Regulation of cellular quiescence by YAP/TAZ and Cyclin E1 in colon cancer cells: Implication in chemoresistance and cancer relapse

Our aim was to decipher the role and clinical relevance of the YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators in the regulation of the proliferation/quiescence balance in human colon cancer cells (CCC) and survival after 5FU-based chemotherapy. The prognostic value of YAP/TAZ on tumor relapse and overall survival was assessed in a five-year follow-up study using specimens of liver metastases (n = 70) from colon cancer patients. In 5FU-chemoresistant HT29-5F31 and -chemosensitive HCT116 and RKO CCC, a reversible G0 quiescent state mediated by Cyclin E1 down-regulation was induced by 5FU in 5F31 cells and recapitulated in CCC by either YAP/TAZ or Cyclin E1 siRNAs or the YAP inhibitor Verteporfin. Conversely, the constitutive active YAPdc-S127A mutant restricted cellular quiescence in 5FU-treated 5F31 cells and sustained high Cyclin E1 levels through CREB Ser-133 phosphorylation and activation. In colon cancer patients, high YAP/TAZ level in residual liver metastases correlated with the proliferation marker Ki-67 (p < 0.0001), high level of the YAP target CTGF (p = 0.01), shorter disease-free and overall survival (p = 0.008 and 0.04, respectively). By multivariate analysis and Cox regression model, the YAP/TAZ level was an independent factor of overall (Hazard ratio [CI 95%] 2.06 (1.02–4.16) p = 0.045) and disease-free survival (Hazard ratio [CI 95%] 1.98 (1.01–3.86) p = 0.045). Thus, YAP/ TAZ pathways contribute to the proliferation/quiescence switch during 5FU treatment according to the concerted regulation of Cyclin E1 and CREB. These findings provide a rationale for therapeutic interventions targeting these transcriptional regulators in patients with residual chemoresistant liver metastases expressing high YAP/TAZ levels.

Patient-derived tumor xenograft model to guide the use of BRAF inhibitors in metastatic melanoma

Recently, the BRAF V600 inhibitor, vemurafenib, has revolutionized the therapeutic management of metastatic melanoma. However, adverse effects and the onset of resistance are frequently observed, limiting the efficacy of this treatment. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDTX) engrafted in immunocompromised mice have been proposed as valuable preclinical models that can predict clinical response to treatments. Here, we established a PDTX model of BRAF V600E melanoma useful for testing the efficacy of vemurafenib. First, we validated the stability of the model that was similar to the original tumor with respect to histology, immunohistochemistry, mutational status, and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG)-PET/computed tomography (CT). Next, the sensitivity of the xenografts to vemurafenib was determined by tumor growth inhibition and decreased in standardized uptake value on [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT. Finally, this result, using personalized PDTX, allowed successful rechallenge with vemurafenib in a patient who was administered a lower dose of vemurafenib because of the onset of adverse events. Overall, we found that PDTX provides 'real-time' results in an animal that phenocopies the biology and expected vemurafenib responses of the tumor in a patient with BRAF V600E melanoma. Thus, this 'coclinical' trial using PDTX can help guide vemurafenib treatment for metastatic melanoma.

[Reply to « Why is it difficult to implement biomedical policy? The ase of the Cancéropôles, the French cancer organizations », by Audrey Vézian, Med Sci (Paris) 2014 Aug-Sep; 30 (8-9) : 803-7]

The authors, all in charge of the administration of one of the 7 French Cancéropôles, reply to the article authored by Audrey Vézian, and -provide an alternative and more supportive view of the initiatives -sponsored by these regional cancer research networks.

Transient TNF regulates the self-renewing capacity of stem-like label-retaining cells in sphere and skin equivalent models of melanoma

BACKGROUND

It is well established that inflammation promotes cancer, including melanoma, although the exact mechanisms involved are less known. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that inflammatory factors affect the cancer stem cell (CSC) compartment responsible for tumor development and relapse.

RESULTS

Using an inducible histone 2B-GFP fusion protein as a tracer of cell divisional history, we determined that tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is a classical pro-inflammatory cytokine, enlarged the CSC pool of GFP-positive label-retaining cells (LRCs) in tumor-like melanospheres. Although these cells acquired melanoma stem cell markers, including ABCB5 and CD271, and self-renewal ability, they lost their capacity to differentiate, as evidenced by the diminished MelanA expression in melanosphere cells and the loss of pigmentation in a skin equivalent model of human melanoma. The undifferentiated cell phenotype could be reversed by LY294002, which is an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and this reversal was accompanied by a significant reduction in CSC phenotypic markers and functional properties. Importantly, the changes induced by a transient exposure to TNF were long-lasting and observed for many generations after TNF withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that pro-inflammatory TNF targets the quiescent/slow-cycling melanoma SC compartment and promotes PI3K/AKT-driven expansion of melanoma SCs most likely by preventing their asymmetrical self-renewal. This TNF effect is maintained and transferred to descendants of LRC CSCs and is manifested in the absence of TNF, suggesting that a transient exposure to inflammatory factors imprints long-lasting molecular and/or cellular changes with functional consequences long after inflammatory signal suppression. Clinically, these results may translate into an inflammation-triggered accumulation of quiescent/slow-cycling CSCs and a post-inflammatory onset of an aggressive tumor.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is the Achille's heel of melanoma cells resistant to Braf-mutant inhibitor

Vemurafenib/PLX4032, a selective inhibitor of mutant BRAFV600E, constitutes a paradigm shift in melanoma therapy. Unfortunately, acquired resistance, which unavoidably occurs, represents one major limitation to clinical responses. Recent studies have highlighted that vemurafenib activated oxidative metabolism in BRAFV600E melanomas expressing PGC1α. However, the oxidative state of melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitors is unknown. We established representative in vitro and in vivo models of human melanoma resistant to vemurafenib including primary specimens derived from melanoma patients. Firstly, our study reveals that vemurafenib increased mitochondrial respiration and ROS production in BRAFV600E melanoma cell lines regardless the expression of PGC1α. Secondly, melanoma cells that have acquired resistance to vemurafenib displayed intrinsically high rates of mitochondrial respiration associated with elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress irrespective of the presence of vemurafenib. Thirdly, the elevated ROS level rendered vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells prone to cell death induced by pro-oxidants including the clinical trial drug, elesclomol. Based on these observations, we propose that the mitochondrial oxidative signature of resistant melanoma constitutes a novel opportunity to overcome resistance to BRAF inhibition.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signals inversely regulate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activity to control human dental pulp stem cell quiescence, propagation, and differentiation

