Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are conserved biochemical signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic organisms. These signaling pathways demonstrate great versatility in their ability to detect various environmental stimuli and direct an appropriate cellular response. The circadian clock is a timekeeping mechanism that temporally coordinates diverse biological functions in an organism with the environment. Thus, it is not surprising that MAPK pathways have been utilized by the circadian clock to regulate many essential functions. Due to the conserved nature of circadian clocks and MAPK signaling pathways in eukaryotes, it is possible to develop hypotheses in simple model organisms, such as the fungus Neurospora, that are relevant to more complex organisms. The OS-2 MAPK pathway in the filamentous fungus Neurospora is rhythmically activated by the circadian clock. In order to generate this rhythmic signal, the circadian oscillator directly regulates the rhythmic transcription of the os-4 MAPKKK and histidine phosphotransferase hpt-1, which are upstream regulators of the OS-2 MAPK. Also, the circadian rhythm in MAPK activation produces a more robust stress response during the time of the day that stress is most likely to be encountered. Based on these data, a model for the clock regulation of MAPK activation is presented, and a biological significance is assigned to the rhythms in this pathway. Informed by these findings in Neurospora, the related p38 MAPK pathway was studied in mammalian cell lines that represent functionally distinct tissues in regards to clock function. A rhythm in p38 MAPK activation was observed in cells derived from the suprachiasmatic nucleus and fibroblasts of a mouse, the master pacemaker and a peripheral tissue, respectively. In cells that lacked a functional circadian oscillator, the rhythm in p38 activation was absent, and overall levels of p38 protein were lower. These data demonstrate a circadian clock-dependent oscillation in p38 activity. These studies provide a basis to understand how the circadian clock generates endogenous rhythms in MAPK signal transduction pathways. Also, the characterization of clock-regulated stress response pathways provides an understanding of the adaptive advantage of the circadian clock.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are an important subfamily of protein kinases that are well conserved in all eukaryotes. MAPKs are the final component of a three-tiered signaling module that regulates the activation of various essential cellular responses. They activate most of their substrates through catalyzing their phosphorylation. However, emerging evidence reveals that some MAPKs also possess non-catalytic functions. In particular, the human MAPK ERK2 can bind to DNA directly and mediate gene expression. The mechanism by which ERK2 binds to DNA is still unclear. In this work, we combined structural, biophysical and biochemical methods to confirm DNA binding by ERK2 and to investigate whether ERK2’s closest plant homolog MPK4 also binds to DNA. First, we identified a possible ERK2-like DNA consensus motif in plant MAPKs. We found that several plant MAPKs, including MPK4, harbor a basic motif (KARK/R or ARR/K) in a region corresponding to the ERK2 KAR motif reported to mediate DNA binding. Next, we determined the DNA binding affinity of ERK2 and MPK4 to different DNA fragments and found that MPK4 associated directly with DNA in vitro, albeit with a significantly lower affinity than did ERK2. Moreover, we observed that ERK2 and MPK4 showed preferred binding to different DNA sequences. Site-directed mutagenesis on the proposed DNA binding region of MPK4 greatly weakened DNA binding, confirming that MPK4 and ERK2 use the same structural elements to associate with DNA. Phosphorylation of the MAPKs through an upstream MKK affected the DNA binding capacity for both ERK2 and MPK4, although the effects differed. Lastly, we observed that a MPK4 mutant with a constitutively increased catalytic affinity displayed a markedly stronger DNA binding affinity compared to wild type MPK4 and phosphorylated MPK4. By demonstrating that the plant MPK4 associated with DNA in vitro, and that this association can be modified by phosphorylation and mutations, we open the possibility of additional kinase-independent functions in plant MAPKs.

Ras-MAPK signalling regulates key cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation and survival. Unsurprisingly, mutations in RAS genes are now recognized as potent oncogenic drivers. However, disruption of this pathway during development is associated with a family of disorders termed the Rasopathies. Shared clinical features include cutaneous, neurological and cardiac anomalies. At the outset of this study, the genetic etiology of three neurocutaneous disorders, microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MIC-CAP), encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) and PHACE (Posterior fossa malformations, facial Hemangiomas, cerebral Arterial anomalies, Cardiovascular defects and Eye abnormalities) syndrome had not yet been established. This thesis identifies mutations in STAM-binding protein (STAMBP) in a cohort of individuals with MIC-CAP syndrome using whole-exome sequencing (WES). This gene encodes a deubiquitinating isopeptidase that regulates cell surface receptor-mediated endocytosis and sorting. Cell lines of individuals with MIC-CAP show reduced STAMBP expression, associated with accumulation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates, increased apoptosis and constitutive activation of the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways. WES also enabled the identification of post-zygotic mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in individuals with ECCL. Fibroblasts from affected individuals showed increased phosphorylation of the FGFRs consistent with receptor activation as well as insensitive signal transduction through the Ras-MAPK pathway. Neurocutaneous syndromes can feature striking vascular lesions such as the cerebral vasculopathy and large segmented facials hemangiomas seen in PHACE syndrome. The asymmetric and patchy vascular malformations coupled with a sporadic incidence and absence of familial recurrence suggested that PHACE might be caused by post-zygotic mutations. Interrogation of a discordant sib-pair using copy number analysis and WES did not identify causative mutations indicating the need for a comprehensive and targeted –omic approach to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this syndrome. Taken together, these findings expand the spectrum of the Rasopathies while providing novel pathomechanistic insights into the regulation of cellular proliferation and survival during development.

