Phosphorylation of bid by casein kinases I and II regulates its cleavage by caspase 8

The casein kinase 1 family: participation in multiple cellular processes in eukaryotes

Phosphorylation of serine, threonine and tyrosine residues by cellular protein kinases plays an important role in the regulation of various cellular processes. The serine/threonine specific casein kinase 1 and 2 protein kinase families--(CK1 and CK2)--were among the first protein kinases that had been described. In recent years our knowledge of the regulation and function of mammalian CK1 kinase family members has rapidly increased. Extracellular stimuli, the subcellular localization of CK1 isoforms, their interaction with various cellular structures and proteins, as well as autophosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage of their C-terminal regulatory domains influence CK1 kinase activity. Mammalian CK1 isoforms phosphorylate many different substrates among them key regulatory proteins involved in the control of cell differentiation, proliferation, chromosome segregation and circadian rhythms. Deregulation and/or the incidence of mutations in the coding sequence of CK1 isoforms have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review will summarize our current knowledge about the function and regulation of mammalian CK1 isoforms.

Caspase-8 can be activated by interchain proteolysis without receptor-triggered dimerization during drug-induced apoptosis

Proteases of the caspase family are thought to be activated by proteolytic processing of their inactive zymogens. However, although proteolytic cleavage is sufficient for executioner caspases, a different mechanism has been recently proposed for initiator caspases, such as caspase-8, which are believed to be activated by proximity-induced dimerization. According to this model, dimerization rather than proteolytic processing is considered as the critical event for caspase-8 activation. Such a mechanism would suggest that in the absence of a dimerization platform such as the death-inducing signaling complex, caspase-8 proteolytic cleavage would result in an inactive enzyme. As several studies have described caspase-8 cleavage during mitochondrial apoptosis, we now investigated whether caspase-8 becomes indeed catalytically active in this pathway. Using an in vivo affinity labeling approach, we demonstrate that caspase-8 is activated in etoposide-treated cells in vivo in the absence of the receptor-induced death-inducing signaling complex formation. Furthermore, we show that both caspase-3 and -6 are required for the efficient activation of caspase-8. Our data therefore indicate that interchain cleavage of caspase-8 in the mitochondrial pathway is sufficient to produce an active enzyme even in the absence of receptor-driven procaspase-8 dimerization.

Apoptosis resistance of MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells to ionizing radiation is independent of p53 and cell cycle control but caused by the lack of caspase-3 and a caffeine-inhibitable event

We have shown previously that ionizing radiation (IR) induces a persistent G(2)-M arrest but not cell death in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells that harbor functional p53 but lack caspase-3. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of apoptosis resistance and the roles of p53, caspase-3, and cell cycle arrest in IR-induced apoptosis. The methylxanthine caffeine and the staurosporine analog UCN-01, which can inhibit ATM and Chk kinases, efficiently abrogated the IR-induced G(2)-M arrest and induced mitochondrial activation as judged by the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c and Smac/Diablo. However, despite these proapoptotic alterations, cell death and activation of the initiator caspase-9 were not induced in MCF-7 cells but were interestingly only observed after reexpression of caspase-3. Sensitization to IR-induced apoptosis by caffeine or UCN-01 was abrogated neither by cycloheximide nor by pifithrin-alpha, an inhibitor of the transcriptional activity of p53. Furthermore, suppression of p53 by RNA interference could not prevent caffeine- and IR-induced mitochondrial alterations and apoptosis but resulted in an even more pronounced G(2)-M arrest. Collectively, our results clearly show that the resistance of MCF-7 cells to IR-induced apoptosis is caused by two independent events; one of them is a caffeine- or UCN-01-inhibitable event that does not depend on p53 or a release of the G(2)-M arrest. The second event is the loss of caspase-3 that surprisingly seems essential for a fully functional caspase-9 pathway, even despite the previous release of mitochondrial proapoptotic proteins.

Regulation of cytosolic prostaglandin E synthase by phosphorylation

cPGES [cytosolic PG (prostaglandin) E synthase] is constitutively expressed in various cells and can regulate COX (cyclo-oxygenase)-1-dependent immediate PGE2 generation. In the present study, we found that cPGES underwent serine phosphorylation, which was accelerated transiently after cell activation. Several lines of evidence suggest that a cPGES-activating protein kinase is CK-II (casein kinase II). Recombinant cPGES was phosphorylated directly by and associated with CK-II in vitro, resulting in marked reduction of the K m for the substrate PGH2. In activated cells, cPGES phosphorylation occurred in parallel with increased cPGES enzymic activity and PGE2 production from exogenous and endogenous arachidonic acid, and these processes were facilitated by Hsp90 (heat-shock protein 90), a molecular chaperone that formed a tertiary complex with cPGES and CK-II. Treatment of cells with inhibitors of CK-II and Hsp90 and with a dominant-negative CK-II attenuated the formation of the cPGES-CK-II-Hsp90 complex and attendant cPGES phosphorylation and activation. Mutations of either of two predicted CK-II phosphorylation sites on cPGES (Ser113 and Ser118) abrogated its phosphorylation and activation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the CK-II-Hsp90-mediated activation of cPGES was ameliorated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB20358 or by the anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Taken together, the results of the present study have provided the first evidence that the cellular function of this eicosanoid-biosynthetic enzyme is under the control of a molecular chaperone and its client protein kinase.

Casein Kinase I Attenuates Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand–Induced Apoptosis by Regulating the Recruitment of Fas-Associated Death Domain and Procaspase-8 to the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in a wide variety of malignant cell lines, in contrast to normal cells, but with considerable heterogeneity in response. Death receptor-mediated apoptosis may be attenuated by a variety of different mechanisms, including phosphorylation-based signaling pathways. We have demonstrated that casein kinase I can attenuate TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human cell lines derived from colon adenocarcinoma (HT29 and HCT8) and pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (JR1). Inhibition of casein kinase I (CKI) phosphorylation events in HT29, HCT8, and JR1 cells by CKI-7 dramatically increased apoptosis after exposure to TRAIL, in the absence of apoptosis induced by TRAIL treatment alone. CKI inhibition enhanced the recruitment of Fas-associated death domain and procaspase-8 to the death-inducing signaling complex after TRAIL treatment and enhanced cleavage of procaspase-8 at the death-inducing signaling complex. In HT29 cells studied further, rapid cleavage of caspase-8, caspase-3, Bid, and the caspase substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase occurred when CKI-7 and TRAIL were combined. Overexpression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, or mutant DN-Fas-associated death domain protected HT29 cells from TRAIL-induced apoptosis in the presence of the CKI inhibitor. In addition, TRAIL combined with CKI-7 promoted the release of cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO, HtrA2/Omi, and AIF from the mitochondria and down-regulated the expression of XIAP and c-IAP1. Small hairpin RNAs directed against CKI revealed that the CKIalpha isoform contributed significantly to the inhibition of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that CKIalpha plays an antiapoptotic role through the generation of phosphorylated sites at the level of the death-inducing signaling complex, thereby conferring resistance to caspase cleavage mediated by TRAIL.

