NIK promotes tissue destruction independently of the alternative NF-κB pathway through TNFR1/RIP1-induced apoptosis

NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is well-known for its role in promoting p100/NF-κB2 processing into p52, a process defined as the alternative, or non-canonical, NF-κB pathway. Here we reveal an unexpected new role of NIK in TNFR1-mediated RIP1-dependent apoptosis, a consequence of TNFR1 activation observed in c-IAP1/2-depleted conditions. We show that NIK stabilization, obtained by activation of the non-death TNFRs Fn14 or LTβR, is required for TNFα-mediated apoptosis. These apoptotic stimuli trigger the depletion of c-IAP1/2, the phosphorylation of RIP1 and the RIP1 kinase-dependent assembly of the RIP1/FADD/caspase-8 complex. In the absence of NIK, the phosphorylation of RIP1 and the formation of RIP1/FADD/caspase-8 complex are compromised while c-IAP1/2 depletion is unaffected. In vitro kinase assays revealed that recombinant RIP1 is a bona fide substrate of NIK. In vivo, we demonstrated the requirement of NIK pro-death function, but not the processing of its substrate p100 into p52, in a mouse model of TNFR1/LTβR-induced thymus involution. In addition, we also highlight a role for NIK in hepatocyte apoptosis in a mouse model of virus-induced TNFR1/RIP1-dependent liver damage. We conclude that NIK not only contributes to lymphoid organogenesis, inflammation and cell survival but also to TNFR1/RIP1-dependent cell death independently of the alternative NF-κB pathway.

[NLRP3 inflammasome and visceral adipose tissue]

It is recognized that abdominal obesity is accompanied by a chronic low-grade inflammation that is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are associated with an abnormal production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, an increased level of acute-phase proteins and an activation of inflammatory signalling pathways. These pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly produced by adipose tissue macrophages, are involved in development of obesity-associated insulin resistance and in the progression from obesity to type 2 diabetes. Particularly, the interleukin-1 beta may play a key role through the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Adipose tissue topography, more than the total amount of fat, may play an important pathogenic role. Indeed, the presence of metabolic abnormalities in obesity is associated with a deleterious immunological and inflammatory profile of visceral adipose tissue and with an increased activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages infiltrating visceral adipose tissue. Targeting inflammation, especially NLRP3 inflammasome, may offer potential novel therapeutic perspectives in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

PERK is required at the ER-mitochondrial contact sites to convey apoptosis after ROS-based ER stress

Endoplasmic reticulum stress is emerging as an important modulator of different pathologies and as a mechanism contributing to cancer cell death in response to therapeutic agents. In several instances, oxidative stress and the onset of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occur together; yet, the molecular events linking reactive oxygen species (ROS) to ER stress-mediated apoptosis are currently unknown. Here, we show that PERK (RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR)-like ER kinase), a key ER stress sensor of the unfolded protein response, is uniquely enriched at the mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). PERK(-/-) cells display disturbed ER morphology and Ca(2+) signaling as well as significantly weaker ER-mitochondria contact sites. Re-expression of a kinase-dead PERK mutant but not the cytoplasmic deletion mutant of PERK in PERK(-/-) cells re-establishes ER-mitochondria juxtapositions and mitochondrial sensitization to ROS-mediated stress. In contrast to the canonical ER stressor thapsigargin, during ROS-mediated ER stress, PERK contributes to apoptosis twofold by sustaining the levels of pro-apoptotic C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and by facilitating the propagation of ROS signals between the ER and mitochondria through its tethering function. Hence, this study reveals an unprecedented role of PERK as a MAMs component required to maintain the ER-mitochondria juxtapositions and propel ROS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Furthermore, it suggests that loss of PERK may cause defects in cell death sensitivity in pathological conditions linked to ROS-mediated ER stress.

SHIP-1 inhibits CD95/APO-1/Fas-induced apoptosis in primary T lymphocytes and T leukemic cells by promoting CD95 glycosylation independently of its phosphatase activity

SHIP-1 (SH2 (Src homology 2)-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase-1) functions as a negative regulator of immune responses by hydrolyzing phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate generated by phosphoinositide-3 (PI 3)-kinase activity. As a result, SHIP-1 deficiency in mice results in myeloproliferation and B-cell lymphoma. On the other hand, SHIP-1-deficient mice have a reduced T-cell population, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this work, we hypothesized that SHIP-1 plays anti-apoptotic functions in T cells upon stimulation of the death receptor CD95/APO-1/Fas. Using primary T cells from SHIP-1(-/-) mice and T leukemic cell lines, we report that SHIP-1 is a potent inhibitor of CD95-induced death. We observed that a small fraction of the SHIP-1 pool is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in which it promotes CD95 glycosylation. This post-translational modification requires an intact SH2 domain of SHIP-1, but is independent of its phosphatase activity. The glycosylated CD95 fails to oligomerize upon stimulation, resulting in impaired death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation and downstream apoptotic cascade. These results uncover an unanticipated inhibitory function for SHIP-1 and emphasize the role of glycosylation in the regulation of CD95 signaling in T cells. This work may also provide a new basis for therapeutic strategies using compounds inducing apoptosis through the CD95 pathway on SHIP-1-negative leukemic T cells.

