P/CAF associates with cyclin D1 and potentiates its activation of the estrogen receptor

Acetylation in hormone signaling and the cell cycle

The last decade has seen a substantial change in thinking about the role of acetylation in regulating diverse cellular processes. The correlation between histone acetylation and gene transcription has been known for many years. The cloning and biochemical characterization of the enzymes that regulate this post-translational modification has led to an understanding of the diverse role histone acetyltransferases (HATs) play in cellular function. Histone acetylases modify histones, transcription factors, co-activators, nuclear transport proteins, structural proteins and components of the cell cycle. This review focuses on the role of histone acetylases in coordinating hormone signaling and the cell cycle. Transition through the cell cycle is regulated by a family of protein kinase holoenzymes, the cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) and their heterodimeric cyclin partners. Recent studies have identified important cross-talk between the cell cycle regulatory apparatus and proteins regulating histone acetylation. The evidence for a dynamic interplay between components regulating the cell cycle and acetylation of target substrates provides an important new level of complexity in the mechanisms governing hormone signaling.

ADA3-containing complexes associate with estrogen receptor alpha

Transcriptional repression and activation by nuclear receptors (NRs) are brought about by coregulator complexes. These complexes modify the chromatin environment of target genes and affect the activity of the basal transcription machinery. We have previously implicated the yeast ADA3 protein in transcriptional activation by estrogen and retinoid X receptors in yeast and mammalian cells. Here we report the cloning of the mouse homolog of ADA3 and its characterization with respect to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) function. Mouse mADA3 is 23% identical and 47% similar to yeast yADA3, and mADA3 in contrast to yADA3 does not interact with NRs directly even though it contains two LxxLL NR boxes. However, the ADA3-containing TBP-free-TAF-containing complex (TFTC) can interact with ERalpha in a ligand-independent manner, indicating that other subunits of the complex are sufficient to mediate interaction with NRs.

Cyclin D1 represses the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, BETA2/NeuroD

Expression of the hormone secretin in enteroendocrine cells is restricted to the nondividing villus compartment of the intestine, implying that terminal differentiation is linked to cell cycle arrest and that differentiation is repressed in actively proliferating cells. We have shown previously that the basic helix-loop-helix protein, BETA2/NeuroD, induces cell cycle withdrawal in addition to increasing secretin gene expression. A number of transcription factors important for differentiation are repressed by D cyclins. Repression by D cyclins appears to be independent of its effects on the cell cycle. We show that cyclin D1 represses BETA2/NeuroD-dependent transcription of the secretin gene. Examination of cyclin box mutants shows that repression is unrelated to Cdk4 activation. Although cyclin D1 and BETA2 associate in vivo, they do not directly interact. Cyclin D1 may be recruited to BETA2 by binding to the C-terminal domain of the p300 coactivator, downstream from the BETA2-binding site. In the small intestine, cyclin D1 expression occurs only in the actively proliferating crypts of Lieberkuhn but not in villi. Thus repression by cyclin D1 may serve to prevent secretin gene transcription from occurring in relatively immature epithelial progenitor cells.

Adenovirus E1A requires the yeast SAGA histone acetyltransferase complex and associates with SAGA components Gcn5 and Tra1

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as a model system to study the function of the adenovirus E1A oncoprotein. Previously we demonstrated that expression of the N-terminal 82 amino acids of E1A in yeast causes pronounced growth inhibition and specifically interferes with SWI/SNF-dependent transcriptional activation. Further genetic analysis identified the yeast transcription factor Adr1 as a high copy suppressor of E1A function. Transcriptional activation by Adr1 requires interaction with co-activator proteins Ada2 and Gcn5, components of histone acetyltransferase complexes including ADA and SAGA. Analysis of mutant alleles revealed that several components of the SAGA complex, including proteins from the Ada, Spt, and Taf classes were required for E1A-induced growth inhibition. Growth inhibition also depended on the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase, and point mutations within the Gcn5 HAT domain rendered cells E1A-resistant. Also required was SAGA component Tra1, a homologue of the mammalian TRRAP protein which is required for c-myc and E1A induced cellular transformation. Additionally, Gcn5 protein could associate with E1A in vitro in a manner that depended on the N-terminal domain of E1A, and Tra1 protein was co-immunoprecipitated with E1A in vivo. These results indicate a strong requirement for intact SAGA complex for E1A to function in yeast, and suggest a role for SAGA-like complexes in mammalian cell transformation.

