Is caspase-dependent apoptosis only cell differentiation taken to the extreme?

Enteric neurospheres retain the capacity to assemble neural networks with motile and metamorphic gliocytes and ganglia

BACKGROUND

Neurosphere medium (NSM) and self-renewal medium (SRM) were widely used to isolate enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) in the form of neurospheres. ENSCs or their neurosphere forms were neurogenic and gliogenic, but the compelling evidence for their capacity of assembling enteric neural networks remained lacking, raising the question of their aptitude for rebuilding the enteric nervous system (ENS) in ENSC therapeutics. It prompted us to explore an effective culture protocol or strategy for assembling ENS networks, which might also be employed as an in vitro model to simplify the biological complexity of ENS embedded in gut walls.

METHODS

NSM and SRM were examined for their capacity to generate neurospheres in mass culture of dispersed murine fetal enterocytes at serially diluted doses and assemble enteric neural networks in two- and three-dimensional cell culture systems and ex vivo on gut explants. Time-lapse microphotography was employed to capture cell activities of assembled neural networks. Neurosphere transplantation was performed via rectal submucosal injection.

RESULTS

In mass culture of dispersed enterocytes, NSM generated discrete units of neurospheres, whereas SRM promoted neural network assembly with neurospheres akin to enteric ganglia. Both were highly affected by seeding cell doses. SRM had similar ENSC mitosis-driving capacity to NSM, but was superior in driving ENSC differentiation in company with heightened ENSC apoptosis. Enteric neurospheres were motile, capable of merging together. It argued against their clonal entities. When nurtured in SRM, enteric neurospheres proved competent to assemble neural networks on two-dimensional coverslips, in three-dimensional hydrogels and on gut explants. In the course of neural network assembly from enteric neurospheres, neurite extension was preceded by migratory expansion of gliocytes. Assembled neural networks contained motile ganglia and gliocytes that constantly underwent shapeshift. Neurospheres transplanted into rectal submucosa might reconstitute myenteric plexuses of recipients' rectum.

CONCLUSION

Enteric neurospheres mass-produced in NSM might assemble neural networks in SRM-immersed two- or three-dimensional environments and on gut explants, and reconstitute myenteric plexuses of the colon after rectal submucosal transplantation. Our results also shed first light on the dynamic entity of ENS and open the experimental avenues to explore cellular activities of ENS and facilitate ENS demystification.

Eta polycaprolactone (ε-PCL) implants appear to cause a partial differentiation of breast cancer lung metastasis in a murine model

BACKGROUND

Cells in every epithelium can be roughly divided in three compartments: stem cell (SC) compartment, transient amplifying cell (TA) compartment and terminally differentiated (TD) compartment. Maturation of stem cells is characterized by epithelial stromal interaction and sequential maturational movement of stem cell's progeny through those compartments. In this work we hypothesize that providing an artificial stroma, which murine breast cancer metastatic cells can infiltrate, will induce their differentiation.

METHODS

BALB/c female mice were injected with 10⁶ isogenic 4T1 breast cancer cells labeled with GFP. After 20 days primary tumors were removed, and artificial ε-PCL implants were implanted on the contralateral side. After 10 more days mice were sacrificed and implants along with lung tissue were harvested. Mice were divided in four groups: tumor removal with sham implantation surgery (n = 5), tumor removal with ε-PCL implant (n = 5), tumor removal with VEGF enriched ε-PCL implant (n = 7) and mice without tumor with VEGF enriched ε-PCL implant (n = 3). Differentiational status of GFP + cells was assessed by Ki67 and activated caspase 3 expression, thus dividing the population in SC like cells (Ki67^+/dim aCasp3^-), TA like cells (Ki67^+/dim aCasp3^+/dim) and TD like cells (Ki67^- aCasp3^+/dim) on flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Lung metastatic load was reduced by 33% in mice with simple ε-PCL implant when compared to tumor bearing group with no implant. Mice with VEGF enriched implants had 108% increase in lung metastatic load in comparison to tumor bearing mice with no implants. Likewise, amount of GFP + cells was higher in simple ε-PCL implant in comparison to VEGF enriched implants. Differentiation-wise, process of metastasizing to lungs reduces the average fraction of SC like cells when compared to primary tumor. This effect is made more uniform by both kinds of ε-PCL implants. The opposite process is mirrored in TA like cells compartment when it comes to averages. Effects of both types of implants on TD like cells were negligible. Furthermore, if gene expression signatures that mimic tissue compartments are analyzed in human breast cancer metastases, it turns out that TA signature is associated with increased survival probability.

CONCLUSION

ε-PCL implants without VEGF can reduce metastatic loads in lungs, after primary tumor removal. Both types of implants cause lung metastasis differentiation by shifting cancer cells from SC to TA compartment, leaving the TD compartment unaffected.

Apoptotic proteins with non-apoptotic activity: expression and function in cancer

Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death in which a cell commits suicide while maintaining the integrity and architecture of the tissue as a whole. Apoptosis involves activation of one of two major pathways: the extrinsic pathway, where extracellular pro-apoptotic signals, transduced through plasma membrane death receptors, activate a caspase cascade leading to apoptosis. The second, the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, where damaged DNA, oxidative stress, or chemicals, induce the release of pro-apoptotic proteins from the mitochondria, leading to the activation of caspase-dependent and independent apoptosis. However, it has recently become apparent that proteins involved in apoptosis also exhibit non-cell death-related physiological functions that are related to the cell cycle, differentiation, metabolism, inflammation or immunity. Such non-conventional activities were predominantly reported in non-cancer cells although, recently, such a dual function for pro-apoptotic proteins has also been reported in cancers where they are overexpressed. Interestingly, some apoptotic proteins translocate to the nucleus in order to perform a non-apoptotic function. In this review, we summarize the unconventional roles of the apoptotic proteins from a functional perspective, while focusing on two mitochondrial proteins: VDAC1 and SMAC/Diablo. Despite having pro-apoptotic functions, these proteins are overexpressed in cancers and this apparent paradox and the associated pathophysiological implications will be discussed. We will also present possible mechanisms underlying the switch from apoptotic to non-apoptotic activities although a deeper investigation into the process awaits further study.