Novel evidences for a tumor suppressor role of Rev3, the catalytic subunit of Pol zeta

Cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair act in concert to ensure DNA integrity during perturbation of normal replication or in response to genotoxic agents. Deficiencies in these protective mechanisms can lead to cellular transformation and ultimately tumorigenesis. Here we focused on Rev3, the catalytic subunit of the low-fidelity DNA repair polymerase zeta. Rev3 is believed to play a role in double-strand break (DSB)-induced DNA repair by homologous recombination. In line with this hypothesis, we show the accumulation of chromatin-bound Rev3 protein in late S-G2 of untreated cells and in response to clastogenic DNA damage as well as an gamma-H2AX accumulation in Rev3-depleted cells. Moreover, serine 995 of Rev3 is in vitro phosphorylated by the DSB-inducible checkpoint kinase, Chk2. Our data also disclose a significant reduction of rev3 gene expression in 74 colon carcinomas when compared to the normal adjacent tissues. This reduced expression is independent of the carcinoma stages, suggesting that the downregulation of rev3 might have occurred early during tumorigenesis.

The role of SHIP1 in T-lymphocyte life and death

SHIP1 [SH2 (Src homology 2)-containing inositol phosphatase-1], an inositol 5-phosphatase expressed in haemopoietic cells, acts by hydrolysing the 5-phosphates from PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) and Ins(1,3,4,5)P(4), thereby negatively regulating the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) pathway. SHIP1 plays a major role in inhibiting proliferation of myeloid cells. As a result, SHIP1(-/-) mice have an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages due to enhanced survival and proliferation of their progenitors. Although SHIP1 contributes to PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) metabolism in T-lymphocytes, its exact role in this cell type is much less explored. Jurkat cells have recently emerged as an interesting tool to study SHIP1 function in T-cells because they do not express SHIP1 at the protein level, thereby allowing reintroduction experiments in a relatively easy-to-use system. Data obtained from SHIP1 reintroduction have revealed that SHIP1 not only acts as a negative player in T-cell lines proliferation, but also regulates critical pathways, such as NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) activation, and also appears to remarkably inhibit T-cell apoptosis. On the other hand, experiments using primary T-cells from SHIP1(-/-) mice have highlighted a new role for SHIP1 in regulatory T-cell development, but also emphasize that this protein is not required for T-cell proliferation. In support of these results, SHIP1(-/-) mice are lymphopenic, suggesting that SHIP1 function in T-cells differs from its role in the myeloid lineage.

Restoration of SHIP-1 activity in human leukemic cells modifies NF-κB activation pathway and cellular survival upon oxidative stress

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is an important prosurvival transcription factor activated in response to a large array of external stimuli, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). Previous works have shown that NF-kappaB activation by ROS involved tyrosine phosphorylation of the inhibitor IkappaBalpha through an IkappaB kinase (IKK)-independent mechanism. In the present work, we investigated with more details NF-kappaB redox regulation in human leukemic cells. By using different cell lines (CEM, Jurkat and the subclone Jurkat JR), we clearly showed that NF-kappaB activation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is cell-type dependent: it activates NF-kappaB through tyrosine phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha in Jurkat cells, whereas it induces an IKK-mediated IkappaBalpha phosphorylation on S32 and 36 in CEM and Jurkat JR cells. We showed that this H2O2-induced IKK activation in CEM and Jurkat JR cells is mediated by SH2-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase 1 (SHIP-1), a lipid phosphatase that is absent in Jurkat cells. Indeed, the complementation of SHIP-1 in Jurkat cells made them shift to an IKK-dependent mechanism upon oxidative stress stimulation. We also showed that Jurkat cells expressing SHIP-1 are more resistant to H2O2-induced apoptosis than the parental cells, suggesting that SHIP-1 has an important role in leukemic cell responses to ROS in terms of signal transduction pathways and apoptosis resistance, which can be of interest in improving ROS-mediated chemotherapies.

Differential Expression of Proteins in Response to Ceramide-Mediated Stress Signal in Colon Cancer Cells by 2-D Gel Electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF−MS

Comparative cancer cell proteome analysis is a strategy to study the implication of ceramides in the transmission of stress signals. To better understand the mechanisms by which ceramide regulate some physiological or pathological events and the response to the pharmacological treatment of cancer, we performed a differential analysis of the proteome of HCT-116 (human colon carcinoma) cells in response to these substances. We first established the first 2-dimensional map of the HCT-116 proteome. Then, HCT116 cell proteome treated or not with C6-ceramide have been compared using two-dimensional electrophoresis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry and bioinformatic (genomic databases). 2-DE gel analysis revealed more than fourty proteins that were differentially expressed in control cells and cells treated with ceramide. Among them, we confirmed the differential expression of proteins involved in apoptosis and cell adhesion.

Molecular mechanisms involved in HIV-1 transcriptional latency and reactivation: implications for the development of therapeutic strategies

