TNF stimulates expression of mouse MHC class I genes by inducing an NF kappa B-like enhancer binding activity which displaces constitutive factors

Functional interaction between a RARE and an AP-2 binding site in the regulation of the human HOX A4 gene promoter

HOX A genes are induced in a temporal fashion after retinoic acid (RA) treatment in non-N-ras-transformed PA-1 human teratcarcinoma cells. However, In N-ras-transformed PA-1 cells, RA-Induced expression of HOX A genes is delayed. The mRNA for the transcriptional activator AP-2 is overexpressed in these ras-transformed cells, but AP-2 transcriptional activity is inhibited relative to non ras-transformed PA-1 cells. Constitutive expression of AP-2 mimics the effect of ras by transforming cells and inhibiting differentiation in culture. We analyzed 4 kb of the human HOX A4 gene promoter and identified seven putative AP-2-binding sites in the DNA sequence. Transcription assays with variably sized HOX A4 promoter reporter constructs revealed that a 365 bp region of the promoter, -2950 to -3315 relative to the mRNA start, controls RA responsiveness and ras-mediated inhibition of HOX A4 activity. This region contains an AP-2 binding site and a RARE. Elimination of the AP-2 site by site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the AP-2 site is involved in RA-mediated transcriptional activation of the human HOX A4 promoter in combination with the RA receptor response element (RARE). In N-ras-transformed cells, low HOX A4 promoter activity results from ras inhibition of AP-2 transactivation.

A sustained reduction in IkappaB-beta may contribute to persistent NF-kappaB activation in human endothelial cells

The responses of vascular endothelial cells (EC) to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1alpha (IL-1), and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were compared with respect to the kinetics of (i) NF-kappaB activation, (ii) IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta degradation, and (iii) NF-kappaB-dependent cell surface molecule expression. TNF rapidly (</=20 min) and persistently (>20 h) activates NF-kappaB; IL-1 rapidly activates NF-kappaB, but activity declines by 3 h and further by 20 h; PMA slowly and transiently activates NF-kappaB. Untreated EC contain the inhibitory proteins IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta. The onset of NF-kappaB activation correlates with degradation of IkappaB-alpha, but IkappaB-alpha reappears by 4 h without resequestration of NF-kappaB. TNF causes a rapid but partial (50%) reduction in IkappaB-beta, which does not recover by 22 h; IL-1 and PMA cause slower and less sustained reductions in IkappaB-beta. All three agonists induce de novo expression of E-selectin (CD62E) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD106) and increase expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) at 4 h. TNF induces sustained increases in vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and increases human leukocyte antigen class I molecules at 24 h. We conclude that TNF causes persistent activation of NF-kappaB in human EC and that this may result from sustained reductions in IkappaB-beta levels.

Loss of MHC I transcription trans-activator in the bovine B-LCL, BL3.1

BL3.1, a variant derived from the BLV infected bovine B cell line, BL3, is distinguished by a loss of expression of MHC class I. All surface MHC I products were down-regulated in BL3.1 compared with BL3 correlating with a diminution in MHC I heavy chain transcription. Class I genes, including regulatory elements, showed no aberrations. The variant, BL3.1, did not differ from the parent cell line in expression of Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) or oncogene, c-myc. Transient transfection experiments determined the defect was trans rather than cis, and was due to loss of a trans-activator rather than gain of a trans-suppressor as evidenced by transient heterokaryon fusions. Southwestern blot analysis indicated that two DNA binding proteins associated with the MHC class I promoter were missing in BL3.1 cells. The specific response elements for these proteins in BL3 did not appear to be within the enhancerA region, the major enhancer region of the MHC I promoter.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha: posttranscriptional stabilization of WAF1 mRNA in p53-deficient human leukemic cells

The p53 protein directly regulates the expression of the WAF1 (wild-type p53-activated fragment 1) protein which is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDK1). DNA damaging agents such as ionizing or UV radiation, and some chemical agents induce WAF1 in wild-type p53 containing cells, thereby halting cell cycle progression. WAF1 expression is also induced through a p53-independent pathway. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is a cytotoxic/cytostatic compound for some human cancer cells. We examined a series of myeloid leukemic cell lines that expressed either no p53 (HL-60, K562) or mutant inactive p53 (KG-1, KCL22,THP-1, U937). The KG-1, HL-60, K562, and KCL22 myeloid leukemic cells increased their levels of WAF1 mRNA in the presence of TNF alpha. We focused on KG-1 cells to determine how TNF alpha modulated WAF1 expression. WAF1 mRNA increased in a dose-dependent manner in the cells after exposure to increasing concentrations of TNF alpha, and this increase occurred in the absence of new protein synthesis. An increase of WAF1 protein and a concominant decrease of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity also was found in KG-1 cells. Flow cytometry using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine showed an increase in the proportion of TNF alpha- treated KG-1 cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. TNF alpha enhanced the rate of WAF1 transcription only 1.4 fold in TNF alpha-treated KG-1 cells as compared to untreated cells. Notably, however, the half-life (t 1/2) of WAF1 mRNA in TNF alpha-treated cells was 2.5 hours as compared to 0.5 hours in untreated cells. These results indicate that TNF alpha increases WAF1 levels at least in part via a postttranscriptional stabilization of the mRNA; and TNF alpha may mediate its cytostatic effects through WAF1 in some cell types.

