Fludarabine-induced apoptosis of B chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells includes early cleavage of p27kip1 by caspases

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of growth arrested clonal B lymphocytes that undergo apoptosis when treated with fludarabine. To further explore the mechanism for the cell cycle arrest, we examined the expression and activity of cyclin-dependent kinases and inhibitors in primary B-CLL cells. We observed high levels of p27kip1, cyclin D2, cyclin E, cdk2, and cdk4 expression in freshly isolated B-CLL cells. Despite high levels of cyclins and cdks, little cdk2 or cdk4 activity was observed with p27kip1 in complex with cyclinD2/cdk4 and cyclin E/cdk2. Remarkably, when B-CLL cells were treated in vitro with fludarabine, p27kip1 underwent caspase-specific degradation accompanied by an increase in cdk4 activity. We conclude that the G0/G1 arrest of B-CLL cells may protect against apoptosis and that the decrease in p27kip1 expression by caspase cleavage may be a key step in chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in B-CLL.

Feedback regulation of the MBF transcription factor by cyclin Cig2

The Mlu1-binding factor (MBF) from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains the proteins Res1p and Res2p and binds to the Mlu1 cell-cycle box (MCB) element in DNA, activating the transcription of genes required for S phase. We report here that the cell-cycle-regulated expression of the cyclin cig2 gene is dependent on MBF. Deletion of MCB elements in the cig2 promoter perturbed the expression not only of cig2 but also of other MBF-dependent genes, indicating that Cig2p could regulate MBF activity. Cig2p can bind to Res2p, promote the phosphorylation of Res1p and inhibit MBF-dependent gene transcription. Cig2p thus forms an autoregulating feedback-inhibition loop with MBF which is important for normal regulation of the cell cycle.

HIRA, the human homologue of yeast Hir1p and Hir2p, is a novel cyclin-cdk2 substrate whose expression blocks S-phase progression

Substrates of cyclin-cdk2 kinases contain two distinct primary sequence motifs: a cyclin-binding RXL motif and one or more phosphoacceptor sites (consensus S/TPXK/R or S/TP). To identify novel cyclin-cdk2 substrates, we searched the database for proteins containing both of these motifs. One such protein is human HIRA, the homologue of two cell cycle-regulated repressors of histone gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hir1p and Hir2p. Here we demonstrate that human HIRA is an in vivo substrate of a cyclin-cdk2 kinase. First, HIRA bound to and was phosphorylated by cyclin A- and E-cdk2 in vitro in an RXL-dependent manner. Second, HIRA was phosphorylated in vivo on two consensus cyclin-cdk2 phosphoacceptor sites and at least one of these, threonine 555, was phosphorylated by cyclin A-cdk2 in vitro. Third, phosphorylation of HIRA in vivo was blocked by cyclin-cdk2 inhibitor p21(cip1). Fourth, HIRA became phosphorylated on threonine 555 in S phase when cyclin-cdk2 kinases are active. Fifth, HIRA was localized preferentially to the nucleus, where active cyclin A- and E-cdk2 are located. Finally, ectopic expression of HIRA in cells caused arrest in S phase and this is consistent with the notion that it is a cyclin-cdk2 substrate that has a role in control of the cell cycle.

Cellular transformation by SV40 large T antigen: interaction with host proteins

SV40 large T antigen (TAg) is a powerful oncoprotein capable of transforming a variety of cell types. The transforming activity of TAg is due in large part to its perturbation of the retinoblastoma (pRB) and p53 tumor suppressor proteins. In addition, TAg binds to several other cellular factors, including the transcriptional co-activators p300 and CBP, which may contribute to its transformation function. Several other features of TAg that appear to contribute to its full transformation potential are yet to be completely understood. Study of TAg therefore continues to provide new insights into the mechanism of cellular transformation.

Cells degrade a novel inhibitor of differentiation with E1A-like properties upon exiting the cell cycle

Control of proliferation and differentiation by the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) and related family members depends upon their interactions with key cellular substrates. Efforts to identify such cellular targets led to the isolation of a novel protein, EID-1 (for E1A-like inhibitor of differentiation 1). Here, we show that EID-1 is a potent inhibitor of differentiation and link this activity to its ability to inhibit p300 (and the highly related molecule, CREB-binding protein, or CBP) histone acetylation activity. EID-1 is rapidly degraded by the proteasome as cells exit the cell cycle. Ubiquitination of EID-1 requires an intact C-terminal region that is also necessary for stable binding to p300 and pRB, two proteins that bind to the ubiquitin ligase MDM2. A pRB variant that can bind to EID1, but not MDM2, stabilizes EID-1 in cells. Thus, EID-1 may act at a nodal point that couples cell cycle exit to the transcriptional activation of genes required for differentiation.

Phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma-related protein p130 in growth-arrested cells

The retinoblastoma family of proteins including pRB, p107 and p130 undergoes cell cycle dependent phosphorylation during the mid-G1 to S phase transition. This phosphorylation is dependent upon the activity of cyclin D/cdk4. In contrast to pRB and p107, p130 is phosphorylated during G0 and the early G1 phase of the cell cycle. We observed that p130 is specifically phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues in T98G cells arrested in G0 by serum deprivation or density arrest. Identification of the phospho-serine and phospho-threonine residues revealed that most were clustered within a short co-linear region unique to p130, defined as the Loop. Deletion of the Loop region resulted in a change in the phosphorylation status of p130 under growth arrest conditions. Notably, deletion of the Loop did not affect the ability of p130 to bind to E2F-4 or SV40 Large T antigen, to induce growth arrest in Saos-2 cells, and to become hyperphosphorylated during the proliferative phase of the cell cycle. p130 undergoes specific G0 phosphorylation in a manner that distinguishes it from pRB and p107.

Loss of p19(ARF) eliminates the requirement for the pRB-binding motif in simian virus 40 large T antigen-mediated transformation

At least three domains of simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) participate in cellular transformation. The LXCXE motif of TAg binds to all members of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) family of tumor suppressors. The N-terminal 70 residues of TAg have significant homology to the J domain of Hsp40/DnaJ and cooperate with the LXCXE motif to inactivate the pRB family. A bipartite C-terminal domain of TAg binds to p53 and thereby disrupts the ability of p53 to act as a sequence-specific transcription factor. The contribution of these three domains of TAg to cellular transformation was evaluated in cells that contained inactivating mutations in the pRB and p53 pathways. Cells that stably expressed wild-type or selected mutant forms of TAg were generated in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) containing homozygous deletions in the RB, INK4a, and ARF loci. It was determined that the J domain, the LXCXE motif, and the p53-binding domain of TAg were required for full transformation of wild-type and RB(-/-) MEFs. In contrast, INK4a(-/-) MEFs that lacked expression of p16(INK4a) and p19(ARF) and ARF(-/-) MEFs that lacked p19(ARF) but expressed p16(INK4a) acquired anchorage-independent growth when expressing wild-type TAg or mutant derivatives that disrupted either the pRB-binding or p53-binding domain. The expression and function of the pRB family members were not overly disrupted in ARF(-/-) MEFs expressing LXCXE mutants of TAg. These results suggest that inactivating mutations of p19(ARF) can relieve the requirement for the LXCXE motif in TAg-mediated transformation and that TAg may have additional functions in transformation.