No description available.

IL-12 family cytokines IL-23 and IL-27 play an important role linking innate and adaptive immunity, and regulating T-cell responses. The production of IL-12, a structurally similar cytokine, is decreased in chronic HIV infection; therefore IL-23 and IL-27 may also be influenced by HIV infection. I hypothesized that HIV inhibits LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 production in human MDMs by suppressing the activation of signalling pathways regulating their expression. In vitro HIV-infection of MDMs did not have any effect on basal secretion of IL-23 or IL-27; however, HIV inhibited LPS-induced production of IL-12/23 p40 and IL-23 p19, and IL-27 EBI3 and IL-27 p28 mRNA expression, and IL-23, IL-12/23 p40 and IL-27 secretion. In order to evaluate the molecular mechanisms by which HIV inhibits IL-23 and IL-27 in LPS-stimulated MDMs, the signalling pathways regulating their expression were evaluated. The PI3K, p38 MAPK, and JNK MAPK pathways were found to positively regulate LPS-induced IL-27 secretion. Interestingly, in vitro HIV infection inhibited LPS-induced p38 and JNK MAPK activation in MDMs. In summary, I have shown that HIV inhibits IL-23 and IL-27 production in LPS-stimulated MDMs and that HIV may inhibit LPS-induced IL-27 production through the inhibition of p38 and JNK MAPK activation. It is currently unknown whether PKCs regulate LPS-induced IL-23 or IL-27 in human monocytes/macrophages. I demonstrated that classical PKCs differentially regulate LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 secretion within THP-1 cells, primary monocytes, and MDMs. Classical PKCs were found to positively regulate LPS-induced IL-12/23 p40 and IL-27 p28 mRNA expression and IL-12/23 p40, IL-23, and IL-27 secretion in primary human monocytes. Similarly, the classical PKCs were found to positively regulate IL-27 p28 mRNA expression and IL-27 secretion in THP-1 cells. However, classical PKCs did not regulate LPS-induced IL-27 production in MDMs, or LPS-induced IL-23 production in THP-1 cells. Overall, this demonstrates that classical PKCs differentially regulate LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 production in different myeloid cells.

IL-12 family cytokines IL-23 and IL-27 play an important role linking innate and adaptive immunity, and regulating T-cell responses. The production of IL-12, a structurally similar cytokine, is decreased in chronic HIV infection; therefore IL-23 and IL-27 may also be influenced by HIV infection. I hypothesized that HIV inhibits LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 production in human MDMs by suppressing the activation of signalling pathways regulating their expression. In vitro HIV-infection of MDMs did not have any effect on basal secretion of IL-23 or IL-27; however, HIV inhibited LPS-induced production of IL-12/23 p40 and IL-23 p19, and IL-27 EBI3 and IL-27 p28 mRNA expression, and IL-23, IL-12/23 p40 and IL-27 secretion. In order to evaluate the molecular mechanisms by which HIV inhibits IL-23 and IL-27 in LPS-stimulated MDMs, the signalling pathways regulating their expression were evaluated. The PI3K, p38 MAPK, and JNK MAPK pathways were found to positively regulate LPS-induced IL-27 secretion. Interestingly, in vitro HIV infection inhibited LPS-induced p38 and JNK MAPK activation in MDMs. In summary, I have shown that HIV inhibits IL-23 and IL-27 production in LPS-stimulated MDMs and that HIV may inhibit LPS-induced IL-27 production through the inhibition of p38 and JNK MAPK activation. It is currently unknown whether PKCs regulate LPS-induced IL-23 or IL-27 in human monocytes/macrophages. I demonstrated that classical PKCs differentially regulate LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 secretion within THP-1 cells, primary monocytes, and MDMs. Classical PKCs were found to positively regulate LPS-induced IL-12/23 p40 and IL-27 p28 mRNA expression and IL-12/23 p40, IL-23, and IL-27 secretion in primary human monocytes. Similarly, the classical PKCs were found to positively regulate IL-27 p28 mRNA expression and IL-27 secretion in THP-1 cells. However, classical PKCs did not regulate LPS-induced IL-27 production in MDMs, or LPS-induced IL-23 production in THP-1 cells. Overall, this demonstrates that classical PKCs differentially regulate LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 production in different myeloid cells.

