Catalytic properties of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-2 (NQO2), a dihydronicotinamide riboside dependent oxidoreductase

Old and new inhibitors of quinone reductase 2

Quinone reductase 2 is a cytosolic enzyme which catalyses the reduction of quinones, such as menadione and coenzymes Q. Despite a relatively close sequence-based resemblance to NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (QR1), it has many different features. QR2 is the third melatonin binding site (MT3). It is inhibited in the micromolar range by melatonin, and does not accept conventional phosphorylated nicotinamides as hydride donors. QR2 has a powerful capacity to activate quinones leading to unexpected toxicity situations. In the present paper, we report the characterization of three QR2 modulators: melatonin, resveratrol and S29434. The latter compound inhibits QR2 activity with an IC(50) in the low nanomolar range. The potency of the modulators ranged as follows, from the least to the most potent: melatonin<resveratrol<S29434. These molecular tools might permit to explore and better understand the relationship existing between QR2 catalytic activity and the various pathological situations in which QR2 has a key role.

Inactivation of the quinone oxidoreductases NQO1 and NQO2 strongly elevates the incidence and multiplicity of chemically induced skin tumors

The cytosolic quinone oxidoreductases NQO1 and NQO2 protect cells against oxidative stress by detoxifying quinones and preventing redox cycling. In this study, we used double knockout (DKO) mice deficient for NQO1 and NQO2 to investigate the role of these antioxidative enzymes in a two-stage model of inflammatory skin carcinogenesis. In this model, tumors are caused by exposure to topical carcinogen dimethylbenz(a)anthracene or benzo(a)pyrene (BP) followed by twice weekly application of proinflammatory phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. On this classic chemical carcinogenesis protocol, DKO mice showed a significantly higher skin tumor frequency and multiplicity compared with control wild-type or single knockout mice. Analysis of skin from wild-type and DKO mice exposed to BP for 6, 12, or 24 hours revealed a relative delay in the activation of p53, p63, p19ARF, and apoptosis in DKO mice, consistent with a negative modifier role for NQO1/NQO2 in carcinogenesis. Our findings offer genetic evidence of the significance of quinone oxidoreductases NQO1 and NQO2 in limiting chemical skin carcinogenesis.

The structure of the leukemia drug imatinib bound to human quinone reductase 2 (NQO2)

BACKGROUND

Imatinib represents the first in a class of drugs targeted against chronic myelogenous leukemia to enter the clinic, showing excellent efficacy and specificity for Abl, Kit, and PDGFR kinases. Recent screens carried out to find off-target proteins that bind to imatinib identified the oxidoreductase NQO2, a flavoprotein that is phosphorylated in a chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line.

RESULTS

We examined the inhibition of NQO2 activity by the Abl kinase inhibitors imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib, and obtained IC50 values of 80 nM, 380 nM, and >100 microM, respectively. Using electronic absorption spectroscopy, we show that imatinib binding results in a perturbation of the protein environment around the flavin prosthetic group in NQO2. We have determined the crystal structure of the complex of imatinib with human NQO2 at 1.75 A resolution, which reveals that imatinib binds in the enzyme active site, adjacent to the flavin isoalloxazine ring. We find that phosphorylation of NQO2 has little effect on enzyme activity and is therefore likely to regulate other aspects of NQO2 function.

CONCLUSION

The structure of the imatinib-NQO2 complex demonstrates that imatinib inhibits NQO2 activity by competing with substrate for the active site. The overall conformation of imatinib when bound to NQO2 resembles the folded conformation observed in some kinase complexes. Interactions made by imatinib with residues at the rim of the active site provide an explanation for the binding selectivity of NQO2 for imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib. These interactions also provide a rationale for the lack of inhibition of the related oxidoreductase NQO1 by these compounds. Taken together, these studies provide insight into the mechanism of NQO2 inhibition by imatinib, with potential implications for drug design and treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in patients.

NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2-deficient mice are highly susceptible to radiation-induced B-cell lymphomas

PURPOSE

NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is known to protect against myelogenous hyperplasia. However, the role of NQO2 in prevention of hematologic malignancies remains unknown. Present studies investigated in vivo role of NQO2 in prevention of myeloproliferative disease and lymphomas.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Wild-type and NQO2-null mice were exposed to 0, 1, and 3 Gy gamma-radiation. One year later, the mice were analyzed for the development of myeloproliferative disease and lymphomas. Immunohistochemistry analysis determined the B- and T-cell origin of lymphomas. The mice were also sacrificed at 6 and 48 h after radiation exposure and bone marrow was collected and analyzed for p53, Bax, and B-cell apoptosis. Bone marrow cells were cultured and the rate of degradation of p53 was analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-two percent NQO2-null mice showed development of B-cell lymphomas in multiple tissues compared with 11% in wild-type mice exposed to 3 Gy gamma-radiation. In contrast, only 22% NQO2-null mice showed myeloproliferation compared with none in wild-type mice. Further analysis revealed that bone marrow from NQO2-null mice contained lower levels of p53 compared with wild-type mice due to rapid degradation of p53. In addition, the exposure to radiation resulted in lower induction of p53 and Bax and decreased B-cell apoptosis in NQO2-null mice.

CONCLUSION

NQO2-null mice are highly susceptible to develop radiation-induced B-cell lymphomas. The lack of significant induction of p53 and Bax and decrease in B-cell apoptosis presumably contributed to the development of lymphomas. NQO2 functions as endogenous factor in prevention against radiation-induced B-cell lymphomas.

Evidence for NQO2-mediated reduction of the carcinogenic estrogen ortho-quinones

The physiological function of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1, DT-diaphorase) is to detoxify potentially reactive quinones by direct transfer of two electrons. A similar detoxification role has not been established for its homologue NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2). Estrogen quinones, including estradiol(E(2))-3,4-Q, generated by estrogen metabolism, are thought to be responsible for estrogen-initiated carcinogenesis. In this investigation, we have shown for the first time that NQO2 catalyzes the reduction of electrophilic estrogen quinones and thereby may act as a detoxification enzyme. ESI and MALDI mass spectrometric binding studies involving E(2)-3,4-Q with NQO2 clearly support the formation of an enzyme-substrate physical complex. The problem of spontaneous reduction of substrate by cofactor, benzyldihydronicotinamide riboside (BNAH), was successfully overcome by taking advantage of the ping-pong mechanism of NQO2 catalysis. The involvement of the enzyme in the reduction of E(2)-3,4-Q was further supported by addition of the inhibitor quercetin to the assay mixture. NQO2 is a newly discovered binding site (MT3) of melatonin. However, addition of melatonin to the assay mixture did not affect the catalytic activity of NQO2. Preliminary kinetic studies show that NQO2 is faster in reducing estrogen quinones than its homologue NQO1. Both UV and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assays unequivocally corroborate the reduction of estrogen ortho-quinones by NQO2, indicating that it could be a novel target for prevention of breast cancer initiation.

