Transcriptional regulation by cyclic AMP-responsive factors

ATF3, an adaptive-response gene, enhances TGF{beta} signaling and cancer-initiating cell features in breast cancer cells

The activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) gene is induced by a variety of signals, including many of those encountered by cancer cells. We present evidence that ATF3 is induced by TGFβ in the MCF10CA1a breast cancer cells and plays an integral role for TGFβ to upregulate its target genes snail, slug and twist, and to enhance cell motility. Furthermore, ATF3 upregulates the expression of the TGFb gene itself, forming a positive-feedback loop for TGFβ signaling. Functionally, ectopic expression of ATF3 leads to morphological changes and alterations of markers consistent with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It also leads to features associated with breast-cancer-initiating cells: increased CD24(low)-CD44(high) population of cells, mammosphere formation and tumorigenesis. Conversely, knockdown of ATF3 reduces EMT, CD24(low)-CD44(high) cells and mammosphere formation. Importantly, knocking down twist, a downstream target, reduces the ability of ATF3 to enhance mammosphere formation, indicating the functional significance of twist in ATF3 action. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the ability of ATF3 to enhance breast cancer-initiating cell features and to feedback on TGFβ. Because ATF3 is an adaptive-response gene and is induced by various stromal signals, these findings have significant implications for how the tumor microenvironment might affect cancer development.

Chronic suppression of phosphodiesterase 10A alters striatal expression of genes responsible for neurotransmitter synthesis, neurotransmission, and signaling pathways implicated in Huntington's disease

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) promotes cyclic nucleotide signaling, increases striatal activation, and decreases behavioral activity. Enhanced cyclic nucleotide signaling is a well established route to producing changes in gene expression. We hypothesized that chronic suppression of PDE10A activity would have significant effects on gene expression in the striatum. A comparison of the expression profile of PDE10A knockout (KO) mice and wild-type mice after chronic PDE10A inhibition revealed altered expression of 19 overlapping genes with few significant changes outside the striatum or after administration of a PDE10A inhibitor to KO animals. Chronic inhibition of PDE10A produced up-regulation of mRNAs encoding genes that included prodynorphin, synaptotagmin10, phosphodiesterase 1C, glutamate decarboxylase 1, and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase and a down-regulation of mRNAs encoding choline acetyltransferase and Kv1.6, suggesting long-term suppression of the PDE10A enzyme is consistent with altered striatal excitability and potential utility as a antipsychotic therapy. In addition, up-regulation of mRNAs encoding histone 3 (H3) and down-regulation of histone deacetylase 4, follistatin, and claspin mRNAs suggests activation of molecular cascades capable of neuroprotection. We used lentiviral delivery of cAMP response element (CRE)-luciferase reporter constructs into the striatum and live animal imaging of 2-{4-[-pyridin-4-yl-1-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-phenoxymethyl}-quinoline succinic acid (TP-10)-induced luciferase activity to further demonstrate PDE10 inhibition results in CRE-mediated transcription. Consistent with potential neuroprotective cascades, we also demonstrate phosphorylation of mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 and H3 in vivo after TP-10 treatment. The observed changes in signaling and gene expression are predicted to provide neuroprotective effects in models of Huntington's disease.

AMP-activated protein kinase and its downstream transcriptional pathways

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of catabolic versus anabolic processes. Its properties as an energy sensor allow it to couple the energy status of the cell to the metabolic environment. These adaptations not only take place through the acute modulation of key metabolic enzymes via direct phosphorylation, but also through a slower transcriptional adaptative response. The question of how AMPK regulates the expression of a number of gene sets, such as those related to mitochondrial biogenesis, energy production and oxidative protection, is only beginning to be elucidated, and still many questions remain to be answered. In this review we will try to integrate our current knowledge on how AMPK regulates transcription in muscle and liver, which will serve as examples to illustrate the major advances in the field and the key challenges ahead.

Regulation of aldosterone synthase by activator transcription factor/cAMP response element-binding protein family members

Aldosterone synthesis is regulated by angiotensin II (Ang II) and K(+) acting in the adrenal zona glomerulosa, in part through the regulation of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2). Here, we analyzed the role of cAMP response element (CRE)-binding proteins (CREBs) in the regulation of CYP11B2. Expression analysis of activator transcription factor (ATF)/CREB family members, namely the ATF1 and ATF2, the CREB, and the CRE modulator, in H295R cells and normal human adrenal tissue was performed using quantitative real-time PCR. Ang II-induced phosphorylation of ATF/CREB members was analyzed by Western blot analysis, and their subsequent binding to the CYP11B2 promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Aldosterone production and CYP11B2 expression were measured in small interfering RNA-transfected cells to knockdown the expression of ATF/CREB members. CYP11B2 promoter activity was measured in H295R cells cotransfected with NURR1 (NR4A2) alone or with constitutively active vectors for ATF/CREB members. Ang II induced phosphorylation of ATF1, ATF2, and CRE modulator in a time-dependent manner. Based on chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, there was an increased association of these proteins with the CYP11B2 promoter after Ang II and K(+) treatment. Phosphorylated ATF/CREB members also bound the CYP11B2 promoter. Knockdown of ATF/CREB members reduced Ang II and K(+) induction of adrenal cell CYP11B2 mRNA expression and aldosterone production. The constitutively active ATF/CREB vectors increased the promoter activity of CYP11B2 and had a synergistic effect with NURR1. In summary, these results suggest that ATF/CREB and NGFI-B family members play a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of CYP11B2 and adrenal cell capacity to produce aldosterone.

The p38 signaling pathway upregulates expression of the Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 oncogene

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded LMP1 oncogene has a role in transformation, proliferation, and metastasis of several EBV-associated tumors. Furthermore, LMP1 is critically involved in transformation and growth of EBV-immortalized B cells in vitro. The oncogenic properties of LMP1 are attributed to its ability to upregulate anti-apoptotic proteins and growth signals. The transcriptional regulation of LMP1 is dependent on the context of cellular and viral proteins present in the cell. Here, we investigated the effect of several signaling pathways on the regulation of LMP1 expression. Inhibition of p38 signaling, using p38-specific inhibitors SB203580 and SB202190, downregulated LMP1 in estrogen-induced EREB2.5 cells. Similarly, p38 inhibition decreased trichostatin A-induced LMP1 expression in P3HR1 cells. Exogenous expression of p38 in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) led to an increase in LMP1 promoter activity in reporter assays, and this activation was mediated by the previously identified CRE site in the promoter. Inhibition of p38 by SB203580 and p38-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) also led to a modest decrease in endogenous LMP1 expression in LCLs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated decreased binding of CREB-ATF1 to the CRE site in the LMP1 promoter after inhibition of the p38 pathway in EREB2.5 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that an increase in p38 activation upregulates LMP1 expression. Since p38 is activated in response to stimuli such as stress or possibly primary infection, a transient upregulation of LMP1 in response to p38 may allow the cells to escape apoptosis. Since the p38 pathway itself is activated by LMP1, our results also suggest the presence of an autoregulatory loop in LMP1 upregulation.

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide causes repression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha transcription and suppression of ATF-2 promoter recruitment in Toll-like receptor-stimulated dendritic cells

Sensory nerves may dampen inflammatory processes through the release of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP mediates immunosuppressive activities through up-regulation of interleukin-10 or, alternatively, through an interleukin-10-independent pathway that is associated with rapid induction of the transcriptional inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). In this work, we further investigated the molecular mechanisms of immune modulation by CGRP. Using TLR2-stimulated dendritic cells, we show that inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by CGRP is dependent on up-regulation of endogenous ICER. Dendritic cell expression of ICER was selectively induced by CGRP and elevation of cellular cAMP levels but not by numerous pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Treatment of dendritic cells with CGRP did not interfere with the induction of Tnfa gene expression but caused premature repression of TLR2-induced transcriptional activity. ATF-2 was rapidly phosphorylated and recruited to the Tnfa promoter following ligation of TLR2. Concomitant administration of CGRP completely prevented binding of ATF-2 to the Tnfa promoter, whereas recruitment of ICER was markedly elevated. In contrast, CGRP did not influence TLR2-stimulated binding of NF-kappaB p65. Together, these results are consistent with a model suggesting that CGRP causes rapid up-regulation of ICER, which in turn competes with ATF-2 for binding to the Tnfa promoter, leading to repression of gene expression.

