Caspase-8 sumoylation is associated with nuclear localization

The role of caspase-8 in inflammatory signalling and pyroptotic cell death

The programmed cell death machinery exhibits surprising flexibility, capable of crosstalk and non-apoptotic roles. Much of this complexity arises from the diverse functions of caspase-8, a cysteine-aspartic acid protease typically associated with activating caspase-3 and - 7 to induce apoptosis. However, recent research has revealed that caspase-8 also plays a role in regulating the lytic gasdermin cell death machinery, contributing to pyroptosis and immune responses in contexts such as infection, autoinflammation, and T-cell signalling. In mice, loss of caspase-8 results in embryonic lethality from unrestrained necroptotic killing, while in humans caspase-8 deficiency can lead to an autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, immunodeficiency, inflammatory bowel disease or, when it can't cleave its substrate RIPK1, early onset periodic fevers. This review focuses on non-canonical caspase-8 signalling that drives immune responses, including its regulation of inflammatory gene transcription, activation within inflammasome complexes, and roles in pyroptotic cell death. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of caspase-8 function will aid in determining whether, and when, targeting caspase-8 pathways could be therapeutically beneficial in human diseases.

SUMOylation and the oncogenic E17K mutation affect AKT1 subcellular distribution and impact on Nanog-binding dynamics to chromatin in embryonic stem cells

AKT/PKB is a kinase involved in the regulation of a plethora of cell processes. Particularly, in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), AKT is crucial for the maintenance of pluripotency. Although the activation of this kinase relies on its recruitment to the cellular membrane and subsequent phosphorylation, multiple other post-translational modifications (PTMs), including SUMOylation, fine-tune its activity and target specificity. Since this PTM can also modify the localization and availability of different proteins, in this work we explored if SUMOylation impacts on the subcellular compartmentalization and distribution of AKT1 in ESCs. We found that this PTM does not affect AKT1 membrane recruitment, but it modifies the AKT1 nucleus/cytoplasm distribution, increasing its nuclear presence. Additionally, within this compartment, we found that AKT1 SUMOylation also impacts on the chromatin-binding dynamics of NANOG, a central pluripotency transcription factor. Remarkably, the oncogenic E17K AKT1 mutant produces major changes in all these parameters increasing the binding of NANOG to its targets, also in a SUMOylation dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that SUMOylation modulates AKT1 subcellular distribution, thus adding an extra layer of regulation of its function, possibly by affecting the specificity and interaction with its downstream targets.

Role of Post-translational Modification of Silent Mating Type Information Regulator 2 Homolog 1 in Cancer and Other Disorders

Silent mating type information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), an NAD⁺-dependent histone/protein deacetylase, has multifarious physiological roles in development, metabolic regulation, and stress response. Thus, its abnormal expression or malfunction is implicated in pathogenesis of various diseases. SIRT1 undergoes post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, oxidation/reduction, carbonylation, nitrosylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination/deubiquitination, SUMOylation etc. which can modulate its catalytic activity, stability, subcellular localization, and also binding affinity for substrate proteins. This short review highlights the regulation of SIRT1 post-translational modifications and their pathophysiologic implications.

Procaspase-1 patrolled to the nucleus of proatherogenic lipid LPC-activated human aortic endothelial cells induces ROS promoter CYP1B1 and strong inflammation

To determine the roles of nuclear localization of pro-caspase-1 in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) activated by proatherogenic lipid lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), we examined cytosolic and nuclear localization of pro-caspase-1, identified nuclear export signal (NES) in pro-caspase-1 and sequenced RNAs. We made the following findings: 1) LPC increases nuclear localization of procaspase-1 in HAECs. 2) Nuclear pro-caspase-1 exports back to the cytosol, which is facilitated by a leptomycin B-inhibited mechanism. 3) Increased nuclear localization of pro-caspase-1 by a new NES peptide inhibitor upregulates inflammatory genes in oxidative stress and Th17 pathways; and SUMO activator N106 enhances nuclear localization of pro-caspase-1 and caspase-1 activation (p20) in the nucleus. 4) LPC plus caspase-1 enzymatic inhibitor upregulates inflammatory genes with hypercytokinemia/hyperchemokinemia and interferon pathways, suggesting a novel capsase-1 enzyme-independent inflammatory mechanism. 5) LPC in combination with NES inhibitor and caspase-1 inhibitor upregulate inflammatory gene expression that regulate Th17 activation, endotheli-1 signaling, p38-, and ERK- MAPK pathways. To examine two hallmarks of endothelial activation such as secretomes and membrane protein signaling, LPC plus NES inhibitor upregulate 57 canonical secretomic genes and 76 exosome secretomic genes, respectively, promoting four pathways including Th17, IL-17 promoted cytokines, interferon signaling and cholesterol biosynthesis. LPC with NES inhibitor also promote inflammation via upregulating ROS promoter CYP1B1 and 11 clusters of differentiation (CD) membrane protein pathways. Mechanistically, all the LPC plus NES inhibitor-induced genes are significantly downregulated in CYP1B1-deficient microarray, suggesting that nuclear caspase-1-induced CYP1B1 promotes strong inflammation. These transcriptomic results provide novel insights on the roles of nuclear caspase-1 in sensing DAMPs, inducing ROS promoter CYP1B1 and in regulating a large number of genes that mediate HAEC activation and inflammation. These findings will lead to future development of novel therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), inflammations, infections, transplantation, autoimmune disease and cancers. (total words: 284).

Computational Analysis Indicates That PARP1 Acts as a Histone Deacetylases Interactor Sharing Common Lysine Residues for Acetylation, Ubiquitination, and SUMOylation in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

Aim/Hypothesis : Lysine residues are known for the post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as acetylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation. In acetylation, histone deacetylase (HDAC) and its interactors cause transcriptional deregulation and cause mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammatory response, and cell-cycle impairment that cause brain homeostasis and neuronal cell death. Other regulatory PTMs involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are ubiquitination and SUMOylation for the degradation of the misfolded proteins. Thus, we aim to investigate the potential acetylation/ubiquitination/SUMOylation crosstalk sites in the HDAC interactors, which cause NDDs. Furthermore, we aim to identify the influence of PTMs on the structural features of proteins and the impact of putative lysine mutation on disease susceptibility. Last, we aim to examine the impact of the putative mutation on acetylated lysine for ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Results : Herein, we integrate 1455 genes, 3094 genes, and 1940 genes related to HDAC interactors, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), respectively. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction and PTM integrations from different databases identified 32 proteins that are associated with HDAC, AD, and PD with 1489 potential lysine-modified sites. HDAC interactors poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), nucleophosmin (NPM1), and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) involved in the progression of NDDs and 64 and 75% of PTM sites in PARP1, NPM1, and CDK1 fall into coiled and ordered regions, respectively. Moreover, 15 putative lysine sites have been found in the crosstalk and K148, K249, K528, K637, K700, and K796 of PARP1 are crosstalk hotspots. Conclusion : The loss of acetylated hotspot sites results in the loss of ubiquitination and SUMOylation function on nearby sites, which is relatively higher when compared to the gain of function.

