Heat shock factor 4a (HSF4a) represses HSF2 expression and HSF2-mediated transcriptional activity

Heat shock factors (HSFs) are the main transcriptional regulators of the stress-induced expression of heat shock protein genes. HSF2, which is one of the HSFs, is activated during differentiation and development but it is unclear how they regulate during cellular processes. Here, we examined the role of HSF4a on the regulation of HSF2 in HEK 293 cells. We found that HSF2 levels are negatively correlated with HSF4a expression and that overexpression of HSF4a reduces hemin-induced HSF2 mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, hemin-induced activation of HSF2 was also markedly inhibited in HSF4a expressed cells. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that HSF2 binds to the oligomerization domain of HSF4a. Hemin treatment inhibited their interaction and induced localization of HSF2 and HSF4a in nuclear. In addition, we found that HSF4a or HSF4a DNA binding domain (117 aa) inhibited the activity of hemin-induced HSP70 promoter. Consequently, HSF4a inhibits HSF2 expression or transcriptional activity through negative regulation of HSF2 binding to the HSP70 promoter. In summary, our findings suggest novel mechanisms of HSF2 regulation controlled by HSF4a.

The histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A, induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in YD-10B oral squamous carcinoma cells

Histone acetylation is one of the key chromatin modifications that control gene transcription during development and tumorigenesis. Recently, it was reported that the histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A (TSA), induces growth arrest and apoptosis in tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for its antitumor effects are not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TSA on human oral squamous carcinoma cells and to determine the mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of TSA. MTT assays showed that TSA inhibited cell proliferation in YD-10B cells. TSA also effectively arrested cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase through the up-regulation of p21waf expression, down-regulation of Cyclin B1 and reduction of the inhibitory phophorylation of Cdc2. In addition, mitochondrial membrane destruction was induced by a 48 h TSA treatment. TSA also induced cytochrome c release and proteolytic activation of caspase 3 and caspase 7 in YD-10B cells. Taken together, these observations in YD-10B oral cancer cells reveal the potential value of TSA in inhibiting oral tumor growth.

The humoral immune response to the inactivated influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korea

AIMS

We evaluated the antibody response to a single-dose adjuvanted, inactivated, pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccination in patients with diabetes and assessed factors associated with the failure to induce antibody responses.

METHODS

Eighty-two patients with Type 2 diabetes were vaccinated and antibody responses were determined with haemagglutination inhibition assay and anti-haemagglutinin antibody ELISA.

RESULTS

Among 70 antibody-negative patients at baseline, 34 (48.6%) achieved seroconversion; 28 (60.9%) in the young adults group and six (25%) in the elderly group acquired H1N1-specific antibodies. Patients in the older age range or with longer duration of diabetes had a lower seroconversion rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show low cross-reactive antibody carrying rate and low seroconversion rate in patients with diabetes. Until larger-scale, case-controlled trials become available, older patients and patients with a longer duration of diabetes should be considered for the two-dose vaccination or have antibody titres measured after the first vaccination.

Anticancer effect of photodynamic therapy with hexenyl ester of 5-aminolevulinic acid in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Five-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) and its derivatives act as precursors of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). In this study, the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hexenyl ester of ALA (ALA-hx) was examined in a human oral squamous cell carcinoma, YD10B cells.

METHODS

PpIX accumulation and mRNA expression of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO) by ALA and ALA-hx was examined. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay and the molecular mechanism was investigated.

RESULTS

The PpIX synthesis and mRNA expression of CPO was much higher in the cells treated with ALA-hx than ALA. At the concentration that PDT with ALA did not affect cell growth, ALA-hx PDT effectively produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppressed cell growth. Growth inhibition by ALA-hx PDT was due to mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ALA-hx PDT effectively induced apoptosis of YD-10B cells and can be considered as a therapeutic alternative for oral cancer.

Sox4 stimulates ß-catenin activity through induction of CK2

ß-catenin is a key component of the Wnt signaling pathway and the abnormal accumulation of ß-catenin is characteristic of various types of cancer. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of Sox4 enhances ß-catenin/TCF activity by increasing the stability of ß-catenin. Sox4 increased the protein level of ß-catenin and its target gene cyclin D1 in a dose-dependent manner. An siRNA experiment for Sox4 also demonstrated that Sox4 increases the protein levels of ß-catenin and thus activates the Wnt signaling pathway. We found that induction of ß-catenin/TCF activity by Sox4 is caused by stabilization of the ß-catenin protein, but not by induction of ß-catenin transcription. We further demonstrate that the increased level of ß-catenin is caused by induction of CK2. In light of recent evidence that Sox4 expression is activated in the colon and in other tumors with ß-catenin dysregulation, our findings suggest that Sox4 acts as an agonist of Wnt signaling in cancer cells.