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) remain quiescent until activated in response to severe dental pulp damage. Once activated, they exit quiescence and enter regenerative odontogenesis, producing reparative dentin. The factors and signaling molecules that control the quiescence/activation and commitment to differentiation of human DPSCs are not known. In this study, we determined that the inhibition of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling commonly activates DPSCs and promotes their exit from the G0 phase of the cell cycle as well as from the pyronin Y(low) stem cell compartment. The inhibition of these two pathways, however, inversely determines DPSC fate. In contrast to p38 MAPK inhibitors, IGF-1R inhibitors enhance dental pulp cell sphere-forming capacity and reduce the cells' colony-forming capacity without inducing cell death. The inverse cellular changes initiated by IGF-1R and p38 MAPK inhibitors were accompanied by inverse changes in the levels of active signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) factor, inactive glycogen synthase kinase 3, and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein, a marker of early odontoblast differentiation. Our data suggest that there is cross talk between the IGF-1R and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in DPSCs and that the signals provided by these pathways converge at STAT3 and inversely regulate its activity to maintain quiescence or to promote self-renewal and differentiation of the cells. We propose a working model that explains the possible interactions between IGF-1R and p38 MAPK at the molecular level and describes the cellular consequences of these interactions. This model may inspire further fundamental study and stimulate research on the clinical applications of DPSC in cellular therapy and tissue regeneration.

Colon cancer cells escape 5FU chemotherapy-induced cell death by entering stemness and quiescence associated with the c-Yes/YAP axis

PURPOSE

Metastasis and drug resistance are the major limitations in the survival and management of patients with cancer. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying HT29 colon cancer cell chemoresistance acquired after sequential exposure to 5-fluorouracil (5FU), a classical anticancer drug for treatment of epithelial solid tumors. We examined its clinical relevance in a cohort of patients with colon cancer with liver metastases after 5FU-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery.

RESULTS

We show that a clonal 5F31 cell population, resistant to 1 μmol/L 5FU, express a typical cancer stem cell-like phenotype and enter into a reversible quiescent G0 state upon reexposure to higher 5FU concentrations. These quiescent cells overexpressed the tyrosine kinase c-Yes that became activated and membrane-associated upon 5FU exposure. This enhanced signaling pathway induced the dissociation of the Yes/YAP (Yes-associated protein) molecular complex and depleted nuclear YAP levels. Consistently, YES1 silencing decreased nuclear YAP accumulation and induced cellular quiescence in 5F31 cells cultured in 5FU-free medium. Importantly, YES1 and YAP transcript levels were higher in liver metastases of patients with colon cancer after 5FU-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, the YES1 and YAP transcript levels positively correlated with colon cancer relapse and shorter patient survival (P < 0.05 and P < 0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified c-Yes and YAP as potential molecular targets to eradicate quiescent cancer cells and dormant micrometastases during 5FU chemotherapy and resistance and as predictive survival markers for colon cancer.

A structural explanation of the effects of dissociated glucocorticoids on glucocorticoid receptor transactivation

There is a therapeutic need for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) ligands that distinguish between the transrepression and transactivation activity of the GR, the later thought to be responsible for side effects. These ligands are known as "dissociated glucocorticoids" (dGCs). The first published dGCs, RU24782 (9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methylpregna-21-thiomethyl-1,4-diene-3,20-dione) and RU24858 (9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methylpregna-21-cyanide-1,4-diene-3,20-dione), do not have the 17α-hydroxyl group that characterizes dexamethasone (Dex; 9α-fluoro-11β,17α,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione), and they differ from one another by having C21-thiomethyl and C21-cyanide moieties, respectively. Our aim was therefore to establish the structural basis of their activity. Both RU24782 and RU24858 induced a transactivation activity highly dependent on the GR expression level but always lower than dexamethasone. They also display less ability than dexamethasone to trigger steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1) recruitment and histone H3 acetylation. Docking studies, validated by mutagenesis experiments, revealed that dGCs are not anchored by Gln642, in contrast to Dex, which is hydrogen bonded to this residue via its 17α-hydroxyl group. This contact is essential for SRC-1 recruitment and subsequent dexamethasone-induced GR transactivation, but not transrepression. The ability of dGCs to make contacts with Ile747, for both RU24858 and RU24782 and with Asn564 for RU24858 are not strong enough to maintain GR in a conformation able to efficiently recruit SRC-1, unless SRC-1 is overexpressed. Overall, our findings provide some structural guidelines for the synthesis of potential new dissociated glucocorticoids with a better therapeutic ratio.

Inactivation of the HIF-1α/PDK3 signaling axis drives melanoma toward mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and potentiates the therapeutic activity of pro-oxidants

Cancer cells can undergo a metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis that allows them to adapt to nutrient-poor microenvironments, thereby imposing a selection for aggressive variants. However, the mechanisms underlying this reprogramming are not fully understood. Using complementary approaches in validated cell lines and freshly obtained human specimens, we report here that mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation are slowed in metastatic melanomas, even under normoxic conditions due to the persistence of a high nuclear expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Pharmacologic or genetic blockades of the HIF-1α pathway decreased glycolysis and promoted mitochondrial respiration via specific reduction in the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-3 (PDK3). Inhibiting PDK3 activity by dichloroacetate (DCA) or siRNA-mediated attenuation was sufficient to increase pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation. Notably, DCA potentiated the antitumor effects of elesclomol, a pro-oxidative drug currently in clinical development, both by limiting cell proliferation and promoting cell death. Interestingly, this combination was also effective against BRAF V600E-mutant melanoma cells that were resistant to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Cotreatment of melanomas with DCA and elesclomol in vivo achieved a more durable response than single agent alone. Our findings offer a preclinical validation of the HIF-1/PDK3 bioenergetic pathway as a new target for therapeutic intervention in metastatic melanoma, opening the door to innovative combinations that might eradicate this disease.

Down-regulation of human RNA/DNA helicase SUV3 induces apoptosis by a caspase- and AIF-dependent pathway

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The nuclear gene hSUV3 (human SUV3) encodes an ATP-dependent DNA/RNA helicase. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae the orthologous Suv3 protein is localized in mitochondria, and is a subunit of the degradosome complex which regulates RNA surveillance and turnover. In contrast, the functions of human SUV3 are not known to date.

RESULTS

In the present study, we show that a fraction of human SUV3 helicase is localized in the nucleus. Using small interfering RNA gene silencing in HeLa cells, we demonstrate that down-regulation of hSUV3 results in cell cycle perturbations and in apoptosis, which is both AIF- and caspase-dependent, and proceeds with the induction of p53.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to its mitochondrial localization, human SUV3 plays an important role in the nucleus and is probably involved in chromatin maintenance.