Mechanisms of Myofibre Death in Muscular Dystrophies: The Emergence of the Regulated Forms of Necrosis in Myology

Myofibre necrosis is a central pathogenic process in muscular dystrophies (MD). As post-lesional regeneration cannot fully compensate for chronic myofibre loss, interstitial tissue accumulates and impairs muscle function. Muscle regeneration has been extensively studied over the last decades, however, the pathway(s) controlling muscle necrosis remains largely unknown. The recent discovery of several regulated cell death (RCD) pathways with necrotic morphology challenged the dogma of necrosis as an uncontrolled process, opening interesting perspectives for many degenerative disorders. In this review, we focus on how cell death affects myofibres in MDs, integrating the latest research in the cell death field, with specific emphasis on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the best-known and most common hereditary MD. The role of regulated forms of necrosis in myology is still in its infancy but there is increasing evidence that necroptosis, a genetically programmed form of necrosis, is involved in muscle degenerating disorders. The existence of apoptosis in myofibre demise will be questioned, while other forms of non-apoptotic RCDs may also have a role in myonecrosis, illustrating the complexity and possibly the heterogeneity of the cell death pathways in muscle degenerating conditions.

Role of Cell Death in Cellular Processes During Odontogenesis

The development of a tooth germ in a precise size, shape, and position in the jaw, involves meticulous regulation of cell proliferation and cell death. Apoptosis, as the most common type of programmed cell death during embryonic development, plays a number of key roles during odontogenesis, ranging from the budding of the oral epithelium during tooth initiation, to later tooth germ morphogenesis and removal of enamel knot signaling center. Here, we summarize recent knowledge about the distribution and function of apoptotic cells during odontogenesis in several vertebrate lineages, with a special focus on amniotes (mammals and reptiles). We discuss the regulatory roles that apoptosis plays on various cellular processes during odontogenesis. We also review apoptosis-associated molecular signaling during tooth development, including its relationship with the autophagic pathway. Lastly, we cover apoptotic pathway disruption, and alterations in apoptotic cell distribution in transgenic mouse models. These studies foster a deeper understanding how apoptotic cells affect cellular processes during normal odontogenesis, and how they contribute to dental disorders, which could lead to new avenues of treatment in the future.

Mitochondria and nucleus cross-talk: Signaling in metabolism, apoptosis, and differentiation, and function in cancer

The cross-talk between the mitochondrion and the nucleus regulates cellular functions, including differentiation and adaptation to stress. Mitochondria supply metabolites for epigenetic modifications and other nuclear-associated activities and certain mitochondrial proteins were found in the nucleus. The voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), localized at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is a central protein in controlling energy production, cell growth, Ca2+ homeostasis, and apoptosis. To alter the cross-talk between the mitochondria and the nucleus, we used specific siRNA to silence the expression of VDAC1 in glioblastoma (GBM) U87-MG and U118-MG cell-derived tumors, and then monitored the nuclear localization of mitochondrial proteins and the methylation and acetylation of histones. Depletion of VDAC1 from tumor cells reduced metabolism, leading to inhibition of tumor growth, and several tumor-associated processes and signaling pathways linked to cancer development. In addition, we demonstrate that certain mitochondrial pro-apoptotic proteins such as caspases 3, 8, and 9, and p53 were unexpectedly overexpressed in tumors, suggesting that they possess additional non-apoptotic functions. VDAC1 depletion and metabolic reprograming altered their expression levels and subcellular localization, specifically their translocation to the nucleus. In addition, VDAC1 depletion also leads to epigenetic modifications of histone acetylation and methylation, suggesting that the interchange between metabolism and cancer signaling pathways involves mitochondria-nucleus cross-talk. The mechanisms regulating mitochondrial protein trafficking into and out of the nucleus and the role these proteins play in the nucleus remain to be elucidated.

Cell-Cycle Cross Talk with Caspases and Their Substrates

Caspases play central roles in mediating both cell death and inflammation. It has more recently become evident that caspases also drive other biological processes. Most prominently, caspases have been shown to be involved in differentiation. Several stem and progenitor cell types rely on caspases to initiate and execute their differentiation processes. These range from neural and glial cells, to skeletal myoblasts and osteoblasts, and several cell types of the hematopoietic system. Beyond differentiation, caspases have also been shown to play roles in other "noncanonical" processes, including cell proliferation, arrest, and senescence, thereby contributing to the mechanisms that regulate tissue homeostasis at multiple levels. Remarkably, caspases directly influence the course of the cell cycle in both a positive and negative manner. Caspases both cleave elements of the cell-cycle machinery and are themselves substrates of cell-cycle kinases. Here we aim to summarize the breadth of interactions between caspases and cell-cycle regulators. We also highlight recent developments in this area.

Source and Follicular Fluid Treatment During the In Vitro Maturation of Recipient Oocytes Affects the Development of Cloned Pig Embryo

Pig cloning technique is valuable in agriculture, biomedicine, and life sciences. However, the full-term developmental efficiency of cloned pig embryos is only about 1%, which limits pig cloning application. The quality of recipient oocytes greatly affects the developmental competence of cloned pig embryos. Thus, this study investigated the effects of a recipient oocyte source (in vivo matured [IVVM] oocytes vs. slaughter house-derived in vitro matured [IVTM] oocytes), and follicular liquid treatment (slaughter house-derived immature follicle-derived fluid [IFF] vs. in vivo-matured follicle-derived fluid [MFF]) during the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes on the development of the cloned pig embryos. Our results showed that using IVVM oocytes to replace IVTM oocytes as recipient oocytes, and using 10% MFF IVM medium to replace 10% IFF IVM medium could enhance the development of the cloned pig embryos. IFF and MFF contained different levels of oocyte quality-related proteins, resulting in different oocyte quality-related gene expression levels and reactive oxygen species levels between the 10% MFF medium-cultured oocytes and 10% IFF medium-cultured oocytes. This study provided useful information for enhancing the pig cloning efficiency by improving the quality of recipient oocytes.

Autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondria: molecular integration and physiological relevance in skeletal muscle

Apoptosis and autophagy are processes resulting from the integration of cellular stress and death signals. Their individual importance is highlighted by the lethality of various mouse models missing apoptosis or autophagy-related genes. In addition to their independent roles, significant overlap exists with respect to the signals that stimulate these processes as well as their effector consequences. While these cellular systems exemplify the programming redundancies that underlie many fundamental biological mechanisms, their intertwined relationship means that dysfunction can promote pathology. Although both autophagic and apoptotic signaling are active in skeletal muscle during various diseases and atrophy, their specific roles here are somewhat unique. Given our growing understanding of how specific changes at the cellular level impact whole-organism physiology, there is an equally growing interest in pharmacological manipulation of apoptosis and/or autophagy for altering human physiology and health.