Lipopolysaccharide promotes adhesion and migration of murine dental papilla-derived MDPC-23 cells via TLR4

Odontoblasts and/or dental pulp cells are responsible for tooth repair and dentin formation. Furthermore, adhesion and migration are critical processes for tissue regeneration. This study was performed to clarify whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modulates adhesion and migration of the murine odontoblast-like cell line MDPC-23, and whether Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling is engaged in this process. TLR4 expression in MDPC-23 cells was examined by RT-PCR. Adhesion assay was performed using type I collagen-coated plates. Migration ability was determined by a commercial assay kit. Phosphorylation of IκB-α, FAK, AKT, and ERK was examined by Western blot analysis. TLR4 was functionally expressed in MDPC-23 cells. LPS treatment enhanced adhesion and migration of MDPC-23 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Blockade of TLR4 using its antibody restored LPS-induced adhesion and migration of MDPC-23 cells. These findings indicate that LPS, an immune activator from Gram-negative bacteria, can promote the adhesion and migration ability of MDPC-23 cells via TLR4.

Direct application of supercritical carbon dioxide for the reduction of Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii) in end products of dehydrated powdered infant formula

The objective of this study was to develop a viable new method for inactivation of Cronobacter spp. that could be applied directly to dehydrated powdered infant formula (PIF) using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)). Samples inoculated with Cronobacter spp. were subjected to SC-CO(2) treatment under various conditions (temperature: 63, 68, and 73 degrees C; pressure: 15, 20, and 25 MPa; time: 10, 20, and 30 min). The survival of Cronobacter spp. was assayed, as were any changes in the quality of the treated PIF. Inactivation of Cronobacter spp. by SC-CO(2) was enhanced as temperature and pressure conditions increased (>6.32 log(10) cfu/g). In a validation assay using low-level inoculation (3.21 log(10) cfu/g), treatment at 73 degrees C and 15 MPa for 30 min, 20 MPa for 20 and 30 min, or 25 MPa for 20 and 30 min reduced Cronobacter spp. to undetectable levels, with no recovery of cell viability. There was no significant change in water activity, pH, and color of the treated PIF. Overall, the optimum conditions for elimination of Cronobacter spp. were determined to be 73 degrees C and 20 MPa for 20 min. These parameters for effective SC-CO(2) treatment are feasibly applicable to end product of dehydrated PIF. The results of our study may contribute to the development of an efficient method for improving the microbiological safety of PIF.

A novel method for air drying aloe leaf slices by covering with filter papers as a shrink-proof layer

To prevent the shrinkage of aloe vera slices during air drying, a method utilizing a shrink-proof layer was developed. The sample was configured of whole leaf aloe slices, where 1 side or both sides were covered with filter papers as shrink-proof layers. After air drying by varying the air temperature and the slice thickness, the drying characteristics, as well as several quality factors of the dried aloe vera leaf slices, were analyzed. In the simulation of the drying curves, the modified Page model showed the best fitness, representing a diffusion-controlled drying mechanism. Nonetheless, there was a trace of a constant-rate drying period in the samples dried by the method. Shrinkage was greatly reduced, and the rehydration ratios increased by approximately 50%. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the surface structure of original fibrous form was well sustained. FT-IR characteristics showed that the dried samples could sustain aloe polysaccharide acetylation. Furthermore, the functional properties of the dried slices including water holding capacity, swelling, and fat absorption capability were improved, and polysaccharide retention levels increased by 20% to 30%. Therefore, we concluded that application of shrink-proof layers on aloe slices provides a novel way to overcome the shrinkage problems commonly found in air drying, thereby improving their functional properties with less cost. Practical Application: This research article demonstrates a novel air drying method using shrink-proof layers to prevent the shrinkage of aloe slices. We analyzed extensively the characteristics of shrinkage mechanism and physical properties of aloe flesh gels in this drying system. We concluded that this method can be a beneficial means to retain the functional properties of dried aloe, and a potential alternative to freeze drying, which is still costly.