Macromolecular synthesis inhibitors perturb glucocorticoid receptor trafficking

The ability of inhibitors of transcription and translation to prevent glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis has been interpreted to indicate that the cell death machinery requires de novo protein synthesis. The transcriptional inhibitors actinomycin D (Act D) and DRB as well as the translational inhibitors CHX and puromycin inhibited early loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was not observed with the transcriptional inhibitor α-amanitin suggesting they may have additional effects. Their role in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) intracellular trafficking was therefore investigated. Here, we show that Act D and CHX reduced glucocorticoid binding, GR turnover and impaired GR nuclear translocation. We performed the same experiments in different thymocyte subpopulations of Balb/c mice. At the highest dose tested, actinomycin D and cycloheximide abolished glucocorticoid-induced cell death of CD4+CD8+ and CD4+CD8-. In all subsets, Act D, DRB, as well as CHX and puromycin prevented receptor nuclear translocation, indicating a general alteration of GR trafficking. Overall, our data support a direct effect of macromolecular inhibitors on GR activation and trafficking. Finally, direct alterations of the functional properties of the glucocorticoid receptor might be responsible for cell death prevention by actinomycin D, DRB, cycloheximide and puromycin.

Exploiting mitochondrial dysfunction for effective elimination of imatinib-resistant leukemic cells

Challenges today concern chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients resistant to imatinib. There is growing evidence that imatinib-resistant leukemic cells present abnormal glucose metabolism but the impact on mitochondria has been neglected. Our work aimed to better understand and exploit the metabolic alterations of imatinib-resistant leukemic cells. Imatinib-resistant cells presented high glycolysis as compared to sensitive cells. Consistently, expression of key glycolytic enzymes, at least partly mediated by HIF-1α, was modified in imatinib-resistant cells suggesting that imatinib-resistant cells uncouple glycolytic flux from pyruvate oxidation. Interestingly, mitochondria of imatinib-resistant cells exhibited accumulation of TCA cycle intermediates, increased NADH and low oxygen consumption. These mitochondrial alterations due to the partial failure of ETC were further confirmed in leukemic cells isolated from some imatinib-resistant CML patients. As a consequence, mitochondria generated more ROS than those of imatinib-sensitive cells. This, in turn, resulted in increased death of imatinib-resistant leukemic cells following in vitro or in vivo treatment with the pro-oxidants, PEITC and Trisenox, in a syngeneic mouse tumor model. Conversely, inhibition of glycolysis caused derepression of respiration leading to lower cellular ROS. In conclusion, these findings indicate that imatinib-resistant leukemic cells have an unexpected mitochondrial dysfunction that could be exploited for selective therapeutic intervention.

Human umbilical cord blood cells form epidermis in the skin equivalent model

Recently, human embryonic stem cells have been differentiated in vitro into functional epidermal keratinocytes. Here, we demonstrated that these cells can be generated also from non-embryonic, human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) cells that have the potential to differentiate into cells of non-hematopoietic lineage. Human UCB mono-nucleated cells were cultivated in monolayer and in three-dimensional skin equivalent cultures and assayed for the presence of phenotype-specific markers. Our results determined that after one month of culturing in serum containing medium, the hUCB cells produced morphologically homogeneous colonies of epithelial cells expressing keratinocyte-specific markers. They also formed stratified epidermis in organ cultures that contained sporadic CD1a-positive cells within the accurate strata. We concluded that hUCB cells have the capacity to differentiate into functional epidermal keratinocytes and may serve as a source of high-quality keratinocytes for clinical applications.

Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration mediates apoptosis induced by the anti-tumoral alkaloid lamellarin D

Lamellarin D (Lam D), a marine alkaloid, exhibits a potent cytotoxicity against many different tumors. The pro-apoptotic function of Lam D has been attributed to its direct induction of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). This study was undertaken to explore the mechanisms through which Lam D promotes changes in mitochondrial function and as a result apoptosis. The use of eight Lam derivatives provides useful structure-apoptosis relationships. We demonstrate that Lam D and structural analogues induce apoptosis of cancer cells by acting directly on mitochondria inducing reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, swelling and cytochrome c release. Cyclosporin A, a well-known inhibitor of MPT, completely prevents mitochondrial signs of apoptosis. The drug decreases calcium uptake by mitochondria but not by microsomes indicating that Lam D-dependent permeability is specific to mitochondrial membranes. In addition, upon Lam D exposure, a rapid decline of mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis occurs in isolated mitochondria as well as in intact cells. Evaluation of the site of action of Lam D on the electron-transport chain revealed that the activity of respiratory chain complex III is reduced by a half. To determine whether Lam D could induce MPT-dependent apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, we generated respiration-deficient cells (rho0) derived from human melanoma cells. In comparison to parental cells, rho0 cells are totally resistant to the induction of MPT-dependent apoptosis by Lam D. Our results indicate that functional mitochondria are required for Lam D-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration is responsible for MPT-dependent apoptosis of cancer cells induced by Lam-D.

Asymmetric distribution of epidermal growth factor receptor directs the fate of normal and cancer keratinocytes in vitro

Cancer cells are unequal in a tumor mass and in established cultures. This is attributable to cancer stem cells with the unique ability to self-renew and to generate differentiating progeny. This ability is controlled at the level of asymmetric division by mechanisms that are yet not well defined. We found that normal and cancer keratinocyte fate was linked to the asymmetric distribution of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) during mitosis. Although essential for epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, this receptor was not present on the surface of cells satisfying criteria for stem cells such as quiescence, competence to produce functionally distinct daughters, high proliferative and clonogenic potential, sphere formation ability, and expression of stem cell markers. In contrast, keratinocytes displaying EGFR acquired a more differentiated phenotype, suggesting that EGFR may be involved in a switch from stem to transient amplifying cell fate. This switch was associated with changes in the expression profile of cell cycle, survival, and mitochondria controlling proteins that varied between normal and cancer cells. In conclusion, it appears that an unequal distribution of EGFR at mitosis controls keratinocyte fate by balancing quiescence and cycling of EGFR(-) cells, clearly malfunctioning in cancer. We believe that our findings provide mechanistic insights into the development of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies.