Identification and functional characterization of three caspases in Takifugu obscurus in response to bacterial infection

Caspases are evolutionarily conserved proteases, which are inextricably linked with the apoptosis and immune system in mammals. However, the expression pattern and function of some caspases remain largely unknown in pufferfish. In this study, three different pufferfish caspases (caspase-2 (Pfcasp-2), caspase-3 (Pfcasp-3), and caspase-8 (Pfcasp-8)) were characterized, and their expression patterns and functions were determined following Aeromonas hydrophila infection. The open reading frames of Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 are 1,320, 846, and 1455 bp, respectively. Analyses of sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree showed that casp-2, -3, and -8 share 52%-65%, 33%-40%, 63%-78% overall sequence identities with those of other vertebrates, respectively. 3D structures of Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 enjoy conservation in core area together, while each owns a distinctive profile. Comparisons of deduced amino acid sequences indicated that Pfcaspases possessed the caspase domain and conserved active sites like 'HG' and 'QACXG' (X for R or G). qRT-PCR results revealed that Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 were expressed constitutively in a wide range of organs, especially in immune-related organs including whole blood and kidney. In vitro, the expressions of the three caspases (Pfcasp-2, 3, and -8) and immune-related genes (IgM and IL-8) were significantly up-regulated in kidney leukocytes after A. Hydrophila challenge and inhibitors treatment. The expressions of Pfcasp-2 and Pfcasp-3 were successfully inhibited in the kidney leukocytes by Ac-DEVD-CHO (an inhibitor to caspase-3), but the expression of Pfcasp-8 was not affected. Cellular localization analysis showed that the distribution of Pfcasp-2, -3, and -8 was in cytoplasm. Further, overexpression of Pfcasp-2, -3, or -8 was found to cause DNA damage and apoptosis, suggesting that three caspases may be related to apoptosis and mediate different apoptosis pathways in pufferfish. Moreover, the expressions of these caspases were also up-regulated in whole blood and kidney after A. hydrophila challenge, indicating their possible involvement in the immune response against A. hydrophia stimulation. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the caspase-2,-3, and -8 may play an important role in the apoptosis and immune response in pufferfish.

Controlling Cell Death through Post-translational Modifications of DED Proteins

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death, deregulation of which occurs in multiple disorders, including neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases as well as cancer. The formation of a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) and death effector domain (DED) filaments are critical for initiation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of DED-containing DISC components such as FADD, procaspase-8, and c-FLIP comprise an additional level of apoptosis regulation, which is necessary to overcome the threshold for apoptosis induction. In this review we discuss the influence of PTMs of FADD, procaspase-8, and c-FLIP on DED filament assembly and cell death induction, with a focus on the 3D organization of the DED filament.

[PML isoforms and TGF-β response]

PML/TRIM19 is the organizer of PML nuclear bodies (NB), a multiprotein complex associated to the nuclear matrix, which recruit a large number of proteins involved in various cellular processes. Alternative splicing from a single PML gene generates 6 nuclear PML isoforms (PMLI to PMLVI) and one cytoplasmic isoform, PMLVII. Murine PML-null primary cells are resistant to TGF-β-induced apoptosis. Cytoplasmic PML is an essential activator of TGF-β signaling by increasing the phosphorylation of transcription factors SMAD2/3 while nuclear PML plays a role in TGF-β-induced caspase 8 activation and apoptosis. TGF-β targets nuclear PML by inducing its conjugation to SUMO. In the nucleus, PML is mainly expressed in the nucleoplasm with a small fraction in the nuclear matrix. In response to TGF-β, PML and caspase 8 shift to the nuclear matrix, where both PML and caspase 8 colocalise within PML NBs. Here, we review the implication of cytoplasmic and nuclear PML isoforms in TGF-β response.

Cellular demolition: Proteins as molecular players of programmed cell death

Apoptosis, a well-characterized and regulated cell death programme in eukaryotes plays a fundamental role in developing or later-life periods to dispose of unwanted cells to maintain typical tissue architecture, homeostasis in a spatiotemporal manner. This silent cellular death occurs without affecting any neighboring cells/tissue and avoids triggering of immunological response. Furthermore, diminished forms of apoptosis result in cancer and autoimmune diseases, whereas unregulated apoptosis may also lead to the development of a myriad of neurodegenerative diseases. Unraveling the mechanistic events in depth will provide new insights into understanding physiological control of apoptosis, pathological consequences of abnormal apoptosis and development of novel therapeutics for diseases. Here we provide a brief overview of molecular players of programmed cell death with discussion on the role of caspases, modifications, ubiquitylation in apoptosis, removal of the apoptotic body and its relevance to diseases.

TGF-β induces PML SUMOylation, degradation and PML nuclear body disruption

ProMyelocytic Leukemia (PML) protein is essential for the formation of nuclear matrix-associated organelles named PML nuclear bodies (NBs) that act as a platform for post-translational modifications and protein degradation. PML NBs harbor transiently and permanently localized proteins and are associated with the regulation of several cellular functions including apoptosis. There are seven PML isoforms, six nuclear (PMLI-VI) and one cytoplasmic (PMLVII), which are encoded by a single gene via alternative RNA splicing. It has been reported that murine PML-null primary cells are resistant to TGF-β-induced apoptosis and that cytoplasmic PML is an essential activator of TGF-β signaling. The role and the fate of interferon (IFN)-enhanced PML NBs in response to TGF-β have not been investigated. Here we show that IFNα potentiated TGF-β-mediated apoptosis in human cells. IFNα or ectopic expression of PMLIV, but not of PMLIII, enhanced TGF-β-induced caspase 8 activation. In response to TGF-β, both PMLIII and PMLIV were conjugated to SUMO and shifted from the nucleoplasm to the nuclear matrix, however only PMLIV, via its specific C-terminal region, interacted with caspase 8 and recruited it within PML NBs. This process was followed by a caspase-dependent PML degradation and PML NB disruption. Taken together, these findings highlight the role of PML NBs in the enhancement by IFN of TGF-β-induced apoptosis and caspase 8 activation.

The roles of ubiquitination in extrinsic cell death pathways and its implications for therapeutics

Regulation of cell survival and death, including apoptosis and necroptosis, is important for normal development and tissue homeostasis, and disruption of these processes can cause cancer, inflammatory diseases, and degenerative diseases. Ubiquitination is a cellular process that induces proteasomal degradation by covalently attaching ubiquitin to the substrate protein. In addition to proteolytic ubiquitination, nonproteolytic ubiquitination, such as M1-linked and K63-linked ubiquitination, has been shown to be important in recent studies, which have demonstrated its function in cell signaling pathways that regulate inflammation and cell death pathways. In this review, we summarize the TRAIL- and TNF-induced death receptor signaling pathways along with recent advances in this field and illustrate how different types of ubiquitination control cell death and survival. In particular, we provide an overview of the different types of ubiquitination, target residues, and modifying enzymes, including E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. Given the relevance of these regulatory pathways in human disease, we hope that a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of cell death pathways will provide insights into and therapeutic strategies for related diseases.

