Interaction between PGE2 and EGF receptor through MAPKs in mouse embryonic stem cell proliferation

A high ratio of linoleic acid (n-6 PUFA) to alpha-linolenic acid (n-3 PUFA) adversely affects early stage of human neuronal differentiation and electrophysiological activity of glutamatergic neurons in vitro

Introduction: There is a growing interest in the possibility of dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for treatment and prevention of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies have suggested that of the two important classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids support brain development and function, and when used as a dietary supplement may have beneficial effects for maintenance of a healthy brain. However, to date epidemiological studies and clinical trials on children and adults have been inconclusive regarding treatment length, dosage and use of specific n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this study is to generate a simplified in vitro cell-based model system to test how different n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios affect human-derived neurons activity as a cellular correlate for brain function and to probe the mechanism of their action. Methods: All experiments were performed by use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this study, we examined the effect of different ratios of linoleic acid (n-6) to alpha-linolenic acid in cell growth medium on induced pluripotent stem cell proliferation, generation of neuronal precursors and electrophysiology of cortical glutamatergic neurons by multielectrode array (MEA) analysis. Results: This study shows that at a n-6:n-3 ratio of 5:1 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce stem cell proliferation, generating a large increase in number of cells after 72 h treatment; suppress generation of neuronal progenitor cells, as measured by decreased expression of FOXG1 and Nestin in neuronal precursor cells (NPC) after 20 days of development; and disrupt neuronal activity in vitro, increasing spontaneous neuronal firing, reducing synchronized bursting receptor subunits. We observed no significant differences for neuronal precursor cells treated with ratios 1:3 and 3:1, in comparison to 1:1 control ratio, but higher ratios of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids adversely affect early stages of neuronal differentiation. Moreover, a 5:1 ratio in cortical glutamatergic neurons induce expression of GABA receptors which may explain the observed abnormal electrophysiological activity.

Succinate as a New Actor in Pluripotency and Early Development?

Pluripotent cells have been stabilized from pre- and post-implantation blastocysts, representing respectively naïve and primed stages of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with distinct epigenetic, metabolic and transcriptomic features. Beside these two well characterized pluripotent stages, several intermediate states have been reported, as well as a small subpopulation of cells that have reacquired features of the 2C-embryo (2C-like cells) in naïve mouse ESC culture. Altogether, these represent a continuum of distinct pluripotency stages, characterized by metabolic transitions, for which we propose a new role for a long-known metabolite: succinate. Mostly seen as the metabolite of the TCA, succinate is also at the crossroad of several mitochondrial biochemical pathways. Its role also extends far beyond the mitochondrion, as it can be secreted, modify proteins by lysine succinylation and inhibit the activity of alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, such as prolyl hydroxylase (PHDs) or histone and DNA demethylases. When released in the extracellular compartment, succinate can trigger several key transduction pathways after binding to SUCNR1, a G-Protein Coupled Receptor. In this review, we highlight the different intra- and extracellular roles that succinate might play in the fields of early pluripotency and embryo development.

Metabolism and Sex Differentiation in Animals from a Starvation Perspective

Animals determine their sex genetically (GSD: genetic sex determination) and/or environmentally (ESD: environmental sex determination). Medaka (Oryzias latipes) employ a XX/XY GSD system, however, they display female-to-male sex reversal in response to various environmental changes such as temperature, hypoxia, and green light. Interestingly, we found that 5 days of starvation during sex differentiation caused female-to-male sex reversal. In this situation, the metabolism of pantothenate and fatty acid synthesis plays an important role in sex reversal. Metabolism is associated with other biological factors such as germ cells, HPG axis, lipids, and epigenetics, and supplys substances and acts as signal transducers. In this review, we discuss the importance of metabolism during sex differentiation and how metabolism contributes to sex differentiation.

Bioactive Lipid Signaling in Cardiovascular Disease, Development, and Regeneration

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death globally. Understanding and characterizing the biochemical context of the cardiovascular system in health and disease is a necessary preliminary step for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring cardiovascular function. Bioactive lipids are a class of dietary-dependent, chemically heterogeneous lipids with potent biological signaling functions. They have been intensively studied for their roles in immunity, inflammation, and reproduction, among others. Recent advances in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques have revealed a staggering number of novel bioactive lipids, most of them unknown or very poorly characterized in a biological context. Some of these new bioactive lipids play important roles in cardiovascular biology, including development, inflammation, regeneration, stem cell differentiation, and regulation of cell proliferation. Identifying the lipid signaling pathways underlying these effects and uncovering their novel biological functions could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at CVD and cardiovascular regeneration.