Functional role of Trp-105 of Enterococcus faecalis azoreductase (AzoA) as resolved by structural and mutational analysis

Enterococcus faecalis azoreductase (AzoA) is a very active enzyme with a broad spectrum of substrate specificity and is capable of degrading various azo dyes. The enzyme has an absolute requirement for reduced FMN, which delivers a total of four electrons from NADH to the substrate, resulting in the cleavage of the nitrogen double bond. In this study, we report the identification of amino acid residues critical for FMN binding in AzoA. FMN is stabilized by 22 amino acid residues, eight of which, Trp-105, Asn-106, Leu-107, Gly-150, Gly-151, Tyr-153, Asn-121 and Tyr-129, are involved in binding the FMN isoalloxazine ring. In silico analysis of the amino acid residues revealed that the Trp residue at position 105 of AzoA is the most likely significant contributor to the binding of FMN to the enzyme and is involved in FMN stabilization and destabilization. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis of Trp-105 was performed to determine the role of this amino acid residue in FMN binding and azo dye reductive activity. The mutant proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified by anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The replacement of Trp-105 by the small side-chain amino acids Ala and Gly caused complete loss of both affinity for FMN and enzyme activity. Substitution of Tyr for Trp-105 did not significantly decrease the V(max) of the enzyme (22 % reduction). Substitutions with three bulky side-chain amino acids, Gln, Phe and His, produced enzymes with lower V(max) values (decreases of 68.2, 30.6 and 8.2-fold, respectively). However, these mutated enzymes maintained K(m) values similar to the wild-type enzyme. This study provides an insight into the catalytic properties of AzoA in FMN stabilization and enzyme activity.

Dissecting the role of multiple reductases in bioactivation and cytotoxicity of the antitumor agent 2,5-diaziridinyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (RH1)

2,5-Diaziridinyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (RH1) is a novel antitumor diaziridinyl benzoquinone derivative designed to be bioactivated by the two-electron reductase NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and is currently in clinical trials. NQO1 is expressed at high levels in many solid tumors. RH1 cytotoxicity has been shown previously to be NQO1-dependent. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether other reducing enzymes such as cytochrome b(5) reductase (b5R), cytochrome P450 reductase (P450R), dihydronicotinamide riboside:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2), and xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase (XO/XDH) also contribute to the bioactivation and cytotoxicity of RH1 in human tumor cells. For these studies, we established a series of stable MDA468 breast cancer cell lines overexpressing various levels of NQO1, b5R, P450R, and NQO2 and compared RH1-induced growth inhibition [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyl)tetrazolium and sulforhodamine B analysis] and interstrand DNA cross-linking (comet analysis) in both parental MDA468 cells and transfected clones. RH1 toxicity correlated with NQO1 and NQO2 but not with either b5R or P450R activity levels in the respective series of transfected MDA468 cell clones. Enzymatic assays showed that RH1 was an in vitro substrate for xanthine oxidase. However, XO/XDH protein and activity could not be detected in a variety of human tumor cell lines. These studies suggest that NQO1 and NQO2 are the principal enzymatic determinants of RH1 bioactivation in MDA468 tumor cells and that b5R, P450R, and XDH/XO are unlikely to play major roles. Our studies also suggest that NQO2 may be particularly relevant as a bioactivation system for RH1 in NQO1-deficient tumors such as leukemias and lymphomas.

Quinone reductase 2 is a catechol quinone reductase

The functions of quinone reductase 2 have eluded researchers for decades even though a genetic polymorphism is associated with various neurological disorders. Employing enzymatic studies using adrenochrome as a substrate, we show that quinone reductase 2 is specific for the reduction of adrenochrome, whereas quinone reductase 1 shows no activity. We also solved the crystal structure of quinone reductase 2 in complexes with dopamine and adrenochrome, two compounds that are structurally related to catecholamine quinones. Detailed structural analyses delineate the mechanism of quinone reductase 2 specificity toward catechol quinones in comparison with quinone reductase 1; a side-chain rotational difference between quinone reductase 1 and quinone reductase 2 of a single residue, phenylalanine 106, determines the specificity of enzymatic activities. These results infer functional differences between two homologous enzymes and indicate that quinone reductase 2 could play important roles in the regulation of catecholamine oxidation processes that may be involved in the etiology of Parkinson disease.

Studies of the melatonin binding site location onto quinone reductase 2 by directed mutagenesis

Melatonin is a neurohormone implicated in both biorhythm synchronization and neuroprotection from oxidative stress. Its functions are mediated by two G-protein-coupled-receptors (MT1 and MT2) and MT3, which corresponds to quinone oxidoreductase 2 (QR2). To determine the binding site of QR2 for melatonin, point mutations of residues crucial for the enzymatic activity of hQR2 were performed. The substitution of the hydrophobic residues Phe126, Ile128 and Phe178 by tyrosines at the active site significantly increased enzymatic activity and decreased the affinity of a structural analog of melatonin, the 2[(125)I]iodo-MCANAT. The mutation of residues implicated in zinc chelating (His(173); His(177)) had no effect on radioligand binding. Destabilisation of the cofactor FAD by mutation N18E showed that 2[(125)I]iodo-MCANAT binding was closely linked to the conformational integrity of human QR2. Surprisingly, the mutations C222F and N161A, which are distant from the determined binding site of the ligand, increased the affinity of 2[(125)I]iodo-MCANAT for hQR2. What seems to better explain the binding variations among the mutants are the activity recorded with BNAH and coenzyme Q1. Various hypotheses are discussed based on the various parameters used in the study: nature of the substrates and co-substrates and nature of the amino acid changes. This study, which constitutes the first structural analysis of hQR2, should enable to better understand the biological role of melatonin on this enzyme and particularly, the discrepancies between the pharmacologies of the melatonin binding site (MT3) and the QR2 catalytic activity.