Function and regulation of the glutathione peroxidase homologous gene GPXH/GPX5 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

When exposed to strong sunlight, photosynthetic organisms encounter photooxidative stress by the increased production of reactive oxygen species causing harmful damages to proteins and membranes. Consequently, a fast and specific induction of defense mechanisms is required to protect the organism from cell death. In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the glutathione peroxidase homologous gene GPXH/GPX5 was shown to be specifically upregulated by singlet oxygen formed during high light conditions presumably to prevent the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides and membrane damage. We now showed that the GPXH protein is a thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase catalyzing the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides.Furthermore, the GPXH gene seems to encode a dual-targeted protein, predicted to be localized both in the chloroplast and the cytoplasm, which is active with either plastidic TRXy or cytosolic TRXh1. Putative dual-targeting is achieved by alternative transcription and translation start sites expressed independently from either a TATA-box or an Initiator core promoter. Expression of both transcripts was upregulated by photooxidative stress even though with different strengths. The induction required the presence of the core promoter sequences and multiple upstream regulatory elements including a Sp1-like element and an earlier identified CRE/AP-1 homologous sequence. This element was further characterized by mutation analysis but could not be confirmed to be a consensus CRE or AP1 element. Instead, it rather seems to be another member of the large group of TGAC-transcription factor binding sites found to be involved in the response of different genes to oxidative stress.

Signaling pathways mediating beta3-adrenergic receptor-induced production of interleukin-6 in adipocytes

The beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) is an essential regulator of metabolic and endocrine functions. A major cellular and clinically significant consequence of beta(3)AR activation is the substantial elevation in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Although the beta(3)AR-dependent regulation of IL-6 expression is well established, the cellular pathways underlying this regulation have not been characterized. Using a novel method of homogenous reporters, we assessed the pattern of activation of 43 transcription factors in response to the specific beta(3)AR agonist CL316243 in adipocytes, cells that exhibit the highest expression of beta(3)ARs. We observed a unique and robust activation of the CRE-response element, suggesting that IL-6 transcription is regulated via the G(s)-protein/cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) but not nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway. However, pretreatment of adipocytes with pharmacologic inhibitors of PKA pathway failed to block beta(3)AR-mediated IL-6 up-regulation. Additionally, stimulation of adipocytes with the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) agonist did not induce IL-6 expression. Instead, the beta(3)AR-mediated transcription of IL-6 required activation of both the p38 and PKC pathways. Western blot analysis further showed that transcription factors CREB and ATF-2 but not ATF-1 were activated in a p38- and PKC-dependent manner. Collectively, our results suggest that while stimulation of the beta(3)AR leads to a specific activation of CRE-dependent transcription, there are several independent cellular pathways that converge at the level of CRE-response element activation, and in the case of IL-6 this activation is mediated by p38 and PKC but not PKA pathways.

The cyclic AMP response element modulator {alpha} suppresses CD86 expression and APC function

The cAMP response element modulator (CREM)alpha is a widely expressed transcriptional repressor that is important for the termination of the T cell immune response and contributes to the abnormal T cell function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. We present evidence that APCs of Crem(-/-) mice express increased amounts of the costimulatory molecule CD86 and induce enhanced Ag-dependent and Ag-independent T cell proliferation. Similarly, human APCs in which CREMalpha was selectively suppressed expressed more CD86 on the surface membrane. CREMalpha was found to bind to the CD86 promoter and suppressed its activity. Transfer of APCs from Crem(-/-) mice into naive mice facilitated a significantly stronger contact dermatitis response compared with mice into which APCs from Crem(+/+) mice had been transferred. We conclude that CREMalpha is an important negative regulator of costimulation and APC-dependent T cell function both in vitro and in vivo.

Role of basic leucine zipper proteins in transcriptional regulation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene

The regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene transcription by cAMP-dependent mechanisms occurs in the absence of a consensus cAMP response element (CRE, TGACGTGA). This regulation is coordinated by multiple transcription factors that bind to sequence-specific elements located approximately 150 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Among the proteins that bind within this region, the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors, i.e. CRE binding protein (CREB)/CRE modulator (CREM)/activating transcription factor (ATF), activator protein 1 (AP-1; Fos/Jun), and CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta), interact with an overlapping region (-81/-72 bp) in the StAR promoter, mediate stimulus-transcription coupling of cAMP signaling and play integral roles in regulating StAR gene expression. These bZIP proteins are structurally similar and bind to DNA sequences as dimers; however, they exhibit discrete transcriptional activities, interact with several transcription factors and other properties that contribute in their regulatory functions. The 5'-flanking -81/-72 bp region of the StAR gene appears to function as a key element within a complex cAMP response unit by binding to different bZIP members, and the StAR promoter displays variable states of cAMP responsivity contingent upon the occupancy of these cis-elements with these transcription factors. The expression and activities of CREB/CREM/ATF, Fos/Jun and C/EBPbeta have been demonstrated to be mediated by a plethora of extracellular signals, and the phosphorylation of these proteins at several Ser and Thr residues allows recruitment of the transcriptional coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP) or its functional homolog p300 to the StAR promoter. This review will focus on the current level of understanding of the roles of selective bZIP family proteins within the complex series of processes involved in regulating StAR gene transcription.

Regulation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene expression: present and future perspectives

Steroid hormones are synthesized in the adrenal gland, gonads, placenta and brain and are critical for normal reproductive function and bodily homeostasis. The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein regulates the rate-limiting step in steroid biosynthesis, i.e. the delivery of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. The expression of the StAR protein is predominantly regulated by cAMP-dependent mechanisms in the adrenal and gonads. Whereas StAR plays an indispensable role in the regulation of steroid biosynthesis, a complete understanding of the regulation of its expression and function in steroidogenesis is not available. It has become clear that the regulation of StAR gene expression is a complex process that involves the interaction of a diversity of hormones and multiple signaling pathways that coordinate the cooperation and interaction of transcriptional machinery, as well as a number of post-transcriptional mechanisms that govern mRNA and protein expression. However, information is lacking on how the StAR gene is regulated in vivo such that it is expressed at appropriate times during development and is confined to the steroidogenic cells. Thus, it is not surprising that the precise mechanism involved in the regulation of StAR gene has not yet been established, which is the key to understanding the regulation of steroidogenesis in the context of both male and female development and function.

Transcription factors in long-term memory and synaptic plasticity

Transcription is a molecular requisite for long-term synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. Thus, in the last several years, one main interest of molecular neuroscience has been the identification of families of transcription factors that are involved in both of these processes. Transcription is a highly regulated process that involves the combined interaction and function of chromatin and many other proteins, some of which are essential for the basal process of transcription, while others control the selective activation or repression of specific genes. These regulated interactions ultimately allow a sophisticated response to multiple environmental conditions, as well as control of spatial and temporal differences in gene expression. Evidence based on correlative changes in expression, genetic mutations, and targeted molecular inhibition of gene expression have shed light on the function of transcription in both synaptic plasticity and memory formation. This review provides a brief overview of experimental work showing that several families of transcription factors, including CREB, C/EBP, Egr, AP-1, and Rel, have essential functions in both processes. The results of this work suggest that patterns of transcription regulation represent the molecular signatures of long-term synaptic changes and memory formation.

VP16CREB-induced differentiation of neuroblastoma

OBJECTIVE

Drug-induced differentiation is commonly used as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of neuroblastoma tumors. Increased level of cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) mediates terminal differentiation in some neuroblastoma cell lines through activation of several signaling networks, including cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Objective was to test whether cAMP-induced differentiation in a murine neuroblastoma cell line (NBP2) is partly mediated by CREB.

METHODS

Fluorescent microscopy was used to document neuron-like morphological changes imparted by a constitutively active CREB (VP16CREB). Real time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to verify changes in the expression of cAMP/CREB responsive genes.

RESULTS

It was found that transient expression of VP16CREB into NBP2 cells resulted in morphological changes that were characteristics of terminally differentiated neurons. Furthermore, increased expression of cAMP responsive genes was compromised in cells resisting VP16CREB-mediated differentiation.