Mitophagy regulates mitochondrial network signaling, oxidative stress, and apoptosis during myoblast differentiation

Macroautophagy/autophagy is a degradative process essential for various cellular processes. We previously demonstrated that autophagy-deficiency causes myoblast apoptosis and impairs myotube formation. In this study, we continued this work with particular emphasis on mitochondrial remodelling and stress/apoptotic signaling. We found increased (p < 0.05) autophagic (e.g., altered LC3B levels, increased ATG7, decreased SQSTM1) and mitophagic (e.g., BNIP3 upregulation, mitochondrial localized GFP-LC3 puncta, and elevated mitochondrial LC3B-II) signaling during myoblast differentiation. shRNA-mediated knockdown of ATG7 (shAtg7) decreased these autophagic and mitophagic responses, while increasing CASP3 activity and ANXA5/annexin V staining in differentiating myoblasts; ultimately resulting in dramatically impaired myogenesis. Further confirming the importance of mitophagy in these responses, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of Bnip3 (bnip3^-/-) resulted in increased CASP3 activity and DNA fragmentation as well as impaired myoblast differentiation. In addition, shAtg7 myoblasts displayed greater endoplasmic reticulum (e.g., increased CAPN activity and HSPA) and mitochondrial (e.g., mPTP formation, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated mitochondrial 4-HNE) stress. shAtg7 and bnip3^-/- myoblasts also displayed altered mitochondria-associated signaling (e.g., PPARGC1A, DNM1L, OPA1) and protein content (e.g., SLC25A4, VDAC1, CYCS). Moreover, shAtg7 myoblasts displayed CYCS and AIFM1 release from mitochondria, and CASP9 activation. Similarly, bnip3^-/- myoblasts had significantly higher CASP9 activation during differentiation. Importantly, administration of a chemical inhibitor of CASP9 (Ac-LEHD-CHO) or dominant-negative CASP9 (ad-DNCASP9) partially recovered differentiation and myogenesis in shAtg7 myoblasts. Together, these data demonstrate an essential role for autophagy in protecting myoblasts from mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptotic signaling during differentiation, as well as in the regulation of mitochondrial network remodelling and myogenesis. Abbreviations: 3MA: 3-methyladenine; 4-HNE: 4-hydroxynonenal; ACT: actin; AIFM1/AIF: apoptosis-inducing factor, mitochondrion-associated 1; ANXA5: annexin V; ATG7: autophagy related 7; AU: arbitrary units; BAX: BCL2-associated X protein; BCL2: B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; BNIP3: BCL2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3; CAPN: calpain; CASP: caspase; CASP3: caspase 3; CASP8: caspase 8; CASP9: caspase 9; CASP12: caspase 12; CAT: catalase; CQ: chloroquine; CYCS: cytochrome c, somatic; DCF; 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein; DNM1L/DRP1: dynamin 1-like; DM: differentiation media; DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GFP: green fluorescent protein; GM: growth media; p-H2AFX: phosphorylated H2A histone family, member X; H2BFM: H2B histone family, member M; HBSS: Hanks balanced salt solution; HSPA/HSP70: heat shock protein family A; JC-1: tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; mPTP: mitochondrial permeability transition pore; MYH: myosin heavy chain; MYOG: myogenin; OPA1: OPA1, mitochondrial dynamin like GTPase; PI: propidium iodide; PINK1: PTEN induced putative kinase 1; PPARGC1A/PGC1α: peroxisome proliferative activated receptor, gamma, coactivator 1 alpha; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SLC25A4/ANT1: solute carrier family 25 (mitochondrial carrier, adenine nucleotide translocator), member 4; SOD1: superoxide dismutase 1, soluble; SOD2: superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; VDAC1: voltage-dependent anion channel 1.

Caspase Cleavage of Gelsolin Is an Inductive Cue for Pathologic Cardiac Hypertrophy

Background

Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive remodeling event that may improve or diminish contractile performance of the heart. Physiologic and pathologic hypertrophy yield distinct outcomes, yet both are dependent on caspase‐directed proteolysis. This suggests that each form of myocardial growth may derive from a specific caspase cleavage event(s). We examined whether caspase 3 cleavage of the actin capping/severing protein gelsolin is essential for the development of pathologic hypertrophy.

Methods and Results

Caspase targeting of gelsolin was established through protein analysis of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and mass spectrometry mapping of cleavage sites. Pathologic agonists induced late‐stage caspase‐mediated cleavage of gelsolin. The requirement of caspase‐mediated gelsolin cleavage for hypertrophy induction was evaluated in primary cardiomyocytes by cell size analysis, monitoring of prohypertrophy markers, and measurement of hypertrophy‐related transcription activity. The in vivo impact of caspase‐mediated cleavage was investigated by echo‐guided intramyocardial injection of adenoviral‐expressed gelsolin. Expression of the N‐terminal gelsolin caspase cleavage fragment was necessary and sufficient to cause pathologic remodeling in isolated cardiomyocytes and the intact heart, whereas expression of a noncleavable form prevents cardiac remodeling. Alterations in myocardium structure and function were determined by echocardiography and end‐stage cardiomyocyte cell size analysis. Gelsolin secretion was also monitored for its impact on naïve cells using competitive antibody trapping, demonstrating that hypertrophic agonist stimulation of cardiomyocytes leads to gelsolin secretion, which induces hypertrophy in naïve cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that cell autonomous caspase cleavage of gelsolin is essential for pathologic hypertrophy and that cardiomyocyte secretion of gelsolin may accelerate this negative remodeling response.

The muscle regulatory transcription factor MyoD participates with p53 to directly increase the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member PUMA

The muscle regulatory transcription factor MyoD is a master regulator of skeletal myoblast differentiation. We have previously reported that MyoD is also necessary for the elevated expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member PUMA, and the ensuing apoptosis, that occurs in a subset of myoblasts induced to differentiate. Herein, we report the identification of a functional MyoD binding site within the extended PUMA promoter. In silico analysis of the murine PUMA extended promoter revealed three potential MyoD binding sites within 2 kb of the transcription start site. Expression from a luciferase reporter construct containing this 2 kb fragment was enhanced by activation of MyoD in both myoblasts and fibroblasts and diminished by silencing of MyoD in myoblasts. Experiments utilizing truncated versions of this promoter region revealed that the potential binding site at position - 857 was necessary for expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis confirmed binding of MyoD to the DNA region encompassing position - 857. The increase in MyoD binding to the PUMA promoter as a consequence of culture in differentiation media (DM) was comparable to the increase in MyoD binding at the myogenin promoter and was diminished in myoblasts silenced for MyoD expression. Finally, ChIP analysis using an antibody specific for the transcription factor p53 demonstrated that, in myoblasts silenced for MyoD expression, p53 binding to the PUMA promoter was diminished in response to culture in DM. These data indicate that MyoD plays a direct role in regulating PUMA expression and reveal functional consequences of MyoD expression on p53 mediated transcription of PUMA.