Developmental expression of H-2K major histocompatibility complex class I transgenes requires the presence of proximal introns

The pattern of expression of the H-2K major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene is complex. During embryonic development H-2K mRNA, detectable from midgestation, is poorly expressed. In the adult, H-2K expression is nearly ubiquitous but transcriptional regulation occurs leading to different mRNA levels in the different organs of the mouse. In vitro studies have shown that most of the regulatory elements controlling H-2K gene transcription are located in the 5' region of the gene. However, using fusion transgenes in which reporter genes were under the control of 2 kb of H-2K 5' regulatory region, we have previously shown that this region was not sufficient to ensure correct developmental transgene expression. By contrast, a native 9.25 kb H-2K transgene was expressed appropriately both in the adult and in the embryo. In order to localise more precisely the cis-acting regulatory sequences involved in H-2K developmental expression, we have now constructed new transgenic lines containing H-2Kb transgenes that were deleted from specific parts of the H-2Kb gene. We show that deletion of either the H-2K 3' flanking region or the 5 (out of 7) distal introns results in an expression of the transgenes which is similar to that of the endogenous H-2K gene, both in the adult and during embryonic development. By contrast, deletion of all the introns or of the two proximal ones abrogates H-2K transgene expression. Our data reveal the complexity of H-2K regulation and highlight the crucial role of proximal introns in H-2K expression in the living organism.

Interferon regulatory factor element and interferon regulatory factor 1 in the induction of major histocompatibility complex class I genes in neural cells

The role of the MHC-IRF-E and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) in the regulation of MHC class I genes in astrocytes was analyzed. Transcriptional activation of MHC class I genes after treatment of astrocytes with various inducers occurred over a period of hours and correlated with cell surface expression. Functional analysis of the MHC class I gene promoter region confirmed that induction was controlled by a restricted region of 88 base pairs containing two well-defined inducible enhancers, the MHC-CRE and the MHC-IRF-E. Further analysis showed that potential MHC-CRE enhancer activity was silent. Therefore, the MHC-IRF-E, rather than the MHC-CRE, appeared responsible for enhancement of the MHC class I gene and was supported by three findings: (1) site-directed mutation of the MHC-IRF-E-abrogated induction, (2) promoter constructs containing IRF-Es as the sole enhancers were highly inducible in astrocytes, and (3) the expression of transcription factor IRF-1, which acts through the MHC-IRF-E to induce MHC class I genes, was induced to high levels in parallel with that of MHC class I induction. The induction of the IRF-1 gene correlated with the prior induction of the gamma-activated factor (GAF) or NF-kappa B, depending on the inducer, indicating that both gamma activation sites (GAS) and kappa B sites in the IRF-1 promoter are important.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differentiation of murine pre-B cell line by an adjuvant muramyl peptide via NF-kappa B activation

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) induces NF-kappa B activation in the murine pre-B cell line 70Z/3, increases the expression of surface immunoglobulins, and potentiates the response to other inducers such as LPS or IL-1. In the present study we investigated whether NF-kappa B activation was related to the MDP-stimulated immunoglobulin expression. In a gel shift assay our results confirmed that MDP but not MDP(D,D), an adjuvant-inactive stereoisomer, could induce a kappa B-binding activity in 70Z/3 cells. The LPS or IL-1 induced NF-kappa B binding activity was increased in the presence of MDP but not of MDP(D,D). A mutant of the cell line called 1.3E2, defective in NF-kappa B activations by LPS, did not respond to MDP. The enhanced surface immunoglobulin expression induced in the wild type 70Z/3 cells by MDP alone or combined to LPS, IL-1 or IFN gamma was not obtained in this variant. The ability of various treatments to activate the kappa gene enhancer was quantitatively evaluated in cells transfected with a kappa-enhancer-luciferase expression plasmid. Treatment of transfected 70Z/3 cells with MDP resulted in a dose-dependent enhancement of luciferase activity, an additive effect to that induced by LPS or IL-1. Treatment of the defective variant transfected with the same construct did not result in luciferase expression after stimulation with the various agents. The transient transfection assays were used to compare the effectiveness of some MDP analogs. Two adjuvant-active compounds unable to enhance kappa light chain expression did not increase the basal response in the transfected 70Z/3 cells, indicating that NF-kappa B activation was not related to the adjuvant potency of MDP but correlated with the kappa induction.