Influence of Casein Kinase II in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand-Induced Apoptosis in Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis via the death receptors DR4 and DR5 in transformed cells in vitro and exhibits potent antitumor activity in vivo with minor side effects. Protein kinase casein kinase II (CK2) is increased in response to diverse growth stimuli and is aberrantly elevated in a variety of human cancers. Rhabdomyosarcoma tumors are the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in childhood. In this investigation, we demonstrate that CK2 is a key survival factor that protects tumor cells from TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We have demonstrated that inhibition of CK2 phosphorylation events by 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole (DRB) resulted in dramatic sensitization of tumor cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. CK2 inhibition also induced rapid cleavage of caspase-8, -9, and -3, as well as the caspase substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase after TRAIL treatment. Overexpression of Bcl-2 protected cells from TRAIL-induced apoptosis in the presence of the CK2 inhibitor. Death signaling by TRAIL in these cells was Fas-associated death domain and caspase dependent because dominant negative Fas-associated death domain or the cowpox interleukin 1beta-converting enzyme inhibitor protein cytokine response modifier A prevented apoptosis in the presence of DRB. Analysis of death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation demonstrated that inhibition of CK2 by DRB increased the level of recruitment of procaspase-8 to the DISC and enhanced caspase-8-mediated cleavage of Bid, thereby increasing the release of the proapoptotic factors cytochrome c, HtrA2/Omi, Smac/DIABLO, and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondria, with subsequent degradation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). To further interfere with CK2 function, JR1 and Rh30 cells were transfected with either short hairpin RNA targeted to CK2alpha or kinase-inactive CK2alpha (K68M) or CK2alpha' (K69M). Data show that the CK2 kinase activity was abrogated and that TRAIL sensitivity in both cell lines was increased. Silencing of CK2alpha expression with short hairpin RNA was also associated with degradation of XIAP. These findings suggest that CK2 regulates TRAIL signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma by modulating TRAIL-induced DISC formation and XIAP expression.

Antitumor agent parthenolide reverses resistance of breast cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand through sustained activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase

The antitumor activity of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide, an active ingredient of medicinal plants, is believed to be due to the inhibition of DNA binding of transcription factors NF-kappaB and STAT-3, reduction in MAP kinase activity and the generation of reactive oxygen. In this report, we show that parthenolide activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which is independent of inhibition of NF-kappaB DNA binding and generation of reactive oxygen species. Parthenolide reversed resistance of breast cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. Cancer cells treated with a combination of TRAIL and parthenolide underwent massive typical apoptosis and atypical apoptosis involving the loss of plasma membrane integrity. JNK activity is necessary for the parthenolide-induced sensitization to TRAIL because a dominant-negative JNK or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 reduced TRAIL plus parthenolide-induced apoptosis. Parthenolide induced phosphorylation of Bid and increased TRAIL-dependent cleavage of Bid without affecting caspase 8 activities. Cytochrome c but not Smac/DIABLO was released from the mitochondria in cells treated with parthenolide alone. Parthenolide through JNK increased the TRAIL-mediated degradation of the antiapoptotic protein X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). Enhanced XIAP cleavage correlated with increased and prolonged caspase 3 activity and PARP cleavage, suggesting that the sensitization to TRAIL involves 'feed forward' activation of caspase 3. These results identify a new antitumor activity of parthenolide, which can be exploited to reverse resistance of cancer cells to TRAIL, particularly those with elevated XIAP levels.

Translocation of Full-length Bid to Mitochondria during Anoikis

Epithelial cells require adhesion to the extracellular matrix for survival, and in the absence of adhesion they undergo apoptosis (anoikis). This is distinct from apoptosis induced by extracellular death ligands, such as tumor necrosis factor, which result in direct activation of caspase 8. Bid is a member of the BH3-only subfamily of the Bcl-2 proteins and is important for most cell types to apoptose in response to Fas and tumor necrosis factor receptor activation. Caspase 8 cleaves full-length Bid, resulting in truncated p15 tBid. p15 tBid is potently apoptotic and activates the multidomain Bcl-2 protein, Bax, resulting in release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. We have previously shown that Bax rapidly translocates from the cytosol to mitochondria following loss of adhesion and that this is required for anoikis. We have now examined the role of Bid in anoikis. Bid translocates to mitochondria with identical kinetics as Bax. Although Bid is required for anoikis, it does not require proteolytic cleavage by caspase 8. Furthermore, it does not require Bid to interact directly with other Bcl-2 family proteins, such as Bax. Our data indicate that Bid is important for regulating apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway and has implications for how Bid may fulfill that role.

Bid Truncation, Bid/Bax Targeting to the Mitochondria, and Caspase Activation Associated with Neutrophil Apoptosis Are Inhibited by Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor

Neutrophil apoptosis constitutes a way of managing neutrophil-mediated reactions. It allows coping with infections, but avoiding overt bystander tissue damage. Using digitonin-based subcellular fractionation and Western blotting, we found that spontaneous apoptosis of human neutrophils (after approximately 20 h of culture) was associated with translocation of two proapoptotic Bcl-2 homologues, Bid and Bax, to the mitochondria and truncation of Bid, with subsequent release of Omi/HtrA2 and Smac/DIABLO into the cytosol. These events were accompanied by processing and increased enzymatic activity of caspase-8, -9, and -3. A G-CSF-mediated reduction in apoptosis coincided with inhibition of all these reactions. The G-CSF-induced effects were differentially dependent on newly synthesized mediators. Whereas inhibition of Bax targeting to the mitochondria and inhibition of caspase activation by G-CSF were dependent on protein synthesis, Bid truncation and redistribution were prevented by G-CSF regardless of the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Apparently, the observed Bid changes were dispensable for neutrophil apoptosis. Although the regulators of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), Omi/HtrA2 and Smac/DIABLO, were released into the cytosol during apoptosis, we did not observe cleavage of X-linked IAP, which suggests that another mechanism of IAP deactivation is involved. Together our results support an integrative role of the mitochondria in induction and/or amplification of caspase activity and show that G-CSF may act by blocking Bid/Bax redistribution and inhibiting caspase activation.

Suppression of the caspase cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein by its cytoplasmic phosphorylation

beta-Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a type I transmembrane protein. Its cleavages by beta- and gamma-secretases yield beta-amyloid, which is the main constituent of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In apoptotic cells and AD brains, APP is alternatively cleaved by caspases in the cytoplasmic region after the Asp664 residue (with respect to the numbering conversion for the APP695 isoform). Caspase-cleaved fragments of APP are cytotoxic and have been implicated in AD pathogenesis; however, the mechanisms regulating the cleavage have not been studied. APP is constitutively phosphorylated at Thr668 in brain. In the present study, we demonstrate that APP phosphorylated at Thr668 is less vulnerable to cytoplasmic cleavage by caspase-3 and caspase-8. This suggests that APP phosphorylation suppresses the generation of caspase-cleaved fragments of APP in the brain and that perturbation of this phosphorylation may be involved in APP-mediated neurotoxicity.

Role of Bcl-2 family members in immunity and disease

The different members of the Bcl-2 family are essential regulators of programmed cell death. These different members share one or more Bcl-2 homology domains, required for their ability to regulate each other. In this review, we describe current knowledge of the functions of different Bcl-2 members and their potential roles in disease and immunity.

