Regulation of p53 tumour suppressor target gene expression by the p52 NF-kappaB subunit

Transcriptional activation of microRNA-34a by NF-kappa B in human esophageal cancer cells

Background

miR-34a functions as an important tumor suppressor during the process of carcinogenesis. However, the mechanism of miR-34a dysregulation in human malignancies has not been well elucidated. Our study aimed to further investigate the regulation mechanism of miR-34a.

Results

We found that overexpression of NF-kappa B p65 subunit could increase miR-34a levels in EC109, an esophageal squamous cancer cell line, while ectopic expression of DN IkappaB leaded to a significant reduction of miR-34a expression. Bioinformatics analysis suggested three putative KB sites in promoter region of miR-34a gene. Mutation two of these KB sites impaired p65 induced miR-34a transcriptional activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays both showed that NF-kappaB could specifically bind to the third KB site located in miR-34a promoter. In addition, we found that overexpression of NF-kappaB p65 could not successfully induce miR-34a expression in esophageal cancer cell lines with mutant p53 or decreased p53. Reporter assay further showed that NF-kappaB-induced miR-34a transcriptional activity was reduced by p53 impairment. Nevertheless, CHIP analysis suggested binding of NF-kappaB to miR-34a promoter was not affected in cells with mutant p53.

Conclusions

Our work indicates a novel mechanism of miR-34a regulation that NF-kappaB could elevate miR-34a expression levels through directly binding to its promoter. And wildtype p53 is responsible for NF-kappaB-mediated miR-34a transcriptional activity but not for NF-kappaB binding. These findings might be helpful in understanding miR-34a abnormality in human malignancies and open new perspectives for the roles of miR-34a and NF-kappaB in tumor progression.

The diverse and complex roles of NF-κB subunits in cancer

It is only recently that the full importance of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling to cancer development has been understood. Although much attention has focused on the upstream pathways leading to NF-κB activation, it is now becoming clear that the inhibitor of NF-κB kinases (IKKs), which regulate NF-κB activation, have many independent functions in tissue homeostasis and normal immune function that could compromise the clinical utility of IKK inhibitors. Therefore, if the NF-κB pathway is to be properly exploited as a target for both anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs, it is appropriate to reconsider the complex roles of the individual NF-κB subunits.

Inflammation and p53: A Tale of Two Stresses

Numerous observations indicate a strong link between chronic inflammation and cancer. This link is supported by substantial experimental evidence indicating mutual negative regulation of NF-κB, the major regulator of inflammation, and p53, the major tumor suppressor. This antagonistic relationship reflects the opposite principles of the physiological responses driven by these transcription factors, which act as sensors and mediators of intrinsic and extrinsic cell stresses, respectively. Constitutive activation of NF-κB, the underlying cause of chronic inflammation, is a common acquired characteristic of tumors. A variety of experimental methods have been used to demonstrate that constitutive activation of NF-κB reduces the tumor suppressor activity of p53, thereby creating permissive conditions for dominant oncogene-mediated transformation. Loss of p53 activity is also a characteristic of the majority of tumors and results in unleashed inflammatory responses due to loss of p53-mediated NF-κB suppression. On the other hand, in natural or pharmacological situations of enforced p53 activation, NF-κB activity, inflammation, and immune responses are reduced, resulting in different pathologies. It is likely that the chronic inflammation that is commonly acquired in various tissues of older mammals leads to general suppression of p53 function, which would explain the increased risk of cancer observed in aging animals and humans. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying reciprocal negative regulation of p53 and NF-κB remain to be deciphered, this phenomenon has important implications for pharmacological prevention of cancer and aging and for new approaches to control inflammation.

Curcumin enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy by tailoring p65NFκB-p300 cross-talk in favor of p53-p300 in breast cancer

Breast cancer cells often develop multiple mechanisms of drug resistance during tumor progression, which is the major reason for the failure of breast cancer therapy. High constitutive activation of NFκB has been found in different cancers, creating an environment conducive for chemotherapeutic resistance. Here we report that doxorubicin-induced SMAR1-dependent transcriptional repression and SMAR1-independent degradation of IkBα resulted in nuclear translocation of p65NFκB and its association with p300 histone acetylase and subsequent transcription of Bcl-2 to impart protective response in drug-resistant cells. Consistently SMAR1-silenced drug-resistant cells exhibited IkBα-mediated inhibition of p65NFκB and induction of p53-dependent apoptosis. Interestingly, curcumin pretreatment of drug-resistant cells alleviated SMAR1-mediated p65NFκB activation and hence restored doxorubicin sensitivity. Under such anti-survival condition, induction of p53-p300 cross-talk enhanced the transcriptional activity of p53 and intrinsic death cascade. Importantly, promyelocyte leukemia-mediated SMAR1 sequestration that relieved the repression of apoptosis-inducing genes was indispensable for such chemo-sensitizing ability of curcumin. A simultaneous decrease in drug-induced systemic toxicity by curcumin might also have enhanced the efficacy of doxorubicin by improving the intrinsic defense machineries of the tumor-bearer. Overall, the findings of this preclinical study clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of curcumin to combat doxorubicin-resistance. We, therefore, suggest curcumin as a potent chemo-sensitizer to improve the therapeutic index of this widely used anti-cancer drug. Taken together, these results suggest that curcumin can be developed into an adjuvant chemotherapeutic drug.

The role of RelA (p65) threonine 505 phosphorylation in the regulation of cell growth, survival, and migration

RelA (p65) phosphorylation at threonine 505 acts as a negative regulator of NF-κB function. In addition to its role in regulation of cell death, a role is demonstrated for T505 phosphorylation in regulating autophagy, proliferation, and migration. NOXA is also identified as a downstream, T505-dependent effector of RelA in cell death.

The NF-κB family of transcription factors is a well-established regulator of the immune and inflammatory responses and also plays a key role in other cellular processes, including cell death, proliferation, and migration. Conserved residues in the trans-activation domain of RelA, which can be posttranslationally modified, regulate divergent NF-κB functions in response to different cellular stimuli. Using rela^−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts reconstituted with RelA, we find that mutation of the threonine 505 (T505) phospho site to alanine has wide-ranging effects on NF-κB function. These include previously described effects on chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis, as well as new roles for this modification in autophagy, cell proliferation, and migration. This last effect was associated with alterations in the actin cytoskeleton and expression of cellular migration–associated genes such as WAVE3 and α-actinin 4. We also define a new component of cisplatin-induced, RelA T505–dependent apoptosis, involving induction of NOXA gene expression, an effect explained at least in part through induction of the p53 homologue, p73. Therefore, in contrast to other RelA phosphorylation events, which positively regulate NF-κB function, we identified RelA T505 phosphorylation as a negative regulator of its ability to induce diverse cellular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, and migration.