The persistence of latently HIV-infected cellular reservoirs, despite prolonged treatment with ART (antiretroviral therapy), represents the major hurdle to virus eradication. These latently infected cells are a permanent source for virus reactivation and lead to a rebound of the viral load after interruption of ART. Therefore, a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating viral latency and reactivation should lead to rational strategies aimed at purging the latent HIV reservoirs. Our laboratory is studying elements critical for the mechanisms of viral transcriptional reactivation including: 1) the transcription factor NF-kB, which is induced by proinflammatory cytokines (such as TNFalpha) and binds to two sites kB in the HIV-1 promoter region; 2) the specific remodeling of a single nucleosome (called nuc-1 and located immediately downstream of the HIV transcription start site under latency conditions) upon activation of the HIV-1 promoter; 3) post-translational acetylation of histones and of non-histone proteins (following treatment with deacetylase inhibitors [HDACi]), which induces viral transcription and nuc-1 remodeling. Recently, we have identified a new regulatory link between the first (NF-kB) and the third (protein acetylation) element by demonstrating a strong synergistic activation of HIV-1 promoter activity by TNFalpha (an inducer of NF-kB) and HDACi. In addition to the prototypical subtype B promoter, we have observed the TNFalpha/HDACi synergism with viral promoters from subtypes A through G of the HIV-1 major group, with a positive correlation between the number of kB sites present in the respective promoters and the amplitude of the TNFalpha/HDACi synergism. Importantly, the physiological relevance of this synergism was shown on HIV-1 replication in both acutely and latently HIV-infected cell lines. Therefore, our results open new therapeutic strategies aimed at administrating deacetylase inhibitor(s) together with continuous ART in order to force viral expression and decrease the pool of latently HIV-infected cellular reservoirs.

Importance of post-transcriptional regulation of chemokine genes by oxidative stress

The transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), is activated by various stimuli including cytokines, radiation, viruses and oxidative stress. Here we show that, although induction with H(2)O(2) gives rise to NF-kappa B nuclear translocation in both lymphocyte (CEM) and monocyte (U937) cells, it leads only to the production of mRNA species encoding interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha in U937 cells. Under similar conditions these mRNA species are not observed in CEM cells. With the use of a transient transfection assay of U937 cells transfected with reporter constructs of the IL-8 promoter and subsequently treated with H(2)O(2), we show that (1) IL-8-promoter-driven transcription is stimulated in both U937 and CEM cells and (2) the NF-kappa B site is crucial for activation because its deletion abolishes activation by H(2)O(2). The production of IL-8 mRNA in U937 cells is inhibited by the NF-kappa B inhibitors clasto-lactacystin-beta-lactone and E-64D (l-3-trans-ethoxycarbonyloxirane-2-carbonyl-L-leucine-3-methyl amide) but requires protein synthesis de novo. Moreover, inhibition of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase also decreases the IL-8 mRNA up-regulation mediated by H(2)O(2). Taken together, these results show the importance of post-transcriptional events controlled by a p38-dependent pathway in the production of IL-8 mRNA in U937. The much lower activation of p38 in CEM cells in response to H(2)O(2) could explain the lack of stabilization of IL-8 mRNA in these cells.

S phase dependence and involvement of NF-kappaB activating kinase to NF-kappaB activation by camptothecin

Camptothecin (CPT) and derivatives are topoisomerase I poisons currently used as anticancer drugs. Their cytotoxicity is maximal for cells in S phase. Using asynchronous and S phase-synchronized HeLa cells, we showed that both the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and its transcriptional activity, induced by CPT treatment, are enhanced in S phase cells. After CPT treatment, NF-kappaB activation reached a maximum within 2-3 hr and was still detectable after 24 hr. The nature of the complex evolved with time, forming mostly p50/p65 after 2 hr to almost exclusively p52 after 24 hr. In HeLa cells, the different steps of the induction were readily observable in S phase synchronized cells, whereas they were barely noticeable in a randomly growing cell population. The signal progressed through the activation of the IKK complex, the phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, and the degradation of phosphorylated-IkappaBalpha and -IkappaBbeta. The stable expression of wild-type HA-tagged-IkappaBalpha or mutated HA-tagged-IkappaBalpha (S32,36A) allowed us to confirm the essential role of Ser32 and Ser36. NF-kappaB-activating kinase (NIK) could play a role upstream of the IKK complex, as the transient expression of a kinase inactive mutant NIK(K429,430A) abolished the activation of NF-kappaB by CPT. A kinase inactive mutant of mitogen-activated protein/ERK kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1), another kinase susceptible of acting upstream of the signalsome, did not. Cytotoxicity studies with clonal populations expressing different amounts of wild-type or mutated IkappaBalpha revealed that the overexpression of wild-type IkappaBa in large amount increases the sensitivity of HeLa cells to CPT more efficiently than a lower level of expression of non-phosphorylable IkappaBalpha.

MDM2: life without p53

The MDM2 protein suppresses the ability of p53 to inhibit cellular proliferation or to induce cell death. This property underlies the oncogenic potential of MDM2, which is overexpressed in various human tumours. However, MDM2 also has p53-independent activities, which we focus on here. Similar to other oncogenes, surveillance pathways might counteract the deleterious effects of deregulated MDM2 expression. These pathways need to be inactivated for MDM2 oncogenic activity, which targets p53 but also other proteins.

Mechanism of colon cancer cell apoptosis mediated by pyropheophorbide-a methylester photosensitization

Pyropheophorbide-a methylester (PPME) is a second generation of photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). We demonstrated that PPME photosensitization triggered apoptosis of colon cancer cells as measured by using several classical parameters such as DNA laddering, PARP cleavage, caspase activation and mitochondrial release of cytochrome c. Preincubation of cells with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or pyrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) protected against apoptosis mediated by PPME photosensitization showing that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved as second messengers. On the other hand, photosensitization carried out in the presence of deuterium oxide (D2O) which enhances singlet oxygen (1O2) lifetime only increases necrosis without affecting apoptosis. Since PPME was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi system and lysosomes, other messengers than ROS were tested such as calcium, Bid, Bap31, phosphorylated Bcl-2 and caspase-12 but none was clearly identified as being involved in triggering cytochrome c release from mitochondria. On the other hand, we demonstrated that the transduction pathways leading to NF-kappaB activation and apoptosis were clearly independent although NF-kappaB was shown to counteract apoptosis mediated by PPME photosensitization.

