Integrated approach to functional analysis of an ERBB2 variant of unknown significance detected by a cancer gene panel test

Purpose Dealing with variants of unknown significance (VUS) is an important issue in the clinical application of NGS-based cancer gene panel tests. We detected a novel ERBB2 extracellular domain VUS, c.1157A > G p.(E401G), in a cancer gene panel test. Since the mechanisms of activation by ERBB2 extracellular domain (ECD) variants are not fully understood, we aimed to clarify those mechanisms and the biological functions of ERBB2 E401G. Methods ERBB2 E401G was selected as VUS for analysis because multiple software tools predicted its pathogenicity. We prepared ERBB2 expression vectors with the E401G variant as well as vectors with S310F and E321G, which are known to be activating mutations. On the basis of wild-type ERBB2 or mutant ERBB2 expression in cell lines without ERBB2 amplification or variants, we evaluated the phosphorylation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and related proteins, and investigated with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation the mechanisms conferred by the variants. The biological effects of ERBB2 E401G were also investigated, both in vitro and in vivo. Results We found that ERBB2 E401G enhances C-terminal phosphorylation in a way similar to S310F. MD simulation analysis revealed that these variants maintain the stability of the EGFR-HER2 heterodimer in a ligand-independent manner. Moreover, ERBB2 E401G-transduced cells showed an increased invasive capacity in vitro and an increased tumor growth capacity in vivo. Conclusion Our results provide important information on the activating mechanisms of ERBB2 extracellular domain (ECD) variants and illustrate a model workflow integrating wet and dry bench processes for the analysis of VUS detected with cancer gene panel tests.

Autoantibody and hormone activation of the thyrotropin G protein-coupled receptor

Thyroid hormones are vital to growth and metabolism. Thyroid hormone synthesis is controlled by thyrotropin (TSH), which acts at the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR). Autoantibodies that activate the TSHR pathologically increase thyroid hormones in Graves' disease. How autoantibodies mimic TSH function remains unclear. We determined cryogenic-electron microscopy structures of active and inactive TSHR. In inactive TSHR, the extracellular domain lies close to the membrane bilayer. TSH selects an upright conformation of the extracellular domain due to steric clashes between a conserved hormone glycan and the membrane bilayer. An activating autoantibody selects a similar upright conformation of the extracellular domain. Conformational changes in the extracellular domain are transduced to the seven transmembrane domain via a conserved hinge domain, a tethered peptide agonist, and a phospholipid that binds within the seven transmembrane domain. Rotation of the TSHR ECD relative to the membrane bilayer is sufficient for receptor activation, revealing a shared mechanism for other glycoprotein hormone receptors that may also extend to G protein-coupled receptors with large extracellular domains.

Database of glutamate gated chloride (GluCl) subunits across 125 nematode species: patterns of gene accretion and sequence diversification

Glutamate Gated Chloride (GluCl) channels belong to the Cys-loop receptor superfamily. GluCl channels are activated by glutamate (Glu) and form substrates for the anti-parasitic drugs from the avermectin family. GluCl channels are pentameric, and each subunit contains an N-terminal extracellular domain that binds Glu and four helical transmembrane domains (TMs), which contain binding sites for avermectin drugs. In order to provide more insight into phylum-wide patterns of GluCl subunit gene expansion and sequence diversity across nematodes, we have developed a database of predicted GluCl subunit genes from 125 nematode species. Our analysis into this dataset described assorted patterns of species-specific GluCl gene counts across different nematodes as well as sequence diversity in key residues thought to be involved in avermectin binding.

Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain affects signaling of parathyroid hormone receptor 1

Parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R) is a member of the class B family of G protein-coupled receptors, which are characterized by a large extracellular domain required for ligand binding. We have previously shown that the extracellular domain of PTH1R is subject to metalloproteinase cleavage in vivo that is regulated by ligand-induced receptor trafficking and leads to impaired stability of PTH1R. In this work, we localize the cleavage site in the first loop of the extracellular domain using amino-terminal protein sequencing of purified receptor and by mutagenesis studies. We further show, that a receptor mutant not susceptible to proteolytic cleavage exhibits reduced signaling to Gs and increased activation of Gq/11 compared to wild-type PTH1R. These findings indicate that the extracellular domain modulates PTH1R signaling specificity.