Similar NF-κB gene signatures in TNF-α treated human endothelial cells and breast tumor biopsies

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse pathologies ranging from vascular and immune diseases to cancer. TNF-α is one of the mediators of endothelial dysfunction through the activation of transcription factors, including NF-κB. While HUVEC (macrovascular cells) have been largely used in the past, here, we documented an NF-κB gene signature in TNFα-stimulated microvascular endothelial cells HMEC often used in tumor angiogenesis studies.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We measured mRNA expression of 55 NF-κB related genes using quantitative RT-PCR in HUVEC and HMEC. Our study identified twenty genes markedly up-regulated in response to TNFα, including adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines, and apoptosis regulators, some of them being identified as TNF-α-inducible genes for the first time in endothelial cells (two apoptosis regulators, TNFAIP3 and TNFRSF10B/Trail R2 (DR5), the chemokines GM-CSF/CSF2 and MCF/CSF1, and CD40 and TNF-α itself, as well as NF-κB components (RELB, NFKB1 or 50/p105 and NFKB2 or p52/p100). For eight genes, the fold induction was much higher in HMEC, as compared to HUVEC. Most importantly, our study described for the first time a connection between NF-κB activation and the induction of most, if not all, of these genes in HMEC as evaluated by pharmacological inhibition and RelA expression knock-down by RNA interference. Moreover, since TNF-α is highly expressed in tumors, we further applied the NF-κB gene signature documented in TNFα-stimulated endothelial cells to human breast tumors. We found a significant positive correlation between TNF and the majority (85 %) of the identified endothelial TNF-induced genes in a well-defined series of 96 (48 ERα positive and 48 ERα negative) breast tumors.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together these data suggest the potential use of this NF-κB gene signature in analyzing the role of TNF-α in the endothelial dysfunction, as well as in breast tumors independently of the presence of ERα.

HIF-1α depletion results in SP1-mediated cell cycle disruption and alters the cellular response to chemotherapeutic drugs

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is the major transcription factor involved in the regulation of the cellular response to hypoxia, or low oxygen tensions. Even though HIF-1 function is mostly studied following hypoxic stress, well oxygenated areas of several diseased tissues have detectable levels of this transcription factor. Therefore, it is surprising how little is known about the function of HIF in normoxia. This study seeks to fill this gap. Using transient HIF-1α knockdown, as well as, stable cell lines generated using short hairpin RNAs (shRNA), we have further characterized the role of HIF-1α in normoxia. Our data reveals that knockdown of HIF-1α results in a significant increase in cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We find that HIF-1α depletion increases the protein and mRNA of both p21 and p27. p21 is induced via, at least in part, p53-independent but SP1-dependent mechanisms. Interestingly, HIF-1α knockdown also alters the cellular response to chemotherapeutic agents. These data have important implications in not only for the further understanding of HIF-1α, a major transcription factor, but also for the use of HIF-targeted and combination therapies in cancer treatment.

Further insights into the mechanism of hypoxia-induced NFκB. [corrected]

The cellular response to hypoxia relies on the activation of a specific transcriptional program. Although, most of the attention is focused on the transcription factor HIF, other transcription factors are also activated in hypoxia. We have recently described the mechanism for hypoxia induced NFκB. We have demonstrated the crucial dependency on the IKK complex as well as in the upstream IKK kinase TAK1. TAK1 and IKK activation is dependent upon the calcium calmodulin kinase, CaMK2 and requires Ubc13 as the E2 ubiquitin conjugation enzyme. We report a role for XIAP as the possible E3-ubiquitin ligase for this system. Interestingly, hypoxia induced IKK mediated phosphorylation of IκBα, does not lead to degradation. Hypoxia prevents IκBα de-sumoylation of Sumo-2/3 chains on critical lysine residues, normally required for K-48 linked polyubiquitination. Our results define a novel pathway regulating NFκB activation.

Further insights into the mechanism of hypoxia-induced NFκB. [corrected]

The cellular response to hypoxia relies on the activation of a specific transcriptional program. Although, most of the attention is focused on the transcription factor HIF, other transcription factors are also activated in hypoxia. We have recently described the mechanism for hypoxia induced NFκB. We have demonstrated the crucial dependency on the IKK complex as well as in the upstream IKK kinase TAK1. TAK1 and IKK activation is dependent upon the calcium calmodulin kinase, CaMK2 and requires Ubc13 as the E2 ubiquitin conjugation enzyme. We report a role for XIAP as the possible E3-ubiquitin ligase for this system. Interestingly, hypoxia induced IKK mediated phosphorylation of IκBα, does not lead to degradation. Hypoxia prevents IκBα de-sumoylation of Sumo-2/3 chains on critical lysine residues, normally required for K-48 linked polyubiquitination. Our results define a novel pathway regulating NFκB activation.

The codon 72 polymorphism of p53 regulates interaction with NF-{kappa}B and transactivation of genes involved in immunity and inflammation

A common polymorphism at codon 72 in the p53 tumor suppressor gene encodes either proline (P72) or arginine (R72). Several groups have reported that in cultured cells, this polymorphism influences p53's transcriptional, senescence, and apoptotic functions. However, the impact of this polymorphism within the context of a living organism is poorly understood. We generated knock-in mice with the P72 and R72 variants and analyzed the tissues of these mice for apoptosis and transcription. In the thymus, we find that the P72 variant induces increased apoptosis following ionizing radiation, along with increased transactivation of a subset of p53 target genes, which includes murine Caspase 4 (also called Caspase 11), which we show is a direct p53 target gene. Interestingly, the majority of genes in this subset have roles in inflammation, and their promoters contain NF-κB binding sites. We show that caspase 4/11 requires both p53 and NF-κB for full induction after DNA damage and that the P72 variant shows increased interaction with p65 RelA, a subunit of NF-κB. Consistent with this, we show that P72 mice have a markedly enhanced response to inflammatory challenge compared to that of R72 mice. Our data indicate that the codon 72 polymorphism impacts p53's role in inflammation.

Gene expression changes induced by the human carcinogen aristolochic acid I in renal and hepatic tissue of mice

Aristolochic acid (AA) is the causative agent of urothelial tumors associated with AA nephropathy and is also implicated in the development of Balkan endemic nephropathy-associated urothelial tumors. These tumors contain AA-characteristic TP53 mutations. We examined gene expression changes in Hupki (human TP53 knock-in) mice after treatment with aristolochic acid I (AAI) by gavage (5 mg/kg body weight). After 3, 12 and 21 days of treatment gene expression profiles were investigated using Agilent Whole Mouse 44K Genome Oligo Array. Expression profiles were significantly altered by AAI treatment in both target (kidney) and nontarget (liver) tissue. Renal pathology and DNA adduct analysis confirmed kidney as the target tissue of AAI-induced toxicity. Gene ontology for functional analysis revealed that processes related to apoptosis, cell cycle, stress response, immune system, inflammatory response and kidney development were altered in kidney. Canonical pathway analysis indicated Nfκb, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, Tp53 and cell cycle signaling as the most important pathways modulated in kidney. Expression of Nfκb1 and other Nfκb-target genes was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and was consistent with the induction of Nfκb1 protein. Myc oncogene, frequently overexpressed in urothelial tumors, was upregulated by AAI on the microarrays and confirmed by qRT-PCR and protein induction. Collectively we found that microarray gene expression analysis is a useful tool to define tissue-specific responses in AAI-induced toxicity. Several genes identified such as TP53, Rb1, Mdm2, Cdkn2a and Myc are frequently affected in human urothelial cancer, and may be valuable prognostic markers in future clinical studies.