Caspase signaling, a conserved inductive cue for metazoan cell differentiation

Caspase signaling pathways were originally discovered as conveyors of programmed cell death, yet a compendium of research over the past two decades have demonstrated that these same conduits have a plethora of physiologic functions. Arguably the most extensive non-death activity that has been attributed to this protease clade is the capacity to induce cell differentiation. Caspase control of differentiation is conserved across diverse metazoan organisms from flies to humans, suggesting an ancient origin for this form of cell fate control. Here we discuss the mechanisms by which caspase enzymes manage differentiation, the targeted substrates that may be common across cell lineages, and the countervailing signals that may be essential for these proteases to 'execute' this non-death cell fate.

V(D)J Recombination Exploits DNA Damage Responses to Promote Immunity

It has been recognized for 40 years that the variable (diversity) joining [V(D)J] recombination-mediated assembly of diverse B and T lymphocyte antigen receptor (AgR) genes is not only essential for adaptive immunity, but also a risk for autoimmunity and lymphoid malignancies. Over the past few years, several studies have revealed that recombination-activating gene (RAG) endonuclease-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) transcend hazardous intermediates during antigen receptor gene assembly. RAG cleavage within the genomes of lymphocyte progenitors and immature lymphocytes regulates the expression of ubiquitous and lymphocyte-specific gene transcripts to control the differentiation and function of both adaptive and innate immune cell lineages. These unexpected discoveries raise important new questions that have broad implications for basic immunology research and the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of human immunological disease.

Caspase-9 has a nonapoptotic function in Xenopus embryonic primitive blood formation

Caspases constitute a family of cysteine proteases centrally involved in programmed cell death, which is an integral part of normal embryonic and fetal development. However, it has become clear that specific caspases also have functions independent of cell death. In order to identify novel apoptotic and nonapoptotic developmental caspase functions, we designed and transgenically integrated novel fluorescent caspase reporter constructs in developing Xenopus embryos and tadpoles. This model organism has an external development, allowing direct and continuous monitoring. These studies uncovered a nonapoptotic role for the initiator caspase-9 in primitive blood formation. Functional experiments further corroborated that caspase-9, but possibly not the executioners caspase-3 and caspase-7, are required for primitive erythropoiesis in the early embryo. These data reveal a novel nonapoptotic function for the initiator caspase-9 and, for the first time, implicate nonapoptotic caspase activity in primitive blood formation.

Evolution of caspase-mediated cell death and differentiation: twins separated at birth

The phenotypic and biochemical similarities between caspase-mediated apoptosis and cellular differentiation are striking. They include such diverse phenomenon as mitochondrial membrane perturbations, cytoskeletal rearrangements and DNA fragmentation. The parallels between the two disparate processes suggest some common ancestry and highlight the paradoxical nature of the death-centric view of caspases. That is, what is the driving selective pressure that sustains death-inducing proteins throughout eukaryotic evolution? Plausibly, caspase function may be rooted in a primordial non-death function, such as cell differentiation, and was co-opted for its role in programmed cell death. This review will delve into the links between caspase-mediated apoptosis and cell differentiation and examine the distinguishing features of these events. More critically, we chronicle the evolutionary origins of caspases and propose that caspases may have held an ancient role in mediating the fidelity of cell division/differentiation through its effects on proteostasis and protein quality control.

MST1/MST2 Protein Kinases: Regulation and Physiologic Roles

The MST1 and MST2 protein kinases comprise the GCK-II subfamily of protein kinases. In addition to their amino-terminal kinase catalytic domain, related to that of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein kinase Ste20, their most characteristic feature is the presence near the carboxy terminus of a unique helical structure called a SARAH domain; this segment allows MST1/MST2 to homodimerize and to heterodimerize with the other polypeptides that contain SARAH domains, the noncatalytic polypeptides RASSF1-6 and Sav1/WW45. Early studies emphasized the potent ability of MST1/MST2 to induce apoptosis upon being overexpressed, as well as the conversion of the endogenous MST1/MST2 polypeptides to constitutively active, caspase-cleaved catalytic fragments during apoptosis initiated by any stimulus. Later, the cleaved, constitutively active form of MST1 was identified in nonapoptotic, quiescent adult hepatocytes as well as in cells undergoing terminal differentiation, where its presence is necessary to maintain those cellular states. The physiologic regulation of full length MST1/MST2 is controlled by the availability of its noncatalytic SARAH domain partners. Interaction with Sav1/WW45 recruits MST1/MST2 into a tumor suppressor pathway, wherein it phosphorylates and activates the Sav1-bound protein kinases Lats1/Lats2, potent inhibitors of the Yap1 and TAZ oncogenic transcriptional regulators. A constitutive interaction with the Rap1-GTP binding protein RASSF5B (Nore1B/RAPL) in T cells recruits MST1 (especially) and MST2 as an effector of Rap1's control of T cell adhesion and migration, a program crucial to immune surveillance and response; loss of function mutation in human MST1 results in profound immunodeficiency. MST1 and MST2 are also regulated by other protein kinases, positively by TAO1 and negatively by Par1, SIK2/3, Akt, and cRaf1. The growing list of candidate MST1/MST2 substrates suggests that the full range of MST1/MST2's physiologic programs and contributions to pathophysiology remains to be elucidated.

Nuclear Condensation during Mouse Erythropoiesis Requires Caspase-3-Mediated Nuclear Opening

Mammalian erythropoiesis involves chromatin condensation that is initiated in the early stage of terminal differentiation. The mechanisms of chromatin condensation during erythropoiesis are unclear. Here, we show that the mouse erythroblast forms large, transient, and recurrent nuclear openings that coincide with the condensation process. The opening lacks nuclear lamina, nuclear pore complexes, and nuclear membrane, but it is distinct from nuclear envelope changes that occur during apoptosis and mitosis. A fraction of the major histones are released from the nuclear opening and degraded in the cytoplasm. We demonstrate that caspase-3 is required for the nuclear opening formation throughout terminal erythropoiesis. Loss of caspase-3 or ectopic expression of a caspase-3 non-cleavable lamin B mutant blocks nuclear opening formation, histone release, chromatin condensation, and terminal erythroid differentiation. We conclude that caspase-3-mediated nuclear opening formation accompanied by histone release from the opening is a critical step toward chromatin condensation during erythropoiesis in mice.

