A novel FK506-like binding protein interacts with the glucocorticoid receptor and regulates steroid receptor signaling

FKBP-like (FKBPL) protein is a novel immunophilin-like protein that plays a role in the cellular stress response. Its three tetratricopeptide repeat motifs are homologous to the heat shock protein 90 interaction sites of other immunophilins that have roles in steroid hormone receptor signaling. In this study, using biomolecular complementation and coimmunoprecipitation techniques, we show that FKBPL also colocalizes and interacts with the components of the heat shock protein 90-glucocorticoid receptor (GR) complex and demonstrate that the PPIase domain of FKBPL is important for the interaction between this complex and the dynein motor protein, dynamitin. Treatment of DU145 cells with the GR ligand, dexamethasone, induced a rapid and coordinated translocation of both GR and FKBPL to the nucleus; this response was perturbed when FKBPL was knocked down with a targeted small interfering RNA. Furthermore, overexpression of FKBPL increased GR protein levels and transactivation of a luciferase reporter gene in response to dexamethasone in DU145 cells. However, these responses were cell line dependent. In summary, these data suggest that FKBPL can be classed as a new member of the FKBP protein family with a role in steroid receptor complexes and signaling.

Treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is not a disease, but a lesion affecting the podocyte. Secondary FSGS may be due to a host of various factors, and patients are rarely nephrotic, requiring symptomatic treatment only. The best prognostic feature of nephrotic FSGS is its response to corticosteroids. Some forms are most likely of immunological origin, relapse in a renal transplant and justify immunosuppressive treatment. In a growing number of cases, genetic profiling of molecules that contribute to the podocyte slit diaphragm permselectivity to albumin has identified defects that do not represent indications for immunosuppression. In the other forms, corticosteroids and cyclosporin A (CsA) remain the mainstay of treatment, with better efficacy when CsA is associated with steroids. The renal tolerability of CsA is reasonably good when the dosage is low. CsA dependency is not constant. Alkylating agents are reluctantly indicated in steroid-sensitive forms, which are rare. They are mostly ineffective in steroid-resistant forms. Tacrolimus seems a promising therapy with low toxicity, but it is usual for dependency on the drug to occur. Sirolimus seems to be ineffective. Azathioprine is not considered indicated, despite rare reports with favourable results, which would deserve further controlled trials. Recent publications indicate that mycophenolate mofetil might usefully find a place in the treatment. Plasmapheresis is of no avail outside the special case of relapse in a transplanted kidney. Immunoabsorption of the elusive substance that causes the nephrotic syndrome and its relapse on a transplant has not led to practical treatment options.

Regulation of cap-dependent translation by insulin-like growth factor-1 in neuronal cells

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) both promotes survival and activates protein synthesis in neurons. In the present paper, we investigate the effect of IGF-1 treatment on cap-dependent translation in primary cultured neuronal cells. IGF-1 treatment increased the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), exclusively at Thr-36 and Thr-45 residues, and eIF-4G phosphorylation at Ser-1108. In contrast, a significant eIF-4E dephosphorylation was found. In parallel, increased eIF-4E/4G assembly and protein synthesis activation in response to IGF-1 treatment were observed. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor wortmannin and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin, but not the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-activating kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059, reversed the IGF-1-induced effects observed on eIF-4E/4G assembly and phosphorylation status of 4E-BP1, eIF-4E, and eIF-4G. Therefore, our findings show that the IGF-1-induced regulation of cap-dependent translation is largely dependent on the PI-3K and mTOR pathway in neuronal cells.

The immunophilin ligand FK506 attenuates the axonal damage associated with rapid rewarming following posttraumatic hypothermia

Our laboratory has shown that traumatically induced axonal injury (TAI) is significantly reduced by posttraumatic hypothermia followed by slow rewarming. Further, TAI can be exacerbated by rapid rewarming, and the damaging consequences of rapid rewarming can be reversed by cyclosporin A, which is believed to protect via blunting mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). In this communication, we continue investigating the damaging consequences of rapid posthypothermic rewarming and the protective role of immunophilin ligands using another member of the immunophilin family, FK506, which does not affect MPT but rather inhibits calcineurin. Rats were subjected to impact-acceleration brain injury followed by the induction of hypothermia with subsequent rapid or slow posthypothermic rewarming. During rewarming, animals received either FK506 or its vehicle. Three hours postinjury, animals were prepared for the visualization of TAI via antibodies targeting impaired axoplasmic transport (APP) and/or overt neurofilament alteration (RMO-14). Rapid rewarming exacerbated TAI, which was attenuated by FK506. This protection was statistically significant for the APP-immunoreactive fibers but not for the RMO-14-positive fibers. Combined labeling, using one chromagen to visualize both axonal changes, suggested that these two immunoreactive profiles revealed two distinct pathologies not occurring along the same axon. Collectively, these studies confirmed previous observations identifying the adverse consequences of rapid rewarming while also showing the complexity of the pathobiology of TAI. Additionally, the demonstration that FK506 is protective suggests that calcineurin may be a major target for neuroprotection.