Bcl-2 family members: integrators of survival and death signals in physiology and pathology [corrected]

The members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins are crucial regulators of apoptosis. In order to determine cell fate, these proteins must be targeted to distinct intracellular membranes, including the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM), the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its associated nuclear envelope. The targeting sequences and mechanisms that mediate the specificity of these proteins for a particular cellular membrane remain poorly defined. Several Bcl-2 family members have been reported to be tail-anchored via their predicted hydrophobic COOH-terminal transmembrane domains (TMDs). Tail-anchoring imposes a posttranslational mechanism of membrane insertion on the already folded protein, suggesting that the transient binding of cytosolic chaperone proteins to the hydrophobic TMD may be an important regulatory event in the targeting process. The TMD of certain family members is initially concealed and only becomes available for targeting and membrane insertion in response to apoptotic stimuli. These proteins either undergo a conformational change, posttranslational modification or a combination of these events enabling them to translocate to sites at which they are functional. Some Bcl-2 family members lack a TMD, but nevertheless localize to the MOM or the ER membrane during apoptosis where they execute their functions. In this review, we will focus on the intracellular targeting of Bcl-2 family members and the mechanisms by which they translocate to their sites of action. Furthermore, we will discuss the posttranslational modifications which regulate these events.

The Protein Kinase CK2 Facilitates Repair of Chromosomal DNA Single-Strand Breaks

CK2 was the first protein kinase identified and is required for the proliferation and survival of mammalian cells. Here, we have identified an unanticipated role for CK2. We show that this essential protein kinase phosphorylates the scaffold protein XRCC1 and thereby enables the assembly and activity of DNA single-strand break repair protein complexes in vitro and at sites of chromosomal breakage. Moreover, we show that inhibiting XRCC1 phosphorylation by mutation of the CK2 phosphorylation sites or preventing CK2 activity using a highly specific inhibitor ablates the rapid repair of cellular DNA single-strand breaks by XRCC1. These data identify a direct role for CK2 in the repair of chromosomal DNA strand breaks and in maintaining genetic integrity.

Tim50, a component of the mitochondrial translocator, regulates mitochondrial integrity and cell death

In yeast, Tim50 along with Tim23 regulate translocation of presequence-containing proteins across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a novel human mitochondrial inner membrane protein homologous to the yeast Tim50. We demonstrate that human Tim50 possesses phosphatase activity and is present in a complex with human Tim23. Down-regulation of human Tim50 expression by RNA interference increases the sensitivity of human cell lines to death stimuli by accelerating the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Furthermore, injection of Tim50-specific morpholino antisense oligonucleotides during early zebrafish embryonic development causes neurodegeneration, dysmorphic hearts, and reduced motility as a result of increased cell death. These observations indicate that loss of Tim50 in vertebrates causes mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and dysfunction followed by cytoplasmic release of cytochrome c along with other mitochondrial inducers of cell death. Thus Tim50 is important for both mitochondrial function and early neuronal development.

PKCmu prevents CD95-mediated apoptosis and enhances proliferation in pancreatic tumour cells

Loss of growth control and a marked resistance to apoptosis are considered major mechanisms driving tumour progression. Protein kinases C (PKC) have been shown to be important in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis. In this report, we investigated the role of the PKC-like kinase PKCmu in the control of these processes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. We demonstrate that in these cells, PKCmu expression strongly correlates with resistance to CD95-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of PKCmu with Goe6983 sensitized resistant cells to CD95-induced apoptosis. In CD95-sensitive Colo357 cells, forced overexpression of PKCmu strongly reduced CD95-mediated apoptosis, an effect that could be reversed by pretreatment with Goe6983. In addition, PKCmu overexpression led to a strongly enhanced cell growth and to a significant increase of telomerase activity. In an attempt to identify the signalling pathways affected by PKCmu, we identified the antiapoptotic proteins c-FLIPL and survivin to be strongly upregulated in PKCmu overexpressing cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic tumour tissue of 48 patients and 10 normal pancreatic tissues revealed marked overexpression of PKCmu in tumours. In conclusion, we showed that PKCmu controls proliferative, as well as anti-apoptotic, signalling pathways and therefore plays an important role in acquiring the malignant phenotype of pancreatic tumours.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor delays apoptosis in neutrophils by inhibiting the mitochondria-dependent death pathway

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine known to activate macrophages and T cells. In this study, we demonstrate that recombinant MIF delays apoptosis of neutrophils in vitro. MIF action is dose and time dependent as well as specific since it was abolished with a neutralizing anti-MIF antibody. MIF, like G-CSF, delayed cleavage of the proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family Bid and Bax in neutrophils, suggesting that MIF inhibits apoptosis pathways proximal to mitochondria activation. Indeed, MIF also prevented release of cytochrome c and Smac from the mitochondria and subsequent activation of the critical effector caspase-3 in these cells. Moreover, we observed increased MIF plasma levels in patients with cystic fibrosis, a heterogeneous recessive genetic disorder associated with bacterial infections and delayed neutrophil apoptosis. In conclusion, MIF is a survival cytokine for human neutrophils, a finding with potential pathologic relevance in infectious diseases.

Cell cycle regulation of neuronal apoptosis in development and disease

Apoptosis of neurons is indispensable to the normal development of the nervous system and contributes to neuronal loss in neurologic injury and disease. Life and death decisions are imposed upon neurons by extracellular and intracellular stimuli including the lack of trophic support, exposure to neurotoxins, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. These stimuli induce signaling pathways that are integrated at the mitochondrial apoptotic machinery culminating in cell survival or death. Growing evidence suggests that cell cycle proteins are expressed in dying neurons in the developing and adult brain. However, the role and mechanisms by which re-activation of cell cycle pathways in postmitotic neurons propagates an apoptotic signal to the cell death machinery are just beginning to be characterized. Here, we will review the molecular mechanisms of neuronal cell death and survival with a focus on recent findings on cell cycle regulation of neuronal apoptosis in primary cultures of neurons, mouse models of neuronal diseases, and human neurodegenerative diseases.

Phosphorylation of Presenilin 1 at the Caspase Recognition Site Regulates Its Proteolytic Processing and the Progression of Apoptosis

The Alzheimer's disease-associated presenilin (PS) 1 is intimately involved in gamma-secretase cleavage of beta-amyloid precursor protein and other proteins. In addition, PS1 plays a role in beta-catenin signaling and in the regulation of apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that phosphorylation of PS1 is regulated by two independent signaling pathways involving protein kinase (PK) A and PKC and that both kinases can directly phosphorylate the large hydrophilic domain of PS1 in vitro and in cultured cells. A phosphorylation site at serine residue 346 was identified that is selectively phosphorylated by PKC but not by PKA. This site is localized within a recognition motif for caspases, and phosphorylation strongly inhibits proteolytic processing of PS1 by caspase activity during apoptosis. Moreover, PS1 phosphorylation reduces the progression of apoptosis. Our data indicate that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation at the caspase recognition site provides a mechanism to reversibly regulate properties of PS1 in apoptosis.

JNK2 mediates TNF-induced cell death in mouse embryonic fibroblasts via regulation of both caspase and cathepsin protease pathways

Recent studies strongly suggest an active involvement of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced apoptosis. The direct evidence for the role of JNK and its isoforms has been missing and the mechanism of how JNK actually could facilitate this process has remained unclear. In this study, we show that Jnk2-/- primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (pMEFs) exhibit resistance towards TNF-induced apoptosis as compared to corresponding wild-type and Jnk1-/- pMEFs. JNK2-deficient pMEFs could be resensitized to TNF via retroviral transduction of any of the four different JNK2 splicing variants. Jnk2-/- pMEFs displayed deficient and delayed effector caspase activation as well as impaired cytosolic cystein cathepsin activity: processes that both were needed for efficient TNF-induced apoptosis in pMEFs. Our work demonstrates that JNK has a central role in the promotion of TNF-induced apoptosis in pMEFs, and that the JNK2 isoform can regulate both mitochondrial and lysosomal death pathways in these cells.