Prognostic value of CCND1 gene status in sporadic breast tumours, as determined by real-time quantitative PCR assays

The CCND1 gene, a key cell-cycle regulator, is often altered in breast cancer, but the mechanisms underlying CCND1 dysregulation and the clinical significance of CCND1 status are unclear. We used real-time quantitative PCR and RT-PCR assays based on fluorescent TaqMan methodology to quantify CCND1 gene amplification and expression in a large series of breast tumours. CCND1 overexpression was observed in 44 (32.8%) of 134 breast tumour RNAs, ranging from 3.3 to 43.7 times the level in normal breast tissues, and correlated significantly with positive oestrogen receptor status (P=0.0003). CCND1 overexpression requires oestrogen receptor integrity and is exacerbated by amplification at 11q13 (the site of the CCND1 gene), owing to an additional gene dosage effect. Our results challenge CCND1 gene as the main 11q13 amplicon selector. The relapse-free survival time of patients with CCND1-amplified tumours was shorter than that of patients without CCND1 alterations, while that of patients with CCND1-unamplified-overexpressed tumours was longer (P=0.011). Only the good prognostic significance of CCND1-unamplified-overexpression status persisted in Cox multivariate regression analysis. This study confirms that CCND1 is an ER-responsive or ER-coactivator gene in breast cancer, and points to the CCND1 gene as a putative molecular marker predictive of hormone responsiveness in breast cancer. Moreover, CCND1 amplification status dichotomizes the CCND1-overexpressing tumors into two groups with opposite outcomes.

Endocrine-responsive breast cancer and strategies for combating resistance

Deaths from breast cancer have fallen markedly over the past decade due, in part, to the use of endocrine agents that reduce the levels of circulating oestrogens or compete with oestrogen for binding to its receptor. However, many breast tumours either fail to respond or become resistant to endocrine therapies. By understanding the mechanisms that underlie this resistance, we might be able to develop strategies for overcoming or bypassing it.

Novel estrogen and tamoxifen induced genes identified by SAGE (Serial Analysis of Gene Expression)

The breast cancer promoting effects of estrogen and the chemopreventive effects of tamoxifen are thought to be mediated by the estrogen receptor, a ligand-dependent transcription factor. Therefore, comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiles following estrogen or tamoxifen treatment may help us better understand the role estrogen plays in tumorigenesis. We utilized SAGE (Serial Analysis of Gene Expression) technology to identify genes regulated by estrogen and tamoxifen in the ZR75-1 estrogen dependent breast cancer cell line. In this manner we have identified several genes that were regulated by estrogen or tamoxifen. Here we report the identification and initial characterization of EIT-6 (Estrogen Induced Tag-6), a novel nuclear protein and a new member of the evolutionarily conserved SM-20 family of growth regulatory immediate-early genes. EIT-6 appears to be a direct transcriptional target of the estrogen receptor and constitutive expression of EIT-6 promotes colony growth in human breast cancer cells. These data indicate that EIT-6 may play a role in estrogen induced cell growth.

Cdc25B functions as a novel coactivator for the steroid receptors

We have previously demonstrated that overexpression of Cdc25B in transgenic mice resulted in mammary gland hyperplasia and increased steroid hormone responsiveness. To address how Cdc25B enhances the hormone responsiveness in mammary glands, we showed that Cdc25B stimulates steroid receptor-dependent transcription in transient transfection assays and in a cell-free assay with chromatin templates. Surprisingly, the effect of Cdc25B on steroid receptors is independent of its protein phosphatase activity in vitro. The direct interactions of Cdc25B with steroid receptors, on the other hand, were evidenced in in vivo and in vitro assays, suggesting the potential direct contribution of Cdc25B on the steroid receptor-mediated transcription. In addition, p300/CBP-associated factor and CREB binding protein were shown to interact and synergize with Cdc25B and further enhance its coactivation activity. Thus, we have uncovered a novel function of Cdc25B that serves as a steroid receptor coactivator in addition to its role as a regulator for cell cycle progression. This dual function might likely contribute to its oncogenic action in breast cancer.