Effects of prostaglandin E2 on gap junction protein alpha 1 in the rat epididymis

Gap junctions are responsible for intercellular communication. In the adult mammalian epididymis, gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) is localized between basal and either principal or clear cells. GJA1 levels and localization change during the differentiation of basal cells. The present objective was to determine the role of basal cells and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on GJA1 in the rat epididymis. Prior to basal cell differentiation, GJA1 is colocalized with TJP1 at the apical lateral margins between adjacent epithelial cells. When basal cells are present, GJA1 becomes associated between basal and principal cells, where it is primarily immunolocalized until adulthood. Basal cells express TP63, differentiate from epithelial cells, and produce prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 by 21 days of age. Prior to day 21, GJA1and TP63 are not strongly associated at the apical region. However, by day 28, TP63-positive basal cells migrate to the base of the epithelium, and also express GJA1. To assess effects of PGE2 on GJA1, rat caput epididymal (RCE) cells were exposed to PGE2 (50 μM) for 3 h. PGE2 increased levels of Gja1 mRNA in RCE cells, while levels of Gjb1, Gjb2, Gjb4, and GjB5 were unaltered. Furthermore, PGE2 increased protein levels of GJA1, phospho-GJA1, phospho-AKT, CTNNB1, and phospho-CTNNB1. Total AKT and the tight junction protein claudin1 were also not altered by PGE2. Data suggest that development of the epididymal epithelium and differentiation of epididymal basal cells regulate the targeting of GJA1, and that this appears to be mediated by PGE2.

Effects of a prostaglandin F2alpha derivative glaucoma drug on EGF expression and E-cadherin expression in a corneal epithelial cell line

Purpose: We examined the effects of travoprost on cell proliferation-related signals and E-cadherin expression in vitro and in situ in order to obtain evidence to support the hypothesis that topical travoprost impairs the integrity of the corneal epithelium.Methods: A human corneal epithelial cell culture was treated with travoprost (0.4 mg/ml) and/or PD168393 (an EGF receptor inhibitor, 10 μM). The culture was then processed for cell proliferation, an mRNA expression analysis of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and E-cadherin, and protein expression analysis of E-cadherin by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. The eyes of C57/BL6 mice were incubated in serum-free medium plus travoprost (0.4 mg/ml) and/or PD168393 (10 μM). After being cultured for 24 h, the expression patterns of phospho-EGFR, phospho-ERK, E-cadherin, and Ki67 were immunohistochemically examined in paraffin sections.Results: The addition of travoprost up-regulated EGF mRNA expression and cell proliferation in the corneal epithelial cell culture, and this was cancelled by the addition of PD168393. This FP agonist also decreased E-cadherin expression levels in the cell-cell contact zone, and this was cancelled by the addition of PD168393. In the organ culture, the addition of travoprost to the medium up-regulated the expression of phospho-EGFR and phospho-ERK as well as cell proliferation, and down-regulated the expression of E-cadherin in the corneal epithelium, particularly in basal cells, whereas PD168393 reversed these effects.Conclusions: Travoprost activates epithelial cell proliferation by up-regulating an EGF-related signal in association with the suppression of E-cadherin localization in the cell-cell contact zone. Modulation of the EGF signal may be a strategy to minimize the negative impact of this mitogen on reformation of corneal barrier function during epithelial renewal.

Effects of Exposure to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen on Fetal Germ Cell Development in Both Sexes in Rodent and Human Using Multiple Experimental Systems

BACKGROUND

Analgesic exposure during pregnancy may affect aspects of fetal gonadal development that are targeted by endocrine disruptors.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether therapeutically relevant doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen affect germ cell (GC) development in human fetal testes/ovaries using in vitro and xenograft approaches.