Effects of Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoprotein E Carboxyl-Terminal Mutation on mRNA Vaccine Efficacy

Glycoprotein E (gE) is one of the most abundant glycoproteins in varicella-zoster virus and plays pivotal roles in virus replication and transmission between ganglia cells. Its extracellular domain has been successfully used as an antigen in subunit zoster vaccines. The intracellular C-terminal domain was reported to be decisive for gE trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum, trans-Golgi network and endosomes and could influence virus spread and virus titers. Considering that the trafficking and distribution of mRNA vaccine-translated gE may be different from those of gE translated against the background of the viral genome (e.g., most gE in virus-infected cells exists as heterodimers with another glycoprotein, gI,), which may influence the immunogenicity of gE-based mRNA vaccines, we compared the humoral and cellular immunity induced by LNP-encapsulated mRNA sequences encoding the whole length of gE, the extracellular domain of gE and a C-terminal double mutant of gE (mutant Y569A with original motif AYRV, which targets gE to TGN, and mutants S593A, S595A, T596A and T598A with the original motif SSTT) that were reported to enhance virus spread and elevate virus titers. The results showed that while the humoral and cellular immunity induced by all of the mRNA vaccines was comparable to or better than that induced by the AS01B-adjuvanted subunit vaccines, the C-terminal double mutant of gE showed stable advantages in all of the indicators tested, including gE-specific IgG titers and T cell responses, and could be adopted as a candidate for both safer varicella vaccines and effective zoster vaccines.

Structural insights into proteolytic activation of the human Dispatched1 transporter for Hedgehog morphogen release

The membrane protein Dispatched (Disp), which belongs to the RND family of small molecule transporters, is essential for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, by catalyzing the extracellular release of palmitate- and cholesterol-modified Hh ligands from producing cells. Disp function requires Furin-mediated proteolytic cleavage of its extracellular domain, but how this activates Disp remains obscure. Here, we employ cryo-electron microscopy to determine atomic structures of human Disp1 (hDisp1), before and after cleavage, and in complex with lipid-modified Sonic hedgehog (Shh) ligand. These structures, together with biochemical data, reveal that proteolytic cleavage opens the extracellular domain of hDisp1, removing steric hindrance to Shh binding. Structure-guided functional experiments demonstrate the role of hDisp1–Shh interactions in ligand release. Our results clarify the mechanisms of hDisp1 activation and Shh morphogen release, and highlight how a unique proteolytic cleavage event enabled acquisition of a protein substrate by a member of a family of small molecule transporters.

Germline and Somatic Variants of CSF3R Define Distinct Myeloid Neoplasia Syndromes

Somatic and germline (GL) variants of CSF3R are found in myeloid neoplasia (MN) and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). In particular, somatic gain-of-function mutations in the juxtamembrane region of the receptor occur in chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) or secondary AML. Another hotspot for somatic nonsense variants frequently mutated in these categories of pts involves the intracellular domain which regulates inhibitory growth pathways. We hypothesized that the somatic CSF3R variants could reveal previously unrecognized GL SCN mutations. When we studied a cohort of 2,610 pts with MN, we identified a total of 68 CSF3R variants (CSF3RMT). Using a bioanalytic pipeline, we assigned pathogenicity and type of origin (somatic vs. GL) to these variants, particularly those not previously described. In total, we found 32 GL (CSF3RGL) and 36 somatic (CSF3RS) mutations. Of the GL variants, 4 were previously described in pts with SCN consistent with heterozygous loss of function of the CSF3R gene. However, 15 additional alterations were located in similar regions and were predicted to be pathogenic while 13 variants were previously never described. Most of the CSF3RGL mutations were identified in pts with AML and MDS (88%). Interestingly, 2 (6%) pts had co-existing idiopathic neutropenia that progressed to secondary MDS. Another pt had aplastic anemia that eventually progressed to secondary AML. CSF3RGL were most often located in either the intracellular domain (44%) or the extracellular domain (34%) while none of the CSF3RGL mutations were found in the juxtamembrane region (Fig1). AML was detected in 21% of the pts with a CSF3RGL intracellular domain mutation and 18% of the pts with extracellular domain mutations. Of the germline missense variants, E808K (28%), R698C (9%), and E149D (9%) were the most frequently detected. Among the pts with E808K, 22% developed AML. The previously non-reported variants were detected in either the intracellular (50%) or the extracellular domain (50%). Missense variants were detected in 9/10 of the novel mutations in the following locations: L723V (20%), R428K (10%), G731R (10%), V406fs (10%), G687S (10%), P682H (10%), T154I (10%), and S413L (10%). One truncating mutation was found (c.1865-6delC) and it was located in intron 14 and has unknown impact on CSF3R function. Complex karyotype was noted in 19 % of the cases with CSF3RGL. DNMT3A (19%), NRAS (13%), FLT3 (9%), and BCOR (9%), were the most commonly found co-mutations. CSF3R S mutations were all heterozygous and found in 18 pts with AML and 18 pts with MDS and other MN. Overall, these lesions mapped within the intracellular proximal and distal domains (53%), the extracellular domain (14%) the juxtamembrane domain (25%), and the transmembrane domain (8%). Of note, MDS/MPN pts with CSF3RS mutations (11%) had lesions distributed between the intracellular, juxtamembrane and extracellular domains while none of the AML pts had mutations in the extracellular domain. Of all mutations, 36% were truncating events previously described in the context of post SCN AML while 61% were missense mutations. T618I was the most frequent CSF3RS detected (25%), followed by Q749X (11%), Q741X (9%), Q743X (6%). Juxtamembrane hits (CNL-like lesion) were all in the same canonical region (T618I). In contrast, somatic hits otherwise typical for post SCN AML were found in 33% of CSF3RS alterations and included the following: Q749X(4), Q741X (3), Q739X (2), S742X, Q743X, and E405K (not typical for post SCN AML). Taken together the combined allelic burden of these variants did not exceed that of general population (OR: 0.9503) suggesting that they are not significant risk alleles. Of note is that none of these variants were found to be in biallelic (somatic/GL) configurations. Complex karyotype was found in 19% of the pts with CSF3RS followed by del7q in 13% of cases. Importantly, an antecedent history of neutropenia was noted only in 14% of the pts carrying CSF3RS. Regarding associated mutations, ASXL1 (43%), RUNX1 (23%), SETBP1 (23%), TET2 (23%), DNMT3A (17%), SRSF2 (16%), EZH2 (14%), IDH2 (11%), and NRAS (11%) were the most common co-mutations. We have investigated CSF3RS mutations for the presence of GL alterations, but compound heterozygous configurations were not identified. We concluded that CSF3R mutations typically associated with SCN transformation to myeloid neoplasia can occur without GL variants associated with this defect. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Balasubramanian: Servier Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Patel: Apellis: Consultancy, Other: educational talks, Speakers Bureau; Alexion: Consultancy, Other: educational talks, Speakers Bureau. Advani: Kite Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; OBI: Research Funding; Immunogen: Research Funding; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Macrogenics: Research Funding. Carraway: AbbVie: Other: Independent review committee; Agios: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Stemline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Other: Independent review committee; Astex: Other: Independent review committee; Jazz: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene, a Bristol Myers Squibb company: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Maciejewski: Novartis: Consultancy; Regeneron: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb/Celgene: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy.

