AP-1 function and regulation

Activation of cJUN N-terminal kinase by herpes simplex virus type 1 enhances viral replication

Signal transduction pathways convey signals generated at the cell surface into the cell nucleus in order to initiate a program of gene expression that is characteristic for particular stimuli. Here we present evidence that infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 activated the two terminal kinases, cJUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, of stress-activated signal transduction kinase cascades. By using a solid-phase kinase assay, a phospho-specific antibody, and extracts prepared from a variety of infected cell types, we determined that activation of both kinases began 3 to 4 h postinfection (p.i.) and remained elevated out to 14 h p.i. Through the use of UV-irradiated or antibody-neutralized wild-type virus and the temperature-sensitive mutant tsB7, the high level of JNK activation was shown to be dependent on viral gene expression. Activation of JNK following infection by vi13, an ICP4 mutant virus that does not express early or late genes, suggested that only virus entry and immediate-early gene expression were necessary for JNK activation. The activation of JNK and p38 correlated with increased chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity in reporter assays dependent upon the activity of cJUN and ATF2 trans-activation domains. Increased CAT activity dependent on TRE and CRE promoter sites was also observed in response to herpes simplex virus infection. The activities of ERK and ERK-dependent transcription factors were unchanged or depressed following infection, showing that activation of JNK and p38 was a specific event. Finally, the activation of JNK was important for the efficiency of viral replication. The yield of virus in NIH 3T3 cells stably expressing JIP-1, an inhibitor of JNK translocation to the nucleus, was reduced 70% compared to that of control cells, in single-step growth experiments.

Induction of interleukin-8 synthesis integrates effects on transcription and mRNA degradation from at least three different cytokine- or stress-activated signal transduction pathways

A hallmark of inflammation is the burst-like formation of certain proteins, initiated by cellular stress and proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor, stimuli which simultaneously activate different mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and NF-kappaB. Cooperation of these signaling pathways to induce formation of IL-8, a prototype chemokine which causes leukocyte migration and activation, was investigated by expressing active and inactive forms of protein kinases. Constitutively active MAP kinase kinase 7 (MKK7), an activator of the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) pathway, induced IL-8 synthesis and transcription from a minimal IL-8 promoter. Furthermore, MKK7 synergized in both effects with NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK). Activation of the IL-8 promoter by either of the kinases required functional NF-kappaB and AP-1 sites. While NIK and MKK7 did not affect degradation of IL-8 mRNA, an active form of MKK6, which selectively activates p38 MAP kinase, induced marked stabilization of the transcript and further increased IL-8 protein formation induced by NIK plus MKK7. Consistently, the MAP kinase kinase kinase MEKK1, which can activate NF-kappaB, SAPK/JNK, and p38 MAP kinases, most potently induced IL-8 formation. These results provide evidence that maximal IL-8 gene expression requires the coordinate action of at least three different signal transduction pathways which cooperate to induce mRNA synthesis and suppress mRNA degradation.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation differentially regulates platelet-derived growth factor's actions in hepatic stellate cells, and is induced by in vivo liver injury in the rat

Upon liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) show increased proliferation, motility, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) control different functions in a cell-specific manner. In this study, we evaluated the role of ERK activation in cultured HSC stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and after induction of liver injury in vivo. HSC were isolated from normal human liver tissue, cultured on plastic, and used in their myofibroblast-like phenotype. In in vivo experiments, HSC were isolated from normal rats or at different time points after a single intragastric administration of CCl(4). Nontoxic concentrations of PD98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK activation, reduced PDGF-induced activation of ERK in a dose-dependent fashion. Suppression of ERK activation was associated with complete inhibition of HSC proliferation and with a 57% reduction in chemotaxis. In the presence of the ERK inhibitor, binding of the AP-1 complex and of STAT1 to the related regulatory elements was inhibited. The inhibition of the DNA binding activity of STAT1 was mediated by a reduction in PDGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Expression of c-fos in response to PDGF was also reduced, but not suppressed, by treatment with PD98059. In HSC isolated from CCl(4)-treated rats, ERK activity increased as early as 6 hours following liver damage, and declined thereafter. The results of this study indicate that ERK activation regulates proliferation and chemotaxis of HSC, and modulates nuclear signaling. Acute liver damage in vivo leads to activation of ERK in HSC.

Requirement of an E1A-sensitive coactivator for long-range transactivation by the beta-globin locus control region

Four erythroid-specific DNase I-hypersensitive sites at the 5'-end of the beta-globin locus confer high-level transcription to the beta-globin genes. To identify coactivators that mediate long-range transactivation by this locus control region (LCR), we assessed the influence of E1A, an inhibitor of the CBP/p300 histone acetylase, on LCR function. E1A strongly inhibited transactivation of Agamma- and beta-globin promoters by the HS2, HS2-HS3, and HS1-HS4 subregions of the LCR in human K562 and mouse erythroleukemia cells. Short- and long-range transactivation mediated by the LCR were equally sensitive to E1A. The E1A sensitivity was apparent in transient and stable transfection assays, and E1A inhibited expression of the endogenous gamma-globin genes. Only sites for NF-E2 within HS2 were required for E1A sensitivity in K562 cells, and E1A abolished transactivation mediated by the activation domain of NF-E2. E1A mutants defective in CBP/p300 binding only weakly inhibited HS2-mediated transactivation, whereas a mutant defective in retinoblastoma protein binding strongly inhibited transactivation. Expression of CBP/p300 potentiated HS2-mediated transactivation. Moreover, expression of GAL4-CBP strongly increased transactivation of a reporter containing HS2 with a GAL4 site substituted for the NF-E2 sites. Thus, we propose that a CBP/p300-containing coactivator complex is the E1A-sensitive factor important for LCR function.