Apoptosis regulation by subcellular relocation of caspases

The cleavage of nuclear proteins by caspases promotes nuclear breakdown and, therefore, plays a key role in apoptosis execution. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of these events remain unclear. To get more insights into the mechanisms of nuclear events during apoptosis we set up a rapid fractionation protocol for the separation of the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of cells undergoing cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Importantly, nuclear accumulation of effector caspase-3 as well as initiator caspase-2, -8 and -9 was observed using the developed protocol and immunofluorescence microscopy. The detection of caspases and their cleavage products in the nucleus occurred within the same time interval after cisplatin treatment and took place shortly before nuclear fragmentation. The entry of initiator caspases to the nucleus was independent of caspase-3. Given that all three initiator caspases had catalytic activity in the nuclei, our findings indicate that initiator caspases might participate in the proteolysis of nuclear components during apoptosis, promoting its disintegration and apoptotic cell death.

Alterations in the nucleocytoplasmic transport in apoptosis: Caspases lead the way

Apoptosis is a mode of regulated cell death that is indispensable for the morphogenesis, development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Caspases are cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases, which function as initiators and executors of apoptosis. Caspases are cytosolic proteins that can cleave substrates located in different intracellular compartments during apoptosis. Many years ago, the involvement of caspases in the regulation of nuclear changes, a hallmark of apoptosis, was documented. Accumulated data suggest that apoptosis-associated alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport are also linked to caspase activity. Here, we aim to discuss the current state of knowledge regarding this process. Particular attention will be focused on caspase nuclear entry and their functions in the demolition of the nucleus upon apoptotic stimuli.

Caspases are key regulators of inflammatory and innate immune responses mediated by TLR3 in vivo

Understanding the key regulators which impact the innate immune response during initial phases of tissue injury, can advance the use of therapeutic approaches which aim at attenuating inflammation and organ damage. Recognition of microbial components by TLRs, initiates the transcription of innate immune signal pathways, that induce the expression of key inflammatory mediators: cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. Beside regulating apoptotic cell death, recent studies have revealed distinct roles for caspases in the optimal production of inflammatory cytokines and host defense against injurious infections. Whether caspases can play an immune regulatory role in vivo has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to explore whether the pan caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk can control inflammation and cytokine production subsequent to challenging the innate immunity of the exocrine secretory tissues in vivo. Submandibular glands (SMGs) of the C57BL/6 mice were challenged with the TLR3 stimulant: polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)). Results obtained from the current study provide evidence that caspases can control immune responses downstream of TLR3 ligation. The present work proposes a novel mechanism that can prevent overactivation of the innate immunity, which typically leads to fatal immune disorders.

IHC-based subcellular quantification provides new insights into prognostic relevance of FLIP and procaspase-8 in non-small-cell lung cancer

In this study, we developed an image analysis algorithm for quantification of two potential apoptotic biomarkers in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): FLIP and procaspase-8. Immunohistochemical expression of FLIP and procaspase-8 in 184 NSCLC tumors were assessed. Individual patient cores were segmented and classified as tumor and stroma using the Definiens Tissue Studio. Subsequently, chromogenic expression of each biomarker was measured separately in the nucleus and cytoplasm and reported as a quantitative histological score. The software package pROC was applied to define biomarker thresholds. Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied to generate hazard ratios (HRs) and associated 95% CI for survival. High cytoplasmic expression of tumoral (but not stromal) FLIP was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of death in lung adenocarcinoma patients, even when adjusted for known confounders (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.14–5.35). Neither nuclear nor cytoplasmic tumoral procaspase-8 expression was associated with overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients; however, there was a significant trend (P for trend=0.03) for patients with adenocarcinomas with both high cytoplasmic FLIP and high cytoplasmic procaspase-8 to have a multiplicative increased risk of death. Notably, high stromal nuclear procaspase-8 expression was associated with a reduced risk of death in lung adenocarcinoma patients (adjusted HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.15–0.66). On further examination, the cells with high nuclear procaspase-8 were found to be of lymphoid origin, suggesting that the better prognosis of patients with tumors with high stromal nuclear procaspase-8 is related to immune infiltration, a known favorable prognostic factor. No significant associations were detected in analysis of lung squamous cell carcinoma patients. Our results suggest that cytoplasmic expression of FLIP in the tumor and nuclear expression of procaspase-8 in the stroma are prognostically relevant in non-small-cell adenocarcinomas but not in squamous cell carcinomas of the lung.

Post-translational Modification of Caspases: The Other Side of Apoptosis Regulation

Apoptosis is a crucial program of cell death that controls development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. The main initiators and executors of this process are the Cysteine-dependent ASPartate proteASES - caspases. A number of regulatory circuits tightly control caspase processing and activity. One of the most important, yet, at the same time still poorly understood control mechanisms of activation of caspases involves their post-translational modifications. The addition and/or removal of chemical groups drastically alters the catalytic activity of caspases or stimulates their nonapoptotic functions. In this review, we will describe and discuss the roles of key caspase modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, nitrosylation, glutathionylation, SUMOylation, and acetylation in the regulation of apoptotic cell death and cell survival.

SUMO-Modified FADD Recruits Cytosolic Drp1 and Caspase-10 to Mitochondria for Regulated Necrosis

Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) plays a key role in extrinsic apoptosis. Here, we show that FADD is SUMOylated as an essential step during intrinsic necrosis. FADD was modified at multiple lysine residues (K120/125/149) by small ubiquitin-related modifier 2 (SUMO2) during necrosis caused by calcium ionophore A23187 and by ischemic damage. SUMOylated FADD bound to dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) in cells both in vitro and in ischemic tissue damage cores, thus promoting Drp1 recruitment by mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) to accomplish mitochondrial fragmentation. Mitochondrial-fragmentation-associated necrosis was blocked by FADD or Drp1 deficiency and SUMO-defective FADD expression. Interestingly, caspase-10, but not caspase-8, formed a ternary protein complex with SUMO-FADD/Drp1 on the mitochondria upon exposure to A23187 and potentiated Drp1 oligomerization for necrosis. Moreover, the caspase-10 L285F and A414V mutants, found in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, respectively, regulated this necrosis. Our study reveals an essential role of SUMOylated FADD in Drp1- and caspase-10-dependent necrosis, providing insights into the mechanism of regulated necrosis by calcium overload and ischemic injury.

Activity of Uncleaved Caspase-8 Controls Anti-bacterial Immune Defense and TLR-Induced Cytokine Production Independent of Cell Death

Caspases regulate cell death programs in response to environmental stresses, including infection and inflammation, and are therefore critical for the proper operation of the mammalian immune system. Caspase-8 is necessary for optimal production of inflammatory cytokines and host defense against infection by multiple pathogens including Yersinia, but whether this is due to death of infected cells or an intrinsic role of caspase-8 in TLR-induced gene expression is unknown. Caspase-8 activation at death signaling complexes results in its autoprocessing and subsequent cleavage and activation of its downstream apoptotic targets. Whether caspase-8 activity is also important for inflammatory gene expression during bacterial infection has not been investigated. Here, we report that caspase-8 plays an essential cell-intrinsic role in innate inflammatory cytokine production in vivo during Yersinia infection. Unexpectedly, we found that caspase-8 enzymatic activity regulates gene expression in response to bacterial infection as well as TLR signaling independently of apoptosis. Using newly-generated mice in which caspase-8 autoprocessing is ablated (Casp8^DA/DA), we now demonstrate that caspase-8 enzymatic activity, but not autoprocessing, mediates induction of inflammatory cytokines by bacterial infection and a wide variety of TLR stimuli. Because unprocessed caspase-8 functions in an enzymatic complex with its homolog cFLIP, our findings implicate the caspase-8/cFLIP heterodimer in control of inflammatory cytokines during microbial infection, and provide new insight into regulation of antibacterial immune defense.

