Regulatory mechanism of TNFα autoregulation in HaCaT cells: The role of the transcription factor EGR-1

Pyrazolo-1-carbothioamides as EGR-1-DNA binding disruptors

Early growth response 1 (EGR-1) is a key transcription factor that boosts the inflammatory response. Therefore, targeting EGR-1 with small-molecule drugs may be a novel strategy for treating inflammatory diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. (E)-2-(2,4-dimethoxy-6-(4-methoxystyryl)phenyl)-3-hydroxy-6-nitro-4H-chromen-4-one (AB1711) was previously found to be an active compound that disrupts EGR-1-DNA binding. Structural modifications were performed to identify compounds with better activity. Seventy compounds with pyrazolo-1-carbothioamide moieties were derived. Fifty-one compounds showed greater disruption of EGR-1 DNA binding than that induced by AB1711. To determine why the compounds tested in this study showed good activity, pharmacophores were derived based on comparativemolecular field and comparative molecularsimilarity index analyses. Of the 70 compounds tested, compound 36, N-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-5-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide showed the best activity. The binding mode between EGR-1 and compound 36 was elucidated using in silico docking. Pharmacophores derived from quantitative structure-activity relationships matched well with the results obtained from in silico docking. To determine the role of compound 36 in cells, further experiments, including electrophoretic mobility shift and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, were carried out. These findings demonstrated that compound 36 is a good disruptor of EGR-1-DNA binding.

The EGR1-Artemin Axis in Keratinocytes Enhances the Innervation of Epidermal Sensory Neurons during Skin Inflammation Induced by House Dust Mite Extract from Dermatophagoidesfarinae

Epidermal hyperinnervation is a critical feature of pruritus during skin inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying epidermal hyperinnervation are unclear. This study investigates the role of the transcription factor EGR1 in epidermal innervation by utilizing wild-type (Egr1+/+) and Egr1-null (Egr1‒/‒) mice topically applied Dermatophagoides farinae extract from dust mite. Our findings revealed that Egr1‒/‒ mice exhibited reduced scratching behaviors and decreased density of epidermal innervation compared with Egr1+/+ mice. Furthermore, we identified artemin, a neurotrophic factor, as an EGR1 target responsible for Dermatophagoides farinae extract-induced hyperinnervation. It has been demonstrated that Dermatophagoides farinae extract stimulates toll-like receptors in keratinocytes. To elucidate the cellular mechanism, we stimulated keratinocytes with Pam3CSK4, a toll-like receptor 1/2 ligand. Pam3CSK4 triggered a toll-like receptor 1/2-mediated signaling cascade involving IRAK4, IκB kinase, MAPKs, ELK1, EGR1, and artemin, leading to increased neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration. In addition, increased expression of EGR1 and artemin was observed in the skin tissues of patients with atopic dermatitis. These findings highlight the significance of the EGR1-artemin axis in keratinocytes, promoting the process of epidermal innervation and suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for alleviating itch and pain associated with house dust mite-induced skin inflammation.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamides as a potential EGR-1 inhibitor for targeted therapy of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itching and frequent skin barrier dysfunctions. EGR-1 is a transcription factor that aggravates the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis by promoting the production of various inflammatory cytokines. Three 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamides (IT21, IT23, and IT25) were identified as novel inhibitors of EGR-1 DNA-binding activity. In silico docking experiments were performed to elucidate the binding conditions of the EGR-1 zinc-finger (ZnF) DNA-binding domain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed the targeted binding effect on the EGR-1 ZnF DNA-binding domain, leading to dose-dependent dissociation of the EGR-1-DNA complex. At the functional cellular level, IT21, IT23, and IT25 effectively reduced mRNA expression of TNFα-induced EGR-1-regulated inflammatory genes, particularly in HaCaT keratinocytes inflamed by TNFα. In the in vivo efficacy study, IT21, IT23, and IT25 demonstrated the potential to alleviate atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in the ear skin of BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that targeting the EGR-1 ZnF DNA-binding domain with 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide derivatives (IT21, IT23, and IT25) could serve as lead compounds for the development of potential therapeutic agents against inflammatory skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis.