TNF-Mediated Activation of the Stress-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway: TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2 Recruits and Activates Germinal Center Kinase Related

TNF-induced activation of stress activated protein kinases (SAPKs, Jun NH2-terminal kinases) requires TNF receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2). TRAF2 is a potent activator of a 95-kDa serine/threonine kinase termed germinal center kinase related (GCKR, also referred to as KHS1), which signals activation of the SAPK pathway. Consistent with a role for GCKR in TNF- induced SAPK activation, a kinase-inactive mutant of GCKR is a dominant negative inhibitor of TRAF2-induced SAPK activation. Here we show that TRAF2 interacts with GCKR. This interaction depended upon the TRAF domain of TRAF2 and the C-terminal 150 aa of GCKR. The full activation of GCKR by TRAF2 required the TRAF2 RING finger domain. TNF treatment of a T cell line, Jurkat, increased both GCRK and SAPK activity and enhanced the coimmunoprecipitation of GCKR with TRAF2. Similar results were found with the B cell line HS-Sultan. These findings are consistent with a model whereby TNF signaling results in the recruitment and activation of GCKR by TRAF2, which leads to SAPK activation.

An analysis of the early events when oligodendrocyte precursor cells are triggered to differentiate by thyroid hormone, retinoic acid, or PDGF withdrawal

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells withdraw from the cell cycle and terminally differentiate after a limited number of cell divisions. The timing of cell-cycle withdrawal and differentiation is controlled by an intrinsic timer, which consists of a timing component that measures elapsed time and an effector component that arrests the cell cycle and initiates differentiation. The effector component can be triggered by either thyroid hormone (TH) or retinoic acid (RA). In this study we investigate how TH and RA act to trigger differentiation. We show the following: (1) Synthetic retinoids that can inhibit AP-1 transcription factors but do not activate gene transcription cannot trigger the effector mechanism, suggesting that TH and RA do not act only by inhibiting AP-1 activity as previously suggested. (2) Both TH and RA induce a transcriptionally dependent antigenic change in purified precursor cells within 2-4 h. (3) Unexpectedly, even before they differentiate, the precursor cells express ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT), the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in the synthesis of galactocerebroside, an early marker of oligodendrocyte differentiation. (4) Neither TH nor RA directly activates the transcription of the CGT gene, a number of immediate early genes, or the genes that encode any of the known cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. (5) The withdrawal of the mitogen platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), but not TH or RA treatment, causes a rapid decrease in c-fos, NGFI-A/Krox-24, and cyclin D2 mRNA, even though all three treatments trigger cell-cycle arrest and differentiation. (6) PDGF withdrawal and TH treatment, but not RA treatment, induce an increase in cyclin D3 mRNA within 4 h. Thus, we have not found any early changes in gene expression that occur with all three treatments that trigger oligodendrocyte differentiation.

c-Jun triggers apoptosis in human vascular endothelial cells

In endothelial cells (ECs), the transcription factor c-Jun is induced by a variety of stimuli that perturb EC function. To extend our understanding of the role of c-Jun in EC physiology, we have directed overexpression of c-Jun in human umbilical vein ECs by using a tetracycline-regulated adenoviral expression system. In this study, we report a novel observation using this system. Specific expression of c-Jun is a sufficient trigger for ECs to undergo apoptosis, as demonstrated by a set of combined assays including an ELISA specific for histone-associated DNA fragmentation, DNA laddering, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Tetracycline can effectively shut off c-Jun overexpression and prevent EC apoptosis. Cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase was also detected in ECs overexpressing c-Jun. Moreover, inhibitors of cysteine proteases blocked the apoptosis, suggesting a caspase-associated mechanism involved in proapoptotic effects of c-Jun. To gain further insight into the role of c-Jun as a pathophysiological regulator of EC death, TAM67, a dominant-negative mutant of c-Jun, was overexpressed in human umbilical vein ECs to abrogate endogenous c-Jun/activator protein-1 activation. H(2)O(2)-triggered apoptosis was largely attenuated in ECs overexpressing TAM67. Together, these results suggest that c-Jun, as a proapoptotic molecule, may play a role in mediating the cell death program in vascular endothelium.