CONCLUSION

A constitutively active CREB induces terminal differentiation in a subset of NBP2 cell population. Altered expression of cAMP responsive genes may account for differentiation resistant phenotype in NBP2 cells.

Selective loss of MEG3 expression and intergenic differentially methylated region hypermethylation in the MEG3/DLK1 locus in human clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas

CONTEXT

MEG3 is an imprinted gene encoding a novel noncoding RNA that suppresses tumor cell growth. Although highly expressed in the normal human pituitary, it is unknown which of the normal pituitary cell types and pituitary tumors express MEG3.

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were 1) to investigate cell-type- and tumor-type-specific expression of MEG3 in the human pituitary and 2) to investigate whether methylation in the intergenic differentially methylated region (IG-DMR) at the DLK1/MEG3 locus is involved in the loss of MEG3 expression in tumors.

DESIGN AND METHODS

RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, Northern blot, and a combination of in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence were used to determine the cell-type- and tumor-type-specific MEG3 expression. Bisulfite treatment and PCR sequencing of genomic DNA were used to measure the CpG methylation status in the normal and tumor tissues. Five normal human pituitaries and 17 clinically nonfunctioning, 11 GH-secreting, seven prolactin-secreting, and six ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas were used.

RESULTS

All normal human pituitary cell types express MEG3. However, loss of MEG3 expression occurs only in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas of a gonadotroph origin. All other pituitary tumor phenotypes examined express MEG3. Hypermethylation of the IG-DMR at the DLK1/MEG3 locus is present in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

MEG3 is the first human gene identified expressed in multiple normal human pituitary cell types with loss of expression specifically restricted to clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. The IG-DMR hypermethylation may be an additional mechanism for MEG3 gene silencing in such tumors.

Temporal recruitment of transcription factors at the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate-response element of the human GnRH-II promoter

GnRH-II is a potent GnRH subtype involved in modulating OVCAR-3 cell proliferation and the invasive properties of JEG-3 cells, and an atypical cAMP-response element (CRE) in the human GnRH-II promoter influences its activation. We demonstrated that the GnRH-II promoter is activated by 8-bromoadenosine-cAMP in several cell lines including alphaT3, TE671, JEG-3, and OVCAR-3 cells and that cAMP enhances GnRH-II mRNA levels in JEG-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. Moreover, 8-bromoadenosine-cAMP increases cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in JEG-3 and OVCAR-3 cells and augments CBP and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-beta coimmunoprecipitation with phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) in a temporally defined manner from nuclear extracts. When CREB, CBP, and C/EBPbeta levels were knocked down by small interfering RNA, reductions in any of these transcription factors reduced cAMP-enhanced GnRH-II promoter activity and GnRH-II mRNA levels in JEG-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. Importantly, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that p-CREB bound the CRE within the endogenous GnRH-II promoter within 1 h and that p-CREB association with C/EBPbeta occurs within 2 h of cAMP stimulation, coincident with the first appearance of C/EBPbeta at the CRE. By contrast, maximum interactions between p-CREB and CBP do not occur until at least 4 h after cAMP stimulation, and this is reflected in the progressive loading of CBP at the CRE at 2-4 h, as demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Taken together, these data suggest that p-CREB, C/EBPbeta, and CBP are recruited to the CRE of the GnRH-II promoter in a temporarily defined manner to enhance its transcription in JEG-3 and OVCAR-3 cells in response to cAMP.

In cardiac myocytes, cAMP elevation triggers the down-regulation of transcripts and promoter activity for cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase-4A10 (PDE4A10)

Transcripts for the PDE4A10 cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase isoform are present in a wide variety of rat tissues including the heart. Sequence comparisons between the putative human and mouse promoters revealed a number of conserved regions including both an Sp1 and a CREB-binding site. The putative mouse PDE4A10 promoter was amplified from genomic DNA and sub-cloned into a luciferase reporter vector for investigation of activity in neonatal cardiac myocytes. Transfection with this construct identified a high level of luciferase expression in neonatal cardiac myocytes. Surprisingly, this activity was down-regulated by elevation of intracellular cAMP through a process involving PKA, but not EPAC, signalling. Such inhibition of the rodent PDE4A10 promoter activity in response to elevated cAMP levels is in contrast to the PDE4 promoters so far described. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the Sp1 binding site at promoter position -348 to -336 is responsible for the basal constitutive expression of murine PDE4A10. The conserved CREB-binding motif at position -370 to -363 also contributes to basal promoter activity but does not in itself confer cAMP inhibition upon the PDE4A10 promoter. EMSA analysis confirmed the authenticity of CREB and Sp1 binding sites. The transcriptional start site was identified to be an adenine residue at position -55 in the mouse PDE4A10 promoter. We present evidence that this novel down-regulation of PDE4A10 is mediated by the transcription factor ICER in a PKA dependent manner. The pool of cAMP in cardiac myocytes that down-regulates PDE4A10 is regulated by beta-adrenoceptor coupled adenylyl cyclase activity and via hydrolysis determined predominantly by the action of PDE4 (cAMP phosphodiesterase-4) and not PDE3 (cAMP phosphodiesterase-3). We suggest that increased cAMP may remodel cAMP-mediated signalling events by not only increasing the expression of specific PDE4 cAMP phosphodiesterases but also by down-regulating specific isoforms, such as is shown here for PDE4A10 in cardiac myocytes.

Calcitonin induces expression of the inducible cAMP early repressor in osteoclasts

The cAMP response element modulator gene (Crem) encodes a variety of transcriptional regulators including the inducible cAMP early repressor, ICER. We previously showed that Crem knockout mice, which are deficient in CREM and ICER factors, display slightly increased long bone mass and decreased osteoclast number. These data are consistent with the notion that Crem regulates bone mass in part through an effect on osteoclast formation and/or function. Since ICER is strongly induced by cAMP, we asked whether the calcium-regulating hormone calcitonin, which stimulates cAMP production and inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption, could induce ICER in osteoclasts. The monocytic cell line RAW264.7 was treated with receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclast formation. Calcitonin caused a time- and dose-dependent induction of ICER mRNA and an increase in ICER protein abundance in RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. Calcitonin also induced ICER mRNA and protein in osteoclasts derived from primary mouse bone marrow cell cultures. Calcitonin-treated osteoclasts showed immunoreactivity with an anti-CREM antibody. Calcitonin decreased the activity of wild-type and Crem knockout osteoclasts in vitro, and this inhibitory effect was greater in Crem knockout osteoclasts. Furthermore, calcitonin decreased calcitonin receptor mRNA expression in wildtype osteoclasts, but not in Crem knockout osteoclasts. These data suggest that calcitonin induction of ICER in osteoclasts might regulate osteoclast activity.

Inducible cAMP early repressor splice variants ICER I and IIgamma both repress transcription of c-fos and chromogranin A

Inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) splice variants are generated upon activation of an alternative, intronic promoter within the CREM gene. ICER is proposed to downregulate both its own expression, and the expression of other genes, containing cAMP-responsive promoter elements. To examine the biological function of the two ICER splice variants, I and IIgamma, in comparable cellular systems, we generated HEK 293 cell variants with controllable overexpression of either ICER I or IIgamma. These two splice variants contain two different variants of DNA binding domains. Overexpression of either ICER I or IIgamma strongly represses CRE-driven reportergene transcription but not AP1- or NFkappaB-driven transcription. Thus, high specificity is maintained even at ICER overexpression. We here show that both ICER I and IIgamma repress Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-mediated c-fos mRNA induction with similar efficiency, indicating that both splice variants play an important role in modulating PACAP-mediated transcriptional activation of the c-fos gene. ICER I and IIgamma also repress cAMP-mediated activation of chromogranin A (CgA), indicating that these splice variants may function as negative feedback regulators in CgA synthesis. The proliferation rate was not altered in cells overexpressing ICER I or IIgamma. Thus, in the epithelial cells HEK 293, ICER I and IIgamma splice variants seem to exert similar biological function.

Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue: a clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis of 33 cases

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of soft tissue is a rare sarcoma with morphologic similarities to malignant melanoma but a distinct genetic background including a chromosomal translocation, t(12;22)(q13;q12), or a resultant EWSR1-ATF1 fusion gene. In addition, the tumors occurring in the gastrointestinal tract may have a variant fusion gene EWSR1-CREB1. This study analyzed the clinicopathologic and molecular genetic features of 33 CCSs of soft tissue. The patients' ages ranged from 13 to 73 years (median, 30 y), and there was a male predominance (20 males, 13 females). The tumors were located in the deep soft tissues of the extremities (N=25) or in the trunk or limb girdles (N=8). The median tumor size was 4 cm (range, 1 to 15 cm). The tumor cells were either spindle or epithelioid, and they were arranged predominantly in a short fascicular (N=19) or a solid sheetlike growth pattern (N=14). Minor histologic variations included the existence of rhabdoid cells (N=8), bizarre pleomorphic cells (N=6), alveolar structures due to loss of cellular cohesion (N=3), and a seminomalike pattern (N=2). Tumor necrosis was evident in 14 tumors, and the mitotic activity ranged from 0 to 43 mitotic figures (MF)/10 high-power fields (HPF) (mean: 4 MF/10 HPF). Immunohistochemically, the tumors were consistently positive for S-100 protein (33/33) and variably or focally for HMB45 (32/33), microphthalmia transcription factor (26/32), Melan A (23/32), CD57 (25/33), bcl-2 (30/32), synaptophysin (14/32), CD56 (7/32), epithelial membrane antigen (12/33), cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) (1/32), CD34 (3/32), c-erbB-2 (10/32), c-kit (5/32), and c-met (5/32). alpha-Smooth muscle actin, desmin, and cytokeratin (CAM5.2) were negative. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using RNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues demonstrated transcripts of the EWSR1-ATF1 (31/33) or EWSR1-CREB1 fusion gene (2/33). In 26 cases with available clinical information, local recurrences and metastases developed in 2 and 15 patients, respectively. Ten patients were dead of the disease, and the overall survival rate was 63% at 5 years. However, no clinicopathologic or molecular variables associated with the patients' prognosis were identified. This study confirms that CCS is an aggressive soft tissue tumor with a melanocytic phenotype and wider morphologic variations than had been generally considered. In cases with unusual histologic findings, molecular detection of the EWSR1-ATF1/CREB1 fusion genes provides critical information regarding the diagnosis of the tumor.

Phosphorylation of mouse sperm axoneme central apparatus protein SPAG16L by a testis-specific kinase, TSSK2

The mammalian protein SPAG16L, the ortholog of Chlamydomonas Pf20, is an axoneme central apparatus protein necessary for flagellar motility. The SPAG16L protein sequence contains multiple potential phosphorylation sites, and the protein was confirmed to be phosphorylated in vivo. A yeast two-hybrid screen identified the testis-specific kinase, TSSK2, to be a potential SPAG16L binding partner. SPAG16L and TSSK2 interactions were confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of both proteins from testis extracts and cell lysates expressing these proteins, and their colocalization was also noted by confocal microscopy in Chinese hamster ovary cells, where they were coexpressed. TSSK2 associates with SPAG16L via its C-terminal domain bearing WD repeats. The N-terminal domain containing a coiled coil motif does not associate with TSSK2. SPAG16L can be phosphorylated by TSSK2 in vitro. Finally, TSSK2 is absent or markedly reduced from the testes in most of the SPAG16L-null mice. These data support the conclusion that SPAG16L is a TSSK2 substrate.

AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylates transcription factors of the CREB family

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been identified as a regulator of gene transcription, increasing mitochondrial proteins of oxidative metabolism as well as hexokinase expression in skeletal muscle. In mice, muscle-specific knockout of LKB1, a component of the upstream kinase of AMPK, prevents contraction- and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR)-induced activation of AMPK in skeletal muscle, and the increase in hexokinase II protein that is normally observed with chronic AICAR activation of AMPK. Since previous reports show a cAMP response element in the promoter region of the hexokinase II gene, we hypothesized that the cAMP-response element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) family of transcription factors could be targets of AMPK. Using radioisotopic kinase assays, we found that recombinant and rat liver and muscle AMPK phosphorylated CREB1 at the same site as cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). AMPK was also found to phosphorylate activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1), CRE modulator (CREM), and CREB-like 2 (CREBL2), but not ATF2. Treatment of HEK-293 cells stably transfected with a CREB-driven luciferase reporter with AICAR increased luciferase activity approximately threefold over a 24-h time course. This increase was blocked with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. In addition, AICAR-induced activation of AMPK in incubated rat epitrochlearis muscles resulted in an increase in both phospho-acetyl-CoA carboxylase and phospho-CREB. We conclude that CREB and related proteins are direct downstream targets for AMPK and are therefore likely involved in mediating some effects of AMPK on expression of genes having a CRE in their promoters.

Thyroid-adrenergic interactions: physiological and clinical implications

The sympathoadrenal system, including the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal medulla, interacts with thyroid hormone (TH) at various levels. Both systems are evolutionary old and regulate independent functions, playing probably independent roles in poikilothermic species. With the advent of homeothermy, TH acquired a new role, which is to stimulate thermogenic mechanisms and synergize with the sympathoadrenal system to produce heat and maintain body temperature. An important part of this new function is mediated through coordinated and, most of the time, synergistic interactions with the sympathoadrenal system. Catecholamines can in turn activate TH in a tissue-specific manner, most notably in brown adipose tissue. Such interactions are of great adaptive value in cold adaptation and in states needing high-energy output. Conversely, in states of emergency where energy demand should be reduced, such as disease and starvation, both systems are turned down. In pathological states, where one of the systems is fixed at a high or a low level, coordination is lost with disruption of the physiology and development of symptoms. Exaggerated responses to catecholamines dominate the manifestations of thyrotoxicosis, while hypothyroidism is characterized by a narrowing of adaptive responses (e.g., thermogenic, cardiovascular, and lipolytic). Finally, emerging results suggest the possibility that disrupted interactions between the two systems contribute to explain metabolic variability, for example, fuel efficiency, energy expenditure, and lipolytic responses.

Gdnf upregulates c-Fos transcription via the Ras/Erk1/2 pathway to promote mouse spermatogonial stem cell proliferation

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a crucial role in regulating the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC). The signaling pathways mediating the function of GDNF in SSC remain unclear. This study was designed to determine whether GDNF signals via the Ras/ERK1/2 pathway in the C18-4 cells, a mouse SSC line. The identity of this cell line was confirmed by the expression of various markers for germ cells, proliferating spermatogonia, and SSC, including GCNA1, Vasa, Dazl, PCNA, Oct-4, GFRalpha1, Ret, and Plzf. Western blot analysis revealed that GDNF activated Ret tyrosine phosphorylation. All 3 isoforms of Shc were phosphorylated upon GDNF stimulation, and GDNF induced the binding of the phosphorylated Ret to Shc and Grb2 as indicated by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. The active Ras was induced by GDNF, which further activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. GDNF stimulated the phosphorylation of CREB-1, ATF-1, and CREM-1, and c-fos transcription. Notably, the increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, c-fos transcription, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and metaphase counts induced by GDNF, was completely blocked by pretreatment with PD98059, a specific inhibitor for MEK1, the upstream regulator of ERK1/2. GDNF stimulation eventually upregulated cyclin A and CDK2 expression. Together, these data suggest that GDNF induces CREB/ATF-1 family member phosphorylation and c-fos transcription via the Ras/ERK1/2 pathway to promote the proliferation of SSC. Unveiling GDNF signaling cascades in SSC has important implications in providing attractive targets for male contraception as well as for the regulation of stem cell renewal vs. differentiation.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory allocation in neuronetworks

Determining how neuronal networks encode memories is a key goal of neuroscience. Although neuronal circuit processes involved in encoding, storing and retrieving memory have attracted a great deal of attention, the processes that allocate individual memories to specific neurons within a network have remained elusive. Recent findings unraveled the first insights into the processes that modulate memory allocation in neuronetworks. They showed that neurons in the lateral amygdala compete to take part in auditory fear conditioned memory traces and that the levels of the transcription factor CREB (cAMP-response element binding protein) can affect the probability of a neuron to be recruited into a given memory representation. CREB-mediated transcriptional regulation involves several signaling pathways, known to mediate nuclear responses to diverse behavioral stimuli, along with coordinated interactions with multiple other transcription activators, coactivators and repressors. Moreover, activation of CREB triggers an autoinhibitory feedback loop, a metaplastic process that could be used to allocate memories away from cells that have been recently involved in memory. Beyond CREB, there may be a host of other processes that dynamically modulate memory allocation in neuronetworks by shaping cooperation and competition among neurons.