The additive in vitro anti-HIV-1 effect of chloroquine, when combined with zidovudine and hydroxyurea

The 4-aminoquinoline chloroquine and its analogue hydroxychloroquine are endowed with anti-HIV-1 activity both in vitro and in vivo. We previously reported that the addition of CQ (chloroquine) to the combination of HU (hydroxyurea) and ddI (didanosine) provides additive anti-HIV-1 activity. We here extended this in vitro investigation by studying whether the addition of CQ also resulted in additive anti-HIV-1 activity when combined with HU plus AZT (zidovudine). The same effect was found, whether CQ was added to HU plus AZT or to HU plus ddI, in recently infected H-9 and U-937 cells or primary T cells and monocytes, as well as in immunologically or oxidatively stimulated ACH-2 and U-1 cells. At concentrations where CQ exerts its anti-HIV-1 effect in combination with the other drugs, CQ addition does not result in either cell toxicity or apoptosis.

Preferential expression of Mdm2 oncogene during the development of neural crest and its derivatives in mouse early embryogenesis

The Mdm2 oncoprotein acts as the principal negative regulator of p53 activities and is essential for its control during mouse early development, at least before implantation. We analyzed Mdm2 expression between 7.5 and 9 days post-coitum (dpc) by whole-mount in situ hybridization and report here a novel expression pattern during neural crest development. At 7.5 dpc Mdm2 becomes preferentially expressed at the top of the neural folds. Between 8 and 9 dpc, this preferential expression is also observed in neural crest cells migrating from the closing brain towards craniofacial regions and the first three branchial arches. It persists in the craniofacial mesenchyme and the first branchial arch in 9 dpc embryos. Migrating neural crest cells in the tail region are also preferentially labeled at this stage. At day 9.5 Mdm2 becomes more ubiquitously expressed throughout the embryo as reported before.

Ku antigen is required to relieve G2 arrest caused by inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II activity by the bisdioxopiperazine ICRF-193

Ku antigen is necessary for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair through its ability to bind DNA ends with high affinity and to recruit the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK to the DSBs. Ku-deficient cells are hypersensitive to agents causing DSBs in DNA but also to the DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitor ICRF-193, which does not induce DSBs. This suggests a new role of Ku antigen, that is independent of DSB repair by DNA-PK. Here we characterize the basis for the hypersensitivity of Ku-deficient cells to ICRF-193. Chromosome condensation and segregation, which are dependent on topo II, but also the catalytic activity of topo II in late S-G2 were inhibited to a comparable extent when ICRF-193 was applied to Ku-deficient cells or wild-type cells. However, mutant cells arrested in G2 by ICRF-193 treatment were unable to progress into M phase upon drug removal, although drug-trapped topo II complexes were removed from DNA and the two isoforms of topo II recovered their catalytic activity as in wild-type cells. The reversibility of G2 arrest was recovered by complementation of mutant cells with a human Ku86 cDNA. Notably, chromosome condensation was abnormal in Ku-deficient cells after suppression of the G2 arrest by caffeine, even in the absence of ICRF-193. These results reflect the involvement of Ku-antigen in the cellular response to topo II inhibition, more particularly in relieving G2 arrest caused by topo II inhibition in late S/G2 and the subsequent recovery of chromosome condensation.

Human cyclin C protein is stabilized by its associated kinase cdk8, independently of its catalytic activity

Cyclin C belongs to the cyclin family of proteins that control cell cycle transitions through activation of specific catalytic subunits, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). However, there is as yet no evidence for any role of cyclin C and its partner, cdk8, in cell cycle regulation. Rather, the cyclin C-cdk8 complex was found associated with the RNA polymerase II transcription machinery. The periodic degradation of bona fide cyclins is crucial for cell-cycle progression and depends on the catalytic activity of the associated CDK. Here we show that endogenous cyclin C protein is quite stable with a half-life of 4 h. In contrast, exogenously expressed cyclin C is very unstable (half-life 15 min) and degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Co-expression with its associated cdk, however, strongly stabilizes cyclin C and results in a protein half-life near that of endogenous cyclin C. In stark contrast to data reported for other members of the cyclin family, both catalytically active and inactive cdk8 induce cyclin C stabilization. Moreover, this stabilization is accompanied in both cases by phosphorylation of the cyclin, which is not detectable when unstable. Our results indicate that cyclin C has apparently diverged from other cyclins in the regulation of its stability by its CDK partner.

The potential place of chloroquine in the treatment of HIV-1-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Chloroquine has been reported to be endowed with anti-HIV-1 activity. We previously found its anti-HIV-1 activity to be additive to that of of the hydroxyurea plus didanosine combination.

OBJECTIVES

Here we wish to present reported data on chloroquine's effects other than its antiretroviral activity, that may be of benefit in the therapy of HIV-1-infected individuals.

RESULTS

(1) Chloroquine exerts an inhibitory effect on several AIDS-opportunistic pathogens, at least in vitro and, in some cases, in murine infections. (2) The drug exerts an inhibitory effect on the synthesis of several pro-inflammatory cytokines that may play a pathogenic role in the progression of HIV infection. (3) The drug has the potential to restrict tissular iron accumulation that may play a negative role in HIV infection. (4) The drug has practical advantages, as it is widely distributed, inexpensive and not stigmatizing. (5) We hypothesized that the drug, if given to HIV-positive breast-feeding mothers, may be of potential benefit in decreasing the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1.