Bcl-2 retards cell cycle entry through p27(Kip1), pRB relative p130, and altered E2F regulation

Independent of its antiapoptotic function, Bcl-2 can, through an undetermined mechanism, retard entry into the cell cycle. Cell cycle progression requires the phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) family members to free E2F transcription factors. We have explored whether retarded cycle entry is mediated by the Cdk inhibitor p27 or the pRB family. In quiescent fibroblasts, enforced Bcl-2 expression elevated levels of both p27 and the pRB relative p130. Bcl-2 still slowed G(1) progression in cells deficient in pRB but not in those lacking p27 or p130. Hence, pRB is not required, but both p27 and p130 are essential mediators. The ability of p130 to form repressive complexes with E2F4 is implicated, because the retardation by Bcl-2 was accentuated by coexpressed E2F4. A plausible relevant target of p130/E2F4 is the E2F1 gene, because Bcl-2 expression delayed E2F1 accumulation during G(1) progression and overexpression of E2F1 overrode the Bcl-2 inhibition. Hence, Bcl-2 appears to retard cell cycle entry by increasing p27 and p130 levels and maintaining repressive complexes of p130 with E2F4, perhaps to delay E2F1 expression.

Calcineurin regulation of the mammalian G0/G1 checkpoint element, cyclin dependent kinase 4

Cyclin dependent kinase 4 (cdk4) activity is controlled by the binding of regulatory subunits and inhibitory factors, as well as tyrosine and serine/threonine phosphorylation. More recently the influence of calcium levels have been demonstrated. Using transient transfections in Jurkat cells, we observed specific binding between cdk4 and the calcium and calmodulin activated serine/threonine phosphatase, calcineurin. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the inhibition of the phosphatase activity of calcineurin with FK506 and cyclosporin A resulted in an overall increase in cdk4 kinase activity, suggesting that the phosphatase activity of calcineurin was inhibitory to the kinase activity of cdk4. In contrast, we were not able to observe a similar effect on the kinase activity of either cdk6 or cdk2, indicating that the phosphatase activity of calcineurin was specific for cdk4. In addition, using an in vitro phosphatase assay for calcineurin, we observed that the exogenous addition of calcineurin resulted in the dephosphorylation of cdk4, an event that downregulated the kinase activity of cdk4. Calcineurin could, therefore, play an opposing role to the action of the cyclin activating kinase complex, an enzyme that upregulates the kinase activity of cdk4, an important G0/G1 checkpoint element in mammalian cells. Oncogene (2000) 19, 2820 - 2827

pRB-dependent, J domain-independent function of simian virus 40 large T antigen in override of p53 growth suppression

Simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (LT) can immortalize and transform many cell types. These activities are attributed in large part to the binding and functional inactivation by LT of two major tumor suppressors: p53 and the retinoblastoma protein, pRB. Most effects of LT on pRB have been shown to additionally require an intact J domain, which mediates binding to Hsc70. We show here that the J domain is not required for p53 override in full-length LT. Although LT binds p53, it was shown previously that overcoming a p53-induced cell cycle arrest requires binding to pRB family members (R. S. Quartin et al., J. Virol. 68:1334-1341). We demonstrate that an LT mutant defective for pRB family member binding (K1) can be complemented for efficient override of p53 arrest by a construct encoding the first 135 amino acids of LT with a J domain-inactivating mutation, H42Q. Hence, complementation does not require the J domain, and pRB binding by LT is important for more than dissociating pRB-E2F complexes, which is J dependent. In accordance with this notion, LT alleviates pRB small-pocket-mediated transcriptional repression independently of the J domain. The LT K1 mutant can also be complemented for p53 override by small t antigen (st) in a manner independent of its J domain. Our observations underscore the importance of multiple SV40 functions, two in LT and one in st, that act cooperatively to counteract p53 growth suppression.

RBP1 recruits both histone deacetylase-dependent and -independent repression activities to retinoblastoma family proteins

Retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor family proteins block cell proliferation in part by repressing certain E2F-specific promoters. Both histone deacetylase (HDAC)-dependent and -independent repression activities are associated with the RB "pocket." The mechanism by which these two repression functions occupy the pocket is unknown. A known RB-binding protein, RBP1, was previously found by our group to be an active corepressor which, if overexpressed, represses E2F-mediated transcription via its association with the pocket. We show here that RBP1 contains two repression domains, one of which binds all three known HDACs and represses them in an HDAC-dependent manner while the other domain functions independently of the HDACs. Thus, RB family members repress transcription by recruiting RBP1 to the pocket. RBP1, in turn, serves as a bridging molecule to recruit HDACs and, in addition, provides a second HDAC-independent repression function.

Discrimination between sialic acid-containing receptors and pseudoreceptors regulates polyomavirus spread in the mouse

Variations in the polyomavirus major capsid protein VP1 underlie important biological differences between highly pathogenic large-plaque and relatively nonpathogenic small-plaque strains. These polymorphisms constitute major determinants of virus spread in mice and also dictate previously recognized strain differences in sialyloligosaccharide binding. X-ray crystallographic studies have shown that these determinants affect binding to the sialic acids. Here we report results of further experiments designed to test the importance of specific contacts between VP1 and the carbohydrate moieties of the receptor. With minor exceptions, substitutions at positions predicted from crystallography to be important in binding the terminal alpha-2,3-linked sialic acid or the penultimate sugar (galactose) destroyed the ability of the virus to replicate in cell culture. Substitutions that prevented binding to a branched disialyloligosaccharide were found to result in viruses that were both viable in culture and tumorigenic in the mouse. Conversely, substitutions that allowed recognition and binding of the branched carbohydrate chain inhibited spread in the mouse, though the viruses remained viable in culture. Mice of five different inbred strains, all highly susceptible to large-plaque virus, showed resistance to the spread of polyomavirus strains bearing the VP1 type which binds the branched-chain receptor. We suggest that glycoproteins bearing the appropriate O-linked branched sialyloligosaccharide chains are effective pseudoreceptors in the host and that they block the spread of potentially tumorigenic or virulent virus strains.