Reducing VDAC1 expression induces a non-apoptotic role for pro-apoptotic proteins in cancer cell differentiation

Proteins initially identified as essential for apoptosis also mediate a wide range of non-apoptotic functions that include cell cycle progression, differentiation and metabolism. As this phenomenon was mostly reported with non-cancer cells, we considered non-conventional roles for the apoptotic machinery in the cancer setting. We found that treating glioblastoma (GBM) tumors with siRNA against VDAC1, a mitochondrial protein found at the crossroads of metabolic and survival pathways and involved in apoptosis, inhibited tumor growth while leading to differentiation of tumor cells into neuronal-like cells, as reflected in the expression of specific markers. Although VDAC1 depletion did not induce apoptosis, the expression levels of several pro-apoptotic regulatory proteins were changed. Specifically, VDAC1 deletion led to up-regulation of caspases, p53, cytochrome c, and down-regulation of SMAC/Diablo, AIF and TSPO. The down-regulated group was highly expressed in U-87MG xenografts, as well as in GBMs from human patients. We also showed that the rewired cancer-cell metabolism resulting from VDAC1 depletion reinforced cell growth arrest and differentiation via alterations in the transcription factors p53, c-Myc, HIF-1α and NF-κB. The decrease in c-Myc, HIF-1α and NF-κB levels was in accord with reduced cell proliferation, whereas increased p53 expression promoted differentiation. Thus, upon metabolic re-programing induced by VDAC1 depletion, the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins associated with cell growth decreased, while those connected to cell differentiation increased, converting GBM cells into astrocyte- and neuron-like cells. The results reveal that in tumors, pro-apoptotic proteins can perform non-apoptotic functions, acting as regulators of cell growth and differentiation, making these molecules potential new targets for cancer therapy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016', edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi.

The beneficial role of proteolysis in skeletal muscle growth and stress adaptation

Muscle atrophy derived from excessive proteolysis is a hallmark of numerous disease conditions. Accordingly, the negative consequences of skeletal muscle protein breakdown often overshadow the critical nature of proteolytic systems in maintaining normal cellular function. Here, we discuss the major cellular proteolysis machinery-the ubiquitin/proteosome system, the autophagy/lysosomal system, and caspase-mediated protein cleavage-and the critical role of these protein machines in establishing and preserving muscle health. We examine how ordered degradation modifies (1) the spatiotemporal expression of myogenic regulatory factors during myoblast differentiation, (2) membrane fusion during myotube formation, (3) sarcomere remodeling and muscle growth following physical stress, and (4) energy homeostasis during nutrient deprivation. Finally, we review the origin and etiology of a number of myopathies and how these devastating conditions arise from inborn errors in proteolysis.

TRAIL causes deletions at the HPRT and TK1 loci of clonogenically competent cells

When chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective, they function by inducing DNA damage in cancerous cells, which respond by undergoing apoptosis. Some adverse effects can result from collateral destruction of non-cancerous cells, via the same mechanism. Therapy-related cancers, a particularly serious adverse effect of anti-cancer treatments, develop due to oncogenic mutations created in non-cancerous cells by the DNA damaging therapies used to eliminate the original cancer. Physiologically achievable concentrations of direct apoptosis inducing anti-cancer drugs that target Bcl-2 and IAP proteins possess negligible mutagenic activity, however death receptor agonists like TRAIL/Apo2L can provoke mutations in surviving cells, probably via caspase-mediated activation of the nuclease CAD. In this study we compared the types of mutations sustained in the HPRT and TK1 loci of clonogenically competent cells following treatment with TRAIL or the alkylating agent ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). As expected, the loss-of-function mutations in the HPRT or TK1 loci triggered by exposure to EMS were almost all transitions. In contrast, only a minority of the mutations identified in TRAIL-treated clones lacking HPRT or TK1 activity were substitutions. Almost three quarters of the TRAIL-induced mutations were partial or complete deletions of the HPRT or TK1 genes, consistent with sub-lethal TRAIL treatment provoking double strand breaks, which may be mis-repaired by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Mis-repair of double-strand breaks following exposure to chemotherapy drugs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of therapy-related cancers. These data suggest that TRAIL too may provoke oncogenic damage to the genomes of surviving cells.

Mitochondrial Damage and Apoptosis Induced by Adenosine Deaminase Inhibition and Deoxyadenosine in Human Neuroblastoma Cell Lines

The treatment with deoxycoformycin, a strong adenosine deaminase inhibitor, in combination with deoxyadenosine, causes apoptotic cell death of two human neuroblastoma cell lines, SH-SY5Y and LAN5. Herein we demonstrate that, in SH-SY5Y cells, this combination rapidly decreases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and, in parallel, increases mitochondrial mass, while, later, induces nuclear fragmentation, and activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3. In previous papers we have shown that a human astrocytoma cell line, subjected to the same treatment, undergoes apoptotic death as well. Therefore, both astrocytoma and neuroblastoma cell lines undergo apoptotic death following the combined treatment with deoxycoformycin and deoxyadenosine, but several differences have been found in the mode of action, possibly reflecting a different functional and metabolic profile of the two cell lines. Overall this work indicates that the neuroblastoma cell lines, like the line of astrocytic origin, are very sensitive to purine metabolism perturbation thus suggesting new therapeutic approaches to nervous system tumors. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1671-1679, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Surviving apoptosis: life-death signaling in single cells

Tissue development and homeostasis are regulated by opposing pro-survival and pro-death signals. An interesting feature of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) family of ligands is that they simultaneously activate opposing signals within a single cell via the same ligand-receptor complex. The magnitude of pro-death events such as caspase activation and pro-survival events such as Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB activation vary not only from one cell type to the next but also among individual cells of the same type due to intrinsic and extrinsic noise. The molecules involved in these pro-survival and/or pro-death pathways, and the different phenotypes that result from their activities, have been recently reviewed. Here we focus on the impact of cell-to-cell variability in the strength of these opposing signals on shaping cell fate decisions.

Analysis of expression patterns of IGF-1, caspase-3 and HSP-70 in developing human tooth germs

AIMS

To analyze expression patterns of IGF-1, caspase-3 and HSP-70 in human incisor and canine tooth germs during the late bud, cap and bell stages of odontogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Head areas or parts of jaw containing teeth from 10 human fetuses aged between 9th and 20th developmental weeks were immunohistochemically analyzed using IGF-1, active caspase-3 and HSP-70 markers. Semi-quantitative analysis of each marker's expression pattern was also performed.

RESULTS

During the analyzed period, IGF-1 and HSP-70 were mostly expressed in enamel organ. As development progressed, expression of IGF-1 and HSP-70 became more confined to differentiating tissues in the future cusp tip area, as well as in highly proliferating cervical loops. Few apoptotic bodies highly positive to active caspase-3 were observed in enamel organ and dental papilla from the cap stage onward. However, both enamel epithelia moderately expressed active caspase-3 throughout the investigated period.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression patterns of IGF-1, active caspase-3 and HSP-70 imply importance of these factors for early human tooth development. IGF-1 and HSP-70 have versatile functions in control of proliferation, differentiation and anti-apoptotic protection of epithelial parts of human enamel organ. Active caspase-3 is partially involved in formation and apoptotic removal of primary enamel knot, although present findings might reflect its ability to perform other non-death functions such as differentiation of hard dental tissues secreting cells and guidance of ingrowth of proliferating cervical loops.