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) loss of function in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines

Two-electron reduction of quinones catalyzed by NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) protects cells against oxidative stress and toxic quinones. In fact, low level of NQO1 activity is often associated with increased risk of developing different types of tumours and with toxic effects linked to environmental quinones. In a previous report we analyzed the relationship between the oxidative stress induced by UV radiation and CoQ10 content in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines compared to HL-60. The basal content of CoQ10 in Raji cells was slightly higher compared to HL-60. Moreover, after irradiation or ubiquinone supplementation in the medium, reduced CoQ10 levels were higher in Raji and Daudi cells compared to HL-60. In the present work, in order to inquire if NQO1 plays a role in the CoQ reducing capacity observed in the lymphoblastoid cell lines, we analyzed the transcription and translation products of this gene in Raji and Daudi cells, compared to cell lines possessing low and high NQO1 activity. The amount of transcripts of this gene in lymphoblastoid cells was comparable to that observed in HL-60 cells (low activity), as well as the level of two alternatively spliced mRNAs; one of which is described for the first time in this work. From the genotype analysis of polymorphisms C609T and C465T we observed that HL-60, Raji and Daudi cells were all heterozygous. Furthermore, NQO1 enzyme activity and protein synthesis in the cytosol of Raji and Daudi cells were undetectable. Therefore in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines the NQO1 gene is not efficiently translated and this effect is not related to (C609T) polymorphism. Further studies will be necessary to find the enzyme responsible for CoQ10 reducing activity observed in lymphoma cell lines. On the other hand, this result suggests a careful re-evaluation of data concerning loss of NQO1 activity and polymorphisms in tumour cells.

Deficiency of NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 differentially regulates TNF signaling in keratinocytes: up-regulation of apoptosis correlates with down-regulation of cell survival kinases

NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is a cytosolic flavoprotein that catalyzes the two-electron reduction of quinones and quinoid compounds to hydroquinones. Although the role of a homologue, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), is well defined in oxidative stress, neoplasia, and carcinogenesis, little is known about the mechanism of actions of NQO2 in these cellular responses. Whether NQO2 has any role in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling was investigated using keratinocytes derived from wild-type and NQO2 knockout (NQO2-/-) mice. Although exposure of wild-type cells to TNF led to activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and IkappaBalpha kinase, IkappaBalpha degradation, p65 phosphorylation, and p65 nuclear translocation, this cytokine had no effect on NQO2-/- cells. Deletion of NQO2 also abolished TNF-induced c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, Akt, p38, and p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. The induction of various antiapoptotic gene products (MMP-9, cyclin D1, COX-2, IAP1, IAP2, Bcl-2, cFLIP, and XIAP) by TNF was also abolished in NQO2-/- cells. This correlated with potentiation of TNF-induced apoptosis as indicated by cell viability, Annexin V staining, and caspase activation. In agreement with this, we also found that TNF activated NQO2, and NQO2-specific small interfering RNA abrogated the TNF-induced NQO2 activity and NF-kappaB activation. Overall, our results indicate that deletion of NQO2 plays a differential role in TNF signaling pathway: by suppressing cell survival signals and potentiating TNF-induced apoptosis.

An approach to evaluate two-electron reduction of 9,10-phenanthraquinone and redox activity of the hydroquinone associated with oxidative stress

Quinones are widely used as medicines or redox agents. The chemical properties are based on the reactions against an electron donor. 9,10-Phenanthraquinone (PQ), which is a quinone contaminated in airborne particulate matters, forms redox cycling, not Michael addition, with electron donors. Redox cycling of PQ contributes to its toxicity, following generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Detoxification of quinones is generally thought to be two-electron reduction forming hydroquinones. However, a hydroquinone of PQ, 9,10-dihydroxyphenanthrene (PQH(2)), has been never detected itself, because it is quite unstable. In this paper, we succeeded in detecting PQH(2) as its stable derivative, 9,10-diacetoxyphenanthrene (DAP). However, higher concentrations of PQ (>4 microM) form disproportionately with PQH(2), producing the 9,10-phenanthraquinone radical (PQ(-)) which is a one-electron reducing product of PQ. In cellular experiments using DAP as a precursor of PQH(2), it was shown that PQH(2) plays a critical role in the oxidative protein damage and cellular toxicity of PQ, showing that two-electron reduction of PQ can also initiate redox cycling to cause oxidative stress-dependent cytotoxicity.

Assessment of 4-nitro-1,8-naphthalic anhydride reductase activity in homogenates of bakers’ yeast by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of yield and conversion ratio of 4-nitro-1,8-naphthalic anhydride to 4-amino-1,8-naphthalic anhydride following incubation with a crude bakers' yeast homogenate. The analytes were separated on a C18 column in gradient mode. The detection limit of 4-amino-1,8-naphthalic anhydride is 10ng/microl when using a 10microl sample injection volume. The nitroreductase activity in the homogenate system can be assessed during the bioconversion process. The method can be used for the simultaneous detection of 4-hydroxylamino-1,8-naphthalic anhydride, an intermediate with limited stability.

NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 and NRH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 Activity and Expression in Bladder and Ovarian Cancer and Lower NRH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 Activity Associated with an NQO2 Exon 3 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism

PURPOSE

NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is a homologue of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Despite 54% homology with human NQO1, NQO2 has little endogenous enzymatic activity. However, NQO2 has potential as a therapeutic target because the addition of the nonbiogenic electron donor dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH) selectively potentiates the bioactivation of the alkylating agent tretazicar (CB 1954). The NQO activity of ovarian and bladder tumors was determined and the effect of NQO polymorphisms on NQO activity was investigated.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Intraperitoneal ovarian metastases and bladder tumor clinical samples were analyzed for NQO1 and NQO2 activity, mRNA expression by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and genotype by RFLP analysis.

