PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J G Collard

Publications and source records attributed to J G Collard.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Rho-like GTPases: their role in cell adhesion and invasion.

Metastasis formation is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Using an in vitro model system, we have identified Tiam1 (T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1) as a gene that can induce invasion by and metastasis of mouse T-lymphoma cells. Subsequent studies showed that Tiam1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho-like GTPase Rac1, a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins. Rho-like GTPases play a pivotal role in the orchestration of changes in the actin cytoskeleton in response to receptor stimulation, but have also been shown to be involved in transcriptional activation and cell cycle regulation. Moreover, they can induce oncogenic transformation in fibroblast cells. In this chapter, we first summarize what is known about the signalling pathways that are activated by Tiam1 and Rho-like GTPases, and discuss the putative effectors that may mediate the effects in different cell types. In the latter part, we will more tentatively discuss the role of Tiam1 and Rho-like GTPases in invasion by and metastasis of tumour cells.

Animals↗

Matrix-dependent Tiam1/Rac signaling in epithelial cells promotes either cell-cell adhesion or cell migration and is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.

We previously demonstrated that both Tiam1, an activator of Rac, and constitutively active V12Rac promote E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion in epithelial Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Moreover, Tiam1 and V12Rac inhibit invasion of Ras-transformed, fibroblastoid MDCK-f3 cells by restoring E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion. Here we show that the Tiam1/Rac-induced cellular response is dependent on the cell substrate. On fibronectin and laminin 1, Tiam1/Rac signaling inhibits migration of MDCK-f3 cells by restoring E-cadherin-mediated cell- cell adhesion. On different collagens, however, expression of Tiam1 and V12Rac promotes motile behavior, under conditions that prevent formation of E-cadherin adhesions. In nonmotile cells, Tiam1 is present in adherens junctions, whereas Tiam1 localizes to lamellae of migrating cells. The level of Rac activation by Tiam1, as determined by binding to a glutathione-S-transferase- PAK protein, is similar on fibronectin or collagen I, suggesting that rather the localization of the Tiam1/Rac signaling complex determines the substrate-dependent cellular responses. Rac activation by Tiam1 requires PI3-kinase activity. Moreover, Tiam1- but not V12Rac-induced migration as well as E-cadherin-mediated cell- cell adhesion are dependent on PI3-kinase, indicating that PI3-kinase acts upstream of Tiam1 and Rac.

Animals↗

Invasion of T-lymphoma cells: cooperation between Rho family GTPases and lysophospholipid receptor signaling.

Rho-like GTPases orchestrate distinct cytoskeletal changes in response to receptor stimulation. Invasion of T-lymphoma cells into a fibroblast monolayer is induced by Tiam1, an activator of the Rho-like GTPase Rac, and by constitutively active V12Rac1. Here we show that activated V12Cdc42 can also induce invasion of T-lymphoma cells. Activated RhoA potentiates invasion, but fails by itself to mimic Rac and Cdc42. However, invasion is inhibited by the Rho-inactivating C3 transferase. Thus, RhoA is required but not sufficient for invasion. Invasion of T-lymphoma cells is critically dependent on the presence of serum. Serum can be replaced by the serum-borne lipids lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) (10(-7)-10(-6) M), which act on distinct G protein-linked receptors to activate RhoA and phospholipase C (PLC)-Ca2+ signaling. LPA- and S1P-induced invasion is preceded by Rho-dependent F-actin redistribution and pseudopodia formation. However, expression of both V14RhoA and V12Rac1 does not bypass the LPA/S1P requirement for invasion, indicating involvement of an additional signaling pathway independent of RhoA. The PLC inhibitor U-73122, but not the inactive analog U-73343, abolishes invasion. Our results indicate that T-lymphoma invasion is driven by Tiam1/Rac or Cdc42 activation, and is dependent on LPA/S1P receptor-mediated RhoA and PLC signaling pathways which lead to pseudopod formation and enhanced infiltration.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

Lysophosphatidic acid induces threonine phosphorylation of Tiam1 in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts via activation of protein kinase C.