Negative regulation of TLR responses by the neuropeptide CGRP is mediated by the transcriptional repressor ICER

Communication between the nervous and immune systems involves the release of neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), from sensory nerves during inflammation. CGRP may inhibit the activities of both innate and adaptive immune cells, but the molecular pathways underlying this function are largely unknown. In this study, we identify CGRP as a potent inhibitor of TLR-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-alpha and CCL4, by murine dendritic cells. Inhibition of TLR responses was independent of IL-10 and did not involve perturbation of canonical TLR signaling, including activation of MAPK and NF-kappaB. Instead, the inhibitory activity of CGRP was mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway leading to rapid up-regulation of the transcriptional repressor, inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). Ectopically expressed ICER directly repressed the LPS-stimulated activity of a synthetic Tnf promoter, as well as TNF-alpha protein production driven by the endogenous promoter. Inhibition of dendritic cell gene expression by CGRP was associated with the presence of a composite cAMP response element/kappaB promoter element. In a murine model of endotoxemia, CGRP markedly attenuated serum TNF-alpha levels, and this effect was associated with the up-regulation of ICER. Together, these results establish a novel pathway for the negative regulation of TLR responses through the nervous system that critically involves induction of the transcriptional repressor ICER by the neuropeptide CGRP.

Individual CREB-target genes dictate usage of distinct cAMP-responsive coactivation mechanisms

CREB is a key mediator of cAMP- and calcium-inducible transcription, where phosphorylation of serine 133 in its Kinase-Inducible Domain (KID) is often equated with transactivation. Phospho-Ser133 is required for CREB to bind the KIX domain of the coactivators CBP and p300 (CBP/p300) in vitro, although the importance of this archetype coactivator interaction for endogenous gene expression is unclear. Here, we show that the CREB interaction with KIX is necessary for only a part of cAMP-inducible transcription and CBP/p300 recruitment. Surprisingly, individual cAMP-inducible genes with CREB bound at their promoters differed in their reliance on KIX and none examined showed complete dependence. Alternatively, we found that arginine 314 (Arg314) in the CREB basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) domain contributed to CBP/p300 recruitment and KIX-independent CREB transactivation function. This implicates Transducer Of Regulated CREB (TORC), an unrelated cAMP-responsive coactivator that binds via Arg314, and which can bind CBP/p300, in these functions. Interestingly, KIX was also required for the full cAMP induction of a gene that did not require CREB. Thus, individual CREB-target gene context dictates the relative contribution of at least two different cAMP-responsive coactivation mechanisms.

Investigation of the molecular mechanisms preceding PDE4 inhibitor-induced vasculopathy in rats: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, a potential predictive biomarker

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitors are a class of drugs that can provide novel therapies for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Their development is frequently hampered by the induction of vascular toxicity in rat mesenteric tissue during preclinical studies. Whereas these vascular lesions in rats have been well characterized histologically, little is known about their pathogenesis and in turn, sensitive and specific biomarkers for preclinical and clinical monitoring do not exist. In order to investigate the early molecular mechanisms underlying vascular injury, time-course studies were performed by treating rats for 2-24 h with high doses of the PDE4 inhibitor CI-1044. Transcriptomics analyses in mesenteric tissue were performed using oligonucleotide microarray and real-time RT-PCR technologies and compared to histopathological observations. In addition, protein measurements were performed in serum samples to identify soluble biomarkers of vascular injury. Our results indicate that molecular alterations preceded the histological observations of inflammatory and necrotic lesions in mesenteric arteries. Some gene expression changes suggest that the development of the lesions could follow a primary modulation of the vascular tone in response to the pharmacological effect of the compound. Activation of genes coding for pro- and antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, adhesion molecules, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) indicates that biomechanical stimuli may contribute to vascular oxidant stress, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. TIMP-1 appeared to be an early and sensitive predictive biomarker of the inflammatory and the tissue remodeling components of PDE4 inhibitor-induced vascular injury.

Transcriptional regulation of the bovine leukemia virus promoter by the cyclic AMP-response element modulator tau isoform

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) expression is controlled at the transcriptional level through three Tax(BLV)-responsive elements (TxREs) responsive to the viral transactivator Tax(BLV). The cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) has been shown to interact with CRE-like sequences present in the middle of each of these TxREs and to play critical transcriptional roles in both basal and Tax(BLV)-transactivated BLV promoter activity. In this study, we have investigated the potential involvement of the cAMP-response element modulator (CREM) in BLV transcriptional regulation, and we have demonstrated that CREM proteins were expressed in BLV-infected cells and bound to the three BLV TxREs in vitro. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays using BLV-infected cell lines demonstrated in the context of chromatin that CREM proteins were recruited to the BLV promoter TxRE region in vivo. Functional studies, in the absence of Tax(BLV), indicated that ectopic CREMtau protein had a CRE-dependent stimulatory effect on BLV promoter transcriptional activity. Cross-link of the B-cell receptor potentiated CREMtau transactivation of the viral promoter. Further experiments supported the notion that this potentiation involved CREMtau Ser-117 phosphorylation and recruitment of CBP/p300 to the BLV promoter. Although CREB and Tax(BLV) synergistically transactivated the BLV promoter, CREMtau repressed this Tax(BLV)/CREB synergism, suggesting that a modulation of the level of Tax(BLV) transactivation through opposite actions of CREB and CREMtau could facilitate immune escape and allow tumor development.

Cooperative interactions between CBP and TORC2 confer selectivity to CREB target gene expression

A number of hormones and growth factors stimulate gene expression by promoting the phosphorylation of CREB (P-CREB), thereby enhancing its association with the histone acetylase paralogs p300 and CBP (CBP/p300). Relative to cAMP, stress signals trigger comparable amounts of CREB phosphorylation, but have minimal effects on CRE-dependent transcription. Here, we show that the latent cytoplasmic coactivator TORC2 mediates target gene activation in response to cAMP signaling by associating with CBP/p300 and increasing its recruitment to a subset of CREB target genes. TORC2 is not activated in response to stress signals, however; and in its absence, P-CREB is unable to stimulate CRE-dependent transcription, due to a block in CBP recruitment. The effect of TORC2 on CBP/p300 promoter occupancy appears pivotal because a gain of function mutant CREB polypeptide with increased affinity for CBP restored CRE-mediated transcription in cells exposed to stress signals. Taken together, these results indicate that TORC2 is one of the long sought after cofactors that mediates the differential effects of cAMP and stress pathways on CREB target gene expression.

SIK1 is a class II HDAC kinase that promotes survival of skeletal myocytes

During physical exercise, increases in motor neuron activity stimulate the expression of muscle-specific genes through the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) family of transcription factors. Elevations in intracellular calcium increase MEF2 activity via the phosphorylation-dependent inactivation of class II histone deacetylases (HDACs). In studies to determine the role of the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) in skeletal muscle, we found that mice expressing a dominant-negative CREB transgene (M-ACREB mice) exhibited a dystrophic phenotype along with reduced MEF2 activity. Class II HDAC phosphorylation was decreased in M-ACREB myofibers due to a reduction in amounts of Snf1lk (encoding salt inducible kinase, SIK1), a CREB target gene that functions as a class II HDAC kinase. Inhibiting class II HDAC activity either by viral expression of Snf1lk or by the administration of a small molecule antagonist improved the dystrophic phenotype in M-ACREB mice, pointing to an important role for the SIK1-HDAC pathway in regulating muscle function.