RESULTS

NQO1 activity was higher in the bladder cohort than in the ovarian cohort (0-283 and 0-30 nmol/min/mg, respectively; P < 0.0001). In contrast, NQO2 activity was higher in the ovarian tissue than in the bladder samples (0.15-2.27 and 0-1.14 nmol/min/mg, respectively; P = 0.0004). In both cohorts, the NQO1 C609T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with approximately 7-fold lower NQO1 activity. The NQO2 exon 3 T14055C SNP was associated with lower NQO2 activity relative to wild-type [median values of 0.18 and 0.37 nmol/min/mg in the bladder samples (P = 0.007) and 0.82 and 1.16 nmol/min/mg in the ovarian cohort (P = 0.034)].

CONCLUSION

This is the first observation reporting an apparent association between an NQO2 exon 3 SNP and lower enzymatic activity. The high NQO2 activity of intraperitoneal ovarian metastases relative to other tissues indicates a potential for tretazicar therapy in the treatment of this disease. In contrast, the low level of NQO1 activity and expression relative to other tissues suggests that NQO1-directed therapies would not be appropriate.

Reduction of mitomycin C is catalysed by human recombinant NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 using reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as an electron donating co-factor

NRH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) has been described as having no enzymatic activity with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) or NADPH as electron donating cosubstrates. Mitomycin C (MMC) is both a substrate for and a mechanistic inhibitor of the NQO2 homologue NQO1. NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 catalysed the reduction of MMC at pH 5.8 with NADH as a co-factor. This reaction results in species that inhibit the NQO2-mediated metabolism of CB1954. In addition, MMC caused an increase in DNA cross-links in a cell line transfected to overexpress NQO2 to an extent comparable to that observed with an isogenic NQO1-expressing cell line. These data indicate that NQO2 may contribute to the metabolism of MMC to cytotoxic species.

BALT development and augmentation of hyperoxic lung injury in mice deficient in NQO1 and NQO2

NAD(P)H/NRH:quinone oxidoreductases (NQO1 and NQO2) protect against oxidative stress and neoplasia. Cross-breeding of NQO1-/- with NQO2-/- mice generated double-knockout (DKO) mice. DKO mice were born normal yet showed myelogenous hyperplasia as observed in single-knockout mice. DKO mice also showed bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) that increased in number and size with age. BALT was absent in wild-type and single-knockout mice. Further analysis demonstrated infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in BALT and significant increases in the serum cytokines TNFalpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta and increased expression of iNOS and higher nitric oxide in lung macrophages. The development of BALT in DKO mice presumably led to the release of cytokines and higher lung macrophage activation, because histologically spleen, thymus, and blood cultures and urine analysis showed absence of infection. Additionally, the DKO mice upon exposure to hyperoxia demonstrated severe intra-alveolar edema and perivascular inflammation and massive infiltration with neutrophils, compared with wild-type mice. These results suggest that NQO1 and NQO2 combined protect mice against lung inflammation, BALT, and hyperoxic lung injury.

NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) catalyzes metabolic activation of quinones and anti-tumor drugs

NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is a cytosolic flavoprotein that utilizes NRH as electron donor. The present studies investigate the role of NQO2 in metabolic detoxification/activation of quinones and quinone based anti-tumor drugs. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably overexpressing cDNA derived mouse NQO2 and mouse keratinocytes from DMBA-induced skin tumors in wild-type and NQO2-null mice were generated. The CHO cells overexpressing NQO2 and mouse keratinocytes expressing or deficient in NQO2 were treated with varying concentrations of mitomycin C (MMC), CB1954, MMC analog BMY25067, EO9, menadione and BP-3,6-quinone, in the absence and presence of NRH. The cytotoxicity of the drugs was evaluated by colony formation. The CHO cells overexpressing higher levels of mouse NQO2 showed significantly increased cytotoxicity to menadione, BP-3,6-quinone and to the anti-tumor drugs MMC and CB1954 when compared to CHO cells expressing endogenous NQO2. The cytotoxicity increased in presence of NRH. Similar results were also observed with BMY25067 and EO9 treatments, but to a lesser extent. The results on keratinocytes deficient in NQO2 supported the data from CHO cells. The inclusion of NRH had no effect on cytotoxicity of quinones and drugs in keratinocytes deficient in NQO2. Mouse NQO2 protein was expressed in bacteria, purified and used to study the role of NQO2 in MMC-induced DNA cross-linking. Bacterially expressed and purified NQO2 efficiently catalyzed MMC activation that led to DNA cross-linking. These results concluded that NQO2 plays a significant role in the metabolic activation of both quinones and anti-tumor drugs leading to cytotoxicity and cell death.

Nuclear factor Nrf2 and antioxidant response element regulate NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) gene expression and antioxidant induction

Human NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is a cytosolic protein that catalyzes the metabolic reduction of quinones and provides protection against myelogenous hyperplasia and chemical carcinogenesis. NQO2 gene expression is induced in response to antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ). Sequence analysis revealed six putative antioxidant response elements (ARE1 through 6) in the human NQO2 gene promoter. Deletion mutagenesis and transfection studies suggested that the ARE region between nucleotides -1433 and -1424 is essential for basal expression and antioxidant induction of NQO2 gene expression. Mutation of this ARE from 3.8 kb NQO2 gene promoter significantly repressed expression and abrogated the induction in response to antioxidant in transfected cells. Band shift, supershift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated binding of nuclear factors Nrf2 and JunD with human NQO2 gene ARE. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed an association between Nrf2 and JunD. Overexpression of Nrf2 upregulated and overexpression of Nrf2 dominant-negative mutant downregulated ARE-mediated NQO2 gene expression. The treatment of Hep-G2 cells with Nrf2-specific RNAi significantly reduced Nrf2 and NQO2 gene expression and tBHQ induction. The results combined demonstrated that Nrf2 associates with JunD, binds to ARE at nucleotide -1433, and regulates human NQO2 gene expression and induction in response to antioxidants.