p53-dependent repression of polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1)

PLK1 is a critical mediator of G₂/M cell cycle transition that is inactivated and depleted as part of the DNA damage-induced G₂/M checkpoint. Here we show that downregulation of PLK1 expression occurs through a transcriptional repression mechanism and that p53 is both necessary and sufficient to mediate this effect. Repression of PLK1 by p53 occurs independently of p21 and of arrest at G₁/S where PLK1 levels are normally repressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner through a CDE/CHR element. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis indicates that p53 is present on the PLK1 promoter at two distinct sites termed p53RE1 and p53RE2. Recruitment of p53 to p53RE2, but not to p53RE1, is stimulated in response to DNA damage and/or p53 activation and is coincident with repression-associated changes in the chromatin. Downregulation of PLK1 expression by p53 is relieved by the histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, and involves recruitment of histone deacetylase to the vicinity of p53RE2, further supporting a transcriptional repression mechanism. Additionally, wild type, but not mutant, p53 represses expression of the PLK1 promoter when fused upstream of a reporter gene. Silencing of PLK1 expression by RNAi interferes with cell cycle progression consistent with a role in the p53-mediated checkpoint. These data establish PLK1 as a direct transcriptional target of p53, independently of p21, that is required for efficient G₂/M arrest.

Adenomatous polyposis coli and hypoxia-inducible factor-1{alpha} have an antagonistic connection

We demonstrate a novel link between APC and hypoxia and show that APC and HIF-1α; antagonize each other. Hypoxia represses APC mRNA via HIF-1α. On the other hand, APC-mediated repression of HIF-1α requires wild-type APC, low levels of β-catenin, and NF-κB activity.

The tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is mutated in the majority of colorectal cancers and is best known for its role as a scaffold in a Wnt-regulated protein complex that determines the availability of β-catenin. Another common feature of solid tumors is the presence of hypoxia as indicated by the up-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) such as HIF-1α. Here, we demonstrate a novel link between APC and hypoxia and show that APC and HIF-1α antagonize each other. Hypoxia results in reduced levels of APC mRNA and protein via a HIF-1α–dependent mechanism. HIF-1α represses the APC gene via a functional hypoxia-responsive element on the APC promoter. In contrast, APC-mediated repression of HIF-1α requires wild-type APC, low levels of β-catenin, and nuclear factor-κB activity. These results reveal down-regulation of APC as a new mechanism that contributes to the survival advantage induced by hypoxia and also show that loss of APC mutations produces a survival advantage by mimicking hypoxic conditions.

Mechanisms of estrogen receptor antagonism toward p53 and its implications in breast cancer therapeutic response and stem cell regulation

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) plays an important role in the onset and progression of breast cancer, whereas p53 functions as a major tumor suppressor. We previously reported that ERalpha binds to p53, resulting in inhibition of transcriptional regulation by p53. Here, we report on the molecular mechanisms by which ERalpha suppresses p53's transactivation function. Sequential ChIP assays demonstrated that ERalpha represses p53-mediated transcriptional activation in human breast cancer cells by recruiting nuclear receptor corepressors (NCoR and SMRT) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). RNAi-mediated down-regulation of NCoR resulted in increased endogenous expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-inhibitor p21(Waf1/Cip1) (CDKN1A) gene, a prototypic transcriptional target of p53. While 17beta-estradiol (E2) enhanced ERalpha binding to p53 and inhibited p21 transcription, antiestrogens decreased ERalpha recruitment and induced transcription. The effects of estrogen and antiestrogens on p21 transcription were diametrically opposite to their known effects on the conventional ERE-containing ERalpha target gene, pS2/TFF1. These results suggest that ERalpha uses dual strategies to promote abnormal cellular proliferation: enhancing the transcription of ERE-containing proproliferative genes and repressing the transcription of p53-responsive antiproliferative genes. Importantly, ERalpha binds to p53 and inhibits transcriptional activation by p53 in stem/progenitor cell-containing murine mammospheres, suggesting a potential role for the ER-p53 interaction in mammary tissue homeostasis and cancer formation. Furthermore, retrospective studies analyzing response to tamoxifen therapy in a subset of patients with ER-positive breast cancer expressing either wild-type or mutant p53 suggest that the presence of wild-type p53 is an important determinant of positive therapeutic response.

IKK and NF-kappaB-mediated regulation of Claspin impacts on ATR checkpoint function

In response to replication stress, Claspin mediates the phosphorylation and activation of Chk1 by ATR. Claspin is not only necessary for the propagation of the DNA-damage signal, but its destruction by the ubiquitin-proteosome pathway is required to allow the cell to continue the cell cycle allowing checkpoint recovery. Here, we demonstrate that both the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors and their upstream kinase IKK can regulate Claspin levels by controlling its mRNA expression. Furthermore, we show that c-Rel directly controls Claspin gene transcription. Disruption of IKK and specific NF-kappaB members impairs ATR-mediated checkpoint function following DNA damage. Importantly, hyperactivation of IKK results in a failure to inactivate Chk1 and impairs the recovery from the DNA checkpoint. These results uncover a novel function for IKK and NF-kappaB modulating the DNA-damage checkpoint response, allowing the cell to integrate different signalling pathways with the DNA-damage response.

The Skp2 promoter integrates signaling through the NF-kappaB, p53, and Akt/GSK3beta pathways to regulate autophagy and apoptosis

NF-kappaB and p53 are important regulators of the cellular response to stress. Here, we identify the Skp2 gene as being both an NF-kappaB and p53 target after DNA damage. However, Skp2 expression can be either induced or repressed in a manner requiring both the p52 NF-kappaB subunit and p53, with subsequent effects on autophagy, apoptosis, and p53 function. This process is regulated by the Akt(PKB)/GSK3beta pathway. When Akt is active, GSK3beta is repressed, allowing p52 and p53 to cooperatively induce Skp2 expression. However, if Akt is inactive, GSK3beta phosphorylates p52 at Ser 222. This modification disrupts p52 homodimer/Bcl-3 complexes and facilitates transcriptional repression by p52/-c-Rel. The Skp2 promoter therefore integrates signaling through the NF-kappaB, p53, and Akt/GSK3beta pathways to regulate cell fate in response to DNA damage.

p53-mediated delayed NF-κB activity enhances etoposide-induced cell death in medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) is an embryonic brain tumour that arises in the cerebellum. Using several MB cell lines, we have demonstrated that the chemotherapeutic drug etoposide induces a p53- and caspase-dependent cell death. We have observed an additional caspase-independent cell death mechanism involving delayed nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity. The delayed induction was controlled by a p53-dependent transcription step and the production of death receptors (especially CD95/Fas). We further demonstrated that in both MB and glioblastoma (GM) cell lines, in which the p53 pathway was not functional, no p65 activation could be detected upon etoposide treatment. MB cell lines that have mutations in p53 or NF-κB are either less sensitive (NF-κB mutant) or even completely resistant (p53 mutant) to chemotherapeutic intervention. The optimal cell death was only achieved when both p53 and NF-κB were switched on. Taken together, our results shed light on the mechanism of NF-κB activation by etoposide in brain tumours and show that the genetic background of MB and GM cells determines their sensitivity to chemotherapy and has to be taken into account for efficient therapeutic intervention.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces G2 cell-cycle arrest via mRNA translation of the p53 isoform p53/47

p53 downstream pathways control G1 and G2 cell-cycle arrest, DNA repair, or apoptosis. However, it is still not clear how cells differentiate the cell-biological outcome of p53 activation in response to different types of stresses. The p53/47 isoform lacks the first 39 amino acids of full-length p53 including the Mdm2 binding site and the first trans-activation domain, and tetramers including p53/47 exhibit altered activity and biochemical properties. Here we show that endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes PERK-dependent induction of p53/47 mRNA translation and p53/47 homo-oligomerization. p53/47 induces 14-3-3sigma and G2 arrest but does not affect G1 progression. This is contrary to p53FL, which promotes G1 arrest but has no effect on the G2. These results show a unique role for p53/47 in the p53 pathway and illustrate how a cellular stress leads to a defined cell-biological outcome through expression of a p53 isoform.