Enhanced sensitivity of PTEN-deficient tumors to inhibition of FRAP/mTOR

Recent evidence places the FRAP/mTOR kinase downstream of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase/Akt-signaling pathway, which is up-regulated in multiple cancers because of loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. We performed biological and biochemical studies to determine whether PTEN-deficient cancer cells are sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of FRAP/mTOR by using the rapamycin derivative CCI-779. In vitro and in vivo studies of isogenic PTEN(+/+) and PTEN(-/-) mouse cells as well as human cancer cells with defined PTEN status showed that the growth of PTEN null cells was blocked preferentially by pharmacologic FRAP/mTOR inhibition. Enhanced tumor growth caused by constitutive activation of Akt in PTEN(+/+) cells also was reversed by CCI-779 treatment, indicating that FRAP/mTOR functions downstream of Akt in tumorigenesis. Loss of PTEN correlated with increased S6 kinase activity and phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 protein, providing evidence for activation of the FRAP/mTOR pathway in these cells. Differential sensitivity to CCI-779 was not explained by differences in biochemical blockade of the FRAP/mTOR pathway, because S6 phosphorylation was inhibited in sensitive and resistant cell lines. These results provide rationale for testing FRAP/mTOR inhibitors in PTEN null human cancers.

High enzymatic activity and chaperone function are mechanistically related features of the dimeric E. coli peptidyl-prolyl-isomerase FkpA

We have recently described the existence of a chaperone activity for the dimeric peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase FkpA from the periplasm of Escherichia coli that is independent of its isomerase activity. We have now investigated the molecular mechanism of these two activities in vitro in greater detail. The isomerase activity with a protein substrate (RNaseT1) is characterized by a 100-fold higher k(cat)/K(M) value than with a short tetrapeptide substrate. This enhanced activity with a protein is due to an increased affinity towards the protein substrate mediated by a polypeptide-binding site that is distinct from the active site. The chaperone activity is also mediated by interaction of folding and unfolding intermediates with a binding site that is most likely identical to the polypeptide-binding site which enhances catalysis. Both activities are thus mechanistically related, being based on the transient interaction with this high-affinity polypeptide-binding site. Only the isomerase activity, but not the chaperone activity, with the substrate citrate synthase can be inhibited by FK520. Experiments with the isolated domains of FkpA imply that both the isomerase and the chaperone site are located on the highly conserved FKBP domain. The additional amino-terminal domain mediates the dimerization and thus places the two active sites of the FKBP domains in juxtaposition, such that they can simultaneously interact with a protein, and this is required for full catalytic activity.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and 1beta proteins share common signaling pathways in human prostate cancer cells

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric transcription factor consisting alpha and beta subunits. It is critically involved in cancer cell hypoxia adaptation, glycolysis, and angiogenesis. HIF-1beta is associated with HIF-1 functions as a dimerization partner of HIF-1alpha, and is on the other hand associated with carcinogenesis via dioxin signaling. Regulation of HIF-1beta protein expression was investigated in human prostate cancer (PCA) cells. HIF-1beta protein was expressed constitutively under nonhypoxic conditions in all human PCA cells tested, and was up-regulated by hypoxia, CoCl2, EGF, serum, or PMA in moderate levels. Compared to that of HIF-1alpha, the constitutive, serum-, EGF-, and PMA-increased HIF-1beta protein expression were also inhibited by selective PI3K or FRAP/TOR inhibitors but in higher doses. Hypoxia partially reversed the dose dependent inhibition of HIF-1beta. These results suggest that HIF-1alpha and beta share common signaling pathways for nuclear protein accumulation.