TAT-Hsp27 promotes adhesion and migration of murine dental papilla-derived MDPC-23 cells through beta1 integrin-mediated signaling

Odontoblasts are involved in tooth repair and regeneration as well as dentin formation. The aim of this study was to examine whether delivery of heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) into cells using a TAT fusion protein system (TAT-Hsp27) enhances adhesion and migration of murine dental papilla-derived MDPC-23 cells. Hsp27 was delivered into cells by the TAT-fusion protein system. To examine whether TAT-Hsp27 affects the viability of MDPC-23 cells, MTT assay was performed. The effect of TAT-Hsp27 on adhesion and migration of MDPC-23 cells was determined using type I collagen-coated plates and a commercial kit, respectively. In addition, a precise molecular mechanism was examined by Western blot analysis and focal adhesion activity. TAT-fusion protein system delivered Hsp27 into cells successfully. Transduction of TAT-Hsp27 induced adhesion and migration of MDPC-23 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, transduction of TAT-Hsp27 increased the protein expression of beta1 integrin and focal adhesion formation, and induced phosphorylation of FAK and ERK. TAT-Hsp27-induced migration of MDPC-23 cells was restored by treatment of anti-beta1 integrin antibody. These findings suggest that TAT-Hsp27 promotes adhesion and migration of MDPC-23 cells via beta1 integrin-mediated signaling and is a promising candidate for therapeutic application of dental pulp regeneration.

Inhibition of invasion and migration of salivary gland adenocarcinoma cells by 5'-nitro-indirubinoxime (5'-NIO)

BACKGROUND

5'-Nitro-indirubinoxime (5'-NIO) is a derivative of the bis-indole indirubin that exhibits anticancer activities. The present study investigated the anti-invasive action of 5'-NIO in salivary gland ductal adenocarcinoma, SGT cells.

METHODS

The wound-scratch, migration, and invasion assays were applied to determine the effect of 5'-NIO on the migration capacity and invasiveness of SGT cells. Reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to evaluate the impacts of 5'-NIO on the expression of beta1 integrin and matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 (gelatinase-A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase-B).

RESULTS

The viability of SGT cells was decreased by 5'-NIO in a dose-dependent manner, but not significant at the concentrations of 0.5 and 1 microM. Under the concentrations showing little cytotoxic effect, 5'-NIO exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the invasion and migration of SGT cells. Furthermore, 5'-NIO suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of beta1 integrin and MMP-2 and MMP-9.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that 5'-NIO, even at low concentrations, may effectively inhibit the invasion and migration of SGT cells by suppressing beta1 integrin-mediated signaling.

Photodynamic therapy with hexenyl ester of 5-aminolevulinic acid induces necrotic cell death in salivary gland adenocarcinoma cells

Photodynamic therapy has been developed as an alternative therapy of cancer. The aim of this study was to examine whether PDT with hexenyl ester of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA-hx) inhibits the proliferation of the salivary gland adenocarcinoma SGT cells. Cell proliferation was examined by MTT assay. The gene expression of Coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO) and ROS production was also examined. Flow cytometry and in vivo Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was performed. ALA-hx PDT inhibited effectively the proliferation of SGT cells. Treatment of ALA-hx induced CPO mRNA expression and ROS was produced by ALA-hx PDT in SGT cells. Flow cytometry and LDH assay showed that ALA-hx PDT induced necrotic cell death rather than apoptosis in SGT cells. In vivo CAM assay showed that ALA-hx PDT induced tumor destruction by inducing necrosis. These results indicate that ALA-hx PDT effectively inhibits the proliferation of SGT cells by inducing necrosis.

Transforming growth factor beta1-induced heat shock protein 27 activation promotes migration of mouse dental papilla-derived MDPC-23 cells

INTRODUCTION

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) regulates cellular functions including cell growth, differentiation, angiogenesis, migration, and metastasis. The TGFbeta1 signal transduction pathways are mostly undefined in mouse dental papilla-derived MDPC-23 cells. In this study, we investigated TGFbeta1-induced migration focusing on heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) activation.

METHODS

Cellular responses mediated by TGFbeta1 in MDPC-23 cells were measured by Western blot and MTT assays. Cell migration was determined by counting migrated cells using the chemotaxis cell migration assay.

RESULTS

TGFbeta1 induced cell migration and increased the phosphorylation of Hsp27 and p38 MAPK in MDPC-23 cells. However, TGFbeta1 did not affect Akt/NF-kappaB signaling to regulate the migration of MDPC-23 cells. Inhibiting p38 MAPK with SB203580 blocked TGFbeta1-induced Hsp27 activation and cell migration.