TLR signaling induces expression of key inflammatory cytokines and pro-survival factors that facilitate control of microbial infection. TLR signaling can also engage cell death pathways through activation of enzymes known as caspases. Caspase-8 activates apoptosis in response to infection by pathogens that interfere with NF-κB signaling, including Yersinia, but has also recently been linked to control of inflammatory gene expression. Pathogenic Yersinia can cause severe disease ranging from gastroenteritis to plague. While caspase-8 mediates cell death in response to Yersinia infection as well as other signals, its precise role in gene expression and host defense during in vivo infection is unknown. Here, we show that caspase-8 activity promotes cell-intrinsic cytokine expression, independent of its role in cell death in response to Yersinia infection. Our studies further demonstrate that caspase-8 enzymatic activity plays a previously undescribed role in ensuring optimal TLR-induced gene expression by innate cells during bacterial infection. This work sheds new light on mechanisms that regulate essential innate anti-bacterial immune defense.

SUMOylation Confers Posttranslational Stability on NPM-ALK Oncogenic Protein

Nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase–expressing (NPM-ALK⁺) T-cell lymphoma is an aggressive form of cancer that commonly affects children and adolescents. The expression of NPM-ALK chimeric oncogene results from the chromosomal translocation t(2;5)(p23;q35) that causes the fusion of the ALK and NPM genes. This translocation generates the NPM-ALK protein tyrosine kinase that forms the constitutively activated NPM-ALK/NPM-ALK homodimers. In addition, NPM-ALK is structurally associated with wild-type NPM to form NPM/NPM-ALK heterodimers, which can translocate to the nucleus. The mechanisms that sustain the stability of NPM-ALK are not fully understood. SUMOylation is a posttranslational modification that is characterized by the reversible conjugation of small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) with target proteins. SUMO competes with ubiquitin for substrate binding and therefore, SUMOylation is believed to protect target proteins from proteasomal degradation. Moreover, SUMOylation contributes to the subcellular distribution of target proteins. Herein, we found that the SUMOylation pathway is deregulated in NPM-ALK⁺ T-cell lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoma tumors from patients. We also identified Lys²⁴ and Lys³² within the NPM domain as the sites where NPM-ALK conjugates with SUMO-1 and SUMO-3. Importantly, antagonizing SUMOylation by the SENP1 protease decreased the accumulation of NPM-ALK and suppressed lymphoma cell viability, proliferation, and anchorage-independent colony formation. One possible mechanism for the SENP1-mediated decrease in NPM-ALK levels was the increase in NPM-ALK association with ubiquitin, which facilitates its degradation. Our findings propose a model in which aberrancies in SUMOylation contribute to the pathogenesis of NPM-ALK⁺ T-cell lymphoma. Unraveling such pathogenic mechanisms may lead to devising novel strategies to eliminate this aggressive neoplasm.

Hypoxia regulates sumoylation pathways in intervertebral disc cells: implications for hypoxic adaptations

OBJECTIVE

To explore the hypoxic regulation of sumoylation pathways and cell viability in nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells.

DESIGN

Expression of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) molecules, SUMO E1 activating enzymes SAE1 and SAE2, SUMO E2 conjugating enzyme UBC9, and de-sumoylation enzyme sentrin/SUMO-specific proteases (SENP)1 was immunolocalized in rat intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. NP and AF cells were cultured in hypoxia and cell viability was evaluated by quantifying cell proliferation, cellular senescence, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution. Hypoxic regulation of sumoylation pathways was studied by analyzing the transcription and expression of SUMO molecules and sumoylation enzymes. Loss of function study using SENP1 siRNA was performed to investigate the regulatory role of sumoylation on the function of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and the hypoxic tolerance of IVD cells.

RESULTS

Sumoylation pathways were expressed in IVD cells and localized predominantly in nuclei. Both NP and AF cells maintained viability under hypoxia and upregulated the expression of SENP1. In NP cells hypoxia transiently increased the expression of SUMO-1, SUMO-2/3, SAE2, and UBC9, whereas SUMO-1 was elevated while SUMO-2/3, SAE1, SAE2, and UBC9 were reduced by low oxygen tensions in AF cells. Although downregulation of SENP1 decreased the transcriptional activity of HIF-1α, the viability of disc cells showed no significant loss under hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

NP and AF cells equally tolerate oxygen deficiency, but differently regulate the sumoylation pathways under hypoxia. The distinct sumoylation dynamics may help extend our understanding of the cell-specific regulation of the molecular basis that promotes cell survival in the hypoxic IVD.

Involvement of activated SUMO-2 conjugation in cardiomyopathy

Sumoylation is a posttranslational modification that regulates a wide spectrum of cellular activities. Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of heart failure. Whether sumoylation, particularly SUMO-2/3 conjugation, is involved in cardiomyopathy has not been investigated. We report here that SUMO-2/3 conjugation was elevated in the human failing hearts, and we investigated the impact of increased SUMO-2 conjugation on heart function by using the gain-of-function approach in mice, in which cardiac specific expression of constitutively active SUMO-2 was governed by alpha myosin heavy chain promoter (MHC-SUMO-2 transgenic, SUMO-2-Tg). Four of five independent SUMO-2-Tg mouse lines exhibited cardiomyopathy with various severities, ranging from acute heart failure leading to early death to the development of chronic cardiomyopathy with aging. We further revealed that SUMO-2 directly regulated apoptotic process by at least partially targeting calpain 2 and its natural inhibitor calpastatin. SUMO conjugation to calpain 2 promoted its enzymatic activity, and SUMO attachment to calpastatin mainly promoted its turnover and altered its subcellular distribution. Thus, enhanced SUMO-2 conjugation led to increased apoptosis and played a pathogenic role in the development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure.

Cytosolic and nuclear caspase-8 have opposite impact on survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

An imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis is one of the main features of carcinogenesis. TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) induces apoptosis upon binding to the TRAIL death receptors, TRAIL receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1) and TRAIL-R2, whereas binding to TRAIL-R3 and TRAIL-R4 might promote cell survival and proliferation. The anti-tumor activity of TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 agonists is currently investigated in clinical trials. To gain further insight into the regulation of apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we investigated the TRAIL pathway and the regulators of apoptosis caspase-8, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 in patients with HCC regarding patient survival.

Methods

We analyzed 157 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent partial liver resection or orthotopic liver transplantation and healthy control liver tissue using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays for the expression of TRAIL-R1 to TRAIL-R4, caspase-8, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1. Immunohistochemical data were evaluated for potential associations with clinico-pathological parameters and survival.

Results

Whereas TRAIL-R1 was downregulated in HCC in comparison to normal liver tissue, TRAIL-R2 and –R4 were upregulated in HCC, especially in G2 and G3 tumors. TRAIL-R1 downregulation and upregulation of TRAIL-R2 and TRAIL-R4 correlated with tumor dedifferentiation (G2/G3). TRAIL-R3, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 showed no differential expression in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. The expression levels of TRAIL receptors did not correlate with patient survival after partial hepatectomy. Interestingly, in tumor tissue, but not in normal hepatocytes, caspase-8 showed a strong nuclear staining. Low cytosolic and high nuclear staining intensity of caspase-8 significantly correlated with impaired survival after partial hepatectomy, which, for cytosolic caspase-8, was independent from tumor grade.