The cattle major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I possesses HLA-like promoters

To study the genetic regulation of the cattle major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I, a cattle MHC class-I promoter DNA fragment was isolated and characterized for the first time. Semi-degenerate PCR was performed on cattle genomic DNA and the resulting product was isolated, subcloned and sequenced. Sequence comparison of the HLA-A, -B and -C promoters to the cloned product, designated BL3-6prmtr, revealed the cattle MHC class-I promoter to have close homology to human MHC class-I promoters. To address the ability of the cattle MHC class-I promoter to initiate transcription, BL3-6prmtr was subcloned into a luciferase reporter vector and transiently transfected into cattle and human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines. A strong transcription initiation ability of BL3-6prmtr was observed, including the ability of the enhancer A and interferon response sequence (IRS) to upregulate transcription initiation.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha increases expression of adenovirus E3 proteins

Human adenovirus can cause persistent infections in man. Implicated in this phenomenon is the early transcription unit 3 (E3) of the virus which encodes proteins that are primarily devoted to counteract the lytic attack by the host immune system: Several E3 proteins (14.7K, 10.4K and 14.5K) protect infected cells from the lytic activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) while the most abundant E3 protein, E3/19K, inhibits lysis by cytotoxic T cells. E3/19K interacts with class I histocompatibility (MHC) antigens in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, thereby preventing transport of MHC molecules to the cell surface and, consequently, MHC-restricted T cell recognition. In addition, the 10.4K and 14.5K proteins downregulate cell surface expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Interestingly, adenovirus-mediated pneumonia in mice is accompanied by induction of TNF, a cytokine known to enhance MHC expression. We previously showed that TNF is unable to restore MHC class I expression in E3/19K transfected cells but rather leads to a further reduction of MHC antigens. This effect correlated with an increased production of E3/19K mRNA and protein. We now find in addition an upregulation of other E3 proteins in transfected as well as in infected cells. This coordinated upregulation of E3 proteins indicates that TNF stimulates the E3 promoter, probably by activating the transcription factor NF-kappa B. Thus, a novel interaction between the immune system and adenovirus is described in which the virus takes advantage of an immune mediator to promote expression of several immunosubversive proteins supporting its escape from immunosurveillance.

Role for NF-kappa B in the regulation of ferritin H by tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Ferritin is a ubiquitously distributed iron-binding protein that plays a key role in cellular iron homeostasis. It is composed of two subunits, termed H (heavy or heart) and L (light or liver). In fibroblasts and other cells, the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) specifically induces synthesis of the ferritin H subunit. Using nuclear run-off assays, we demonstrate that this TNF-dependent increase in ferritin H is mediated by a selective increase in ferritin H transcription. Transfection of murine fibroblasts with chimeric genes containing the 5'-flanking region of murine ferritin H fused to the human growth hormone reporter gene reveals that the cis-acting element that mediates this response is located approximately 4.8 kilobases distal to the start site of transcription. Deletion analyses delimit the TNF-responsive region to a 40-nucleotide sequence located between nucleotides -4776 and -4736, which we term FER-2. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and site-specific mutations indicate that this region contains two independent elements: one contains a sequence that binds a member of the NF-kappa B family of transcription factors, and a second contains a novel sequence that partially conforms to the NF-kappa B consensus sequence and may bind a different member of the NF-kappa B/Rel transcription factor family. Thus, effects of an inflammatory cytokine on ferritin are mediated by a family of transcription factors responsive to oxidative stress.

Neuron-specific regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I, interferon-beta, and anti-viral state genes

The regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, interferon (IFN)-beta, and anti-viral state expression in neurons was analyzed. Treatment of neurons with either double-stranded RNA (poly I: poly C) or virus, but not IFNs, induced high levels of IFN-beta, but not MHC class I genes. However, neurons treated with IFN-beta established an anti-viral state. Transfection of neurons with IFN-beta constructs showed that a region containing PRDI (IRF-E site) and PRDII (kappa B site) mediated induction, but closely related sites in a MHC class I construct did not. Gel mobility shift assays indicated that transcription factors containing the RelA (p65) component of NF-kappa B, but not p50, bound to PRDII. PRDI, however, bound to transcriptional antagonist IRF-2. Unique selective induction of these transcription factors is likely to mediate non-coordinate expression of IFN-beta, MHC class I, and anti-viral state genes in neurons.

Proto-oncogenes and oncogenes in epidermal neoplasia

This review briefly will focus on the role of selected proto-oncogenes and their activated forms during the regulation of cell proliferation, cell death and tumor formation in the epidermis. In addition, the multiple and complex functions of these proteins in normal as well as transformed cells will be discussed.

Targeted disruption of the p50 subunit of NF-kappa B leads to multifocal defects in immune responses

NF-kappa B, a heterodimeric transcription factor composed of p50 and p65 subunits, can be activated in many cell types and is thought to regulate a wide variety of genes involved in immune function and development. Mice lacking the p50 subunit of NF-kappa B show no developmental abnormalities, but exhibit multifocal defects in immune responses involving B lymphocytes and nonspecific responses to infection. B cells do not proliferate in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and are defective in basal and specific antibody production. Mice lacking p50 are unable effectively to clear L. monocytogenes and are more susceptible to infection with S. pneumoniae, but are more resistant to infection with murine encephalomyocarditis virus. These data support the role of NF-kappa B as a vital transcription factor for both specific and nonspecific immune responses, but do not indicate a developmental role for the factor.