Transcriptional regulation by p53

Inactivation of p53 is critical for the formation of most tumors. Illumination of the key function(s) of p53 protein in protecting cells from becoming cancerous is therefore a worthy goal. Arguably p53's most important function is to act as a transcription factor that directly regulates perhaps several hundred of the cell's RNA polymerase II (RNAP II)-transcribed genes, and indirectly regulates thousands of others. Indeed p53 is the most well studied mammalian transcription factor. The p53 tetramer binds to its response element where it can recruit diverse transcriptional coregulators such as histone modifying enzymes, chromatin remodeling factors, subunits of the mediator complex, and components of general transcription machinery and preinitiation complex (PIC) to modulate RNAPII activity at target loci (Laptenko and Prives 2006). The p53 transcriptional program is regulated in a stimulus-specific fashion (Murray-Zmijewski et al. 2008; Vousden and Prives 2009), whereby distinct subsets of p53 target genes are induced in response to different p53-activating agents, likely allowing cells to tailor their response to different types of stress. How p53 is able to discriminate between these different loci is the subject of intense research. Here, we describe key aspects of the fundamentals of p53-mediated transcriptional regulation and target gene promoter selectivity.

Regulation of cyclin D1 gene expression

Cyclin D1 is a key regulator of cell proliferation and its expression is subject to both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. In different cellular contexts, different pathways assume a dominant role in regulating its expression, whereas their disregulation can contribute to overexpression of cyclin D1 in tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss the ability of the NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB)/IKK [IkappaB (inhibitor of NF-kappaB) kinase] pathways to regulate cyclin D1 gene transcription and also consider the newly discovered role of the SNARP (SNIP1/SkIP-associated RNA processing) complex as a co-transcriptional regulator of cyclin D1 RNA stability.

Cross talk between stimulated NF-kappaB and the tumor suppressor p53

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and p53 critically determine cancer development and progression. Defining the cross talk between these transcription factors can expand our knowledge on molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Here, we show that induction of replicational stress activates NF-kappaB p65 and triggers its interaction with p53 in the nucleus. Experiments with knockout cells show that p65 and p53 are both required for enhanced NF-kappaB activity during S-phase checkpoint activation involving ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and checkpoint kinase-1. Accordingly, the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) also triggers formation of a transcriptionally active complex containing nuclear p65 and p53 on kappaB response elements. Gene expression analyses revealed that, independent of NF-kappaB activation in the cytosol, TNF-induced NF-kappaB-directed gene expression relies on p53. Hence, p53 is unexpectedly necessary for NF-kappaB-mediated gene expression induced by atypical and classical stimuli. Remarkably, data from gain- and loss-of function approaches argue that anti-apoptotic NF-kappaB p65 activity is constitutively evoked by a p53 hot-spot mutant frequently found in tumors. Our observations suggest explanations for the outstanding question why p53 mutations rather than p53 deletions arise in tumors of various origins.

Inhibition of NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2 activation in prostate cancer cells treated with antibody against the carboxyl terminal domain of GRP78: effect of p53 upregulation

Ligation of cancer cell surface GRP78 by activated alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2M*) triggers pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways. Cancer patients who develop autoantibodies to the alpha2M* binding site in GRP78 have a poor prognosis since these antibodies are receptor agonists. The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors induces expression of genes affecting cell growth and differentiation. NF-kappaB1 plays a major regulatory role in controlling innate immunity and inflammation, whereas NF-kappaB2 plays a greater role in cancer cell proliferation. Here we report that treatment of prostate cancer cells with antibody directed against the carboxyl terminal domain of GRP78 inhibits alpha2M*-induced activation of NF-kappaB2 by approximately 50% while exerting a lesser effect of approximately 20% on NF-kappaB1 activation. Treatment of these cells nearly abolished alpha2M*-induced activation of IKKalpha involved in the activation of NF-kappaB2. This antibody also suppressed alpha2M*-induced phosphorylation of IKKalpha, IKKalpha/beta, IkappaBalpha, and IkappaBbeta as well as levels of NIK. Antibody treatment of cancer cells elevated pro-apoptotic p21WAF and p27kip while reducing cyclin D1 levels. These studies demonstrate that antibody directed against the carboxyl terminal domain of GRP78 inhibits the pro-proliferative NF-kappaB signaling cascade in cancer cells.

Gadd45 proteins as critical signal transducers linking NF-kappaB to MAPK cascades

The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 (Gadd45) proteins are a group of critical signal transducers that are involved in regulations of many cellular functions. Accumulated data indicate that all three Gadd45 proteins (i.e., Gadd45alpha, Gadd45beta, and Gadd45gamma) play essential roles in connecting an upstream sensor module, the transcription Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), to a transcriptional regulating module, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). This NF-kappaB-Gadd45(s)-MAPK pathway responds to various kinds of extracellular stimuli and regulates such cell activities as growth arrest, differentiation, cell survival, and apoptosis. Defects in this pathway can also be related to oncogenesis. In the first part of this review, the functions of Gadd45 proteins, and briefly NF-kappaB and MAPK, are summarized. In the second part, the mechanisms by which Gadd45 proteins are regulated by NF-kappaB, and how they affect MAPK activation, are reviewed.

Elucidation of functional consequences of signalling pathway interactions

BACKGROUND

A great deal of data has accumulated on signalling pathways. These large datasets are thought to contain much implicit information on their molecular structure, interaction and activity information, which provides a picture of intricate molecular networks believed to underlie biological functions. While tremendous advances have been made in trying to understand these systems, how information is transmitted within them is still poorly understood. This ever growing amount of data demands we adopt powerful computational techniques that will play a pivotal role in the conversion of mined data to knowledge, and in elucidating the topological and functional properties of protein - protein interactions.

RESULTS

A computational framework is presented which allows for the description of embedded networks, and identification of common shared components thought to assist in the transmission of information within the systems studied. By employing the graph theories of network biology - such as degree distribution, clustering coefficient, vertex betweenness and shortest path measures - topological features of protein-protein interactions for published datasets of the p53, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and G1/S phase of the cell cycle systems were ascertained. Highly ranked nodes which in some cases were identified as connecting proteins most likely responsible for propagation of transduction signals across the networks were determined. The functional consequences of these nodes in the context of their network environment were also determined. These findings highlight the usefulness of the framework in identifying possible combination or links as targets for therapeutic responses; and put forward the idea of using retrieved knowledge on the shared components in constructing better organised and structured models of signalling networks.

CONCLUSION

It is hoped that through the data mined reconstructed signal transduction networks, well developed models of the published data can be built which in the end would guide the prediction of new targets based on the pathway's environment for further analysis. Source code is available upon request.

The expanding universe of p53 targets

The p53 tumour suppressor is modified through mutation or changes in expression in most cancers, leading to the altered regulation of hundreds of genes that are directly influenced by this sequence-specific transcription factor. Central to the p53 master regulatory network are the target response element (RE) sequences. The extent of p53 transactivation and transcriptional repression is influenced by many factors, including p53 levels, cofactors and the specific RE sequences, all of which contribute to the role that p53 has in the aetiology of cancer. This Review describes the identification and functionality of REs and highlights the inclusion of non-canonical REs that expand the universe of genes and regulation mechanisms in the p53 tumour suppressor network.

PUMA, a potent killer with or without p53

PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis) is a Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3)-only Bcl-2 family member and a critical mediator of p53-dependent and -independent apoptosis induced by a wide variety of stimuli, including genotoxic stress, deregulated oncogene expression, toxins, altered redox status, growth factor/cytokine withdrawal and infection. It serves as a proximal signaling molecule whose expression is regulated by transcription factors in response to these stimuli. PUMA transduces death signals primarily to the mitochondria, where it acts indirectly on the Bcl-2 family members Bax and/or Bak by relieving the inhibition imposed by antiapoptotic members. It directly binds and antagonizes all known antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation. PUMA ablation or inhibition leads to apoptosis deficiency underlying increased risks for cancer development and therapeutic resistance. Although elevated PUMA expression elicits profound chemo- and radiosensitization in cancer cells, inhibition of PUMA expression may be useful for curbing excessive cell death associated with tissue injury and degenerative diseases. Therefore, PUMA is a general sensor of cell death stimuli and a promising drug target for cancer therapy and tissue damage.

Addressing reported pro-apoptotic functions of NF-kappaB: targeted inhibition of canonical NF-kappaB enhances the apoptotic effects of doxorubicin

The ability of the transcription factor NF-κB to upregulate anti-apoptotic proteins has been linked to the chemoresistance of solid tumors to standard chemotherapy. In contrast, recent studies have proposed that, in response to doxorubicin, NF-κB can be pro-apoptotic through repression of anti-apoptotic target genes. However, there is little evidence analyzing the outcome of NF-κB inhibition on the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in studies describing pro-apoptotic NF-κB activity. In this study, we further characterize the activation of NF-κB in response to doxorubicin and evaluate its role in chemotherapy-induced cell death in sarcoma cells where NF-κB is reported to be pro-apoptotic. Doxorubicin treatment in U2OS cells induced canonical NF-κB activity as evidenced by increased nuclear accumulation of phosphorylated p65 at serine 536 and increased DNA–binding activity. Co-treatment with a small molecule IKKβ inhibitor, Compound A, abrogated this response. RT–PCR evaluation of anti-apoptotic gene expression revealed that doxorubicin-induced transcription of cIAP2 was inhibited by Compound A, while doxorubicin-induced repression of other anti-apoptotic genes was unaffected by Compound A or siRNA to p65. Furthermore, the combination of doxorubicin and canonical NF-κB inhibition with Compound A or siRNA to p65 resulted in decreased cell viability measured by trypan blue staining and MTS assay and increased apoptosis measured by cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase 3 when compared to doxorubicin alone. Our results demonstrate that doxorubicin-induced canonical NF-κB activity associated with phosphorylated p65 is anti-apoptotic in its function and that doxorubicin-induced repression of anti-apoptotic genes occurs independent of p65. Therefore, combination therapies incorporating NF-κB inhibitors together with standard chemotherapies remains a viable method to improve the clinical outcomes in patients with advanced stage malignancies.

Blinded by the Light: The Growing Complexity of p53

While the tumor suppressor functions of p53 have long been recognized, the contribution of p53 to numerous other aspects of disease and normal life is only now being appreciated. This burgeoning range of responses to p53 is reflected by an increasing variety of mechanisms through which p53 can function, although the ability to activate transcription remains key to p53's modus operandi. Control of p53's transcriptional activity is crucial for determining which p53 response is activated, a decision we must understand if we are to exploit efficiently the next generation of drugs that selectively activate or inhibit p53.

PUMA is directly activated by NF-kappaB and contributes to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine that has an important role in immunity and inflammation by inducing cellular responses such as apoptosis. The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) can paradoxically suppress and promote apoptosis in response to TNF-alpha. In this study, we found that p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), a p53 downstream target and a BH3-only Bcl-2 family member, is directly regulated by NF-kappaB in response to TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha treatment led to increases in PUMA mRNA and protein levels in human colon cancer cells. The induction of PUMA was p53 independent, and mediated by the p65 component of NF-kappaB through a kappaB site in the PUMA promoter. The apoptotic effect of PUMA induction by TNF-alpha was unmasked by depleting the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-X(L). In mice, PUMA was also induced by TNF-alpha in an NF-kappaB-dependent manner. TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in a variety of tissues and cell types, including small intestinal epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and thymocytes, was markedly reduced in PUMA-deficient mice. Collectively, these results demonstrated that PUMA is a direct target of NF-kappaB and mediates TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

Probing the functional impact of sequence variation on p53-DNA interactions using a novel microsphere assay for protein-DNA binding with human cell extracts

The p53 tumor suppressor regulates its target genes through sequence-specific binding to DNA response elements (REs). Although numerous p53 REs are established, the thousands more identified by bioinformatics are not easily subjected to comparative functional evaluation. To examine the relationship between RE sequence variation -- including polymorphisms -- and p53 binding, we have developed a multiplex format microsphere assay of protein-DNA binding (MAPD) for p53 in nuclear extracts. Using MAPD we measured sequence-specific p53 binding of doxorubicin-activated or transiently expressed p53 to REs from established p53 target genes and p53 consensus REs. To assess the sensitivity and scalability of the assay, we tested 16 variants of the p21 target sequence and a 62-multiplex set of single nucleotide (nt) variants of the p53 consensus sequence and found many changes in p53 binding that are not captured by current computational binding models. A group of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was examined and binding profiles closely matched transactivation capability tested in luciferase constructs. The in vitro binding characteristics of p53 in nuclear extracts recapitulated the cellular in vivo transactivation capabilities for eight well-established human REs measured by luciferase assay. Using a set of 26 bona fide REs, we observed distinct binding patterns characteristic of transiently expressed wild type and mutant p53s. This microsphere assay system utilizes biologically meaningful cell extracts in a multiplexed, quantitative, in vitro format that provides a powerful experimental tool for elucidating the functional impact of sequence polymorphism and protein variation on protein/DNA binding in transcriptional networks.