METHODS

First-trimester human fetal testes/ovaries were cultured and exposed to acetaminophen or ibuprofen (7 d). Second-trimester human fetal testes were xenografted into mice and exposed to acetaminophen (1 or 7 d), or ibuprofen (7 d). To determine mechanism of action, a human GC tumor–derived cell line (NTera2) exhibiting fetal GC characteristics was used in addition to in vitro and in vivo rat models.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Gonocyte (TFAP2C⁺) number was reduced relative to controls in first-trimester human fetal testes exposed in vitro to acetaminophen (-28%) or ibuprofen (-22%) and also in ovaries exposed to acetaminophen (-43%) or ibuprofen (-49%). Acetaminophen exposure reduced gonocyte number by 17% and 30% in xenografted second-trimester human fetal testes after treatment of host mice for 1 or 7 d, respectively. NTera2 cell number was reduced following exposure to either analgesic or prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) receptor antagonists, whereas PGE₂ agonists prevented acetaminophen-induced reduction in NTera2 cell number. Expression of GC pluripotency genes, and genes that regulate DNA/histone methylation, also differed from controls following analgesic and PGE₂ receptor antagonist exposures. Gene expression changes were observed in rat fetal testis/ovary cultures and after in vivo acetaminophen exposure of pregnant rats. For example, expression of the epigenetic regulator TET1, was increased following exposure to acetaminophen in human NTera2 cells, rat fetal testis/ovary cultures, and in fetal testes and ovaries after in vivo exposure of pregnant rats, indicating translatability across experimental models and species.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate evidence of PGE₂-mediated effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen on GC/NTera2 cells, which raises concerns about analgesic use during human pregnancy that warrant further investigation. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2307.

Prostaglandin E2 facilitates neurite outgrowth in a motor neuron-like cell line, NSC-34

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exerts various biological effects by binding to E-prostanoid receptors (EP1-4). Although recent studies have shown that PGE2 induces cell differentiation in some neuronal cells such as mouse DRG neurons and sensory neuron-like ND7/23 cells, it is unclear whether PGE2 plays a role in differentiation of motor neurons. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of PGE2-induced differentiation of motor neurons using NSC-34, a mouse motor neuron-like cell line. Exposure of undifferentiated NSC-34 cells to PGE2 and butaprost, an EP2-selective agonist, resulted in a reduction of MTT reduction activity without increase the number of propidium iodide-positive cells and in an increase in the number of neurite-bearing cells. Sulprostone, an EP1/3 agonist, also significantly lowered MTT reduction activity by 20%; however, no increase in the number of neurite-bearing cells was observed within the concentration range tested. PGE2-induced neurite outgrowth was attenuated significantly in the presence of PF-0441848, an EP2-selective antagonist. Treatment of these cells with dibutyryl-cAMP increased the number of neurite-bearing cells with no effect on cell proliferation. These results suggest that PGE2 promotes neurite outgrowth and suppresses cell proliferation by activating the EP2 subtype, and that the cAMP-signaling pathway is involved in PGE2-induced differentiation of NSC-34 cells.

Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites on Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

The nervous system is highly enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Essential fatty acids, namely, ω-6 (n - 6) and ω-3 (n - 3) PUFA, and their metabolites are critical components of cell structure and function and could therefore influence stem cell fate. The available supporting experimental data reveal that n - 6 and n - 3 PUFA and their metabolites can act through multiple mechanisms to promote the proliferation and differentiation of various stem cell types. PUFAs and their mediators regulate several processes within the brain, such as neurotransmission, cell survival and neuroinflammation, and thereby mood and cognition. PUFA levels and the signaling pathways that they regulate are altered in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and major depression. Therefore, elucidating the role of PUFAs and their metabolites in stem cell fate regulation is important for stem cell biology as well as stem cell therapy. PUFA-based interventions to generate a positive environment for stem cell proliferation or differentiation might be a promising and practical approach to controlling stem cell fate for clinical applications.

Concise review: Regulation of stem cell proliferation and differentiation by essential fatty acids and their metabolites

Stem cell therapy holds great promise for regenerative medicine and the treatment of numerous diseases. A key issue of stem cell therapy is the control of stem cell fate, but safe and practical methods are limited. Essential fatty acids, namely ω-6 (n-6) and ω-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and their metabolites are critical components of cell structure and function, and could therefore influence stem cell fate. The available evidence demonstrates that n-6 and n-3 PUFA and their metabolites can act through multiple mechanisms to promote the proliferation and differentiation of various stem cell types. Therefore, elucidating the role of PUFA and their metabolites in stem cell fate regulation is both a challenge and an opportunity for stem cell biology as well as stem cell therapy. PUFA-based interventions to create a favorable environment for stem cell proliferation or differentiation may thus be a promising and practical approach to controlling stem cell fate for clinical applications.