Conclusions

Assessment of TRAIL-receptor expression patterns may have therapeutic implications for the use of TRAIL receptor agonists in HCC therapy. Tumor-specific nuclear localisation of caspase-8 in HCC suggests an apoptosis-independent function of caspase-8 and correlates with patient survival.

Sumoylation in neurodegenerative diseases

The yeast SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) orthologue SMT3 was initially discovered in a genetic suppressors screen for the centromeric protein Mif2 (Meluh and Koshland in Mol Bio Cell 6:793-807, 1). Later, it turned out that the homologous mammalian proteins SUMO1 to SUMO4 are reversible protein modifiers that can form isopeptide bonds with lysine residues of respective target proteins (Mahajan et al. in Cell 88:97-107, 2). This was the discovery of a post-translational modification called sumoylation, which enzymatically resembles ubiquitination. However, very soon it became clear that SUMO attachments served a far more diverse role than ubiquitination. Meanwhile, numerous cellular processes are known to be subject to the impact of SUMO modification, including transcription, protein targeting, protein solubility, apoptosis or activity of various enzymes. In many instances, SUMO proteins create new protein interaction surfaces or block existing interaction domains (Geiss-Friedlander and Melchior in Nat Rev in Mol Cell Biol 8:947-956, 3). For the past few years, sumoylation attracted increasing attention as a versatile regulator of toxic protein properties in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize the growing knowledge about the involvement of sumoylation in neurodegeneration, and discuss the underlying molecular principles affected by this multifaceted and intriguing post-translational modification.

Regulation of Neuronal Protein Trafficking and Translocation by SUMOylation

Post-translational modifications of proteins are essential for cell function. Covalent modification by SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) plays a role in multiple cell processes, including transcriptional regulation, DNA damage repair, protein localization and trafficking. Factors affecting protein localization and trafficking are particularly crucial in neurons because of their polarization, morphological complexity and functional specialization. SUMOylation has emerged as a major mediator of intranuclear and nucleo-cytoplasmic translocations of proteins involved in critical pathways such as circadian rhythm, apoptosis and protein degradation. In addition, SUMO-regulated re-localization of extranuclear proteins is required to sustain neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Thus, SUMOylation is a key arbiter of neuronal viability and function. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of regulation of neuronal protein localization and translocation by SUMO and highlight exciting areas of ongoing research.

SUMOylation pathway in Trypanosoma cruzi: functional characterization and proteomic analysis of target proteins

SUMOylation is a relevant protein post-translational modification in eukaryotes. The C terminus of proteolytically activated small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is covalently linked to a lysine residue of the target protein by an isopeptide bond, through a mechanism that includes an E1-activating enzyme, an E2-conjugating enzyme, and transfer to the target, sometimes with the assistance of a ligase. The modification is reversed by a protease, also responsible for SUMO maturation. A number of proteins have been identified as SUMO targets, participating in the regulation of cell cycle progression, transcription, translation, ubiquitination, and DNA repair. In this study, we report that orthologous genes corresponding to the SUMOylation pathway are present in the etiological agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi. Furthermore, the SUMOylation system is functionally active in this protozoan parasite, having the requirements for SUMO maturation and conjugation. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that T. cruzi SUMO (TcSUMO) is predominantly found in the nucleus. To identify SUMOylation targets and get an insight into their physiological roles we generated transfectant T. cruzi epimastigote lines expressing a double-tagged T. cruzi SUMO, and SUMOylated proteins were enriched by tandem affinity chromatography. By two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry a total of 236 proteins with diverse biological functions were identified as potential T. cruzi SUMO targets. Of these, metacaspase-3 was biochemically validated as a bona fide SUMOylation substrate. Proteomic studies in other organisms have reported that orthologs of putative T. cruzi SUMOylated proteins are similarly modified, indicating conserved functions for protein SUMOylation in this early divergent eukaryote.

Caspase-3 triggers a TPCK-sensitive protease pathway leading to degradation of the BH3-only protein puma

The protein Puma (p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis) belongs to the BH3-only group of the Bcl-2 family and is a major regulator of apoptosis. Although the transcriptional regulation of Puma is clearly established, little is known about the regulation of its expression at the protein levels. We show here that various signals--including the cytokine TGFβ, the death effector TRAIL or chemical drugs such as anisomycin--downregulate Puma protein levels via a novel pathway based on the sequential activation of caspase-3 and a protease inhibited by the serpase inhibitor N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone. This pathway is specific for Puma because (1) the levels of other BH3-only proteins, such as Bim and Noxa were not modified by these stimuli and (2) this caspase-mediated degradation was dependent on both the BH3 and C-terminal domains of Puma. Our data also show that Puma is regulated during the caspase-3-dependent differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells and suggest that this pathway may be relevant and important during caspase-mediated cell differentiation not associated with apoptosis.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H1/H2-dependent unsplicing of thymidine phosphorylase results in anticancer drug resistance

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) catalyzes the conversion of thymidine to thymine and 2-deoxyribose-1-phosphate. The latter plays an important role in induction of angiogenesis. As such, many human malignancies exhibit TP overexpression that correlates with increased microvessel density, formation of aggressive tumors, and dismal prognosis. Because TP is frequently overexpressed in cancer, pro-drugs were developed that utilize TP activity for their bioactivation to cytotoxic drugs. In this respect, TP is indispensable for the pharmacologic activity of the chemotherapeutic drug capecitabine, as it converts its intermediary metabolite 5'-deoxyfluorouridine to 5-fluorouracil. Thus, loss of TP function confers resistance to the prodrug capecitabine, currently used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and breast cancer. However, drug resistance phenomena may frequently emerge that compromise the pharmacologic activity of capecitabine. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to TP-activated prodrugs is an important goal toward the overcoming of such drug resistance phenomena. Here, we discovered that lack of TP protein in drug-resistant tumor cells is due to unsplicing of its pre-mRNA. Advanced bioinformatics identified the family of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP) H/F as candidate splicing factors potentially responsible for impaired TP splicing. Indeed, whereas parental cells lacked nuclear localization of hnRNPs H1/H2 and F, drug-resistant cells harbored marked levels of these splicing factors. Nuclear RNA immunoprecipitation experiments established a strong binding of hnRNP H1/H2 to TP pre-mRNA, hence implicating them in TP splicing. Moreover, introduction of hnRNP H2 into drug-sensitive parental cells recapitulated aberrant TP splicing and 5'-deoxyfluorouridine resistance. Thus, this is the first study identifying altered function of hnRNP H1/H2 in tumor cells as a novel determinant of aberrant TP splicing thereby resulting in acquired chemoresistance to TP-activated fluoropyrimidine anticancer drugs.

