Biomedical subjects

Ricardo C T Aguiar

Publications and source records attributed to Ricardo C T Aguiar.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-type O truncated (PTPROt) regulates SYK phosphorylation, proximal B-cell-receptor signaling, and cellular proliferation.

The strength and duration of B-cell-receptor (BCR) signaling depends upon the balance between protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibition. BCR-dependent activation of the SYK PTK initiates downstream signaling events and amplifies the original BCR signal. Although BCR-associated SYK phosphorylation is clearly regulated by PTPs, SYK has not been identified as a direct PTP substrate. Herein, we demonstrate that SYK is a major substrate of a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated PTP, PTP receptor-type O truncated (PTPROt). PTPROt is a member of the PTPRO family (also designated GLEPP, PTP-Ø, PTP-oc, and PTPu2), a group of highly conserved receptor-type PTPs that are thought to function as tumor suppressor genes. The overexpression of PTPROt inhibited BCR-triggered SYK tyrosyl phosphorylation, activation of the associated adaptor proteins SHC and BLNK, and downstream signaling events, including calcium mobilization and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) activation. PTPROt overexpression also inhibited lymphoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in the absence of BCR cross-linking, suggesting that the phosphatase modulates tonic BCR signaling.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2006

BAL1 and BBAP are regulated by a gamma interferon-responsive bidirectional promoter and are overexpressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with a prominent inflammatory infiltrate.

BAL1 is a transcription modulator that is overexpressed in chemoresistant, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). BAL1 complexes with a recently described DELTEX family member termed BBAP. Herein, we characterized BAL1 and BBAP expression in primary DLBCL subtypes defined by their comprehensive transcriptional profiles. BAL1 and BBAP were most abundant in lymphomas with a brisk host inflammatory response, designated host response (HR) tumors. Although these DLBCLs include significant numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and interdigitating dendritic cells, BAL1 and BBAP were expressed primarily by malignant B cells, prompting speculation that the genes might be induced by host-derived inflammatory mediators such as gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). In fact, IFN-gamma induced BAL1 and BBAP expression in DLBCL cell lines; doxycycline-induced BAL1 also increased the expression of multiple IFN-stimulated genes, directly implicating BAL1 in an IFN signaling pathway. We show that BAL1 and BBAP are located on chromosome 3q21 in a head-to-head orientation and are regulated by a IFN-gamma-responsive bidirectional promoter. BBAP regulates the subcellular localization of BAL1 by a dynamic shuttling mechanism, highlighting the functional requirement for coordinated BBAP and BAL1 expression. IFN-gamma-induced BAL1/BBAP expression contributes to the molecular signature of HR DLBCLs and highlights the interplay between the inflammatory infiltrate and malignant B cells in these tumors.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2005

B-aggressive lymphoma family proteins have unique domains that modulate transcription and exhibit poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity.

BAL1 (B-aggressive lymphoma 1) was originally identified as a risk-related gene in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. BAL1 encodes a nuclear protein with N-terminal macro domains and a putative C-terminal poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) active site. Macro domains are sequences homologous to the non-histone region of histone macroH2A. Several lines of evidence suggest that these domains may modulate transcription, including a high concentration of histone macroH2A in the inactive X chromosome, direct interference with transcription factor binding in a positioned nucleosome, and structural similarity to DNA binding domains. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is a critical post-translational modification that regulates chromatin configuration and transcription. In this report we describe two additional BAL family members, BAL2 and BAL3, with N-terminal macro domains and putative C-terminal PARP active sites and assess the function of these specific regions in BAL family members. Herein, we demonstrate that BAL macro domains repress transcription when tethered to a promoter. In addition, we show that BAL2 and BAL3, but not BAL1, exhibit PARP activity. In agreement with these data, BAL1 lacks several critical donor and acceptor residues that are conserved in the BAL2 and -3 PARP active sites. Of interest, BAL family members with inactive or functional PARP domains differed in their ability to repress transcription. BAL family members are the only described proteins with both PARP and macro domains, underscoring the potential functional significance of this unique combination.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Molecular profiling of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma identifies robust subtypes including one characterized by host inflammatory response.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease with recognized variability in clinical outcome, genetic features, and cells of origin. To date, transcriptional profiling has been used to highlight similarities between DLBCL tumor cells and normal B-cell subtypes and associate genes and pathways with unfavorable outcome. To identify robust and highly reproducible DL-BCL subtypes with comprehensive transcriptional signatures, we used a large series of newly diagnosed DLBCLs, whole genome arrays, and multiple clustering methods. Tumors were also analyzed for known common genetic abnormalities in DLBCL. There were 3 discrete subsets of DLBCL-"oxidative phosphorylation," "B-cell receptor/proliferation," and "host response" (HR)-identified characterized using gene set enrichment analysis and confirmed in an independent series. HR tumors had increased expression of T/natural killer cell receptor and activation pathway components, complement cascade members, macrophage/dendritic cell markers, and inflammatory mediators. HR DLB-CLs also contained significantly higher numbers of morphologically distinct CD2+/CD3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and interdigitating S100+/gamma interferon-induced lysosomal transferase-positive (GILT+) CD1a-/CD123- dendritic cells. The HR cluster shared features of histologically defined T-cell/histiocyte-rich B-cell lymphoma, including fewer genetic abnormalities, younger age at presentation, and frequent splenic and bone marrow involvement. These studies identify tumor microenvironment and host inflammatory response as defining features in DLBCL and suggest rational treatment targets in specific DLBCL subsets.