COX-2 inhibitors arrest prostate cancer cell cycle progression by down-regulation of kinetochore/centromere proteins

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that COX-2 inhibitors inhibit cancer cell proliferation. However, the molecular mechanism remains elusive.

METHODS

Prostate cancer LNCaP, 22Rv1, and PC3 cells were cultured and treated with the COX-2 inhibitors celecoxib and CAY10404. Knockdown of COX-2 in LNCaP cells was carried out using lentiviral vector-loaded COX-2 shRNA. Cell cycle progression and cell proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry, microscopy, cell counting, and the MTT assay. The antagonists of EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 were used to examine the effects of the PGE2 signaling. The effect of COX-2 inhibitors and COX-2 knockdown on expression of the kinetochore/centromere genes and proteins was determined by RT-PCR and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Treatment with the COX-2 inhibitors celecoxib and CAY10404 or knockdown of COX-2 significantly inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation. Flow-cytometric analysis and immunofluorescent staining confirmed the cell cycle arrested at the G2/M phase. Biochemical analysis showed that inhibition of COX-2 or suppression of COX-2 expression induced a dramatic down-regulation of key proteins in the kinetochore/centromere assembly, such as ZWINT, Cdc20, Ndc80, CENP-A, Bub1, and Plk1. Furthermore, the EP1 receptor antagonist SC51322, but not the EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptor antagonists, produced similar effects to the COX-2 inhibitors on cell proliferation and down-regulation of kinetochore/centromere proteins, suggesting that the effect of the COX-2 inhibition is through inactivation of the EP1 receptor signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies indicate that inhibition of COX-2 can arrest prostate cancer cell cycle progression through inactivation of the EP1 receptor signaling and down-regulation of kinetochore/centromere proteins.

Prostaglandin E2 induces retinoic acid receptor-β up-regulation through MSK1

The pharmacological modulation of putative renoprotective factors hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and HIF-1α-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in the kidney has therapeutic interest. In human renal proximal tubular HK2 cells, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) up-regulates HIF-1α and VEGF-A through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-dependent up-regulation of retinoic acid receptor-β (RARβ). Here we studied the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1/2 and p38 and their target kinase, mitogen- and stress activated kinase-1 (MSK1), in the signaling cascade. Treatment of HK2 cells with PGE2 resulted in increased phosphorylation of EGFR, the three studied kinases and the histone H3 (Ser10) at the RARβ gene promoter (the latter has been proposed as a molecular signature of the activated RARβ gene promoter). Prevention of the phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK or MSK1 is by incubating, respectively, with AG1478, PD98059, SB203580 or H89 allowed to elucidate the precise phosphorylation order in the signaling cascade triggered by PGE2: first, EGFR; then, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and, finally, MSK1. Phosphorylation of MSK1 led to that of Ser10 in histone H3 and to activation of RARβ gene transcription (and the consequent increase in the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-A), which was suppressed by H89 or by transfecting cells with a vector encoding for a dominant-negative mutant of MSK1. These results highlight the relevance of MSK1 in the up-regulation of RARβ by PGE2. They also may contribute to new therapeutic approaches based upon the pharmacological control of HIF-1α/VEGF-A in the proximal tubule through the modulation of the PGE2/EGFR/MAPK/MSK1/RARβ pathway.

Src kinase signaling mediates estrous behavior induced by 5β-reduced progestins, GnRH, prostaglandin E2 and vaginocervical stimulation in estrogen-primed rats

The progesterone receptor (PR) is a dual function protein that acts in the nucleus as a transcriptional factor and at the cytoplasm as a scaffold for the Src-MAPK signaling pathway. Several agents lacking affinity for the PR, such as 5β-reduced progestins, GnRH or prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) facilitate estrous behavior in ovariectomized (ovx), estrogen-primed rats yet their action is blocked by the antiprogestin RU486. We hypothesize that these agents act by using the PR-Src-mitogen activated protein kinase alternative pathway. To test this hypothesis we used PP2, a specific inhibitor of the Src kinase family. Intraventricular infusion of 30 μg of PP2, 30 min before behavioral testing, significantly attenuated estrous behaviors induced in estradiol benzoate (E(2)B)-primed rats by 5β-dihydroprogesterone (5β-DHP), 5β-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one (5β,3β-Pgl), GnRH, PGE(2) and by manual flank/vaginocervical stimulation. These results suggest that the Src signaling system, by activating mitogen-activated protein kinases, participates in the facilitation of estrous behavior in E(2)B-primed rats induced by agents lacking affinity for the PR.

