PI3K signalling and T lymphocyte development
Lead Research Organisation:
Babraham Institute
Department Name: Immunology
Abstract
T lymphocytes, so-called because they develop in the Thymus, are a type of white blood cell crucial for the function of the immune system. Aberrant function of these cells is associated with immunodeficiency (e.g. AIDS) or autoimmunity (e.g. type I diabetes, rheumatioid arthritis). T lymphocytes are derived from blood stem cells and complete their maturation in the thymus, an organ located near the heart that has evolved specifically to provide an environment that promotes T cell development. The developmental stages haematopoietic stem cells pass through as they mature into T lymphocytes have been relatively well-characterised. This has allowed the identification of key regulatory checkpoints that cells must pass through in order to develop further. One of these checkpoints is called beta-selection. In order to pass through this checkpoint cells must generate specific signals which bring about changes in gene expression and allows the cells to divide. The beta-selection signal is also necessary for cells to survive. We have identified some of the genes which are responsible for generating the beta-selection signal. These genes which are called phosphatidylinositol-3- kinases are potential drug targets which are being actively investigated by many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Our project proposal is to pursue experiments which will increase our understanding of how signalling by phosphatidylinositol-3- kinases is regulated by cell surface receptors and how this is integrated with upstream and downstream processes. It is reasonable to assert that general principles learned from study of early T lympchocyte differentiation may be reiterated at subsequent developmental stages. Thus, we believe our work on early T cell development may be relevant to processes important for the activation of mature T lymphocytes in health and disease.
Technical Summary
We have provided evidence that the gamma and delta isoforms of PI3K play an important role in T cell development at the beta-selection step where they regulate growth and proliferation. We show data that demonstrates the P101 protein is required in T cell development. As P101 is the adapter that links P110gamma to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) this suggests that a GPCR may be involved in beta-selection. We propose to test for the physical association of CXCR4 with the pre-T cell receptor (pre-TCR) by applying a combination of biochemistry, cell biology and imaging technologies to pre T cell tumour lines and to untransformed cells expanded from haematopoietic progenitor cells by culture on OP9-DL1 cells. We will use a specific inhibitor of CXCR4 called AMD3100 to test the requirement for signalling by this receptor in the context of preTCR signalling. We have also shown data in this proposal that demonstrates the input of activated Ras is required for the proper function of P110gamma in the context of beta-selection. We will extend this finding to determine if PI3K required for Ras mediated signalling in beta-selection. Furthermore, we will also the ability of PI3K effectors to rescue the phenotype of p110gamma/delta double mutant thymocytes. These studies should provide mechanistic insights to complement our genetic studies. Further mechanistic insights should be gained by measuring signalling and gene expression in mutant thymocytes sorted as pure populations by flow cytometry.
Organisations
Publications
Hodson DJ
(2010)
Deletion of the RNA-binding proteins ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 leads to perturbed thymic development and T lymphoblastic leukemia.
in Nature immunology
Janas ML
(2008)
The effect of deleting p110delta on the phenotype and function of PTEN-deficient B cells.
in Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Janas ML
(2010)
Stromal cell-derived factor 1a and CXCR4: newly defined requirements for efficient thymic ß-selection.
in Trends in immunology
Janas ML
(2010)
Thymic development beyond beta-selection requires phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation by CXCR4.
in The Journal of experimental medicine
Janas ML
(2011)
Interaction of Ras with p110? is required for thymic ß-selection in the mouse.
in Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
Saunders A
(2010)
Putative GTPase GIMAP1 is critical for the development of mature B and T lymphocytes.
in Blood
Schroeder JH
(2013)
Pharmacological inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 regulates T cell development in vitro.
in PloS one
Description | research underpinned development of anticancer drug |
Exploitation Route | application to other diseases |
Sectors | Healthcare |
URL | http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Publications/babraham-pi3-kinase.pdf |
Description | My work on PI3K has contributed to the validation of new drug targets. Please see published papers and reviews for more information. |
First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
Sector | Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |