Michael Wei, MD, PhD

All Publications

• CBP modulates sensitivity to dasatinib in pre-BCR+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer research Duque-Afonso, J., Lin, C., Han, K., Morgens, D. W., Jeng, E. E., Weng, Z., Jeong, J., Wong, S. H., Zhu, L., Wei, M. C., Chae, H., Schrappe, M., Cario, G., Duyster, J., Sakamoto, K. M., Bassik, M. C., Cleary, M. L. 2018

  Abstract

  Dasatinib is a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but its efficacy is limited by resistance. Recent preclinical studies suggest that dasatinib may be a candidate therapy in additional ALL subtypes including pre-BCR+ ALL. Here we utilized shRNA library screening and global transcriptomic analysis to identify several novel genes and pathways that may enhance dasatinib efficacy or mitigate potential resistance in human pre-BCR+ ALL. Depletion of the transcriptional co-activator CBP increased dasatinib sensitivity by activating transcription of the pre-BCR signaling pathway previously associated with dasatinib sensitivity. Acquired resistance was due in part to upregulation of alternative pathways including WNT through a mechanism suggesting transcriptional plasticity. Small molecules that disrupt CBP interactions with the CREB KID domain or beta-catenin showed promising preclinical efficacy in combination with dasatinib. These findings highlight novel modulators of sensitivity to targeted therapies in human pre-BCR+ ALL, which can be reversed by small molecules inhibitors. They also identify promising therapeutic approaches to ameliorate dasatinib sensitivity and prevent resistance in ALL.

  View details for PubMedID 30262461

• SETDB2 Links E2A-PBX1 to Cell-Cycle Dysregulation in Acute Leukemia through CDKN2C Repression. Cell reports Lin, C., Wong, S. H., Kurzer, J. H., Schneidawind, C., Wei, M. C., Duque-Afonso, J., Jeong, J., Feng, X., Cleary, M. L. 2018; 23 (4): 1166–77

  Abstract

  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, necessitating further improvements in diagnosis and therapy. Targeted therapies directed against chromatin regulators are emerging as promising approaches in preclinical studies and early clinical trials. Here, we demonstrate an oncogenic role for the protein lysine methyltransferase SETDB2 in leukemia pathogenesis. It is overexpressed in pre-BCR+ ALL and required for their maintenance invitro and invivo. SETDB2 expression is maintained as a direct target gene of the chimeric transcription factor E2A-PBX1 in a subset of ALL and suppresses expression of the cell-cycle inhibitor CDKN2C through histone H3K9 tri-methylation, thus establishing an oncogenic pathway subordinate to E2A-PBX1 that silences a major tumor suppressor in ALL. In contrast, SETDB2 was relatively dispensable for normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell proliferation. SETDB2 knockdown enhances sensitivity to kinase and chromatin inhibitors, providing a mechanistic rationale for targeting SETDB2 therapeutically in ALL.

  View details for PubMedID 29694893

• CD47 is not Over-Expressed in Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma ANNALS OF CLINICAL AND LABORATORY SCIENCE Cooney, T., Wei, M. C., Rangaswami, A., Xu, L., Sage, J., Hazard, F. K. 2017; 47 (4): 395–402