Exploring metabolic pathways that contribute to the stem cell phenotype

BACKGROUND

Stem cells must negotiate their surrounding nutritional and signaling environment and respond accordingly to perform various functions. Metabolic pathways enable these responses, providing energy and biosynthetic precursors for cell proliferation, motility, and other functions. As a result, metabolic enzymes and the molecules which control them are emerging as attractive targets for the manipulation of stem cells. To exploit these targets a detailed characterization of metabolic flux regulation is required.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Here we outline recent advances in our understanding of metabolism in pluripotent stem cells and adult progenitors. We describe the regulation of glycolysis, mitochondrial metabolism, and the redox state of stem cells, highlighting key enzymes and transcription factors involved in the control of these pathways.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

A general description of stem cell metabolism has emerged, involving increased glycolysis, limited oxidative metabolism, and resistance to oxidative damage. Moving forward, the application of systems-based approaches to stem cells will help shed light on metabolic pathway utilization in proliferating and quiescent stem cells.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Metabolic flux contributes to the unique properties of stem cells and progenitors. This review provides a detailed overview of how stem cells metabolize their surrounding nutrients to proliferate and maintain lineage homeostasis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Stem Cells.

Prostaglandin E₂ maintains mouse ESC undifferentiated state through regulation of connexin31, connexin43 and connexin45 expression: involvement of glycogen synthase kinase 3β/β-catenin

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Although previous reports have examined the function of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) on gap junctions and undifferentiated stem cells, its effects on the reciprocal action of connexin (Cx) isoforms and undifferentiation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of PGE₂ on Cx isoforms and maintenance of mouse ESC undifferentiated state.

RESULTS

We have analysed 10 Cx genes, but found nine of them. PGE₂ (50 μM) stimulated Cx31, Cx32, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45 mRNA expression. Amongst them, PGE₂ maximally stimulated the Cx43 mRNA expression and gap junction inter-cellular coupling. Therefore, we investigated the effect of PGE₂ on Cx43 expression. PGE₂ activated cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt phosphorylation. In addition, treatments of adenylate cyclase activators increased Cx43 expression, but not PI3K/Akt phosphorylation. PGE₂ also inactivated GSK-3β and stimulated active-β-catenin. Furthermore, a ChiP assay demonstrated the association of β-catenin with the Cx26 (as control) and Cx43 promoter. Finally, down-regulation of PGE₂-induced Cx isoforms by AH 6809, Cx31-, Cx43-, Cx45 small interfering (si)RNA and 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid decreased levels of undifferentiated markers of ESCs, including Oct4, FoxD3, Sox2 and SSEA-1, but Nanog did not be down-regulated by Cx43 siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

PGE₂ stimulates Cx isoforms via GSK-3β/β-catenin via EP2-receptor-dependent cAMP/PKA and PI3K/Akt in mouse ESCs, thereby partially contributing to the maintenance of their undifferentiated state.

Essential fatty acids and their metabolites as modulators of stem cell biology with reference to inflammation, cancer, and metastasis

Stem cells are pluripotent and expected to be of benefit in the management of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease in which pro-inflammatory cytokines are increased. Identifying endogenous bioactive molecules that have a regulatory role in stem cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation may aid in the use of stem cells in various diseases including cancer. Essential fatty acids form precursors to both pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules have been shown to regulate gene expression, enzyme activity, modulate inflammation and immune response, gluconeogenesis via direct and indirect pathways, function directly as agonists of a number of G protein-coupled receptors, activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases, and stimulate cell proliferation via Ca(2+), phospholipase C/protein kinase, events that are also necessary for stem cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Hence, it is likely that bioactive lipids play a significant role in various diseases by modulating the proliferation and differentiation of embryonic stem cells in addition to their capacity to suppress inflammation. Ephrin Bs and reelin, adhesion molecules, and microRNAs regulate neuronal migration and cancer cell metastasis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their products seem to modulate the expression of ephrin Bs and reelin and several adhesion molecules and microRNAs suggesting that bioactive lipids participate in neuronal regeneration and stem cell proliferation, migration, and cancer cell metastasis. Thus, there appears to be a close interaction among essential fatty acids, their bioactive products, and inflammation and cancer growth and its metastasis.