CONCLUSION

in view of the above-given data, combination therapy with chloroquine warrants clinical studies in HIV-1-infected patients, mainly in the setting of resource-poor countries.

NF-kappaB activation in response to toxical and therapeutical agents: role in inflammation and cancer treatment

The NF-kappaB transcription factor is ubiquitously expressed and controls the expression of a large number of genes. Experimental data clearly indicate that NF-kappaB is a major regulator of the inflammatory reaction by controlling the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules in response to cytokines, oxidative stress and infectious agents. We demonstrated that NF-kappaB activation by IL-1beta follows three distinct cell-specific pathways. Moreover, our studies indicated that in one model of inflammatory diseases, horse recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), the extent of NF-kappaB basal activity correlates with pulmonary dysfunction. Another role of NF-kappaB activity protects cancer cells against apoptosis and could participate in the resistance to cancer treatment. However, we did not observe any increased cytotoxicity after treatment with anticancer drugs or TNF-alpha of cells expressing a NF-kappaB inhibitor. Therefore, we can conclude that the inhibition of apoptosis by NF-kappaB is likely to be cell type and stimulus-dependent. Further studies are required to determine whether NF-kappaB could be a target for anticancer treatments.

Non-enzymatic triggering of the ceramide signalling cascade by solar UVA radiation

Ceramide is a key component of intracellular stress responses. Evidence is provided for a novel mechanism of ceramide formation that mediates solar ultraviolet (UV) A radiation-induced expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. Similarly to UVA radiation, ceramide stimulation of human keratinocytes induced ICAM-1 mRNA expression and activated the ICAM-1 promoter through transcription factor AP-2. Ceramide-activated AP-2 and ceramide-induced ICAM-1 reporter gene activation were abrogated through deletion of the AP-2 binding site. UVA radiation increased the level of ceramide in keratinocytes and inhibition of sphingomyelin synthesis prevented UVA radiation-induced ICAM-1 expression. Hitherto, two pathways have been identified for ceramide accumulation: hydrolysis from sphingomyelin through neutral and acid sphingomyelinases, and de novo synthesis by ceramide synthase. UVA radiation did not activate any of these enzymes. Ceramide generation in UVA-irradiated cells, however, was inhibited by singlet oxygen quenchers and mimicked in unirradiated cells by a singlet oxygen-generating system. In addition, UVA radiation and singlet oxygen both generated ceramide in protein-free, sphingomyelin-containing liposomes. This study indicates that singlet oxygen triggers a third, non-enzymatic mechanism of ceramide formation.

Gene activation by Varicella-zoster virus IE4 protein requires its dimerization and involves both the arginine-rich sequence, the central part, and the carboxyl-terminal cysteine-rich region

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading frame 4-encoded protein (IE4) possesses transactivating properties for VZV genes as well as for those of heterologous viruses. Since most transcription factors act as dimers, IE4 dimerization was studied using the mammalian two-hybrid system. Introduction of mutations in the IE4 open reading frame demonstrated that both the central region and the carboxyl-terminal cysteine-rich domain were important for efficient dimerization. Within the carboxyl-terminal domain, substitution of amino acids encompassing residues 443-447 totally abolished dimerization. Gene activation by IE4 was studied by transient transfection with an IE4 expression plasmid and a reporter gene under the control of either the human immunodeficiency virus, type 1, long terminal repeat or the VZV thymidine kinase promoter. Regions of IE4 important for dimerization were also shown to be crucial for transactivation. In addition, the arginine-rich domains Rb and Rc of the amino-terminal region were also demonstrated to be important for transactivation, whereas the Ra domain as well as an acidic and bZIP-containing regions were shown to be dispensable for gene transactivation. A nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of IE4 has also been characterized, involving a nuclear localization signal identified within the Rb domain and a nuclear export mechanism partially depending on Crm-1.

Oxidative stress interference with the nuclear factor-kappa B activation pathways

While intracellular redox balance is tightly controlled in many cell types, its modification leads to important cellular changes derived, in part, from a modification of the pattern of gene expression. This modification relies on many transcription factors whose activities are either increased or reduced by a disbalance of the redox environment. Among these transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) plays a pivotal role in inducing genes involved in the control of the immune system as well as in the response to injury and infection. Because NF-kappa B can be induced in many cells by a diverse set of stimulating agents, it has been proposed that agents activating it do so by increasing oxidative stress within the cell. However, this model was not found to be universal, since the dependence between NF-kappa B activation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was only detected in certain cell lines. The origin of this dependency is still unknown, but could very well be situated in a particular kinase or in adaptator molecules of the signaling cascade, leading to inhibitor kappa B alpha (I kappa B alpha phosphorylation. On the other hand, NF-kappa B can be activated by oxidants in many cell types, but this activation is well characterized only in lymphocytes. This activation is distinct from that of classical activators such as proinflammatory cytokines and phorbol esters, because the activation mechanisms appear to converge on a particular tyrosine residue of I kappa B-alpha instead of the two classical N-terminal serines. The nature of the protein kinases or protein phosphatases involved in this process is still undetermined. It will be a challenge in the future to identify the kinases/phosphatases activated by oxidants and to discover why ROS are required in some cells to turn on the transduction pathway leading to NF-kappa B activation by physiological stimuli.