NFkappaB signaling in carcinogenesis and as a potential molecular target for cancer therapy

It has become increasingly clear that deregulation of the NFkappaB signaling cascade is a common underlying feature of many human ailments including cancers. The past two decades of intensive research on NFkappaB has identified the basic mechanisms that govern the functioning of this pathway but uncovering the details of why this pathway works differently in different cellular contexts or how it interacts with other signaling pathways remains a challenge. A thorough understanding of these processes is needed to design better and more efficient therapeutic approaches to treat complex diseases like cancer. In this review, we summarize the literature documenting the involvement of NFkappaB in cancer, and then focus on the approaches that are being undertaken to develop NFkappaB inhibitors towards treatment of human cancers.

NF-kappaB pathways in the immune system: control of the germinal center reaction

The NF-kappaB signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity. This is clearly evident as mouse models deficient for numerous NF-kappaB subunits and upstream activators exhibit defects in the immune system ranging from impaired development of lymphocytes to defective adaptive immune responses. In this review, we focus on the role that NF-kappaB plays in the germinal center (GC) reaction. Specifically, we discuss the major NF-kappaB subunits and the IkappaB homolog, Bcl-3. Recent findings reveal that Bcl-6, an unrelated transcriptional repressor, is functionally similar to Bcl-3 as both factors may suppress p53 activity to allow for efficient GC formation to occur. We discuss potential mechanisms of action for Bcl-3 and Bcl-6 in this highly complex, but important process of B-cell affinity maturation.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip reveals stress-dependent p53 occupancy in primary normal cells but not in established cell lines

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a transcription factor that plays a key role in the cellular response to stress and cancer prevention. Upon activation, p53 regulates a large variety of genes causing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or senescence. We have developed a p53-focused array, which allows us to investigate, simultaneously, p53 interactions with most of its known target sequences using the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip methodology. Applying this technique to multiple cell types under various growth conditions revealed a profound difference in p53 activity between primary cells and established cell lines. We found that, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, p53 exists in a form that binds only a small subset of its target regions. Upon exposure to genotoxic stress, the extent of targets bound by p53 significantly increased. By contrast, in established cell lines, p53 binds to essentially all of its targets irrespective of stress and cellular fate (apoptosis or arrest). Analysis of gene expression in these established lines revealed little correlation between DNA binding and the induction of gene expression. Our results suggest that nonactivated p53 has limited binding activity, whereas upon activation it binds to essentially all its targets. Additional triggers are most likely required to activate the transcriptional program of p53.

Double-edged swords as cancer therapeutics: simultaneously targeting p53 and NF-kappaB pathways

The p53 and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathways play crucial roles in human cancer, in which inactivation of p53 and hyperactivation of NF-kappaB is a common occurrence. Activation of p53 and inhibition of NF-kappaB promotes apoptosis. Although drugs are being designed to selectively activate p53 or inhibit NF-kappaB, there is no concerted effort yet to deliberately make drugs that can simultaneously do both. Recent results suggest that a surprising selection of small molecules have this desirable dual activity. In this Review we describe the principles behind such dual activities, describe the current candidate molecules and suggest mechanisms and approaches to their further development.

SWI/SNF regulates the cellular response to hypoxia

Hypoxia induces a variety of cellular responses such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy. Most of these responses are mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha. To induce target genes, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha requires a chromatin environment conducive to allow binding to specific sequences. Here, we have studied the role of the chromatin-remodeling complex SWI/SNF in the cellular response to hypoxia. We find that SWI/SNF is required for several of the cellular responses induced by hypoxia. Surprisingly, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha is a direct target of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. SWI/SNF components are found associated with the hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha promoter and modulation of SWI/SNF levels results in pronounced changes in hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression and its ability to transactivate target genes. Furthermore, impairment of SWI/SNF function renders cells resistant to hypoxia-induced cell cycle arrest. These results reveal a previously uncharacterized dependence of hypoxia signaling on the SWI/SNF complex and demonstrate a new level of control over the hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha system.

Sustained NF-kappaB activation produces a short-term cell proliferation block in conjunction with repressing effectors of cell cycle progression controlled by E2F or FoxM1

NF-kappaB transcription factors induce a host of genes involved in pro-inflammatory/stress-like responses; but the collateral effects and consequences of sustained NF-kappaB activation on other cellular gene expression programming remain less well understood. Here enforced expression of a constitutively active IKKbeta T-loop mutant (IKKbetaca) drove murine fibroblasts into transient growth arrest that subsided within 2-3 weeks of continuous culture. Proliferation arrest was associated with a G1/S phase block in immortalized and primary early passage MEFs. Molecular analysis in immortalized MEFs revealed that inhibition of cell proliferation in the initial 1-2 weeks after their IKKbetaca retroviral infection was linked to the transient, concerted repression of essential cell cycle effectors that are known targets of either E2F or FoxM1. Co-expression of a phosphorylation resistant IkappaBalpha super repressor and IKKbetaca abrogated growth arrest and cell cycle effector repression, thereby linking IKKbetaca's effects to canonical NF-kappaB activation. Transient growth arrest of IKKbetaca cells was associated with enhanced p21 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A) protein expression, due in part to transcriptional activation by NF-kappaB and also likely due to strong repression of Skp2 and Csk1, both of which are FoxM1 direct targets mediating proteasomal dependent p21 turnover. Ablation of p21 in immortalized MEFs reduced their IKKbetaca mediated growth suppression. Moreover, trichostatin A inhibition of HDACs alleviated the repression of E2F and FoxM1 targets induced by IKKbetaca, suggesting chromatin mediated gene silencing in IKKbetaca's short term repressive effects on E2F and FoxM1 target gene expression.

NF-kappaB2/p52 enhances androgen-independent growth of human LNCaP cells via protection from apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest induced by androgen-deprivation

PURPOSE

Androgen-deprivation therapy only causes a temporary regression of prostate cancer, as all tumors will eventually progress to refractory to hormonal therapy after 1-3 years of treatment. The underlying mechanisms of prostate cancer androgen refractory progression are incompletely understood. In this study, we employed in vitro as well as in vivo models to examine the role of NF-kappaB2/p52 in prostate cancer growth and androgen independent progression.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The effects of NF-kappaB2/p52 on cell growth, androgen responsiveness, cell cycle and apoptosis were examined in androgen sensitive LNCaP cells. The effect of NF-kappaB2/p52 on tumor growth was examined in intact and castrated male mice.

RESULTS

Overexpression of NF-kappaB2/p52 enhances androgen-sensitive LNCaP human prostate cancer cell growth and clonogenic ability in androgen-deprived condition in vitro. NF-kappaB2/p52 induced androgen-independent growth is through protecting LNCaP cells from apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest induced by androgen-deprivation. In addition, NF-kappaB2/p52 stimulates Cyclin D1 expression and knock down of Cyclin D1 expression by siRNA abolished NF-kappaB2/p52-induced cell growth in vitro. Adenoviral mediated NF-kappaB2/p52 expression in LNCaP cells enhances tumor growth in intact male nude mice and induces tumor growth in castrated male nude mice, suggesting that overexpression of NF-kappaB2/p52 induces androgen-independent growth of androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of NF-kappaB2/p52 protects androgen sensitive LNCaP cells from apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest induced by androgen-deprivation. NF-kappaB2/p52 activation induces androgen-independent growth in vitro and in vivo.