Inhibition of CK2 activity by TGF-beta1 promotes IkappaB-alpha protein stabilization and apoptosis of immortalized hepatocytes

Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is an antiapoptotic factor involved in development, regeneration, and neoplastic progression of the liver. Previously, we have shown that stabilization of inhibitor kappaB (IkappaB)-alpha protein following treatment of hepatocytes with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 promoted NF-kappaB repression, which then permitted induction of AP-1/SMAD-mediated liver cell death. Because basal IkappaB-alpha protein turnover is regulated by protein kinase CK2, here we have elucidated the regulation of CK2 kinase activity and its role in control of NF-kappaB levels following treatment with TGF-beta1. We show that both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the CK2alpha catalytic subunit are down-regulated following TGF-beta1 stimulation in murine hepatocyte cells. The ensuing inhibition of CK2 kinase activity promotes stabilization of IkappaB protein, which is followed by the shutoff of constitutive NF-kappaB activity and induction of apoptosis. Ectopic expression of CK2alpha inhibits TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis through sustained activation of NF-kappaB. Conversely, expression of a kinase-dead mutant of CK2alpha potentiates TGF-beta1 cell killing. Importantly, we show that hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) derived from TGF-beta1 transgenic mice and human HCC cell lines display enhanced CK2 IkappaB kinase activity that contributes in part to an elevated NF-kappaB activity in vivo. In conclusion, inhibition of CK2 expression levels by TGF-beta1 is crucial for the induction of apoptosis of hepatocytes. Circumvention of this process by up-regulation of CK2 activity in transformed cells may contribute to the promotion of TGF-beta1-induced liver carcinogenesis.

The herpes simplex virus-1 Us3 protein kinase blocks CD8T cell lysis by preventing the cleavage of Bid by granzyme B

The Us3 kinase is part of the antiapoptotic arsenal that salvages herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1-infected cells from damage caused by different stimuli. We demonstrate that Us3 protects HSV-1-infected cells from lysis by MHC class I-restricted CD8T cells without affecting antigen presentation. Expression of Us3 was associated with inhibition of caspase activation and reduced cleavage of the proapoptotic protein Bid. Recombinant granzyme B (GrB) failed to cleave Bid in cytosolic extracts from Us3 positive cells, while recombinant Bid served as substrate for Us3 phosphorylation, suggesting that modification of Bid by Us3 blocks its processing by GrB. Our data illustrate a new strategy of viral escape, where modification of a cellular proapoptotic substrate may prevent lysis of the infected cells without affecting other T-cell functions.

Proapoptotic Bid binds to monolysocardiolipin, a new molecular connection between mitochondrial membranes and cell death

Recent evidence indicates that the mitochondrial lipid cardiolipin may be instrumental in the proapoptotic action of Bcl-2 family proteins on mitochondrial membranes, leading to the release of apoptogenic factors. However, contrasting evidence indicates that progressive loss of cardiolipin occurs during apoptosis. Here we show that Bid, a crucial proapoptotic protein that integrates the action of other Bcl-2 family members, exhibits discrete specificity for metabolites of cardiolipin, especially monolysocardiolipin (MCL). MCL, normally present in the remodelling of mitochondrial lipids, progressively increases in mitochondria during Fas-mediated apoptosis as a by-product of cardiolipin degradation, and also enhances Bid binding to membranes. MCL may thus play a crucial role in connecting lipid metabolism, relocation of Bid to mitochondria and integrated action of Bcl-2 proteins on mitochondrial membranes. We propose that Bid interaction with MCL 'primes' the mitochondrial outer membrane via segregation of lipid domains, facilitating membrane discontinuity and leakage of apoptogenic factors.

The Bcl-2 family: roles in cell survival and oncogenesis

Apoptosis, the cell-suicide programme executed by caspases, is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis, and impaired apoptosis is now recognized to be a key step in tumorigenesis. Whether a cell should live or die is largely determined by the Bcl-2 family of anti- and proapoptotic regulators. These proteins respond to cues from various forms of intracellular stress, such as DNA damage or cytokine deprivation, and interact with opposing family members to determine whether or not the caspase proteolytic cascade should be unleashed. This review summarizes current views of how these proteins sense stress, interact with their relatives, perturb organelles such as the mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum and govern pathways to caspase activation. It briefly explores how family members influence cell-cycle entry and outlines the evidence for their involvement in tumour development, both as oncoproteins and tumour suppressors. Finally, it discusses the promise of novel anticancer therapeutics that target these vital regulators.

5,6-Dichloro-ribifuranosylbenzimidazole- and apigenin-induced sensitization of colon cancer cells to TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in the expression of many genes integral to the inflammatory response. In addition, it activates both apoptotic and survival pathways, the latter being mediated through the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Protein kinase CK2, a serine-threonine kinase that is universally upregulated in human malignancies, may be involved at multiple levels in this process. However, its role in mediating a survival response within colon cancer cells remains incompletely understood. Here we report that inhibition of CK2 in HCT-116 and HT-29 cells with the use of two specific CK2 inhibitors, 5,6-dichloro-ribifuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) and apigenin, effected a synergistic reduction in cell survival when used in conjunction with TNF-alpha. Furthermore, there was a demonstrable synergistic reduction in colony formation in soft agar with the use of the same combinations. Western blot analysis showed that poly-ADP ribose polymerase and procaspase-3 cleavage complemented the fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis findings of significantly increased subdiploid DNA-containing cell populations using these conditions. Remarkably, these events occurred in the absence of any reduction in the expression of the Bcl-2 family members Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bcl-xL or any change in the proapoptotic molecules Bad or Bax. One-hybrid NF-kappaB promoter assays utilizing a Gal4-p65 transactivation domain construct revealed that the TNF-induced transactivation was inhibited by both DRB and apigenin. This was associated with a concomitant reduction in the expression of a recognized anti-apoptotic NF-kappaB target, manganese superoxide dismutase, demonstrated by Q-PCR. Our findings indicate a potentially novel strategy for the treatment of colon cancer, one that targets CK2 simultaneous with TNF-alpha administration.

Mitochondrial potassium transport: the role of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel in cardiac function and cardioprotection

Coronary artery disease and its sequelae-ischemia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure-are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in man. Considerable effort has been devoted toward improving functional recovery and reducing the extent of infarction after ischemic episodes. As a step in this direction, it was found that the heart was significantly protected against ischemia-reperfusion injury if it was first preconditioned by brief ischemia or by administering a potassium channel opener. Both of these preconditioning strategies were found to require opening of a K(ATP) channel, and in 1997 we showed that this pivotal role was mediated by the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (mitoK(ATP)). This paper will review the evidence showing that opening mitoK(ATP) is cardioprotective against ischemia-reperfusion injury and, moreover, that mitoK(ATP) plays this role during all three phases of the natural history of ischemia-reperfusion injury preconditioning, ischemia, and reperfusion. We discuss two distinct mechanisms by which mitoK(ATP) opening protects the heart-increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the preconditioning phase and regulation of intermembrane space (IMS) volume during the ischemic and reperfusion phases. It is likely that cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and K(ATP) channel openers (KCOs) arises from utilization of normal physiological processes. Accordingly, we summarize the results of new studies that focus on the role of mitoK(ATP) in normal cardiomyocyte physiology. Here, we observe the same two mechanisms at work. In low-energy states, mitoK(ATP) opening triggers increased mitochondrial ROS production, thereby amplifying a cell signaling pathway leading to gene transcription and cell growth. In high-energy states, mitoK(ATP) opening prevents the matrix contraction that would otherwise occur during high rates of electron transport. MitoK(ATP)-mediated volume regulation, in turn, prevents disruption of the structure-function of the IMS and facilitates efficient energy transfers between mitochondria and myofibrillar ATPases.