Early Growth Response Protein 1 Exacerbates Murine Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Transcriptional Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 12

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition affecting the colon and small intestine, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the major types. Individuals with long-term IBD are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) is a nuclear protein that functions as a transcriptional regulator. Egr1 is known to control the expression of numerous genes and play a role in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. While IBD has been associated with severe inflammation, the precise mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of Egr1 in the development of IBD. High levels of Egr1 expression were observed in a mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), as determined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Chronic DSS treatment showed that Egr1 knockout (KO) mice exhibited resistance to the development of IBD, as determined by changes in their body weight and disease scores. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IHC staining demonstrated decreased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12). Putative Egr1 binding sites were identified within the MMP12 promoter region. Through reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, it was shown that Egr1 binds to the MMP12 promoter and regulates MMP12 expression. In conclusion, we found that Egr1 plays a role in the inflammation process of IBD through transcriptionally activating MMP12.

Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in diabetic retinopathy: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Strategies

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic microvascular complication and the main cause of vision loss in working-aged people. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a cytosolic multimeric complex that plays a significant role in innate immunity. After sensing injury, the NLRP3 inflammasome induces inflammatory mediator secretion and triggers a form of inflammatory cell death known as pyroptosis. Studies over the past five years have shown increased expression of NLRP3 and related inflammatory mediators in vitreous samples from DR patients at different clinical stages. Many NLRP3-targeted inhibitors have shown great antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in diabetes mellitus models, suggesting that the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the progression of DR. This review covers the molecular mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of the NLRP3 inflammasome in DR, including the induction of pyroptosis and inflammation and the promotion of microangiopathy and retinal neurodegeneration. We also summarize the research progress on targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in DR therapeutics with the expectation of providing new insights into DR progression and treatment.

The JNK-EGR1 signaling axis promotes TNF-α-induced endothelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells via VEGFR2 expression

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into endothelial cells; however, the mechanisms underlying this process in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain elusive. This study shows that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a key cytokine present in the TME, promotes the endothelial differentiation of MSCs by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) gene expression. EGR1 is a member of the zinc-finger transcription factor family induced by TNF-α. Our findings indicate that EGR1 directly binds to the VEGFR2 promoter and transactivates VEGFR2 expression. We also demonstrate that EGR1 forms a complex with c-JUN activated by c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) to promote VEGFR2 transcription and endothelial differentiation in MSCs in response to TNF-α stimulation. The shRNA-mediated silencing of EGR1 or c-JUN abrogates TNF-α-induced VEGFR2 transcription and the endothelial differentiation of MSCs. To further evaluated the role of EGR1 in the endothelial differentiation of BM-MSCs, we used a syngenic tumor implantation model. 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cells were injected subcutaneously into BALB/c mice with primary mBM-MSCs isolated from wild-type (Egr1+/+) or Egr1-null (Egr1-/-) mice. CD31-positive cells were predominantly observed at the border of the tumor in the 4T1 plus wild-type MSC group, while staining less in the 4T1 alone or 4T1 plus Egr1-null MSC group. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the JNK-EGR1 signaling axis plays a crucial role in the TNF-α-induced endothelial differentiation of MSCs in the TME, which could be a potential therapeutic target for solid tumors vasculatures.

Saikosaponin A and Saikosaponin C Reduce TNF-α-Induced TSLP Expression through Inhibition of MAPK-Mediated EGR1 Expression in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases worldwide, characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous lesions. Aberrant expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in keratinocytes is associated with the pathogenesis of AD and is considered a therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease. Saikosaponin A (SSA) and saikosaponin C (SSC), identified from Radix Bupleuri, exert anti-inflammatory effects. However, the topical effects of SSA and SSC on chronic inflammatory skin diseases are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of SSA and SSC on TSLP suppression in an AD-like inflammatory environment. We observed that SSA and SSC suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α-induced TSLP expression by downregulating the expression of the transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) via inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. We also confirmed that topical application of SSA or SSC reduced AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Our findings suggest that suppression of EGR1-regulated TSLP expression in keratinocytes might be attributable to the anti-inflammatory effects of SSA and SSC in AD-like skin lesions.