Structure of the NF-kappa B p50 homodimer bound to DNA

The structure of a large fragment of the p50 subunit of the human transcription factor NF-kappa B, bound as a homodimer to DNA, reveals that the Rel-homology region has two beta-barrel domains that grip DNA in the major groove. Both domains contact the DNA backbone. The amino-terminal specificity domain contains a recognition loop that interacts with DNA bases; the carboxy-terminal dimerization domain bears the site of I-kappa B interaction. The folds of these domains are related to immunoglobulin-like modules. The amino-terminal domain also resembles the core domain of p53.

Cytokine expression in the muscle of HIV-infected patients: evidence for interleukin-1 alpha accumulation in mitochondria of AZT fibers

To evaluate the possible role of cytokines in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated muscular disorders, we performed immunocytochemistry for interleukin-1 alpha, -1 beta, and -6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on frozen muscle biopsy specimens from HIV-infected patients with various myopathies (HIV polymyositis in 5, HIV-wasting syndrome in 5, zidovudine myopathy in 10) and from seronegative individuals (normal muscle in 2, mitochondrial cytopathies in 10). The HIV-infected patients showed positive reactivities in vessels (interleukin-1) and in inflammatory cells (mainly interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), including perivascular hemosiderin-laden macrophages in 5 patients. In zidovudine myopathy, a majority of AZT fibers (i.e., ragged-red fibers with marked myofibrillar changes) showed mild to marked expression of interleukin-1. Expression of interleukin-1 in the other mitochondrial myopathies was much weaker. Interleukin-1 beta messenger RNA was demonstrated in muscle fibers by in situ hybridization, implying that interleukin-1 was produced in muscle cells. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that interleukin-1 alpha was mainly bound to mitochondrial membranes in AZT fibers. Proinflammatory and destructive effects of the studied cytokines might be responsible for several myopathological changes observed in HIV-infected patients, including inflammation and hemosiderin deposits in muscle tissue, and prominent myofibrillar breakdown in AZT fibers.

Nonrandom allelic variation in the regulatory complex of HLA class I genes

Recently, we have demonstrated that the HLA class I regulatory complex (CRC) is conserved in a locus-specific manner with limited allelic variation. In this study, we have analyzed the CRC sequences of the alleles that showed variation from a total of 22 well-characterized, HLA-homozygous B-LCLs, using PCR amplification of genomic DNA and direct sequencing. We compared the sequences of these alleles with their respective locus consensus sequence at kappa B1, kappa B2, the IRS, the putative NRE, and the HLA counterpart of the H-2RII region, the R x R beta-binding site. The palindromic kappa B1 sequence, an active enhancer, was found to be conserved in all HLA-A and -B alleles and in one HLA-C allele. The sequences of the kappa B2 site showed locus-specific divergence with almost no allelic variation. The IRS is strictly locus specific and HLA-B and -C have identical sequences in this region. Variation in the putative NRE sequence and RII-kappa B2 junctional sequence was apparently generated by gene conversion between B and C loci. Each locus had two sequence patterns at the putative RII site. Overall, sequence analysis of variant alleles demonstrated that there is limited variation in a nonrandom fashion. These results may provide a structural basis for locus and allele-specific modulation of these genes.

Activation of nuclear factor kappa B in human neuroblastoma cell lines

The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a eukaryotic transcription factor. In B cells and macrophages it is constitutively present in cell nuclei, whereas in many other cell types, NF-kappa B translocates from cytosol to nucleus as a result of transduction by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), phorbol ester, and other polyclonal signals. Using neuroblastoma cell lines as models, we have shown that in neural cells NF-kappa B was present in the cytosol and translocated into nuclei as a result of TNF alpha treatment. The TNF alpha-activated NF-kappa B was transcriptionally functional. NF-kappa B activation by TNF alpha was not correlated with cell differentiation or proliferation. However, reagents such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which induce phenotypical differentiation of the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line, activated NF-kappa B, but only in that particular cell line. In a NGF-responsive rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12, PMA activated NF-kappa B, whereas NGF did not. In other neuroblastoma cell lines, such as SK-N-Be(2), the lack of PMA induction of differentiation was correlated with the lack of NF-kappa B activation. We found, moreover, that in SK-N-Be(2) cells protein kinase C (PKC) enzymatic activity was much lower compared with that in a control cell line and that the low PKC enzymatic activity was due to low PKC protein expression. NF-kappa B was not activated by retinoic acid, which induced morphological differentiation of all the neuroblastoma cell lines used in the present study. Thus, NF-kappa B activation was not required for neuroblastoma cell differentiation. Furthermore, the results obtained with TNF alpha proved that NF-kappa B activation was not sufficient for induction of neuroblastoma differentiation.