The Mdm2 gene of zebrafish (Danio rerio): preferential expression during development of neural and muscular tissues, and absence of tumor formation after overexpression of its cDNA during early embryogenesis

The Mdm2 protein is most probably the main negative cellular regulator of the p53 tumor-suppressor protein. It was found to be overexpressed in a great number of human tumors and is considered as a potential target for anti-tumor therapies. Mdm2 is an essential gene in mice, yet its role in normal development and tissue differentiation is unknown. In order to study the role of this important protein in an evolutionary perspective, we cloned an Mdm2 cDNA from the fish Danio rerio and analyzed its expression pattern as well as the phenotypic consequences of its overexpression. The main functional domains as well as the interaction between Mdm2 and p53 are conserved in zebrafish. Moreover, we show here that the gene is expressed specifically during early development in neural and muscular tissues. Surprisingly, microinjection of Mdm2 mRNA in two-cell-stage embryos led to inhibition of cellular convergence during gastrulation. The clones derived from Mdm2 microinjected blastomeres were significantly smaller than those derived from control microinjections, and, in contrast to what was observed in Xenopus, did not develop tumors. Our results suggest that Mdm2 expression may be important during the differentiation of neural and muscular tissues of zebrafish. They also point to important differences between phyla in the susceptibility to tumor formation.

Switch from p53 to MDM2 as differentiating human keratinocytes lose their proliferative potential and increase in cellular size

p53 transcription factor is mutated in most skin cell carcinomas and in more than 50% of all human malignancies. One of its transcriptional targets is MDM2, which in turn down-regulates p53. The role of the p53/MDM2 regulatory loop upon genotoxic stress is well documented, but less is known about its role in normal tissue homeostasis. We have explored this pathway during the different transitions of the human epidermal differentiation programme and after isolating stem cells, transit amplifying cells or differentiating cells from epidermis. Maximum expression of p53 was found in proliferating keratinocytes. A striking and transient induction of MDM2 and a down-modulation of p53 characterized the transition from proliferation to differentiation in primary human keratinocytes. These changes were delayed in late differentiating carcinoma cells, and were clearly different in suspended primary fibroblasts. Interestingly, these changes correlated with an increase in cell size, at the time of irreversible commitment to differentiation. Induction of MDM2 was also associated with suppression of proliferation in normal, or hyperproliferative, psoriatic epidermis. Moreover, both proteins were induced as keratinocytes were driven to leave the stem cell compartment by c-Myc activation. Overall, our results show a critical regulation of the p53/MDM2 pathway at the epidermal transition from proliferation to differentiation.

Regulation of interleukin-6 gene expression by pro-inflammatory cytokines in a colon cancer cell line

The two carcinoma cell lines HeLa and HTM-29 show different behaviour in terms of interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Analyses of secreted IL-6 by ELISA and of IL-6 mRNA by reverse transcription-PCR revealed that, whereas HeLa cells produced high levels of IL-6 in response to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-1beta, the HTM-29 cell line failed to produce both IL-6 protein and mRNA. Nevertheless, the transcription factors nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and NF-IL6, the main factors involved in IL-6 gene transcriptional activation by cytokines, were activated in both cell lines after treatment with TNF-alpha or IL-1beta. In order to verify that the lack of IL-6 expression in HTM-29 cells was not due to an endogenous IL-6 gene deficiency or to IL-6 mRNA instability, we carried out transient transfection assays with an IL-6 promoter-reporter construct. Strong activation of the IL-6 promoter by cytokines could be observed in HeLa cells, whereas no induction could be detected in cytokine-treated HTM-29 cells. These cytokines induced a very strong stimulation of NF-kappaB-mediated transcription in HeLa cells transfected with a kappaB luceriferase reporter construct, whereas no induction could be detected in cytokine-stimulated HTM-29 cells. Thus IL-6 promoter repression in HTM-29 cells probably results from a failure of cytokine-activated NF-kappaB to exert its transactivating activities. Western blotting experiments demonstrated that the lack of NF-kappaB-mediated transcription was not due to increased expression of IkappaB (inhibitor of NF-kappaB) proteins in HTM-29 cells. Co-transfection experiments with the kappaB Luc reporter construct and the CBP [CREB (cAMP response element binding protein) binding protein] expression vector showed that the impairment in NF-kappaB-dependent transcription did not result from a deficiency in the co-activator CBP. Interestingly, both NF-kappaB-mediated transcription and IL-6 promoter activation could be restored in HTM-29 cells by transfection with RelA. Furthermore, CBP could have a significant synergistic effect on exogenous RelA-mediated transcription. Since sequencing of the endogenous relA gene did not reveal any mutation, it is likely that repression of NF-kappaB-mediated transcription results from negative cross-talk between NF-kappaB and another nuclear factor specifically expressed or regulated by TNF-alpha in HTM-29 cells.

The feasibility of a telecommunications service in support of outpatient congestive heart failure care in a diverse patient population

A home telemonitoring system for patients with congestive heart failure was studied for feasibility and efficacy in a diverse patient population. Fifty patients used the service, in which they weighed themselves and answered yes/no questions about symptoms. Changes in patient weights or symptoms prompted a nurse to call the patient and/or the physician. Patients were given educational and quality of life surveys at enrollment, at 30 days, and at 6 months. The average daily usage rate was 94%. Patients were contacted 57 times--prompting 57 physician notifications, eight medication changes, and 11 nonroutine clinic visits. Patient response to lifestyle surveys showed an improvement in quality of life and improved understanding of prevention measures. Eighty-four percent of patients and 65% of physicians reported satisfaction with the system. This pilot study suggests that home telemonitoring is feasible and has clinical utility in diverse patient groups, and may improve patients' satisfaction and knowledge of self-care. (c)2000 by CHF, Inc.