In vivo resistance to corticosteroids in bronchial asthma is associated with enhanced phosyphorylation of JUN N-terminal kinase and failure of prednisolone to inhibit JUN N-terminal kinase phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroid-resistant (CR) asthma is associated with increased in vitro activity of the proinflammatory transcription factor activating peptide (AP)-1 in PBMCs resulting from increased c-FOS synthesis. Increased AP-1 may sequester the glucocorticoid receptor to produce a CR state. Using the tuberculin-induced inflammatory responses in the skin, we have previously demonstrated that a therapeutically effective dose of prednisolone suppressed T-cell, macrophage, and eosinophil infiltration into purified protein derivative-induced lesional skin of corticosteroid-sensitive (CS), but not CR, individuals.

OBJECTIVE

Skin biopsy specimens from a tuberculin-induced model of dermal inflammation have been evaluated for the effect of corticosteroids in regulating components of AP-1 in vivo.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical analysis of the tuberculin-mediated cutaneous response has been performed on 9 subjects with CS asthma and 6 subjects with CR asthma for the regulatory components of AP-1 before and after 9 days of either 40 mg prednisolone or placebo.

RESULTS

Significantly greater expression of c-FOS, phosphorylated c-JUN, and phosphorylated JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein has been identified in CR than in CS subjects. Corticosteroids suppressed phosphorylation of c-JUN and JNK in the CS Group (P =.004 for both) but enhanced phosphorylation of c-JUN and JNK in the CR group (P =.031 for both).

CONCLUSION

Resistance to corticosteroids in asthmatic subjects may be caused, at least in part, by failure to suppress JNK phosphorylation, leading to failure to suppress c-JUN N-phosphorylation. Increased JNK may be one of the mechanisms central to the mechanism of CR asthma.

Superoxide Attenuates Macrophage Apoptosis by NF-κB and AP-1 Activation That Promotes Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression

Macrophages are a major source of cytokines and proinflammatory radicals such as superoxide. These mediators can be both produced and utilized by macrophages in autocrine-regulatory pathways. Therefore, we studied the potential role of oxygen radical-regulatory mechanisms in reprogramming macrophage apoptosis. Preactivation of RAW 264.7 cells with a nontoxic dose of the redox cycler 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphtoquinone (5 μM) for 15 h attenuated S-nitrosoglutathione (1 mM)-initiated apoptotic cell death and averted accumulation of the tumor suppressor p53, which is indicative for macrophage apoptosis. Preactivation with superoxide promoted cyclooxygenase-2 induction that was NF-κB and AP-1 mediated. NF-κB activation was confirmed by p50/p65-heterodimer formation, IκB-α degradation, and stimulation of a NF-κB luciferase reporter construct. Furthermore, a NF-κB decoy approach abrogated cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression as well as inducible protection. The importance of AP-1 for superoxide-mediated Cox-2 expression and cell protection was substantiated by using the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-inhibitor PD98059 and the p38-inhibitor SB203580, which blocked Cox-2 expression. In corroboration, Cox-2 expression was hindered by a dominant-negative c-jun mutant (TAM67). Protection from apoptosis was verified in human macrophages with the notion that superoxide promoted Cox-2 expression, which in turn attenuated nitric oxide-evoked caspase activation. We conclude that the sublethal generation of oxygen radicals reprograms macrophages by NF-κB and AP-1 activation. The resulting hyporesponsiveness reveals an attenuated apoptotic program in association with Cox-2 expression.

Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Induces the Expression of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1 Through a Protein Kinase C-Dependent Pathway

M-CSF triggers the activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK)-1/2. We show that inhibition of this pathway leads to the arrest of bone marrow macrophages at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle without inducing apoptosis. M-CSF induces the transient expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), which correlates with the inactivation of ERK-1/2. Because the time course of ERK activation must be finely controlled to induce cell proliferation, we studied the mechanisms involved in the induction of MKP-1 by M-CSF. Activation of ERK-1/2 is not required for this event. Therefore, M-CSF activates ERK-1/2 and induces MKP-1 expression through different pathways. The use of two protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors (GF109203X and calphostin C) revealed that M-CSF induces MKP-1 expression through a PKC-dependent pathway. We analyzed the expression of different PKC isoforms in bone marrow macrophages, and we only detected PKCβI, PKCε, and PKCζ. PKCζ is not inhibited by GF109203X/calphostin C. Of the other two isoforms, PKCε is the best candidate to mediate MKP-1 induction. Prolonged exposure to PMA slightly inhibits MKP-1 expression in response to M-CSF. In bone marrow macrophages, this treatment leads to a complete depletion of PKCβI, but only a partial down-regulation of PKCε. Moreover, no translocation of PKCβI or PKCζ from the cytosol to particulate fractions was detected in response to M-CSF, whereas PKCε was constitutively present at the membrane and underwent significant activation in M-CSF-stimulated macrophages. In conclusion, we remark the role of PKC, probably isoform ε, in the negative control of ERK-1/2 through the induction of their specific phosphatase.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway mediates hyperoxia-induced apoptosis in cultured macrophage cells