UVB light induces nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) activity independently from chromosomal DNA damage in cell-free cytosolic extracts

It has been shown previously that ultraviolet (UV) light (290-320 nm) activates keratinocytes to release proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6. Because the 5' flanking region of the IL-6 gene contains a consensus NF kappa B binding sequence, the effect of UVB light on an NF kappa B-like binding activity was investigated in a human epidermoid carcinoma cell line (A431). Nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) activation in the cytoplasm is known to be due to the dissociation of an inactive NF kappa B-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (I kappa B) complex. Cytosolic extracts from cells harvested shortly after sublethal UVB irradiation showed a UVB dose-dependent increase of NF kappa B binding. The activation was reduced by radical scavenging chemicals, suggesting involvement of reactive oxygen intermediates. NF kappa B activation has been shown previously to be triggered by DNA lesions induced by UV light. To elucidate whether DNA damage is necessary and sufficient to mediate NF kappa B activation crude, cytosolic protein extracts obtained from unirradiated cells were exposed to UVB light. This in vitro UVB treatment led to activation of an NF kappa B-like binding activity, suggesting an additional signaling pathway independent of chromosomal DNA damage or byproducts of DNA damage. The activation process was dependent on the presence of membranes. The data suggest at least an additional signaling pathway for the early UVB response, including a component of the pathway residing at the cell membrane.

Characterization of a novel IRF-1-deficient mutant cell line

The transcriptional activation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes by both type I (alpha/beta) and II (gamma) interferons (IFNs) has been extensively studied, and it has been shown that the upregulation of several DNA-binding proteins is critical for this process. In our laboratory, we introduced the mouse H-2Kb gene into the AKR mouse leukaemia cell line K36.16 to effect the generation of tumor-specific immunity. Individual clones were selected and studied. Whereas the MHC class I genes in most of the clones obtained could be stimulated by interferons, one of the clones obtained, clone Kb-S27, failed to be induced, or was at best poorly induced by IFN-alpha/beta and -gamma. Both the exogenous H-2Kb and the endogenous H-2Dk genes behaved in the same manner and were not stimulated by IFNs. The lack of response to IFNs by clone Kb-S27 also resulted in its resistance to the antiproliferative effects of IFNs. This lack of IFN-induction by clone Kb-S27 was not simply due to a change in its surface interferon receptors. Gel-retardation assay and northern blot analysis both demonstrated the lack of induction of the IRF-1 DNA-binding factor in clone Kb-S27. In addition, northern blot analysis showed that the IRF-2 gene expression in clone Kb-S27 was upregulated when compared with the other IFN-inducible clones.

ETS family proteins activate transcription from HIV-1 long terminal repeat

ets is a multigene family and its members share a common ETS DNA-binding domain. ETS proteins activate transcription via binding to a purine-rich GGAA core sequence located in promoters/enhancers of various genes, including several that are transcriptionally active in T cells. The ETS1, ETS2, and ERBG/Hu-FLI-1 gene expression pattern also suggests a role for these genes in cells of hematopoietic lineage. The HIV-1 LTR core enhancer contains two 10-base pair direct repeat sequences (left and right) that are required for regulation of HIV-1 mRNA expression by host transcription factors, including NF kappa B. Two ETS-binding sites are present in the core enhancer of all the HIV-1 isolates reported so far. In our studies, we utilized HIV-1 HXB2 and HIV-1 Z2Z6 core enhancers because the Z2Z6 strain has a single point mutation flanking the right ETS-binding site. We demonstrate that the ETS1, ETS2, and ERGB/Hu-FLI-1 proteins can trans-activate transcription from both the HXB2 and Z2Z6 core enhancer when linked to a reporter (cat) gene. In addition, we show that the DNA binding and trans-activation with the Z2Z6 core enhancer is at least 40-fold higher than that observed with the HXB2 core enhancer. Further, we provide evidence that the marked increase in binding and trans-activation with Z2Z6 core enhancer sequences is due to the substitution of a flanking T residue in HXB2 TGGAA) by a C residue in Z2Z6 (CGGAA) isolate, thus generating an optimal ETS-binding core (CGGAA) sequence.

Purification of the major histocompatibility complex class I transcription factor H2TF1. The full-length product of the nfkb2 gene

H2TF1 is a ubiquitous major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-specific transcription factor, which binds to the palindromic kappa B enhancer site upstream of MHC class I genes. Here we report that H2TF1 consists of a polypeptide with relative molecular mass 110,000, that corresponds to the predicted 100-kDa product (NF-kappa B2 p100) encoded by the candidate proto-oncogene nfkb2 (lyt-10). H2TF1 was purified by a novel affinity chromatography method and identified as the NF-kappa B2 p100 polypeptide by peptide sequencing as well as by reactivity with a specific antiserum. Purified H2TF1 binds the MHC kappa B site with high affinity (KD = 3 x 10(-11) M), in contrast with previous reports that NF-kappa B2 p100 did not bind DNA.