WNT11 is a direct target of early growth response protein 1

WNT11 is a member of the non-canonical Wnt family and plays a crucial role in tumor progression. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying WNT11 expression are unclear. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a major inflammatory cytokine produced in the tumor microenvironment and contributes to processes associated with tumor progression, such as tumor invasion and metastasis. By using site-directed mutagenesis and introducing a serial deletion in the 5'-regulatory region of WNT11, we observed that TNFα activates the early growth response 1 (EGR1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region of WNT11 and that the transcription factor EGR1 is necessary for the TNFα-induced transcription of WNT11. EGR1 bound directly to the EBSs within the proximal 5'-regulatory region of WNT11 and ectopic expression of EGR1 stimulated WNT11 promoter activity, whereas the knockdown of EGR1 expression by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced WNT11 expression in T47D breast cancer cells. We also observed that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), extracellular signalregulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase mediated TNFα-induced transcription of WNT11 via EGR1. Our results suggest that EGR1 directly targets WNT11 in response to TNFα stimulation in breast cancer cells. [BMB Reports 2020; 53(12): 628-633].

Chrysin Inhibits TNFα-Induced TSLP Expression through Downregulation of EGR1 Expression in Keratinocytes

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that acts as a critical mediator in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Various therapeutic agents that prevent TSLP function can efficiently relieve the clinical symptoms of AD. However, the downregulation of TSLP expression by therapeutic agents remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mode of action of chrysin in TSLP suppression in an AD-like inflammatory environment. We observed that the transcription factor early growth response (EGR1) contributed to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced transcription of TSLP. Chrysin attenuated TNFα-induced TSLP expression by downregulating EGR1 expression in HaCaT keratinocytes. We also showed that the oral administration of chrysin improved AD-like skin lesions in the ear and neck of BALB/c mice challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. We also showed that chrysin suppressed the expression of EGR1 and TSLP by inhibiting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that chrysin improves AD-like skin lesions, at least in part, through the downregulation of the ERK1/2 or JNK1/2-EGR1-TSLP signaling axis in keratinocytes.

Transcription factor EGR-1 transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter in response to TNFα in HaCaT keratinocytes

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), a calcium-dependent zinc- containing collagenase, is involved in the initial degradation of native fibrillar collagen. Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is rapidly produced by dermal fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and keratinocytes and regulates inflammation and damaged-tissue remodeling. MMP-1 is induced by TNFα and plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and skin aging processes. However, the regulation of the MMP1 gene by TNFα is not fully understood. We aimed to find additional cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of TNFα-induced MMP1 gene transcription in addition to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and activator protein 1 (AP1) sites. Assessments of the 5’-regulatory region of the MMP1 gene, using a series of deletion constructs, revealed the requirement of the early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region for proper transcription by TNFα. Ectopic expression of EGR-1, a zinc-finger transcription factor that binds to G-C rich sequences, stimulated MMP1 promoter activity. The silencing of EGR-1 by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression. EGR-1 directly binds to the proximal region and transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter. Mutation of the EBS within the MMP1 promoter abolished EGR-1-mediated MMP-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that EGR-1 is required for TNFα-induced MMP1 transcriptional activation. In addition, we found that all three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 kinase, mediate TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression via EGR-1 upregulation. These results suggest that EGR-1 may represent a good target for the development of pharmaceutical agents to reduce inflammation-induced MMP-1 expression.