  Abstract

  CD47 is a transmembrane receptor that inhibits phagocytosis. Over-expression of CD47 is associated with an increased risk of tumor growth and metastasis. Clinical trials based on anti-CD47 therapy in adults are underway in a variety of malignancies. CD47 has been shown to be over-expressed in conventional hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common liver tumor in adults. To our knowledge, there have been no studies to evaluate CD47 expression in the fibrolamellar subtype of HCC (FL-HCC), common in children and young adults. This study will evaluate CD47 expression in FL-HCC and shed light on its suitability for anti-CD47 therapy.Using immunohistochemistry, 10 samples of FL-HCC from 8 patients were evaluated for CD47 (anti-phagocytic) and calreticulin (pro-phagocytic) expression. By direct comparison, CD47 and calreticulin expression were evaluated in 21 samples of conventional HCC. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing to detect CD47 mRNA expression was performed on fresh tissue from 1 FL-HCC institutional patient and previously published sequencing data from 20 additional samples was reviewed.Immunohistochemistry showed only weak CD47 expression in 20% of FL-HCC samples. In contrast, 57% of conventional HCC samples showed CD47 expression. All (100%) FL-HCC samples showed moderate or strong calreticulin expression. The difference between CD47 and calreticulin expression in FL-HCC is statistically significant (p=0.0007). Transcriptome sequencing revealed no difference in CD47 expression between FL-HCC and normal liver samples.CD47 is not over-expressed in FL-HCC. Our studies provide no support for expanding ongoing clinical trials in adults to include children and young adults with FL-HCC.

  View details for PubMedID 28801364

• E2A-PBX1 remodels oncogenic signaling networks in B-cell precursor acute lymphoid leukemia. Cancer research Duque-Afonso, J., Lin, C., Han, K., Wei, M. C., Feng, J., Kurzer, J., Schneidawind, C., Wong, S. H., Bassik, M. C., Cleary, M. L. 2016

  Abstract

  There is limited understanding of how signaling pathways are altered by oncogenic fusion transcription factors that drive leukemogenesis. To address this, we interrogated activated signaling pathways in a comparative analysis of mouse and human leukemias expressing the fusion protein E2A-PBX1, which is present in 5%-7% of pediatric and 50% of pre-B-cell receptor (preBCR(+)) acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). In this study, we describe remodeling of signaling networks by E2A-PBX1 in pre-B-ALL, which results in hyperactivation of the key oncogenic effector enzyme PLCγ2. Depletion of PLCγ2 reduced proliferation of mouse and human ALLs, including E2A-PBX1 leukemias, and increased disease-free survival after secondary transplantation. Mechanistically, E2A-PBX1 bound promoter regulatory regions and activated the transcription of its key target genes ZAP70, SYK, and LCK, which encode kinases upstream of PLCγ2. Depletion of the respective upstream kinases decreased cell proliferation and phosphorylated levels of PLCγ2 (pPLCγ2). Pairwise silencing of ZAP70, SYK, or LCK showed additive effects on cell growth inhibition, providing a rationale for combination therapy with inhibitors of these kinases. Accordingly, inhibitors such as the SRC family kinase (SFK) inhibitor dasatinib reduced pPLCγ2 and inhibited proliferation of human and mouse preBCR(+)/E2A-PBX1(+) leukemias in vitro and in vivo Furthermore, combining small-molecule inhibition of SYK, LCK, and SFK showed synergistic interactions and preclinical efficacy in the same setting. Our results show how the oncogenic fusion protein E2A-PBX1 perturbs signaling pathways upstream of PLCγ2 and renders leukemias amenable to targeted therapeutic inhibition. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6937-49. ©2016 AACR.

  View details for PubMedID 27758892

• Oncogenic Role for the Lck/ZAP70/PLCG2 Signaling Pathway in Pre-B-ALL Pathogenesis Duque-Afonso, J., Wei, M. C., Lin, C., Feng, J., Buechele, C., Wong, S., Bassik, M. C., Cleary, M. L. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2015

  View details for Web of Science ID 000368019002247

• The H3K4-Methyl Epigenome Regulates Leukemia Stem Cell Oncogenic Potential CANCER CELL Wong, S. H., Goode, D. L., Iwasaki, M., Wei, M. C., Kuo, H., Zhu, L., Schneidawind, D., Duque-Afonso, J., Weng, Z., Cleary, M. L. 2015; 28 (2): 198-209

