The IKK complex: an integrator of all signals that activate NF-kappaB?

Evaluation of the effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in suppressing inflammation in mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis

AIM: To evaluate the effect of pyrrolidine dithio-carbamate (PDTC; an NF-κB inhibitor) administered at low (50 mg/kg) and high (100 mg/kg) doses in suppressing colitis in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis.

METHODS: Mice were divided into a DSS-untreated group (normal group), DSS-treated control group, DSS+PDTC-treated groupI(low-dose group), and DSS+PDTC-treated groupII (high-dose group). In each group, the disease activity index score (DAI score), intestinal length, histological score, and the levels of activated NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in tissue were measured.

RESULTS: The DSS+PDTC-treated groupII exhibited suppression of shortening of intestinal length and reduction of DAI score. Activated NF-κB level and IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in DSS+PDTC-treated groupII.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that PDTC is useful for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Regulation of IkappaB kinase epsilon expression by the androgen receptor and the nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factor in prostate cancer

Although several genes have been associated with prostate cancer progression, it is clear that we are far from understanding all the molecular events implicated in the initiation and progression of the disease to a hormone-refractory state. The androgen receptor is a central player in the initiation and proliferation of prostate cancer and its response to hormone therapy. Nuclear factor-kappaB has important proliferative and antiapoptotic activities that could contribute to the development and progression of cancer cells as well as resistance to therapy. In this study, we report that IkappaB kinase epsilon (IKKepsilon), which is controlled by nuclear factor-kappaB in human chondrocytes, is expressed in human prostate cancer cells. We show that IKKepsilon gene expression is stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment in LNCaP cells and is inhibited by transfection of a dominant-negative form of IkappaBalpha, which prevents the nuclear translocation of p65. Furthermore, we found that tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced IKKepsilon expression is inhibited by an androgen analogue (R1881) in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells and that this inhibition correlates with the modulation of IkappaBalpha expression by R1881. We also noted constitutive IKKepsilon expression in androgen-independent PC-3 and DU145 cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an IkappaB kinase family member whose expression is modulated by androgen and deregulated in androgen receptor-negative cells.

Emerging mechanisms of immunosuppression in oral cancers

Mounting effective anti-tumor immune responses against tumors by both the innate and adaptive immune effectors is important for the clearance of tumors. However, accumulated evidence indicates that immune responses that should otherwise suppress or eliminate transformed cells are themselves suppressed by the function of tumor cells in a variety of cancer patients, including those with oral cancers. Signaling abnormalities, spontaneous apoptosis, and reduced proliferation and function of circulating natural killer cells (NK), T-cells, dendritic cells (DC), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been documented previously in oral cancer patients. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the functional deficiencies of tumor-associated immune cells in oral cancer patients. Both soluble factors and contact-mediated immunosuppression by the tumor cells have been implicated in the inhibition of immune cell function and the progression of tumors. More recently, elevated levels and function of key transcription factors in tumor cells, particularly NFkappaB and STAT3, have been shown to mediate immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. This review will focus on these emerging mechanisms of immunosuppression in oral cancers.

Heart failure alters matrix metalloproteinase gene expression and activity in rat skeletal muscle

Heart failure is associated with a skeletal muscle myopathy with cellular and extracellular alterations. The hypothesis of this investigation is that extracellular changes may be associated with enhanced mRNA expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). We examined MMP mRNA expression and MMP activity in Soleus (SOL), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and diaphragm (DIA) muscles of young Wistar rat with monocrotaline-induced heart failure. Rats injected with saline served as age-matched controls. MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA contents were determined by RT-PCR and MMP activity by electrophoresis in gelatin-containing polyacrylamide gels in the presence of SDS under non-reducing conditions. Heart failure increased MMP9 mRNA expression and activity in SOL, EDL and DIA and MMP2 mRNA expression in DIA. These results suggest that MMP changes may contribute to the skeletal muscle myopathy during heart failure.

African swine fever virus A238L inhibitor of NF-kappaB and of calcineurin phosphatase is imported actively into the nucleus and exported by a CRM1-mediated pathway

This study examined nuclear and cytoplasmic shuttling of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) A238L protein, which is an inhibitor of NF-kappaB and of calcineurin phosphatase. The results showed that the protein was present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm in ASFV-infected cells and that the higher molecular mass 32 kDa form of the A238L protein was the predominant nuclear form, which accumulated later in infection. In contrast, both the 28 and 32 kDa forms of the A238L protein were present in the cytoplasm. The A238L protein was actively imported into the nucleus and exported by a CRM1-mediated pathway, although a pool of the protein remained in the cytoplasm and did not enter the nucleus. By using a recombinant ASFV from which the A238L gene had been deleted, it was shown that expression of A238L did not inhibit nuclear import of the NF-kappaB p50 or p65 subunit and did not inhibit nuclear export of p65 by a CRM1-mediated pathway. The results were consistent with a model in which A238L functions within both the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Muscle cachexia is regulated by a p53-PW1/Peg3-dependent pathway

Muscle wasting (cachexia) is an incurable complication associated with chronic infection and cancers that leads to an overall poor prognosis for recovery. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) is a key inflammatory cytokine associated with cachexia. TNFalpha inhibits myogenic differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration through downstream effectors of the p53 cell death pathway including PW1/Peg3, bax, and caspases. We report that p53 is required for the TNFalpha-mediated inhibition of myogenesis in vitro and contributes to muscle wasting in response to tumor load in vivo. We further demonstrate that PW1 and p53 participate in a positive feedback regulatory loop in vitro. Consistent with this observation, we find that the number of PW1-expressing stem cells in skeletal muscle declines significantly in p53 nullizygous mice. Furthermore, gene transfer of a dominant-negative form of PW1 into muscle tissue in vivo blocks myofiber atrophy in response to tumor load. Taken together, these results show a novel role for p53 in mediating muscle stem cell behavior and muscle atrophy, and point to new targets for the therapeutic treatment of muscle wasting.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and their effects in the dentate gyrus

The older notion of a central nervous system existing in essential isolation from the immune system has changed dramatically in recent years as the body of evidence relating to the interactions between these two systems has grown. Here we address the role of a particular subset of immune modulatory molecules, the pro-inflammatory cytokines, in regulating neuronal function and viability in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. These inflammatory mediators are known to be elevated in many neuropathological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ischaemic injury that follows stroke. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin 18 (IL-18), have been shown to regulate neurotoxicity; although, due to the complexity of the cytokine action in neurons and glia, the effect may be either facilitatory or protective, depending on the circumstances. As well as their role in neurotoxicity and neuroprotection, the pro-inflammatory cytokines have also been shown to be potent regulators of synaptic function. In particular, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-18 have all been shown to inhibit long-term potentiation, a form of neuronal plasticity widely believed to underlie learning and memory, both in the early p38 mitogen activated protein kinase-dependant phase and the later protein synthesis-dependant phase. In this article we address the mechanisms underlying these cytokine effects in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus.

Regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression by the POU domain transcription factor Oct-1

Maintenance of the cells of the vessel wall in a quiescent state is an important aspect of normal vascular physiology. Transcriptional repressors are widely believed to regulate this process, yet the exact factors involved and the mechanism of repression are not known. Here, we report that the POU domain transcription factor Oct-1 represses the expression of E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), two cytokine-inducible, NF-kappaB-dependent endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules that participate in the leukocyte recruitment phase of the inflammatory response. Co-transfection and microinjection studies demonstrate that Oct-1 blocks tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated E-selectin and VCAM-1 expression. Gene expression arrays indicate that control of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced, NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression by Oct-1 is promoter-specific. A DNA-binding mutant of Oct-1 represses NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene expression. Biochemically, Oct-1 interacts with p65, suggesting that Oct-1 is involved in the regulation of NF-kappaB transactivation function. NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression is more pronounced in Oct-1-deficient than in wild-type murine embryonic fibroblasts, and reintroduction of human Oct-1 abolishes these differences. Finally, the cytokine interleukin-6 induces Oct-1 gene expression, providing a biologically relevant means by which NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression can be selectively reverted by Oct-1 to quiescent levels.

In vitro treatment of human monocytes/macrophages with myristoylated recombinant Nef of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 leads to the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, IkappaB kinases, and interferon regulatory factor 3 and to the release of beta interferon

The viral protein Nef is a virulence factor that plays multiple roles during the early and late phases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication. Nef regulates the cell surface expression of critical proteins (including down-regulation of CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class I), T-cell receptor signaling, and apoptosis, inducing proapoptotic effects in uninfected bystander cells and antiapoptotic effects in infected cells. It has been proposed that Nef intersects the CD40 ligand signaling pathway in macrophages, leading to modification in the pattern of secreted factors that appear able to recruit and activate T lymphocytes, rendering them susceptible to HIV infection. There is also increasing evidence that in vitro cell treatment with Nef induces signaling effects. Exogenous Nef treatment is able to induce apoptosis in uninfected T cells, maturation in dendritic cells, and suppression of CD40-dependent immunoglobulin class switching in B cells. Previously, we reported that Nef treatment of primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) induces a cycloheximide-independent activation of NF-kappaB and the synthesis and secretion of a set of chemokines/cytokines that activate STAT1 and STAT3. Here, we show that Nef treatment is capable of hijacking cellular signaling pathways, inducing a very rapid regulatory response in MDMs that is characterized by the rapid and transient phosphorylation of the alpha and beta subunits of the IkappaB kinase complex and of JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase family members. In addition, we have observed the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3, leading to the synthesis of beta interferon mRNA and protein, which in turn induces STAT2 phosphorylation. All of these effects require Nef myristoylation.

IKK epsilon regulates F actin assembly and interacts with Drosophila IAP1 in cellular morphogenesis

Differentiated cells assume complex shapes through polarized cell migration and growth. These processes require the restricted organization of the actin cytoskeleton at limited subcellular regions. IKK epsilon is a member of the IkappaB kinase family, and its developmental role has not been clear. Drosophila IKK epsilon was localized to the ruffling membrane of cultured cells and was required for F actin turnover at the cell margin. In IKK epsilon mutants, tracheal terminal cells, bristles, and arista laterals, which require accurate F actin assembly for their polarized elongation, all exhibited aberrantly branched morphology. These phenotypes were sensitive to a change in the dosage of Drosophila inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (DIAP1) and the caspase DRONC without apparent change in cell viability. In contrast to this, hyperactivation of IKK epsilon destabilized F actin-based structures. Expression of a dominant-negative form of IKK epsilon increased the amount of DIAP1. The results suggest that at the physiological level, IKK epsilon acts as a negative regulator of F actin assembly and maintains the fidelity of polarized elongation during cell morphogenesis. This IKK epsilon function involves the negative regulation of the nonapoptotic activity of DIAP1.

Posttranslational modifications of NEMO and its partners in NF-kappaB signaling

NEMO, the regulatory subunit of the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex that controls the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, is required for IKK function in most situations, but its exact mode of action has remained elusive until recently. A series of publications now provides information about how posttranscriptional modifications of NEMO, such as ubiquitination, sumoylation or phosphorylation, regulate its function in the IKK complex. These modifications might also regulate a cytosolic pool of free NEMO that controls the activation of NF-kappaB induced by genotoxic stress. Together with a better identification of the modifications controlling partners of NEMO, a clearer picture of how IKK becomes activated upon cell stimulation is starting to emerge, providing new clues for how the NF-kappaB pathway could be modulated for therapeutic purposes.

Artemisolide from Artemisia asiatica: nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor suppressing prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production in macrophages

Aerial parts of Artemisia asiatica (Compositae) have been traditionally used as an oriental medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and ulcerogenic diseases. In the present study, artemisolide was isolated as a nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB inhibitor from A. asiatica by activity-guided fractionation. Artemisolide inhibited NF-kappaB transcriptional activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages RAW 264.7 with an IC50 value of 5.8 microM. The compound was also effective in blocking NF-kappaB transcriptional activities elicited by the expression vector encoding the NF-kappaB p65 or p50 subunits bypassing the inhibitory kB degradation signaling NF-kappaB activation. The macrophages markedly increased their PGE2 and NO production upon exposure to LPS alone. Artemisolide inhibited LPS-induced PGE2 and NO production with IC50 values of 8.7 microM and 6.4 microM, respectively, but also suppressed LPS-induced synthesis of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 or inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Taken together, artemisolide is a NF-kappaB inhibitor that attenuates LPS-induced production of PGE2 or NO via down-regulation of COX-2 or iNOS expression in macrophages RAW 264.7. Therefore, artemisolide could represent and provide the anti-inflammatory principle associated with the traditional medicine, A. asiatica.

NF-kappaB and inflammation in genetic disease

By responding to pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and controlling itself the expression of numerous mediators of inflammation, NF-kappaB plays a pivotal role in controlling the proper sequence of events characterizing the inflammation process. Although excessive NF-kappaB activation is often associated with inflammatory signs in many different tissues, impaired NF-kappaB activation can also generate inflammation. This is the case in humans suffering from the genetic disease incontinentia pigmenti that exhibit severe skin inflammation. Identifying the molecular basis of this pathology, mutations affecting the gene coding for NEMO, has allowed production of mouse models for investigating the disease. Their characterization supports the view that a very tight positive and negative regulation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway is required in vivo to ensure not only a fine-tuned response to injury or infection but also to maintain tissue homeostasis.

Induction of apoptosis in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells by natural and synthetic cyclopentenones: role of the IkappaB kinase/nuclear factor-kappaB pathway

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor with a critical role in promoting inflammation and cell survival, is constitutively activated in estrogen-receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer and is considered a potential therapeutic target for this type of neoplasia. We have previously demonstrated that cyclopentenone prostaglandins are potent inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation by inflammatory cytokines, mitogens, and viral infection, via direct binding and modification of the beta subunit of the IkappaB kinase complex (IKK). Herein, we describe the NF-kappaB-dependent anticancer activity of natural and synthetic cyclopentenone IKK inhibitors. We demonstrate that the natural cyclopentenone 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) is a potent inhibitor of constitutive IkappaB-kinase and NF-kappaB activities in chemotherapy-resistant ER-negative breast cancer cells. 15d-PGJ(2)-induced inhibition of NF-kappaB function is rapidly followed by down-regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent antiapoptotic proteins cIAPs 1/2, Bcl-X(L), and cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein, leading to caspase activation and induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells resistant to treatment with paclitaxel and doxorubicin. We then demonstrate that the cyclopentenone ring structure is responsible for these activities, and we identify a new synthetic cyclopentenone derivative, 3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-5-(E)-iso-propylmethylenecyclopent-2-enone (CTC-35), as a potent NF-kappaB inhibitor with proapoptotic activity in ER-negative breast cancer cells. The results open new perspectives in the search for novel proapoptotic molecules effective in the treatment of cancers presenting aberrant NF-kappaB regulation.