Emerging roles of SUMO modification in arthritis

Dynamic modification involving small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) has emerged as a new mechanism of protein regulation in mammalian biology. Sumoylation is an ATP-dependent, reversible post-translational modification which occurs under both basal and stressful cellular conditions. Sumoylation profoundly influences protein functions and pertinent biological processes. For example, sumoylation modulates multiple components in the NFkappaB pathway and exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. Likewise, sumoylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) augments its anti-inflammatory activity. Current evidence suggests a role of sumoylation for resistance to apoptosis in synovial fibroblasts. Dynamic SUMO regulation controls the biological outcomes initiated by various growth factors involved in cartilage homeostasis, including basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF or FGF-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). The impact of these growth factors on cartilage are through sumoylation-dependent control of the transcription factors (e.g., Smad, Elk-1, HIF-1) that are key regulators of matrix components (e.g., aggrecan, collagen) or cartilage-degrading enzymes (e.g., MMPs, aggrecanases). Thus, SUMO modification appears to profoundly affect chondrocyte and synovial fibroblast biology, including cell survival, inflammatory responses, matrix metabolism and hypoxic responses. More recently, evidence suggests that, in addition to their nuclear roles, the SUMO pathways play crucial roles in mitochondrial activity, cellular senescence, and autophagy. With an increasing number of reports linking SUMO to human diseases like arthritis, it is probable that novel and equally important functions of the sumoylation pathway will be elucidated in the near future.

PIAS1 regulates CP2c localization and active promoter complex formation in erythroid cell-specific alpha-globin expression

Data presented here extends our previous observations on α-globin transcriptional regulation by the CP2 and PIAS1 proteins. Using RNAi knockdown, we have now shown that CP2b, CP2c and PIAS1 are each necessary for synergistic activation of endogenous α-globin gene expression in differentiating MEL cells. In this system, truncated PIAS1 mutants lacking the ring finger domain recruited CP2c to the nucleus, as did wild-type PIAS1, demonstrating that this is a sumoylation-independent process. In vitro, recombinant CP2c, CP2b and PIAS1 bound DNA as a stable CBP (CP2c/CP2b/PIAS1) complex. Following PIAS1 knockdown in MEL cells, however, the association of endogenous CP2c and CP2b with the α-globin promoter simultaneously decreased. By mapping the CP2b- and CP2c-binding domains on PIAS1, and the PIAS1-binding domains on CP2b and CP2c, we found that two regions of PIAS1 that interact with CP2c/CP2b are required for its co-activator function. We propose that CP2c, CP2b, and PIAS1 form a hexametric complex with two units each of CP2c, CP2b, and PIAS1, in which PIAS1 serves as a clamp between two CP2 proteins, while CP2c binds directly to the target DNA and CP2b mediates strong transactivation.

Targets and consequences of protein SUMOylation in neurons

The post-translational modification of proteins is critical for the spatial and temporal regulation of signalling cascades. This is especially important in the CNS where the processes affecting differentiation, growth, targeting and communication between neurones are highly complex and very tightly regulated. In recent years it has emerged that modification of proteins by members of the SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) family of proteins play key roles in neuronal function. SUMOylation involves the covalent conjugation of a member of the SUMO family to lysine residues in target proteins. Multiple nuclear and perinuclear SUMOylation targets have been reported to be involved in nuclear organisation and transcriptional regulation. In addition, a growing number of extranuclear SUMO substrates have been identified that can have important acute effects on neuronal function. The SUMOylation of both intra- and extranuclear proteins have been implicated in a diverse array of processes that have far-reaching implications for neuronal function and pathophysiology. Here we review the current understanding of the targets and consequences of protein SUMOylation in the brain and examine its established and potential involvement in a wide range of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 [corrected] mediates the resistance of prosthesis-loosening fibroblast-like synoviocytes against Fas-induced apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO-1) in aseptic loosening of prosthesis implants and to investigate its role in regulating the susceptibility of prosthesis-loosening fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) to Fas-induced apoptosis.

METHODS

Specimens of aseptically loosened tissue were obtained at revision surgery, and the expression of SUMO-1 was analyzed by in situ hybridization. SUMO-1 levels in FLS were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to study the subcellular localization of SUMO-1. The functional role of SUMO-1 in Fas-induced apoptosis of prosthesis-loosening FLS was investigated by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of SUMO-1 and by gene transfer of the nuclear SUMO-specific protease SENP1.

RESULTS

SUMO-1 was expressed strongly in aseptically loosened tissue and was found prominently at sites adjacent to bone. Prosthesis-loosening FLS expressed levels of SUMO-1 similar to the levels expressed by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) FLS, with SUMO-1 being found mainly in promyelocytic leukemia protein nuclear bodies. Knockdown of SUMO-1 had no effect on spontaneous apoptosis but significantly increased the susceptibility of prosthesis-loosening FLS to Fas-induced apoptosis. Gene transfer of the nuclear SUMO-specific protease SENP1 reverted the apoptosis-inhibiting effects of SUMO-1.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that SUMO-1 is involved in the activation of both RA FLS and prosthesis-loosening FLS by preventing these cells from undergoing apoptosis. Modification of nuclear proteins by SUMO-1 contributes to the antiapoptotic effects of SUMO-1 in prosthesis-loosening FLS, providing evidence for the specific activation of sumoylation during their differentiation. Therefore, SUMO-1 may be an interesting target for novel strategies to prevent aseptic prosthesis loosening.

Intracellular cleavage of osteopontin by caspase-8 modulates hypoxia/reoxygenation cell death through p53

Osteopontin (OPN) is highly expressed in cancer patients and plays important roles in many stages of tumor progression, such as anti-apoptosis, proliferation, and metastasis. From functional screening of human cDNA library, we isolated OPN as a caspase-8 substrate that regulates cell death during hypoxia/reoxygenation (Hyp/RO). In vitro cleavage assays demonstrate that OPN is cleaved at Asp-135 and Asp-157 by caspase-8. Cellular cleavage of OPN is observed in apoptotic cells exposed to Hyp/RO among various apoptotic stimuli and its cleavage is blocked by zVAD or IETD caspase inhibitor. Further, over-expression of OPN, the form with secretion signal, inhibits Hyp/RO-induced cell death. Caspase cleavage-defective OPN mutant (OPN D135A/D157A) is more efficient to suppress Hyp/RO-induced cell death than wild-type OPN. OPN D135A/D157A sustains AKT activity to increase cell viability through inhibition of caspase-9 during Hyp/RO. In addition, OPN is highly induced in some tumor cells during Hyp/RO, such as HeLa and Huh-7 cells, which is associated with their resistance to Hyp/RO by sustaining AKT activity. Notably, OPN C-terminal cleavage fragment produced by caspase-8 is detected in the nucleus. Plasmid-encoded expression of OPN C-terminal cleavage fragment increases p53 protein level and induces apoptosis of wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, but not p53(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. These observations suggest that the protective function of OPN during Hyp/RO is inactivated via the proteolytic cleavage by caspase-8 and its cleavage product subsequently induces cell death via p53, postulating caspase-8 as a negative regulator of tumorigenic activity of OPN.