  Abstract

  The genetic programs that maintain leukemia stem cell (LSC) self-renewal and oncogenic potential have been well defined; however, the comprehensive epigenetic landscape that sustains LSC cellular identity and functionality is less well established. We report that LSCs in MLL-associated leukemia reside in an epigenetic state of relative genome-wide high-level H3K4me3 and low-level H3K79me2. LSC differentiation is associated with reversal of these broad epigenetic profiles, with concomitant downregulation of crucial MLL target genes and the LSC maintenance transcriptional program that is driven by the loss of H3K4me3, but not H3K79me2. The H3K4-specific demethylase KDM5B negatively regulates leukemogenesis in murine and human MLL-rearranged AML cells, demonstrating a crucial role for the H3K4 global methylome in determining LSC fate.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ccell.2015.06.003

  View details for Web of Science ID 000359509200009

  View details for PubMedID 26190263

• Novel methods and approaches to acute lymphoblastic leukemia drug discovery. Expert opinion on drug discovery Wei, M. C., Cleary, M. L. 2014; 9 (12): 1435-1446

  Abstract

  Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a significant cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Major advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of ALL have uncovered new disease-associated biomarkers that can be targeted by biological and small-molecule therapeutics.In this review, the authors examine novel approaches to target and drug discovery in ALL over the past 10 years. Cell surface antigens can be targeted by engineered mAbs and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Detailed mechanistic studies in Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL and ALL with mixed lineage leukemia rearrangements highlight current molecular approaches to target and drug discovery. Genomic technologies have uncovered genetic alterations that are potentially targetable. In addition, phenotypic screening can uncover unexpected targets. New targets in ALL include cell surface antigens, kinases, tumor suppressors, transcription factors, epigenetic regulators and metabolic enzymes.There are a number of effective approaches for discovering novel targets in ALL. Target validation is essential for further development of new therapeutics. Identifying select patient subsets with specific genetic vulnerabilities will be important in moving these therapeutics forward clinically.

  View details for DOI 10.1517/17460441.2014.956720

  View details for PubMedID 25212992

• Next-Generation NAMPT Inhibitors Identified by Sequential High-Throughput Phenotypic Chemical and Functional Genomic Screens. Chemistry & biology Matheny, C. J., Wei, M. C., Bassik, M. C., Donnelly, A. J., Kampmann, M., Iwasaki, M., Piloto, O., Solow-Cordero, D. E., Bouley, D. M., Rau, R., Brown, P., McManus, M. T., Weissman, J. S., Cleary, M. L. 2013; 20 (11): 1352-1363

  Abstract

  Phenotypic high-throughput chemical screens allow for discovery of small molecules that modulate complex phenotypes and provide lead compounds for novel therapies; however, identification of the mechanistically relevant targets remains a major experimental challenge. We report the application of sequential unbiased high-throughput chemical and ultracomplex small hairpin RNA (shRNA) screens to identify a distinctive class of inhibitors that target nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT), a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a crucial cofactor in many biochemical processes. The lead compound STF-118804 is a highly specific NAMPT inhibitor, improves survival in an orthotopic xenotransplant model of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and targets leukemia stem cells. Tandem high-throughput screening using chemical and ultracomplex shRNA libraries, therefore, provides a rapid chemical genetics approach for seamless progression from small-molecule lead identification to target discovery and validation.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.09.014

  View details for PubMedID 24183972

• High Throughput Sequencing of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Small RNAs Wei, M. C., Osborn, E. O., Cleary, M. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2010: 1500

  View details for Web of Science ID 000289662204070

• Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Immunocompromised Patients Single Institution Experience JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY Wei, M. C., Banaei, N., Yakrus, M. A., Stoll, T., Gutierrez, K. M., Agarwal, R. 2009; 31 (8): 556-560

  Abstract

  Disseminated infection due to nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) species is rare in pediatrics. Here we report 6 infections affecting 5 patients at a single institution in an immunocompromised population of pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant recipients. The patients presented within a 1-year period with catheter-associated bacteremia. New pulmonary nodules were noted in 4 of the 5 patients. All of the infections were due to rapidly growing NTM. Patients were successfully treated with removal of the infected catheter and combination antibiotic therapy. There are currently no consensus guidelines for treatment of NTM infections in this population, and a therapeutic approach is presented here.