Heart failure alters MyoD and MRF4 expressions in rat skeletal muscle

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by a skeletal muscle myopathy with increased expression of fast myosin heavy chains (MHCs). The skeletal muscle-specific molecular regulatory mechanisms controlling MHC expression during HF have not been described. Myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), a family of transcriptional factors that control the expression of several skeletal muscle-specific genes, may be related to these alterations. This investigation was undertaken in order to examine potential relationships between MRF mRNA expression and MHC protein isoforms in Wistar rat skeletal muscle with monocrotaline-induced HF. We studied soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from both HF and control Wistar rats. MyoD, myogenin and MRF4 contents were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction while MHC isoforms were separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Despite no change in MHC composition of Wistar rat skeletal muscles with HF, the mRNA relative expression of MyoD in Sol and EDL muscles and that of MRF4 in Sol muscle were significantly reduced, whereas myogenin was not changed in both muscles. This down-regulation in the mRNA relative expression of MRF4 in Sol was associated with atrophy in response to HF while these alterations were not present in EDL muscle. Taken together, our results show a potential role for MRFs in skeletal muscle myopathy during HF.

Multiple regulatory regions and tissue-specific transcription initiation mediate the expression of NEMO/IKKgamma gene

NEMO/IKKgamma gene, which is responsible of two allelic diseases in human, EDA-ID and IP, encodes for a protein with a central regulatory role in the activation of the NF-kB pathway. We here provide insights into the molecular mechanism governing NEMO/IKKgamma expression. We mapped 4 distinctive NEMO/IKKgamma transcription start sites each corresponding to an alternative first exon, controlled by two conserved promoters. A distal promoter, named promoter A, located 10 kb upstream of the coding region and a proximal promoter, promoter B, with strong bi-directional activity driving also the transcription of G6PD gene in the opposite direction. The promoter B is housekeeping, it is embedded in a CpG island, required for proper expression and it is down-regulated by methylation. The promoter A is active in cells of hepatic origin and it directs transcription of the main NEMO/IKKgamma 5' UTR alternative transcript in liver, which starts at a tissue-specific site. Qualitative and quantitative expression analysis revealed that each NEMO/IKKgamma 5' UTR alternative transcript has different expression profiles indicating that the control of NEMO/IKKgamma expression is mediated through tissue-specific transcription initiation sites and multiple regulatory regions.

Biological evaluation, chelation, and molecular modeling studies of novel metal-chelating inhibitors of NF-kappaB-DNA binding: structure activity relationships

Previously, we have reported that aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) is one of the most potent inhibitors of the DNA binding of transcription factor NF-kappaB. We now report the NF-kappaB-DNA binding inhibitory activity of ATA analogues. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay has shown that bromopyrogallol red (BPR) is the most effective inhibitor of NF-kappaB-DNA binding among the studied analogues. The molecular modeling studies showed that BPR makes a strong network of hydrogen bonds with the DNA-binding region of the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB and has electronegative potential on its peripheral surface. Because zinc has been reported to influence the DNA binding of NF-kappaB, the interaction of these analogues with zinc was studied. Chemical speciation and formation-constant studies showed that BPR forms the most stable 1:1 complex with zinc. BPR has also been found to be the most potent antioxidant among the studied analogues.

Dorsoventral axis formation in the Drosophila embryo--shaping and transducing a morphogen gradient

The graded nuclear location of the transcription factor Dorsal along the dorsoventral axis of the early Drosophila embryo provides positional information for the determination of different cell fates. Nuclear uptake of Dorsal depends on a complex signalling pathway comprising two parts: an extracellular proteolytic cascade transmits the dorsoventral polarity of the egg chamber to the early embryo and generates a gradient of active Spätzle protein, the ligand of the receptor Toll; an intracellular cascade downstream of Toll relays this graded signal to embryonic nuclei. The slope of the Dorsal gradient is not determined by diffusion of extracellular or intracellular components from a local source, but results from self-organised patterning, in which positive and negative feedback is essential to create and maintain the ratio of key factors at different levels, thereby establishing and stabilising the graded spatial information for Dorsal nuclear uptake.

The role and regulation of the nuclear factor kappa B signalling pathway in human labour

Within the discipline of reproductive biology, our understanding of one of the most fundamental biological processes is lacking--the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern birth. This lack of understanding limits our ability to reduce the incidence of labour complications. The incidence of labour complications including: preterm labour; cervical incompetence; and post-date pregnancies has not diminished in decades. The key to improving the management of human labour and delivery is an understanding of how the multiple processes that are requisite for a successful labour and delivery are coordinated to achieve a timely birth. Processes of human labour include the formation of: contraction associated proteins; inflammatory mediators (e.g. cytokines); uterotonic phospholipid metabolites (e.g. prostaglandins); and the induction of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. Increasingly, it is becoming evident that labour onset and birth are the result of cross-talk between multiple components of an integrated network. This hypothesis is supported by recent data implicating various upstream regulatory pathways in the control of key labour-associated processes, including the activity of enzymes involved in the formation of prostaglandins and extracellular matrix remodelling, and mediators of inflammation. Clearly, the biochemical pathways involved in the formation of these mediators represent potential sites for intervention that may translate to therapeutic interventions to delay or prevent preterm labour and delivery. Available data strongly implicate the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) family as candidate upstream regulators of multiple labour-associated processes. Not only do these data warrant further detailed analysis of the involvement of these pathways in the process of human labour but also promise new insights into the key mechanisms that trigger birth and the identification of new therapeutic interventions that will improve the management of labour.

The involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B in cyclooxygenase-2 overexpression in murine colon cancer cells transduced with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene

We have previously reported that transduction of murine colon cancer cells (MC38) with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene results in a significant enhancement of tumor growth rate in vivo and overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Our current study aimed to investigate the involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), a pivotal transcriptional regulator of COX-2, in the upregulation of COX-2 expression by HSV-tk. It was found that HSV-tk gene transduction of MC38 cells results in significantly enhanced NF-kappaB activity, increased phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor-kappa Balpha (IkappaBalpha) and enhanced translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus. Treatment of HSV-tk-transduced MC38 cells with sulfasalazine, a potent NF-kappaB inhibitor, led to dose-dependent inhibition of NF-kappaB activity, IkappaB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, accompanied by significantly decreased COX-2 expression and reduced release of prostaglandin E2. Transient transfection experiments with COX-2 promoter constructs fused to luciferase reporter gene revealed that mutation in NF-kappaB-responsive element of COX-2 promoter significantly reduced promoter activity in HSV-tk-transduced MC38 and COS-7 cells, whereas it had no effect on promoter activity in the respective wild-type cells. At last, it was found that HSV-tk gene transduction causes significant enhancement of NF-kappaB activity and COX-2 expression in two additional tumor cell lines, 9L and T24. These findings suggest that HSV-tk gene transduction results in NF-kappaB pathway activation, which is essential for COX-2 overexpression by HSV-tk.