Cytoplasmic localization of human cdc25C during interphase requires an intact 14-3-3 binding site

cdc25C induces mitosis by activating the cdc2-cyclin B complex. The intracellular localization of cyclin B1 is regulated in a cell cycle-specific manner, and its entry into the nucleus may be required for the initiation of mitosis. To determine the cellular localization of cdc25C, monoclonal antibodies specific for cdc25C were developed and used to demonstrate that in human cells, cdc25C is retained in the cytoplasm during interphase. A deletion analysis identified a 58-amino-acid region (amino acids 201 to 258) in cdc25C that was required for the cytoplasmic localization of cdc25C. This region contained a specific binding site for 14-3-3 proteins, and mutations in cdc25C that disrupted 14-3-3 binding also disrupted the cytoplasmic localization of cdc25C during interphase. cdc25C proteins that do not contain a binding site for 14-3-3 proteins showed a pancellular localization and an increased ability to induce premature chromosome condensation. The cytoplasmic localization of cdc25C was not altered by gamma irradiation or treatment with the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B. These results suggest that 14-3-3 proteins may negatively regulate cdc25C function by sequestering cdc25C in the cytoplasm.

The role of the J domain of SV40 large T in cellular transformation

SV40 large T antigen (TAg)-mediated transformation is dependent on binding to p53 and the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) and inactivating their growth suppressive functions. Transformation minimally requires three regions of TAg: a C-terminal domain that mediates binding to p53; the LXCXE motif (residues 103-107), necessary for binding to pRB and the related proteins p107 and p130; and an N-terminal domain (residues 1-82) that contains homology to the J domain found in cellular DnaJ/Hsp40 molecular chaperone proteins. We have found that the N-terminal J domain of T Ag cooperates with the LXCXE motif to inactivate the growth suppressive functions of the pRB-related proteins.

Segregation of steroid receptor coactivator-1 from steroid receptors in mammary epithelium

Steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) family members interact with steroid receptors, including estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor (PR), to enhance ligand-dependent transcription. However, the expression of ERalpha and SRC-1 was found to be segregated in distinct subsets of cells within the epithelium of the estrogen-responsive rat mammary gland. This finding was in contrast to the finding for the stroma, where significant numbers of cells coexpressed ERalpha and SRC-1. Treatment of animals with estrogen induced PR expression in the ERalpha-expressing mammary epithelial cells in the absence of detectable SRC-1 and did not affect the segregated pattern of SRC-1 and ERalpha expression. PR was neither expressed nor induced by estrogen treatment in stroma, despite the coexpression of ERalpha and SRC-1. These results suggest that SRC-1 is not necessary for ERalpha-mediated induction of PR in mammary epithelial cells and is also not sufficient for PR induction in stromal cells expressing both ERalpha and SRC-1. Furthermore, the expression of SRC-1 in a subpopulation of mammary epithelial cells distinct from those expressing ERalpha or PR raises the possibility that SRC-1 has cell type-specific functions other than simply to act as coactivator for ERalpha or PR in the mammary epithelium.

Viral oncoproteins discriminate between p53 and the p53 homolog p73

p73 is a recently identified member of the p53 family. Previously it was shown that p73 can, when overproduced in p53-defective tumor cells, activate p53-responsive promoters and induce apoptosis. In this report we describe the generation of anti-p73 monoclonal antibodies and confirm that two previously described p73 isoforms are produced in mammalian cells. Furthermore, we show that these two isoforms can bind to canonical p53 DNA-binding sites in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Despite the high degree of similarity between p53 and p73, we found that adenovirus E1B 55K, simian virus 40 T, and human papillomavirus E6 do not physically interact with p73. The observation that viral oncoproteins discriminate between p53 and p73 suggests that the functions of these two proteins may differ under physiological conditions. Furthermore, they suggest that inactivation of p73 may not be required for transformation.

Inhibition of cellular proliferation by the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1 requires association with the inducible chaperone Hsp70

The Wilms tumor suppressor WT1 encodes a zinc finger transcription factor that is expressed in glomerular podocytes during a narrow window in kidney development. By immunoprecipitation and protein microsequencing analysis, we have identified a major cellular protein associated with endogenous WT1 to be the inducible chaperone Hsp70. WT1 and Hsp70 are physically associated in embryonic rat kidney cells, in primary Wilms tumor specimens and in cultured cells with inducible expression of WT1. Colocalization of WT1 and Hsp70 is evident within podocytes of the developing kidney, and Hsp70 is recruited to the characteristic subnuclear clusters that contain WT1. The amino-terminal transactivation domain of WT1 is required for binding to Hsp70, and expression of that domain itself is sufficient to induce expression of Hsp70 through the heat shock element (HSE). Substitution of a heterologous Hsp70-binding domain derived from human DNAJ is sufficient to restore the functional properties of a WT1 protein with an amino-terminal deletion, an effect that is abrogated by a point mutation in DNAJ that reduces binding to Hsp70. These observations indicate that Hsp70 is an important cofactor for the function of WT1, and suggest a potential role for this chaperone during kidney differentiation.

The J domain of simian virus 40 large T antigen is required to functionally inactivate RB family proteins

Transformation by simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) is dependent on the inactivation of cellular tumor suppressors. Transformation minimally requires the following three domains: (i) a C-terminal domain that mediates binding to p53; (ii) the LXCXE domain (residues 103 to 107), necessary for binding to the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein, pRB, and the related p107 and p130; and (iii) an N-terminal domain that is homologous to the J domain of DnaJ molecular chaperone proteins. We have previously demonstrated that the N-terminal J domain of TAg affects the RB-related proteins by perturbing the phosphorylation status of p107 and p130 and promoting the degradation of p130 and that this domain is required for transformation of cells that express either p107 or p130. In this work, we demonstrate that the J domain of TAg is required to inactivate the ability of each member of the pRB family to induce a G1 arrest in Saos-2 cells. Furthermore, the J domain is required to override the repression of E2F activity mediated by p130 and pRB and to disrupt p130-E2F DNA binding complexes. These results imply that while the LXCXE domain serves as a binding site for the RB-related proteins, the J domain plays an important role in inactivating their function.