Essential role of mitochondria in apoptosis of cancer cells induced by the marine alkaloid Lamellarin D

Lamellarin D, a potent cytotoxic marine alkaloid, exerts its antitumor action through two complementary pathways: a nuclear route via topoisomerase I inhibition and a mitochondrial targeting. The present study was designed to investigate the contribution of these two pathways for apoptosis in cancer cells. Lamellarin D promoted nuclear apoptosis in leukemia cells without prominent cell cycle arrest. Signals transmitted by lamellarin D initiated apoptosis via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The drug induced conformational activation of Bax and decreased the expression levels of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and cIAP2 in association with activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Upon lamellarin D exposure, Fas and Fas-L expression was not modified in leukemia cells. Moreover, leukemia cells deficient in caspase-8 or Fas-associated protein with death domain underwent apoptosis through the typical mitochondrial apoptotic cascade, indicating that cell death induced by lamellarin D was independent of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Lamellarin D also exerted a topoisomerase I-mediated DNA damage response resulting in H2AX phosphorylation, and the upregulation of the DNA repair protein Rad51 and of p53, as well as the phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15. However, lamellarin D killed efficiently mutated p53 or p53 null cancer cells, and sensitivity to lamellarin D was abrogated neither by cycloheximide nor in enucleated cells. Lamellarin D-induced cytochrome c release occurs independently of nuclear factors in a cell-free system. These results suggest that lamellarin D exerts its cytotoxic effects primarily by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis independently of nuclear signaling. Thus, lamellarin D constitutes a new proapoptotic agent that may bypass certain forms of apoptosis resistance that occur in tumor cells.

Human dental pulp stem cells differentiate into neural crest-derived melanocytes and have label-retaining and sphere-forming abilities

Adult tissues contain highly proliferative, clonogenic cells that meet criteria of multipotent stem cells and are potential sources for autologous reparative and reconstructive medicine. We demonstrated that human dental pulp contains self renewing human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) capable of differentiating into mesenchymal-derived odontoblasts, osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes and striated muscle, and interestingly, also into non-mesenchymal melanocytes. Furthermore, we showed that hDPSC cultures include cells with the label-retaining and sphere-forming abilities, traits attributed to multipotent stem cells, and provide evidence that these may be multipotent neural crest stem cells.

Apoptosis-related mitochondrial dysfunction defines human monocyte-derived dendritic cells with impaired immuno-stimulatory capacities

The death of dendritic cells (DCs) can potentially influence immune responses by affecting the duration of DC stimulation of lymphocytes. Here, we report that cultured mature monocyte-derived DCs manifest early mitochondrial damage (i.e. within 24 hrs), characterized by mitochondrial membrane potential (ψΔm) disruption and mitochondrial release of pro-apoptotic factors, followed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and activation of caspases. Afterwards, DCs with mitochondrial alterations are condemned to undergo apoptosis and necrosis. Macroarray analysis results (validated by real time quantitative-PCR (QRT-PCR) and immunoblotting), showed up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, Bim, while expression of several anti-apoptotic molecules was down-regulated. Importantly, pre-apoptotic DCs (characterized by a low Δψm) showed a modified phenotype, with down-regulation.of HLA-DR and of the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Moreover, sorted viable low ψΔm DCs were unable to activate allogeneic T cells, indicating that pre-apoptotic DCs have already lost some of their immuno-stimulatory capabilities long before any detectable signs of death occur. Perturbations to mitochondrial respiration with rotenone identified the same modifications to DC immune functions. These data indicate a strong requirement for mitochondrial integrity for the immuno-stimulatory capacities of DC. Determining ΔΨm could be a useful parameter to select ‘fully’ functional DCs for anti-tumour vaccines.

Variable Bax antigenicity is linked to keratinocyte position within epidermal strata and UV-induced apoptosis

Pro- and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family are fundamental in the control of apoptosis. Among them, Bax plays a key role in apoptosis induction by mediating the release of apoptogenic factors from mitochondria to the cytosol. In this report, we investigated, by immunohistofluorescence, the in vivo distribution of Bax in normal human epidermis before and 24 h after exposure to solar-simulated radiation. Bax expression was evaluated with three different, Western blot pretested, anti-Bax antibodies (Ab) and correlated with markers of keratinocyte differentiation and apoptosis using anti-beta(1) integrin and anti-active caspase-3 Abs respectively. Using anti-Bax N20 and A-3533 polyclonal Ab, we found that, whereas undifferentiated keratinocytes of the basal proliferative compartment contained Bax in the cytosol, the differentiated suprabasal cells had Bax mainly in the nucleus. This immunoreactivity pattern was not modified by skin irradiation. Interestingly, the well known apoptosis-related Bax redistribution to mitochondria in response to a cell death signal, could be detected only with yet another, the 2D2 monoclonal Ab. This relocalization occurred specifically in apoptotic, active caspase-3 positive cells of irradiated epidermis. Our data highlight the differentiation- and apoptosis-associated changes in the pattern of Bax subcellular and cellular distribution as uncovered by different anti-Bax Abs and suggest that Bax undergoes successive activation that progresses in parallel with keratinocyte differentiation and apoptosis.

[Translational research and Cancer Plan]

The French Cancer Plan 2003-2007 has made translational research central to its research programme, to ensure the care-research continuum and the quickest application possible for the most recent discoveries, for the patients' benefit. This is a new field of research, still little-known or ill-understood. A working group, composed of physicians and researchers from academic research and industrial research, sought to define translational research in cancerology and define the issues at stake in it. Translational research needs to develop in close connection with the patients in order to enable a bi-directional flow of knowledge from cognitive research toward medical applications and from observations made on patients toward cognitive research. Placed under the aegis of the French National Cancer Institute and Leem Research, the group has put forth a strategy for implementing translational research in cancerology in France to make it attractive, competitive and efficient and to foster the development of public-private partnerships.

S 26948: a new specific peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma modulator with potent antidiabetes and antiatherogenic effects

OBJECTIVE

Rosiglitazone displays powerful antidiabetes benefits but is associated with increased body weight and adipogenesis. Keeping in mind the concept of selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma modulator, the aim of this study was to characterize the properties of a new PPARgamma ligand, S 26948, with special attention in body-weight gain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used transient transfection and binding assays to characterized the binding characteristics of S 26948 and GST pull-down experiments to investigate its pattern of coactivator recruitment compared with rosiglitazone. We also assessed its adipogenic capacity in vitro using the 3T3-F442A cell line and its in vivo effects in ob/ob mice (for antidiabetes and antiobesity properties), as well as the homozygous human apolipoprotein E2 knocking mice (E2-KI) (for antiatherogenic capacity).

RESULTS

S 26948 displayed pharmacological features of a high selective ligand for PPARgamma with low potency in promoting adipocyte differentiation. It also displayed a different coactivator recruitment profile compared with rosiglitazone, being unable to recruit DRIP205 or PPARgamma coactivator-1 alpha. In vivo experiments showed that S 26948 was as efficient in ameliorating glucose and lipid homeostasis as rosiglitazone, but it did not increase body and white adipose tissue weights and improved lipid oxidation in liver. In addition, S 26948 represented one of the few molecules of the PPARgamma ligand class able to decrease atherosclerotic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings establish S 26948 as a selective PPARgamma ligand with distinctive coactivator recruitment and gene expression profile, reduced adipogenic effect, and improved biological responses in vivo.