IL-12 family cytokines IL-23 and IL-27 play an important role linking innate and adaptive immunity, and regulating T-cell responses. The production of IL-12, a structurally similar cytokine, is decreased in chronic HIV infection; therefore IL-23 and IL-27 may also be influenced by HIV infection. I hypothesized that HIV inhibits LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 production in human MDMs by suppressing the activation of signalling pathways regulating their expression. In vitro HIV-infection of MDMs did not have any effect on basal secretion of IL-23 or IL-27; however, HIV inhibited LPS-induced production of IL-12/23 p40 and IL-23 p19, and IL-27 EBI3 and IL-27 p28 mRNA expression, and IL-23, IL-12/23 p40 and IL-27 secretion. In order to evaluate the molecular mechanisms by which HIV inhibits IL-23 and IL-27 in LPS-stimulated MDMs, the signalling pathways regulating their expression were evaluated. The PI3K, p38 MAPK, and JNK MAPK pathways were found to positively regulate LPS-induced IL-27 secretion. Interestingly, in vitro HIV infection inhibited LPS-induced p38 and JNK MAPK activation in MDMs. In summary, I have shown that HIV inhibits IL-23 and IL-27 production in LPS-stimulated MDMs and that HIV may inhibit LPS-induced IL-27 production through the inhibition of p38 and JNK MAPK activation. It is currently unknown whether PKCs regulate LPS-induced IL-23 or IL-27 in human monocytes/macrophages. I demonstrated that classical PKCs differentially regulate LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 secretion within THP-1 cells, primary monocytes, and MDMs. Classical PKCs were found to positively regulate LPS-induced IL-12/23 p40 and IL-27 p28 mRNA expression and IL-12/23 p40, IL-23, and IL-27 secretion in primary human monocytes. Similarly, the classical PKCs were found to positively regulate IL-27 p28 mRNA expression and IL-27 secretion in THP-1 cells. However, classical PKCs did not regulate LPS-induced IL-27 production in MDMs, or LPS-induced IL-23 production in THP-1 cells. Overall, this demonstrates that classical PKCs differentially regulate LPS-induced IL-23 and IL-27 production in different myeloid cells.

Depuis plusieurs années, le tissu adipeux est reconnu comme un organe complexe et extrêmement important au maintien de l'homéostasie chez les mammifères. En effet, une dérégulation de sa taille et/ou de ses fonctions endocrines peut mener à l'apparition de nombreuses pathologies potentiellement mortelles, telles que le diabète de type II, l'hypertension ou encore des troubles cardiovasculaires. Ainsi, il est d'une importance capitale de bien comprendre les phénomènes moléculaires qui entourent la différenciation des cellules graisseuses afin de mieux réagir en clinique lors de l'apparition de telles conditions. Dans cette thèse, j'ai étudié le rôle d'une protéine kinase appelée dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase (DLK) dans la formation du tissu graisseux en utilisant un modèle cellulaire murin à différenciation inductible, les 3T3-L1. À l'aide d'approches pharmacologiques et d'ARN interférence, j'ai pu démontrer que cette protéine est essentielle à l'adipogenèse. En effet, une diminution de l'expression de DLK dans les cellules 3T3-L1 bloque la différenciation à un stade précoce, i.e. entre la liaison du facteur de transcription C/EBP[béta] à l'ADN et l'expression de ses gènes cibles, tels que C/EBP[alpha] et PPAR[gamma]. L'étude plus poussée des voies de signalisation des MAPKs à l'aide d'inhibiteurs pharmacologiques dans des cellules où l'expression de DLK a été diminuée a révélé que l'action bénéfique de DLK lors de la différenciation se situe au niveau de la voie ERK. En effet, l'induction de DLK au cours de l'adipogenèse résulte en une diminution de l'association des protéines KSR-1, Mek et ERK, ce qui mène à une diminution temporaire de l'activité de ERK et de la phosphorylation inhibitrice sur la sérine 82 du régulateur central de la différenciation des adipocytes, PPAR[gamma]. Finalement, nous avons pu déterminer que l'induction de DLK au cours de la différenciation des cellules graisseuses est modulée par PPAR[gamma].