The DnaJ domain of polyomavirus large T antigen is required to regulate Rb family tumor suppressor function

Tumor suppressors of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene family regulate cell growth and differentiation. Polyomavirus large T antigens (large T) bind Rb family members and block their function. Mutations of large T sequences conserved with the DnaJ family affect large T binding to a cellular DnaK, heat shock protein 70. The same mutations abolish large T activation of E2F-containing promoters and Rb binding-dependent large T activation of cell cycle progression. Cotransfection of a cellular DnaJ domain blocks wild-type large T action, showing that the connection between the chaperone system and tumor suppressors is direct. Although they are inactive in assays dependent on Rb family binding, mutants in the J region retain the ability to associate with pRb, p107, and p130. This suggests that binding of Rb family members by large T is not sufficient for their inactivation and that a functional J domain is required as well. This work connects the DnaJ and DnaK molecular chaperones to regulation of tumor suppressors by polyomavirus large T.

p16INK4A promotes differentiation and inhibits apoptosis of JKB acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Homozygous p16(INK4A) (p16) gene deletion is frequent in primary tumor cells from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), suggesting that loss of p16 may be an important precursor to transformation in ALL. We have previously described JKB, a human ALL cell line, that contains homozygous deletion of the p16 gene. Because ectopic expression of p16 suppresses cell growth, we created a temperature sensitive p16 mutant to develop a system for inducible p16 function in human ALL. JKB cells were transfected either with a p16 gene mutated at position 119 (E119G) to confer temperature sensitivity (JKB p16MT) or with control vector. The percentage of cells in G1 phase was similar in JKB control cells or in JKB p16MT cells cultured at restrictive conditions (40 degrees C). However, with lowering of temperature from 40 degrees C to permissive conditions (31 degrees C), the percentage of JKB p16MT cells in G1 phase and binding of p16 to CDK4 and CDK6 increased, with associated decreases in CDK4 and CDK6 kinase activities, and dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB). Culture of JKB p16MT cells at 31 degrees C for >/=3 days irreversibly inhibited growth. Moreover, JKB p16MT cells cultured under these permissive conditions showed a less transformed morphology and more differentiated phenotype than did these cells cultured under restrictive temperatures. Finally, dexamethasone (Dex) induced apoptosis of JKB p16MT cells cultured at 40 degrees C, but did not trigger death of these cells cultured at 31 degrees C. These results suggest that deletion of p16 gene in JKB human ALL cells is associated with dysregulated growth of less differentiated tumor cells, which nonetheless remain susceptible to apoptosis triggered by Dex.

Characterization of p16(INK4A) expression in multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia

Loss of p16(INK4A) (p16) expression is frequently associated with the development of epithelial and lymphoid malignancies. However, the frequency and significance of p16 abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM) and the more aggressive phase of plasma cell leukemia (PCL) have not been well defined. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to define the expression and function of p16 in fresh samples of MM and PCL. We found that p16 protein was highly expressed in primary MM cells, although it was undetectable in fresh samples of PCL. Additionally, p16 protein was also absent in four of four MM-derived cell lines. To determine the mechanism for p16 underexpression in PCL and MM-derived cell lines, we performed PCR analysis to evaluate both gene deletion and the presence of methylation. Interestingly, the p16 gene was present and methylated in all patient PCL cells and MM cell lines, whereas it was unmethylated in patient MM cells and normal B cells. Furthermore, treatment with the demethylating agent 5-deoxyazacytidine or p16 retrofection restored p16 protein expression and induced G1 growth arrest in patient PCL cells and MM cell lines. These results suggest that inactivation of the p16 gene by methylation may be associated with decreased growth control and the development of PCL in a subset of patients with MM.

Role of CDK4 and p16INK4A in interleukin-6-mediated growth of multiple myeloma

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) promotes growth of human multiple myeloma (MM) cells via phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB). We therefore examined the kinetics of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), p16INK4A, and pRB activation during IL-6-mediated patient MM cell growth compared with growth of IL-6 unresponsive patient plasma cell leukemia (PCL) cells. CDK4 protein was more strongly expressed in PCL cells than in MM cells. On the other hand, p16 protein was present in MM cells but undetectable in PCL cells. Interestingly, IL-6 induced peak proliferation of MM cells at days 1-3, with a return to baseline levels of DNA synthesis by days 6-9 in spite of replenishing IL-6. In these cells, IL-6 triggered a sustained increase in CDK4 by day 1 and a gradual increase in p16 to day 9. The progressive increase in p16 without further increments in CDK4 resulted in a shift from cyclin D2-CDK4/CDK6 binding at days 1-3 to p16-CDK4/CDK6 complex formation at days 6-9. Both phosphorylated pRB and dephosphorylated pRB were present initially in patient MM cells; IL-6 triggered a shift to phosphorylated pRB and G1 to S transition at days 1-3, with return to baseline levels of dephosphorylated pRB and related G1 growth arrest by day 9. No similar changes in CDK4, p16, or cell cycle profile were observed in IL-6 nonresponsive PCL cells. Our data therefore suggest a feedback mechanism in IL-6-mediated MM cell growth which is absent in IL-6 nonresponsive PCL cells.

The fission yeast protein p73res2 is an essential component of the mitotic MBF complex and a master regulator of meiosis

Depending on environmental conditions, Schizosaccharomyces pombe can remain in the stationary phase or enter into either premitotic or premeiotic DNA synthesis. This decision point is known as Start. In the mitotic cell cycle, regulation of G1/S-specific gene expression is dependent upon the MBF (Mlu1 binding factor) complex, known to contain p85cdc10 and p72res1. Here we demonstrate that p73res2 controls cell cycle progression via its participation in the MBF complex, interacting directly with both p85cdc10 and p72res1. In contrast, when cells enter into meiosis, the MBF complex is disrupted, and p73res2 shifts its regulatory function towards the transactivation of genes required for meiotic progression. These observations suggest that p73res2 plays a pivotal role at Start and constitutes an example of a transcription factor involved in the control of both mitotic and meiotic progression.

MDM2 protein overexpression promotes proliferation and survival of multiple myeloma cells

The murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein facilitates G1 to S phase transition by activation of E2F-1 and can enhance cell survival by suppressing wild-type p53 (wtp53) function. In this study, we examined MDM2 expression and function in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. MDM2 is strongly and constitutively expressed in MM cell lines (ARH-77, RPMI 8226, and OCI-My5) and in the cells of plasma cell leukemia (PCL) patients, but is not expressed in normal bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM MNCs). Treatment of MM cells with MDM2 antisense, but not sense, nonsense, or scrambled, oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) decreased DNA synthesis and cell viability; it also induced G1 growth arrest, as evidenced by propidium iodide (PI) staining and induction of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) to E2F-1 binding. Moreover, inhibition of MDM2 using antisense ODNs also triggered MM cell apoptosis as evidenced by acridine orange-ethidium bromide staining. We next studied the association of MDM2 with wtp53 and/or mutant p53 (mtp53), E2F-1, CDK4, and p21. MDM2 constitutively binds to E2F-1 in all MM cells, to both wtp53 and mtp53, and to p21 in tumor cells lacking p53. These data suggest that MDM2 may enhance cell-cycle progression in MM cells both by activating E2F-1 and by downregulating cell-cycle inhibitory proteins (wtp53 and p21). Overexpression of MDM2 may therefore contribute to both growth and survival of MM cells, suggesting the potential utility of treatment strategies targeting MDM2 in MM.