Snake Venom Botrocetin Induces GPIb-Independent Platelet Aggregation

Abstract Introduction：Snake venom-derived botrocetin facilitates von Willebrand factor (VWF) binding to GPIbα, and has been used clinically for the detection of von Willebrand disease (VWD) and GPIb-related disorders. Botrocetin has also been widely used experimentally for the development and characterization of potential antithrombotic drugs targeting the GPIb-VWF axis. Although compelling evidence suggests GPIb is responsible for botrocetin-induced VWF binding and platelet aggregation, some reports suggest that botrocetin could induce platelet aggregation in some Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) patients who lack a functional GPIb complex. However, the alternative mechanism for botrocetin-induced BSS platelet aggregation and the receptor(s) mediating this action are unclear. Methods: Botrocetin was purified from the lyophilized venom of Bothrops jararaca using ion-exchange column chromatography. Light transmission aggregometry assay was performed using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from human, wild type (WT) mice, GPIbα-deficient mice, αIIbβ3-deficient mice and VWF-deficient mice, or CHO cells stably transfected with αIIbβ3 integrin. O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase (OSGE) was used to cleave the N-terminal extracellular domain of GPIbα. The binding of botrocetin, VWF and fibrinogen to platelets from WT or the gene-deficient mice were measured by flow cytometry. Antibodies against GPIbα (SZ2, NIT A) and integrin αIIbβ3 (abciximab, JON/A, M1, PSI E1) were used to investigate the binding site of botrocetin. Perfusion chamber assay was used to measure thrombus formation under different shear stresses. Results: We discovered that botrocetin induced aggregation of human platelets lacking the N-terminal extracellular domain of GPIbα and platelets from GPIbα-deficient mice in the presence of VWF. This VWF-dependent, GPIbα-independent platelet aggregation induced by botrocetin was inhibited by αIIbβ3 antagonists. Botrocetin also induced aggregation of CHO cells stably transfected with αIIbβ3 in VWF-dependent manner. Further experiments with gel-filtered platelets showed that botrocetin competitively bound to the ligand-binding area exposed on αIIbβ3 and blocked fibrinogen and other ligands from binding to the active state of αIIbβ3 in the absence of VWF. Botrocetin inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in VWF-deficient mice. Conclusion: Integrin αIIbβ3 is the alternative receptor that mediates VWF-dependent, GPIb-independent platelet aggregation induced by botrocetin. However, via targeting αIIbβ3, botrocetin itself inhibits platelet aggregation in the absence of VWF. These results demonstrate versatility in the mechanism of botrocetin, which may provide snakes containing this toxin the adaptability necessary to aggregate platelets/thrombocytes of different prey or predators. Our data reveals a previously unknown role of botrocetin in the integrin-VWF interaction and also provides insight into developing new antithrombotic drugs that target the active conformation of integrin αIIbβ3. The target switching of botrocetin between GPIb-VWF and αIIbβ3-VWF may explain the possible misdiagnosis of the GPIb-related congenital disorders evaluated by botrocetin. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.