CREM deficiency in mice alters the response of bone to intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment

CREM belongs to the ATF/CREB family of basic leucine zipper transcription factors. We previously showed that PTH induces ICER (inducible cAMP early repressor) in osteoblasts. ICER proteins, which are transcribed from the P2 promoter of the Crem gene, act as transcriptional attenuators. The objective of this study was to determine whether the Crem gene plays a role in the response of bone to intermittent PTH. Adult Crem knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) male mice were given daily subcutaneous injections of vehicle or hPTH(1-34) (160 mug/kg) for 10 days. Bone mineral content and density (BMC and BMD, respectively) were measured in femur and tibia by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Bone morphometry was analyzed by X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) and histomorphometry. Serum bone turnover markers were measured. In vitro osteoclast formation assays were performed in bone marrow cultures treated with PTH or the combination of RANKL and M-CSF. KO mice had slightly higher basal bone mass than wild type mice. PTH treatment increased tibial BMC and BMD to a greater extent in WT mice compared to KO mice. PTH increased both cortical area and trabecular bone area in WT but not in KO femurs. PTH increased the bone formation rate and percent osteoblast surface to the same extent in femurs of WT and KO mice but increased osteoclast parameters and calvarial porosity to a greater extent in KO mice. PTH increased serum osteocalcin levels to the same extent in WT and KO mice. PTH-induced osteoclast formation was 2-fold greater in bone marrow cultures from KO mice. Collectively, our data suggest that the CREM deficiency in mice alters the response of bone to intermittent PTH treatment such that osteoclastogenesis is increased. Crem gene may specify the anabolic response to intermittent PTH treatment by restraining PTH-induced osteoclastogenesis.

Transcriptional and Epigenetic Regulation of Interleukin-2 Gene in Activated T Cells by Morphine

Chronic morphine inhibits interleukin-2 (IL-2) at both the transcriptional and protein synthesis levels. The molecular mechanisms by which morphine decreases IL-2 are not fully understood. The production of IL-2 is tightly regulated by several transcription factors that bind to the IL-2 promoter. Herein, we show that chronic morphine treatment results in an increase in cAMP levels with a concurrent up-regulation of the cAMP inducible repressor inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER)/cAMP response element modulator (CREM) and down-regulation of p-cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) in activated T cells. Furthermore, ICER competes for p-CREB binding to the cAMP-responsive elements (CREs) site. This leads to the uncoupling of CBP/p300 thereby abrogating IL-2 transcription. Overexpression of either antisense CREM or CREB plasmid rescued morphine-induced inhibition of IL-2 promoter activity and protein production. In addition, we also found that chronic morphine treatment inhibited the acetylation and trimethylation of histones and decreased both DNA demethylation and accessibility of the IL-2 promoter. These findings suggest that chronic morphine treatment may function through both transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms to inhibit IL-2 production.

p300 activation by Presenilin 1 but not by its M146L mutant

The transcriptional co-activator p300 plays an important role in regulating gene expression in a number of different cell types. We have shown that wild type (WT) Presenilin 1 (PS1) stimulates the transcriptional activity ability of CREB Binding Protein (CBP), a close homolog of p300, whereas the Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated mutant of PS1 does not have this effect. A recent report has suggested that mutant PS1 can also disrupt the TCF/beta-catenin/CBP interaction but has no effect on the TCF/beta-catenin/p300 interaction. This suggests that the malregulation of CBP, but not of p300, caused by mutation in PS1 may be involved in the disease process. Here we show that wild type PS1 stimulates the transcriptional activity ability of p300 whereas an Alzheimer's disease-associated mutant of PS1 did not produce this effect. To our knowledge, this is the first report that shows regulation of p300 activity by WT PS1 and not by mutant PS1, indicating that like CBP, p300 can be differentially regulated by WT PS1 compared to its AD-associated mutant.

PC12 cells regulate inducible cyclic AMP (cAMP) element repressor expression to differentially control cAMP response element-dependent transcription in response to nerve growth factor and cAMP

Both cyclic AMP (cAMP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) have been shown to cause rapid activation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) by phosphorylation of serine 133, but additional regulatory events contribute to CREB-targeted gene expression. Here, we have used stable transfection with a simple cAMP response element (CRE)-driven reporter to address the kinetics of CRE-dependent transcription during neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. In naive cells, dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) generated a rapid increase in CRE-driven luciferase activity by 5 h that returned to naive levels by 24 h. Luciferase induction after NGF treatment was delayed until 48 h when CRE-driven luciferase expression became TrkA dependent. Blocking histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity accelerated NGF-dependent CRE-driven luciferase expression by at least 24 h and resulted in a sustained cAMP-dependent expression of CRE-driven luciferase beyond 24 h. Inhibition of protein synthesis before stimulation with NGF or dbcAMP indicated that both stimuli induce expression of a transcriptional repressor that delays NGF-dependent and attenuates cAMP-dependent CRE-driven transcription. NGF caused a rapid but transient HDAC-dependent increase in inducible cAMP element repressor (ICER) expression, but ICER expression was sustained with increased cAMP. Depletion of ICER from PC12 cells indicated that HDAC-dependent ICER induction is responsible for the delay in CRE-dependent transcription after NGF treatment.

Beta2 adrenergic receptor activation stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages via PKA- and NF-kappaB-independent mechanisms

Activation of the beta(2) adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) located on macrophages has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and cytokine production induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli. Here, we show that activation of the beta(2)AR in the absence of pro-inflammatory stimuli produced up to an 80- and 8-fold increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 transcripts, respectively, in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. This increase in mRNA expression was accompanied by a significant increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 protein production. Pre-treatment of RAW cells with pharmacological inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA) or NF-kappaB pathway failed to block this cytokine increase. Instead, the beta(2)AR-mediated increase in cytokines required activation of both the B-raf-ERK1/2 and p38 pathways. Treatment of RAW cells with the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) agonist also resulted in the up-regulation of IL-1beta and IL-6 transcripts. Examination of the main transcription factors downstream of the ERK1/2 and p38 signaling revealed that beta(2)AR activation resulted in the stimulation of CRE-, but not C/EBPbeta-, ETS-, or NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. Western blot analysis further showed that among the transcription factors which recognize the CRE-binding site, ATF-1 and ATF-2 but not CREB proteins were phosphorylated in an ERK1/2- and p38-dependent manner. Collectively, these results demonstrate that beta(2)ARs possess pro-inflammatory properties and that their activation leads to IL-1beta and IL-6 production through ERK1/2- and p38-dependent activation of ATF-1 and ATF-2 transcription factors.

Sequence analysis and organization of the Neodiprion abietis nucleopolyhedrovirus genome

Of 30 baculovirus genomes that have been sequenced to date, the only nonlepidopteran baculoviruses include the dipteran Culex nigripalpus nucleopolyhedrovirus and two hymenopteran nucleopolyhedroviruses that infect the sawflies Neodiprion lecontei (NeleNPV) and Neodiprion sertifer (NeseNPV). This study provides a complete sequence and genome analysis of the nucleopolyhedrovirus that infects the balsam fir sawfly Neodiprion abietis (Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Diprionidae). The N. abietis nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeabNPV) is 84,264 bp in size, with a G+C content of 33.5%, and contains 93 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). Eleven predicted ORFs are unique to this baculovirus, 10 ORFs have a putative sequence homologue in the NeleNPV genome but not the NeseNPV genome, and 1 ORF (neab53) has a putative sequence homologue in the NeseNPV genome but not the NeleNPV genome. Specific repeat sequences are coincident with major genome rearrangements that distinguish NeabNPV and NeleNPV. Genes associated with these repeat regions encode a common amino acid motif, suggesting that they are a family of repeated contiguous gene clusters. Lepidopteran baculoviruses, similarly, have a family of repeated genes called the bro gene family. However, there is no significant sequence similarity between the NeabNPV and bro genes. Homologues of early-expressed genes such as ie-1 and lef-3 were absent in NeabNPV, as they are in the previously sequenced hymenopteran baculoviruses. Analyses of ORF upstream sequences identified potential temporally distinct genes on the basis of putative promoter elements.

Suppression of MIP-1beta transcription in human T cells is regulated by inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER)

Local production of macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1beta), a beta-chemokine that blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into CD4+ CC chemokine receptor 5+ target cells, may be a significant factor in resistance to HIV-1 infection and control of local viral spread. The mechanisms governing MIP-1beta expression in T cells, however, are not well understood. Our results suggest that MIP-1beta RNA expression in T cells is dynamically regulated by transcriptional factors of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element (CRE)-binding (CREB)/modulator family. Transient transfection of primary human T cells with 5' deletion and site-specific mutants of the human MIP-1beta promoter identified an activated protein-1 (AP-1)/CRE-like motif at position -74 to -65 base pairs, relative to the TATA box as a vital cis-acting element and a binding site for inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). Ectopic expression of ICER or induction of endogenous ICER with the cAMP agonists forskolin and prostaglandin E2 resulted in the formation of ICER-containing complexes, including an ICER:CREB heterodimer to the AP-1/CRE-like site and inhibition of MIP-1beta promoter activity. Our data characterize an important binding site for the dominant-negative regulator ICER in the MIP-1beta promoter and suggest that dynamic changes in the relative levels of ICER and CREB play a crucial role in cAMP-mediated attenuation of MIP-1beta transcription in human T cells.