Inactivation of pRB-related proteins p130 and p107 mediated by the J domain of simian virus 40 large T antigen

Inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRB) contributes to tumorigenesis in a wide variety of cancers. In contrast, the role of the two pRB-related proteins, p130 and p107, in oncogenic transformation is unclear. The LXCXE domain of simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) specifically binds to pRB, p107, and p130. We have previously shown that the N terminus and the LXCXE domain of TAg cooperate to alter the phosphorylation state of p130 and p107. Here, we demonstrate that TAg promotes the degradation of p130 and that the N terminus of TAg is required for this activity. The N terminus of TAg has homology to the J domain of the DnaJ family of molecular chaperone proteins. Mutants with mutations in the J-domain homology region of TAg are defective for altering p130 and p107 phosphorylation and for p130 degradation. A heterologous J-domain from a human DnaJ protein can functionally substitute for the N terminus of TAg in the effect on p107 and p130 phosphorylation and p130 stability. We further demonstrate that the J-domain homology region of TAg confers a growth advantage to wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) but is dispensable in the case of MEFs lacking both p130 and p107. This indicates that p107 and p130 have overlapping growth-suppressing activities whose inactivation is mediated by the J domain of TAg.

DnaJ/hsp40 chaperone domain of SV40 large T antigen promotes efficient viral DNA replication

The amino-terminal domain of SV40 large tumor antigen (TAg) is required for efficient viral DNA replication. However, the biochemical activity associated with this domain has remained obscure. We show here that the amino-terminal domain of TAg shares functional homology with the J-domain of DnaJ/hsp40 molecular chaperones. DnaJ proteins function as cofactors by regulating the activity of a member of the 70-kD heat shock protein family. Genetic analyses demonstrated that amino-terminal sequences of TAg comprise a novel J-domain that mediates a specific interaction with the constitutively expressed hsc70 and show that the J-domain is also required for efficient viral DNA replication in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the J-domain of two human DnaJ homologs, HSJ1 or DNAJ2, could substitute functionally for the amino-terminus of TAg in promoting viral DNA replication. Together, our findings suggest that TAg uses its J-domain to support SV40 DNA replication in a manner that is strikingly similar to the use of Escherichia coli DnaJ by bacteriophage lambda in DNA replication. However, TAg has evolved a more efficient strategy of DNA replication through an intrinsic J-domain to associate directly with a partner chaperone protein. Our observations provide evidence of a role for chaperone proteins in the process of eukaryotic DNA replication.

Ras signalling linked to the cell-cycle machinery by the retinoblastoma protein

The Ras proto-oncogene is a central component of mitogenic signal-transduction pathways, and is essential for cells both to leave a quiescent state (G0) and to pass through the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. The mechanism by which Ras signalling regulates cell-cycle progression is unclear, however. Here we report that the retinoblastoma tumour-suppressor protein (Rb), a regulator of G1 exit, functionally links Ras to passage through the G1 phase. Inactivation of Ras in cycling cells caused a decline in cyclin D1 protein levels, accumulation of the hypophosphorylated, growth-suppressive form of Rb, and G1 arrest. When Rb was disrupted either genetically or biochemically, cells failed to arrest in G1 following Ras inactivation. In contrast, inactivation of Ras in quiescent cells prevented growth-factor induction of both immediate-early gene transcription and exit from G0 in an Rb-independent manner. These data suggest that Rb is an essential G1-specific mediator that links Ras-dependent mitogenic signalling to cell-cycle regulation.

Cyclin E, a redundant cyclin in breast cancer

Cyclin E is an important regulator of cell cycle progression that together with cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) 2 is crucial for the G1/S transition during the mammalian cell cycle. Previously, we showed that severe overexpression of cyclin E protein in tumor cells and tissues results in the appearance of lower molecular weight isoforms of cyclin E, which together with cdk2 can form a kinase complex active throughout the cell cycle. In this study, we report that one of the substrates of this constitutively active cyclin E/cdk2 complex is retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (pRb) in populations of breast cancer cells and tissues that also overexpress p16. In these tumor cells and tissues, we show that the expression of p16 and pRb is not mutually exclusive. Overexpression of p16 in these cells results in sequestering of cdk4 and cdk6, rendering cyclin D1/cdk complexes inactive. However, pRb appears to be phosphorylated throughout the cell cycle following an initial lag, revealing a time course similar to phosphorylation of glutathione S-transferase retinoblastoma by cyclin E immunoprecipitates prepared from these synchronized cells. Hence, cyclin E kinase complexes can function redundantly and replace the loss of cyclin D-dependent kinase complexes that functionally inactivate pRb. In addition, the constitutively overexpressed cyclin E is also the predominant cyclin found in p107/E2F complexes throughout the tumor, but not the normal, cell cycle. These observations suggest that overexpression of cyclin E in tumor cells, which also overexpress p16, can bypass the cyclin D/cdk4-cdk6/p16/pRb feedback loop, providing yet another mechanism by which tumors can gain a growth advantage.

A novel pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line with chromosomal translocation between p16(INK4A)/p15(INK4B) tumor suppressor and immunoglobulin heavy chain genes: TGFbeta/IL-7 inhibitory signaling mechanism

p16 INK4A and/or p15 INK4B genes are frequently deleted in leukemias and other cancers. We have established a novel pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line (JKB2) with a chromosomal translocation between 9p2l and 14q32, on which p16INK4A/p15INK4B and heavy chain immunoglobulin (Ig) genes, respectively, are located. Homozygous deletions of P16INK4A/p15INK4B genes in JKB2 cells were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, and their protein products were not detectable by Western blotting. Therefore JKB2 is the first example of an immunoglobulin heavy chain translocation associated with deletions of these genes. In JKB2 cells, cyclin-dependent kinase(CDK)4 and CDK6 formed complexes with cyclin D, due to the lack of p16, triggering phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and continuous cell proliferation. Moreover, the growth of JKB2 cells was partially inhibited by TGF beta or IL-7, accompanied by decreased CDK4 and CDK6 expression, increased p2l and p27 expression, decreased p27 binding to CDK4/CDK6, and increased binding of p27 to CDK2. In addition, IL-7 both inhibited proliferation and induced differentiation of JKB2 cells. These studies suggest that a t(9;14)(p21;q32) chromosomal translocation can result in deletion of both p16 INK4A and p15 INK4B genes in pre-B ALL, and that the JKB2 cell line therefore provides a model for the study of leukemogenesis related to abnormalities in chromosome 9p2l. Moreover, they suggest that TGF-beta can, suppress JKB2 cell growth in a p15-independent mechanism.