An inositolphosphate-binding immunophilin, IPBP12

A novel inositolphosphate-binding protein has been identified and shown to be an immunophilin. This protein, which was isolated from human erythrocyte membranes and from K562 (human erythroleukemia) cell membranes, has robust peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase activity that is strongly inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of FK506 or rapamycin, indicating a member of the FKBP (FK506-binding protein) class. However, unlike the cytosolic FKBP12, the isomerase activity of this membrane-associated immunophilin is strongly inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP(3)), inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP(4)), and phosphatidylinositol 4- and 4,5-phosphates, which are suggested to be physiological ligands. The demonstration of a single 12-kD protein that binds both IP(4) or IP(3) and anti-FKBP12 provides strong support for the inositolphosphate-binding immunophilin having an apparent mass of 12 kD, and it is suggested that the protein might be called IPBP12 for 12-kD inositol phosphate binding protein. When an internal tryptic peptide derived from IPBP12 was sequenced, a sequence also present in human cytokeratin 10 was identified, suggesting a cytoskeletal localization for the immunophilin. While purifying IPBP12, it was found that it is immunoprecipitated with specific proteins that include a protein kinase and a phosphoprotein phosphatase. The latter is indicated to be phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A (PP-2A). It is suggested that immunophilins promote the assembly of multiprotein complexes that often include a protein kinase or a phosphoprotein phosphatase or both.

Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of cycloheximide derivatives as potential inhibitors of FKBP12 with neuroregenerative properties

On the basis of the new finding that the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (1, 4-[2-(3, 5-dimethyl-2-oxocyclohexyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-2,6-piperidinedione) is able to competitively inhibit hFKBP12 (K(i) = 3.4 microM) and homologous enzymes, a series of derivatives has been synthesized. The effect of the compounds on the activity of hFKBP12 and their cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cell lines (mouse L-929 fibroblasts, K-562 leukemic cells) were determined. As a result, several less toxic or nontoxic cycloheximide derivatives were identified by N-substitution of the glutarimide moiety and exhibit IC(50) values in the range of 22.0-4.4 microM for inhibition of hFKBP12. Among these compounds cycloheximide-N-(ethyl ethanoate) (10, K(i) = 4.1 microM), which exerted FKBP12 inhibition to an extent comparable to that of cycloheximide (1), was found to cause an approximately 1000-fold weaker inhibitory effect on eukaryotic protein synthesis (IC(50) = 115 microM). Cycloheximide-N-(ethyl ethanoate) (10) was able to significantly speed nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve neurotomy model at dosages of 30 mg/kg.

Immunosuppressant inhibition of P-glycoprotein function is independent of drug-induced suppression of peptide-prolyl isomerase and calcineurin activity

PURPOSE

P-glycoprotein is a 170-kDa plasma membrane multidrug transporter that actively exports cytotoxic substances from cells. Overexpression of P-glycoprotein by tumor cells is associated with a multidrug-resistant phenotype. Immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporins and macrolides, have been shown to attenuate P-glycoprotein activity. However, the mechanism by which some immunosuppressants inhibit P-glycoprotein function has not been determined. Since cyclosporin and macrolide immunosuppressants inhibit calcineurin (CaN) phosphatase and FKBP12 peptideprolyl isomerase (FKBP12 PPI) activity, studies were conducted to determine if these effects are directly related to the inhibitory effects these immunosuppressants have on P-glycoprotein function.

METHODS

Western blot analysis was performed to assess CaN and FKBP12 protein levels in P-glycoprotein-negative (MCF-7) and -positive (MCF-7/Adr) breast cancer cell lines. P-glycoprotein function was determined by intracellular doxorubicin accumulation and/or cytotoxicity assays before and after CaN and FKBP12 were independently inhibited by pharmacological antagonists.

RESULTS

CaN and FKBP12 levels were similar in MCF-7 and MCF-7/Adr cells. P-glycoprotein function was not affected by treatment of P-glycoprotein-expressing MCF-7/Adr cells with CaN and FKBP12 antagonists.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of immunosuppressive agents on P-glycoprotein function are independent of CaN or FKBP12 PPI activity.

Estimation of the binding affinities of FKBP12 inhibitors using a linear response method

A series of non-immunosuppressive inhibitors of FK506 binding protein (FKBP12) are investigated using Monte Carlo statistical mechanics simulations. These small molecules may serve as scaffolds for chemical inducers of protein dimerization, and have recently been found to have FKBP12-dependent neurotrophic activity. A linear response model was developed for estimation of absolute binding free energies based on changes in electrostatic and van der Waals energies and solvent-accessible surface areas, which are accumulated during simulations of bound and unbound ligands. With average errors of 0.5 kcal/mol, this method provides a relatively rapid way to screen the binding of ligands while retaining the structural information content of more rigorous free energy calculations.