Tonabersat Inhibits Connexin43 Hemichannel Opening and Inflammasome Activation in an In Vitro Retinal Epithelial Cell Model of Diabetic Retinopathy

This study was undertaken to evaluate the connexin hemichannel blocker tonabersat for the inhibition of inflammasome activation and use as a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were stimulated with hyperglycemia and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα in order to mimic diabetic retinopathy molecular signs in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the effect of tonabersat treatment on NLRP3, NLRP1, and cleaved caspase-1 expression and distribution. A Luminex cytokine release assay was performed to determine whether tonabersat affected proinflammatory cytokine release. NLRP1 was not activated in ARPE-19 cells, and IL-18 was not produced under disease conditions. However, NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1 complex formation increased with hyperglycemia and cytokine challenge but was inhibited by tonabersat treatment. It also prevented the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, VEGF, and IL-6. Tonabersat therefore has the potential to reduce inflammasome-mediated inflammation in diabetic retinopathy.

Chrysoeriol Prevents TNFα-Induced CYP19 Gene Expression via EGR-1 Downregulation in MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells

Estrogen overproduction is closely associated with the development of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Aromatase, encoded by the cytochrome P450 19 (CYP19) gene, regulates estrogen biosynthesis. This study aimed to identify active flavones that inhibit CYP19 expression and to explore the underlying mechanisms. CYP19 expression was evaluated using reverse transcription PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunoblot analysis. The role of transcription factor early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) in CYP19 expression was assessed using the short-hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of EGR-1 expression in estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We screened 39 flavonoids containing 26 flavones and 13 flavanones using the EGR1 promoter reporter activity assay and observed that chrysoeriol exerted the highest inhibitory activity on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced EGR-1 expression. We further characterized and demonstrated that chrysoeriol inhibits TNFα-induced CYP19 expression through inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)-mediated EGR-1 expression. Chrysoeriol may be beneficial as a dietary supplement for the prevention of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, or as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of this condition.

Leptin stimulates IGF-1 transcription by activating AP-1 in human breast cancer cells

Leptin, an adipokine regulating energy metabolism, appears to be associated with breast cancer progression. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mediates the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The regulation of IGF-1 expression by leptin in breast cancer cells is unclear. Here, we found that leptin upregulates IGF-1 expression at the transcriptional level in breast cancer cells. Activating protein-1 (AP-1)-binding element within the proximal region of IGF-1 was necessary for leptin-induced IGF-1 promoter activation. Forced expression of AP-1 components, c-FOS or c-JUN, enhanced leptin-induced IGF-1 expression, while knockdown of c-FOS or c-JUN abrogated leptin responsiveness. All three MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38 MAPK) mediated leptin-induced IGF-1 expression. These results suggest that leptin contributes to breast cancer progression through the transcriptional upregulation of leptin via the MAPK pathway. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(6): 385-390].

Leptin is a direct transcriptional target of EGR1 in human breast cancer cells

Leptin is a cytokine that regulates energy metabolism. Leptin can promote breast cancer progression in obese women. However, the mechanism of regulation of leptin expression in breast cancer cells is unclear. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) stimulated the transcription of the leptin gene. Using mutant promoter constructs, we demonstrated that the EGR1-binding motif in the proximal region of the leptin gene is required for leptin transcription by TNF-α. Forced expression of EGR1 stimulated leptin promoter activity, whereas silencing of EGR1 by RNA interference reduced TNF-α-induced leptin protein accumulation. The ERK1/2 pathway contributed to the expression of EGR1 and leptin by TNF-α. Our results suggest that EGR1 targets the leptin gene in response to TNF-α stimulation in breast cancer cells.

Inhibitory Effect of Alisma canaliculatum Ethanolic Extract on NF-κB-Dependent CXCR3 and CXCL10 Expression in TNFα-Exposed MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

CXC motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and its receptor CXC motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3), play important roles in the motility of breast cancer cells. Alisma canaliculatum is a herb that has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years in Korea and China. Whether A. canaliculatum inhibits the motility of metastatic breast cancer cells is not clear yet. In this study, we show that A. canaliculatum ethanolic extract (ACE) prevented tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα)-induced migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. ACE significantly attenuated TNFα-induced upregulation of CXCL10 and CXCR3 expression at the gene promoter level. Mechanistically, ACE inhibits TNFα-induced phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB (IκB) kinase (IKK), IκB and p65/RelA, leading to the suppression of nuclear translocation of p65/RelA nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Also, ACE inhibited NF-κB-dependent CXCR3 and CXCL10 promoter activities. These results suggest that ACE abrogates TNFα-induced migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells through down-regulation of IKK-NF-κB-dependent CXCR3 and CXCL10 expression. Our results suggest that ACE has potential as a herbal supplement for the inhibition of breast cancer metastasis.