Characterization of the melatoninergic MT3 binding site on the NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 enzyme

Melatonin acts through a series of molecular targets: the G-protein coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2, and a third binding site, MT3, recently identified as the enzyme NRH:quinone oxydoreductase 2 (QR2). The relationship between the multiple physiological functions of melatonin and this enzyme remains unclear. Because of the relationship of QR2 with the redox status of cells, these studies could bring the first tools for a molecular rationale of the antioxidant effects of melatonin. In the present paper, we used a QR2-stably expressing cell line and hamster kidneys to compare the 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin and 2-[125I]-iodo-5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine binding data, and to characterize the MT3 binding site. We designed and tested compounds from two distinct chemicals series in a displacement assay of the two MT3 ligands, 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin and 2-[125I]-iodo-5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine from their cloned target. We also tested their ability to inhibit QR2 catalytic activity. These compounds were separated into two classes: those that bind within the catalytic site (and being inhibitors) and those that bind outside it (and therefore not being inhibitors). Compounds range from potent ligands (K(i) = 1 nM) to potent inhibitors (14 nM), and include one compound [NMDPEF: N-[2-(2-methoxy-6H-dipyrido[2,3-a:3,2-e]pyrrolizin-11-yl)ethyl]-2-furamide] active on both parameters in the low nanomolar range. To dissect the physio-pathological pathways in which QR2, MT3 and melatonin meet, one needs more compounds binding to MT3 and/or inhibitors of QR2 enzymatic activity. The compounds described in the present paper are new tools for such a task.

Crystal structure of quinone reductase 2 in complex with cancer prodrug CB1954

CB1954 is a cancer pro-drug that can be activated through reduction by Escherichia coli nitro-reductases and quinone reductases. Human quinone reductase 2 is very efficient in the activation of CB1954, approximately 3000 times more efficient than human QR1 in terms of k(cat)/K(m). We have solved the three-dimensional structure of QR2 in complex with CB1954 to a nominal resolution of 1.5A. The complex structure indicates the essentiality of the two nitro groups: one nitro group forms hydrogen bonds with the side-chain of Asn161 of QR2 to hold the other nitro group in position for the reduction. We further conclude that residue 161, an Asn in QR2 and a His in QR1, is critical in differentiating the substrate specificities of these two enzymes. Mutation of Asn161 to His161 in QR2 resulted in the total loss of the enzymatic activity towards activation of CB1954, whereas the rates of reduction towards menadione are not altered.

NRH:quinone reductase 2: an enzyme of surprises and mysteries

Quinone reductase 2 has been discovered in 1961 and rediscovered in 1997. Because of its sequence homology with quinone reductase 1, it has been suspected to detoxify quinones. Ten years later, evidences begin to point to a versatile role of this enzyme. Indeed, QR2 is strongly suspected to be the molecular target of anti-malarian drugs such as chloroquin or paraquine, and of red wine-derived resveratrol that might be responsible for the so-called French paradox. It also is identical to the melatonin binding site MT3, and might therefore be a rationale explanation for the antioxidant role of melatonin. Finally QR2 might be implicated in the toxicity, in vivo, of quinones such as menadione. The present commentary attempts to summarize this information and discusses a series of hypotheses.

Aerobic 2- and 4-nitroreduction of CB 1954 by human liver

5-(Aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide (CB 1954) is an anti-tumour prodrug which recently entered clinical trials in combination with Escherichia coli nitroreductase in a gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) context. A Phase I trial of the prodrug, however, revealed dose-limiting hepatotoxicity (transaminitis). The aim of this study was to find out whether the prodrug undergoes reductive metabolism in human liver to cytotoxic metabolites which may contribute to this clinical toxicity. CB 1954 (2.5-250 microM) was incubated with human liver preparations (2-8 mg/mL of S9, cytosolic or microsomal proteins) in the presence of NAD(P)H (1 mM). The NADH- and NADPH-dependent formation of both 2- and 4-nitroreduction products was demonstrated, with NADPH being the preferred cofactor, by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The major metabolite formed in all three human liver preparations was the 4-hydroxylamine, a potent DNA cross-linking cytotoxin. The 2-hydroxylamine and 2-amine metabolites were also detected, both of which have also been demonstrated to be highly cytotoxic. 2-Nitroreduction was far greater in S9 compared with cytosol and was not detected in microsomal preparations. Although 2- and 4-nitroreduction of CB 1954 was inhibited under hyperoxic conditions, substantial metabolism was observed under atmospheric oxygen levels. These studies demonstrate that human liver is capable of aerobic reductive bioactivation of CB 1954 to cytotoxic metabolites in vitro, possibly involving multiple enzymes, which may account for the clinical hepatotoxicity observed.

Molecular tools to study melatonin pathways and actions

Melatonin, an indoleamine neurohormone that is synthesized mainly in the pineal gland and derived from 5-HT, has many effects on a wide range of physio-pathological functions. Some of these effects are mediated by the interactions of melatonin with the two melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. Other effects are often suggested to be due to the chemical antioxidant nature of this indoleamine, and are observed at high, non-physiological concentrations. However, it is increasingly believed that some of these effects are due to interactions with other protein targets. In this review, we summarize the molecular pharmacology of melatonin, including the main enzymes involved in its synthesis and catabolism, and the proteins that mediate its actions. Furthermore, various compounds, mainly inhibitors and antagonists, that can be used to dissect these functions and pathways are presented.

Quinone oxidoreductases in protection against myelogenous hyperplasia and benzene toxicity

Quinone oxidoreductases (NQO1 and NQO2) are cytosolic proteins that catalyze metabolic reduction of quinones and its derivatives to protect cells against redox cycling and oxidative stress. In humans, a high percentage of individuals with myeloid and other types of leukemia are homo- and heterozygous for a null mutant allele of NQO1. The NQO2 locus is also highly polymorphic in humans. Recently, we generated NQO1-/- and NQO2-/- mice deficient in NQO1 and NQO2 protein and activity, respectively. These mice showed no detectable developmental abnormalities and were indistinguishable from wild type mice. Interestingly, all the mice lacking expression of NQO1 and NQO2 protein demonstrated myelogenous hyperplasia of the bone marrow and increased granulocytes in the peripheral blood. Decreased apoptosis contributed to myelogenous hyperplasia. The studies on short-term exposure of NQO1-/- mice to benzene demonstrated substantially greater benzene-induced toxicity, as compared to wild type mice.