Three novel Bid proteins generated by alternative splicing of the human Bid gene

Bid, a BH3-only Bcl-2 protein, is activated by proteolytic cleavage exposing the BH3 domain, which then induces apoptosis by interacting with pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins (e.g. Bax and Bak) at the mitochondrial surface. The arrangement of domains within Bid suggested that Bid function might be regulated in part by alternative splicing. We have determined the gene structure of human Bid and identified a number of novel exons. We have also demonstrated endogenous mRNA and protein expression for three novel isoforms of Bid, generated using these exons. Bid(S) contains the N-terminal regulatory domains of Bid without the BH3 domain; Bid(EL) corresponds to full-length Bid with additional N-terminal sequence; and Bid(ES) contains only the Bid sequence downstream of the BH3 domain. Expression of these isoforms is regulated during granulocyte maturation. In functional studies Bid(EL) induces apoptosis, whereas Bid(S) abrogates the pro-apoptotic effects of truncated Bid and inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis. Bid(ES) induces apoptosis but is also able to partially inhibit the pro-apoptotic effects of truncated Bid. These three novel endogenously expressed isoforms of Bid are distinct in their expression, their cellular localization, and their effects upon cellular apoptosis. Differential expression of these novel Bid isoforms may regulate the function of Bid following cleavage and thus influence the fate of cells exposed to a range of pro-apoptotic stimuli.

CHOP transcription factor phosphorylation by casein kinase 2 inhibits transcriptional activation

The CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous transcription factor CHOP, also known as GADD153, is involved in DNA damage, growth arrest, and the induction of apoptosis after endoplasmic reticulum stress and nutrient deprivation. CHOP dimerizes with and inhibits the binding of C/EBP-related transcription factors to their consensus DNA target sequences and also forms novel complexes with other transcriptional proteins (e.g. c-Jun, c-Fos). The transcriptional activation of these complexes is modified by their phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of CHOP at serine 79 and serine 81 by p38-MAP kinase enhances its transcriptional activity. Here we show that an interactive association between CHOP and casein kinase II (CK2) results in the phosphorylation of its amino-terminal transactivation domain. Mapping of the functional domains of CHOP indicates that the region in CHOP required for association with CK2 differs from that required for its phosphorylation. Th binding of CK2 to CHOP requires only the carboxylterminal bZip domain of CHOP, whereas phosphorylation involves residues located in the amino-terminal domain. The presence of the bZip domain, however, facilitates the phosphorylation of CHOP. Analyses of the effect of point mutations of CHOP on its transcriptional activity and the effect of specific inhibitors of CK2 lead us to conclude that CK2-mediated phosphorylation of CHOP inhibits its transcriptional activity. Our findings suggest that inhibition of the proapoptotic functions of CHOP by CK2 may be a mechanism by which CK2 prevents apoptosis and promotes cellular proliferation.

Spermatogenesis of mice lacking CK2alpha': failure of germ cell survival and characteristic modifications of the spermatid nucleus

Csnk2a2 encodes the CK2alpha'catalytic subunit of CK2 that is predominantly expressed in testis. Male mice in which Csnk2a2 has been disrupted were infertile and displayed oligozoospermia with an abnormal shape of the spermatid nucleus. In this study, Csnk2a2 null testes revealed extensive germ cell degenerative processes at all stages of spermatogenesis, including the first spermatogenesis wave. Nuclear envelope (NE) protrusions with loss of nuclear pores, swelling of the outer membrane, and disruption of the inner membrane were observed in cells ranging from spermatogonia to early spermatids. Most early round spermatids were depleted, and DNA-specific fluorescent dyes showed a large chromatin-free nuclear domain near the chromocenter. Spermatids that were not eliminated retained NE defects that could explain the acrosomal and nuclear abnormalities of Csnk2a2 null spermatozoa. Data suggest that CK2alpha' deficiency could impair the phosphorylation of nuclear proteins of male germ cells leading to a particular cell-death pathway characterized by NE protrusions and an unusual pattern of chromatin modifications in spermatids.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors sensitize tumor cells specifically to death receptor-induced apoptosis independently of COX-2 inhibition

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in diverse processes such as inflammation, carcinogenesis and apoptosis. As COX-2 inhibitors interfere with these processes, inhibition of COX-2 has been suggested as a promising anticancer treatment. However, the role of COX-2 in modulation of apoptosis as well as the death pathways affected by COX-2 inhibitors are poorly characterized. Here we demonstrate that the selective COX-2 inhibitors NS-398 and nimesulide increased TNF sensitivity of TNF-resistant HeLa H21 and TNF-sensitive HeLa D98 cells, although this cytokine induced significant COX-2 activity, as judged by prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production, only in H21 cells. TNF did also not induce PGE(2) production in MCF-7/casp-3 cells stably expressing COX-2; however, nimesulide strongly enhanced TNF-induced apoptosis in these cells. Furthermore, COX-2 activity in HeLa H21 cells could be inhibited by NS-398 concentrations that were 10 000-fold lower compared to those required for the induction of cell death. Most intriguingly, sensibilization to apoptosis was specifically observed in response to activation of death receptors. Not only TNF-induced cell death but also apoptosis triggered by the CD95 and TRAIL receptors was enhanced by nimesulide. In contrast, apoptosis induced by the anticancer drugs doxorubicine and etoposide that target the mitochondrial death pathway remained unaffected. Together, our data suggest that COX-2 inhibitors overcome apoptosis resistance and selectively sensitize tumor cells to the extrinsic death receptor-induced apoptotic pathway independently of COX-2.

Protein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylation of phosphoserine 112 plays the gatekeeper role for BAD-mediated apoptosis

BAD, a proapoptotic molecule of the BCL2 family, is regulated by reversible phosphorylation. During survival, BAD is sequestered by 14-3-3 through serine 136 phosphorylation and is dissociated from BCL-X(L) through serine 155 phosphorylation. We report that phosphoserine 112 (pSer112) dephosphorylation functions as a gatekeeper for BAD-mediated apoptosis. During apoptosis, dephosphorylation of pSer112 preceded pSer136 dephosphorylation. Dephosphorylation of pSer112 accelerated dephosphorylation of pSer136, and inhibition of pSer112 dephosphorylation prevented pSer136 dephosphorylation, indicating that dephosphorylation of pSer112 is required for dephosphorylation of pSer136. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is the major pSer112 phosphatase. PP2A competed with 14-3-3 for BAD binding, and survival factor withdrawal enhanced PP2A association with BAD. Dephosphorylation of the critical residue, pSer136, could only be blocked by inhibition of all known subfamilies of serine/threonine phosphatases, suggesting that multiple phosphatases are involved in pSer136 dephosphorylation. Inhibition of PP2A rescued FL5.12 cells from apoptosis, demonstrating a physiologic role for PP2A-mediated pSer112 dephosphorylation. Thus, PP2A dephosphorylation of pSer112 is the key initiating event regulating the activation of BAD during interleukin-3 withdrawal-induced apoptosis.