Overcoming chemoresistance of non-small cell lung carcinoma through restoration of an AIF-dependent apoptotic pathway

Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) are typically resistant against apoptosis induced by standard chemotherapy. We evaluated the effects of the two potential antitumor agents of the lamellarin class on a highly apoptosis-resistant NSCLC cell line. Both the marine alkaloid lamellarin-D and its synthetic amino derivative PM031379 induced the activation of Bax, the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), as well as the activation of caspase-3. However, only PM031379 triggered cell death and sign of nuclear apoptosis coupled to the nuclear translocation of AIF. Depletion of AIF with small interfering RNA or microinjection of a neutralizing anti-AIF antibody largely prevented PM031379-induced cytotoxicity, underscoring the essential contribution of AIF to NSCLC killing. Using NSCLC cells lacking mitochondrial DNA, we showed that the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was crucial for the PM031379-induced translocation of AIF to the nucleus and subsequently cell death. Pretreatment of NSCLC cells with menadione, a mitochondrial ROS generator, was able to restore the deficient chemotherapy-induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Altogether, these data suggest that mitochondrial ROS generation is crucial for overriding the chemoresistance of NSCLC cells. Moreover, this study delineates the unique mechanism of action of lamellarins as potential anticancer agents.

Proteomics unveil corticoid-induced S100A11 shuttling in keratinocyte differentiation

Unlike classical protein extraction techniques, proteomic mapping using a selective subcellular extraction kit revealed S100A11 as a new member of the S100 protein family modulated by glucocorticoids in keratinocytes. Glucocorticoids (GC)-induced S100A11 redistribution in the "organelles and membranes" compartment. Microscopic examination indicated that glucocorticoids specifically routed cytoplasmic S100A11 toward perinuclear compartment. Calcium, a key component of skin terminal differentiation, directed S100A11 to the plasma membrane as previously reported. When calcium was added to glucocorticoids, minor change was observed at the proteomic level while confocal microscopy revealed a rapid and dramatic translocation of S100A11 toward plasma membrane. This effect was accompanied by strong nuclear condensation, loss of mitochondrial potential and DNA content, and increased high molecular weight S100A11 immunoreactivity, suggesting corticoids accelerate calcium-induced terminal differentiation. Finally, our results suggest GC-induced S100A11 relocalization could be a key step in both keratinocyte homeostasis and glucocorticoids side effects in human epidermis.

[Activation of cardiac caspases: a double-edged weapon implicated in cardiac dysfunction]

Low dead cell levels detected in various cardiac pathologies led to consider cardiac apoptosis as epiphenomena without repercussion on heart function. However, apoptosis prevention, and more specifically caspase inhibition, has been associated with major myocardial contractile performance improvement. This review describes specifically caspase involvement in myocardial dysfunction and highlights typical cardiomyocyte apoptosis signaling features. Thus caspase neutralization may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in heart disease treatments.

Influence of heat stress on human monocyte-derived dendritic cell functions with immunotherapeutic potential for antitumor vaccines

Mild heat stress can modulate the activities of immune cells, including dendritic cells (DC) and theoretically, would constitute an innovative approach capable of enhancing the antitumor functions of DC. Therefore, we tested the effects of mild heat stress on the physiology and viability of human monocyte-derived DC, the major type of DC used in tumor immunotherapy trials. We first designed a heat-stress protocol consisting of repetitive, sublethal heat shocks throughout the generation of DC. Using this protocol, we observed that heat stress did not perturb the morphology and the phenotype of immature or mature DC or the capacities of immature DC to uptake antigens efficiently. It is noteworthy that in response to heat stress, mature DC produced higher levels of IL-12p70 and TNF-alpha, which are two cytokines involved in the stimulation of inflammatory reaction, whereas IL-10 production remained low. After heat-stress exposure, mature DC have the full ability to stimulate naive T cells with Th1 response polarization (high IFN-gamma and low IL-4 production) in an allogeneic MLR. It is interesting that heat stress enhanced the migratory capacities of DC in response to MIP-3beta/CCL19. Finally, heat stress partly protected DC from apoptosis induced by cytokine withdrawal. Overall, these findings validate the feasibility of improving immune response by heating human monocyte-derived DC and provide a strong rationale for using mild heat stress in combination with DC vaccination to increase antitumor response.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha ligand binding and F domains mediate interaction and transcriptional synergy with the pancreatic islet LIM HD transcription factor Isl1

The orphan nuclear receptor HNF4alpha and the LIM homeodomain factor Isl1 are co-expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and are required for the differentiation and function of these endocrine cells. HNF4alpha activates numerous genes and mutations in its gene are associated with maturity onset diabetes of the young. Cofactors and transcription factors that interact with HNF4alpha are crucial to modulate its transcriptional activity, since the latter is not regulated by conventional ligands. These transcriptional partners interact mainly through the HNF4alpha AF-1 module and the ligand binding domain, which contains the AF-2 module. Here, we showed that Isl1 could enhance the HNF4alpha-mediated activation of transcription of the HNF1alpha, PPARalpha and insulin I promoters. Isl1 interacted with the HNF4alpha AF-2 but also required the HNF4alpha carboxy-terminal F domain for optimal interaction and transcriptional synergy. More specifically, we found that naturally occurring HNF4alpha isoforms, differing only in their F domain, exhibited different abilities to interact and synergize with Isl1, extending the crucial transcriptional modulatory role of the HNF4alpha F domain. HNF4alpha interacted with both the homeodomain and the first LIM domain of Isl1. We found that the transcriptional synergy between HNF4alpha and Isl1 involved an increase in HNF4alpha loading on promoter. The effect was more pronounced on the rat insulin I promoter containing binding sites for both HNF4alpha and Isl1 than on the human HNF1alpha promoter lacking an Isl1 binding site. Moreover, Isl1 could mediate the recruitment of the cofactor CLIM2 resulting in a further transcriptional enhancement of the HNF1alpha promoter activity.