Bit-1 is an essential regulator of myogenic differentiation

Muscle differentiation requires a complex signaling cascade that leads to the production of multinucleated myofibers. Genes regulating the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway also function in controlling cell differentiation. How such signaling pathways are regulated during differentiation is not fully understood. Bit-1 (also known as PTRH2) mutations in humans cause infantile-onset multisystem disease with muscle weakness. We demonstrate here that Bit-1 controls skeletal myogenesis through a caspase-mediated signaling pathway. Bit-1-null mice exhibit a myopathy with hypotrophic myofibers. Bit-1-null myoblasts prematurely express muscle-specific proteins. Similarly, knockdown of Bit-1 expression in C2C12 myoblasts promotes early differentiation, whereas overexpression delays differentiation. In wild-type mice, Bit-1 levels increase during differentiation. Bit-1-null myoblasts exhibited increased levels of caspase 9 and caspase 3 without increased apoptosis. Bit-1 re-expression partially rescued differentiation. In Bit-1-null muscle, Bcl-2 levels are reduced, suggesting that Bcl-2-mediated inhibition of caspase 9 and caspase 3 is decreased. Bcl-2 re-expression rescued Bit-1-mediated early differentiation in Bit-1-null myoblasts and C2C12 cells with knockdown of Bit-1 expression. These results support an unanticipated yet essential role for Bit-1 in controlling myogenesis through regulation of Bcl-2.

Sublethal caspase activation promotes generation of cardiomyocytes from embryonic stem cells

Generation of new cardiomyocytes is critical for cardiac repair following myocardial injury, but which kind of stimuli is most important for cardiomyocyte regeneration is still unclear. Here we explore if apoptotic stimuli, manifested through caspase activation, influences cardiac progenitor up-regulation and cardiomyocyte differentiation. Using mouse embryonic stem cells as a cellular model, we show that sublethal activation of caspases increases the yield of cardiomyocytes while concurrently promoting the proliferation and differentiation of c-Kit⁺/α-actinin^low cardiac progenitor cells. A broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor blocked these effects. In addition, the caspase inhibitor reversed the mRNA expression of genes expressed in cardiomyocytes and their precursors. Our study demonstrates that sublethal caspase-activation has an important role in cardiomyocyte differentiation and may have significant implications for promoting cardiac regeneration after myocardial injury involving exogenous or endogenous cell sources.

Neuromelanin activates proinflammatory microglia through a caspase-8-dependent mechanism

Background

We have uncovered a caspase-dependent (caspase-8/caspase-3/7) signaling governing microglia activation and associated neurotoxicity. Importantly, a profuse non-nuclear activation of cleaved caspases 8 and 3 was found in reactive microglia in the ventral mesencephalon from subjects with Parkinson’s disease, thus supporting the existence of endogenous factors activating microglia through a caspase-dependent mechanism. One obvious candidate is neuromelanin, which is an efficient proinflammogen in vivo and in vitro and has been shown to have a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Consequently, the goal of this study is to test whether synthetic neuromelanin activates microglia in a caspase-dependent manner.

Results

We found an in-vivo upregulation of CD16/32 (M1 marker) in Iba1-immunolabeled microglia in the ventral mesencephalon after neuromelanin injection. In vitro experiments using BV2 cells, a microglia-derived cell line, demonstrated that synthetic neuromelanin induced a significant chemotactic response to BV2 microglial cells, along with typical morphological features of microglia activation, increased oxidative stress and induction of pattern-recognition receptors including Toll-like receptor 2, NOD2, and CD14. Analysis of IETDase (caspase-8) and DEVDase (caspase-3/7) activities in BV2 cells demonstrated a modest but significant increase of both activities in response to neuromelanin treatment, in the absence of cell death.

Conclusions

Caspase-8 inhibition prevented typical features of microglia activation, including morphological changes, a high rate of oxidative stress and expression of key proinflammatory cytokines and iNOS.

High-fat feeding does not induce an autophagic or apoptotic phenotype in female rat skeletal muscle

Apoptosis and autophagy are critical in normal skeletal muscle homeostasis; however, dysregulation can lead to muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Lipotoxicity and/or lipid accumulation may promote apoptosis, as well as directly or indirectly influence autophagic signaling. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 16-week high-fat diet on morphological, apoptotic, and autophagic indices in oxidative and glycolytic skeletal muscle of female rats. High-fat feeding resulted in increased fat pad mass, altered glucose tolerance, and lower muscle pAKT levels, as well as lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species generation in soleus muscle; however, muscle weights, fiber type-specific cross-sectional area, and fiber type distribution were not affected. Moreover, DNA fragmentation and LC3 lipidation as well as several apoptotic (ARC, Bax, Bid, tBid, Hsp70, pBcl-2) and autophagic (ATG7, ATG4B, Beclin 1, BNIP3, p70 s6k, cathepsin activity) indices were not altered in soleus or plantaris following high-fat diet. Interestingly, soleus muscle displayed small increases in caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activity, as well as higher ATG12-5 and p62 protein, while both soleus and plantaris muscle showed dramatically reduced Bcl-2 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) levels. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that 16 weeks of high-fat feeding does not affect tissue morphology or induce a global autophagic or apoptotic phenotype in skeletal muscle of female rats. However, high-fat feeding selectively influenced a number of apoptotic and autophagic indices which could have implications during periods of enhanced muscle stress.

Autophagy is required and protects against apoptosis during myoblast differentiation

Several degradative systems assist in formation of multinucleated terminally differentiated myotubes. However, the role of autophagy in this process has not been examined. GFP-LC3B (light chain 3 beta) puncta, LC3B-II protein and LysoTracker fluorescence increased during C2C12 cell differentiation. Importantly, accumulation of LC3B-II protein occurred in CQ (chloroquine)-treated cells throughout differentiation. Furthermore, BECN1 (beclin 1), ATG7 (autophagy-related 7) and ATG12-5 protein increased, whereas SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1) protein was rapidly reduced during differentiation. A transient decrease in BECN1-BCL2 association was observed from day 0.5 to 2 of differentiation. Chemical inhibition of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) during differentiation reduced LC3B-II protein and GFP-LC3B puncta and maintained BECN1-BCL2 association. Inhibition of autophagy by 3MA (3-methyladenine) or shRNA against Atg7 (shAtg7) resulted in lower myosin heavy chain expression, as well as impaired myoblast fusion and differentiation. Interestingly, 3MA treatment during differentiation increased transient CASP3 (caspase 3) activation, DNA fragmentation and the percentage of apoptotic nuclei. Similarly, shAtg7 cells had increased DNA fragmentation during differentiation compared with the controls. Collectively, these data demonstrate that autophagy increases and is required during myoblast differentiation. Moreover, autophagy protects differentiating myoblasts from apoptotic cell death.