The Rho family of GTPases plays an important role in the control of cell shape, adhesion, movement, and growth. Several guanine nucleotide exchange factors have been identified that activate Rho family GTPases by promoting the binding of GTP to these proteins. However, little is known concerning the regulation of these GDP/GTP exchange factors. In this study, we demonstrate that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induces a rapid, sustainable phosphorylation of the Rac1-specific nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1 in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. LPA stimulated Tiam1 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, and the protein was phosphorylated on threonine, but not tyrosine or serine. Tiam1 phosphorylation was also induced by platelet-derived growth factor, endothelin-1, bombesin, and bradykinin but not by epidermal growth factor. Significantly, pretreatment of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for 24 h, or with the selective protein kinase C inhibitor Ro-31-8220, reduced LPA-stimulated phosphorylation of Tiam1 by approximately 75%. Moreover, acute stimulation with 100 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was sufficient to induce Tiam1 phosphorylation in vivo, and protein kinase C could phosphorylate purified Tiam1 on threonine residues in vitro. These data indicate that agonist-induced phosphorylation of Tiam1 is a general mechanism and suggest that it is likely to be important in its regulation. Protein kinase C appears to play a key role in phosphorylation of Tiam1.

3T3 Cells↗

Inhibition of invasion of epithelial cells by Tiam1-Rac signaling.

Tiam1 encodes an exchange factor for the Rho-like guanosine triphosphatase Rac. Both Tiam1 and activated RacV12 promote invasiveness of T lymphoma cells. In epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, Tiam1 localized to adherens junctions. Ectopic expression of Tiam1 or RacV12 inhibited hepatocyte growth factor-induced scattering by increasing E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion accompanied by actin polymerization at cell-cell contacts. In Ras-transformed MDCK cells, expression of Tiam1 or RacV12 restored E-cadherin-mediated adhesion, resulting in phenotypic reversion and loss of invasiveness. These data suggest an invasion-suppressor role for Tiam1 and Rac in epithelial cells.

Actins↗

Targeting of Tiam1 to the plasma membrane requires the cooperative function of the N-terminal pleckstrin homology domain and an adjacent protein interaction domain.

The Rho-like GTPases Cdc42, Rac, and Rho play key roles in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and are implicated in transcriptional activation and cell transformation. We have previously identified the invasion-inducing Tiam1 gene, which encodes an activator of Rac. In fibroblasts, Tiam1 induces Rac-mediated membrane ruffling, which requires the N-terminal pleckstrin homology (PHn) domain. Here we show that this PHn domain is part of a protein interaction domain, which mediates membrane localization of Tiam1. After subcellular fractionation, up to 50% of Tiam1 is recovered in the Triton X-100-insoluble high speed pellet that contains small protein complexes. The regions in Tiam1 that are responsible for these protein interactions comprise the PHn domain, an adjacent putative coiled coil region (CC), and an additional flanking region (Ex). Deletions in each of these regions abolish membrane localization of Tiam1 and membrane ruffling, suggesting that they function cooperatively. Indeed, only polypeptides encompassing the PHn-CC-Ex region, and not the PHn-CC or the Ex region, localize at the membrane. These results indicate that the N-terminal PH domain is part of a larger functional Tiam1 domain that mediates protein complex formation and membrane localization of Tiam1.

3T3 Cells↗

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1 affects neuronal morphology; opposing roles for the small GTPases Rac and Rho.

The invasion-inducing T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (Tiam1) protein functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the small GTPase Rac1. Differentiation-dependent expression of Tiam1 in the developing brain suggests a role for this GEF and its effector Rac1 in the control of neuronal morphology. Here we show that overexpression of Tiam1 induces cell spreading and affects neurite outgrowth in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. These effects are Rac-dependent and strongly promoted by laminin. Overexpression of Tiam1 recruits the alpha 6 beta 1 integrin, a laminin receptor, to specific adhesive contacts at the cell periphery, which are different from focal contacts. Cells overexpressing Tiam1 no longer respond to lysophosphatidic acid- induced neurite retraction and cell rounding, processes mediated by Rho, suggesting that Tiam1-induced activation of Rac antagonizes Rho signaling. This inhibition can be overcome by coexpression of constitutively active RhoA, which may indicate that regulation occurs at the level of Rho or upstream. Conversely, neurite formation induced by Tiam1 or Rac1 is further promoted by inactivating Rho. These results demonstrate that Rac- and Rho-mediated pathways oppose each other during neurite formation and that a balance between these pathways determines neuronal morphology. Furthermore, our data underscore the potential role of Tiam1 as a specific regulator of Rac during neurite formation and illustrate the importance of reciprocal interactions between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix during this process.

Animals↗

Regulated membrane localization of Tiam1, mediated by the NH2-terminal pleckstrin homology domain, is required for Rac-dependent membrane ruffling and C-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation.