  View details for PubMedID 19641470

• Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma presenting as fulminant hepatic failure in a pediatric patient: A case report with pathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular findings APPLIED IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR MORPHOLOGY Woolf, K. M., Wei, M. C., Link, M. P., Arber, D. A., Warnke, R. A. 2008; 16 (2): 196-201

  Abstract

  A 7-year-old boy presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring liver transplant. Serologic testing ruled out infectious and autoimmune causes. During transplant surgery he was found to have enlarged periportal lymph nodes that were biopsied. Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed based on histologic examination of the lymph node and liver. The L&H cells within the lymph node were positive for CD20 whereas those within the liver were not, although they were positive for other B-cell markers. After extensive work-up, the cause of liver failure could only be attributed to the involvement by lymphoma. In addition, B-cell clonality was established among the neoplastic cells with the same clone detected in all sampled tissues. Hodgkin lymphoma as a cause of hepatic failure is rare and has not been previously reported in a pediatric patient.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000253788700016

  View details for PubMedID 18227720

• Recalcitrant cutaneous langerhans cell histiocytosis in a child with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Khuu, P., Bruckner, A., Wei, M., Lacavo, N., George, T. J., Zehnder, J., Jeng, M. WILEY-LISS. 2007: 757–58

  View details for Web of Science ID 000246239900056

• CpG island methylator phenotype and childhood leukemia CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Lacayo, N. J., Di Martino, J. F., Wei, M. C., Dahl, G. V. 2006; 12 (16): 4787-4789

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-06-0651

  View details for PubMedID 16914562

• Bcl-2-related genes in lymphoid neoplasia INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY Wei, M. C. 2004; 80 (3): 205-209

  Abstract

  The proto-oncogene BCL-2 was discovered with the cloning of the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation responsible for human follicular lymphoma. Since then other members of the Bcl-2 family of cell death regulators have been identified and their roles in cell death, normal lymphoid development, and lymphoid neoplasia have been characterized. Bcl-2 family members are important in tumor initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy, and altered expression levels of various members serve as prognostic markers in many lymphoid malignancies. There are promising cancer therapeutics now targeted at members of the Bcl-2 family.

  View details for DOI 10.1532/IJH97.04110

  View details for Web of Science ID 000224672700001

  View details for PubMedID 15540893

• BCL-2, BCL-X-L sequester BH3 domain-only molecules preventing BAX- and BAK-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis MOLECULAR CELL Cheng, E. H., Wei, M. C., Weiler, S., Flavell, R. A., Mak, T. W., LINDSTEN, T., Korsmeyer, S. J. 2001; 8 (3): 705-711

  Abstract

  Critical issues in apoptosis include the importance of caspases versus organelle dysfunction, dominance of anti- versus proapoptotic BCL-2 members, and whether commitment occurs upstream or downstream of mitochondria. Here, we show cells deficient for the downstream effectors Apaf-1, Caspase-9, or Caspase-3 display only transient protection from "BH3 domain-only" molecules and die a caspase-independent death by mitochondrial dysfunction. Cells with an upstream defect, lacking "multidomain" BAX, BAK demonstrate long-term resistance to all BH3 domain-only members, including BAD, BIM, and NOXA. Comparison of wild-type versus mutant BCL-2, BCL-X(L) indicates these antiapoptotics sequester BH3 domain-only molecules in stable mitochondrial complexes, preventing the activation of BAX, BAK. Thus, in mammals, BH3 domain-only molecules activate multidomain proapoptotic members to trigger a mitochondrial pathway, which both releases cytochrome c to activate caspases and initiates caspase-independent mitochondrial dysfunction.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000171251500024