We have previously demonstrated that the lungs of mice can exhibit increased programmed cell death or apoptosis after hyperoxic exposure in vivo. In this report, we show that hyperoxic exposure in vitro can also induce apoptosis in cultured murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) as assessed by DNA-laddering, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase dUTP nick end-labeling, and nucleosomal assays. To further delineate the signaling pathway of hyperoxia-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages, we first show that hyperoxia can activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) p42/p44, in a time-dependent manner as assessed by increased phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2 by Western blot analyses. Neither the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase nor the p38 MAPK was activated by hyperoxia in these cells. Chemical or genetic inhibition of the ERK p42/p44 MAPK pathway by PD-98059, a selective inhibitor of MAPK kinase, and dominant negative mutants of ERK, respectively, attenuated hyperoxia-induced apoptosis as assessed by DNA laddering and nucleosomal ELISAs. Taken together, our data suggest that hyperoxia can induce apoptosis in cultured murine macrophages and that the MAPK pathway mediates hyperoxia-induced apoptosis.

Calcium-calmodulin mediates bradykinin-induced MAPK phosphorylation and c-fos induction in vascular cells

The vasoactive peptide bradykinin (BK) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of vascular wall abnormalities, but the cellular mechanisms by which BK generates second messengers that alter vascular function are as yet undefined. Exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to BK (10(-7) M) produced a rapid and transient rise in intracellular calcium, which preceded an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). MAPK activation by BK was observed as early as 1 min, peaked at 5 min, and returned to baseline by 20 min. Treatment of cells with the intracellular calcium chelator EGTA-acetoxymethyl ester inhibited BK-stimulated MAPK activation, suggesting that intracellular calcium mobilization contributes to the activation of MAPK. The calmodulin inhibitor W-7 also markedly inhibited BK-induced MAPK phosphorylation in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus. Moreover, the BK-induced increase in c-fos mRNA levels was significantly inhibited by the calmodulin inhibitor, indicating that calmodulin is required for BK signaling leading to c-fos induction. These results implicate the calcium-calmodulin pathway in the mechanisms for regulating MAPK activity and the resultant c-fos expression induced by BK in VSMC.

Altered spacing of promoter elements due to the dodecamer repeat expansion contributes to reduced expression of the cystatin B gene in EPM1

Progressive myoclonus epilepsy of the Unverricht-Lundborg type (EPM1; MIM 254800) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by seizures, myoclonus and progression to cerebellar ataxia. EPM1 arises due to mutations in the cystatin B (CSTB) gene which encodes a cysteine proteinase inhibitor. Only a minority of EPM1 alleles carry point mutations, while the majority contain large expansions of the dodecamer CCCCGCCCCGCG repeat which is present at two to three copies in normal individuals. The dodecamer repeat is located in the 5' flanking region of the CSTB gene, presumably in its promoter. The pathological repeat expansion results in a reduction in CSTB mRNA, which may be cell specific. To elucidate the mechanism of this reduction of gene expression, we have studied the putative CSTB promoter in vitro. A 3.8 kb fragment, containing the putative promoter with a 600 bp repeat expansion, showed a 2- to 4-fold reduction in luciferase activity compared with an identical fragment with a normal repeat; this reduction was observed only in certain cell types. Introduction of heterologous DNA fragments of 730 and 1000 bp into the normal promoter, instead of the repeat expansion, showed similarly reduced activity. Terminal deletions of the promoter implicate a putative AP-1 binding site, upstream of the repeat, in CSTB transcription activation. We propose that a novel mechanism of pathogenesis, the altering of the spacing of transcription factor binding sites from each other and/or the transcription initiation site due to repeat expansion, is among the causes of reduction in CSTB expression and thus EPM1.

Anoxia-induced up-regulation of interleukin-8 in human malignant melanoma. A potential mechanism for high tumor aggressiveness

Besides its proinflammatory properties, interleukin-8 (IL-8) has been suggested as an important promoter for melanoma growth. To study the role of IL-8 in melanoma biology, we determined the in vivo expression of IL-8 mRNA by in situ hybridization in primary melanoma lesions and metastases. High levels of melanoma cell-associated IL-8-specific transcripts were exclusively detected in close vicinity of necrotic/hypoxic areas of melanoma metastases, whereas both in primary melanomas and in non-necrotic metastases IL-8 expression was low or absent. To analyze further the up-regulation of IL-8 mRNA expression in necrotic/hypoxic tumor areas, human melanoma cell lines of different aggressiveness exposed to severe hypoxic stress (anoxia) were used as an in vitro model. Anoxia induced IL-8 mRNA and protein expression in the highly aggressive/metastatic cell lines MV3 and BLM but not in the low aggressive cell lines IF6 and 530. As shown by IL-8 promoter-dependent reporter gene analysis and mRNA stability assays, elevated mRNA levels in melanoma cells were due to both enhanced transcriptional activation and enhanced IL-8 mRNA stability. Interestingly, transcriptional activation was abolished by mutations in the AP-1 and the NF-kappaB-like binding motifs, indicating that both sites are critical for IL-8 induction. Concomitantly, anoxia induced an enhanced binding activity of AP-1 and NF-kappaB transcription factors only in the highly aggressive cells. From our in vitro and in vivo data we suggest that anoxia-induced regulation of IL-8 might be a characteristic feature of aggressive tumor cells, thus indicating that IL-8 might play a critical role for tumor progression in human malignant melanoma.