Mechanisms of estrogen action

Our appreciation of the physiological functions of estrogens and the mechanisms through which estrogens bring about these functions has changed during the past decade. Just as transgenic mice were produced in which estrogen receptors had been inactivated and we thought that we were about to understand the role of estrogen receptors in physiology and pathology, it was found that there was not one but two distinct and functional estrogen receptors, now called ER alpha and ER beta. Transgenic mice in which each of the receptors or both the receptors are inactive have revealed a much broader role for estrogens in the body than was previously thought. This decade also saw the description of a male patient who had no functional ER alpha and whose continued bone growth clearly revealed an important function of estrogen in men. The importance of estrogen in both males and females was also demonstrated in the laboratory in transgenic mice in which the aromatase gene was inactivated. Finally, crystal structures of the estrogen receptors with agonists and antagonists have revealed much about how ligand binding influences receptor conformation and how this conformation influences interaction of the receptor with coactivators or corepressors and hence determines cellular response to ligands.

Ligand-independent activation of oestrogen receptor alpha by caveolin-1

Expression of caveolin-1 in the human mammary adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 causes ligand-independent concentration of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in the nucleus, and potentiates ligand-independent and ligand-dependent transcription from an oestrogen response element-driven reporter gene. Furthermore, caveolin-1 co-immunoprecipitates with ERalpha [Schlegel, Wang, Katzenellenbogen, Pestell and Lisanti (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 33551-33556]. In the present study we show that caveolin-1 binds directly to ERalpha. This interaction is mediated by residues 82-101 of caveolin-1 (i.e. the caveolin scaffolding domain) and residues 1-282 of ERalpha. The caveolin-binding domain of ERalpha includes the ligand-independent transactivation domain, activation function (AF)-1, but lacks the hormone-binding domain and the ligand-gated transactivation domain, AF-2. In co-transfection studies, caveolin-1 potentiates the transcriptional activation of ERalpha(1-282), a truncation mutant that has intact AF-1 and DNA-binding domains. Since AF-1 activity is regulated largely by phosphorylation we determined that co-expression with caveolin-1 increased the basal phosphorylation of ERalpha(1-282), but blocked the epidermal growth factor-dependent increase in phosphorylation. Indeed, caveolin-1 interacted with and potentiated the transactivation of an ERalpha mutant that cannot be phosphorylated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 [ERalpha(Ser(118)-->Ala)]. Thus caveolin-1 is a novel ERalpha regulator that drives ERK1/2-independent phosphorylation and activation of AF-1.

Estrogen regulation of cyclin D1 gene expression in ZR-75 breast cancer cells involves multiple enhancer elements

Cyclin D1 gene expression is induced by 17beta-estradiol (E2) in human breast cancer cells and is important for progression of cells through the G(1) phase of the cell cycle. The mechanism of activation of cyclin D1 is mitogen- and cell context-dependent, and this study describes the role of multiple promoter elements required for induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive ZR-75 breast cancer cells. Transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 by E2 was dependent, in part, on a proximal cAMP-response element at -66, and this was linked to induction of protein kinase A-dependent pathways. These results contrasted to a recent report showing that induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in ER-positive MCF-7 and HeLa cells was due to up-regulation of c-jun and subsequent interaction of c-Jun-ATF-2 with the CRE. Moreover, further examination of the proximal region of the cyclin D1 promoter showed that three GC-rich Sp1-binding sites at -143 to -110 were also E2-responsive, and interaction of ERalpha and Sp1 proteins at these sites was confirmed by electromobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Thus, induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in ZR-75 cells is regulated through nuclear ERalpha/Sp1 and epigenetic protein kinase A activation pathways, and our results suggest that this mechanism may be cell context-dependent even among ER-positive breast cancer cell lines.

Transgenic expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 results in epidermal hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and severe dermal fibrosis

In a previous report we have described the effects of expression of D-type cyclins in epithelial tissues of transgenic mice. To study the involvement of the D-type cyclin partner cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) in epithelial growth and differentiation, transgenic mice were generated carrying the CDK4 gene under the control of a keratin 5 promoter. As expected, transgenic mice showed expression of CDK4 in the epidermal basal-cell layer. Epidermal proliferation increased dramatically and basal cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy were observed. The hyperproliferative phenotype of these transgenic mice was independent of D-type cyclin expression because no overexpression of these proteins was detected. CDK4 and CDK2 kinase activities increased in transgenic animals and were associated with elevated binding of p27(Kip1) to CDK4. Expression of CDK4 in the epidermis results in an increased spinous layer compared with normal epidermis, and a mild hyperkeratosis in the cornified layer. In addition to epidermal changes, severe dermal fibrosis was observed and part of the subcutaneous adipose tissue was replaced by connective tissue. Also, abnormal expression of keratin 6 associated with the hyperproliferative phenotype was observed in transgenic epidermis. This model provides in vivo evidence for the role of CDK4 as a mediator of proliferation in epithelial cells independent of D-type cyclin expression.