Transcriptional responses to estrogen and progesterone in mammary gland identify networks regulating p53 activity

Estrogen and progestins are essential for mammary growth and differentiation but also enhance the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor protein in the mammary epithelium. However, the pathways by which these hormones regulate p53 activity are unknown. Microarrays were used to profile the transcriptional changes within the mammary gland after administration of either vehicle, 17beta-estradiol (E), or progesterone (P) individually and combined (EP). Treatment with EP yielded 1182 unique genes that were differentially expressed compared to the vehicle-treated group. Although 30% of genes were responsive to either E or P individually, combined treatment with both EP had a synergistic effect accounting for 60% of the differentially regulated genes. Analysis of protein-protein interactions identified p53, RelA, Snw1, and Igfals as common targets of genes regulated by EP. RelA and p53 form hubs within a network connected by genes that are regulated by EP and that may coordinate the competing functions of RelA and p53 in proliferation and survival of cells. Induction of early growth response 1 (Egr1) and Stratifin (Sfn) (also known as 14-3-3sigma) by EP was confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and shown to be p53 independent. In luciferase reporter assays, Egr1 was shown to enhance transcriptional activation by p53 and inhibit nuclear factor kappaB activity. These results identify a gene expression network that provides redundant activation of RelA to support proliferation as well as sensitize p53 to ensure proper surveillance and integration of their competing functions through factors such as Egr1, which both enhance p53 and inhibit RelA.

Proteasome inhibitors enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis through the intronic regulation of DR5: involvement of NF-kappa B and reactive oxygen species-mediated p53 activation

Manipulation of TRAIL receptor 2 (DR5) pathway is a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome TRAIL-resistant lung cancer cells. Preclinical studies have shown that proteasome inhibitors enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated the enhancement of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in human alveolar epithelial cells by proteasome inhibitors that up-regulate DR5 expression. This effect was blocked by DR5-neutralizing Ab. Using reporter assay, we demonstrated that the p53 and NF-kappaB elements on the DR5 first intron region were involved in proteasome inhibitor-induced DR5 expression. Both p53 small interfering RNA and NF-kappaB inhibitor suppressed DR5 expression, strengthening the significance of p53 and NF-kappaB in DR5 transcription. The protein stability, Ser(392) phosphorylation and Lys(373)/Lys(382) acetylation of p53 were enhanced by MG132. In addition to p53, IkappaBalpha degradation and NF-kappaB translocation was also observed. Moreover, the binding of p53 and p65 to the first intron of DR5 was demonstrated by DNA affinity protein-binding and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after MG132 treatment contributed to p53, but not p65 nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity. ROS scavenger dramatically inhibited the apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibitors plus TRAIL. The p53-null H1299 cells were resistant to proteasome inhibitor-induced DR5 up-regulation and enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These findings reveal that proteasome inhibitor-mediated NF-kappaB and ROS-dependent p53 activation are contributed to intronic regulation of DR5 transcription, and resulted in the subsequent enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells.

Regulation of gene expression by hypoxia

Hypoxia induces profound changes in the cellular gene expression profile. The discovery of a major transcription factor family activated by hypoxia, HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor), and the factors that contribute to HIF regulation have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the molecular aspects of the hypoxic response. However, in addition to HIF, other transcription factors and cellular pathways are activated by exposure to reduced oxygen. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of how additional hypoxia-responsive transcription factors integrate with HIF and how other cellular pathways such as chromatin remodelling, translation regulation and microRNA induction, contribute to the co-ordinated cellular response observed following hypoxic stress.

Regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha by NF-kappaB

HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) is the main transcription factor activated by low oxygen tensions. HIF-1α (and other α subunits) is tightly controlled mostly at the protein level, through the concerted action of a class of enzymes called PHDs (prolyl hydroxylases) 1, 2 and 3. Most of the knowledge of HIF derives from studies following hypoxic stress; however, HIF-1α stabilization is also found in non-hypoxic conditions through an unknown mechanism. In the present study, we demonstrate that NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) is a direct modulator of HIF-1α expression. The HIF-1α promoter is responsive to selective NF-κB subunits. siRNA (small interfering RNA) studies for individual NF-κB members revealed differential effects on HIF-1α mRNA levels, indicating that NF-κB can regulate basal HIF-1α expression. Finally, when endogenous NF-κB is induced by TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) treatment, HIF-1α levels also change in an NF-κB-dependent manner. In conclusion, we find that NF-κB can regulate basal TNFα and, in certain circumstances, the hypoxia-induced HIF-1α.

IKK1 and IKK2 cooperate to maintain bile duct integrity in the liver

Inflammatory destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts is a common cause of vanishing bile duct syndrome and cholestasis, often progressing to biliary cirrhosis and liver failure. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of inflammatory biliary disease are poorly understood. Here, we show that the two IkappaB kinases, IKK1/IKKalpha and IKK2/IKKbeta, display distinct collaborative and specific functions that are essential to protect the liver from cytokine toxicity and bile duct disease. Combined conditional ablation of IKK1 and IKK2, but not of each kinase alone, sensitized the liver to in vivo LPS challenge, uncovering a redundant function of the two IkappaB kinases in mediating canonical NF-kappaB signaling in hepatocytes and protecting the liver from TNF-induced failure. Unexpectedly, mice with combined ablation of IKK1 and IKK2 or IKK1 and NEMO spontaneously developed severe jaundice and fatal cholangitis characterized by inflammatory destruction of small portal bile ducts. This bile duct disease was caused by the combined impairment of canonical NF-kappaB signaling together with inhibition of IKK1-specific functions affecting the bile-blood barrier. These results reveal a novel function of the two IkappaB kinases in cooperatively regulating liver immune homeostasis and bile duct integrity and suggest that IKK signaling may be implicated in human biliary diseases.

A pervasive role of histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases in an NF-kappaB-signaling code

Most nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inducers converge to activate the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex, leading to NF-kappaB nuclear accumulation. However, depending on the inducer and the cell line, the subset of NF-kappaB-induced genes is different, underlining a complex regulation network. Recent findings have begun to delineate that histone and non-histone protein acetylation is involved, directly and indirectly, in controlling the duration, strength and specificity of the NF-kappaB-activating signaling pathway at multiple levels. Acetylation and deacetylation events, in combination with other post-translational protein modifications, generate an 'NF-kappaB-signaling code' and regulate NF-kappaB-dependent gene transcription in an inducer- and promoter-dependent manner. Indeed, the intricate involvement of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases modulates both the NF-kappaB-signaling pathway and the transcriptional transactivation of NF-kappaB-dependent genes.