Induction of apoptosis-like mitochondrial impairment triggers antioxidant and Bcl-2-dependent keratinocyte differentiation

Terminally differentiated keratinocytes are dead enucleated squams. We showed previously that the mitochondria-dependent cell death pathway might be gradually activated as differentiation progresses. In this study, we demonstrated that protoporphyrin IX, staurosporine, and rotenone induced apoptotic-like changes in the mitochondria, and early differentiation of keratinocytes without inducing apoptosis. Kinetics studies established that differentiation-related changes, including growth arrest, flattened morphology, stratification, and keratin 10 (K10) expression, were downstream of mitochondrial depolarization and proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor. When these changes were prevented by overexpressing Bcl-2 or pharmacologically decreasing the ROS level, K10 upregulation was inhibited, implying that the differentiated phenotype and K10 expression require apoptotic mitochondria, ROS being the most likely differentiation-mediating factor. Our data also suggest that the same mitochondria-affecting stimuli can induce either differentiation or apoptosis, depending on the keratinocyte's competency to undergo differentiation, a competency that may be controlled by Bcl-2.

Ventricular Myocyte Caspases Are Directly Responsible for Endotoxin-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction

Background— Although most of the deleterious effects of sepsis-induced apoptosis have been attributed to increased lymphocyte cell death, caspase activation may directly alter cell function of different organ systems. We postulated that left ventricular (LV) cardiomyocyte caspase activation is directly involved in sepsis-induced heart contractile dysfunction.

Methods and Results— LV cardiomyocytes isolated 4 hours after rat treatment with endotoxin injection (10 mg/kg) displayed major reductions in contractile reserve and myofilament response to Ca 2+ . Concomitantly, endotoxin also induced increases in LV cardiomyocyte caspase-3, -8, and -9-like activities, which were associated with sarcomeric structure destruction and cleavage of components of the cardiac myofilament. Interestingly, zVAD.fmk treatment of septic rat prevented LV cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction, reductions in myofilament response to calcium, troponin T cleavage, and sarcomere destruction. Serum (10%) of endotoxin-treated rats induced contractile dysfunction, caspase-3–like activity increase, and troponin T cleavage of naive LV cardiomyocytes. The effects of septic serum were prevented in LV cardiomyocytes isolated from zVAD.fmk- or zDEVD.cmk-treated rats or LV cardiomyocytes preincubated with zVAD.fmk or zDEVD.cmk.

Conclusions— The results show an important relationship between endotoxin-induced caspase activation and reduced contractile reserve and sarcomere disarray at the level of single LV cardiomyocytes.

The G115S mutation associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young impairs hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha activities and introduces a PKA phosphorylation site in its DNA-binding domain

HNF4alpha (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha) belongs to a complex transcription factor network that is crucial for the function of hepatocytes and pancreatic beta-cells. In these cells, it activates the expression of a very large number of genes, including genes involved in the transport and metabolism of glucose and lipids. Mutations in the HNF4alpha gene correlate with MODY1 (maturity-onset diabetes of the young 1), a form of type II diabetes characterized by an impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion. The MODY1 G115S (Gly115-->Ser) HNF4alpha mutation is located in the DNA-binding domain of this nuclear receptor. We show here that the G115S mutation failed to affect HNF4alpha-mediated transcription on apolipoprotein promoters in HepG2 cells. Conversely, in pancreatic beta-cell lines, this mutation resulted in strong impairments of HNF4alpha transcriptional activity on the promoters of LPK (liver pyruvate kinase) and HNF1alpha, with this transcription factor playing a key role in endocrine pancreas. We show as well that the G115S mutation creates a PKA (protein kinase A) phosphorylation site, and that PKA-mediated phosphorylation results in a decreased transcriptional activity of the mutant. Moreover, the G115E (Gly115-->Glu) mutation mimicking phosphorylation reduced HNF4alpha DNA-binding and transcriptional activities. Our results may account for the 100% penetrance of diabetes in human carriers of this mutation. In addition, they suggest that introduction of a phosphorylation site in the DNA-binding domain may represent a new mechanism by which a MODY1 mutation leads to loss of HNF4alpha function.

Comparison of four fluorochromes for the detection of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential in human spermatozoa and their correlation with sperm motility

BACKGROUND

Sperm motility evaluation is associated with fertility in IVF programmes. The visual estimation of sperm motility is extremely subjective. Hence, alternative methods are required. Among them, determination of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) changes of spermatozoa using potentiometric dyes may be a reliable test to determine sperm quality. However, the use of the potentiometric dyes in sperm samples has not been compared.

METHODS

We have studied sperm samples from 28 infertile patients enrolled in an IVF programme in flow cytometry after staining of spermatozoa with four commonly used potentiometric dyes. Sperm motility was evaluated visually.

RESULTS

As expected, JC-1 seems to detect specifically Deltapsi(m) changes, CMX-Ros, DiOC(6)(3) and TMRE fluorescence is easily analysed and the latter three fluorochromes are particularly suitable for multiparametric staining. Irrespective of the Deltapsi(m)-dependent fluorochromes used to stain spermatozoa, a positive correlation was found between the percentage of Deltapsi(m)(high) cells and forward motility and also with high fertilization rates after IVF.

CONCLUSION

The four fluorochromes may be useful for evaluation of sperm samples from infertile patients. The choice of the potentiometric dyes will depend on their fluorescence characteristics in order to use them in combination with other fluorescent markers.

Apoptosis-inducing factor determines the chemoresistance of non-small-cell lung carcinomas

Non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) are resistant to the induction of apoptosis by conventional anticancer treatment. However, NSCLC cell lines are sensitive to the action of the broad protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine (STS). In the NSCLC cell line U1810, STS induced the mitochondrial release of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and cytochrome c (Cyt c) followed by activation of caspases, nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation and finally cell death. Although preincubation of U1810 cells with the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD.fmk delayed the occurrence of nuclear apoptosis induced by STS, it did not impede mitochondrial alterations (such as the release of Cyt c and AIF) and cell death to occur. Moreover, the microinjection of neither Cyt c nor recombinant active caspase-3 into the cytoplasm promoted nuclear apoptosis-related changes in U1810 cells. Evaluation of the role of the caspase-independent factor AIF in STS-mediated death revealed that, upon immunodepletion of AIF, cytosols from STS-treated U1810 lost their capacity to induce nuclear condensation when incubated with isolated nuclei. In addition, microinjection of an anti-AIF antibody prevented AIF from translocating to the nuclei of STS-treated U1810 cells and reduced STS-induced cell death. Finally, although the transfection-enforced overexpression of AIF was not sufficient to induce cell death, it did enhance STS-mediated cell killing. Altogether, these results indicate that activation of caspases is not sufficient to kill U1810 cells and rather suggests an important role for the AIF-mediated mitochondrial-mediated death pathway.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha enhances the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1alpha-mediated activation of transcription

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1alpha (HNF1alpha) and Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) are two liver-enriched transcription factors coexpressed in specific tissues where they play a crucial role through their involvement in a complex cross-regulatory network. HNF1alpha down regulates HNF4alpha-mediated activation of transcription via a direct protein-protein interaction. Here we show that HNF4alpha enhances the transcriptional activity of HNF1alpha in a DNA binding independent manner, thus indicating that it behaves as a HNF1alpha coactivator. Using mutations in the ligand binding domain (LBD) of HNF4alpha, we confirmed the involvement of the Activation Function 2 module and demonstrated the requirement of the integrity of the LBD for the interaction with HNF1alpha. Moreover, we show that HNF4alpha cooperates with p300 to achieve the highest HNF1alpha-mediated transcription rates. Our findings highlight a new way by which HNF4alpha can regulate gene expression and extend our knowledge of the complexity of the transcriptional network involving HNF4alpha and HNF1alpha.

