ubiquitin chains on the histone-binding protein RBBP4, promoting its recruitment to and subsequent epigenetic regulation of genes involved in AML maintenance. Correspondingly, RNF5 or RBBP4 knockdown enhances AML cell sensitivity to HDAC inhibitors. Notably, low expression of both RNF5 and HDAC coincides with a favorable prognosis. Our studies identify an ERAD-independent role for RNF5, demonstrating that its control of RBBP4 constitutes an epigenetic pathway that drives AML, and highlight RNF5/RBBP4 as markers useful to stratify patients for treatment with HDAC inhibitors.

PMID: 34518534

EMBO J  2021 Nov 15;40(22):e109683. DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021109683
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Lipid metabolism: new twists to the Yin and Yang of PKM2 in cancer
Ali Khateb, Ze'ev A Ronai

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While canonical and non-canonical functions of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) are recognized to mediate often-opposing roles in cancer, its contribution to cellular and systemic fatty acid homeostasis remains poorly understood. A new study by Liu et al. (2021) uncovers ER transmembrane protein TMEM33 as a novel target of PKM2, which is essential for regulating cancer cell cholesterol metabolism. These findings highlight the diversity of tissue-specific functions of PKM2 and potential implications for cancer treatment.

PMID: 34642948

Cell Metab 2021 Jan 5;33(1):9-20. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.12.009
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Harnessing the Co-vulnerabilities of Amino Acid-Restricted Cancers
Gaurav Pathria, Ze'ev A Ronai
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Sustained proliferative potential of cancer cells creates heightened energetic and biosynthetic demands. The resulting overt dependence of cancer cells on unperturbed nutrient supply has prompted a widespread interest in amino acid restriction strategies as potential cancer therapeutics. However, owing to rapid signaling and metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, the prospects for success of amino acid restriction approaches remain unclear. We thus recognize that the identification of co-vulnerabilities of amino acid-restricted cancers may inform actionable targets for effective combined interventions. In this perspective, we outline the current state of key cellular mechanisms underlying adaptation to amino acid restriction and discuss the role of signal transduction pathways governing cancer cell resistance to amino acid restriction, with potential ramifications for the design of future therapeutic efforts.

PMID: 33406406

Mol Cancer Ther. 20(5):816-832 2021. DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-20-0354
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Identification and Characterization of IMD-0354 as a Glutamine Carrier Protein Inhibitor in Melanoma
Yongmei Feng, Gurav Pathria, Susan Heynen-Genel, Michael Jackson, Brian James, Jun Yin, David A Scott, Ze’ev A Ronai
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A key hallmark of cancer, altered metabolism, is central to cancer pathogenesis and therapy resistance. Robust glutamine metabolism is among the cellular processes regulating tumor progression and responsiveness to therapy in several cancers, including melanoma and breast cancer. Among the mechanisms underlying the increase in glutamine metabolism in tumors is enhanced glutamine uptake mediated by the glutamine transporters, with SLC1A5 (also known as ASCT2) shown to play a predominant role. Correspondingly, increased SLC1A5 expression coincides with poorer survival in patients with breast cancer and melanoma. Therefore, we performed an image-based screen to identify small molecules that can prevent the localization of SLC1A5 to the plasma membrane without impacting cell shape. From 7,000 small molecules, nine were selected as hits, of which one (IMD-0354) qualified for further detailed functional assessment. IMD-0354 was confirmed as a potent inhibitor of glutamine uptake that attained sustained low intracellular glutamine levels. Concomitant with its inhibition of glutamine uptake, IMD-0354 attenuated mTOR signaling, suppressed two- and three-dimensional growth of melanoma cells, and induced cell-cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis. The pronounced effect of IMD-0354 was observed in different tumor-derived cell lines compared with nontransformed cells. RNA-sequencing analysis identified the unfolded protein response, cell cycle, and response (DNA damage response pathways) to be affected by IMD-0354. A combination of IMD-0354 with GLS1 or LDHA inhibitors enhanced melanoma cell death. In vivo, IMD-0354 suppressed melanoma growth in a xenograft model. As a modulator of glutamine metabolism, IMD-0354 may serve as an important therapeutic and experimental tool that deserves further examination.

PMID: 33632871

EMBO Rep 2021 Mar 3;22(3):e51436. DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051436
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MAPK signaling regulates c-MYC for melanoma cell adaptation to asparagine restriction
Gaurav Pathria, Sachin Verma, Jun Yin, David A Scott, Ze'ev A Ronai
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Amino acid restriction is among promising potential cancer treatment strategies. However, cancer cells employ a multitude of mechanisms to mount resistance to amino acid restriction, which impedes the latter's clinical development. Here we show that MAPK signaling activation in asparagine-restricted melanoma cells impairs GSK3-β-mediated c-MYC degradation. In turn, elevated c-MYC supports ATF4 translational induction by enhancing the expression of the amino acid transporter SLC7A5, increasing the uptake of essential amino acids, and the subsequent maintenance of mTORC1 activity in asparagine-restricted melanoma cells. Blocking the MAPK-c-MYC-SLC7A5 signaling axis cooperates with asparagine restriction to effectively suppress melanoma cell proliferation. This work reveals a previously unknown axis of cancer cell adaptation to asparagine restriction and informs mechanisms that may be targeted for enhanced therapeutic efficacy of asparagine limiting strategies.

PMID: 33554439

Nat Cell Biol 2022 Sep;24(9):1422-1432. DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00985-x
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NRF2 mediates melanoma addiction to GCDH by modulating apoptotic signalling
Sachin Verma, David Crawford, Ali Khateb, Yongmei Feng, Eduard Sergienko, Gaurav Pathria, Chen-Ting Ma, Steven H. Olson, David Scott, Rabi Murad, Eytan Ruppin, Michael Jackson, Ze’ev A. Ronai

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Tumour dependency on specific metabolic signals has been demonstrated and often guided numerous therapeutic approaches. We identify melanoma addiction to the mitochondrial protein glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), which functions in lysine metabolism and controls protein glutarylation. GCDH knockdown induced cell death programmes in melanoma cells, an activity blocked by inhibiting the upstream lysine catabolism enzyme DHTKD1. The transcription factor NRF2 mediates GCDH-dependent melanoma cell death programmes. Mechanistically, GCDH knockdown induces NRF2 glutarylation, increasing its stability and DNA binding activity, with a concomitant transcriptional upregulation of ATF4, ATF3, DDIT3 and CHAC1, resulting in cell death. In vivo, inducible inactivation of GCDH effectively inhibited melanoma tumour growth. Correspondingly, reduced GCDH expression correlated with improved survival of patients with melanoma. These findings identify melanoma cell addiction to GCDH, limiting apoptotic signalling by controlling NRF2 glutarylation. Inhibiting the GCDH pathway could thus represent a therapeutic approach to treating melanoma.

PMID: 36050469

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