Arsenical-induced carcinogenesis in human bladder has been established through epidemiological evidence, but unfortunately, no mode of action had been determined for this phenomenon. UROtsa cells, a normal, immortalized cell culture model of human urothelium does not form tumors when injected into immuno-compromised mice nor does it have anchorage-independent growth. UROtsa cells were shown to be malignantly transformed following low-level exposure to both arsenite [As(III)] and its more toxic metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)] providing additional models for studying arsenical-induced carcinogenesis of the bladder. These transformed cell lines allow researchers the ability to investigate the process of urothelial tumorigenesis at multiple time points of arsenical exposure. In the studies discussed here in, environmentally relevant levels of As(III) and MMA(III) were chosen. UROtsa cells were exposed to As(III) and MMA(III) both acutely and chronically to begin investigations into signaling pathway alterations that can lead to carcinogenesis in the human bladder upon exposure to arsenicals. In acute studies, it was shown that As(III) and MMA(III) generate oxidative stress response in UROtsa at low, environmentally relevant levels. The ROS generated by MMA(III) led to an increased 8-oxo-dG formation after 30 min, supporting the importance of MMA(III) in damage caused in the bladder by arsenicals. Because ROS has been linked to MAPK signaling, it was shown that 50 nM MMA(III) and 1 µM As(III) induce MAPK signaling following acute exposures and this increase is dependent on the production of ROS.Next, it was necessary to begin to look at changes that occur during transformation of UROtsa with MMA(III). Chronic exposure to 50 nM MMA(III) constitutively increases the amounts of EGFR, activated Ras, and COX-2 protein in MSC cells. Chronic upregulation of COX-2 in MSC52 cells is due to increased levels of ROS. Phenotypic changes seen in MSC52 cells (hyperproliferation and anchorage independent growth) are dependent on the secondary generation of excess ROS in MSC52 cells. These data clearly present evidence supporting a role for ROS in both acute and chronic toxicities associated with low-level arsenical exposure, and gives evidence that ROS are important in cellular transformation following MMA(III) exposure.

Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumour with a poor prognosis for patients with advanced disease because it is resistant to current therapies. Therefore, the development of novel strategies for melanoma treatment is important. The characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma proliferation, progression, and survival could help the development of novel targeted melanoma treatments. The MAPK and PI3K pathways both play important roles in melanoma progression. In the MAPK pathway, DUSP6, which acts as a phosphatase to negatively control the activation of ERK1/2, is involved in the development of human cancers. The MAPK pathway also regulates expression of the DNA repair gene ERCC1 following EGF treatment. ERCC1 is essential for nucleotide excision repair, which is one of the major systems for removal of cisplatin induced DNA lesions. The aims of this project were: 1, to investigate the molecular changes in our immortal mouse melanocyte cell lines that were needed for them to form tumours in a xenograft model; 2, to investigate whether the MAPK pathway regulates ERCC1 following cisplatin treatment and protects melanoma cells from death. Through comparison of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and the PI3K/AKT (AKT) signalling pathways between our immortal mouse melanocyte cell lines and their tumour derivatives in our xenograft model, we identified a molecularly distinct subtype of mouse melanoma characterized by reduced ERK and AKT activity and increased expression of DUSP6. Functional analyses employing ectopic overexpression indicated that increased expression of DUSP6 enhanced anchorage independent growth ability and invasive ability in our mouse melanocytes, suggesting that increased DUSP6 expression may contribute to melanoma formation in the xenograft assay. We also demonstrated that higher expression of p-ERK suppressed invasion, but not anchorage independent growth, in our subtype of mouse melanoma by enforced expression of constitutively active MEK1 and MEK2. In addition, the role of DUSP6 in classical human melanoma was investigated in this Genetic changes in melanoma progression study. Inhibition of anchorage independent growth and invasion were observed after exogenous expression of DUSP6 in human melanoma cells. This suggested that DUSP6 played different roles in classic human melanoma than in our distinct subtype of mouse melanoma. Our study also investigated the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 and the mRNA and protein level of ERCC1 and its partner XPF in the human melanoma cell line following cisplatin treatment. Significant increases in expression of p-ERK, ERCC1 and XPF were found in cisplatin treated cells. Moreover, a MEK inhibitor inhibited ERCC1 induction by cisplatin, but did not significantly affect XPF induction. This suggested that the MAPK pathway was involved in regulation of ERCC1 but not XPF. Furthermore, the DUSP6 level decreased after cisplatin treatment and overexpression of DUSP6 inhibited ERCC1 and XPF induction and reduced resistance to cisplatin. DUSP6 seems to play a crucial role in resistance of melanoma to cisplatin. In addition, a novel larger ERCC1 transcript was identified in human cell lines and was found to be upregulated by cisplatin. The ratio of larger ERCC1 transcript relative to the normal ERCC1 transcript increased following cisplatin treatment. The functions of this larger ERCC1 transcript in cisplatin resistance deserve further study.