Osmotic regulation of the heat shock response in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells

The influence of cell hydration on the heat shock response was investigated in H4IIE hepatoma cells at the levels of HSP70 expression, MAP kinase activation, induction of c-jun and the MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1, heat resistance, and development of tolerance/sensitization to arsenite after a priming heat treatment. Induction of HSP70, MKP-1, and c-jun by heat was delayed, but more pronounced or sustained, under hyperosmotic conditions compared with normo- and hypo-osmotically exposed cells. Anisosmolarity per se was ineffective to induce HSP70; some expression of the mRNAs for MKP-1 and c-jun in response to hyperosmolarity was found, but was small compared with the response to heat. Heat-induced activation of JNK-1 was increased under hyperosmotic conditions and more sustained than the JNK-activity induced by hyperosmolarity at 37 degrees C. A prominent Erk-2 activation was found immediately after heat shock under hypo- and normo-osmotic conditions, but Erk-2 activation was weak in hyperosmolarity-exposed cells. Despite anisosmotic alterations of the heat shock response at the molecular level, the heat resistance of H4IIE cells toward heat shock was not affected by ambient osmolarity. However, an osmolarity-dependent sensitization to arsenite was induced by a priming heat shock. The osmodependence of the H4IIE cell response to heat differs from that recently found in primary rat hepatocytes. The data are discussed in terms of cellular adaption mechanisms and their physiological relevance.

Factors from Trypanosoma cruzi interacting with AP-1 sequences

Interaction between factors from Trypanosoma cruzi extracts and AP-1 sequences was studied by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Using a double-stranded probe carrying the AP-1 sequence from the SV40 promoter, three specific complexes designated A, B, and C were detected. Complexes A and C were formed when using single-stranded probes. The relative amount of complex B, specific for double-stranded DNA, increased as a function of probe length. Complexes were stabilized by cross-linking with UVC irradiation and resolved on denaturing SDS-PAGE. Complex A generated bands of 60- and 39 kDa; complex B produced two bands of 46- and 43 kDa; and complex C generated one band of 43 kDa. The AP-1 binding activity was much higher in purified nuclear preparations than in soluble fractions, and was detected in crude extracts from the three forms of the parasite. The binding signal, however, was much stronger in amastigote and trypomastigote than in the epimastigote forms. Specific binding was increased by oxidative stress. Antibodies raised against peptides corresponding to conserved domains of mammalian c-Jun and c-Fos detected bands of 40- and 60 kDa, respectively, in a nuclear epimastigote preparation.

Leukocyte microparticles stimulate endothelial cell cytokine release and tissue factor induction in a JNK1 signaling pathway

A role of membrane microparticles (MP) released by vascular cells in endothelial cell (EC) activation was investigated. Flow cytofluorimetric analysis of blood samples from normal volunteers revealed the presence of an heterogeneous MP population, which increased by approximately 2-fold after inflammatory stimulation with the chemotactic peptide, N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (2,799 +/- 360 versus 5241 +/- 640, p < 0.001). Blood-derived MP stimulated release of EC cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (377 +/- 68 pg/ml) and MCP-1 (1, 282 +/- 79) and up-regulated de novo expression of tissue factor on the EC surface. This was associated with generation of a factor Xa-dependent procoagulant response (2.28 +/- 0.56 nM factor Xa/min/10(4) cells), in a reaction inhibited by a monoclonal antibody to tissue factor. Fluorescent labeling with antibodies to platelet GPIbalpha or leukocyte lactoferrin demonstrated that circulating MP originated from both platelets and leukocytes. However, depletion of platelet MP with an antibody to GPIbalpha did not reduce EC IL-6 release, and, similarly, MP from thrombin-stimulated platelets did not induce IL-6 release from endothelium. EC stimulation with leukocyte MP did not result in activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and was not associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, ERK1. In contrast, leukocyte MP stimulated a sustained, time-dependent increased tyrosine phosphorylation of approximately 46-kDa c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK1) in EC. These findings demonstrate that circulating leukocyte MP are up-regulated by inflammatory stimulation in vivo and activate a stress signaling pathway in EC, leading to increased procoagulant and proinflammatory activity. This may provide an alternative mechanism of EC activation, potentially contributing to dysregulation of endothelial functions during vascular injury.

