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Yamei Niu

Publications and source records attributed to Yamei Niu.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

A nuclear export signal and phosphorylation regulate Dok1 subcellular localization and functions.

Dok1 is believed to be a mainly cytoplasmic adaptor protein which down-regulates mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, inhibits cell proliferation and transformation, and promotes cell spreading and cell migration. Here we show that Dok1 shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Treatment of cells with leptomycin B (LMB), a specific inhibitor of the nuclear export signal (NES)-dependent receptor CRM1, causes nuclear accumulation of Dok1. We have identified a functional NES (348LLKAKLTDPKED359) that plays a major role in the cytoplasmic localization of Dok1. Src-induced tyrosine phosphorylation prevented the LMB-mediated nuclear accumulation of Dok1. Dok1 cytoplasmic localization is also dependent on IKKbeta. Serum starvation or maintaining cells in suspension favor Dok1 nuclear localization, while serum stimulation, exposure to growth factor, or cell adhesion to a substrate induce cytoplasmic localization. Functionally, nuclear NES-mutant Dok1 had impaired ability to inhibit cell proliferation and to promote cell spreading and cell motility. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that Dok1 transits through the nucleus and is actively exported into the cytoplasm by the CRM1 nuclear export system. Nuclear export modulated by external stimuli and phosphorylation may be a mechanism by which Dok1 is maintained in the cytoplasm and membrane, thus regulating its signaling functions.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Dok1 expression and mutation in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines.

Dok1 is an adaptor tyrosine kinase substrate with tumor-suppressive activity. The gene encoding Dok1 maps to human chromosome 2p13, which is frequently rearranged in human tumors. We have previously reported a frameshift mutation of this gene and the down-regulation of its expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In this study, we have determined the expression levels of Dok1 in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines, lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP-LCL), or from control healthy donors. We have also screened for Dok1 gene mutations by heteroduplex analysis and direct sequencing. Dok1 expression was down-regulated in all BL and XLP-LCL cell lines in comparison to the control cells. No Dok1 mutation or polymorphism was found in the coding region of Dok1 in the three types of cells. However, DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of four nucleotide changes in Dok1 gene, T(90172)C (intron 1), C(89487)T and (89433)InsCTCT (intron 2), and A(87714)G (3' UTR). T(90172)C and (89433)InsCTCT that were detected in about 7% of BL, 9% of XLP-LCL and 4% of normal samples may represent a common polymorphism. C(89487)T and A(87714)G changes were detected in 9 and 6% of analyzed BL lines, respectively, but never in the control and XLP-LCL cells, indicating that these nucleotide substitution occurred during tumor development. Interestingly, the C(89487)T variant is associated with a significantly lower level of Dok1 expression compared to the control samples. A positive association was also found between the presence of EBV in BL and the Dok1 genetic variation. Our data show that Dok1 expression and structure are affected in a subset of Burkitt's lymphoma samples, suggesting its possible role in this type of cancer.

Base Sequence↗

MIP-T3 associates with IL-13Ralpha1 and suppresses STAT6 activation in response to IL-13 stimulation.

To unravel the mechanism of interleukin-13 (IL-13)-specific functions, we sought to identify IL-13 receptor (IL-13R) binding molecules. A novel human IL-13Ralpha1 binding protein (IL13RBP1) has been identified using yeast tri-hybrid system, which was found to encode the same protein as MIP-T3 (microtubule interacting protein that associates with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associating factor-3 (TRAF3)). It constitutively associates with IL-13Ralpha1 and suppresses IL-4/13-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT6) phosphorylation. IL-13-induced STAT6 activation was also inhibited as determined by dual luciferase assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). These results suggest that MIP-T3 is a novel inhibitor of IL-13 signaling and may be a useful molecule in ameliorating various conditions in which IL-13 plays a central role.

Animals↗