Functional expression cloning reveals proapoptotic role for protein phosphatase 4

Functional expression cloning strategies are highly suitable for the analysis of the molecular control of apoptosis. This approach has two critical advantages. Firstly, it eliminates prior assumptions about the properties of the proteins involved, and, secondly, it selectively targets proteins that are causally involved in apoptosis control and which affect the crucial cellular decision between survival and death. The application of this strategy to the isolation of cDNAs conferring resistance to dexamethasone and gamma-irradiation resulted in the isolation of a partial cDNA for the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 4 (PP4). Cells transfected with this partial cDNA in an expression vector downregulated PP4 and were resistant to both dexamethasone and UV radiation, as demonstrated by both membrane integrity and colony-forming assays. These observations suggest that PP4 plays an important proapoptotic role in T lymphocytes.

Antiapoptotic effect of EGF on mouse hepatocytes associated with downregulation of proapoptotic Bid protein

Growth factors have been shown to protect cells from a variety of apoptotic stimuli. In the liver, the Fas system is thought to be very important in the genesis of hepatocyte apoptosis. Others have already shown the importance of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) pathway and of increased Bcl-xl expression in the antiapoptotic effect of growth factors on hepatocytes. We investigated the effect of EGF on Bid, a BH3-only member of the Bcl-2 family and a major player in the transduction of the Fas apoptotic signal. Hepatocyte apoptosis was induced in vitro with a purified anti-mouse Fas antibody. The effect of EGF on Bid protein expression was studied on those cultures. EGF dose dependently reduced the expression of Bid protein in primary mouse hepatocyte cultures independently of Fas stimulation. This decrease was not the result of the degradation of Bid into its active p15 fragment. Treating cells with a specific inhibitor of the EGF receptor autophosphorylation completely abolished the decrease in Bid expression afforded by EGF. Treatment with LY-294002, a PI3-kinase blocker, partly reverted the effect of EGF. When apoptosis was induced in Bid-deficient hepatocytes, EGF lost its capacity to protect cells against this type of cell death. These results show that EGF decreases the expression of Bid protein and suggest that the effect of EGF on Bid is one of the mechanisms of the antiapoptotic effect of EGF.

Serine/threonine protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A are key players in apoptosis

The reversible phosphorylation of proteins controlled by protein kinases and protein phosphatases is a major mechanism that regulates a wide variety of cellular processes. In contrast to C. elegans, recent studies in mammalian cells have highlighted a major role of serine/threonine protein phosphorylation in apoptosis. To illustrate the importance of dephosphorylation processes in apoptosis, this review will focus on recent studies suggesting that the interaction of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) with certain regulators of the Bcl-2 family is critically involved in the control of apoptosis.

Protein kinase CK2: a challenge to canons

CK2 is an extremely conserved pleiotropic protein kinase with a growing list of more than 300 substrates, the majority of which are proteins implicated in signal transduction, gene expression and other nuclear functions. The CK2 phosphoacceptor sites are specified by multiple acidic residues, with the one at position +3 relative to the target residue being of crucial relevance. The CK2 holoenzyme is composed of two catalytic subunits (alphaalpha, alpha'alpha' or alphaalpha'), which are essential for cell viability, and a dimer of two non-catalytic beta subunits, whose precise function is still poorly understood. Although the beta subunits deeply affect many properties of CK2, both the isolated catalytic subunits and the holoenzyme are constitutively active, which is probably responsible for the oncogenic potential of CK2. Given the structure of the holoenzyme, the beta subunits could undergo reversible dissociation under physiological conditions and play a role as anchoring elements and/or as a docking platform for protein substrates and effectors. These unusual features are likely to be instrumental in the involvement of CK2 in a number of key biological functions, notably RNA synthesis, Wnt signaling, ubiquitination and cell survival.

Protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates the Fas-associated factor FAF1 in vivo and influences its transport into the nucleus

We previously identified the Fas-associated factor FAF1 as an in vitro substrate of protein kinase CK2 and determined Ser289 and Ser291 as phosphorylation sites. Here we demonstrate that these two serine residues are the only sites phosphorylated by CK2 in vitro, and that at least one site is phosphorylated in vivo. Furthermore, we analyzed putative physiological functions of FAF1 phosphorylation. The ability of FAF1 to potentiate Fas-induced apoptosis is not influenced by the FAF1 phosphorylation status; however, the nuclear import of a phosphorylation-deficient FAF1 mutant was delayed in comparison to wild-type FAF1.

Interaction of 14-3-3 with Bid during seizure-induced neuronal death

Seizure-induced neuronal death may involve coordinated intracellular trafficking and protein-protein interactions of members of the Bcl-2 family. The 14-3-3 proteins are known to sequester certain pro-apoptotic members of this family. BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid) may contribute to seizure-induced neuronal death, although regulation by 14-3-3 has not been reported. In this study we examined whether 14-3-3 proteins interact with Bid during seizure-induced neuronal death. Brief seizures were evoked in rats by intraamygdala microinjection of kainic acid to elicit unilateral hippocampal CA3 neuronal death. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that although Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad) constitutively bound 14-3-3, there was no interaction between Bid and 14-3-3 in control brain. Seizures triggered Bid cleavage and a commensurate increase in binding of Bid to 14-3-3 within injured hippocampus. Casein kinases I and II, which can inactivate Bid by phosphoserine/threonine modification, did not coimmunoprecipitate with Bid. The largely uninjured contralateral hippocampus did not exhibit Bid cleavage or binding of 14-3-3 to Bid. In vitro experiments confirmed that 14-3-3beta is capable of binding truncated Bid, likely in the absence of phosphoserine/threonine modification. These data suggest 14-3-3 proteins may target active as well as inactive conformations of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 death agonists, highlighting novel targets for intervention in seizure-induced neuronal death.

Casein kinase I delta (CKIdelta) is involved in lymphocyte physiology

The casein kinase I isoform delta (CKIdelta) plays an important role in vesicular trafficking, chromosome segregation, cell cycle progression, cytokinesis, developmental processes, and circadian rhythm. In this study we examined the distribution pattern of CKIdelta and quantified its kinase activity in various tissues of BALB/c mice. Whereas CKIdelta is ubiquitously expressed, differences in the kinase activity were detected in organs with comparable CKIdelta protein levels. To elucidate the role of CKIdelta in splenocytes, which displayed the highest kinase activity, the cell type-specific distribution of CKIdelta within the spleen was investigated. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a strong CKIdelta immunolabeling in lymphoid cells of the white pulp, while in the red pulp CKIdelta immunoreactivity was found in cells of various haematopoietic lineages. Furthermore, high CKIdelta kinase acitivity was observed in isolated lymphocytes and granulocytes of young BALB/c mice. In lymphocytes the CKIdelta activity increased upon mitogenic stimulation, whereas upon gamma-irradiation CKIdelta protein and activity levels were diminished. Interestingly, the comparison of CKIdelta activity in p53+/+ and p53-/- lymphocytes revealed a higher activity in p53+/+ lymphocytes. In addition, we observed an increased immunostaining in cells of hyperplastic B follicles and advanced B-cell lymphomas in p53-deficient mice. Thus, our results indicate that CKIdelta plays several roles in lymphocyte physiology.