Crucial role of the amino-terminal tyrosine residue 42 and the carboxyl-terminal PEST domain of I kappa B alpha in NF-kappa B activation by an oxidative stress

Activation of transcription factor NF-kappa B involves the signal-dependent degradation of basally phosphorylated inhibitors such as I kappa B alpha. In response to proinflammatory cytokines or mitogens, the transduction machinery has recently been characterized, but the activation mechanism upon oxidative stress remains unknown. In the present work, we provide several lines of evidence that NF-kappa B activation in a T lymphocytic cell line (EL4) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) did not involve phosphorylation of the serine residues 32 and 36 in the amino-terminal part of I kappa B alpha. Indeed, mutation of Ser32 and Ser36 blocked IL-1 beta- or PMA-induced NF-kappa B activation, but had no effect on its activation by H2O2. Although I kappa B alpha was phosphorylated upon exposure to H2O2, tyrosine residue 42 and the C-terminal PEST (proline-glutamic acid-serine-threonine) domain played an important role. Indeed, mutation of tyrosine 42 or serine/threonine residues of the PEST domain abolished NF-kappa B activation by H2O2, while it had no effect on activation by IL-1 beta or PMA-ionomycin. This H2O2-inducible phosphorylation was not dependent on I kappa B kinase activation, but could involve casein kinase II, because an inhibitor of this enzyme (5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-benzimidazole) blocks NF-kappa B activation. H2O2-induced I kappa B alpha phosphorylation was followed by its degradation by calpain proteases or through the proteasome. Taken together, our findings suggest that NF-kappa B activation by H2O2 involves a new mechanism that is totally distinct from those triggered by proinflammatory cytokines or mitogens.

Implication of the G2 checkpoint in the maintenance of genome integrity

Checkpoints are surveillance mechanisms that block cell cycle transitions, for instance in response to DNA damage. We summarise here recent progress in the molecular characterisation of the G2 checkpoint which controls the entry into mitosis, and review new evidence which implicates deregulated expression of checkpoint proteins and proteins involved in DNA damage repair in cancer development. There now exists good evidence that individuals who have inherited mutations in genes involved in G2 checkpoint and DNA damage repair are predisposed to the development of various types of cancer, their cells having a strong tendency to accumulate additional mutations. However, the occurrence of mutations of most of these genes in sporadic tumors has yet to be analysed more accurately.

Cell type-specific role for reactive oxygen species in nuclear factor-kappaB activation by interleukin-1

The role of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) in nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation remains a matter of controversy. We have studied whether ROIs played any role in NF-kappaB induction by interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in different cell types. Our studies indicated three different pathways. IL-1beta stimulation of lymphoid cells generates ROIs, which are required for IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation. The source of these ROIs is the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme. In monocytic cells, ROIs are also produced in response to IL-1beta and necessary for NF-kappaB induction, but their source appears to be the NADPH oxidase complex. Finally, epithelial cells do not generate ROIs after IL-1beta stimulation, but do rapidly activate NF-kappaB. Interestingly, transfection of epithelial cells with the 5-LOX and 5-LOX activating protein expression vectors restored ROI production and ROI-dependent NF-kappaB activation in response to IL-1beta. Our data thus indicate that ROIs are cell type-specific second messengers for NF-kappaB induction by IL-1beta.

Photosensitization and redox signaling

The effect of light in combination with a chemical or a natural compound is termed photosensitization, and is known to have multiple cellular effects. Among them, modulation of gene expression is one of the most important, because it directly influences cell adaptation to novel environmental conditions. In previous years, the cis- and trans-acting genetic elements responsible for gene regulation by radiation and photosensitization, in particular, have been well characterized. The molecular mechanisms involved in the cell response revealed that an important control occurs at the transcriptional level and is coordinated by various transcription factors. The extracellular or intracellular changes mediated by photosensitization are detected by several signal transduction networks, allowing cells to mount an appropriated response in term of gene regulation. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3-K) are among the most thoroughly studied of signal transduction systems and have been shown to participate in a diverse array of cellular programs. In this review, we will show how these cascades can be activated by photosensitization. A third signal type of transduction machinery, which has been shown to be activated by photosensitization, is the one leading to the activation of the Rel/NF-kappaB family of transcription factors. This family includes many members, most of which can form DNA-binding homo- or heterodimers. We will show that molecular mechanisms leading to NF-kappaB activation by photosensitization are initiated by oxidative damage. While the exact nature of the transduction intermediates is still unknown, NF-kappaB activation by radiation followed different pathways from those used by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Nuclear factor-kappaB activation by the photochemotherapeutic agent verteporfin