Nuclear hormone receptors and gene expression

The nuclear hormone receptor superfamily includes receptors for thyroid and steroid hormones, retinoids and vitamin D, as well as different "orphan" receptors of unknown ligand. Ligands for some of these receptors have been recently identified, showing that products of lipid metabolism such as fatty acids, prostaglandins, or cholesterol derivatives can regulate gene expression by binding to nuclear receptors. Nuclear receptors act as ligand-inducible transcription factors by directly interacting as monomers, homodimers, or heterodimers with the retinoid X receptor with DNA response elements of target genes, as well as by "cross-talking" to other signaling pathways. The effects of nuclear receptors on transcription are mediated through recruitment of coregulators. A subset of receptors binds corepressor factors and actively represses target gene expression in the absence of ligand. Corepressors are found within multicomponent complexes that contain histone deacetylase activity. Deacetylation leads to chromatin compactation and transcriptional repression. Upon ligand binding, the receptors undergo a conformational change that allows the recruitment of multiple coactivator complexes. Some of these proteins are chromatin remodeling factors or possess histone acetylase activity, whereas others may interact directly with the basic transcriptional machinery. Recruitment of coactivator complexes to the target promoter causes chromatin decompactation and transcriptional activation. The characterization of corepressor and coactivator complexes, in concert with the identification of the specific interaction motifs in the receptors, has demonstrated the existence of a general molecular mechanism by which different receptors elicit their transcriptional responses in target genes.

Direct acetylation of the estrogen receptor alpha hinge region by p300 regulates transactivation and hormone sensitivity

Regulation of nuclear receptor gene expression involves dynamic and coordinated interactions with histone acetyl transferase (HAT) and deacetylase complexes. The estrogen receptor (ERalpha) contains two transactivation domains regulating ligand-independent and -dependent gene transcription (AF-1 and AF-2 (activation functions 1 and 2)). ERalpha-regulated gene expression involves interactions with cointegrators (e.g. p300/CBP, P/CAF) that have the capacity to modify core histone acetyl groups. Here we show that the ERalpha is acetylated in vivo. p300, but not P/CAF, selectively and directly acetylated the ERalpha at lysine residues within the ERalpha hinge/ligand binding domain. Substitution of these residues with charged or polar residues dramatically enhanced ERalpha hormone sensitivity without affecting induction by MAPK signaling, suggesting that direct ERalpha acetylation normally suppresses ligand sensitivity. These ERalpha lysine residues also regulated transcriptional activation by histone deacetylase inhibitors and p300. The conservation of the ERalpha acetylation motif in a phylogenetic subset of nuclear receptors suggests that direct acetylation of nuclear receptors may contribute to additional signaling pathways involved in metabolism and development.

Multifaceted regulation of cell cycle progression by estrogen: regulation of Cdk inhibitors and Cdc25A independent of cyclin D1-Cdk4 function

Estrogens induce proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells by stimulating G(1)/S transition associated with increased cyclin D1 expression, activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks), and phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). We have utilized blockade of cyclin D1-Cdk4 complex formation through adenovirus-mediated expression of p16(INK4a) to demonstrate that estrogen regulates Cdk inhibitor expression and expression of the Cdk-activating phosphatase Cdc25A independent of cyclin D1-Cdk4 function and cell cycle progression. Expression of p16(INK4a) inhibited G(1)/S transition induced in MCF-7 cells by 17-beta-estradiol (E(2)) with associated inhibition of both Cdk4- and Cdk2-associated kinase activities. Inhibition of Cdk2 activity was associated with delayed removal of Cdk-inhibitory activity in early G(1) and decreased cyclin A expression. Cdk-inhibitory activity and expression of both p21(Cip1) and p27(Kip1) was decreased, however, in both control and p16(INK4a)-expressing cells 20 h after estrogen treatment. Expression of Cdc25A mRNA and protein was induced by E(2) in control and p16(INK4a)-expressing MCF-7 cells; however, functional activity of Cdc25A was inhibited in cells expressing p16(INK4a). Inhibition of Cdc25A activity in p16(INK4a)-expressing cells was associated with depressed Cdk2 activity and was reversed in vivo and in vitro by active Cdk2. Transfection of MCF-7 cells with a dominant-negative Cdk2 construct inhibited the E(2)-dependent activation of ectopic Cdc25A. Supporting a role for Cdc25A in estrogen action, antisense CDC25A oligonucleotides inhibited estrogen-induced Cdk2 activation and DNA synthesis. In addition, inactive cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes from p16(INK4a)-expressing, estrogen-treated cells were activated in vitro by treatment with recombinant Cdc25A and in vivo in cells overexpressing Cdc25A. The results demonstrate that functional association of cyclin D1-Cdk4 complexes is required for Cdk2 activation in MCF-7 cells and that Cdk2 activity is, in turn, required for the in vivo activation of Cdc25A. These studies establish Cdc25A as a growth-promoting target of estrogen action and further indicate that estrogens independently regulate multiple components of the cell cycle machinery, including expression of p21(Cip1) and p27(Kip1).