Phosphorylation of calsenilin at Ser63 regulates its cleavage by caspase-3

Calsenilin is a member of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family of proteins that interacts with the presenilins. Calsenilin has been found to act as a Kv4alpha channel interactor and as a transcriptional repressor. We have recently shown that calsenilin can be cleaved by caspase-3 and that its cleavage separates the conserved calcium-binding domain from the variable N-terminal domain. Here, we demonstrate that calsenilin can be phosphorylated by casein kinase I and that its phosphorylation can be regulated by intracellular calcium. In addition, phosphorylated calsenilin is a substrate for serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP) 1 and/or 2A. Phosphorylation within the N-terminal domain at Ser63, the major phosphorylation site of calsenilin, inhibits cleavage of the molecule by caspase-3. Given that the N-terminal domain of calsenilin is not conserved in the larger NCS family including other KChIP/CALP proteins, phosphorylation of calsenilin may regulate a functional role that is unique to this member of the superfamily.

[Protein kinase CK2: an enzyme that likes to be different]

Protein kinase CK2 (formerly known as casein kinase 2) was among the first protein kinases to be identified and characterized. Surprisingly, in spite of intense efforts, the regulation and cellular functions of CK2 remain obscure. However, recent data on its molecular structure, its signal-mediated intracellular dynamic localization and its unexpected function in cell survival have raised new interest in this enzyme. These studies reveal unique features of CK2 and highlight its importance in the transduction of survival signals.

Effect of caspase cleavage-site phosphorylation on proteolysis

Caspases are important mediators of apoptotic cell death. Several cellular protein substrates of caspases contain potential phosphorylation site(s) at the cleavage-site region, and some of these sites have been verified to be phosphorylated. Since phosphorylation may affect substantially the substrate susceptibility towards proteolysis, phosphorylated, non-phosphorylated and substituted oligopeptides representing such cleavage sites were studied as substrates of apoptotic caspases 3, 7 and 8. Peptides containing phosphorylated serine residues at P4 and P1' positions were found to be substantially less susceptible towards proteolysis as compared with the serine-containing analogues, while phosphoserine at P3 did not have a substantial effect. P1 serine as well as P1-phosphorylated, serine-containing analogues of an oligopeptide representing the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage site of caspase-3 were not hydrolysed by any of these enzymes, whereas the P1 aspartate-containing peptides were efficiently hydrolysed. These findings were interpreted with the aid of molecular modelling. Our results suggest that cleavage-site phosphorylation in certain positions could be disadvantageous or detrimental with respect to cleavability by caspases. Cleavage-site phosphorylation may therefore provide a regulatory mechanism to protect substrates from caspase-mediated degradation.

Mitochondrial intermembrane proteins in cell death

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death important in the development and tissue homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Mitochondria have, next to their function in respiration, an important role in the apoptotic-signaling pathway. Malfunctioning at any level of the cell is eventually translated in the release of apoptogenic factors from the mitochondrial intermembrane space resulting in the organized demise of the cell. Some of these factors, such as AIF and endonuclease G, appear to be highly conserved during evolution. Other factors, like cytochrome c, have gained their apoptogenic function later during evolution. In this review, we focus on the role of cytochrome c, AIF, endonuclease G, Smac/DIABLO, Omi/HtrA2, Acyl-CoA-binding protein, and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein in the initiation and modulation of cell death in different model organisms. These mitochondrial factors may contribute to both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent processes in apoptotic cell death.

Post-translational modification of Bid has differential effects on its susceptibility to cleavage by caspase 8 or caspase 3

Bid is instrumental in death receptor-mediated apoptosis where it is cleaved by caspase 8 at aspartate 60 and aspartate 75 to generate truncated Bid (tBID) forms that facilitate release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. Bid is also cleaved at these sites by caspase 3 that is activated downstream of cytochrome c release after diverse apoptotic stimuli. In this context, tBid may amplify the apoptotic process. Bid is phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinases that regulate its cleavage by caspase 8 (Desagher, S., Osen-Sand, A., Montessuit, S., Magnenat, E., Vilbois, F., Hochmann, A., Journot, L. Antonsson, A., and Martinou, J.-C. (2001) Mol. Cell 8, 601-611). Using a Bid decapeptide substrate, we observed that phosphorylation at threonine 59 inhibited cleavage by caspase 8. This was also seen when recombinant Bid (rBid) and Bid isolated from murine kidney were incubated with casein kinase II. However, there were differences in the susceptibility of rBid and isolated Bid to cleavage by caspases 3 and 8. Caspase 8 cleaved rBid to generate two C-terminal products, p15 and p13 tBid, but produced only p15 tBid from isolated Bid. Contrary to rBid, isolated Bid was resistant to cleavage by caspase 3, yet was readily cleaved within the cytosolic milieu. Our data suggest that one or more distinct cellular mechanisms regulate Bid cleavage by caspases 8 and 3 in situ.

c-Myc induces cytochrome c release in Rat1 fibroblasts by increasing outer mitochondrial membrane permeability in a Bid-dependent manner

Ectopic expression of c-myc sensitises cells to a wide range of apoptotic stimuli by inducing the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytosol. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial permeabilisation in response to c-Myc activation, we carried out a biochemical fractionation analysis of Rat1 fibroblasts expressing an inducible c-Myc protein. We find that cytoplasmic extracts from cells in which c-Myc has been activated contain a soluble factor capable of inducing cytochrome c release from isolated mouse liver mitochondria. This factor is present only under growth factor deprivation conditions and its activity is inhibited by addition of Bcl-X(L). The c-Myc-induced factor copurifies with full-length Bid, a "BH3-only" proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, and antibodies raised against the BH3 domain of Bid inhibit c-Myc-induced cytochrome c releasing activity. These results are consistent with a model in which the activation of c-Myc regulates factors capable of enhancing the mitochondrial membrane destabilisation function of "BH3-only" proteins.

Mutational analysis of N-Bak reveals different structural requirements for antiapoptotic activity in neurons and proapoptotic activity in nonneuronal cells

N-Bak, a neuron-specific BH3-only splice variant of Bak, is proapoptotic when overexpressed in nonneuronal cells, but antiapoptotic in NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons. We generated mutants of N-Bak and compared their activities in COS-7 or Neuro2A cells to those in NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons. A C-terminal deletion shortly after the BH3 domain of N-Bak compromised its neuroprotective activity but had little effect on its cytotoxic activity in nonneuronal cells. Amino acid changes in the BH3 domain of N-Bak differently affected its function in nonneuronal cells and in neurons. The same changes in the BH3 domain of longer Bak isoform affected its function similarly in nonneuronal cells and neurons. C-terminally truncated Bax, a structural analogue of N-Bak, was also neuroprotective, whereas Blk, a different BH3-only protein was apoptotic in neurons. Thus, neuron-specific antiapoptotic interactions require a "N-Bak-type" conformation, not just a BH3 domain, whereas the presence of a BH3 domain in the Bak protein is sufficient to kill nonneuronal cells.