Chaos and hyperchaos in simple gene network with negative feedback and time delays

Today there are examples that prove the existence of chaotic dynamics at all levels of organization of living systems, except intracellular, although such a possibility has been theoretically predicted. The lack of experimental evidence of chaos generation at the intracellular level in vivo may indicate that during evolution the cell got rid of chaos. This work allows the hypothesis that one of the possible mechanisms for avoiding chaos in gene networks can be a negative evolutionary selection, which prevents fixation or realization of regulatory circuits, creating too mild, from the biological point of view, conditions for the emergence of chaos. It has been shown that one of such circuits may be a combination of negative autoregulation of expression of transcription factors at the level of their synthesis and degradation. The presence of such a circuit results in formation of multiple branches of chaotic solutions as well as formation of hyperchaos with equal and sufficiently low values of the delayed argument that can be implemented not only in eukaryotic, but in prokaryotic cells.

Alternative splicing can lead to chaos

Alternative splicing is a widespread phenomenon in higher eukaryotes, where it serves as a mechanism to increase the functional diversity of proteins. This phenomenon has been described for different classes of proteins, including transcription regulatory proteins. We demonstrated that in the simplest genetic system model the formation of the alternatively spliced isoforms with opposite functions (activators and repressors) could be a cause of transition to chaotic dynamics. Under the simplest genetic system we understand a system consisting of a single gene encoding the structure of a transcription regulatory protein whose expression is regulated by a feedback mechanism. As demonstrated by numerical analysis of the models, if the synthesized isoforms regulate the expression of their own gene acting through different sites and independently of each other, for the generation of chaotic dynamics it is sufficient that the regulatory proteins have a dimeric structure. If regulatory proteins act through one site, the chaotic dynamics is generated in the system only when the repressor protein is either a tetrameric or a higher-dimensional multimer. In this case the activator can be a dimer. It was also demonstrated that if the transcription factor isoforms exhibit either activating or inhibiting activity and are lower-dimensional multimers (< 4), independently of the regulation type the model demonstrates either cyclic or stationary trajectories.

c-KIT signaling is targeted by pathogenic Yersinia to suppress the host immune response

Background

The pathogenic Yersinia species exhibit a primarily extracellular lifestyle through manipulation of host signaling pathways that regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokine release. To identify host genes that are targeted by Yersinia during the infection process, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen based on recovery of host NF-κB-mediated gene activation in response to TNF-α stimulation upon Y. enterocolitica infection.

Results

We screened shRNAs against 782 genes in the human kinome and 26 heat shock genes, and identified 19 genes that exhibited ≥40% relative increase in NF-κB reporter gene activity. The identified genes function in multiple cellular processes including MAP and ERK signaling pathways, ion channel activity, and regulation of cell growth. Pre-treatment with small molecule inhibitors specific for the screen hits c-KIT and CKII recovered NF-κB gene activation and/or pro-inflammatory TNF-α cytokine release in multiple cell types, in response to either Y. enterocolitica or Y. pestis infection.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that pathogenic Yersinia exploits c-KIT signaling in a T3SS-dependent manner to downregulate expression of transcription factors EGR1 and RelA/p65, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study is the first major functional genomics RNAi screen to elucidate virulence mechanisms of a pathogen that is primarily dependent on extracellular-directed immunomodulation of host signaling pathways for suppression of host immunity.