It's a lipid's world: bioactive lipid metabolism and signaling in neural stem cell differentiation

Lipids are often considered membrane components whose function is to embed proteins into cell membranes. In the last two decades, studies on brain lipids have unequivocally demonstrated that many lipids have critical cell signaling functions; they are called "bioactive lipids". Pioneering work in Dr. Robert Ledeen's laboratory has shown that two bioactive brain sphingolipids, sphingomyelin and the ganglioside GM1 are major signaling lipids in the nuclear envelope. In addition to derivatives of the sphingolipid ceramide, the bioactive lipids discussed here belong to the classes of terpenoids and steroids, eicosanoids, and lysophospholipids. These lipids act mainly through two mechanisms: (1) direct interaction between the bioactive lipid and a specific protein binding partner such as a lipid receptor, protein kinase or phosphatase, ion exchanger, or other cell signaling protein; and (2) formation of lipid microdomains or rafts that regulate the activity of a group of raft-associated cell signaling proteins. In recent years, a third mechanism has emerged, which invokes lipid second messengers as a regulator for the energy and redox balance of differentiating neural stem cells (NSCs). Interestingly, developmental niches such as the stem cell niche for adult NSC differentiation may also be metabolic compartments that respond to a distinct combination of bioactive lipids. The biological function of these lipids as regulators of NSC differentiation will be reviewed and their application in stem cell therapy discussed.

Interaction of profilin-1 and F-actin via a β-arrestin-1/JNK signaling pathway involved in prostaglandin E(2)-induced human mesenchymal stem cells migration and proliferation

Although many previous reports have examined the function of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in the migration and proliferation of various cell types, the role of the actin cytoskeleton in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) migration and proliferation has not been reported. The present study examined the involvement of profilin-1 (Pfn-1) and filamentous-actin (F-actin) in PGE(2)-induced hMSC migration and proliferation and its related signal pathways. PGE(2) (10(-6) M) increased both cell migration and proliferation, and also increased E-type prostaglandin receptor 2 (EP2) mRNA expression, β-arrestin-1 phosphorylation, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of β-arrestin-1 and JNK (-1, -2, -3) inhibited PGE(2)-induced growth of hMSCs. PGE(2) also activated Pfn-1, which was blocked by JNK siRNA, and induced F-actin level and organization. Downregulation of Pfn-1 by siRNA decreased the level and organization of F-actin. In addition, specific siRNA for TRIO and F-actin-binding protein (TRIOBP) reduced the PGE(2)-induced increase in hMSC migration and proliferation. Together, these experimental data demonstrate that PGE(2) partially stimulates hMSCs migration and proliferation by interaction of Pfn-1 and F-actin via EP2 receptor-dependent β-arrestin-1/JNK signaling pathways.

Involvement of caveolin-1 in fibronectin-induced mouse embryonic stem cell proliferation: role of FAK, RhoA, PI3K/Akt, and ERK 1/2 pathways

Fibronectin (FN) is the foremost proliferation-associated extracellular matrix component promoting cell adhesion, migration, and survival. We examined the effect of FN on cell proliferation and the related signaling pathways in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. FN increased integrin β1, Src, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and caveolin-1 phosphorylation levels in a time-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of Src, FAK, and caveolin-1 was attenuated by integrin β1 neutralizing antibody. Integrin β1, Src, and FAK coimmunoprecipitated with caveolin-1 in the presence of FN. In addition, FN increased RhoA and Rho kinase activation, which were completely blocked by PP2, FAK small interfering RNA (siRNA), caveolin-1 siRNA, or the caveolar disruptor methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD). FN also increased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK 1/2, which were significantly blocked by either FAK siRNA, caveolin-1 siRNA, MβCD, GGTI-286 (RhoA inhibitor), or Y-27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor). FN-induced increase of protooncogenes (c-fos, c-myc, and c-Jun) and cell-cycle regulatory proteins (cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E/CDK2) expression levels were attenuated by FAK siRNA or caveolin-1 siRNA. Furthermore, inhibition of each pathway such as integrin β1, Src, FAK, caveolin-1, RhoA, Akt, and ERK 1/2 blocked FN-induced [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. We conclude that FN stimulates mouse ES cell proliferation via RhoA-PI3K/Akt-ERK 1/2 pathway through caveolin-1 phosphorylation.