Quinone reductase 2 substrate specificity and inhibition pharmacology

Quinone reductase 2 is a mammalian cytosolic FAD-dependent enzyme, the activity of which is not supported by conventional nicotinamide nucleotides. An endobiotic substrate has never been reported for this enzyme nor a set of molecular tools, such as inhibitors. In the present work, we used the recombinant human enzyme, expressed in CHO cells for the systematic screening of both co-substrates and substrates. The co-substrates survey showed that the natural occurring compound, N-ribosylnicotinamide, was a poor co-substrate. The synthetic N-benzylnicotinamide is a better one compared to any other compounds tested. We found that tetrahydrofolic acid acted as a co-substrate for the reduction of menadione catalysed by quinone reductase 2, although with poor potency (Km approximately 2 mM). Among a series of commercially available quinones, a single one was found to be substrate of quinone reductase 2, in the presence of N-benzyldihydronicotinamide: coenzyme Q0. Finally, we tested a series of 197 flavonoids as potential inhibitors. We found apigenin, genistein or kaempferol as good inhibitor of quinone reductase 2 activity with IC50 in the 100 nM range. These compounds, co-substrate, substrate and inhibitors will permit to better know this enzyme, the role of which is still poorly understood.

Quinone reductases multitasking in the metabolic world

The multiple functions of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1, DT-diaphorase) in the cell are reviewed. NQO1 has long been viewed as a chemoprotective enzyme involved in cellular defense against the electrophilic and oxidizing metabolites of xenobiotic quinones. It also participates in reduction of endogenous quinones, such as vitamin E quinone and ubiquinone, generating antioxidant forms of these molecules. NQO1 has recently been shown to interact with superoxide and may be involved in scavenging superoxide within the cell. In addition, the possible role of NQO1 in p53 stabilization and consequently in contributing to p53-dependent stress responses is summarized. Such protein multitasking is a good strategy in terms of cellular economy. NQO1 can also be exploited in the design of NQO1-directed antitumor agents such as the new aziridinylbenzoquinone RH1 and Hsp90 inhibitors such as 17AAG. Polymorphisms in NQO1 which have profound influence on phenotype such as the NQO1*2 polymorphism may influence the chemoprotective actions of NQO1, and should be considered when NQO1-directed antitumor quinones are used for therapy in patients.

Targeting enzymes to cancers - new developments

Two methods of using tumour located enzymes have been described. These are antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) and macromolecule directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MDEPT), where the tumour located enzyme converts a non-toxic prodrug into a cytotoxic drug at tumour sites. The alternative use of tumour located enzymes is to inactivate rescue agents that protect cells from antimetabolite action, and is described as 'Antimetabolite with inactivation of rescue agent at cancer sites' (AMIRACS). The leakiness of tumour blood vessels and poor lymphatic drainage allows enzymes to be targeted to many cancers by attachment to polymeric macromolecules (MDEPT), as well as to antibodies and antibody fragments (ADEPT). To avoid systemic toxicity, enzyme activity in blood and normal tissues must be very low before giving a prodrug or rescue agent. Antibodies directed against the enzyme component of macromolecular conjugates have proved to be very efficient at clearing normal tissues. Human enzymes which are over expressed by cancer cells can be exploited particularly if they require co-factors or co-substrates, either in situ or targeted to extracellular sites. Bacterial enzymes have advantages in specificity but require some form of immunological control in view of their immunogenicity. Prodrugs which generate drugs with very short half lives are desirable, and have been developed, including one which has a differential toxicity between prodrug and the active drug of 1000 to 10,000 fold. The range of antimetabolites available for AMIRACS was initially restricted to inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase but has been greatly extended by the introduction of inhibitors of other enzymes. The limitations of these systems are discussed.

Measurement of xenobiotic carbonyl reduction in human liver fractions

Carbonyl reducing enzymes are involved in the metabolism of endogenous as well as xenobiotic molecules. Enzymes that catalyze the reversible oxidoreduction of aldehyde and ketone moieties include alcohol dehydrogenases, aldo-keto reductases, quinone reductases, and short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. These enzymes differ with respect to subcellular location, cofactor dependence, and susceptibility to chemical inhibitors. Thus, it is possible to assess the relative contributions of these enzyme systems in the hepatic metabolism of a particular xenobiotic through simple in vitro experiments with commercially available reagents. The approaches described in this unit assume the availability of analytical procedures for measuring the parent compound and metabolites, such as HPLC with radiochemical, UV, or MS detection. Thus, the purpose of this unit is to outline methods for the study of the enzymatic carbonyl reduction of a drug development candidate or other xenobiotic molecule of interest.

Crystal structure of quinone reductase 2 in complex with resveratrol

Resveratrol has been shown to have chemopreventive, cardioprotective, and antiaging properties. Here, we report that resveratrol is a potent inhibitor of quinone reductase 2 (QR2) activity in vitro with a dissociation constant of 35 nM and show that it specifically binds to the deep active-site cleft of QR2 using high-resolution structural analysis. All three resveratrol hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with amino acids from QR2, anchoring a flat resveratrol molecule in parallel with the isoalloxazine ring of FAD. The unique active-site pocket in QR2 could potentially bind other natural polyphenols such as flavonoids, as proven by the high affinity exhibited by quercetin toward QR2. K562 cells with QR2 expression suppressed by RNAi showed similar properties as resveratrol-treated cells in their resistance to quinone toxicity. Furthermore, the QR2 knockdown K562 cells exhibit increased antioxidant and detoxification enzyme expression and reduced proliferation rates. These observations could imply that the chemopreventive and cardioprotective properties of resveratrol are possibly the results of QR2 activity inhibition, which in turn, up-regulates the expression of cellular antioxidant enzymes and cellular resistance to oxidative stress.

Deficiency of NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 increases susceptibility to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene-induced skin carcinogenesis

NRH:Quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reductive metabolism of quinones. C57BL/6 NQO2-/- mice lacking NQO2 gene expression were generated in our laboratory. The dorsal skin of NQO2-deficient mice was exposed to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) or benzo(a)pyrene alone (complete carcinogen) or with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (initiation/promotion model) to determine the in vivo role of NQO2 in chemical carcinogenesis. The NQO2-/- mice showed significantly increased tumor frequency with DMBA + TPA when compared with their wild-type littermates. The benzo(a)pyrene + TPA also showed increase in tumor incidence in NQO2-/- mice but to a less extent than DMBA. DMBA alone resulted in low frequency of tumor development with no difference in susceptibility between wild-type and NQO2-/- mice. Benzo(a)pyrene alone failed to induce tumors in either wild-type or NQO2-/- mice. Histologic analysis of the NQO2-/- mice tumors demonstrated proliferative activity. The treatment of NQO2-/- mice skin with benzo(a)pyrene failed to significantly increase tumor suppressor protein p53 and p53-regulated growth-related protein p21 and proapoptotic protein Bax as observed in case of wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that NQO2 protects against DMBA- and benzo(a)pyrene-induced skin carcinogenesis and suggest that NQO2 protection might be against tumor promotion. The results also suggest that lack of induction of p53, p21, and Bax proteins might contribute to increased sensitivity of NQO2-/- mice skin to benzo(a)pyrene carcinogenicity.