  View details for PubMedID 11583631

• Proapoptotic BAX and BAK: A requisite gateway to mitochondrial dysfunction and death SCIENCE Wei, M. C., Zong, W. X., Cheng, E. H., LINDSTEN, T., Panoutsakopoulou, V., Ross, A. J., Roth, K. A., MacCregor, G. R., Thompson, C. B., Korsmeyer, S. J. 2001; 292 (5517): 727-730

  Abstract

  Multiple death signals influence mitochondria during apoptosis, yet the critical initiating event for mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo has been unclear. tBID, the caspase-activated form of a "BH3-domain-only" BCL-2 family member, triggers the homooligomerization of "multidomain" conserved proapoptotic family members BAK or BAX, resulting in the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. We find that cells lacking both Bax and Bak, but not cells lacking only one of these components, are completely resistant to tBID-induced cytochrome c release and apoptosis. Moreover, doubly deficient cells are resistant to multiple apoptotic stimuli that act through disruption of mitochondrial function: staurosporine, ultraviolet radiation, growth factor deprivation, etoposide, and the endoplasmic reticulum stress stimuli thapsigargin and tunicamycin. Thus, activation of a "multidomain" proapoptotic member, BAX or BAK, appears to be an essential gateway to mitochondrial dysfunction required for cell death in response to diverse stimuli.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000168478300051

  View details for PubMedID 11326099

• A reversible component of mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in apoptosis can be rescued by exogenous cytochrome c EMBO JOURNAL Mootha, V. K., Wei, M. C., Buttle, K. F., Scorrano, L., Panoutsakopoulou, V., Mannella, C. A., Korsmeyer, S. J. 2001; 20 (4): 661-671

  Abstract

  Multiple apoptotic pathways release cytochrome c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space, resulting in the activation of downstream caspases. In vivo activation of Fas (CD95) resulted in increased permeability of the mitochondrial outer membrane and depletion of cytochrome c stores. Serial measurements of oxygen consumption, NADH redox state and membrane potential revealed a loss of respiratory state transitions. This tBID-induced respiratory failure did not require any caspase activity. At early time points, re-addition of exogenous cytochrome c markedly restored respiratory functions. Over time, however, mitochondria showed increasing irreversible respiratory dysfunction as well as diminished calcium buffering. Electron microscopy and tomographic reconstruction revealed asymmetric mitochondria with blebs of herniated matrix, distended inner membrane and partial loss of cristae structure. Thus, apoptogenic redistribution of cytochrome c is responsible for a distinct program of mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction, in addition to the activation of downstream caspases.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000167087200004

  View details for PubMedID 11179211

• Posttranslational N-myristoylation of BID as a molecular switch for targeting mitochondria and apoptosis SCIENCE Zha, J. P., Weiler, S., Oh, K. J., Wei, M. C., Korsmeyer, S. J. 2000; 290 (5497): 1761-1765

  Abstract

  Many apoptotic molecules relocate subcellularly in cells undergoing apoptosis. The pro-apoptotic protein BID underwent posttranslational (rather than classic cotranslational) N-myristoylation when cleavage by caspase 8 caused exposure of a glycine residue. N-myristoylation enabled the targeting of a complex of p7 and myristoylated p15 fragments of BID to artificial membranes bearing the lipid composition of mitochondria, as well as to intact mitochondria. This post-proteolytic N-myristoylation serves as an activating switch, enhancing BID-induced release of cytochrome c and cell death.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000165632400042

  View details for PubMedID 11099414

• Pro-apoptotic cascade activates BID, which oligomerizes BAK or BAX into pores that result in the release of cytochrome c CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION Korsmeyer, S. J., Wei, M. C., Saito, M., Weller, S., Oh, K. J., Schlesinger, P. H. 2000; 7 (12): 1166-1173