Mitochondrial pro-apoptotic indices do not precede the transient caspase activation associated with myogenesis

Skeletal muscle differentiation requires activity of the apoptotic protease caspase-3. We attempted to identify the source of caspase activation in differentiating C2C12 skeletal myoblasts. In addition to caspase-3, caspase-2 was transiently activated during differentiation; however, no changes were observed in caspase-8 or -9 activity. Although mitochondrial Bax increased, this was matched by Bcl-2, resulting in no change to the mitochondrial Bax:Bcl-2 ratio early during differentiation. Interestingly, mitochondrial membrane potential increased on a timeline similar to caspase activation and was accompanied by an immediate, temporary reduction in cytosolic Smac and cytochrome c. Since XIAP protein expression dramatically declined during myogenesis, we investigated whether this contributes to caspase-3 activation. Despite reducing caspase-3 activity by up to 57%, differentiation was unaffected in cells overexpressing normal or E3-mutant XIAP. Furthermore, a XIAP mutant which can inhibit caspase-9 but not caspase-3 did not reduce caspase-3 activity or affect differentiation. Administering a chemical caspase-3 inhibitor demonstrated that complete enzyme inhibition was required to impair myogenesis. These results suggest that neither mitochondrial apoptotic signaling nor XIAP degradation is responsible for transient caspase-3 activation during C2C12 differentiation.

Delay in apoptosome formation attenuates apoptosis in mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation

Differentiation is an inseparable process of development in multicellular organisms. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) represent a valuable research tool to conduct in vitro studies of cell differentiation. Apoptosis as a well known cell death mechanism shows some common features with cell differentiation, which has caused a number of ambiguities in the field. The research question here is how cells could differentiate these two processes from each other. We have investigated the role of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and cell energy level during differentiation of mESCs into the cardiomyocytes and their apoptosis. p53 expression, cytochrome c release, apoptosome formation, and caspase-3/7 activation are observed upon induction of both apoptosis and differentiation. However, remarkable differences are detected in time of cytochrome c appearance, apoptosome formation, and caspase activity upon induction of both processes. In apoptosis, apoptosome formation and caspase activity were observed rapidly following the cytochrome c release. Unlike apoptosis, the release of cytochrome c upon differentiation took more time, and the maximum caspase activity was also postponed for 24 h. This delay suggests that there is a regulatory mechanism during differentiation of mESCs into cardiomyocytes. The highest ATP content of cells was observed immediately after cytochrome c release 6 h after apoptosis induction and then decreased, but it was gradually increased up to 48 h after differentiation. These observations suggest that a delay in the release of cytochrome c or delay in ATP increase attenuate apoptosome formation, and caspase activation thereby discriminates apoptosis from differentiation in mESCs.

New roles for old enzymes: killer caspases as the engine of cell behavior changes

It has become increasingly clear that caspases, far from being merely cell death effectors, have a much wider range of functions within the cell. These functions are as diverse as signal transduction and cytoskeletal remodeling, and caspases are now known to have an essential role in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. There is also evidence that apoptotic cells themselves can direct the behavior of nearby cells through the caspase-dependent secretion of paracrine signaling factors. In some processes, including the differentiation of skeletal muscle myoblasts, both caspase activation in differentiating cells as well as signaling from apoptotic cells has been reported. Here, we review the non-apoptotic outcomes of caspase activity in a range of different model systems and attempt to integrate this knowledge.

Monitoring the proteostasis function of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae metacaspase Yca1

The functional versatility of metacaspase proteases has been established by reports of their involvement in non-apoptotic cellular processes, in addition to their canonical role in apoptosis/programmed cell death. While the budding yeast metacaspase Yca1 has been well characterized for its role in cell death regulation, more recent examinations suggest that the protease may be involved in key processes that increase survival and fitness. More specifically, examinations suggest that Yca1 is central to maintaining cellular proteostasis as it interacts with major components involved in protein biosynthesis and functions to limit aggregate deposition. Here, we describe the methods utilized to analyze the role Yca1 in proteostasis.

Doxorubicin-induced death in tumour cells and cardiomyocytes: is autophagy the key to improving future clinical outcomes?

Objectives

Doxorubicin, a commonly used frontline chemotherapeutic agent for cancer, is not without side-effects. The original thinking that the drug causes necrosis in tumours has largely given way to its link with apoptosis over the past two decades.

Key findings

More recently, major biomarkers such as AMPK, p53 and Bcl-2 have been identified as important to apoptosis induction by doxorubicin. It is Bcl-2 and its interaction with Beclin-1 that has refocussed research attention on doxorubicin, albeit this time for its ability to induce autophagy. Autophagy can be either anticancerous or procancerous however, so it is critical that the reasons for which cancer cells undergo this type of cell biological event be clearly identified for future exploitation.

Summary

Taking a step back from treating patients with large doses of doxorubicin, which causes toxicity to the heart amongst other organs, and further research with this drug's molecular signalling in not only neoplastic but normal cells, may indeed redefine the way doxorubicin is used clinically and potentially lead to better neoplastic disease management.

Nek5, a novel substrate for caspase-3, promotes skeletal muscle differentiation by up-regulating caspase activity

Accumulating evidence suggests that caspase-3-mediated cleavage of protein kinase could be a key event to regulate cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of Nek5 kinase, identified as a novel substrate for caspase-3, in skeletal muscle differentiation. Up-regulation of Nek5 mRNA expression was accompanied by cell differentiation. Myotube formation was promoted in Nek5 expressing cells, and was conversely inhibited in Nek5 knockdown cells. Furthermore, we found that caspase-3 activity, an important factor for myogenic differentiation, was enhanced by Nek5 cleavage. Although caspase-3-cleaved Nek5 partially exerted a promyogenic effect, it tended to induce apoptotic cell death. In summary, our findings suggest that Nek5 promotes myogenic differentiation through up-regulation of caspase activity.

Caspases playing in the field of neuroinflammation: old and new players

Neuroinflammation is a complex immune response against the harmful effects of diverse stimuli within the central nervous system. Caspases are a family of intracellular cysteine proteases that mediate proteolytic events indispensable for transduction of signaling pathway-controlling biological phenomena such as apoptosis and inflammation. To date, 14 players have been identified in mammals. For many years, caspases were simply divided into 'apoptotic' and 'proinflammatory' caspases and this classification remains useful to some extent. However, increasing evidence indicates that many of these so-called apoptotic caspases also exert nonapoptotic functions. In addition, the role of certain members of the supposed inflammatory caspases in the inflammatory process per se has also been discussed. In this review, we highlight the role for 'apoptotic' and 'proinflammatory' caspases in the regulation of the inflammation response with a special focus on the central nervous system.