Transcriptional regulation of the growth-regulated oncogene α gene by early growth response protein-1 in response to tumor necrosis factor α stimulation

Growth-regulated oncogene α (GROα) plays an important role in a wide range of normal and pathological conditions, including inflammation, angiogenesis, wound healing, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Egr-1 is a member of the zinc-finger transcription factor family induced by diverse stimuli, including TNFα. However, the role of Egr-1 in GROα expression was previously unknown. This study shows that Egr-1 directly binds to the GROα promoter and transactivates the GROα gene. Silencing of Egr-1 by expression of Egr-1 siRNA abrogated TNFα-induced GROα transcription. We also found that Egr-1 mediates ERK and JNK MAPK-dependent GROα transcription upon TNFα stimulation. Our findings suggest that Egr-1 may play an important role in tumor development through transactivation of the GROα gene in response to TNFα within the tumor microenvironment.

Early growth response protein-1 mediates lipotoxicity-associated placental inflammation: role in maternal obesity

Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, which contributes to cellular dysfunction promoting metabolic disease. Obesity during pregnancy leads to a proinflammatory milieu in the placenta; however, the underlying causes for obesity-induced placental inflammation remain unclear. Here, we examine the mechanisms by which saturated fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines induce inflammation in placental trophoblasts. We conducted global transcriptomic profiling in BeWo cells following palmitate and/or TNFα treatment and gene/protein expression analyses of MAPK pathways and characterized downstream transcription factors directly regulating inflammatory cytokines. Microarray analysis revealed increased expression of genes regulating inflammation, stress response, and immediate early response in cytotrophoblasts in response to palmitic acid (PA), TNFα, or a combination of both (PA + TNFα). Both gene ontology and gene set enrichment analysis revealed MAPK and EGR-1 signaling to be upregulated in BeWo cells, which was confirmed via immunoblotting. Importantly, activation of JNK signaling was necessary for increased proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6, TNFα, and IL-8) and EGR1 mRNA. Consistent with the requirement of JNK signaling, ChIP analysis confirmed the recruitment of c-Jun and other MAPK-responsive immediate early factors on the EGR1 promoter. Moreover, recruitment of EGR-1 on cytokine promoters (IL-6, TNFα, and IL-8) and an impaired proinflammatory response following knockdown of EGR-1 suggested it as a central component of the mechanism facilitating inflammatory gene expression. Finally, akin to in vitro findings, term placenta from obese women also had both increased JNK and p38 signaling and greater EGR-1 protein relative to lean women. Our results demonstrate that lipotoxic insults induce inflammation in placental cells via activation of JNK/EGR-1 signaling.

The inflammatory response of keratinocytes and its modulation by vitamin D: the role of MAPK signaling pathways

The hormonal form of vitamin D, calcitriol, and its analogs are known for their beneficial effect in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. Keratinocytes play a role in epidermal inflammatory responses invoked by breeching of the epidermal barrier, by infectious agents and by infiltrating immune cells. We studied the role of calcitriol in the initiation of keratinocyte inflammatory response by the viral and injury mimic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and in its maintenance by tumor-necrosis-factor α (TNFα) and investigated the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades in these processes and their regulation by calcitriol. The inflammatory response of human HaCaT keratinocytes to poly(I:C) or TNFα was assessed by measuring mRNA levels of 13 inflammation-related molecules by real-time PCR microarray and by in-depth investigation of the regulation of interleukin 8, intercellular-adhesion-molecule 1, and TNFα expression. We found that while calcitriol had only a minor effect on the keratinocyte response to poly(I:C) and a modest effect on the early response (2 h) to TNFα, it markedly attenuated the later response (16-24 h) to TNFα. The expression of CYP27B1, the enzyme responsible for calcitriol production, was marginally increased by poly(I:C) and markedly by TNFα treatment. This pattern suggests that while allowing the initial keratinocyte inflammatory response to proceed, calcitriol contributes to its timely resolution. Using pharmacological inhibitors we found that while the p38 MAPK and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase have only a minor role, c-Jun N-terminal kinase plays a pivotal role in the induction of the pro-inflammatory genes and its modulation by calcitriol.