Characterization of genome-wide p53-binding sites upon stress response

The tumor suppressor p53 is a sequence-specific transcription factor, which regulates the expression of target genes involved in different stress responses. To understand p53's essential transcriptional functions, unbiased analysis of its DNA-binding repertoire is pivotal. In a genome-wide tiling ChIP-on-chip approach, we have identified and characterized 1546 binding sites of p53 upon Actinomycin D treatment. Among those binding sites were known as well as novel p53 target sites, which included regulatory regions of potentially novel transcripts. Using this collection of genome-wide binding sites, a new high-confidence algorithm was developed, p53scan, to identify the p53 consensus-binding motif. Strikingly, this motif was present in the majority of all bound sequences with 83% of all binding sites containing the motif. In the surrounding sequences of the binding sites, several motifs for potential regulatory cobinders were identified. Finally, we show that the majority of the genome-wide p53 target sites can also be bound by overexpressed p63 and p73 in vivo, suggesting that they can possibly play an important role at p53 binding sites. This emphasizes the possible interplay of p53 and its family members in the context of target gene binding. Our study greatly expands the known, experimentally validated p53 binding site repertoire and serves as a valuable knowledgebase for future research.

Spatial interplay between PIASy and FIP200 in the regulation of signal transduction and transcriptional activity

The members of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) family of proteins are implicated in fundamental cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation, either through action as E3 SUMO ligases or through SUMO-independent effects. We report here the identification of FIP200 (focal adhesion kinase family-interacting protein of 200 kDa) as a new PIASy-interacting protein. We show that the interaction depends on the integrity of the RING finger of PIASy and the carboxy terminus of FIP200. Both in vitro and in vivo sumoylation assays failed to reveal any sumoylation of FIP200, suggesting that FIP200 is not a bona fide SUMO substrate. Immunofluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation, either upon forced PIASy expression or in the absence of PIASy, revealed that interaction with PIASy redistributes FIP200 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, correlating with abrogation of FIP200 regulation of TSC/S6K signaling. Conversely, FIP200 enhances the transcriptional activation of the p21 promoter by PIASy whereas PIASy transcription activity is severely reduced upon FIP200 depletion by RNA interference. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrates that endogenous PIASy and FIP200 are corecruited to the p21 promoter. Altogether, these results provide the first evidence for the existence of a close-spatially controlled-mode of regulation of FIP200 and PIASy nucleocytoplasmic functions.

Altered glycosylation of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein derived from renal allograft recipients leads to changes in its biological function

BACKGROUND

Human urinary Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) is a pleotropic protein that binds different cytokines and stimulates various immunocompetent cells. It is unclear whether these important functions of THP are altered in renal transplant patients.

METHODS

We purified THPs from normal individuals (N-THP) and renal transplant patients receiving potent immunosuppressants (R-THP). The carbohydrate (CHO) compositions of THPs were probed by lectin-blotting and lectin-binding ELISA. The functions of THP were assessed by immune cell-stimulation as well as C1q, IL-1beta, IL-8 and TNF-alpha-binding assays. The roles of CHO moieties in THPs were analyzed using CHO-degrading enzyme digestion.

RESULTS

Compared to that of N-THP, the binding capacity of R-THP to Maackia amurensis, Galanthus nivalis and Datura stamonium decreased, indicating that R-THP contained lesser amount of Siaalpha(2,3)Gal/GalNAc, mannose residues, and beta(1,4)GlcNAc, but not GlcNAc/branched mannose. The binding capacity of R-THP to complement C1q and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was also decreased. The stimulating effect of R-THP on mononuclear cell (MNC) proliferation and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) phagocytosis was less potent than that of N-THP. We found that the defective MNC-stimulation by R-THP was due to impaired NF-kappaB p52 nuclear translocation. The cell-stimulating effects of N- and R-THP could be abolished by digesting them with CHO-degrading enzymes, beta-galactosidase and neuraminidase. Interestingly, a potent apoptosis-inducing effect of R-THP on MNC and PMN was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

R-THP is not only modified in glycosylation but bears an apoptosis-inducing capacity on MNC and PMN, leading to an impaired immune function in renal transplant patients.

A cell cycle regulatory network controlling NF-kappaB subunit activity and function

Aberrantly active NF-kappaB complexes can contribute to tumorigenesis by regulating genes that promote the growth and survival of cancer cells. We have investigated NF-kappaB during the cell cycle and find that its ability to regulate the G1-phase expression of key proto-oncogenes is subject to regulation by the integrated activity of IkappaB kinase (IKK)alpha, IKKbeta, Akt and Chk1. The coordinated binding of NF-kappaB subunits to the Cyclin D1, c-Myc and Skp2 promoters is dynamic with distinct changes in promoter occupancy and RelA(p65) phosphorylation occurring through G1, S and G2 phases, concomitant with a switch from coactivator to corepressor recruitment. Akt activity is required for IKK-dependent phosphorylation of NF-kappaB subunits in G1 and G2 phases, where Chk1 is inactive. However, in S-phase, Akt is inactivated, while Chk1 phosphorylates RelA and associates with IKKalpha, inhibiting the processing of the p100 (NF-kappaB2) subunit, which also plays a critical role in the regulation of these genes. These data reveal a complex regulatory network integrating NF-kappaB with the DNA-replication checkpoint and the expression of critical regulators of cell proliferation.

Living with p53, dying of p53

The p53 tumor suppressor protein acts as a major defense against cancer. Among its most distinctive features is the ability to elicit both apoptotic death and cell cycle arrest. In this issue of Cell, Das et al. (2007) and Tanaka et al. (2007) provide new insights into the mechanisms that dictate the life and death decisions of p53.

Differential expression and role of p21cip/waf1 and p27kip1 in TNF-alpha-induced inhibition of proliferation in human glioma cells

Background

The role of TNF-α in affecting the fate of tumors is controversial, while some studies have reported apoptotic or necrotic effects of TNF-α, others provide evidence that endogenous TNF-α promotes growth and development of tumors. Understanding the mechanism(s) of TNF-α mediated growth arrest will be important in unraveling the contribution of tissue associated macrophages in tumor resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitors (CDKI) – p21^cip/waf1 and p27^kip1 in TNF-α mediated responses in context with p53 and activation of NF-κB and Akt pathways. The study was done with human glioma cell lines -LN-18 and LN-229 cells, using monolayer cultures and Multicellular Spheroids (MCS) as in vitro models.

Results

TNF-α induced inhibition of proliferation and enhanced the expression of p21^cip/waf1 and p27^kip1 in LN-18 cells. p21 was induced on exposure to TNF-α, localized exclusively in the nucleus and functioned as an inhibitor of cell cycle but not as an antiapoptotic protein. In contrast, p27 was constitutively expressed, localized predominantly in the cytoplasm and was not involved in arrest of proliferation. Our data using IκBα mutant LN-18 cells and PI3K/Akt inhibitor-LY294002 revealed that the expression of p21 is regulated by NF-κB. Loss of IκBα function in LN-229 cells (p53 positive) did not influence TNF-α induced accumulation of pp53 (Ser-20 p53) suggesting that p53 was not down stream of NF-κB. Spheroidogenesis enhanced p27 expression and p21 induced by TNF-α was significantly increased in the MCS compared to monolayers.

Conclusion

This study demarcates the functional roles for CDKIs-p21^cip/waf1 and p27^kip1 during TNF-α stimulated responses in LN-18 glioma cells. Our findings provide evidence that TNF-α-induced p21 might be regulated by NF-κB or p53 independently. p21 functions as an inhibitor of cell proliferation and does not have a direct role in rendering the cells resistant to TNF-α mediated cytotoxicity.