Biochemical and biological characterization of a novel anti-aromatase coumarin derivative

Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells. Aromatase is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens into estrogens, and synthetic aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane have proven to be effective endocrine regimens for ER-positive breast cancer. In a recent study, we have found that 4-benzyl-3-(4'-chlorophenyl)-7-methoxycoumarin is a potent competitive inhibitor of aromatase with respect to the androgen substrate. Its K(i) value was determined to be 84 nm, significantly more potent than several known aromatase inhibitors. The specific interaction of this compound with aromatase was further demonstrated by the reduction of its binding by several mutations at the active site region of aromatase and evaluated by computer modeling analysis. The structure-activity studies have revealed that three functional groups (i.e. 3-(4'-chlorophenyl), 4-benzyl, and 7-methoxyl) of this coumarin are important in its inhibition of aromatase. In addition, through a matrigel thread three-dimensional cell culture, this compound was shown to behave like known aromatase inhibitors that suppress the proliferation of aromatase and estrogen receptor positive MCF-7aro breast cancer cells. This coumarin has been shown not to be cytotoxic at up to 40 mum. It was found not to be an inhibitor of steroid 5alpha-reductase that also utilizes androgen as the substrate and not to be a ligand of ERalpha, ERbeta, estrogen-related receptors, or androgen receptor. These results demonstrate that coumarins (a common type of phytochemical) or their derivatives can be potent inhibitors of aromatase and may be useful in suppressing aromataseand ER-positive breast tumors.

Human Carbonyl Reduction Pathways and a Strategy for Their Study In Vitro

Carbonyl reduction plays a significant role in physiological processes throughout the body. Although much is known about endogenous carbonyl metabolism, much less is known about the roles of carbonyl-reducing enzymes in xenobiotic metabolism. Multiple pathways exist in humans for metabolizing carbonyl moieties of xenobiotics to their corresponding alcohols, readying these molecules for subsequent conjugation and/or excretion. When exploring carbonyl reduction clearance pathways for a drug development candidate, it is possible to assess the relative contributions of these enzymes due to their differences in subcellular locations, cofactor dependence, and inhibitor profiles. In addition, the contributions of these enzymes may be explored by varying incubation conditions, such as pH. Presently, individual isoforms of carbonyl-reducing enzymes are not widely available, either in recombinant or purified form. However, it is possible to study carbonyl reduction clearance pathways from simple experiments with commercially available reagents. This article provides an overview of carbonyl-reducing enzymes, including some kinetic data for substrates and inhibitors. In addition, an experimental strategy for the study of these enzymes in vitro is presented.

Proteome-wide Identification of Cellular Targets Affected by Bisindolylmaleimide-type Protein Kinase C Inhibitors

Bisindolylmaleimide compounds such as GF109203X are potent inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Although bisindolylmaleimides are not entirely selective for PKC and are known to inhibit a few other protein kinases, these reagents have been extensively used to study the functional roles of PKC family enzymes in cellular signal transduction for more than a decade. Here, we establish a proteomics approach to gain further insights into the cellular effects of this compound class. Functional immobilization of suitable bisindolylmaleimide analogues in combination with the specific purification of cellular binding proteins by affinity chromatography led to the identification of several known and previously unknown enzyme targets. Subsequent in vitro binding and activity assays confirmed the protein kinases Ste20-related kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and the non-protein kinases adenosine kinase and quinone reductase type 2 as novel targets of bisindolylmaleimide inhibitors. As observed specifically for CDK2, minor chemical variation of the ligand by immobilizing the closely related bisindolylmaleimides III, VIII, and X dramatically affected target binding. These observed changes in affinity correlated with both the measured IC(50) values for in vitro CDK2 inhibition and results from molecular docking into the CDK2 crystal structure. Moreover, the conditions for affinity purification could be adapted in a way that immobilized bisindolylmaleimide III selectively interacted with either PKC alpha or ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 only after activation of these kinases. Thus, we have established an efficient technique for the rapid identification of cellular bisindolylmaleimide targets and further demonstrate the comparative selectivity profiling of closely related kinase inhibitors within a cellular proteome.

NQO2 gene is associated with clozapine-induced agranulocytosis

Clozapine is a dibenzodiazepine neuroleptic with atypical pharmacological and clinical profiles. Treatment with this drug may be complicated with agranulocytosis (AGR). It is likely that defective oxidative mechanism may be the cause of AGR. A candidate gene, dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH) quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2), which is involved in detoxification of drugs, was selected. This gene has been mapped to the short arm of chromosome six. The gene was studied by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing in 98 schizophrenic patients that were treated with clozapine. Eighteen of these patients developed AGR. Ten polymorphisms in the coding regions, in intron 1, and in the promoter region were found, two of which were novel. Comparisons of the polymorphisms in the first intron in AGR patients and controls suggested that this site might be connected with AGR. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the level of NQO2 mRNA is low in AGR patients compared with the control group. Such a reduction in message suggests that the NQO2 gene may be involved in the development of clozapine-induced AGR.

Molecular cloning and characterization of an NADPH quinone oxidoreductase from Kluyveromyces marxianus

NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase is a ubiquitous enzyme that is known to directly reduce quinone substrates to hydroquinones by a two-electron reaction. We report the identification of NADPH quinone oxidoreductase from Kluyveromyces marxianus (KmQOR), which reduces quinone substrates directly to hydroquinones. The KmQOR gene was sequenced, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. The open-reading frame of the KmQOR gene consists of 1143 nucleotides, encoding a 380 amino acid polypeptide. The nucleotide sequence of the KmQOR gene was assigned to EMBL under accession number AY040868. The M(r) that was determined by SDS-PAGE for the protein subunit was about 42 kDa, and the molecular mass of the native KmQOR was 84 kDa, as determined by column calibration, indicating that the native protein is a homodimer. The KmQOR protein efficiently reduced 1,4-benzoquinone, whereas no activities were found for menadiones and methoxyquinones. These observations, and the result of an extended sequence analysis of known NADPH quinone oxidoreductase, suggest that KmQOR possesses a different action mechanism.