CONCLUSION

Hsp27 phosphorylation followed by p38 MAPK activation was required for TGFbeta1-induced migration, and Hsp27 itself contributed to MDPC-23 cell migration.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 and exhibits anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo

Background

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the major catechins in green tea, is a potential chemopreventive agent for various cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of EGCG on the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and tumor suppression.

Methods

Cell colony formation was evaluated by a soft agar assay. Transcriptional activity of HSP70 and HSP90 was determined by luciferase reporter assay. An EGCG-HSPs complex was prepared using EGCG attached to the cyanogen bromide (CNBr)-activated Sepharose 4B. In vivo effect of EGCG on tumor growth was examined in a xenograft model.

Results

Treatment with EGCG decreased cell proliferation and colony formation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. EGCG specifically inhibited the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 by inhibiting the promoter activity of HSP70 and HSP90. Pretreatment with EGCG increased the stress sensitivity of MCF-7 cells upon heat shock (44°C for 1 h) or oxidative stress (H₂O₂, 500 μM for 24 h). Moreover, treatment with EGCG (10 mg/kg) in a xenograft model resulted in delayed tumor incidence and reduced tumor size, as well as the inhibition of HSP70 and HSP90 expression.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings demonstrate that HSP70 and HSP90 are potent molecular targets of EGCG and suggest EGCG as a drug candidate for the treatment of human cancer.

The antitumor effect of PLK1 and HSF1 double knockdown on human oral carcinoma cells

High levels of mitotic progression-associated PLK1 and stress-associated HSF1 have been observed in various human cancers. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PLK1 and HSF1 knockdown on the proliferation of oral cancer cells using small interfering RNA. In human oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tissues, the levels of PLK1 and HSF1 were higher compared to normal tissues. The expression levels of PLK1 and HSF1 were also elevated in the human oral SCC cell lines FaDu and HEp-2. Disruption of PLK1 induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase as well as apoptosis in oral cancer cells. Interestingly, knockdown of both PLK1 and HSF1 expression decreased cell proliferation while increasing apoptotic cell death in synergistic fashion. These results establish the potential value of PLK1 and HSF1 as targets for oral cancer therapy.

Elastic constants and dimensions of imprinted polymeric nanolines determined from Brillouin light scattering

Elastic constants and cross-sectional dimensions of imprinted nanolines of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on silicon substrates are determined nondestructively from finite-element inversion analysis of dispersion curves of hypersonic acoustic modes of these nanolines measured with Brillouin light scattering. The results for the cross-sectional dimensions, under the simplifying assumption of vertical sides and a semicircular top, are found to be consistent with dimensions determined from critical-dimension small-angle x-ray scattering measurements. The elastic constants C(11) and C(44) are found to be, respectively, 11.6% and 3.1% lower than their corresponding values for bulk PMMA. This result is consistent with the dimensional dependence of the quasi-static Young's modulus determined from buckling measurements on PMMA films with lower molecular weights. This study provides the first evidence of size-dependent effects on hypersonic elastic properties of polymers.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits invasion and migration of salivary gland adenocarcinoma cells

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has inhibitory effect on a variety of cancers by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest or inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. EGCG has been found to induce apoptosis in salivary gland carcinoma cells, however, it is not known whether EGCG affects invasion and migration. Thus, this study was performed to clarify whether EGCG affects invasion and migration of salivary gland tumors. Matrigel invasion assay, wound scratch assay and migration assay using commercial kit were performed. beta1 integrin expression and activation of its downstream molecules such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were examined by Western blot. Enzymatic activity of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 was examined by gelatin zymography. EGCG inhibited effectively invasion and migration of SGT cells in a dose-dependent manner. EGCG also inhibited the activation of beta1 integrin-downstream molecules such as FAK, AKT and ERK as well as the expression of beta1 integrin itself. Moreover, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and their enzymatic activity were reduced by EGCG in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that EGCG may effectively suppress salivary gland tumors by inhibiting metastasis through beta1 integrin-mediated signaling.

2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde shows antitumor activity against oral cancer in vitro and in vivo in a rat tumor model

BACKGROUND

2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde (HCA) exerts antitumor activity against several human cancer cell lines. However, its antitumor activity in oral cancer has not been demonstrated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antitumor activity of HCA was assessed in oral cancer cell lines and in a rat oral tumor model.