Caspase-8 association with the focal adhesion complex promotes tumor cell migration and metastasis

Caspase-8 is a proapoptotic protease that suppresses neuroblastoma metastasis by inducing programmed cell death. Paradoxically, caspase-8 can also promote cell migration among nonapoptotic cells; here, we show that caspase-8 can promote metastasis when apoptosis is compromised. Migration is enhanced by caspase-8 recruitment to the cellular migration machinery following integrin ligation. Caspase-8 catalytic activity is not required for caspase-8-enhanced cell migration; rather, caspase-8 interacts with a multiprotein complex that can include focal adhesion kinase and calpain 2 (CPN2), enhancing cleavage of focal adhesion substrates and cell migration. Caspase-8 association with CPN2/calpastatin disrupts calpastatin-mediated inhibition of CPN2. In vivo, knockdown of either caspase-8 or CPN2 disrupts metastasis among apoptosis-resistant tumors. This unexpected molecular collaboration provides an explanation for the continued or elevated expression of caspase-8 observed in many tumors.

The enigma of caspase-2: the laymen's view

Proteolysis of cellular substrates by caspases (cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases) is one of the hallmarks of apoptotic cell death. Although the activation of apoptotic caspases is considered a 'late-stage' event in apoptosis signaling, past the commitment stage, one caspase family member, caspase-2, splits the cell death community into half - those searching for evidence of an apical initiator function of this molecule and those considering it as an amplifier of the apoptotic caspase cascade, at best, if relevant for apoptosis at all. This review screens past and present biochemical as well as genetic evidence for caspase-2 function in cell death signaling and beyond.

Nuclear import is required for the pro-apoptotic function of the Golgi protein p115

During apoptosis the Golgi apparatus undergoes irreversible fragmentation. In part, this results from caspase-mediated cleavage of several high molecular weight coiled-coil proteins, termed golgins. These include GM130, golgin 160, and the Golgi vesicle tethering protein p115, whose caspase cleavage generates a C-terminal fragment (CTF) of 205 residues. Here we demonstrate that early during apoptosis, following the rapid cleavage of p115, endogenous CTF translocated to the cell nucleus and its nuclear import was required to enhance the apoptotic response. Expression of a series of deletion constructs identified a putative alpha-helical region of 26 amino acids, whose expression alone was sufficient to induce apoptosis; deletion of these 26 residues from the CTF diminished its proapoptotic activity. This region contains several potential SUMOylation sites and co-expression of SUMO together with the SUMO ligase, UBC9, resulted in SUMOylation of the p115 CTF. Significantly, when cells were treated with drugs that induce apoptosis, SUMOylation enhanced the efficiency of p115 cleavage and the kinetics of apoptosis. A construct in which a nuclear export signal was fused to the N terminus of p115 CTF accumulated in the cytoplasm and surprisingly, its expression did not induce apoptosis. In contrast, treatment of cells expressing this chimera with the antibiotic leptomycin induced its translocation into the nucleus and resulted in the concomitant induction of apoptosis. These results demonstrate that nuclear import of the p115 CTF is required for it to stimulate the apoptotic response and suggest that its mode of action is confined to the nucleus.

C-terminal cleavage of the amyloid-beta protein precursor at Asp664: a switch associated with Alzheimer's disease

In addition to the proteolytic cleavages that give rise to amyloid-beta (Abeta), the amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) is cleaved at Asp664 intracytoplasmically. This cleavage releases a cytotoxic peptide, APP-C31, removes AbetaPP-interaction motifs required for signaling and internalization, and is required for the generation of AD-like deficits in a mouse model of the disease. Although we and others had previously shown that Asp664 cleavage of AbetaPP is increased in AD brains, the distribution of the Asp664-cleaved forms of AbetaPP in non-diseased and AD brains at different ages had not been determined. Confirming previous reports, we found that Asp664-cleaved forms of AbetaPP were increased in neuronal cytoplasm and nuclei in early-stage AD brains but were absent in age-matched, non-diseased control brains and in late-stage AD brains. Remarkably, however, Asp664-cleaved AbetaPP was prominent in neuronal somata and in processes in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus of non-diseased human brains at ages <45 years. Our observations suggest that Asp664 cleavage of AbetaPP may be part of the normal proteolytic processing of AbetaPP in young (<45 years) human brain and that this cleavage is down-regulated with normal aging, but is aberrantly increased and altered in location in early AD.

SUMO conjugation to the matrix attachment region-binding protein, special AT-rich sequence-binding protein-1 (SATB1), targets SATB1 to promyelocytic nuclear bodies where it undergoes caspase cleavage

SATB1 (special AT-rich sequence-binding protein-1) provides a key link between DNA loop organization, chromatin modification/remodeling, and association of transcription factors at matrix attachment regions (MARs). To investigate the role of SATB1 in cellular events, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen that identified SUMO-1, Ubc9, and protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) family members as SATB1 interaction partners. These proteins, working in concert, enhanced SUMO conjugation to lysine-744 of SATB1. Overexpression of SUMO or PIAS in Jurkat cells, which express high levels of endogenous SATB1, exhibited enhanced caspase cleavage of this MAR-associating protein. Sumoylation-deficient SATB1 (SATB1(K744R)) failed to display the characteristic caspase cleavage pattern; however, fusion of SUMO in-frame to SATB1(K744R) restored cleavage. A SUMO-independent interaction of inactive caspase-6 and SATB1 was noted. A subset of total cellular SATB1 localized into promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies where enhanced SATB1 cleavage was detected subsequent to caspase activation. These results reveal a novel sumoylation-directed caspase cleavage of this key regulatory molecule. The role of regulated proteolysis of SATB1 may be to control transcription in immune cells during normal cell functions or to assist in efficient and rapid clearance of nonfunctional or potentially damaging immune cells.

Cerebral ischemia/stroke and small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation--a new target for therapeutic intervention?

Transient cerebral ischemia/stroke activates various post-translational protein modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitin conjugation that are believed to play a major role in the pathological process triggered by an interruption of blood supply and culminating in cell death. A new system of post-translational protein modification has been identified, termed as small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation. Like ubiquitin, SUMO is conjugated to the lysine residue of target proteins in a complex process. This review summarizes observations from recent experiments focusing on the effect of cerebral ischemia on SUMO conjugation. Transient global and focal cerebral ischemia both induced a rapid, dramatic and long-lasting rise in levels of SUMO2/3 conjugation. After transient focal cerebral ischemia, SUMO conjugation was particularly prominent in neurons located at the border of the ischemic territory where SUMO-conjugated proteins translocated to the nucleus. Many SUMO conjugation target proteins are transcription factors and sumoylation has been shown to have a major impact on the activity, stability, and cellular localization of target proteins. The rise in levels of SUMO-conjugated proteins is therefore likely to have a major effect on the fate of post-ischemic neurons. The sumoylation process could provide an exciting new target for therapeutic intervention.

Caspase-12 compensates for lack of caspase-2 and caspase-3 in female germ cells

Previously, we analyzed mice lacking either caspase-2 or caspase-3 and documented a role for caspase-2 in developmental and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis of oocytes. Those data also revealed dispensability of caspase-3, although we found this caspase critical for ovarian granulosa cell death. Because of the mutual interdependence of germ cells and granulosa cells, herein we generated caspase-2 and -3 double-mutant (DKO) mice to evaluate how these two caspases functionally relate to each other in orchestrating oocyte apoptosis. No difference was observed in the rate of spontaneous oocyte apoptosis between DKO and wildtype (WT) females. In contrast, the oocytes from DKO females were more susceptible to apoptosis induced by DNA damaging agents, compared with oocytes from WT females. This increased sensitivity to death of DKO oocytes appears to be a specific response to DNA damage, and it was associated with a compensatory upregulation of caspase-12. Interestingly, DKO oocytes were more resistant to apoptosis induced by methotrexate (MTX) than WT oocytes. These results revealed that in female germ cells, insults that directly interfere with their metabolic status (e.g. MTX) require caspase-2 and caspase-3 as obligatory executioners of the ensuing cell death cascade. However, when DNA damage is involved, and in the absence of caspase-2 and -3, caspase-12 becomes upregulated and mediates apoptosis in oocytes.