Interleukin-6 promotes multiple myeloma cell growth via phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mediates autocrine and paracrine growth of multiple myeloma (MM) cells and inhibits tumor cell apoptosis. Abnormalities of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and mutations of RB gene have been reported in up to 70% of MM patients and 80% of MM-derived cell lines. Because dephosphorylated (activated) pRB blocks transition from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle whereas phosphorylated (inactivated) pRB releases this growth arrest, we characterized the role of pRB in IL-6-mediated MM cell growth. Both phosphorylated and dephosphorylated pRB were expressed in all serum-starved MM patient cells and MM-derived cell lines, but pRB was predominantly in its phosphorylated form. In MM cells that proliferated in response to IL-6, exogenous IL-6 downregulated dephosphorylated pRB and decreased dephosphorylated pRB-E2F complexes. Importantly, culture of MM cells with RB antisense, but not RB sense, oligonucleotide (ODN) triggered IL-6 secretion and proliferation in MM cells; however, proliferation was only partially inhibited by neutralizing anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). In contrast to MM cells, normal splenic B cells express dephosphorylated pRB. Although CD40 ligand (CD40L) triggers a shift from dephosphorylated to phosphorylated pRB and proliferation of B cells, the addition of exogenous IL-6 to CD40L-treated B cells does not alter either pRB or proliferation, as observed in MM cells. These results suggest that phosphorylated pRB is constitutively expressed in MM cells and that IL-6 further shifts pRB from its dephosphorylated to its phosphorylated form, thereby promoting MM cell growth via two mechanisms; by decreasing the amount of E2F bound by dephosphorylated pRB due to reduced dephosphorylated pRB, thereby releasing growth arrest; and by upregulating IL-6 secretion by MM cells and related IL-6-mediated autocrine tumor cell growth.

A maize cDNA encoding a member of the retinoblastoma protein family: involvement in endoreduplication

Retinoblastoma (RB-1) is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes a 105-kDa nuclear phosphoprotein. To date, RB genes have been isolated only from metazoans. We have isolated a cDNA from maize endosperm whose predicted protein product (ZmRb) shows homology to the "pocket" A and B domains of the Rb protein family. We found ZmRb behaves as a pocket protein based on its ability to specifically interact with oncoproteins encoded by DNA tumor viruses (E7, T-Ag, E1A). ZmRb can interact in vitro and in vivo with the replication-associated protein, RepA, encoded by the wheat dwarf virus. The maize Rb-related protein undergoes changes in level and phosphorylation state concomitant with endoreduplication, and it is phosphorylated in vitro by an S-phase kinase from endoreduplicating endosperm cells. Together, our results suggest that ZmRb is a representative of the pocket protein family and may play a role in cell cycle progression. Moreover, certain plant monopartite geminiviruses may operate similarly to mammalian DNA viruses, by targeting and inactivating the retinoblastoma protein, which otherwise induces G1 arrest.

Association of p300 and CBP with simian virus 40 large T antigen

p300 and the CREB-binding protein CBP are two large nuclear phosphoproteins that are structurally highly related. Both function, in part, as transcriptional adapters and are targeted by the adenovirus E1A oncoprotein. We show here that p300 and CBP interact with another transforming protein, the simian virus 40 large T antigen (T). This interaction depends on the integrity of a region of T which is critical for its transforming and mitogenic properties and includes its LXCXE Rb-binding motif. T interferes with normal p300 and CBP function on at least two different levels. The presence of T alters the phosphorylation states of both proteins and inhibits their transcriptional activities on certain promoters. Although E1A and T show little sequence similarity, they interact with the same domain of p300 and CBP, suggesting that this region exhibits considerable flexibility in accommodating diverse protein ligands.

Simian virus 40 large T antigen alters the phosphorylation state of the RB-related proteins p130 and p107

p130 and p107 are nuclear phosphoproteins related to the retinoblastoma gene product (pRb). pRb, p107, and p130 each undergo cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation, form complexes with the E2F family of transcription factors, and associate with oncoproteins of DNA tumor viruses, including simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (TAg) and adenovirus ElA protein. The results of recent studies with mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking the retinoblastoma gene (Rb-1) have suggested that p130 and p107 may be important targets for SV40 large TAg-mediated transformation (J.B. Christensen and M.J. Imperiale, J. Virol. 65:3945-3948, 1995; J. Zalvide and J.A. DeCaprio, Mol. Cell. Biol. 15:5800-5810, 1995). In this report, we demonstrate that the expression of TAg affects the phosphorylation state of p130 and p107. In cells expressing wild-type TAg, only un(der)phosphorylated p130 and p107 were detected. To determine the domains within TAg that contribute to this effect on the phosphorylation of p130, we performed transient expression assays. While transiently expressed p130 was apparently phosphorylated normally, only un(der)phosphorylated p130 was detected when p130 was coexpressed with TAg. Using this assay, we found that the first 147 amino acids of TAg were sufficient to alter the phosphorylation state of p130. Within this region, the LXCXE domain of TAg, required for binding to the retinoblastoma family of proteins, was necessary but not sufficient to affect p130 phosphorylation. Residues within the first 82 amino acids of TAg were also required. TAg with mutations in the N terminus retained the ability to efficiently associate with p130 but did not affect its phosphorylation state. This demonstrates that the effect of SV40 TAg on p130 is not simply the result of binding and suggests that TAg has a novel effect on p130 and p107 that differs from its effect on pRb.

Role of pRb-related proteins in simian virus 40 large-T-antigen-mediated transformation

Simian virus 40 large T-antigen (TAg) transformation is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by binding to and modulating the function of certain cellular proteins, including the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product, pRb. TAg can disrupt the inhibitory complexes formed by pRb with the oncogenic transcription factor E2F, and this mechanism has been suggested to be important for TAg-mediated transformation. Residues 102 to 114 of TAg (including the LXCXE motif) are required for binding to pRb. Mutations within this LXCXE motif abolish the ability of TAg to bind to pRb as well as to transform certain cell types. TAg can also bind to at least two other cellular proteins, p107 and p130, that are related to pRb by sequence homology and share the ability to bind E2F. However, whether p107 and p130 are also targets in TAg-mediated transformation is less clear. To assess the relative contribution of the inactivation of pRb, p107, and p130 to transformation by TAg, fibroblasts were prepared from embryos derived from matings of mice heterozygous for an Rb knockout allele. The ability of TAg to transform fibroblasts homozygous for either wild-type or knockout Rb alleles was evaluated. It is demonstrated that the integrity of the LXCXE motif provides a growth advantage in Rb+/+ and Rb-/- cells. Furthermore, wild-type TAg, but not the LXCXE mutants, could bind to p107 and p130 and disrupt p107-E2F and p130-E2F binding complexes. These results suggest that p107 and p130 participate in TAg-mediated transformation and that they may behave as tumor suppressors.

Binding of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein to Elongin B and C

Germ-line mutations of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene (VHL) predispose individuals to a variety of human tumors, and somatic mutations of this gene have been identified in sporadic renal cell carcinomas and cerebellar hemangioblastomas. Two transcriptional elongation factors, Elongin B and C, were shown to bind in vitro and in vivo to a short, colinear region of the VHL protein (pVHL) that is frequently mutated in human tumors. A peptide replica of this region inhibited binding of pVHL to Elongin B and C whereas a point-mutant derivative, corresponding to a naturally occurring VHL missense mutation, had no effect. These results suggest that the tumor suppression function of pVHL may be linked to its ability to bind to Elongin B and C.