Regulation of the functional interaction between cyclin D1 and the estrogen receptor

We report that the functional interaction between cyclin D1 and the estrogen receptor (ER) is regulated by a signal transduction pathway involving the second messenger, cyclic AMP (cAMP). The cell-permeable cAMP analogue 8-bromo-cAMP caused a concentration-dependent enhancement of cyclin D1-ER complex formation, as judged both by coimmunoprecipitation and mammalian two-hybrid analysis. This effect was paralleled by increases in ligand-independent ER-mediated transcription from an estrogen response element containing reporter construct. These effects of 8-bromo-cAMP were antagonized by a specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, indicating that the signaling pathway involved was PKA dependent. Further, we show that culture of MCF-7 cells on a cellular substratum of murine preadipocytes also enhanced the functional interaction between cyclin D1 and ER in a PKA-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate a collaboration between cAMP signaling and cyclin D1 in the ligand-independent activation of ER-mediated transcription in mammary epithelial cells and show that the functional associations of cyclin D1 are regulated as a function of cellular context.

Association with Ets-1 causes ligand- and AF2-independent activation of nuclear receptors

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) normally functions as a ligand-dependent transcriptional activator. Here we show that, in the presence of Ets-1, VDR stimulates the prolactin promoter in a ligand-independent manner, behaving as a constitutive activator. Mutations in the AF2 domain abolish vitamin D-dependent transactivation but do not affect constitutive activation by Ets-1. Therefore, in contrast with the actions of vitamin D, activation by Ets-1 is independent of the AF2 domain. Ets-1 also conferred a ligand-independent activation to the estrogen receptor and to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. In addition, Ets-1 cooperated with the unliganded receptors to stimulate the activity of reporter constructs containing consensus response elements fused to the thymidine kinase promoter. There is a direct interaction of the receptors with Ets-1 which requires the DNA binding domains of both proteins. Interaction with Ets-1 induces a conformational change in VDR which can be detected by an increased resistance to proteolytic digestion. Furthermore, a retinoid X receptor-VDR heterodimer in which both receptors lack the core C-terminal AF2 domain can recruit coactivators in the presence, but not in the absence, of Ets-1. This suggests that Ets-1 induces a conformational change in the receptor which creates an active interaction surface with coactivators even in the AF2-defective mutants. These results demonstrate the existence of a novel mechanism, alternative to ligand binding, which can convert an unliganded receptor from an inactive state into a competent transcriptional activator.

The transcriptional co-activator P/CAF potentiates TGF-beta/Smad signaling

Smads perform pivotal functions in the intracellular signaling of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta-mediated activation of TGF-beta type I receptor stimulates the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 and subsequent heteromeric complex formation with Smad4. The heteromeric Smad complexes translocate into the nucleus where they, in co-operation with co-activators and co-repressors, regulate transcriptional responses. Here we investigated the possible co-activator function of P/CAF in TGF-beta/Smad signaling. P/CAF was found to interact directly with Smad3 in vitro. Moreover, Smad2 and Smad3 interacted with P/CAF upon TGF-beta type I receptor activation in cultured mammalian cells. The interaction involves the MH2 domain of Smad3 and the N-terminal region of P/CAF. P/CAF potentiated the transcriptional activity of heterologous Gal4-Smad2 and Gal4-Smad3 fusion proteins. In addition, P/CAF potentiated the TGF-beta/Smad3-induced transcriptional responses, which could be further enhanced by co-activators p300 and Smad4. P/CAF may, therefore, activate Smad-mediated transcriptional responses independently or in co-operation with p300/CBP. Our results indicate a direct physical and functional interplay between two negative regulators of cell proliferation, Smad3 and P/CAF.