IKK-i/IKKepsilon controls constitutive, cancer cell-associated NF-kappaB activity via regulation of Ser-536 p65/RelA phosphorylation

Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) has been studied extensively as an inducible transcriptional regulator of the immune and inflammatory response. NF-kappaB activation downstream of lipopolysaccharide or cytokine stimulation is controlled by the IkappaB kinase complex, which contains IKKalpha and IKKbeta. Significantly, the constitutive activity of NF-kappaB has been implicated as an important aspect of many cancer cells, but mechanisms associated with this activity are poorly understood. An inducible kinase, IKK-i/IKKepsilon, related to the catalytic forms of the IkappaB kinase, has been studied as an anti-viral, innate immune regulator through its ability to control the activity of the transcription factors IRF-3 and IRF-7. Here, we demonstrate that IKK-i/IKKepsilon is expressed in a number of cancer cells and is involved in regulating NF-kappaB activity through its ability to control basal/constitutive, but not cytokine-induced, p65/RelA phosphorylation at Ser-536, a modification proposed to contribute to the transactivation function of NF-kappaB. Knockdown of IKK-i/IKKepsilon or expression of a S536A mutant form of p65 suppresses HeLa cell proliferation. The data indicate a role for IKK-i/IKKepsilon in controlling proliferation of certain cancer cells through regulation of constitutive NF-kappaB activity.

Cyld inhibits tumor cell proliferation by blocking Bcl-3-dependent NF-kappaB signaling

Mutations in the CYLD gene cause tumors of hair-follicle keratinocytes. The CYLD gene encodes a deubiquitinase that removes lysine 63-linked ubiquitin chains from TRAF2 and inhibits p65/p50 NF-kappaB activation. Here we show that mice lacking Cyld are highly susceptible to chemically induced skin tumors. Cyld-/- tumors and keratinocytes treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13 acetate (TPA) or UV light are hyperproliferative and have elevated cyclin D1 levels. The cyclin D1 elevation is caused not by increased p65/p50 action but rather by increased nuclear activity of Bcl-3-associated NF-kappaB p50 and p52. In Cyld+/+ keratinocytes, TPA or UV light triggers the translocation of Cyld from the cytoplasm to the perinuclear region, where Cyld binds and deubiquitinates Bcl-3, thereby preventing nuclear accumulation of Bcl-3 and p50/Bcl-3- or p52/Bcl-3-dependent proliferation. These data indicate that, depending on the external signals, Cyld can negatively regulate different NF-kappaB pathways; inactivation of TRAF2 controls survival and inflammation, while inhibition of Bcl-3 controls proliferation and tumor growth.

ABIN-1 Binds to NEMO/IKKγ and Co-operates with A20 in Inhibiting NF-κB

Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays a pivotal role in inflammation, immunity, stress responses, and protection from apoptosis. Canonical activation of NF-kappaB is dependent on the phosphorylation of the inhibitory subunit IkappaBalpha that is mediated by a multimeric, high molecular weight complex, called IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex. This is composed of two catalytic subunits, IKKalpha and IKKbeta, and a regulatory subunit, NEMO/IKKgamma. The latter protein is essential for the activation of IKKs and NF-kappaB, but its mechanism of action is not well understood. Here we identified ABIN-1 (A20 binding inhibitor of NF-kappaB) as a NEMO/IKKgamma-interacting protein. ABIN-1 has been previously identified as an A20-binding protein and it has been proposed to mediate the NF-kappaB inhibiting effects of A20. We find that both ABIN-1 and A20 inhibit NF-kappaB at the level of the IKK complex and that A20 inhibits activation of NF-kappaB by de-ubiquitination of NEMO/IKKgamma. Importantly, small interfering RNA targeting ABIN-1 abrogates A20-dependent de-ubiquitination of NEMO/IKKgamma and RNA interference of A20 impairs the ability of ABIN-1 to inhibit NF-kappaB activation. Altogether our data indicate that ABIN-1 physically links A20 to NEMO/IKKgamma and facilitates A20-mediated de-ubiquitination of NEMO/IKKgamma, thus resulting in inhibition of NF-kappaB.

Ikkepsilon regulates viral-induced interferon regulatory factor-3 activation via a redox-sensitive pathway

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced chemokine gene expression occurs through the activation of a subset of transcription factors, including Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF)-3. In this study, we have investigated the signaling pathway leading to RSV-induced IRF-3 activation and whether it is mediated by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Our results show that RSV infection induces expression and catalytic activity of IKKepsilon, a noncanonical IKK-like kinase. Expression of a kinase-inactive IKKepsilon blocks RSV-induced IRF-3 serine phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and DNA-binding, leading to inhibition of RANTES gene transcription, mRNA expression and protein synthesis. Treatment of alveolar epithelial cells with antioxidants or with NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors abrogates RSV-induced chemokine secretion, IRF-3 phosphorylation and IKKepsilon induction, indicating that ROS generation plays a fundamental role in the signaling pathway leading to IRF-3 activation, therefore, identifying a novel molecular target for the development of strategies aimed to modify the inflammatory response associated with RSV infection of the lung.

C/EBPβ Blocks p65 Phosphorylation and Thereby NF-κB-Mediated Transcription in TNF-Tolerant Cells

TNF is a major mediator of inflammation, immunity, and apoptosis. Pre-exposure to TNF reduces sensitivity to restimulation, a phenomenon known as tolerance, considered as protective in sepsis, but also as a paradigm for immunoparalysis. Earlier experiments in TNF-tolerant cells display inhibition of NF-kappaB-dependent IL-8 gene expression at the transcriptional level with potential involvement of C/EBPbeta. In this study, we have shown that a kappaB motive was sufficient to mediate transcriptional inhibition under TNF tolerance conditions in monocytic cells. Furthermore, in tolerant cells, TNF-induced NF-kappaB p65 phosphorylation was markedly decreased, which was accompanied by the formation of C/EBPbeta-p65 complexes. Remarkably, in C/EBPbeta(-/-) cells incubated under the conditions of TNF tolerance, neither impairment of transcription nor inhibition of p65 phosphorylation was observed. Finally, we showed that C/EBPbeta overexpression reduced p65-mediated transactivation and that association of C/EBPbeta with p65 specifically prevented p65 phosphorylation. Our data demonstrate that C/EBPbeta is an essential signaling component for inhibition of NF-kappaB-mediated transcription in TNF-tolerant cells and suggest that this is caused by blockade of p65 phosphorylation. These results define a new molecular mechanism responsible for TNF tolerance in monocytic cells that may contribute to the unresponsiveness seen in patients with sepsis.

NEMO, NFkappaB signaling and incontinentia pigmenti

The identification of mutations in the NEMO gene in humans with incontinentia pigmenti and several other genetic conditions has led to an appreciation of the multiple roles of signaling through the NFkappaB pathway, and how erroneous signalling contributes to disease. The finding that the disease results from a common, recurrent mutation was surprising given the high variability in patients' phenotypes and illustrates the role of X inactivation and selection in females. Recent advances in mouse models and in understanding the multiple roles of NEMO in the cell provide additional avenues to define the various roles of NEMO in NFkappaB signaling.