DNA-binding proteins for transcription enhancing region of HLA class I gene

Class I regulatory complex (CRC) located in the 5'-upstream region of MHC class I gene contains transcriptional enhancing sequences, called Enh A. This Enh A region contains tandem-arranged kappa B-like sites, one of which has a well-conserved perfect palindromic sequence. The second kappa B-like site, juxtaposed to the perfect palindrome, contains an imperfect palindromic sequence. In B-cell nuclear extracts, we have identified at least four sequence-specific protein complexes; three shared the repeated kappa B enhancer as their binding motifs. The perfect palindromic sequence facilities the binding of a complex termed BI, while the imperfect palindrome provides the binding sites for two other complexes, BII and BIII. The BII and BIII complexes exhibited binding crossreactivity with other kappa B-related motifs and recognized both the perfect and imperfect palindromic sequences, whereas the BI complex was specific for the perfect palindromic sequence which is unique to the class I promoters. A DNA segment outside the repeated kappa B enhancers probably binds the fourth complex, BIV. These complexes, except for the perfect palindrome-binding complex, differ from those described for the murine class I promoter. The binding characteristics of these factors suggest that the mechanism controlling the class I transcription may be quite complex.

Cell type-specific regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene expression in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons

Mechanisms of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene regulation in cells of the CNS have been studied in vitro. Astrocytes in primary cultures, but neither oligodendrocytes nor neurons, constitutively expressed cell surface MHC class I molecules. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment led to induction of MHC class I expression in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes but not in neurons. The conserved upstream sequence containing the juxtaposed nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B-like region I and IFN-response consensus sequence (ICS) constitutively enhanced MHC class I gene promoter activity in astrocytes, but not in oligodendrocytes or in neurons. Nuclear extracts from astrocytes, but not from oligodendrocytes and neurons, had a binding activity specific for the NF-kappa B-like region I sequence, indicating that constitutive expression of MHC class I genes is governed by the upstream region I enhancer and its binding factor. IFN-gamma treatment led to induction of MHC class I promoter activity in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but not in neurons. In accordance with this observation, a nuclear factor that binds to the ICS was induced in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes but not in neurons following IFN-gamma treatment. This study illustrates cell type-specific regulation of MHC class I genes in the CNS that correlates with the expression of DNA binding factors relevant to MHC class I gene transcription.

Endothelial activation by hydrogen peroxide. Selective increases of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and major histocompatibility complex class I

Products of activated leukocytes may alter vascular endothelial cell (EC) function. For example, ECs respond to leukocyte-derived cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukin-1, by reversibly altering levels of expression of specific gene products that promote inflammation. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide, a product of TNF-activated neutrophils, can produce irreversible EC injury and death. In this study, we have investigated the effects of subinjurious concentrations of hydrogen peroxide on EC inflammatory functions. Treatment with 50 to 100 mumol/L hydrogen peroxide selectively increases surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and major histocompatibility complex class I, but not endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (also known as E-selectin), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, or gp96, a constitutively expressed EC surface protein. Increased major histocompatibility complex class I and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 surface expression is associated with specifically increased messenger RNA levels, suggesting selective endothelial gene activation. Hydrogen peroxide does not activate the transcription factor Nuclear Factor kappa B, an important mediator of TNF-induced gene expression. Co-treatment with hydrogen peroxide inhibits TNF-induced gene expression at 4 hours, an effect which can be attributed to reversible inhibition of TNF binding to EC surface receptors. Hydrogen peroxide also antagonizes the actions of interleukin-1. At 24 hours, TNF and hydrogen peroxide produce, at most, additive increases in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and major histocompatibility complex class I. These results suggest that subinjurious concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can activate endothelium and that the effects of hydrogen peroxide on ECs differ from those of inflammatory cytokines.

Induction of the murine class-II antigen-associated invariant chain by TNF-alpha is controlled by an NF-kappa B-like element

The murine class-II antigen-associated invariant chain (Ii) is a glycoprotein whose synthesis is co-regulated with the major histocompatibility class-II antigens. The Ii mRNA is inducible by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). An NF-kappa B protein-binding site (NBS), located in the Ii promoter at bp -121 to -111, confers TNF-alpha inducibility on chimeric reporter constructs expressing the human growth hormone-encoding gene. A distal NF-kappa B-like protein-binding site (NBLS) located at bp -167 to -157 is not required for TNF-alpha inducibility, and deletion of this distal NBLS results in increased constitutive, as well as TNF-alpha-induced, expression of the reporter gene. The NBS is well protected during DNase I footprinting assays and specifically binds proteins in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. A distinct protein-DNA complex is observed when nuclear extracts from TNF-alpha-treated L-cells are used; this complex is not seen in extracts from untreated cells.