Rho-like GTPases, including Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, regulate signaling pathways that control actin cytoskeletal structures and transcriptional activation. The Tiam1 gene encodes an activator of Rac1, and similarly to constitutively activated (V12)Rac1, overexpression of Tiam1 in fibroblasts induces the formation of membrane ruffles. Tiam1 contains a Dbl homology (DH) domain and adjacent pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, hallmarks for activators of Rho-like GTPases. Unique for Tiam1 are an additional PH domain and a Discs-large homology region in the NH2-terminal part of the protein. Here we show that both in fibroblasts and COS cells, membrane localization of Tiam1 is required for the induction of membrane ruffling. A detailed mutational analysis, in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy, demonstrates that the NH2-terminal PH domain of Tiam1, but not the DH-adjacent PH domain, is essential for membrane association. This NH2-terminal PH domain of Tiam1 can be functionally replaced by the myristoylated membrane localization domain of c-Src, indicating that the primary function of this PH domain is to localize the protein at the membrane. After serum starvation, both membrane association of Tiam1 and ruffling can be induced by serum, suggesting that receptor stimulation induces membrane translocation of Tiam1. Similar to V12Rac1, Tiam1 stimulates the activity of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). This Rac-dependent stimulation of JNK also requires membrane association of Tiam1. We conclude that the regulated membrane localization of Tiam1 through its NH2-terminal PH domain determines the activation of distinct Rac-mediated signaling pathways.

3T3 Cells↗

Expression of Tiam-1 in the developing brain suggests a role for the Tiam-1-Rac signaling pathway in cell migration and neurite outgrowth.

During development proper neuronal migration and neurite extension are essential for the formation of functional neuronal networks. These processes require the reorganization of the cytoskeleton by modifying the dynamics of actin filaments and microtubules. The Rho subfamily of GTPases regulates actin cytoskeletal changes during development. Tiam-1, a GDP-GTP exchange factor for the small GTPase Rac and implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis, is expressed in the developing CNS. To study the function of Tiam-1 in neuronal migration and neurite extension, we examined the pattern of Tiam-1 expression in weaver mice, in which cerebellar granule cells fail to migrate to their final position and subsequently die. Tiam-1 is expressed in wild-type granule cells as they migrate to the internal granular layer and send axone. In contrast, weaver homozygous animals do not express. Tiam-1 in premigratory granule cells. Heterozygous animals, in which granule cells exhibit a slow rate of migration, express low levels of Tiam-1. In the cerebral cortex, Tiam-1 is also expressed in migrating neurons. Our findings suggest that Tiam-1 contributes to cytoskeletal reorganization required during cell migration and neurite extension in defined neuronal populations, presumably by activation of Rac.

Animals↗

Oncogenic activity of Tiam1 and Rac1 in NIH3T3 cells.

We have recently identified the invasion-inducing Tiam1 gene by proviral insertional mutagenesis. The Tiam1 protein shares a Dbl homology (DH) domain with an increasing number of oncoproteins, some of which have been shown to function as GDP dissociation stimulators (GDS) for small GTPases of the Rho family. In vitro and in vivo analyses indicate that Tiam1 activates the Rho like GTPase Rac1. Here we have analysed the consequences of overexpression of several mutant Tiam1 proteins in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Similar to other proteins containing a DH domain, N-terminal truncation of the Tiam1 protein activates its oncogenic potential, establishing Tiam1 as a proto-oncogene. In addition, we show the sequences N-terminal of the catalytic DH domain are required for morphological transformation accompanied by the formation of membrane ruffling, but not for the induction of an oncogenic phenotype. Overexpression of constitutively active Rac1 (V12Rac1) in NIH3T3 cells produces a similar oncogenic phenotype, suggesting that the oncogenic effects of Tiam1 are a consequence of Rac activation.

3T3 Cells↗

A role for Rac in Tiam1-induced membrane ruffling and invasion.

Rho-like GTPases have been implicated in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton which controls the morphology, adhesion and motility of cells. Like Ras proteins, they become activated when bound GDP is exchanged for GTP, a process catalysed by GDP-dissociation stimulator (GDS) proteins. Several GDS proteins specific for Rho-like GTPases have been identified. Most of these contain a conserved catalytic domain, the DBL-homology (DH) domain, and activate Cdc42 or Rho but not Rac. We have isolated the invasion-inducing Tiam1 gene, which also encodes a protein with a DH domain. Here we show that Tiam1 is a GDS protein for Rho-like GTPases in vitro. In fibroblasts, Tiam1 induces a similar phenotype as constitutively activated (V12)Rac1, including membrane ruffling, and this is inhibited by dominant negative (N17)Rac1. Moreover, T-lymphoma cells expressing V12Rac1 become invasive, indicating that the Tiam1-Rac signalling pathway could be operating in the invasion and metastasis of tumour cells.