Role of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase in the progression of neuronal cell death in vitro and following cerebral ischaemia in vivo

A direct involvement of the antioxidant enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) in neuroprotection has not yet been shown. The aim of this study was to examine changes, localization and role of NQO1 after different neuronal injury paradigms. In primary cultures of rat cortex the activity of NQO1 was measured after treatment with ethylcholine aziridinium (AF64A; 40 micro m), inducing mainly apoptotic cell death, or oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD; 120 min), which combines features of apoptotic and necrotic cell death. After treatment with AF64A a significant NQO1 activation started after 24 h. Sixty minutes after OGD a significant early induction of the enzyme was observed, followed by a second increase 24 h later. Enzyme activity was preferentially localized in glial cells in control and injured cultures, however, expression also occurred in injured neuronal cells. Inhibition of the NQO1 activity by dicoumarol, cibacron blue or chrysin (1-100 nM) protected the cells both after exposure to AF64A or OGD as assessed by the decreased release of lactate dehydrogenase. Comparable results were obtained in vivo using a mouse model of focal cerebral ischaemia. Dicoumarol treatment (30 nmol intracerebroventricular) reduced the infarct volume by 29% (p = 0.005) 48 h after the insult. After chemical induction of NQO1 activity by t-butylhydroquinone in vitro neuronal damage was exaggerated. Our data suggest that the activity of NQO1 is a deteriorating rather than a protective factor in neuronal cell death.

Disruption of dihydronicotinamide riboside:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) leads to myeloid hyperplasia of bone marrow and decreased sensitivity to menadione toxicity

Dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH):quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is a flavoenzyme that catalyzes the reductive metabolism of quinones. To examine the in vivo role of NQO2, NQO2-null (NQO2-/-) mice were generated using targeted gene disruption. Mice lacking NQO2 gene expression showed no detectable developmental abnormalities and were indistinguishable from wild-type (NQO2+/+) mice. However, NQO2-null mice exhibited myeloid hyperplasia of the bone marrow and increased neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, and platelets in the peripheral blood. Decreased apoptosis of bone marrow cells and circulating granulocytes contributed to myeloid hyperplasia and hyperactivity of bone marrow in NQO2-null mice. The hematological changes in NQO2-/- mice were specifically associated with loss of the NQO2 gene because histological analysis of various tissues including spleen, thymus, blood cultures, and urine analysis demonstrated no sign of infection. NQO2-null mice also demonstrated decreased toxicity when exposed to menadione or menadione with NRH. These results establish a role for NQO2 in protection against myelogenous hyperplasia and in metabolic activation of menadione, leading to hepatic toxicity. The NQO2-null mice are a model for NQO2 deficiency in humans and can be used to determine the role of this enzyme in sensitivities to toxicity and carcinogenesis.

A novel plasma membrane quinone reductase and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 are upregulated by serum withdrawal in human promyelocytic HL-60 cells

We have studied changes in plasma membrane NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductases of HL-60 cells under serum withdrawal conditions, as a model to analyze cell responses to oxidative stress. Highly enriched plasma membrane fractions were obtained from cell homogenates. A major part of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase in the plasma membrane was insensitive to micromolar concentrations of dicumarol, a specific inhibitor of the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQOI, DT-diaphorase), and only a minor portion was characterized as DT-diaphorase. An enzyme with properties of a cytochrome b5 reductase accounted for most dicumarol-resistant quinone reductase activity in HL-60 plasma membranes. The enzyme used mainly NADH as donor, it reduced coenzyme Q0 through a one-electron mechanism with generation of superoxide, and its inhibition profile by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate was similar to that of authentic cytochrome b5 reductase. Both NQO1 and a novel dicumarol-insensitive quinone reductase that was not accounted by a cytochrome b5 reductase were significantly increased in plasma membranes after serum deprivation, showing a peak at 32 h of treatment. The reductase was specific for NADH, did not generate superoxide during quinone reduction, and was significantly resistant to p-hydroxymercuribenzoate. The function of this novel quinone reductase remains to be elucidated whereas dicumarol inhibition of NQO1 strongly potentiated growth arrest and decreased viability of HL-60 cells in the absence of serum. Our results demonstrate that upregulation of two-electron quinone reductases at the plasma membrane is a mechanism evoked by cells for defense against oxidative stress caused by serum withdrawal.

Differential gene expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase and NRH:quinone oxidoreductase in human hepatocellular and biliary tissue

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and dihydronicotinamide riboside:quinone oxidoreductases (NQO2) are cytosolic flavoproteins that catalyze the two-electron reduction of quinones and quinoid compounds to hydroquinones, thereby promoting detoxification and preventing the formation of highly reactive oxygen species, which lead to DNA and cell damage. Two NQO isoforms, designated NQO1 and NQO2, have been cloned and sequenced. To elucidate their role in carcinogenesis, the gene expression of human NQO1 and NQO2 in paired normal and tumor tissue samples was examined. Quantitative triplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was employed to analyze NQO1 and NQO2 mRNA expression in normal hepatic and biliary tissue as well as in cholangiocellular carcinomas (CCC), hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), and focal nodular hyperplasias (FNH). Coexpression of beta-actin RNA was used as an internal reference standard and linear ranges of transcript amplification were established for each sample. In normal hepatocellular tissue, the two NQO isoforms were differentially regulated, with a higher expression of NQO2 than NQO1. Malignant hepatocellular tissue (HCC), however, displayed up-regulation of NQO1 and down-regulation of NQO2. Regulation of either transcript was not seen in benign hepatocellular tumor tissue (FNH), which indicates a reciprocal control of NQO genes in hepatocarcinogenesis. Normal biliary tissue expressed a significantly higher level of NQO1 transcripts compared with normal liver, whereas biliary NQO2 levels were significantly lower than in hepatocellular tissue. Comparing the levels of expression in normal and malignant biliary tissue (CCC), no significant differences were noted between the expression levels of either transcript. Thus, this study provides evidence for differential hepatic and biliary regulation of both NQO1 and NQO2.