Abnormal kappa B-binding protein in the cytoplasm of a plasmacytoma cell line that lacks nuclear expression of NF-kappa B

The transcription factor NF-kappa B appears to play an important role in immunoglobulin gene expression and lymphokine production, and may play a role in primary B cell activation. Constitutive nuclear expression of NF-kappa B has been found in all mature B cell lines with the notable exception of the murine plasmacytoma, S107. We report herein that S107 cells express cytoplasmic kappa B-binding material detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay that by several criteria represents authentic NF-kappa B. Despite the presence of cytoplasmic NF-kappa B, several stimuli known to induce nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B failed to do so in S107 cells, including: the PKC agonist, PMA; the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide; and LPS. Transfection of S107 cells with a kappa B-CAT reporter gene construct confirmed the absence of functional activity. Importantly, a global failure of nuclear transcription factor expression was ruled out by the ability of PMA to induce nuclear expression of another trans-acting factor, AP-1. Thus, rather than lacking NF-kappa B altogether, S107 cells manifest disordered regulation of NF-kappa B in which cytoplasmic material is incapable of translocation to the nucleus. While Northern analysis failed to reveal a gross defect in the mRNA coding for the DNA binding subunit of NF-kappa B, UV-photo-cross-linking followed by denaturing gel electrophoresis demonstrated the presence of a cytoplasmic kappa B-binding protein of abnormally elevated molecular size. This finding suggests that the abnormal regulation of NF-kappa B in S107 cells is associated with the appearance of an unusual kappa B-binding molecule.

NF-kappa B controls expression of inhibitor I kappa B alpha: evidence for an inducible autoregulatory pathway

The eukaryotic transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) participates in many parts of the genetic program mediating T lymphocyte activation and growth. Nuclear expression of NF-kappa B occurs after its induced dissociation from its cytoplasmic inhibitor I kappa B alpha. Phorbol ester and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induction of nuclear NF-kappa B is associated with both the degradation of performed I kappa B alpha and the activation of I kappa B alpha gene expression. Transfection studies indicate that the I kappa B alpha gene is specifically induced by the 65-kilodalton transactivating subunit of NF-kappa B. Association of the newly synthesized I kappa B alpha with p65 restores intracellular inhibition of NF-kappa B DNA binding activity and prolongs the survival of this labile inhibitor. Together, these results show that NF-kappa B controls the expression of I kappa B alpha by means of an inducible autoregulatory pathway.

The third human homolog of a murine gene encoding an inhibitor of stem cell proliferation is truncated and linked to a CpG island-containing upstream sequence

The murine gene, MIP1 alpha, encodes a cytokine (macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha) that inhibits the proliferation of bone marrow stem cells. Two human homologs have been characterized, G0S19-1 and G0S19-2. Like MIP1 alpha, these genes contain three exons, the first of which encodes a hydrophobic signal sequence. The existence of a third human G0S19 gene, present in one in four individuals, has been predicted from restriction enzyme analyses. This paper reports that a previously identified human genomic clone containing a G0S19 sequence (G0S19-3), corresponds to the third gene. However, the first G0S19 exon is missing. The sequence differs from those of G0S19-1 and G0S19-2 upstream of a point 31 nucleotides from the junction of the first intron with the second exon. This upstream sequence contains a CpG island and is named "CpG island-containing upstream sequence," CUS. Apart from the G0S19-3-associated copy found only in individuals with the third G0S19 gene, all individuals have one DNA species hybridizing strongly to a CUS-specific probe and at least two less strongly hybridizing species. The CUS has potential binding sites for transcription factors AP-1, AP-2, AP-3, AP-4, and Sp1, a Donehower conserved repetitive element, and motifs characteristic of cytokine, oncogene, and retroviral promoters. Thus, the CUS might promote the transcription of sequences with which it became associated. We suggest that the CUS-G0S19-3 sequence was generated by recombination between a G0S19-2 gene and a member of a novel CUS-associated gene family.

Pentoxifylline- and caffeine-induced modulation of major histocompatibility complex class I expression on murine tumor cell lines

The methylxanthines, pentoxifylline (PTX) and caffeine, modulated major histocompatibility complex class I expression on three constitutively class I-positive murine T cell lymphoma lines. On two cell lines, PTX or caffeine treatment enhanced H-2K and H-2D expression. Treatment with PTX and either interferon-gamma, interferon-alpha/beta, tumor necrosis factor, or lymphotoxin increased the levels of K and D expression above those observed following treatment with either PTX or cytokines alone. On the third cell line, PTX or caffeine treatment enhanced D expression and reduced K expression. Treatment with PTX and any of the cytokines resulted in a level of D expression greater than that seen following treatment with either PTX or cytokines alone. However, PTX inhibited the cytokine-induced enhancement of K expression. PTX and caffeine did not induce class I expression on three constitutively class I-negative murine T cell lymphoma lines. Dibutyryl cAMP modulated class I expression in the same manner as PTX and caffeine. The PTX- and caffeine-mediated enhancement of class I expression was at least partially blocked by an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. These results demonstrate that PTX and caffeine are able to regulate class I expression and that this regulation involves a cAMP-dependent mechanism.