Competitive Binding of CREB and ATF2 to cAMP/ATF Responsive Element Regulates eNOS Gene Expression in Endothelial Cells

OBJECTIVE

Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a critical determinant for vascular homeostasis. We examined the effects of Beraprost sodium (BPS), a stable analogue of prostacyclin, on the eNOS gene expression in the presence of inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta in cultured endothelial cells.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Exposure of human and bovine endothelial cells to IL-1beta decreased eNOS expression. Western blot analysis using phospho-specific antibodies showed that IL-1beta stimulated p38 MAP kinase and phosphorylated ATF2. BPS inhibited these effects via protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) activation. Transfection assays using site-specific mutation constructs showed that CRE/ATF elements located at -733 and -603 within the human eNOS promoter are necessary for full IL-1beta responsiveness. BPS attenuated the IL-1beta-mediated decrease in eNOS promoter activity and the expression of eNOS gene through PKA pathway. Electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays showed that IL-1beta increased the binding of phosphorylated ATF2 to CRE/ATF. On treatment with BPS, phosphorylated CREB predominantly bound to CRE/ATF.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that IL-1beta and BPS antagonistically regulates the eNOS expression through the activation of p38 and PKA, respectively. Furthermore, the ability to bind both CREB and ATF2 implicates the CRE/ATF sequence as a potential target for multiple signaling pathways in the regulation of the eNOS gene transcription.

Chronic acidosis-induced growth retardation is mediated by proton-induced expression of Gs protein

The etiology of skeletal growth retardation accompanying metabolic acidosis is not clear. Using ex vivo models for endochondral ossification, we showed that the cAMP/PKA pathway, probably triggered by proton sensitive G-protein-coupled receptors, is responsible for impaired skeletal growth in acidosis.

INTRODUCTION

Chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) is very often accompanied by skeletal growth retardation. We have previously shown in an ex vivo model of endochondral ossification that murine mandibular condyles subjected to acidic conditions exhibit growth retardation accompanied by a decline of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptors. PTH-induced ameliorative effects on the CMA-induced growth retardation of the mandibular condyle are partially mediated by protein kinase C (PKC). In this study we explored the mechanisms underlying the acidosis-induced growth retardation; in particular, the involvement of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) cellular pathway in the process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mandibular condyles from neonatal mice or mandibular condyle derived chondrocytes (MCDCs) were incubated for 3 days under either control or acidic conditions or in the presence of cAMP-regulating factors (cAMPrf) such as forskolin, iso-butyl methyl xanthine (IBMX), or 8-Br cAMP. The effects on proliferation and differentiation of the cultures as well as on phosphorylation of cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and increased expression of the alpha subunit, Gs were determined. The intracellular pH was detected using the acridine orange assay.

RESULTS

Our results show that, under acidic conditions, PKA levels were increased. H89 abolished the adverse effects of acidosis on condylar development and restored IGF-I and IGF-I receptors (IGF-IR) levels. The inhibitory effects of acidosis on proliferation and differentiation of cartilaginous cells were mimicked by cAMPrf. We have also shown that acidosis stimulates activation of Gs trimeric protein and CREB phosphorylation. GDPbetaS--a Gs antagonist--abolished the acidosis-induced condylar growth arrest. Using an acridine orange assay, we showed that the intracellular environment is not acidified under acidic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the adverse effects of acidosis on skeletal growth centers are mediated at least in part by the cAMP/PKA cellular pathway. We speculate that high proton concentrations exerted by acidosis conditions stimulate proton sensitive G-protein-coupled receptors, which are mediated by the cellular cAMP/PKA pathway and induce skeletal growth retardation.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases as targets for treatment of haematological malignancies

The cAMP signalling pathway has emerged as a key regulator of haematopoietic cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In parallel, general understanding of the biology of cyclic nucleotide PDEs (phosphodiesterases) has advanced considerably, revealing the remarkable complexity of this enzyme system that regulates the amplitude, kinetics and location of intracellular cAMP-mediated signalling. The development of therapeutic inhibitors of specific PDE gene families has resulted in a growing appreciation of the potential therapeutic application of PDE inhibitors to the treatment of immune-mediated illnesses and haematopoietic malignancies. This review summarizes the expression and function of PDEs in normal haematopoietic cells and the evidence that family-specific inhibitors will be therapeutically useful in myeloid and lymphoid malignancies.

Role of cyclic-AMP responsive element binding (CREB) proteins in cell proliferation in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma

The role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is poorly understood in the regulation of normal and abnormal hepatic cell growth. In this study, we examined the regulation of intracellular cAMP levels and its effect on nuclear cAMP responsive elements (CREs) in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumorigenic liver cells were cultured from an in vivo model of HCC and the role of cAMP in cell mitogenesis determined. These data demonstrated agents that elevate intracellular cAMP ([cAMP]i) levels caused significant dose-dependent inhibition of serum-stimulated mitogenesis in HCC cells. Cells were next analyzed for transcription factor expression and activity following increased [cAMP]i. These data demonstrated time- and dose-dependent increases in CRE binding protein (pCREB) activity, a maximal response occurring after 10-20 min before returning to basal levels within 60 min. In contrast, increased [cAMP]i levels led to sustained inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) II/IIgamma mRNA and protein induction. To understand these data in relation to the in vivo setting, HCC tumors were analyzed and compared to pair-matched normal liver (NL) samples. These studies demonstrated significantly elevated Gsalpha-protein expression in HCC versus NL in the absence of significant changes in basal cAMP levels. Analysis of total and active CREB demonstrated significantly increased total CREB/pCREB in HCC versus NL. Further analysis of CRE expression demonstrated significantly increased expression of ICER mRNA and protein in HCC versus sham operated (Sh). These data demonstrate cAMP, while capable of stimulating promitogenic CREB activation inhibits cell mitogenesis in HCC possibly via ICER induction.

Nuclear Ca2+ and the cAMP response element-binding protein family mediate a late phase of activity-dependent neuroprotection

The mechanism by which physiological synaptic NMDA receptor activity promotes neuronal survival is not well understood. Here, we show that that an episode of synaptic activity can promote neuroprotection for a long time after that activity has ceased. This long-lasting or "late phase" of neuroprotection is dependent on nuclear calcium signaling and cAMP response element (CRE)-mediated gene expression. In contrast, neuroprotection evoked acutely by ongoing synaptic activity relies solely on the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. This "acute phase" does not require nuclear calcium signaling and is independent of activation of the CRE-binding protein (CREB) family of transcription factors. Thus, activity-dependent neuroprotection comprises two mechanistically distinct phases that differ in their spatial requirements for calcium and in their reliance on the CREB family.

Induction of immunomodulator transcriptional responses by cholera toxin

Cholera toxin (CT) is the causative agent of cholera, binds to GM1 glycosphingolipids, induces the production of cellular cAMP and is also a very powerful mucosal adjuvant. Although the mechanism of the CT induction of cAMP production is well understood, molecular mechanisms of the adjuvanticity of cholera toxin are yet to be delineated. Here, we examined the interaction of CT with human lymphocytes and monocytes by analyzing the host transcriptional profiles using cDNA arrays. The time courses of the transcriptional activations and repressions of affected genes in lymphocytes and monocytes in response to cholera toxin were determined. CT induced the expression of IL-8 and MIP-1 early in the CT exposure. VEGF, TIMP1, HIF-1alpha, MMP11, hek 8, MCP1, IL-6, GCP 2, urokinase plasminogen activator, and TNF-alpha receptor were upregulated after 4h CT treatment. These genes showed increased expression for 48 h. MRP-14, MRP-8A increased expression after 16 h CT treatment. RT-PCR and real-time PCR using cDNA specific primers confirmed the CT induction and repression of selected genes. The results suggest that immunomodulatory genes were among the genes that were affected the most by CT, and induction of these genes may contribute to the CT adjuvanticity.