Region-specific induction of deltaFosB by repeated administration of typical versus atypical antipsychotic drugs

Whereas acute administration of many types of stimuli induces c-Fos and related proteins in brain, recent work has shown that chronic perturbations cause the region-specific accumulation of novel Fos-like proteins of 35-37 kD. These proteins, termed chronic FRAs (Fos-related antigens), have recently been shown to be isoforms of DeltaFosB, which accumulate in brain due to their enhanced stability. In the present study, we sought to extend earlier findings that documented the effects of acute administration of antipsychotic drugs (APDs) on induction of Fos-like proteins by investigating the ability of typical and aytpical APDs, after chronic administration, to induce these DeltaFosB isoforms in several brain regions implicated in the clinical actions of these agents. By Western blotting we found that chronic administration of the typical APD, haloperidol, dramatically induces DeltaFosB in caudate-putamen (CP), a brain region associated with the extrapyramidal side effects of this drug. A smaller induction was seen in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), brain regions associated with the antipsychotic effects of the drug. In contrast, chronic administration of the prototype atypical APD clozapine failed to significantly increase levels of DeltaFosB in any of the three brain regions, and even tended to reduce DeltaFosB levels in the NAc. Two putative atypical APDs, risperidone and olanzapine, produced small but still significant increases in the levels of DeltaFosB in CP, but not NAc or PFC. Studies with selective receptor antagonists suggested that induction of DeltaFosB in CP and NAc is most dependent on antagonism of D2-D3 dopamine receptors, with antagonism of D1-like receptors most involved in the PFC. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the greater induction of DeltaFosB in CP by typical versus atypical APDs, with no significant induction seen in PFC with either class of APD. Together, these findings demonstrate that repeated administration of APDs results in the induction of long-lasting Fos-like transcription factors that could mediate some of the persistent and region-specific changes in brain function associated with chronic drug exposure. Synapse 33:118-128, 1999.

Induction of an immediate early gene egr-1 by zinc through extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in cortical culture: its role in zinc-induced neuronal death

Egr-1 is one of the immediate early transcription factors that are induced after brain insults. However, the mechanism and the role of Egr-1 induction are not yet determined. In the present study, using mouse cortical cultures, we examined the ionic mechanism of Egr-1 induction and its role in neuronal death. Although zinc, NMDA, or ionomycin induced comparable neuronal death in cortical culture, only zinc increased Egr-1 expression, which was attenuated by blocking zinc influx. It is intriguing that brief exposure to zinc induced sustained extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activation. PD098059, an inhibitor of the Erk 1/2 upstream kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), blocked Erk 1/2 activation, Egr-1 induction, and neuronal death by zinc. The present study has demonstrated that zinc, rather than calcium, induces lasting Egr-1 expression in cortical culture by activating Erk 1/2, which is part of a cascade that may play an active role in zinc neurotoxicity. We propose that translocation of endogenous zinc may be the key mechanism of Egr-1 induction and neuronal death in brain ischemia.

Basic calcium phosphate crystal induction of collagenase 1 and stromelysin expression is dependent on a p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway

Synovial fluid basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are markers of severe joint degeneration in osteoarthritis. These crystals are mitogenic and induce protooncogene expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) synthesis and secretion in human fibroblasts, effects that are specifically blocked by phosphocitrate (PC). We have recently determined that crystals transduce signals to the nucleus via the activation of the p42 and p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (Nair et al., 1997, J Biol Chem 272:18920-18925). Treatment of human fibroblasts (HF) with BCP induces phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK, which is inhibited by PC in a dose-dependent manner. Blocking of p42/44 MAPK signal transduction with an inhibitor (PD98059) of MEK1, an upstream activator of MAPKs, reduces crystal-induced p42/44 MAPK activation and significantly inhibits crystal-induced cell proliferation. Based on these findings, we sought to determine the role of the p42/44 MAPK signal transduction pathway in crystal-induced expression of matrix MMPs. We demonstrate suppression of crystal-induced MMPs via the utilization of two different MEK inhibitors: PD98059 and the recently described U0126, a novel inhibitor of MEK1 and MEK2. Treatment of HF with PD98059 blocks the induction of crystal-stimulated collagenase 1 (MMP-1) and stromelysin (MMP-3) expression. PD98059 and PC reduced the level of crystal-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expression to that observed in nonstimulated cells. Likewise, PD98059 treatment of HF blocked the epidermal growth factor (EGF)- and crystal-induced increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3 protein expression and secretion as demonstrated by Western blotting and zymography. Treatment of HF with U0126 inhibits EGF-induced phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK as well as crystal- and EGF-induced upregulation of MMP-1 mRNA. Additionally, we demonstrate that treatment of HF with BCP, EGF, or PD98059 does not significantly alter levels of gelatinase A (MMP-2) mRNA and protein expression.

New targets for anti-inflammatory drugs

Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and asthma, provide drug discoverers with a tremendous challenge. The precise causes of these diseases are not known, but our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with inflammatory diseases has increased dramatically. As a consequence, a wide array of gene targets have emerged that control cell influx and activation, inflammatory mediator release and activity, and tissue proliferation and degradation. Since multiple gene products have been identified at the sites of inflammation, there has been a surge of interest in identifying intracellular signaling targets, including transcription factors that control inflammatory gene expression and which are amenable to drug discovery.