Egr-1 decreases adipocyte insulin sensitivity by tilting PI3K/Akt and MAPK signal balance in mice

It is well known that insulin can activate both PI3K/Akt pathway, which is responsible for glucose uptake, and MAPK pathway, which is crucial for insulin resistance formation. But, it is unclear exactly how the two pathways coordinate to regulate insulin sensitivity upon hyperinsulinism stress of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Here, we show that an early response transcription factor Egr-1 could tilt the signalling balance by blocking PI3K/Akt signalling through PTEN and augmenting Erk/MAPK signalling through GGPPS, resulting in insulin resistance in adipocytes. Egr-1, PTEN and GGPPS are upregulated in the fat tissue of T2DM patients and db/db mice. Egr-1 overexpression in epididymal fat induced systematic insulin resistance in wild-type mice, and loss of Egr-1 function improved whole-body insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice, which is mediated by Egr-1 controlled PI3K/Akt and Erk/MAPK signalling balance. Therefore, we have revealed, for the first time, the mechanism by which Egr-1 induces insulin resistance under hyperinsulinism stress, which provides an ideal pharmacological target since inhibiting Egr-1 can simultaneously block MAPK and augment PI3K/Akt activation during insulin stimulation.

Up-regulation of TNF-alpha secretion by cigarette smoke is mediated by Egr-1 in HaCaT human keratinocytes

Many epidemiologic studies have pointed to a significant association between cigarette smoking and inflammatory skin disease such as psoriasis. Cigarette smoke induces expression of regulators of inflammation such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. It was recently demonstrated that early growth response-1 (Egr-1) transcription factor is significantly up-regulated in the skin lesions of patients with psoriasis. The mechanism by which cigarette smoke extract (CSE) regulates inflammatory cytokine expression in keratinocyte was still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the signalling of CSE-induced Egr-1 expression and the role for Egr-1 in CSE-induced TNF-alpha expression. Cytotoxicity of CSE in HaCaT cells was measured by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. CSE-induced Egr-1 expression was investigated by western blot, luciferase reporter assay and confocal microscopy. TNF-alpha expression was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Involvement of Egr-1 in CSE-induced TNF-alpha secretion was determined by using Egr-1 specific siRNA. CSE increases the Egr-1 expression, promoter activity and its nuclear translocation in human HaCaT keratinocytes. CSE activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Up-regulation of Egr-1 expression by CSE stimulation was found to be inhibited by an ERK and JNK but not p38 inhibitor. CSE increases TNF-alpha expression and secretion. This increase is mediated by CSE-induced Egr-1 expression. Our results showed that CSE induces Egr-1 expression via MAPK pathway in human keratinocytes and TNF-alpha expression by Egr-1. This pathway may contribute to the development of inflammatory disease such as psoriasis.

Transcription factor Egr-1 is essential for maximal matrix metalloproteinase-9 transcription by tumor necrosis factor alpha

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in a wide range of normal and pathologic conditions, including inflammation, tissue repair, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a major proinflammatory cytokine that plays crucial roles in tumor progression, including tumor invasion and metastasis in the tumor microenvironment. Egr-1 is a member of the zinc-finger transcription factor family induced by diverse stimuli, including TNFalpha. However, the role of Egr-1 in MMP-9 expression was previously unknown. This study shows that Egr-1 directly binds to the MMP-9 promoter and plays an essential role for TNFalpha induction of MMP-9 transcription. Furthermore, Egr-1 together with NF-kappaB can synergistically activate both basal and TNFalpha-induced MMP-9 promoter activities in the presence of p300. We found that Egr-1 mediates extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-jun NH(2)-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent MMP-9 transcription on TNFalpha stimulation. The requirement for Egr-1 in MMP-9 expression is further supported by the fact that HeLa cells expressing Egr-1 siRNA and Egr-1-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts were refractory to TNFalpha-induced MMP-9 expression. This report establishes that Egr-1 is essential for MMP-9 transcription in response to TNFalpha within the tumor microenvironment.