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe MBF complex requires heterodimerization for entry into S phase

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, MBF is a DNA-binding complex suspected to activate the transcription of genes necessary for entry into S phase. The MBF complex contains both p85cdc10 and p72res1/sct1. To obtain a better understanding of how the MBF complex regulates gene expression at the G1/S transition, we have performed a genetic analysis of p72res1. We determined that p72res1 can bind specifically to the cdc22 promoter, when analyzed by gel mobility shift assay, and that the N-terminal 157 amino acids of p72res1 are sufficient for this specific binding. When overexpressed in vivo, a fragment of p72res1 containing this DNA-binding domain could rescue a strain carrying a temperature-sensitive cdc10 allele at the restrictive temperature as well as a strain with a cdc10 null allele. We also determined that the C-terminal region of p72res1 is necessary and sufficient for binding to p85cdc10. Overexpression of the cdc10-binding domain of p72res1 leads to a G1 arrest with a cdc phenotype and a decrease on MBF activity. Overexpression of full-length p72res1 also leads to a growth arrest that can be rescued by overexpression of p85cdc10. These results imply that the MBF activity in vivo is dependent on the interaction of p85cdc10 with p72res1.

E2F-4, a new member of the E2F transcription factor family, interacts with p107

The E2F family of transcription factors has been implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, and E2F-binding sites are present in the promoters of several growth-regulating genes. E2F family members are functionally regulated, in part, by complex formation with one or more members of the nuclear pocket protein family, RB, p107, and p130. Pocket protein regulation of E2F likely contributes to normal cellular growth control. While the three cloned species of E2F, E2F-1, E2F-2, and E2F-3, are known to be targets of RB interaction, no E2F species has yet been shown to be a specific p107 or p130 target. Here, we describe the cloning of a new member of the E2F family, E2F-4, which forms heterodimers with a member(s) of the DP family and, unlike some family members, is present throughout the cell cycle and appears to be a differentially phosphorylated p107-binding partner. p107 binding not only can be linked to the regulation of E2F-4 transcriptional activity, but also to suppression of the ability of E2F-4 to transform an immortalized rodent cell line.

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of the adenovirus E1A-associated 300-kD protein (p300) reveals a protein with properties of a transcriptional adaptor

The growth-controlling functions of the adenovirus E1A oncoprotein depend on its ability ot interact with a set of cellular proteins. Among these are the retinoblastoma protein, p107, p130, and p300. We have isolated a cDNA encoding full-length human p300 and mapped the chromosomal location of the gene to chromosome 22q13. p300 contains three cysteine- and histidine-rich regions of which the most carboxy-terminal region interacts specifically with E1A. In its center, p300 contains a bromodomain, a hallmark of certain transcriptional coactivators. We have examined the ability of p300 to overcome the repressive effect of E1A on the SV40 enhancer. We show that p300 molecules lacking an intact E1A-binding site can bypass E1A repression and restore to a significant extent the activity of the SV40 enhancer, even in the presence of high levels of E1A protein. These results imply that p300 may function as a transcriptional adaptor protein for certain complex transcriptional regulatory elements.

Cell cycle analysis of E2F in primary human T cells reveals novel E2F complexes and biochemically distinct forms of free E2F

The transcription factor E2F activates the expression of multiple genes involved in cell proliferation, such as c-myc and the dihydrofolate reductase gene. Regulation of E2F involves its interactions with other cellular proteins, including the retinoblastoma protein (Rb), the Rb-related protein p107, cyclin A, and cdk2. We undertook a detailed analysis of E2F DNA-binding activities and their cell cycle behavior in primary human T cells. Three E2F DNA-binding activities were identified in resting (G0) T cells with mobilities in gel shift assays distinct from those of previously defined E2F complexes. One of these activities was found to be a novel, less abundant, Rb-E2F complex. The most prominent E2F activity in resting T cells (termed complex X) was abundant in both G0 and G1 but disappeared as cells entered S phase, suggesting a possible role in negatively regulating E2F function. Complex X could be dissociated by adenovirus E1A with a requirement for an intact E1A conserved region 2. However, X failed to react with a variety of antibodies against Rb or p107, implicating the involvement of an E1A-binding protein other than Rb or p107. In addition to these novel E2F complexes, three distinct forms of unbound (free) E2F were resolved in gel shift experiments. These species showed different cell cycle kinetics. UV cross-linking experiments suggested that a distinct E2F DNA-binding protein is uniquely associated with the S-phase p107 complex and is not associated with Rb. Together, these results suggest that E2F consists of multiple, biochemically distinct DNA-binding proteins which function at different points in the cell cycle.

Expression of the human retinoblastoma gene product in mouse fibroblasts: effects on cell proliferation and susceptibility to transformation

Expression of the human retinoblastoma gene (RB1) in tumor cells defective of the gene in many instances abrogates the growth of the cells. Here we have evaluated the characteristics and tumor-suppressive functions of the human retinoblastoma gene product in mouse fibroblasts. Human full-length wild-type or mutant RB cDNAs were transfected into NIH 3T3 cells and cell clones expressing high levels of RB protein were isolated and characterized. Stable expression of RB protein was obtained, and cell growth experiments indicated that the human RB expressing clones maintained unaltered growth rates under normal culture conditions. The growth rates of wild-type RB-expressing clones but not those expressing mutant RB were reduced in lower serum concentrations. This indicates that serum withdrawal may bring out some growth suppressive properties of RB. Analysis of the human RB protein produced by mouse fibroblasts by cell synchronization and immunoblotting indicated that pRB was phosphorylated and dephosphorylated in a cell cycle-dependent manner. This suggests a functional role for the human pRB also in mouse cells. Moreover, cells expressing wild-type pRB were less susceptible to the transforming effects of SV40 large T antigen than cells expressing mutant pRB as shown by cell transfection studies. The results indicate that human pRB produced by mouse fibroblasts is functionally active and show that pRB can suppress the transforming activity of T antigen.