Cluster Analysis↗

PubMed2004

The phosphodiesterase PDE4B limits cAMP-associated PI3K/AKT-dependent apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common and often fatal malignancy. Advances in the treatment of this disease will require the identification of novel therapeutic targets. We previously defined an expression signature of outcome in DLBCL and found that the phosphodiesterase PDE4B was overexpressed in fatal/refractory tumors. Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) inactivates the second messenger cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) and abrogates its inhibitory effects in B lymphocytes. Hence, DLBCLs that express high PDE4B levels may be resistant to cAMP-induced apoptosis, contributing to their less favorable outcome. Herein, we confirmed the risk-related expression of PDE4B in an independent series of primary DLBCLs and defined the enzyme's role in modulating cAMP-induced apoptosis in parental DLBCL cell lines or those reconstituted with wild-type or mutant PDE4B. The cAMP-mediated apoptosis of DLBCLs was largely independent of the previously described cAMP effectors, protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), but associated with inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. The central role of AKT in this process was confirmed by expressing constitutively active mutants of this kinase in DLBCL cells. Our findings highlight the important role of cAMP signaling in DLBCL and suggest that clinically relevant PDE4 and PI3K/AKT inhibitors might be useful in the treatment of DLBCL and additional B-lymphoid malignancies with increased PDE4B expression.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed2003

The molecular signature of mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma differs from that of other diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and shares features with classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (MLBCL) is a recently identified subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that characteristically presents as localized tumors in young female patients. Although MLBCL has distinctive pathologic features, it clinically resembles the nodular sclerosis subtype of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). To elucidate the molecular features of MLBCL, we compared the gene expression profiles of newly diagnosed MLBCL and DLBCL and developed a classifier of these diseases. MLBCLs had low levels of expression of multiple components of the B-cell receptor signaling cascade, a profile resembling that of Reed-Sternberg cells of cHL. Like cHLs, MLBCLs also had high levels of expression of the interleukin-13 (IL-13) receptor and downstream effectors of IL-13 signaling (Janus kinase-2 [JAK2] and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 [STAT1]), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family members, and TNF receptor-associated factor-1 (TRAF1). Increased expression of STAT1 and TRAF1 in MLBCL was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Given the TRAF1 expression and known link to nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- kappa B), MLBCLs were also evaluated for nuclear translocation of c-REL protein. In almost all cases, c-REL was localized to the nucleus, consistent with activation of the NF-kappa B pathway. These studies identify a molecular link between MLBCL and cHL and a shared survival pathway.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed2003

Cloning of the t(1;5)(q23;q33) in a myeloproliferative disorder associated with eosinophilia: involvement of PDGFRB and response to imatinib.