Critical role of charged residues in helix 7 of the ligand binding domain in Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4alpha dimerisation and transcriptional activity

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha, NR2A1) is central to hepatocyte and pancreatic beta-cell functions. Along with retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha), HNF4alpha belongs to the nuclear receptor subfamily 2 (NR2), characterised by a conserved arginyl residue and a glutamate residue insert in helix 7 (H7) of the ligand binding domain (LBD). Crystallographic studies indicate that R348 and E352 residues in RXRalpha H7 are involved in charge-driven interactions that improve dimerisation. Consistent with these findings, we showed that removing the charge of the corresponding residues in HNF4alpha H7, R258 and E262, impaired dimerisation in solution. Moreover, our results provide a new concept according to which helices of the HNF4alpha LBD dimerisation interface contribute differently to dimerisation required for DNA binding; unlike H9 and H10, H7 is not involved in DNA binding. Substitutions of E262 decreased the repression of HNF4alpha transcriptional activity by a dominant-negative HNF4alpha mutant, highlighting the importance of this residue for dimerisation in the cell context. The E262 insert is crucial for HNF4alpha function since its deletion abolished HNF4alpha transcriptional activity and coactivator recruitment. The glutamate residue insert and the conserved arginyl residue in H7 most probably represent a signature of the NR2 subfamily of nuclear receptors.

Endotoxin-induced myocardial dysfunction: evidence for a role of sphingosine production

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether sphingomyelinase pathway activation would participate in myocardial depression induced by endotoxin.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Experimental laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats, isolated rat heart, and cardiac myocytes.

INTERVENTIONS

Cardiovascular function was evaluated in rats injected with saline, endotoxin (10 mg/kg, intravenously), and N-oleoylethanolamine (NOE; 10 mg/kg, intravenously). In ex vivo experiments, isolated rat hearts were perfused with endotoxin (5 microg/mL). For pharmacologic intervention, NOE (1 micromol/L) was admixed to the perfusate 20 mins before endotoxin. In in vitro experiments, ventricular myocytes were incubated with sphingosine (20 microM). Myocyte cell shortening and calcium transient were measured. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using the cationic dye tetramethylrhodamine methylester fluorescence technique.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Endotoxin treatment at 4 hrs did not alter mean arterial pressure and abdominal blood flow compared with control rats. Left ventricle developed pressure (LVDP) and its first derivatives (i.e., maximal and minimal change in pressure over time [dP/dtmax and dP/dtmin]) were decreased after 4 hrs in endotoxin-treated rats compared with control rats. NOE (10 mg/kg) treatment largely prevented left ventricular systolic function alterations of endotoxin-treated hearts (n = 6 in each group). In isolated rat heart, endotoxin (5 microg/mL) caused increases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha perfusate concentration and delayed depression of LVDP, dP/dtmax, and dP/dtmin after 60 mins, which was partially abrogated in the presence of the ceramidase inhibitor NOE (1 micromol/L). Sphingosine (20 microM) caused decreases in cell fractional shortening, calcium transient, and mitochondrial membrane potential of cardiac myocytes.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that the sphingomyelinase pathway participates in endotoxin-induced myocardial depression.

Staining of human sperm with fluorochrome-labeled inhibitor of caspases to detect activated caspases: correlation with apoptosis and sperm parameters

BACKGROUND

Detection of apoptosis in sperm samples may help evaluate sperm quality. Recently, it has been suggested that in some ejaculated sperm populations, apoptosis is caspase dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of activated caspases and examine possible correlations with apoptosis and sperm parameters in semen samples prepared for IVF.

METHODS

To detect activated caspases, neat semen from infertile patients and sperm prepared by PureSperm gradient were stained with the fluorescein isothyocyanate-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (FITC-VAD-fmk) and analysed by flow cytometry. Cell death was determined by DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) and mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm parameters were studied by conventional microscopy.

RESULTS

FITC-VAD-fmk stained sperm cells in situ and the subcellular labeling pattern was compatible with the known localization of caspases. A significant correlation was found between the frequency of FITC-VAD-fmk stained cells and cell death markers. In both prepared sperm and neat semen a negative correlation was found between the percentage of FITC-VAD-fmk positive cells and standard parameters (concentration/motility). FITC-VAD-fmk positive cells negatively correlated with high fertilization rates after IVF.

CONCLUSIONS

Labelling of sperm cells with the activated caspases-reacting fluorochrome provides a sensitive assay for detection of sperm apoptosis. This cytometric assay can be helpful to test sperm before IVF.

[Micro-array based technologies to study the proteome: technological progress and applications]

Since these twenty last years, there is an increasing interest for large-scale analysis of biological function. In the field of transcriptome, the emergence of microarray-based technologies and the design of DNA biochips allow high-throughput studies of RNA expression in cell and tissue at a given moment. In the field of proteome, methods of reference are still the 2D electrophoresis followed by analysis with mass spectrometry. Technological progress makes it possible to apply microarray methods to proteomics study : they are protein biochips or protein arrays. Expression analysis of proteins in a cell or a tissue in simultaneous and highly parallel way give further information for large-scale studies of signaling pathway. Numerous applications of protein microarray-based assays are described in basic biological research and in medical research to identify diagnostic biomarkers of inflammatory and cancerous pathologies and to find out news drugs and new therapeutic targets. This review summarizes concrete applications of microarray-based technology in the field of proteome, describes fundamental technical stages in protein array development and highlights critical points which will be useful to improve this emerging proteomic method.

Heat shock protein 72 does not modulate ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis in U1810 non-small cell lung carcinoma cells

Heat shock proteins (HSP) have been shown to interfere with apoptosis signaling, suggesting that there might be a role for these proteins as mediators of resistance to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced apoptosis. Protein expression of the stress inducible heat shock proteins, HSP72 and HSP27, was analyzed in a panel of lung carcinoma cell lines displaying various degrees of radiosensitivity. Expression of HSP72 was high in all cell lines investigated while HSP27 was present in all non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and 6/9 small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cell lines. Heat shock, but not IR, induced or further increased the expression of HSP27 and HSP72. Moreover, elevation of heat shock protein level prior to irradiation did not attenuate IR-induced apoptotic signaling or the induction of apoptosis. Protein level of HSP72 was downregulated in a radioresistant NSCLC cell line by RNA interference. However, this did not sensitize cells to treatment with DNA-damaging agents such as IR, cisplatin or VP16. Thus, the results from this first study on the relationship between stress-inducible HSP expression and IR-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells do not support a role for HSP 27 and 72 in the radioresistance of NSCLC cells.