Expression of androgen receptor coregulatory proteins in prostate cancer and stromal-cell culture models

BACKGROUND

Androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional activity is modulated by cofactor proteins. They act as costimulators, corepressors, or bridging proteins, and a disbalanced expression may contribute to the altered activity of the AR in advanced prostate cancer. We investigated the expression of a series of steroid receptor cofactors in prostate cancer cell lines, including several LNCaP sublines, and in prostate stromal cells.

METHODS

Expression of cofactors was analyzed by means of RT-PCR in PC-3, Du-145, LNCaP, three sublines of LNCaP established after long-term androgen deprivation, and two strains of primary prostate stroma cells. Expression in LNCaP and LNCaP-abl cells (which represented an advanced tumor cell) was analyzed employing semiquantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Ten of the 12 cofactors tested were expressed in all cells analyzed (AIB1, ARA54, ARA70, CBP, cyclin D1, Her2/neu/erbB2, BAG-1/M/L, SRC-1, SMRT, and TIF2). Only ARA55 and FHL2 mRNAs were not detected in all cells. ARA55 mRNA was absent in LNCaP cells, LNCaP sublines, and DU-145 cells; FHL2 was not expressed in LNCaP cells and its derivatives. The expression pattern was identical in LNCaP cells, and the long-term androgen ablated LNCaP sublines. Moreover, comparison of expression levels in LNCaP and LNCaP-abl cells revealed a slight reduction in LNCaP-abl cells but no gross differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostatic cells express a great number of steroid receptor cofactors. AR activity thus seems to be modulated in a very complex way in prostate cells.

Cyclin D2 overexpression in transgenic mice induces thymic and epidermal hyperplasia whereas cyclin D3 expression results only in epidermal hyperplasia

In a previous report, we described the effects of cyclin D1 expression in epithelial tissues of transgenic mice. To study the involvement of D-type cyclins (D1, D2, and D3) in epithelial growth and differentiation and their putative role as oncogenes in skin, transgenic mice were developed which carry cyclin D2 or D3 genes driven by a keratin 5 promoter. As expected, both transgenic lines showed expression of these proteins in most of the squamous tissues analyzed. Epidermal proliferation increased in transgenic animals and basal cell hyperplasia was observed. All of the animals also had a minor thickening of the epidermis. The pattern of expression of keratin 1 and keratin 5 indicated that epidermal differentiation was not affected. Transgenic K5D2 mice developed mild thymic hyperplasia that reversed at 4 months of age. On the other hand, high expression of cyclin D3 in the thymus did not produce hyperplasia. This model provides in vivo evidence of the action of cyclin D2 and cyclin D3 as mediators of proliferation in squamous epithelial cells. A direct comparison among the three D-type cyclin transgenic mice suggests that cyclin D1 and cyclin D2 have similar roles in epithelial thymus cells. However, overexpression of each D-type cyclin produces a distinct phenotype in thymic epithelial cells.

The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein suppresses cyclin D1 protein production by altering the nuclear cytoplasmic distribution of cyclin D1 mRNA

The majority of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is present in nuclear bodies which are altered in several pathogenic conditions including acute promyelocytic leukemia. PML nuclear bodies are found in nearly all cells yet their function remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that PML and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (elF-4E) co-localize and co-immunopurify. eIF-4E is involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport of specific mRNAs including cyclin D1. eIF-4E overexpression leads to increased cyclin D1 protein levels; whereas, overexpression of PML leads to decreased cyclin D1 levels. Neither PML nor eIF-4E cause significant changes in cyclin D1 mRNA levels. The association with eIF-4E led us to investigate if PML could alter mRNA distribution as a possible post-transcriptional mechanism for suppressing cyclin D1 production. We show that overexpression of PML results in nuclear retention of cyclin D1 mRNA and that intact PML nuclear bodies are required. Addition of eIF-4E overcomes PML induced retention and alters the morphology of PML bodies suggesting a mechanism by which eIF-4E can modulate PML function. These results raise the possibility that PML nuclear bodies may participate in the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport of specific mRNAs.