Independent regulation of human D-type cyclin gene expression during G1 phase in primary human T lymphocytes

Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases are critically involved in controlling cell cycle progression in virtually all cells. The recent identification of candidate G1 cyclins in mammalian cells has been a major advance in this field, but the exact functions of these cyclins are unknown. The expression of three D-type cyclins (D1, D2, and D3) was investigated in primary human T lymphocytes as these cells were induced to leave G0, traverse G1, and enter S phase by T cell-specific mitogens. G0 phase T cells expressed low levels of cyclin D2, but not cyclin D3. Treatment of these cells with phytohemagglutinin and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in the presence of fetal calf serum resulted in rapid induction of cyclin D2 RNA in early G1 and slower induction of cyclin D3 in late G1. Cyclin D1 was not detected in T cells under any condition tested. Treatment of T cells with hydroxyurea to arrest cells at G1/S did not block induction of either D2 or D3. However, arrest of cells in mid G1 with deferoxamine blocked D3 expression without affecting D2. Cyclosporin A blocked the induction of both cyclin D2 and D3. Polyclonal antisera were prepared in rabbits against both cyclin D2 and cyclin D3 glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins and used to examine cyclin D2 and D3 proteins in [35S]methionine-labeled T cells. Protein levels were found to correlate closely with RNA levels for both cyclins. No detectable histone H1 kinase activity could be precipitated with either cyclin. However, several cellular proteins were observed to coprecipitate with the cyclins, including several proteins that were observed to associate only with D3. These results indicate that striking differences exist in the induction and regulation of two candidate G1 cyclins in human T cells and suggest that these cyclins could participate in multiple cell cycle checkpoints during G0, G1, or S phase.

Expression cloning of a cDNA encoding a retinoblastoma-binding protein with E2F-like properties

An expression vector was modified to permit the rapid synthesis of purified, 32P-labeled, glutathione S-transferase (GST)-retinoblastoma (RB) fusion proteins. The products were used to screen lambda gt11 expression libraries, from which we cloned a cDNA encoding a polypeptide (RBAP-1) capable of binding directly to a putative functional domain (the pocket) of the retinoblastoma gene product (RB). The RB "pocket" is known to bind, directly or indirectly, to the cellular transcription factor, E2F, implicated in cell growth control. We have found that RBAP-1 copurifies with E2F, interacts specifically with the adenovirus E4 ORF 6/7 protein, binds specifically and directly to a known E2F DNA recognition sequence, and contains a functional tranasactivation domain. Therefore, RBAP-1 is a species of E2F and can bind specifically to the RB pocket.

The retinoblastoma-susceptibility gene product becomes phosphorylated in multiple stages during cell cycle entry and progression

The retinoblastoma-susceptibility gene product (RB) undergoes cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. We characterized RB phosphorylation after mitogenic stimulation of primary human T lymphocytes, initially arrested in the G0 state. RB is phosphorylated in at least three steps when T cells are driven into the cell cycle. The first event occurs during mid G1 phase, the second during S phase, and the third in G2/M. Tryptic phosphopeptide mapping indicates that the different phosphorylation events occur, at least in part, on different residues in RB. Given the known relationship of the RB phosphorylation state to function, it is possible that RB regulates growth at multiple points in the cell cycle.

The transcription factor E2F interacts with the retinoblastoma product and a p107-cyclin A complex in a cell cycle-regulated manner

E2F is a transcription factor believed to play a role in the activation of genes required for cellular proliferation. Its regulation is likely important for maintenance of G0 and for the initiation of cell growth. The retinoblastoma product (RB) forms a complex with E2F in G1 in primary and established human cells. As these cells enter S, a second E2F-containing complex appears. It contains p107, a nuclear "pocket" protein with similarities in structure and protein-binding properties to RB, and cyclin A, a cyclin believed to play a role in facilitating DNA replication. Hence, the regulation of E2F is carried out differently in G1 or S. The presence of cyclin A and a pocket protein, a possible cell growth regulator, in the same S phase-associated complex suggests a link between the function of E2F and the regulation of the DNA replication process.

Fluorouracil and high-dose leucovorin in previously untreated patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: results of a phase II trial

Forty-two previously untreated patients with advanced, measurable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were treated with weekly fluorouracil (5-FU; 600 mg/m2 intravenous [IV]) and leucovorin 500 mg/m2 IV for 6 weeks followed by a 2-week rest. A median of 11 (range, one to 76) doses were given. There were three partial responses (three of 42 [7%]; exact 95% confidence interval, 1% to 19%) and no complete responses. Median survival was 6.2 months, with seven patients surviving longer than 12 months. The most common toxicity was diarrhea; there was one treatment-related death. Despite promising results in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, this dose schedule of 5-FU and leucovorin does not appear to be superior to 5-FU alone for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. Alternative investigative approaches are needed.

Heterogeneous expression of the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene in primary human leukemia cells

To investigate the possible role of the product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, pRB, in leukemogenesis, we examined fresh leukemia cells from 56 cases of primary leukemia (AML, 32; ALL, 12; CML-BC, 9; CLL, 3) for expression of pRB by using an immunoblotting assay with anti-pRB monoclonal antibodies PMG 3-245 or 3-340. Expression of the 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) was examined simultaneously as an internal control. pRB was found to be absent or expressed at an abnormally low level in 13 of 56 cases. Abnormal expression of pRB was most common in AML (8/32) and CML-BC (4/9), and less common in ALL (1/12). Expression of pRB was not induced in two cases of pRB- AML cultured for 24 h with GM-CSF, indicating that pRB expression could not be induced by increasing the rate of proliferation. The eight cases of AML lacking pRB protein were examined for RB1 mRNA by Northern blot. Two lacked RB1 mRNA and six had a normal-sized mRNA (approximately 4.7 kb), although the amount of RB mRNA was very low in some cases. RB1 gene structure was normal by Southern blot in all eight cases lacking pRB protein which were studied. These results show that lack of pRB expression is relatively common in human myeloid leukemias, and suggests that loss of pRB expression could contribute to the altered growth control of these cells.

Identification of cellular proteins that can interact specifically with the T/E1A-binding region of the retinoblastoma gene product

The SV40 T antigen (T)/adenovirus E1A-binding domain of the retinoblastoma gene product (pRB) has been fused to S. japonicum glutathione S-transferase, and the chimera, bound to insoluble glutathione, was used to search for cellular proteins that can interact specifically with pRB. At least seven such proteins were detected in extracts of multiple human tumor cell lines. These proteins failed to bind to a family of pRB fusion proteins that harbor inactivating mutations in the T/E1A-binding domain and to the wild-type fusion protein in the presence of a peptide replica of the pRB-binding domain of T. Therefore, the binding of one or more of these proteins may contribute to the growth-suppressing function of pRB.

Growth inhibition by TGF-beta linked to suppression of retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation

The growth-suppressive function of the retinoblastoma gene product, RB, has been ascribed to the underphosphorylated RB form that prevails during G1 phase in the cell cycle. We show that addition of the paracrine growth inhibitor transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) to Mv1Lu lung epithelial cells in mid to late G1 prevents phosphorylation of RB scheduled for this cell cycle stage and arrests cells in late G1. Expression of SV40 T antigen, a transforming protein that binds underphosphorylated RB, does not block the effect of TGF-beta 1 on RB phosphorylation but greatly reduces the growth-inhibitory response to TGF-beta 1. TGF-beta 1 and RB appear to function in a common growth-inhibitory pathway in which TGF-beta 1 acts to retain RB in the underphosphorylated, growth-suppressive state.