PLZF is a negative regulator of retinoic acid receptor transcriptional activity

BACKGROUND: Retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are ligand-regulated transcription factors controlling cellular proliferation and differentiation. Receptor-interacting proteins such as corepressors and coactivators play a crucial role in specifying the overall transcriptional activity of the receptor in response to ligand treatment. Little is known however on how receptor activity is controlled by intermediary factors which interact with RARs in a ligand-independent manner. RESULTS: We have identified the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), a transcriptional corepressor, to be a RAR-interacting protein using the yeast two-hybrid assay. We confirmed this interaction by GST-pull down assays and show that the PLZF N-terminal zinc finger domain is necessary and sufficient for PLZF to bind RAR. The RAR ligand binding domain displayed the highest affinity for PLZF, but corepressor and coactivator binding interfaces did not contribute to PLZF recruitment. The interaction was ligand-independent and correlated to a decreased transcriptional activity of the RXR-RAR heterodimer upon overexpression of PLZF. A similar transcriptional interference could be observed with the estrogen receptor alpha and the glucocorticoid receptor. We further show that PLZF is likely to act by preventing RXR-RAR heterodimerization, both in-vitro and in intact cells. CONCLUSION: Thus RAR and PLZF interact physically and functionally. Intriguingly, these two transcription factors play a determining role in hematopoiesis and regionalization of the hindbrain and may, upon chromosomal translocation, form fusion proteins. Our observations therefore define a novel mechanism by which RARs activity may be controlled.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha isoforms originated from the P1 promoter are expressed in human pancreatic beta-cells and exhibit stronger transcriptional potentials than P2 promoter-driven isoforms

The nuclear receptor hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4 alpha is involved in a transcriptional network and plays an important role in pancreatic beta-cells. Mutations in the HNF4 alpha gene are correlated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young 1. HNF4 alpha isoforms result from both alternative splicing and alternate usage of promoters P1 and P2. It has recently been reported that HNF4 alpha transcription is driven almost exclusively by the P2 promoter in pancreatic islets. We observed that transcripts from both P1 and P2 promoters were expressed in human pancreatic beta-cells and in the pancreatic beta-cell lines RIN m5F and HIT-T15. Expression of HNF4 alpha proteins originating from the P1 promoter was confirmed by immunodetection. Due to the presence of the activation function module AF-1, HNF4 alpha isoforms originating from the P1 promoter exhibit stronger transcriptional activities and recruit coactivators more efficiently than isoforms driven by the P2 promoter. Conversely, activities of isoforms produced by both promoters were similarly repressed by the corepressor small heterodimer partner. These behaviors were observed on the promoter of HNF1 alpha that is required for beta-cell function. Our results highlight that expression of P1 promoter-driven isoforms is important in the control of pancreatic beta-cell function.

The novel retinoid AHPN/CD437 induces a rapid but incomplete apoptotic response in human myeloma cells

The synthetic retinoid 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid (AHPN/CD437) appears to possess an apoptotic activity superior to classical retinoids in vitro as in vivo. Numerous studies have shown that CD437-induced apoptosis is independent of its nuclear receptor activity, suggesting that CD437 might have a unique mechanism of action. The purpose of this study was to compare CD437- and all-trans retinoic acid (atRA)-induced cell death. CD437 provoked a rapid apoptotic phenotype immediately followed by secondary necrosis in RPMI 8226, U266 and L363 human myeloma cell lines. Nuclear apoptotic features were observed upon both CD437 and atRA treatments. In contrast, membrane blebbing and the subsequent formation of apoptotic bodies, a classical apoptotic event, was only observed upon atRA treatment. In addition, CD437, contrary to atRA, was unable to induce tissue transglutaminase (tTG), an intracellular enzyme involved in the formation of cross-linked protein polymers contributing to apoptotic morphological changes. Taken together, these data suggest that CD437 induces rapid but incomplete apoptotic phenotype in human myeloma cells.

Requirements for heterodimerization between the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 and retinoid X receptors

The nuclear receptor nurr1 is a transcription factor involved in the development and maintenance of neurons synthesizing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Although the lack of nurr1 expression has dramatic consequences for these cells either in terms of differentiation or survival, the mechanisms by which nurr1 controls gene transcription still remain unclear. In the intent to understand better the modalities of action of this nuclear receptor, we have undertaken a systematic analysis of the transcriptional effects and DNA binding properties of nurr1 as a monomer or when forming dimers with the different isotypes of the retinoic X receptor (RXR). Here, we show that nurr1 acts as a gene activator independently of RXR and through an AF2-independent mechanism. In addition, heterodimerization with RXR is isotype-specific, involves multiple domains in the C-terminal region of nurr1, and requires RXR binding to DNA. RXR(alpha)-nurr1 and RXRgamma-nurr1 heterodimers bind direct repeat response elements and display no specific requirements with respect to half-site spacing. However, the retinoid responsiveness of DNA-bound heterodimers requires the reiteration of at least three nurr1 binding sites, thereby limiting retinoid-induced nurr1 transcriptional activity to specific direct response elements.

[Are mitochondria targets of anticancer drugs responsible for apoptosis?]

The vast majority of both chemical and physical anticancer treatments act through the induction of apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo. In numerous experimental systems, the apoptotic processes can be divided into three different phases. In the first one, multiple pro-apoptotic signal transduction pathways (e.g. P53, ROS production, etc.) are activated by various factors including anti cancer drugs. This first step is followed by an intermediate phase in which pro-apoptotic signals converge to mitochondria which in turn can finally trigger the last degradation phase of apoptosis. Consequently, mitochondria, play a pivotal role in the executive phase of apoptosis and could represent a novel attractive target for pro-apoptotic drugs. Indeed, unlike conventional anti tumour drugs which trigger pro-apoptotic signal transduction pathways upstream mitochondria, several compounds were shown to act directly on mitochondria to induce apoptosis. These drugs include betulinic acid, lonidamine, arsenic trioxide and two retinoids like CD437/AHPN and fenretinide/4-HPR. This review summarizes new data concerning these drugs targetted to mitochondria and highlights the new perspective they may offer in cancer therapy.