The discovery of steroids and other novel FKBP inhibitors using a molecular docking program

The molecular docking computer program SANDOCK was used to screen small molecule three-dimensional databases in the hunt for novel FKBP inhibitors. Spectroscopic measurements confirmed binding of over 20 compounds to the target protein, some with dissociation constants in the low micromolar range. The discovery that FK506 binding protein is a steroid binding protein may be of wider biological significance. Two-dimensional NMR was used to determine the steroid binding mode and confirmed the interactions predicted by the docking program.

Protein phosphatase 2A interacts with the 70-kDa S6 kinase and is activated by inhibition of FKBP12-rapamycinassociated protein

The FKBP12-rapamycin-associated protein (FRAP; also called RAFT1/mTOR) regulates translation initiation and entry into the cell cycle. Depriving cells of amino acids or treating them with the small molecule rapamycin inhibits FRAP and results in rapid dephosphorylation and inactivation of the translational regulators 4E-BP1(eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1) and p70(s6k) (the 70-kDa S6 kinase). Data published recently have led to the view that FRAP acts as a traditional mitogen-activated kinase, directly phosphorylating 4E-BP1 and p70(s6k) in response to mitogenic stimuli. We present evidence that FRAP controls 4E-BP1 and p70(s6k) phosphorylation indirectly by restraining a phosphatase. A calyculin A-sensitive phosphatase is required for the rapamycin- or amino acid deprivation-induced dephosphorylation of p70(s6k), and treatment of Jurkat I cells with rapamycin increases the activity of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) toward 4E-BP1. PP2A is shown to associate with p70(s6k) but not with a mutated p70(s6k) that is resistant to rapamycin- and amino acid deprivation-mediated dephosphorylation. FRAP also is shown to phosphorylate PP2A in vitro, consistent with a model in which phosphorylation of PP2A by FRAP prevents the dephosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and p70(s6k), whereas amino acid deprivation or rapamycin treatment inhibits FRAP's ability to restrain the phosphatase.

Brasilicardin A, a new terpenoid antibiotic from pathogenic Nocardia brasiliensis: fermentation, isolation and biological activity

A novel tricyclic diterpenoid antibiotic, brasilicardin A, was isolated from the culture broth of Nocardia brasiliensis IFM 0406. The antibiotic exhibited immunosuppressive activity in a mouse mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay system and its IC50 value was 0.057 microg/ml. Although the inhibitory activity of cyclosporin A (CyA) against IL-2 production was confirmed in the MLR assay system, brasilicardin A did not have the activity. The results of in vitro toxicity testing of brasilicardin A against various human cell lines were compared with those of CyA.

Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase B, and p70 S6 kinases in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells: differential effects of rapamycin, Ly294002, and wortmannin on nitric oxide production

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and protein kinase B are critical players in cell proliferation and survival. Their downstream effector protein kinase, p70 S6 kinase, has an established role in protein translation. The mechanism by which bacterial LPS induces production of nitric oxide (NO) in murine macrophages is incompletely understood, and a role for PI 3-kinase/p70 S6 kinase pathway had not been previously investigated. In this study we demonstrate that LPS induced a fivefold activation of p70 S6 kinase and a twofold stimulation of PI 3-kinase. Pretreatment of Raw 264.7 cells with either rapamycin or Ly290042 completely blocked LPS-induced activation of p70 S6 kinase. Protein kinase B was also activated (twofold) by LPS and was only minimally affected by these inhibitors. PI 3-kinase activity was inhibited by both Ly294002 and wortmannin. The effects on NO production by these agents were strikingly different. While both rapamycin and Ly294002 resulted in almost complete inhibition of NO production, wortmannin was ineffective. Surprisingly, none of the inhibitors reduced the production of the inducible nitric oxide synthase protein (iNOS) as determined by immunoprecipitation. In vivo labeling studies revealed that the iNOS protein was phosphorylated in concordance with the production of NO. We conclude that LPS-mediated NO production occurs via a PI 3-kinase-independent, but FKBP12-rapamycin-associated protein-dependent, pathway in RAW cells by a mechanism probably involving phosphorylation of iNOS.

Investigations of neurotrophic inhibitors of FK506 binding protein via Monte Carlo simulations

The binding and solution-phase properties of six inhibitors of FK506 binding protein (FKBP12) were investigated using free energy perturbation techniques in Monte Carlo statistical mechanics simulations. These nonimmunosuppressive molecules are of current interest for their neurotrophic activity when bound to FKBP12 as well as for their potential as building blocks for chemical inducers of protein dimerization. Relative binding affinities were computed and analyzed for ligands differing by a phenyl ring, an external phenyl or pyridyl substituent, and a pipecolyl or prolyl ring. Such results are, in general, valuable for inhibitor optimization and, in the present case, bring into question some of the previously reported binding data.