Crosstalk between the insulin-like growth factors and estrogens in breast cancer

Once it was recognized that breast tumor growth was stimulated by estrogens, successful therapeutic strategies based on depriving the tumor of this hormone were developed. Since the growth stimulatory properties of the estrogens are governed by the estrogen receptor (ER), understanding the mechanisms that activate ER are highly relevant. In addition to estrogens, peptide growth factors can also activate the ER. The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are potent mitogens for ER-positive breast cancer cell lines. This review will examine the evidence for interaction between these two pathways. The IGFs can activate the ER, while ER transcriptionally regulates genes required for IGF action. Moreover, blockade of ER function can inhibit IGF-mediated mitogenesis and interruption of IGF action can similarly inhibit estrogenic stimulation of breast cancer cells. Taken together, these observations suggest that the two growth regulatory pathways are tightly linked and that a further understanding of the mechanism of this crosstalk could lead to new therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.

PCAF interacts with tax and stimulates tax transactivation in a histone acetyltransferase-independent manner

Recent studies have shown that the p300/CREB binding protein (CBP)-associated factor (PCAF) is involved in transcriptional activation. PCAF activity has been shown strongly associated with histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. In this report, we present evidence for a HAT-independent transcription function that is activated in the presence of the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax protein. In vitro and in vivo GST-Tax pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that there is a direct interaction between Tax and PCAF, independent of p300/CBP. PCAF can be recruited to the HTLV-1 Tax responsive element in the presence of Tax, and PCAF cooperates with Tax in vivo to activate transcription from the HTLV-1 LTR over 10-fold. Point mutations at Tax amino acid 318 (TaxS318A) or 319 to 320 (Tax M47), which have decreased or no activity on the HTLV-1 promoter, are defective for PCAF binding. Strikingly, the ability of PCAF to stimulate Tax transactivation is not solely dependent on the PCAF HAT domain. Two independent PCAF HAT mutants, which knock out acetyltransferase enzyme activity, activate Tax transactivation to approximately the same level as wild-type PCAF. In contrast, p300 stimulation of Tax transactivation is HAT dependent. These studies provide experimental evidence that PCAF contains a coactivator transcription function independent of the HAT activity on the viral long terminal repeat.

Selective activation of p38alpha and p38gamma by hypoxia. Role in regulation of cyclin D1 by hypoxia in PC12 cells

Hypoxic/ischemic trauma is a primary factor in the pathology of a multitude of disease states. The effects of hypoxia on the stress- and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were studied in PC12 cells. Exposure to moderate hypoxia (5% O(2)) progressively stimulated phosphorylation and activation of p38gamma in particular, and also p38alpha, two stress-activated protein kinases. In contrast, hypoxia had no effect on enzyme activity of p38beta, p38beta(2), p38delta, or on c-Jun N-terminal kinase, another stress-activated protein kinase. Prolonged hypoxia also induced phosphorylation and activation of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase, although this activation was modest compared with nerve growth factor- and ultraviolet light-induced activation. Hypoxia also dramatically down-regulated immunoreactivity of cyclin D1, a gene that is known to be regulated negatively by p38 at the level of gene expression (Lavoie, J. N., L'Allemain, G., Brunet, A., Muller, R., and Pouyssegur, J. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 20608-20616). This effect was partially blocked by SB203580, an inhibitor of p38alpha but not p38gamma. Overexpression of a kinase-inactive form of p38gamma was also able to reverse in part the effect of hypoxia on cyclin D1 levels, suggesting that p38alpha and p38gamma converge to regulate cyclin D1 during hypoxia. These studies demonstrate that an extremely typical physiological stress (hypoxia) causes selective activation of specific p38 signaling elements; and they also identify a downstream target of these pathways.

The pathology of familial breast cancer: Immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis

Extensive studies of BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast tumours have been carried out in the few years since the identification of these familial breast cancer predisposing genes. The morphological studies suggest that BRCA1 tumours differ from BRCA2 tumours and from sporadic breast cancers. Recent progress in immunohistochemistry and molecular biology techniques has enabled in-depth investigation of molecular pathology of these tumours. Studies to date have investigated issues such as steroid hormone receptor expression, mutation status of tumour suppressor genes TP53 and c-erbB2, and expression profiles of cell cycle proteins p21, p27 and cyclin D1. Despite relative paucity of data, strong evidence of unique biological characteristics of BRCA1-associated breast cancer is accumulating. BRCA1-associated tumours appear to show an increased frequency of TP53 mutations, frequent p53 protein stabilization and absence of imunoreactivity for steroid hormone receptors. Further studies of larger number of samples of both BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated tumours are necessary to clarify and confirm these observations.