RESULTS

Cell cycle analysis confirmed that HCA showed anti-proliferative activity via cell cycle arrest at the G(2)/M-phase and increased the number of cells in the sub-G(1) (apoptotic cells) phase in SCC-15 and HEp-2 oral cancer cells. Additionally, direct injection of HCA into an RK3E-ras-Fluc-induced tumor significantly inhibited growth of the tumor mass. Histological analysis showed that HCA decreased tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a rat tumor model.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these observations suggest the potential value of HCA as a candidate for the treatment of oral cancer.

IAN5 polymorphisms are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a representative autoimmune disease, which is frequently associated with lymphopenia. Biobreeding (BB) rat is a typical animal model which develops autoimmune diseases with lymphopenia which results from a frame-shift mutation in the immune-associated nucleotide (IAN) 5 gene. IAN5 is involved in the regulation of T-cell activation and survival. To examine the association of IAN5 gene with SLE, we scrutinised the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IAN5 gene. We conducted a case-control study where 132 SLE patients, 505 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and 546 controls were genotyped for four SNPs in the IAN5 gene. Two SNPs (+2071C > T and +2677G > A) were associated with susceptibility to SLE (P = 0.040 and 0.045, respectively), and -4432G > A SNP was associated with the development of leukopenia (P = 0.028) and the requirement of steroid pulse therapy (P = 0.040) in SLE patients. Haplotype analyses showed that Ht1(CTCG) was associated with susceptibility to SLE (P = 0.036), and Ht4(ACCG), Ht5(ACTA) and Ht6(GCCG) were associated with the development of nephritis (P = 0.017, 0.019, 0.022, respectively). In conclusion, the IAN5 polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to SLE and the development of clinical disease manifestations in a strictly Korean population.

Eight enrichment broths for the isolation of Campylobacter jejuni from inoculated suspensions and ground pork

AIMS

The efficiency of eight enrichment broths for the selective isolation of Campylobacter jejuni was compared to identify an optimal enrichment broth.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Brucella-FBP, Preston, Doyle and Roman, modified CCD (mCCD), Park and Sanders, Bolton, Hunt and Radle and Hunt broths were compared for their recovery of (i) Camp. jejuni in suspension, (ii) Camp. jejuni from inoculated ground pork, (iii) heat-injured Camp. jejuni (55 degrees C for 20 min) in suspension and (iv) heat-injured Camp. jejuni from inoculated ground pork. Hunt broth and Bolton broth showed the highest and most rapid enrichment efficacy for the cell suspensions and ground pork, respectively. Preston, Park and Sanders and mCCD broths had relatively high enrichment efficiencies, while Brucella-FBP broth was significantly inferior to the other broths (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cell recovery from the eight enrichment broths was dependent on the sample type and the state of the cells. The use of the appropriate broth is important for the rapid and efficacious enrichment of Camp. jejuni. In particular, heat-injured Camp. jejuni require a longer cultivation time and a suitable enrichment broth.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results from the present study provide information for selecting the most appropriate enrichment broth for Camp. jejuni and may contribute to improved detection methods for the organism.

5'-Nitro-indirubinoxime induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in salivary gland adenocarcinoma cells through the inhibition of Notch-1 signaling

BACKGROUND

5'-Nitro-indirubinoxime (5'-NIO) is a new derivative of indirubin that exhibits anti-cancer activity in a variety of human cancer cells. However, its mechanism has not been fully clarified.

METHODS

Human salivary gland adenocarcinoma (SGT) cells were used in this study. Western blot and RT-PCR analyses were performed to determine cellular Notch levels. The cell cycle stage and level of apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

5'-NIO significantly inhibited the mRNA levels of Notch-1 and Notch-3 and their ligands (Delta1, 2, 3, and Jagged-2) in SGT cells. Immunocytochemistry analysis showed that 5'-NIO specifically decreased the level of Notch-1 in the nucleus. In addition, 5'-NIO induced G1 cell cycle arrest by reducing levels of CDK4 and CDK6 in SGT cells. Using flow cytometry and immunoblotting analysis, we found that 5'-NIO induces apoptosis following the secretion of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7. Intracellular Notch-1 overexpression led to a decrease in G1 phase arrest and an inhibition of 5'-NIO-induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that 5'-NIO induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by down-regulating Notch-1 signaling.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study identifies a new mechanism of 5'-NIO-mediated anti-tumor properties. Thus, 5'-NIO could be used as a candidate for salivary gland adenocarcinoma therapeutics.