Proliferation and pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells maintained on type I collagen

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) require a balance of growth factors and signaling molecules to proliferate and retain pluripotency. Conditioned medium (CM) from a human embryonic germ-cell-derived cell culture, SDEC, was observed to support the growth of hESC on type I collagen (COL I) and on Matrigel (MAT) biomatricies. After 1 month, the population doubling of hESC grown in SDEC CM on COL I was equivalent to that of hESC grown in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) CM on MAT. hESC grown in SDEC CM on COL I expressed OCT4, NANOG, SSEA-4, alkaline phosphatase (AP), and TRA-1-60; retained a normal karyotype; and were capable of forming teratomas. DNA microarray analysis was used to compare the transcriptional profiles of SDEC and the less supportive WI38 and Detroit 551 human cell lines. The mRNA level of secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP-1), a known antagonist of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, was significantly reduced in SDEC as compared with the other 2 cell lines, whereas the mRNA levels of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2 or COX-2) and prostaglandin I₂ synthase (PGIS), two prostaglandin biosynthesis genes, were significantly increased in SDEC. The level of sFRP-1 protein was significantly reduced, and levels of 2 prostaglandins that are downstream products of PTGS2 and PGIS, prostaglandin E₂ and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α), were significantly elevated in SDEC CM compared with WI38, Detroit 551, and MEF CM. Further, addition of purified sFRP-1 to SDEC CM reduced the proliferation of hESC grown on COL I as well as MAT in a dose-dependent manner.

Osteocytes and WNT: the Mechanical Control of Bone Formation

Mechanical loading is of pivotal importance in the maintenance of skeletal homeostasis, but the players involved in the transduction of mechanical stimuli to promote bone maintenance have long remained elusive. Osteocytes, the most abundant cells in bone, possess mechanosensing appendices stretching through a system of bone canaliculi. Mechanical stimulation plays an important role in osteocyte survival and hence in the preservation of bone mechanical properties, through the maintenance of bone hydratation. Osteocytes can also control the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal precursors in response to mechanical loading by modulating WNT signaling pathways, essential regulators of cell fate and commitment, through the protein sclerostin. Mutations of Sost, the sclerostin-encoding gene, have dramatic effects on the skeleton, indicating that osteocytes may act as master regulators of bone formation and localized bone remodeling. Moreover, the development of sclerostin inhibitors is opening new possibilities for bone regeneration in orthopedics and the dental field.

Activity of the cyclooxygenase 2-prostaglandin-E prostanoid receptor pathway in mice exposed to house dust mite aeroallergens, and impact of exogenous prostaglandin E2

Background

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), experimentally administered to asthma patients or assayed in murine models, improves allergen-driven airway inflammation. The mechanisms are unknown, but fluctuations of the endogenous cyclooxygenase (COX)-2/prostaglandin/E prostanoid (EP) receptor pathway activity likely contribute to the clinical outcome. We analyzed the activity of the pathway in mice sensitized to aeroallergens, and then studied its modulation under exogenous PGE₂.

Methods

Mice were exposed to house dust mite (HDM) aeroallergens, a model that enable us to mimic the development of allergic asthma in humans, and were then treated with either subcutaneous PGE₂ or the selective EP1/3 receptor agonist sulprostone. Simultaneously with airway responsiveness and inflammation, lung COX-2 and EP receptor mRNA expression were assessed. Levels of PGE₂, PGI₂, PGD₂ were also determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Results

HDM-induced airway hyperreactivity and inflammation were accompanied by increased COX-2 mRNA production. In parallel, airway PGE₂ and PGI₂, but not PGD₂, were upregulated, and the EP2 receptor showed overexpression. Subcutaneous PGE₂ attenuated aeroallergen-driven airway eosinophilic inflammation and reduced endogenous PGE₂ and PGI₂ production. Sulprostone had neither an effect on airway responsiveness or inflammation nor diminished allergen-induced COX-2 and PGE₂ overexpression. Finally, lung EP2 receptor levels remained high in mice treated with PGE₂, but not in those treated with sulprostone.

Conclusion

The lung COX-2/PGE₂/EP2 receptor pathway is upregulated in HDM-exposed mice, possibly as an effort to attenuate allergen-induced airway inflammation. Exogenous PGE₂ downregulates its endogenous counterpart but maintains EP2 overexpression, a phenomenon that might be required for administered PGE₂ to exert its protective effect.