The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) gene transactivator serves in the formation of immune, inflammatory, and stress responses. In quiescent cells, NF-kappaB principally resides within the cytoplasm in association with inhibitory kappa (IkappaB) proteins. The status of IkappaB and NF-kappaB proteins was evaluated for promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells treated at different intensities of photodynamic therapy (PDT). The action of the potent photosensitizer, benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (verteporfin), and visible light irradiation were assessed. At a verteporfin concentration that produced the death of a high proportion of cells after light irradiation, evidence of caspase-3 and caspase-9 processing and of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage was present within whole cell lysates. The general caspase inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (ZVAD.fmk) effectively blocked these apoptosis-related changes. Recent studies indicate that IkappaB proteins may be caspase substrates during apoptosis. However, the level of IkappaBbeta was unchanged for HL-60 cells undergoing PDT-induced apoptosis. IkappaBalpha levels decreased during PDT-induced apoptosis, though ZVAD.fmk did not affect this change. At a less intensive level of photosensitization, cellular IkappaBalpha levels were transiently depressed after PDT. At these times, p50 and RelA NF-kappaB species were increased within nuclear extracts, as revealed by electrophoretic mobility supershift assays. HL-60 cells transiently transfected with a kappaB-luciferase reporter construct exhibited elevated luciferase activity after PDT or treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a well-characterized NF-kappaB activator. Productive NF-kappaB activation and associated gene transcription may influence the phenotype and behavior of cells exposed to less intensive PDT regimens. However, IkappaBalpha is not subject to caspase-mediated degradation as a component of PDT-induced apoptosis. (Blood. 2000;95:256-262)

Role of nuclear factor-kappa B in colon cancer cell apoptosis mediated by aminopyropheophorbide photosensitization

Aminopyropheophorbide (APP) is a second generation of photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT). We demonstrated that APP strongly absorbed red light and, after being taken up by colon cancer cells (HCT-116 cells), was localized in cytoplasmic and internal membranes but not in mitochondria. The APP-mediated photosensitization was cytotoxic for HCT-116 cells through an induction of apoptosis. Indeed, DNA fragmentation (DNA laddering and terminal deoxyuridine nick-end labeling) and chromatin condensation (4',6-diamidine-2'-phenylindole staining) could be visualized soon after photosensitization. Because nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B is involved in the response to many photosensitizers, we also demonstrated its nuclear translocation in two waves: a rapid and transient one, followed by a slow and sustained phase. The NF-kappa B turned out to be involved in an antiapoptotic response to APP-mediated photosensitization because the HCT-116 cell line expressing the dominant negative mutant of inhibitor-kappa B alpha was more sensitive to apoptosis as measured by DNA fragmentation and caspase activation. These data unambiguously show that a membrane-located photosensitizer can lead to effective apoptosis, reinforcing the idea that PDT can be an effective means to eradicate colon cancer cells.

Chloroquine exerts an additive in vitro anti-HIV type 1 effect when associated with didanosine and hydroxyurea

Several groups, including ours, have reported that chloroquine (CQ) or its analog hydroxychloroquine has anti-HIV-1 activity both in vitro and in vivo. We studied in vitro whether the addition of CQ to the combination of hydroxyurea (HU) plus didanosine (ddI) had an additive effect in inhibiting the replication of HIV-1. Therefore both the H-9 T lymphocytic cell line and the U-937 promonocytic cell line as well as primary T cells and monocytes were infected with HIV-1 and then treated with HU at 0.2 mM and ddI at 1 microM and varying concentrations of CQ. Addition of CQ resulted in an additional inhibition of HIV-1 replication, as assessed by reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, with a CQ EC50 of 0.4-0.9 microM for the cell lines and of 0.2-0.9 microM for the primary cells. Similarly, addition of CQ further inhibited HIV-1 replication in U-1 cells stimulated either with LPS or H2O2 and in ACH-2 cells stimulated either with PMA or H2O2, with CQ EC50 values of 0.1 and 1 microM, respectively. Under the experimental conditions used, CQ induced neither toxicity nor apoptosis in the H-9 and U-937 cells. This in vitro additive anti-HIV-1 activity of CQ, in combination with HU + ddI, supports the idea that this triple regimen should be studied in clinical trials. It may become of particular interest to HIV-1-infected individuals from the developing world, in view of the low cost of both CQ and HU.

Characterisation of membrane oligonucleotide-binding proteins and oligonucleotide uptake in keratinocytes

Inadequate cellular compartmentalisation of plasmid DNA and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) is generally considered as a major limitation in their use. In this study, an approach combining in situ visual-isation of rhodamine-labelled ODNs and affinity modification of proteins by radiolabelled-alkylating ODN derivatives has been used to investigate the uptake of ODNs into keratinocytes. We confirm here that unmodified ODNs are efficiently taken up and accumulate in cell nuclei in primary keratinocytes as well as in HaCaT and A431 keratinocyte cell lines. Uptake is fast, irreversible, saturable and not significantly altered by incubation at low temperature. Affinity modification studies in keratinocyte cell lines has revealed two high-affinity, cell-specific interactions between ODNs and proteins of 61-63 kDa and 35 kDa. Trypsin pre-treatment of A431 cells and pre-incubation with polyanions, or with unlabelled nucleic acid competitors, inhibited the accumulation of rhodamine-labelled ODNs in nuclei as well as the affinity labelling of the 61-63 kDa doublet and 35 kDa ODN-binding proteins by reactive ODN derivatives. Finally, cell fractionation studies indicated that these ODN-binding proteins were essentially localised in the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that these ODN-binding proteins might be involved in the recognition and transport of ODNs into keratinocytes.

Uptake of oligonucleotides by keratinocytes

Oligonucleotides (ODNs) conjugated to rhodamin (Rh) and 4-[(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methyl)amino] benzylamine were used to investigate ODNs transport into keratinocytes. Affinity labeling of two proteins, 63 and 35 kDa, and the inhibition of the affinity labeling and ODNs uptake by the cells in the presence of nucleic acids, polyanions and trypsin suggest, that the proteins are involved in transport of nucleic acids in keratinocytes.