Diabetes-induced activation of canonical and noncanonical nuclear factor-kappaB pathways in renal cortex

Evidence of diabetes-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation has been provided with DNA binding assays or nuclear localization with immunohistochemistry, but few studies have explored mechanisms involved. We examined effects of diabetes on proteins comprising NF-kappaB canonical and noncanonical activation pathways in the renal cortex of diabetic mice. Plasma concentrations of NF-kappaB-regulated cytokines were increased after 1 month of hyperglycemia, but most returned to control levels or lower by 3 months, when the same cytokines were increased significantly in renal cortex. Cytosolic content of NF-kappaB canonical pathway proteins did not differ between experimental groups after 3 months of diabetes, while NF-kappaB noncanonical pathway proteins were affected, including increased phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappaB kinase-alpha and several fold increases in NF-kappaB-inducing kinase and RelB, which were predominantly located in tubular epithelial cells. Nuclear content of all NF-kappaB pathway proteins was decreased by diabetes, with the largest change in RelB and p50 (approximately twofold decrease). Despite this decrease, measurable increases in protein binding to DNA in diabetic versus control nuclear extracts were observed with electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These results provide evidence for chronic NF-kappaB activation in the renal cortex of db/db mice and suggest a novel, diabetes-linked mechanism involving both canonical and noncanonical NF-kappaB pathway proteins.

NF-kappaB: a stress-regulated switch for cell survival

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a stress-regulated transcription factor belonging to the Rel family, has a pivotal role in the control of the inflammatory and the innate immune responses. Its activation rapidly induces the transcription of a variety of genes encoding cell adhesion molecules, inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines, cytokine receptors, and enzymes that produce inflammatory mediators. More recently, NF-kappaB activation has been connected with multiple aspects of oncogenesis, including the control of cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Interestingly, NF-kappaB is constitutively activated in several types of cancer cells, including hematological and epithelial malignancies. In addition, activation of NF-kappaB in cancer cells by chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been associated with the acquisition of resistance to apoptosis, which has emerged as a significant impediment to effective cancer treatment. Selective cyclopentenone inhibitors of the IkappaB kinase, the key enzyme controlling NF-kappaB activation, were recently shown to be potent inducers of apoptosis in chemoresistant lymphoid malignancies. Increasing evidence, summarized in this review, indicates that the development of selective NF-kappaB inhibitors may represent a promising therapeutic tool to sensitize tumor cells to apoptosis and increase the efficacy of conventional anticancer drugs in a wide spectrum of malignancies.

The range of defects associated with nuclear factor kappaB essential modulator

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Impaired ability to signal and activate specific gene transcription through nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) has been directly linked to immunodeficiency. Hypomorphic mutations in the gene encoding NFkappaB essential modulator (NEMO), located on the X chromosome, impair NFkappaB function and lead to ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (ED-ID) with increased susceptibility to pyogenic bacteria, viruses and nonpathogenic mycobacterial infections. This is due to impaired, but not abolished, response to a variety of stimuli including Toll-like receptor agonists. Alternatively, loss-of-function (amorphic) mutations in the same gene lead to incontinentia pigmenti. The purpose of this review is to explore the range of immunologic defects associated with mutations in NEMO, a key regulatory molecule in the NFkappaB pathway.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to the discovery of X-linked recessive hypomorphic mutations in NEMO as the cause of anhidrotic ED-ID, autosomal-dominant hypermorphic mutations in inhibitor of NFkappaB (IkappaB) alpha have been described recently. In addition, a better understanding of genotype-phenotype correlation in ED-ID patients is evolving.

SUMMARY

ED-ID is a combined, variable but profound immunodeficiency characterized by susceptibility to pyogenic bacteria and mycobacterial infection. Understanding the features of particular NEMO mutations will provide insight into the role of this gene and will help define the crucial role of the function and regulation of NFkappaB in the immune response.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha activates the human prolactin gene promoter via nuclear factor-kappaB signaling

Pituitary function has been shown to be regulated by an increasing number of intrapituitary factors, including cytokines. Here we show that the important cytokine TNF-alpha activates prolactin gene transcription in pituitary GH3 cells stably expressing luciferase under control of 5 kb of the human prolactin promoter. Similar regulation of the endogenous rat prolactin gene by TNF-alpha in GH3 cells was confirmed using real-time PCR. Luminescence microscopy revealed heterogeneous dynamic response patterns of promoter activity in individual cells. In GH3 cells treated with TNF-alpha, Western blot analysis showed rapid inhibitory protein kappaB (IkappaBalpha) degradation and phosphorylation of p65. Confocal microscopy of cells expressing fluorescence-labeled p65 and IkappaBalpha fusion proteins showed transient cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation and subsequent oscillations in p65 localization and confirmed IkappaBalpha degradation. This was associated with increased nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)-mediated transcription from an NF-kappaB-responsive luciferase reporter construct. Disruption of NF-kappaB signaling by expression of dominant-negative variants of IkappaB kinases or truncated IkappaBalpha abolished TNF-alpha activation of the prolactin promoter, suggesting that this effect was mediated by NF-kappaB. TNF-alpha signaling was found to interact with other endocrine signals to regulate prolactin gene expression and is likely to be a major paracrine modulator of lactotroph function.

Arachidonic Acid Activates Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Signaling and Induces Gene Expression in Prostate Cancer

Essential fatty acids are not only energy-rich molecules; they are also an important component of the membrane bilayer and recently have been implicated in induction of fatty acid synthase and other genes. Using gene chip analysis, we have found that arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, induced 11 genes that are regulated by nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). We verified gene induction by omega-6 fatty acid, including COX-2, IkappaBalpha, NF-kappaB, GM-CSF, IL-1beta, CXCL-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, LTA, IL-8, PPARgamma, and ICAM-1, using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis was increased within 5 minutes of addition of arachidonic acid. Analysis of upstream signal transduction showed that within 5 minutes of fatty acid addition, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) was significantly activated followed by activation of Akt at 30 minutes. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2, p38 and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase were not phosphorylated after omega-6 fatty acid addition. Thirty minutes after fatty acid addition, we found a significant 3-fold increase in translocation of NF-kappaB transcription factor to the nucleus. Addition of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) caused a decrease in COX-2 protein synthesis, PGE(2) synthesis, as well as inhibition of PI3K activation. We have previously shown that NSAIDs cause an inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced proliferation; here, we have shown that arachidonic acid-induced proliferation is also blocked (P < 0.001) by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. LY294002 also significantly inhibited the arachidonic acid-induced gene expression of COX-2, IL-1beta, GM-CSF, and ICAM1. Taken together, the data suggest that arachidonic acid via conversion to PGE(2) plays an important role in stimulation of growth-related genes and proliferation via PI3K signaling and NF-kappaB translocation to the nucleus.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system at the crossroads of stress-response and ageing pathways: a handle for skin care?

The regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional level has been considered for long as the main mechanism of cellular adaptive responses. Since the turn of the century, however, it is becoming clear that higher organisms developed a complex, sensitive and maybe equally important network of regulatory pathways, relying largely on protein interactions, post-translational modifications and proteolysis. Here we review the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway of protein degradation at different levels of cellular life in relation with ageing, and with a special focus on skin. It comes out that the ubiquitin system plays a major role in signal transduction associated with stress and ageing, in skin in particular through the control of retinoid and NF-kappaB pathways. The understanding of specific proteolytic targeting by E3 ubiquitin-ligases paves the way for a new generation of active molecules that may control particular steps of normal and pathological ageing.

NF-κB-related genetic diseases

The recent identification of genetic diseases (incontinentia pigmenti, anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency and cylindromatosis) resulting from mutations affecting components of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway provides a unique opportunity to understand the function of NF-kappaB in vivo. Besides confirming the importance of NF-kappaB in innate and acquired immunity or bone mass control, analysis of these diseases has uncovered new critical roles played by this transcription factor in the development and homeostasis of the epidermis and the proper function of lymphatic vessels. In addition, the identified mutations will help understanding at the molecular level how NF-kappaB is activated in response to cell stimulation.

Skin lesion development in a mouse model of incontinentia pigmenti is triggered by NEMO deficiency in epidermal keratinocytes and requires TNF signaling

NF-kappaB essential modulator (NEMO), the regulatory subunit of the IkappaB kinase, is essential for NF-kappaB activation. Mutations disrupting the X-linked NEMO gene cause incontinentia pigmenti (IP), a human genetic disease characterized by male embryonic lethality and by a complex pathology affecting primarily the skin in heterozygous females. The cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to skin lesion pathogenesis in IP patients remain elusive. Here we used epidermis-specific deletion of NEMO in mice to investigate the mechanisms causing the skin pathology in IP. NEMO deletion completely inhibited NF-kappaB activation and sensitized keratinocytes to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced death but did not affect epidermal development. Keratinocyte-restricted NEMO deletion, either constitutive or induced in adult skin, caused inflammatory skin lesions, identifying the NEMO-deficient keratinocyte as the initiating cell type that triggers the skin pathology in IP. Furthermore, genetic ablation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFRI) rescued the skin phenotype demonstrating that TNF signaling is essential for skin lesion pathogenesis in IP. These results identify the NEMO-deficient keratinocyte as a potent initiator of skin inflammation and provide novel insights into the mechanism leading to the pathogenesis of IP.

Herpes simplex virus disrupts NF-kappaB regulation by blocking its recruitment on the IkappaBalpha promoter and directing the factor on viral genes

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are able to hijack the host-cell IkappaB kinase (IKK)/NF-kappaB pathway, which regulates critical cell functions from apoptosis to inflammatory responses; however, the molecular mechanisms involved and the outcome of the signaling dysregulation on the host-virus interaction are mostly unknown. Here we show that in human keratinocytes HSV-1 attains a sophisticated control of the IKK/NF-kappaB pathway, inducing two distinct temporally controlled waves of IKK activity and disrupting the NF-kappaB autoregulatory mechanism. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation we demonstrate that dysregulation of the NF-kappaB-response is mediated by a virus-induced block of NF-kappaB recruitment to the promoter of the IkappaBalpha gene, encoding the main NF-kappaB-inhibitor. We also show that HSV-1 redirects NF-kappaB recruitment to the promoter of ICP0, an immediate-early viral gene with a key role in promoting virus replication. The results reveal a new level of control of cellular functions by invading viruses and suggest that persistent NF-kappaB activation in HSV-1-infected cells, rather than being a host response to the virus, may play a positive role in promoting efficient viral replication.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase expression in activated microglia and peroxynitrite scavenging activity byOpuntia ficus indica var.saboten

Activated microglia by neuronal injury or inflammatory stimulation overproduce nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases. The toxic peroxynitrite (ONOO-), the reaction product of NO and superoxide anion further contributes to oxidative neurotoxicity. A butanol fraction obtained from 50% ethanol extracts of Opuntia ficus indica var. saboten (Cactaceae) stem (SK OFB901) and its hydrolysis product (SK OFB901H) inhibited the production of NO in LPS-activated microglia in a dose dependent manner (IC50 15.9, 4.2 microg/mL, respectively). They also suppressed the expression of protein and mRNA of iNOS in LPS-activated microglial cells at higher than 30 microg/mL as observed by western blot analysis and RT-PCR experiment. They also inhibited the degradation of I-kappaB-alpha in activated microglia. Moreover, they showed strong activity of peroxynitrite scavenging in a cell free bioassay system. These results imply that Opuntia ficus indica may have neuroprotective activity through the inhibition of NO production by activated microglial cells and peroxynitrite scavenging activity.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: potential therapeutic targets in lung disease?

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear hormone receptors that play central roles in lipid and glucose homeostasis, cellular differentiation, and the immune/inflammatory response. Growing evidence indicates that changes in expression and activation of PPARs likely modulate conditions as diverse as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, asthma, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Activation of these receptors by natural or pharmacologic ligands leads to both gene-dependent and gene-independent effects that alter the expression of a wide array of proteins. In the lung, PPARs are expressed by alveolar macrophages, as well as by epithelial, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells. Studies both in vitro and in vivo suggest that PPAR ligands may have anti-inflammatory effects in asthma, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, as well as antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects in epithelial lung cancers. Further studies to understand the contribution of these receptors to health and disease will be important for determining whether they represent a promising target for therapeutic intervention.

Mechanism of NF-kappaB activation induced by gamma-irradiation in B lymphoma cells : role of Ras

Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is a ubiquitous transcription factor involved in diverse cellular responses to various stimuli, including growth factors and radiation stress. Recently it was reported that gamma-irradiation (gamma-IR) upregulates allergy-associated adhesion molecule CD23 on B cells and monocytes via NF-kappaB activation. In the present study, the mechanism of NF-kappaB activation by gamma-IR was investigated to understand the signaling pathways involved in IR-induced, NF-kappaB-mediated enhancement of CD23 expression. In human B-cell line Ramos, gamma-IR induced a dose-dependent increase of nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB. The gamma-IR-induced NF-kappaB activation in these cells was sensitive to a proteosome inhibitor MG132 and an antioxidant, pyrollidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), which suggests that gamma-IR-induced NF-kappaB activation proceeds via IkappaB gradation and redox regulation. Since Ras was shown to play a role in NF-kappaB-mediated survival and inflammation of cancer cells against radiation, the role of Ras signaling in the gamma-IR-induced NF-kappaB activation in these transformed B cells was examined. Transfection and overexpression of dominant active Ras produced an increase in NF-kappaB activity as shown by DNA binding and transcriptional activities of the kappaB-dependent reporter gene. gamma-IR, however, did not induce Erk activation, nor the gamma-IR-induced kappaB activity that was suppressed by inhibitors of Ras/Raf interaction or MEK/Erk. Importantly, it was noted that Ras significantly augmented both the gamma-IR-induced NF-kappaB activity and the gamma-IR-induced CD23 expression. Together these results suggest that while gamma-IR and Ras both contribute to the upregulation of CD23 expression via NF-kappaB Raf or Erk is not involved in gamma-IR-induced NF-kappaB activation.