Eosinophilia is common in myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) with abnormalities of chromosome band 5q31-33, including those that present with t(1;5)(q23;q33). With the development of rational drug therapy, characterization of the molecular targets for these translocations could guide treatment and affect patient survival. We cloned the t(1;5)(q23;q33) and showed that it fuses platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) to the coiled-coil domains of a novel partner protein, myomegalin. Using two-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we also demonstrated that the eosinophils are clonal in these disorders. Imatinib mesylate has recently been shown to be efficacious in MPDs with PDGFR activation. Therefore, following our molecular studies, we were able to redirect this patient's treatment. Although she had refractory and progressive disease, once imatinib was started, complete clinical and hematologic remission, as well as major cytogenetic response, was achieved. Given the therapeutic implications, our findings stress the need to aggressively investigate the molecular basis of these diseases, with emphasis on the PDGFR family.

Benzamides↗

PubMed2003

The BAL-binding protein BBAP and related Deltex family members exhibit ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase activity.

Members of the DTX (Deltex) family act as Notch signaling modifiers and may also regulate transcription through interactions with specific transcription factors. DTX proteins have a basic N terminus; a central proline-rich region; and a C-terminal RING finger domain, a motif often found in ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligases (E3). Recently, we identified and characterized a unique diffuse large B-cell lymphoma risk-related gene named BAL (B aggressive lymphoma). Using a yeast two-hybrid screen for BAL-binding partners, we have now identified a novel protein termed BBAP (B-lymphoma- and BAL-associated protein). Although BBAP has a unique N terminus, the C-terminal region is highly homologous to that of DTX family members. Herein, we report that BBAP and the human family of DTX proteins (DTX1, DTX2, and DTX3) function as E3 ligases based on their capacity for self-ubiquitination. DTX family members homodimerize and heterodimerize in vivo, suggesting that physical interactions between various DTX family members modify E3 activity and/or substrate availability. Consistent with this idea, BBAP and DTX1 associate via their unique N termini, resulting in enhanced self-ubiquitination.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Defective DNA-mismatch repair: a potential mediator of leukemogenic susceptibility in therapy-related myelodysplasia and leukemia.

We investigated the potential role of defective DNA-mismatch repair (MMR) as a mediator of leukemogenic susceptibility in patients with therapy-related myelodysplasia (t-MDS) and leukemia (t-leuk). Thirty-seven individuals with t-MDS/t-leuk were analyzed for microsatellite instability (MSI), the hallmark of defective DNA-MMR. Using standardized international criteria, 5/37 (14%) patients displayed high MSI, whereas 3 other patients had low MSI (8%). To determine the stage at which MSI had developed, we analyzed the primary tumors of 12 patients. Three of 4 patients with high MSI t-MDS/t-leuk also had microsatellite unstable primary tumors. Conversely, MSI was not detected in any primary malignancy of patients with low MSI or microsatellite stable t-MDS/t-leuk (P = 0.0182). In the high MSI group, we further investigated genes targeted by defective DNA-MMR (BAX, TGFBRII, IGFIIR, Caspase-5, APC, PTEN, E2F4, MBD4, MSH6, and MSH3) in both primary tumor and t-MDS/t-leuk. However, no mutation was found in any gene. The significant association of MSI in t-MDS/t-leuk and corresponding primary tumors suggests that defective DNA-MMR confers leukemogenic susceptibility to this cohort of patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma outcome prediction by gene-expression profiling and supervised machine learning.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common lymphoid malignancy in adults, is curable in less than 50% of patients. Prognostic models based on pre-treatment characteristics, such as the International Prognostic Index (IPI), are currently used to predict outcome in DLBCL. However, clinical outcome models identify neither the molecular basis of clinical heterogeneity, nor specific therapeutic targets. We analyzed the expression of 6,817 genes in diagnostic tumor specimens from DLBCL patients who received cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP)-based chemotherapy, and applied a supervised learning prediction method to identify cured versus fatal or refractory disease. The algorithm classified two categories of patients with very different five-year overall survival rates (70% versus 12%). The model also effectively delineated patients within specific IPI risk categories who were likely to be cured or to die of their disease. Genes implicated in DLBCL outcome included some that regulate responses to B-cell-receptor signaling, critical serine/threonine phosphorylation pathways and apoptosis. Our data indicate that supervised learning classification techniques can predict outcome in DLBCL and identify rational targets for intervention.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