Role of ERK and JNK pathways in regulating cell motility and matrix metalloproteinase 9 production in growth factor-stimulated human epidermal keratinocytes

Invasion is an essential cellular response that plays an important role in a number of physiological and pathological processes. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production and cell movement are diverse cellular responses integral to the process of invasion. The complexity of the invasive process suggests the necessity of coordinate activation of more than one signaling pathway in order to activate specific factors responsible for regulating these cellular responses. In this report, we demonstrate that cell movement and MMP-9 production are both directly dependent on the activation of endogenous ERK signaling in hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-or epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated human epidermal keratinocytes. The kinetic profiles of endogenous MEK and ERK activity suggest that prolonged activation of these signal transducers is an underlying mechanism involved in stimulating cell motility and MMP-9 production. In support of this finding, a transient MEK/ERK signal elicited by keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) fails to stimulate these invasion-related responses. Specific inhibition of MEK leads to suppression of ERK activation, marked reduction in steady-state levels of c-Fos, and inhibition of cell movement and MMP-9 production. This occurs despite continued activation of JNK and c-Jun signaling in the presence of MEK-specific inhibition. In contrast, when JNK activity is specifically inhibited in HGF-stimulated cells, AP-1 activity is suppressed but cell motility is not affected. This evidence suggests that while ERK and JNK activity are necessary for AP-1 activation, ERK but not JNK is sufficient in stimulating cell motility.

Rapid activation of heat shock factor-1 DNA binding by H2O2 and modulation by glutathione in human neuroblastoma and Alzheimer's disease cybrid cells

Because cellular signaling systems are critical mediators of responses to oxidative stress, a condition associated with neurodegenerative disorders, the redox-dependent regulation of heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1) was investigated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Exposure of cells to 200 microM H2O2 caused a rapid increase in HSF-1 DNA binding that was evident within 10 min, and caused a robust increase that reached levels 8-fold the basal activity. In comparison, the transcription factors, activator protein-1 (AP-1) and early growth response-1 (EGR-1), were activated more slowly and to a lesser extent. Activation of HSF-1 DNA binding activity was associated with a cytosolic to nuclear translocation of HSF-1 protein, and was detected with concentrations of H2O2 of 100 microM and greater. Intracellular glutathione modulated H2O2-induced HSF-1 DNA binding activity, as depletion of glutathione caused HSF-1 to be activated with lower concentrations of H2O2 (25 microM) and supplementation of glutathione blocked HSF-1 activation by 100 to 400 microM H2O2. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and control cybrid cells (SH-SY5Y cells in which the mitochondria were replaced with platelet mitochondria from AD or matched control subjects) were used to test the effects of the chronic oxidative stress caused by the excessive production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) in AD cybrids on HSF-1 activity. Basal and maximal (induced by H2O2 in glutathione-depleted cells) HSF-1 DNA binding activity were lower in AD than control cybrids, suggesting that the cells had compensated for excessive ROIs. These results indicate that the activation of HSF-1 is highly sensitive to oxidative stress and is regulated by endogenous antioxidant mechanisms.

Multiprotein-DNA complexes in transcriptional regulation

Transcription in eukaryotes is frequently regulated by a mechanism termed combinatorial control, whereby several different proteins must bind DNA in concert to achieve appropriate regulation of the downstream gene. X-ray crystallographic studies of multiprotein complexes bound to DNA have been carried out to investigate the molecular determinants of complex assembly and DNA binding. This work has provided important insights into the specific protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions that govern the assembly of multiprotein regulatory complexes. The results of these studies are reviewed here, and the general insights into the mechanism of combinatorial gene regulation are discussed.

The function of HSP72 in suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation can be dissociated from its role in prevention of protein damage

Activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by a variety of stimuli is critical for regulation of many cellular processes including apoptosis. The major inducible heat shock protein Hsp72 has previously been demonstrated to inhibit activation of JNK in cells exposed to heat shock and other protein-damaging agents, thus suppressing apoptosis. Hsp72 can protect proteins from stress-induced damage. To test if this protective function of Hsp72 is involved in JNK suppression, we investigated whether Hsp72 can avert activation of JNK by stimuli that do not cause protein damage. We show that Hsp72 suppresses activation of JNK induced by non-protein-damaging stimuli, interleukin-1 and UV irradiation, as well as by constitutively active components of the JNK signaling cascade Cdc42 and MEKK1. Furthermore, Hsp72 strongly reduced activation of JNK by phosphatase inhibitors. We also demonstrate that an Hsp72 mutant that lacks the ATPase domain is still capable of JNK suppression, thus indicating that the protein refolding activity of Hsp72 is not critical for inhibition of JNK activation. Taken together these data suggest that Hsp72 plays a regulatory role in JNK signaling and that the function of Hsp72 in protein protection or refolding is not involved in JNK regulation.