Beta-arrestin2 functions as a phosphorylation-regulated suppressor of UV-induced NF-kappaB activation

NF-kappaB activation is an important mechanism of mammalian UV response to protect cells. UV-induced NF-kappaB activation depends on the casein kinase II (CK2) phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha at a cluster of C-terminal sites, but how it is regulated remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that beta-arrestin2 can function as an effective suppressor of UV-induced NF-kappaB activation through its direct interaction with IkappaBalpha. CK2 phosphorylation of beta-arrestin2 blocks its interaction with IkappaBalpha and abolishes its suppression of NF-kappaB activation, indicating that the beta-arrestin2 phosphorylation is critical. Moreover, stimulation of beta2-adrenergic receptors, a representative of G-protein-coupled receptors in epidermal cells, promotes dephosphorylation of beta-arrestin2 and its suppression of NF-kappaB activation. Consequently, the beta-arrestin2 suppression leads to promotion of UV-induced cell death, which is also under regulation of beta-arrestin2 phosphorylation. Thus, beta-arrestin2 is identified as a phosphorylation-regulated suppressor of UV response and this may play a functional role in the response of epidermal cells to UV.

Constitutive degradation of IkappaBalpha in human T lymphocytes is mediated by calpain

Background

Activation-induced induction of transcription factor NFκB in T lymphocytes is regulated by its inhibitor IκBα. NFκB activation has been demonstrated to occur either by phosphorylation on serine residues 32 and 36 of the inhibitor, IκBα, followed by ubiquitination and degradation of the inhibitor by the 26S proteasome, or by a proteasome-independent mechanism involving tyrosine phosphorylation, but not degradation. However, the mechanism underlying constitutive regulation of the levels of the inhibitor, IκB, in primary human T lymphocytes, remains to be fully delineated.

Results

We demonstrate here, the involvement of a proteasome-independent pathway for constitutive regulation of IκBα levels in primary human T lymphocytes. Pretreatment with a cell permeable calpain inhibitor, E64D, but not with a proteasome specific inhibitor, lactacystin, blocks stimulus-independent IκBα degradation in primary human T cells. However, E64D pre-treatment fails to impact on IκBα levels following stimulation with either TNFα or pervanadate. Other isoforms of the inhibitor, IκBβ, and IκBγ, appear not to be subject to a similar ligand-independent regulation. Unlike the previously reported decline in ligand-induced degradation of IκBα in T cells from the elderly, constitutive degradation does not exhibit an age-associated decline, demonstrating proteasome-independent regulation of the activity.

Conclusion

Our studies support a role for an E64D sensitive protease in regulating constitutive levels of IκBα in T cells, independent of the involvement of the 26S proteasome, and suggests a biological role for constitutive degradation of IκBα in T cells.

A metabolic enzyme as a primary virulence factor of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony

During evolution, pathogenic bacteria have developed complex interactions with their hosts. This has frequently involved the acquisition of virulence factors on pathogenicity islands, plasmids, transposons, or prophages, allowing them to colonize, survive, and replicate within the host. In contrast, Mycoplasma species, the smallest self-replicating organisms, have regressively evolved from gram-positive bacteria by reduction of the genome to a minimal size, with the consequence that they have economized their genetic resources. Hence, pathogenic Mycoplasma species lack typical primary virulence factors such as toxins, cytolysins, and invasins. Consequently, little is known how pathogenic Mycoplasma species cause host cell damage, inflammation, and disease. Here we identify a novel primary virulence determinant in Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony (SC), which causes host cell injury. This virulence factor, released in significant amounts in the presence of glycerol in the growth medium, consists of toxic by-products such as H2O2 formed by l-alpha-glycerophosphate oxidase (GlpO), a membrane-located enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of glycerol. When embryonic calf nasal epithelial cells are infected with M. mycoides subsp. mycoides SC in the presence of physiological amounts of glycerol, H2O2 is released inside the cells prior to cell death. This process can be inhibited with monospecific anti-GlpO antibodies.

A new mutation in exon 7 of NEMO gene: late skewed X-chromosome inactivation in an incontinentia pigmenti female patient with immunodeficiency

Incontinentia pigmenti is an X-linked genodermatosis, lethal in males. Affected females survive because of X-chromosome dizygosity and negative selection of cells carrying the mutant X-chromosome, and for this reason the skewed X inactivation pattern is often used to confirm the diagnosis. The most frequent mutation is a deletion of part of the NEMO gene (NEMODelta4-10), although other mutations have been reported. Mutations of NEMO which do not abolish NF-kappaB activity totally permit male survival, causing an allelic variant of IP called hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and immunodeficiency (HED-ID). We present a non-classical IP female patient who also suffered transient immunodeficiency because of a late and progressive selection against peripheral blood cells carrying an active mutated X-chromosome. This finding suggests that in the absence of known mutation the X-inactivation studies used in genetic counselling can induce mistakes with some female patients. At the age of 3 years and 6 months, all immunodeficiency signs disappeared, and the X-chromosome inactivation pattern was completely skewed. The low T cell proliferation and CD40L expression corroborate the important role of NEMO/ NF-kappaB pathway in T cell homeostasis. The decreased NEMO protein amount and the impaired IkBalpha degradation suggest that this new mutation, NM_003639: c.1049dupA, causes RNA or protein instability. To our knowledge, this is the first time that selection against the mutated X-chromosome in X-linked disease has been documented in vivo.

3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1-mediated IkappaB kinase beta (IkkB) phosphorylation activates NF-kappaB signaling

The IkappaB kinase (IKK)/NF-kappaB and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH-kinase/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1)/Akt pathways regulate various cellular functions, especially cell survival. These two pathways are often activated in many tumors and are thought to be associated with tumor progression. However, the cross-talk between them remains unclear. Here we show that PDK1 can activate IKK/NF-kappaB signaling in addition to Akt signaling to promote cell survival. Screening kinases that could modulate NF-kappaB activity revealed that expression of an upstream Akt kinase PDK1 up-regulates NF-kappaB transcriptional activity. We found that PDK1 directly phosphorylates IKKbeta at the Ser(181) residue in the activation loop, leading to NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and NF-kappaB-dependent anti-apoptotic gene expression. IKKalpha is not required for PDK1-mediated NF-kappaB activation because NF-kappaB activation was observed in IKKalpha(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells as in wild type MEF cells. Akt, which was previously reported to activate IKKalpha, did not participate in the PDK1-dependent IKKbeta or NF-kappaB activation. The siRNA-mediated PDK1 gene silencing attenuated NF-kappaB activity and increased TRAIL-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, expression of constitutively active IKKbeta overcame the PDK1 siRNA-mediated susceptibility to TRAIL. These results indicate that PDK1 is a critical regulator of cell survival by modulating the IKK/NF-kappaB pathway in addition to the Akt pathway.