Recent behavioral history modifies coupling between cell activity and Arc gene transcription in hippocampal CA1 neurons

The ability of neurons to alter their transcriptional programs in response to synaptic input is of fundamental importance to the neuroplastic mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Because of technical limitations of conventional gene detection methods, the current view of activity-dependent neural transcription derives from experiments in which neurons are assumed quiescent until a signaling stimulus is given. The present study was designed to move beyond this static model by examining how earlier episodes of neural activity influence transcription of the immediate-early gene Arc. Using a sensitive FISH method that detects primary transcript at genomic alleles, the proportion of hippocampal CA1 neurons that activate transcription of Arc RNA was constant at approximately 40% in response to both a single novel exploration session and daily sessions repeated over 9 days. This proportion is similar to the percentage of active neurons defined electrophysiologically. However, this close correspondence was disrupted in rats exposed briefly, but repeatedly, to the same environment within a single day. Arc transcription in CA1 neurons declined dramatically after as few as four 5-min sessions, despite stable electrophysiological activity during all sessions. Additional experiments indicate that the decrement in Arc transcription occurred at the cellular, rather than synaptic level, and was not simply linked to habituation to novelty. Thus, the neural genomic response is governed by recent, but not remote, cell firing history in the behaving animal. This state-dependence of neuronal transcriptional coupling provides a mechanism of metaplasticity and may regulate capacity for synaptic modification in neural networks.

Inhibition of corticotrophin-releasing hormone transcription by inducible cAMP-early repressor in the hypothalamic cell line, 4B

We have shown recently that the rapid decline in corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) transcription following activation by stress is associated with induction and binding to the CRH promoter of the repressor isoforms of cAMP responsive element modulator (CREM), inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). The ability of ICER to inhibit CRH transcription was examined in the hypothalamic cell line, 4B, which expresses CRH. Co-transfection of the inhibitory isoforms of CREM, ICER I and II and CREMbeta, and CRH promoter-luciferase constructs in 4B cells blunted basal and forskolin-stimulated CRH promoter activity, an effect which was abolished by mutation of the CRE of the CRH promoter. Western blot analyses and electromobility gel-shift and super-shift showed increases in endogenous ICER after 3 h of incubation with forskolin. Consistent with an inhibitory effect of CREM on CRH transcription, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in cells transfected with ICER I revealed recruitment of CREM by the CRH promoter in conjunction with decreases in Pol II association. The study shows that generation of ICER following prolonged stimulation with forskolin, or transfection of an ICER expression vector in hypothalamic cell lines expressing CRH, is associated with CREM binding to the CRH promoter and transcriptional repression. The data support the hypothesis that induction of repressor isoforms of CREM is part of an intracellular feedback mechanism contributing to the termination of CRH transcription during stimulation.

Single and repeated immobilization stress differentially trigger induction and phosphorylation of several transcription factors and mitogen-activated protein kinases in the rat locus coeruleus

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a critical stress-responsive location that mediates many of the responses to stress. We used immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry to investigate changes in induction and phosphorylation of several transcription factors and kinases in the LC that may mediate the stress-triggered induction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) transcription. Rats were exposed to single or repeated immobilization stress (IMO) for brief (5 min), intermediate (30 min) or sustained (2 h) duration. Single IMO elicited rapid induction of c-Fos and phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) without changing the expression of early growth response (Egr)1, Fos-related antigen (Fra)-2 or phosphorylated activating transcription factor-2. Repeated IMO triggered increased phosphorylation and levels of CREB along with transient induction of c-Fos and increased Fra-2 expression. Several mitogen-activated protein kinases were activated by repeated IMO, shown by increased phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2/3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). ERK1 was the major isoform expressed, and ERK2 the predominant isoform phosphorylated. Repeated IMO elicited hyperphosphorylation of ERK1/2 selectively in TH immunoreactive neurons, with substantial nuclear localization. These distinct alterations in transcriptional pathways following repeated compared with single stress may be involved in mediating long-lasting neuronal remodeling and are implicated in the mechanisms by which acute beneficial responses to stress are converted into prolonged adaptive or maladaptive responses.

Reduction of spermatogenesis but not fertility in Creb3l4-deficient mice

Creb3l4 belongs to the CREB/ATF family of transcription factors that are involved in mediating transcription in response to intracellular signaling. This study shows that Creb3l4 is expressed at low levels in all organs and in different stages of embryogenesis but is present at very high levels in the testis, particularly in postmeiotic male germ cells. In contrast to CREB3L4 in the human prostate, of which specific expression was detected, Creb3l4 transcripts in the mouse prostate could be detected only by RT-PCR. To identify the physiological function of Creb3l4, the murine gene was inactivated by replacement with the gene encoding green fluorescent protein. Surprisingly, Creb3l4-deficient mice were born at expected ratios, were healthy, and displayed normal long-term survival rates. Despite a significant reduction in the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis of Creb3l4(-)(/)(-) mice, the breeding of mutant males with wild-type females was productive and the average litter size was not significantly altered in comparison to wild-type littermates. Further analyses revealed that the seminiferous tubules of Creb3l4(-)(/)(-) mice contained all of the developmental stages, though there was evidence for increased apoptosis of meiotic/postmeiotic germ cells. These results suggest that Creb3l4 plays a role in male germ cell development, but its loss is insufficient to completely compromise the production of spermatozoa.

Identification of novel cAMP responsive element modulator (CREM) isoforms expressed by osteoblasts

CREM, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element modulator, belongs to a multigene family of cAMP-responsive transcription factors. CREM encodes a variety of different isoforms by utilizing four promoters and a complex pattern of alternative messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) splicing. We showed previously that parathyroid hormone induces the CREM P2 promoter products known as ICER (inducible cAMP early repressor) in osteoblasts. Herein we report that osteoblasts also express at least 15 CREM transcripts initiated from the P1 promoter, including 7 novel transcripts that result from alternative splicing. It is of interest that we found that CREM-X contains both exon theta1, previously identified only in P3 promoter products, and a new exon termed L, which is located upstream of exon theta1.

Signaling pathways of magnolol-induced adrenal steroidogensis

This study focused on identifying the signalling mediating the effect of magnolol on corticosterone production. Magnolol-induced corticosterone production was completely inhibited by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)-inhibitor PD98059, tyrosine kinase (TK)-inhibitor genistein or Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2)-inhibitor AG490, suggesting that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and JAK2 are both involved in this signaling cascade. Further, magnolol induced the transient phosphorylation of MEK, ERK, cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) and the expression of 32 and 30 kDa steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in a time-dependent manner. Inhibition of TK or JAK2 activities blocked magnolol-induced phosphorylation of MEK and ERK, again supporting the upstream role of JAK2. The activation of JAK2 or MEK apparently mediated the magnolol-induced phosphorylation of CREB and the upregulation of StAR. These findings demonstrate a novel pathway for magnolol to induce the expression of StAR, which regulates the rate-limiting step in sterodiogenesis.

Induced ICER Iγ down-regulates cyclin A expression and cell proliferation in insulin-producing β cells

We have previously found that cyclin A expression is markedly reduced in pancreatic beta-cells by cell-specific overexpression of repressor inducible cyclic AMP early repressor (ICER Igamma) in transgenic mice. Here we further examined regulatory effects of ICER Igamma on cyclin A gene expression using Min6 cells, an insulin-producing cell line. The cyclin A promoter luciferase assay showed that ICER Igamma directly repressed cyclin A gene transcription. In addition, upon ICER Igamma overexpression, cyclin A mRNA levels markedly decreased, thereby confirming an inhibitory effect of ICER Igamma on cyclin A expression. Suppression of cyclin A results in inhibition of BrdU incorporation. Under normal culture conditions endogenous cyclin A is abundant in these cells, whereas ICER is hardly detectable. However, serum starvation of Min6 cells induces ICER Igamma expression with a concomitant very low expression level of cyclin A. Cyclin A protein is not expressed unless the cells are in active DNA replication. These results indicate a potentially important anti-proliferative effect of ICER Igamma in pancreatic beta cells. Since ICER Igamma is greatly increased in diabetes as well as in FFA- or high glucose-treated islets, this effect may in part exacerbate diabetes by limiting beta-cell proliferation.