  Abstract

  We review data supporting a model in which activated tBID results in an allosteric activation of BAK, inducing its intramembranous oligomerization into a proposed pore for cytochrome c efflux. The BH3 domain of tBID is not required for targeting but remains on the mitochondrial surface where it is required to trigger BAK to release cytochrome c. tBID functions not as a pore-forming protein but as a membrane targeted and concentrated death ligand. tBID induces oligomerization of BAK, and both Bid and Bak knockout mice indicate the importance of this event in the release of cytochrome c. In parallel, the full pro-apoptotic member BAX, which is highly homologous to BAK, rapidly forms pores in liposomes that release intravesicular FITC-cytochrome c approximately 20A. A definable pore progressed from approximately 11A consisting of two BAX molecules to a approximately 22A pore comprised of four BAX molecules, which transported cytochrome c. Thus, an activation cascade of pro-apoptotic proteins from BID to BAK or BAX integrates the pathway from surface death receptors to the irreversible efflux of cytochrome c. Cell Death and Differentiation (2000) 7, 1166 - 1173

  View details for Web of Science ID 000166010000004

  View details for PubMedID 11175253

• tBID, a membrane-targeted death ligand, oligomerizes BAK to release cytochrome c GENES & DEVELOPMENT Wei, M. C., LINDSTEN, T., Mootha, V. K., Weiler, S., Gross, A., Ashiya, M., Thompson, C. B., Korsmeyer, S. J. 2000; 14 (16): 2060-2071

  Abstract

  TNFR1/Fas engagement results in the cleavage of cytosolic BID to truncated tBID, which translocates to mitochondria. Immunodepletion and gene disruption indicate BID is required for cytochrome c release. Surprisingly, the three-dimensional structure of this BH3 domain-only molecule revealed two hydrophobic alpha-helices suggesting tBID itself might be a pore-forming protein. Instead, we demonstrate that tBID functions as a membrane-targeted death ligand in which an intact BH3 domain is required for cytochrome c release, but not for targeting. Bak-deficient mitochondria and blocking antibodies reveal tBID binds to its mitochondrial partner BAK to release cytochrome c, a process independent of permeability transition. Activated tBID results in an allosteric activation of BAK, inducing its intramembranous oligomerization into a proposed pore for cytochrome c efflux, integrating the pathway from death receptors to cell demise.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000088871600008

  View details for PubMedID 10950869

• Transduced p16(INK4a) peptides inhibit hypophosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein and cell cycle progression prior to activation of Cdk2 complexes in late G(1) CANCER RESEARCH Gius, D. R., Ezhevsky, S. A., Becker-Hapak, M., Nagahara, H., Wei, M. C., Dowdy, S. F. 1999; 59 (11): 2577-2580

  Abstract

  Progression of cells through the G1 phase of the cell cycle requires cyclin D:Cdk4/6 and cyclin E:Cdk2 complexes; however, the duration and ordering of these complexes remain unclear. To address this, we synthesized a peptidyl mimetic of the Cdk4/6 inhibitor, p16INK4a that contained an NH2-terminal TAT protein transduction domain. Transduction of TAT-p16 wild-type peptides into cells resulted in the loss of active, hypophosphorylated pRb and elicited an early G1 cell cycle arrest, provided cyclin E:Cdk2 complexes were inactive. We conclude that cyclin D:Cdk4/6 activity is required for early G1 phase cell cycle progression up to, but not beyond, activation of cyclin E:Cdk2 complexes at the restriction point and is thus nonredundant with cyclin E:Cdk2 in late G1.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000080712700015

  View details for PubMedID 10363976

• Caspase cleaved BID targets mitochondria and is required for cytochrome c release, while BCL-X-L prevents this release but not tumor necrosis factor-R1/Fas death JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY Gross, A., Yin, X. M., Wang, K., Wei, M. C., Jockel, J., Millman, C., Erdjument-Bromage, H., Tempst, P., Korsmeyer, S. J. 1999; 274 (2): 1156-1163