Negative regulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I enhancer in adenovirus type 12-transformed cells via a retinoic acid response element

In cells transformed by the highly oncogenic adenovirus type 12 (Ad12), the viral E1A proteins mediate transcriptional repression of the major histocompatibility class I genes. In contrast, class I transcription is not reduced in cells transformed by the nononcogenic Ad5. The decreased rate of class I transcription is, at least in part, the result of a reduced major histocompatibility complex class I enhancer activity in Ad12-transformed cells and correlates with an increase in the levels of a DNA-binding activity to the R2 element of the enhancer (R. Ge, A. Kralli, R. Weinmann, and R. P. Ricciardi, J. Virol. 66:6969-6978, 1992). Employing transient transfection assays, we now provide direct evidence that the R2 element can confer repression in Ad12- but not Ad5-transformed cells. Repression by R2 was observed only in the presence of the positive enhancer element R1 and was dependent on (i) the number of the R2 elements and (ii) the relative arrangement of R2 and R1 elements. The putative R2-binding repressor protein, R2BF, was similar in molecular weight and binding specificity to members of the thyroid hormone/retinoic acid (RA) receptor family. RA treatment abrogated the R2-mediated repression in Ad12-transformed cells and had no effect on the activity of R2/R1-containing promoters in Ad5-transformed cells. These results are consistent with the presence of an R2-binding repressor in Ad12-transformed cells. In the absence of RA, the repressor compromises enhancer activity by interfering with the activity of the positive cis element R1. RA treatment of Ad12-transformed cells may render the repressor inactive.

Interferon-alpha/beta, pentoxifylline, and caffeine synergize with interferon-gamma to induce major histocompatibility complex class I expression on a constitutively class I-negative murine tumor cell line

The constitutively class I-negative tumor cell line, Kgv, expresses H-2Dk in response to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), but not in response to IFN-alpha/beta, tumor necrosis factor, or lymphotoxin. H-2Dk expression was not induced on Kgv cells by the methylxanthines, pentoxifylline (PTX) and caffeine, which modulate class I expression on cells that constitutively express class I molecules. Treatment of Kgv cells with either IFN-alpha/beta, PTX, caffeine, or dibutyryl cAMP and a concentration of IFN-gamma insufficient by itself to induce Dk expression resulted in the induction of Dk expression. Since PTX and caffeine are cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors, it is possible that the effects of PTX, caffeine, and dibutyryl cAMP involve a cAMP-dependent mechanism. We conclude that concentrations of IFN-gamma insufficient to induce Dk expression on Kgv cells may be capable of rendering the Dk gene responsive to signals that, in the absence of IFN-gamma treatment, have no effect on Dk expression.

TNF activates NF-kappa B by phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C-induced "acidic" sphingomyelin breakdown

In this paper, we describe a phospholipid transmission pathway mediating tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-kappa B). Central to this TNF signaling route is the second messenger-like molecule ceramide, which is generated by sphingomyelin (SM) breakdown catalyzed by a sphingomyelinase (SMase). SMase activation is secondary to the generation of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) produced by a TNF-responsive PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC). The functional coupling of these two C type phospholipases is revealed by D609, a selective inhibitor of PC-PLC. SMase itself, or SMase-inducing regimens such as exogenous PLC or synthetic DAGs, induces NF-kappa B activation at pH 5.0, suggesting the operation of an acidic SMase. A model is proposed in which a TNF-responsive PC-PLC via DAG couples to an acidic SMase, resulting in the generation of ceramide, which eventually triggers rapid induction of nuclear NF-kappa B activity.

Induction of HLA class I mRNA by cytokines in human fibroblasts: comparison of TNF, IL-1 and IFN-beta

Expression of HLA class I antigens is known to be regulated by various cytokines at both the mRNA and protein levels. We have examined the induction of HLA-B7 by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1) and interferon beta (IFN-beta) in normal human diploid FS-4 fibroblasts. Optimal induction of HLA-B7 by TNF at 24 h was shown to require a continuous presence of TNF. Since TNF also induces IFN-beta in these cells and the latter cytokine itself has the capacity to upregulate HLA class I expression, we investigated the role of autocrine IFN-beta in the induction of HLA-B7 by TNF. Experiments with neutralizing polyclonal antibodies to recombinant IFN-beta showed that the induction of HLA-B7 mRNA by TNF was partially dependent on autocrine IFN-beta. However, TNF and IFN-beta induced HLA-B7 mRNA with similar kinetics and treatment with saturating concentrations of both TNF and IFN-beta resulted in an additive or possibly synergistic response. The latter findings support the idea that induction of HLA class I by TNF is not mediated solely by autocrine IFN-beta produced in response to TNF. In addition, experiments with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide suggested that the induction of mRNAs for both the heavy and light (beta 2-microglobulin) chains of the HLA class I antigen by TNF did not require de novo protein synthesis. IL-1 was also shown to increase steady-state mRNA levels of HLA-B7 with kinetics similar to those of TNF and IFN-beta in FS-4 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)