3T3 Cells↗

Sequence of the human invasion-inducing TIAM1 gene, its conservation in evolution and its expression in tumor cell lines of different tissue origin.

By means of proviral tagging in combination with in vitro selection for invasive T-lymphoma variants, we have previously identified the murine invasion- and metastasis-inducing Tiam1 gene. Tiam1 encodes a novel protein which shares a Dbl-homology (DH) domain with GDP dissociation stimulator-(GDS) proteins that activate Rho-like GTPases. We have cloned the human TIAM1 coding sequence and studied its evolutionary conservation and expression pattern. TIAM1 is highly conserved among vertebrates. The close similarity between human TIAM1 and the mouse homologue is indicated by 88% and 95% identity of nucleotides and predicted sequences, respectively. The murine gene is highly expressed in brain and testis and at low or moderate levels in almost all other normal tissues. Interestingly, Tiam1 transcripts were found in virtually all analysed tumor cell lines of human and rodent origin including B- and T-lymphomas, neuroblastomas, melanomas and carcinomas. The evolutionary conservation as well as the broad expression pattern of Tiam1 in most normal tissues, suggests a general function in cellular signaling processes presumably by activation of a Rho-like GTPase that regulates the cytoskeletal organization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of an invasion-inducing gene, Tiam-1, that encodes a protein with homology to GDP-GTP exchangers for Rho-like proteins.

Using proviral tagging in combination with in vitro selection for invasiveness, we have identified a gene, designated Tiam-1, that affects invasion. In the selected invasive T lymphoma variants, proviral insertions were found within coding exons of the Tiam-1 gene, resulting in both truncated 5'-end and 3'-end transcripts that give rise to N- and C-terminal Tiam-1 protein fragments. In one invasive variant, amplification of the Tiam-1 locus was observed with concomitant increase in the amount of normal Tiam-1 protein. Cell clones that were invasive in vitro produced experimental metastases in nude mice, and transfection of truncated Tiam-1 cDNAs into noninvasive cells made these cells invasive. The predicted Tiam-1 protein harbors a Dbl- and Pleckstrin-homologous domain, which it shares with GDP-GTP exchangers for Rho-like proteins that have been implicated in cytoskeletal organization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sublocalization of an invasion-inducing locus and other genes on human chromosome 7.

By somatic cell fusion studies between noninvasive mouse T-lymphoma cells and invasive human activated normal T-cells we have previously shown that the genetic information responsible for the induction of invasive and metastatic potential in interspecies T-cell hybrids is located on human chromosome 7. Apparently, genes derived from normal activated T-cells are dominantly expressed in the hybrids and control the invasive and, as a consequence, metastatic potential of these T-lymphoma cells. To sublocalize the invasion-inducing locus on chromosome 7 we have generated hybrids that harbor only specific regions of human chromosome 7 with or without a small fragment of human chromosome 21. Analysis of these hybrids revealed that the invasion-inducing locus maps to 7p12----cen. The human DNA complement of the hybrids was confirmed by Southern blot analysis using a large panel of chromosome 7-specific DNA probes. Several of these genes could be further sublocalized. These included: ARAF2 to 7p12----cen, D7S21 to 7pter----p12, ACTB to 7p15----p12, EGFR to 7p12, MDH2 to 7cen----q22, and PDGFA to 7pter----p15.

Blotting, Southern↗

Genetic basis of T-lymphoma invasion.

We have discussed the use of BW5147 T-lymphoma cells as a model system to explore the genetic basis of invasion and metastasis. The degree of invasiveness of these cells in vitro is highly correlated with experimental metastasis formation in vivo upon tail vein injection in syngeneic AKR mice. A powerful in vitro selection system has been developed which allows to select rare invasive cell variants obtained by various experimental manipulations. We found that introduction of the human c-Ha-ras oncogene, the presence of human chromosome 7 from normal activated T-cells, DNA hypomethylation induced by 5-azacytidine treatment, and possibly also retrovirus insertional mutagenesis can convert noninvasive BW5147 T-lymphoma cells into invasive and metastatic cells. Several experimental approaches are discussed to identify the gene(s) involved.

Animals↗