Emerging extranuclear roles of protein SUMOylation in neuronal function and dysfunction

Post-translational protein modifications are integral components of signalling cascades that enable cells to efficiently, rapidly and reversibly respond to extracellular stimuli. These modifications have crucial roles in the CNS, where the communication between neurons is particularly complex. SUMOylation is a post-translational modification in which a member of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) family of proteins is conjugated to lysine residues in target proteins. It is well established that SUMOylation controls many aspects of nuclear function, but it is now clear that it is also a key determinant in many extranuclear neuronal processes, and it has also been implicated in a wide range of neuropathological conditions.

Sumoylation of EKLF promotes transcriptional repression and is involved in inhibition of megakaryopoiesis

Erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF [KLF1]) is a transcriptional regulator that plays a critical role within a specific subset of hematopoietic cells, particularly in the erythroid lineage and its immediate precursor, the megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor (MEP). We find that EKLF is posttranslationally modified by sumoylation at a single site near its amino terminus and that PIAS1 plays a critical role in this process. Mutation of this site has little effect on EKLF's ability to function as a transcriptional activator; however, it has a dramatic effect on its repressive abilities. The mechanism of repression likely involves a novel small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)-dependent EKLF interaction with the Mi-2beta component of the NuRD repression complex. Mutated EKLF is attenuated in its ability to repress megakaryocyte differentiation, implicating EKLF sumoylation status in differentiative decisions emanating from the MEP. These studies demonstrate a novel mechanism by which transcription factor sumoylation can alter protein-protein interactions and bipotential lineage decisions.

IL-2 signals through Sgk1 and inhibits proliferation and apoptosis in kidney cancer cells

The interleukin-2 is a cytokine that is essential for lymphocytic survival and function. Ectopic expression of the IL-2 receptor in epithelial tissues has been reported previously, although the functional significance of this expression is still being investigated. We provided novel structural and functional information on the expression of the IL-2 receptor in kidney cancer cells and in other normal and neoplastic human epithelial tissues. In A-498 kidney cancer cells, we showed that IL-2 binding to its own receptor triggers a signal transduction pathway leading to the inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis. We found that the inhibition of proliferation is associated with Erk1/2 dephosphorylation, whereas the survival signals appear to be mediated by Sgk1 activation. This investigation focuses on the IL-2 induced regulation of Sgk1 and describes a role of the IL-2 receptor and Sgk1 in the regulation of epithelial tumor cell death and survival.

SUMO on the road to neurodegeneration

Sumoylation is a post-translational modification by which small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO) are covalently conjugated to target proteins. This reversible pathway provides a rapid and efficient way to modulate the subcellular localization, activity and stability of a wide variety of substrates. Similar to its well-known cousin ubiquitin, SUMO co-localize with the neuronal inclusions associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple system atrophy, Huntington's disease and other related polyglutamine disorders. The identification of huntingtin, ataxin-1, tau and alpha-synuclein as SUMO substrates further supports the involvement of sumoylation in the pathogenesis of this family of neurological diseases. In addition to direct targeting of these constituent proteins, sumoylation also impacts other disease pathways such as oxidative stress, protein aggregation and proteasome-mediated degradation. This review highlights the recent advances in understanding the contributions of SUMO to neurodegeneration and the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases.

Sumoylation of nucleophosmin/B23 regulates its subcellular localization, mediating cell proliferation and survival

Nucleophosmin/B23 is a major multifunctional nucleolar phosphoprotein that plays a critical role in ribosome biogenesis and cell proliferation. Arf tumor suppressor binds B23 and enhances its sumoylation. However, the biological effects of this event remain unknown. Here we show that B23 is sumoylated on both Lysine 230 and 263 residues, but the latter is the major one. Mutation of K263, but not K230, into R abolishes its centrosomal and nucleolar residency. Moreover, Rb binds to wild-type B23, but fails to interact with K263R. Sumoylation enhances B23 binding to Rb. Consequently, B23 potently stimulates E2F1-mediated transcriptional activity, which is abolished in B23 K263R. Further, K263R mutation makes B23 vulnerable to caspase-3 cleavage and sensitizes cells to apoptosis. Surprisingly, K230R mutant strongly binds to phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate and suppresses DNA fragmentation. Thus, B23 sumoylation regulates its subcellular localization, cell proliferation, and survival activities.

Bax/Bak promote sumoylation of DRP1 and its stable association with mitochondria during apoptotic cell death

Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) plays an important role in mitochondrial fission at steady state and during apoptosis. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we demonstrate that in healthy cells, yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)–DRP1 recycles between the cytoplasm and mitochondria with a half-time of 50 s. Strikingly, during apoptotic cell death, YFP-DRP1 undergoes a transition from rapid recycling to stable membrane association. The rapid cycling phase that characterizes the early stages of apoptosis is independent of Bax/Bak. However, after Bax recruitment to the mitochondrial membranes but before the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, YFP-DRP1 becomes locked on the membrane, resulting in undetectable fluorescence recovery. This second phase in DRP1 cycling is dependent on the presence of Bax/Bak but independent of hFis1 and mitochondrial fragmentation. Coincident with Bax activation, we detect a Bax/Bak-dependent stimulation of small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 conjugation to DRP1, a modification that correlates with the stable association of DRP1 with mitochondrial membranes. Altogether, these data demonstrate that the apoptotic machinery regulates the biochemical properties of DRP1 during cell death.

Death receptor-induced apoptosis reveals a novel interplay between the chromosomal passenger complex and CENP-C during interphase

Despite the fact that the chromosomal passenger complex is well known to regulate kinetochore behavior in mitosis, no functional link has yet been established between the complex and kinetochore structure. In addition, remarkably little is known about how the complex targets to centromeres. Here, in a study of caspase-8 activation during death receptor-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, we have found that cleaved caspase-8 rapidly translocates to the nucleus and that this translocation is correlated with loss of the centromere protein (CENP)-C, resulting in extensive disruption of centromeres. Caspase-8 activates cytoplasmic caspase-7, which is likely to be the primary caspase responsible for cleavage of CENP-C and INCENP, a key chromosomal passenger protein. Caspase-mediated cleavage of CENP-C and INCENP results in their mislocalization and the subsequent mislocalization of Aurora B kinase. Our results demonstrate that the chromosomal passenger complex is displaced from centromeres as a result of caspase activation. Furthermore, mutation of the primary caspase cleavage sites of INCENP and CENP-C and expression of noncleavable CENP-C or INCENP prevent the mislocalization of the passenger complex after caspase activation. Our studies provide the first evidence for a functional interplay between the passenger complex and CENP-C.