Transcriptional control of B cell activation

The developmental program that commits a hematopoietic stem cell to the B lymphocyte lineage employs transcriptional regulators to enable the assembly of an antigen receptor complex with a useful specificity and with signalling competence. Once a naive IgM+ B cell is generated, it must correctly integrate signals from the antigen receptor with those from cytokine receptors and co-receptors delivering T cell help. The B cell responds through the regulated expression of genes that implement specific cell expansion and differentiation, secretion of high levels of high-affinity antibody, and generation of long-term memory. The transcriptional regulators highlighted in this chapter are those for which genetic evidence of function in IgM+ B cells in vivo has been provided, often in the form of mutant mice generated by conventional or conditional gene targeting. A critical developmental step is the maturation of bone marrow emigrant "transitional" B cells into the mature, long-lived cells of the periphery, and a number of the transcription factors discussed here impact on this process, yielding B cells with poor mitogenic responses in vitro. For mature B cells, it is clear that not only the nature, but the duration and amplitude of an activating signal are major determinants of the transcription factor activities enlisted, and so the ultimate outcome. The current challenge is the identification of the target genes that are activated to implement the correct response, so that we may more precisely and safely manipulate B cell behavior to predictably and positively influence humoral immune responses.

Histone deacetylase inhibition down-regulates cyclin D1 transcription by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB/p65 DNA binding

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are emerging as a promising new class of cancer therapeutic agents. HDAC inhibitors relieve the deacetylation of histone proteins. However, little is known about the nonhistone targets of HDAC inhibitors and their roles in gene regulation. In this study, we addressed the molecular basis of the down-regulation of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-responsive gene cyclin D1 by the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A in mouse JB6 cells. Cyclin D1 plays a critical role in cell proliferation and tumor progression. Trichostatin A inhibits cyclin D1 expression in a NF-kappaB-dependent manner in JB6 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay studies showed that trichostatin A treatment prevents p65 dimer binding to NF-kappaB sites on DNA. Moreover, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay shows that trichostatin A treatment inhibits endogenous cyclin D1 gene transcription by preventing p65 binding to the cyclin D1 promoter. However, acetylation of p65 is not affected by trichostatin A treatment. Instead, trichostatin A enhances p52 acetylation and increases p52 protein level by enhancing p100 processing. This is the first report that trichostatin A, a HDAC inhibitor, activates p100 processing and relieves the repression of p52 acetylation. The enhanced acetylation of p52 in the nuclei may operate to cause nuclear retention of p65 by increasing the p52/p65 interaction and preventing IkappaBalpha-p65 binding. The enhanced p52 acetylation coincides with decreased p65 DNA binding, suggesting a potential role of p52 acetylation in NF-kappaB regulation. Together, the results provide the first demonstration that HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A inhibits cyclin D1 gene transcription through targeting transcription factor NF-kappaB/p65 DNA binding. NF-kappaB is therefore identified as a transcription factor target of trichostatin A treatment.

Functional dichotomy of A20 in apoptotic and necrotic cell death

ROS (reactive oxygen species) play important roles in the progression of a number of human pathologies. ROS promote cell death, but can also induce gene transcription. The transcription factor NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) plays a critical role in oxidative stress responses. One of the proteins regulated by NF-kappaB is the zinc-finger protein A20. In TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-alpha signalling, NF-kappaB induction of A20 leads to increased cell survival. In the present paper, we show that in response to oxidative stress, A20 actually enhances cell death by necrosis, but not by apoptosis. Exposure of cells to ROS leads to the up-regulation of A20 which acts via a negative-feedback loop to block NF-kappaB activation and cellular survival. Silencing of A20 by RNAi (RNA interference) increases both the induction of NF-kappaB and the subsequent survival of cells exposed to high doses of oxidative stress, which, in untreated cells, promotes death by necrosis. Cells which express high basal levels of A20 are less protected from oxidative-stress-induced cell death when compared with cells with lower A20 expression. We also show that A20 regulates NF-kappaB by blocking the degradation of IkappaB (inhibitory protein kappaB) alpha. These data highlight a novel role for A20 in oxidative stress responses by terminating NF-kappaB-dependent survival signalling and thus sensitizing cells to death by necrosis.

Falcarindiol impairs the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by abrogating the activation of IKK and JAK in rat primary astrocytes

The effects of falcarindiol on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma (LPS/IFN-gamma) in rat primary astrocytes were investigated. The molecular mechanisms underlying falcarindiol that confers its effect on iNOS expression were also elucidated. Falcarindiol abrogated the LPS/IFN-gamma-mediated induction of iNOS by about 80%. Falcarindiol attenuated the induction of iNOS in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of falcarindiol on iNOS induction was attributable to decrease in the protein content and the mRNA level of iNOS. Treatment with 50 microM of falcarindiol for 30 min decreased LPS/IFN-gamma-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation by 32%. Treatment with 50 microM of falcarindiol for 60 min diminished the LPS/IFN-gamma-mediated activation of IkappaB kinase-alpha (IKK-alpha) and IKK-beta by 28.2 and 29.7%, respectively. Falcarindiol modulated the nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1) in a time-dependent manner. Falcarindiol (50 microM) decreased the tyrosine phosphorylation of janus kinase 1 (JAK1) by 84.8% at 5 min. Falcarindiol also abrogated the tyrosine phoshorylation of JAK2 by 82.3% at 10 min.The present study demonstrates that falcarindiol attenuated the activation of IKK and JAK contributing to the blockade of activation of NF-kappaB and Stat1, thereby leading to the suppression of iNOS expression.

Constitutive activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB results in impaired borna disease virus replication

The inducible transcription factor NF-kappaB is commonly activated upon RNA virus infection and is a key player in the induction and regulation of the innate immune response. Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic negative-strand RNA virus, which replicates in the nucleus of the infected cell and causes a persistent infection that can lead to severe neurological disorders. To investigate the activation and function of NF-kappaB in BDV-infected cells, we stably transfected the highly susceptible neuronal guinea pig cell line CRL with a constitutively active (IKK EE) or dominant-negative (IKK KD) regulator of the IKK/NF-kappaB signaling pathway. While BDV titers were not affected in cells with impaired NF-kappaB signaling, the expression of an activated mutant of IkappaB kinase (IKK) resulted in a strong reduction in the intracellular viral titer in CRL cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that neither NF-kappaB nor interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) were activated upon acute BDV infection of wild-type or vector-transfected CRL cells. However, when IKK EE-transfected cells were used as target cells for BDV infection, DNA binding to an IRF3/7-responsive DNA element was detectable. Since IRF3/7 is a key player in the antiviral interferon response, our data indicate that enhanced NF-kappaB activity in the presence of BDV leads to the induction of antiviral pathways resulting in reduced virus titers. Consistent with this observation, the anti-BDV activity of NF-kappaB preferentially spread to areas of the brains of infected rats where activated NF-kappaB was not detectable.

The Ectodysplasin and NFkappaB signalling pathways in odontogenesis

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a congenital disorder affecting organs of ectodermal origin including teeth, hair and sweat glands. Defects in Ectodysplasin (tabby), Edar (downless) and Edar associated death domain (Edaradd) (crinkled) cause HED in both humans and mice. Ectodysplasin is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member whose downstream signalling is transduced by the inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK) complex and inhibitors of kappaB (IkappaB) to activate the transcription factor NFkappaB. NFkappaB signalling is involved in a wide range of cellular processes and at each stage the different family members must be tightly regulated for each function. Recent data have demonstrated the importance of this signalling pathway in odontogenesis, particularly in the formation of cusps. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of Ectodysplasin/NFkappaB signalling in tooth development and in particular the central role of the IKK complex.