TAp63γ demethylation regulates protein stability and cellular distribution during neural stem cell differentiation

p63 is a close relative of the p53 tumor suppressor and transcription factor that modulates cell fate. The full-length isoform of p63, containing a transactivation (TA) domain (TAp63) is an essential proapoptotic protein in neural development. The role of p63 in epithelial development is also well established; however, its precise function during neural differentiation remains largely controversial. Recently, it has been demonstrated that several conserved elements of apoptosis are also integral components of cellular differentiation; p53 directly interacts with key regulators of neurogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of p63 during mouse neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation and test whether the histone H3 lysine 27-specific demethylase JMJD3 interacts with p63 to redirect NSCs to neurogenesis. Our results showed that JMJD3 and TAp63γ are coordinately regulated to establish neural-specific gene expression programs in NSCs undergoing differentiation. JMJD3 overexpression increased TAp63γ levels in a demethylase activity-dependent manner. Importantly, overexpression of TAp63γ increased β-III tubulin whereas downregulation of TAp63γ by specific p63 siRNA decreased β-III tubulin. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated direct interaction between TAp63γ and JMJD3, and modulation of TAp63γ methylation status by JMJD3-demethylase activity. Importantly, the demethylase activity of JMJD3 influenced TAp63γ protein stabilization and cellular distribution, as well as TAp63γ-regulated neurogenesis. These findings clarify the role of p63 in adult neural progenitor cells and reveal TAp63γ as a direct target for JMJD3-mediated neuronal commitment.

Apoptosis in Blastocystis spp. is related to subtype

Previous studies have shown that apoptosis-like features are observed in Blastocystis spp., an intestinal protozoan parasite, when exposed to the cytotoxic drug metronidazole (MTZ). This study reports that among the four subtypes of Blastocystis spp. investigated for rate of apoptosis when treated with MTZ, subtype 3 showed the highest significant increase after 72h of in vitro culture when treated with MTZ at 0.1mg/ml (79%; p<0.01) and 0.0001mg/ml (89%; p<0.001). The close correlation between viable cells and apoptotic cells for both dosages implies that the pathogenic potential of these isolates has been enhanced when treated with MTZ. This suggests that there is a mechanism in Blastocystis spp. that actually regulates the apoptotic process to produce higher number of viable cells when treated. Apoptosis may not just be programmed cell death but instead a mechanism to increase the number of viable cells to ensure survival during stressed conditions. The findings of the present study have an important contribution to influence chemotherapeutic approaches when developing drugs against the emerging Blastocystis spp. infections.

Sporoptosis: sowing the seeds of nuclear destruction

What are the origins of programmed cell death (PCD)? In this issue of Developmental Cell, Eastwood et al. (2012) uncover an ancient developmental program of nuclear destruction in yeast, implying that some PCD mechanisms could have emerged from nonlethal processes before the divergence of fungi and metazoan.

Synthetic condensed 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative shifts neural stem cell differentiation by regulating redox state

Naphthoquinones are bioactive compounds widespread in nature that impact on several cellular pathways, including cell proliferation and survival, by acting as prooxidants and electrophiles. We have previously described the role of the synthetic isoxazole condensed 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative 1a in preventing apoptosis induced by distinct stimuli in several cell models. In addition, apoptosis regulators and executioners may control neural stem cell (NSC) fate, without involving cell death per se. Here, we hypothesize that 1a might also play a role in NSC fate decision. We found that exposure to 1a shifts NSC differentiation potential from neurogenic to gliogenic lineage and involves the generation of reactive oxygen species, without increasing cell death. Modulation of caspases and calpains, using cysteine protease inhibitors, failed to mimic 1a effects. In addition, incubation with the naphthoquinone derivative resulted in upregulation and nuclear translocation of antioxidant responsive proteins, Nrf2 and Sirt1, which in turn may mediate 1a-directed shift in NSC differentiation. In fact, antioxidants halted the shift in NSC differentiation potential from neurogenic to gliogenic lineage, while strongly reducing reactive oxygen species generation and Nrf2 and Sirt1 nuclear translocation in NSC exposed to 1a. Collectively, these data support a new role for a specific naphthoquinone derivative in NSC fate decision and underline the importance of redox environment control.

Death receptors and mitochondria: two prime triggers of neural apoptosis and differentiation

BACKGROUND

Stem cell therapy is a strategy far from being satisfactory and applied in the clinic. Poor survival and differentiation levels of stem cells after transplantation or neural injury have been major problems. Recently, it has been recognized that cell death-relevant proteins, notably those that operate in the core of the executioner apoptosis machinery are functionally involved in differentiation of a wide range of cell types, including neural cells.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This article will review recent studies on the mechanisms underlying the non-apoptotic function of mitochondrial and death receptor signaling pathways during neural differentiation. In addition, we will discuss how these major apoptosis-regulatory pathways control the decision between differentiation, self-renewal and cell death in neural stem cells and how levels of activity are restrained to prevent cell loss as final outcome.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Emerging evidence suggests that, much like p53, caspases and Bcl-2 family members, the two prime triggers of cell death pathways, death receptors and mitochondria, may influence proliferation and differentiation potential of stem cells, neuronal plasticity, and astrocytic versus neuronal stem cell fate decision.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying key checkpoints responsible for neural differentiation as an alternative to cell death will surely contribute to improve neuro-replacement strategies.

Development of high content imaging methods for cell death detection in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CM) are being investigated as a new source of cardiac cells for drug safety assessment. We developed a novel scalable high content microscopy-based method for the detection of cell death in hPSC-CM that can serve for future predictive in vitro cardio-toxicological screens. Using rat neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes (RVNC) or hPSC-CM, assays for nuclear remodelling, mitochondrial status, apoptosis and necrosis were designed using a combination of fluorescent dyes and antibodies on an automated microscopy platform. This allowed the observation of a chelerythrine-induced concentration-dependent apoptosis to necrosis switch and time-dependent progression of early apoptotic cells towards a necrotic-like phenotype. Susceptibility of hPSC-CM to chelerythrine-stimulated apoptosis varied with time after differentiation, but at most time points, hPSC-CM were more resistant than RVNC. This simple and scalable humanized high-content assay generates accurate cardiotoxicity profiles that can serve as a base for further assessment of cardioprotective strategies and drug safety.