  Abstract

  "BH3 domain only" members of the BCL-2 family including the pro-apoptotic molecule BID represent candidates to connect with proximal signal transduction. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) treatment induced a caspase-mediated cleavage of cytosolic, inactive p22 BID at internal Asp sites to yield a major p15 and minor p13 and p11 fragments. p15 BID translocates to mitochondria as an integral membrane protein. p15 BID within cytosol targeted normal mitochondria and released cytochrome c. Immunodepletion of p15 BID prevents cytochrome c release. In vivo, anti-Fas Ab results in the appearance of p15 BID in the cytosol of hepatocytes which translocates to mitochondria where it releases cytochrome c. Addition of activated caspase-8 to normal cytosol generates p15 BID which is also required in this system for release of cytochrome c. In the presence of BCL-XL/BCL-2, TNFalpha still induced BID cleavage and p15 BID became an integral mitochondrial membrane protein. However, BCL-XL/BCL-2 prevented the release of cytochrome c, yet other aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction still transpired and cells died nonetheless. Thus, while BID appears to be required for the release of cytochrome c in the TNF death pathway, the release of cytochrome c may not be required for cell death.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000077968500079

  View details for PubMedID 9873064

• Enforced dimerization of BAX results in its translocation, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis EMBO JOURNAL Gross, A., Jockel, J., Wei, M. C., Korsmeyer, S. J. 1998; 17 (14): 3878-3885

  Abstract

  Expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule BAX has been shown to induce cell death. While BAX forms both homo- and heterodimers, questions remain concerning its native conformation in vivo and which moiety is functionally active. Here we demonstrate that a physiologic death stimulus, the withdrawal of interleukin-3 (IL-3), resulted in the translocation of monomeric BAX from the cytosol to the mitochondria where it could be cross-linked as a BAX homodimer. In contrast, cells protected by BCL-2 demonstrated a block in this process in that BAX did not redistribute or homodimerize in response to a death signal. To test the functional consequence of BAX dimerization, we expressed a chimeric FKBP-BAX molecule. Enforced dimerization of FKBP-BAX by the bivalent ligand FK1012 resulted in its translocation to mitochondria and induced apoptosis. Caspases were activated yet caspase inhibitors did not block death; cytochrome c was not released detectably despite the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, enforced dimerization of BAX overrode the protection by BCL-XL and IL-3 to kill cells. These data support a model in which a death signal results in the activation of BAX. This conformational change in BAX manifests in its translocation, mitochondrial membrane insertion and homodimerization, and a program of mitochondrial dysfunction that results in cell death.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000074980000009

  View details for PubMedID 9670005

• Hypo-phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) by cyclin D:Cdk4/6 complexes results in active pRb PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Ezhevsky, S. A., Nagahara, H., VoceroAkbani, A. M., Gius, D. R., Wei, M. C., Dowdy, S. F. 1997; 94 (20): 10699-10704

  Abstract

  In cycling cells, the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) is un- and/or hypo-phosphorylated in early G1 and becomes hyper-phosphorylated in late G1. The role of hypo-phosphorylation and identity of the relevant kinase(s) remains unknown. We show here that hypo-phosphorylated pRb associates with E2F in vivo and is therefore active. Increasing the intracellular concentration of the Cdk4/6 specific inhibitor p15(INK4b) by transforming growth factor beta treatment of keratinocytes results in G1 arrest and loss of hypo-phosphorylated pRb with an increase in unphosphorylated pRb. Conversely, p15(INK4b)-independent transforming growth factor beta-mediated G1 arrest of hepatocellular carcinoma cells results in loss of Cdk2 kinase activity with continued Cdk6 kinase activity and pRb remains only hypo-phosphorylated. Introduction of the Cdk4/6 inhibitor p16(INK4a) protein into cells by fusion to a protein transduction domain also prevents pRb hypo-phosphorylation with an increase in unphosphorylated pRb. We conclude that cyclin D:Cdk4/6 complexes hypo-phosphorylate pRb in early G1 allowing continued E2F binding.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1997XY99800040

  View details for PubMedID 9380698