The anti-apoptotic effect of leukotriene D4 involves the prevention of caspase 8 activation and Bid cleavage

We have shown in a previous study that leukotriene D(4) (LTD(4)) signalling increases cell survival and proliferation in intestinal epithelial cells [Ohd, Wikström and Sjölander (2000) Gastroenterology 119, 1007-1018]. This is highly interesting since inflammatory conditions of the bowel are associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer. The enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) is important in this context since it is up-regulated in colon cancer tissues and in tumour cell lines. Treatment with the COX-2-specific inhibitor N -(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methane sulphonamide has been shown previously to cause apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells. In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and we can now show that a mitochondrial pathway is employed. Inhibition of COX-2 causes release of cytochrome c, as shown by both Western-blot and microscopy studies, and as with apoptosis, this is significantly decreased by LTD(4). Since previous studies showed increased Bcl-2 levels on LTD(4) stimulation, we further studied apoptotic regulation at the mitochondrial level. From this we could exclude the involvement of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-X(L) as well as its pro-apoptotic counterpart Bax, since they are not expressed. Furthermore, the activity of the pro-apoptotic protein Bad (Bcl-2/Bcl-X(L)-antagonist, causing cell death) was completely unaffected. However, inhibition of COX-2 caused cleavage of caspase 8 into a 41 kDa fragment associated with activation and caused the appearance of an activated 15 kDa fragment of Bid. This indicates that N -(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methane sulphonamide-induced apoptosis is mediated by the activation of caspase 8, via generation of truncated Bid, and thereafter release of cytochrome c. Interestingly, LTD(4) not only reverses the effects induced by inhibition of COX-2 but also reduces the apoptotic potential by lowering the basal level of caspase 8 activation and truncated Bid generation.

Mitochondria as a target for inducing death of malignant hematopoietic cells

Mitochondria plays a central role in apoptotic cell death. The intermembrane space of mitochondria contains a number of soluble molecules whose release from the organelle to the cytosol or the nucleus induces cell death. Thus, molecules that directly trigger mitochondria membrane permeabilisation are efficient cytotoxic drugs. Mitochondria is one of the cellular targets for commonly used epipodophyllotoxins, adenine deoxynucleoside analogs and taxanes as well as recently developped agents such as the pentacyclic triterpene betulinic acid and the lymphotoxic agent FTY720. Most informations on anthracyclines point to the mitochondrial membrane as the main target of cardiotoxicity. Mitochondria is also a target for arsenite trioxide, an old cytotoxic agent recently used for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia, lonidamine, a dichlorinated derivative of indazole-3-carboxylic acid developped as a chemosensitizer, the retinoic acid receptor gamma activator CD437 and nitric oxide (NO). Recently, cytotoxic drugs have been specifically designed to directly affect the mitochondrial function. These include the positively charged alpha-helical peptides, which are attracted to and disrupt the negatively charged mitochondrial membrane, thus inducing mammalian cell apoptosis when targeted intracellularly. Various strategies have been proposed also to directly inhibit Bcl-2 and related anti-apoptotic proteins, including antisense oligonucleotides (e.g. Genasense, currently tested in phase III trials), small molecules that mimic the BH3 dimerization domain of these proteins and kinase inhibitors. Ligands of the mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor such as the isoquinolone carboxamide derivative PK11195 also overcome the membrane-stabilizing effect of Bcl-2, whereas the adenosine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and the mitochondrial DNA are two other potential cellular targets for cytotoxic agents. Potentially, new compounds directly targeting the mitochondria may be useful in treating hematological malignancies. The challenge is now to selectively target these mitochondria permeabilizing agents to malignant cells. This review briefly summarizes the role of the mitochondria in cell death and describes these various strategies for targeting the mitochondria to induce apoptosis.

One-thousand-and-one substrates of protein kinase CK2?

CK2 (formerly termed "casein kinase 2") is a ubiquitous, highly pleiotropic and constitutively active Ser/Thr protein kinase whose implication in neoplasia, cell survival, and virus infection is supported by an increasing number of arguments. Here an updated inventory of 307 CK2 protein substrates is presented. More than one-third of these are implicated in gene expression and protein synthesis as being either transcriptional factors (60) or effectors of DNA/RNA structure (50) or translational elements. Also numerous are signaling proteins and proteins of viral origin or essential to virus life cycle. In comparison, only a minority of CK2 targets (a dozen or so) are classical metabolic enzymes. An analysis of 308 sites phosphorylated by CK2 highlights the paramount relevance of negatively charged side chains that are (by far) predominant over any other residues at positions n+3 (the most crucial one), n+1, and n+2. Based on this signature, it is predictable that proteins phosphorylated by CK2 are much more numerous than those identified to date, and it is possible that CK2 alone contributes to the generation of the eukaryotic phosphoproteome more so than any other individual protein kinase. The possibility that CK2 phosphosites play some global role, e.g., by destabilizing alpha helices, counteracting caspase cleavage, and generating adhesive motifs, will be discussed.

Disruption of the regulatory beta subunit of protein kinase CK2 in mice leads to a cell-autonomous defect and early embryonic lethality

Protein kinase CK2 is a ubiquitous protein kinase implicated in proliferation and cell survival. Its regulatory beta subunit, CK2beta, which is encoded by a single gene in mammals, has been suspected of regulating other protein kinases. In this work, we show that knockout of the CK2beta gene in mice leads to postimplantation lethality. Mutant embryos were reduced in size at embryonic day 6.5 (E6.5). They did not exhibit signs of apoptosis but did show reduced cell proliferation. Mutant embryos were resorbed at E7.5. In vitro, CK2beta(-/-) morula development stopped after the blastocyst stage. Attempts to generate homozygous embryonic stem (ES) cells failed. By using a conditional knockout approach, we show that lack of CK2beta is deleterious for mouse ES cells and primary embryonic fibroblasts. This is in contrast to what occurs with yeast cells, which can survive without functional CK2beta. Thus, our study demonstrates that in mammals, CK2beta is essential for viability at the cellular level, possibly because it acquired new functions during evolution.

Many cuts to ruin: a comprehensive update of caspase substrates

Apoptotic cell death is executed by the caspase-mediated cleavage of various vital proteins. Elucidating the consequences of this endoproteolytic cleavage is crucial for our understanding of cell death and other biological processes. Many caspase substrates are just cleaved as bystanders, because they happen to contain a caspase cleavage site in their sequence. Several targets, however, have a discrete function in propagation of the cell death process. Many structural and regulatory proteins are inactivated by caspases, while other substrates can be activated. In most cases, the consequences of this gain-of-function are poorly understood. Caspase substrates can regulate the key morphological changes in apoptosis. Several caspase substrates also act as transducers and amplifiers that determine the apoptotic threshold and cell fate. This review summarizes the known caspase substrates comprising a bewildering list of more than 280 different proteins. We highlight some recent aspects inferred by the cleavage of certain proteins in apoptosis. We also discuss emerging themes of caspase cleavage in other forms of cell death and, in particular, in apparently unrelated processes, such as cell cycle regulation and cellular differentiation.

The Bcl-2 protein family: sensors and checkpoints for life-or-death decisions

Members of the Bcl-2 family are crucial integrators of survival and death signals in higher eukaryotes. Although recent studies have provided novel and quite unexpected insights into the mechanisms by which these proteins might issue life permits or death sentences in cells, we are still on the way to fully understand their modes of action. This review provides a snapshot on where we are on this journey and how we may exploit our knowledge on this family of proteins to unveil the mysteries of immune regulation.