TCR and IL-12 Receptor Signals Cooperate to Activate an Individual Response Element in the IFN-γ Promoter in Effector Th Cells

IFN-γ is a key regulatory cytokine of the immune system. Reporter transgenic mice expressing the luciferase gene under the control of separate TCR-response elements (TCR-RE) from the IFN-γ promoter or expressing the green fluorescent protein gene under the control of an IFN-γ “minigene” were employed to explore the basis for IL-12 regulation of IFN-γ gene transcription. In the absence of TCR stimulation, IL-12 did not activate the TCR-REs but did induce green fluorescent protein expression. TCR plus IL-12R stimulation of effector Th cells resulted in: 1) enhanced activation of the proximal, but not the distal, TCR-RE, and 2) increased induction of cJun-proximal TCR-RE complexes and c-Jun protein expression. Overexpression of cJun, but not cFos, increased activity of the proximal TCR-RE in T cells. These results suggest that IL-12R signaling affects IFN-γ gene transcription by at least two separate mechanisms; IL-12R signaling without TCR signaling targets promoter regions outside of the ∼100-bp IFN-γ TCR-RE, and IL-12R signaling also stimulates TCR-induced activity of the proximal TCR-RE.

Transforming growth factor beta regulates clusterin gene expression via modulation of transcription factor c-Fos

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) induces gene expression of the glycoprotein clusterin in a variety of cell types via a consensus AP-1 binding site. Here, we demonstrate, by supershift analysis, that JunB, JunD, Fra1, Fra2, and c-Fos bound to AP-1 but that prior treatment of the cells with TGFbeta reduced dramatically c-Fos binding, suggesting that c-Fos might be playing a negative regulatory role in clusterin gene expression. Transient cotransfection assays in mink lung epithelial (CCL64) cells, using a human c-Fos expressing plasmid together with a clusterin promoter/reporter construct or the artificial TGFbeta-inducible reporter construct 3TPLux, revealed that c-Fos was indeed repressive for TGFbeta-induced promoter transactivation. Further, we demonstrate that in stable c-Fos-overexpressing cell lines, TGFbeta induction of endogenous clusterin mRNA, as well as clusterin promoter transactivation are blocked. Co-transfection with c-Fos deletion constructs revealed that the C-terminal region, including the homologue box 2 motif and the extreme C-terminal serine phosphorylation sites (Ser362 and Ser374) are required for repression of clusterin and 3TPLux transactivation. TGFbeta treatment of CCL64 cells resulted in the induction of c-Fos mRNA but caused no alternation in total c-Fos protein levels. The results suggest that the c-Fos represses clusterin gene expression, maintaining a low basal level in the absence of TGFbeta, and that TGFbeta, presumably through its effects on c-Fos protein synthesis and/or stability, abrogates the repression of c-Fos, thereby resulting in gene expression.

Integrin-mediated activation of focal adhesion kinase is required for signaling to Jun NH2-terminal kinase and progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle

The extracellular matrix exerts a stringent control on the proliferation of normal cells, suggesting the existence of a mitogenic signaling pathway activated by integrins, but not significantly by growth factor receptors. Herein, we provide evidence that integrins cause a significant and protracted activation of Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), while several growth factors cause more modest or no activation of this enzyme. Integrin-mediated stimulation of JNK required the association of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) with a Src kinase and p130(CAS), the phosphorylation of p130(CAS), and subsequently, the recruitment of Crk. Ras and PI-3K were not required. FAK-JNK signaling was necessary for proper progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. These findings establish a role for FAK in both the activation of JNK and the control of the cell cycle, and identify a physiological stimulus for JNK signaling that is consistent with the role of Jun in both proliferation and transformation.

Multiple promoter elements are required for the stimulatory effect of insulin on human collagenase-1 gene transcription. Selective effects on activator protein-1 expression may explain the quantitative difference in insulin and phorbol ester action

Several of the complications seen in patients with both type I and type II diabetes mellitus are associated with alterations in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. To identify the cis-acting elements that mediate the stimulatory effect of insulin on collagenase-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1) gene transcription a series of collagenase-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) fusion genes were transiently transfected into HeLa cells. Multiple promoter elements, including an Ets and activator protein-1 (AP-1) motif, were required for the effect of insulin. The AP-1 motif appears to be a target for insulin signaling because it is sufficient to mediate an effect of insulin on the expression of a heterologous fusion gene, whereas the data suggest that the Ets motif acts to enhance the effect of insulin mediated through the AP-1 motif. Multiple promoter elements were also required for the stimulatory effect of phorbol esters on collagenase-CAT gene transcription, and the AP-1 motif was also a target for phorbol ester signaling. However, the cis-acting elements required for the effects of insulin and phorbol esters were not identical. Moreover, phorbol esters were a much more potent inducer of collagenase-CAT gene transcription than insulin, a difference that may be explained by selective effects of insulin and phorbol esters on AP-1 expression.

Prolonged enhancement of AP-1 DNA binding by blockade of glutamate uptake in cultured neurons

Prolonged blockade of glutamate reuptake by the specific inhibitor of glutamate transporters, L-transpyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (PDC), produces a dramatic decrease in NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in cerebellar granule cell cultures, and is accompanied by a down-regulation of NMDA receptors. We now report that cultured cerebellar granule cells treated with 100 microM PDC for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24h, respectively, show increased AP-1 DNA-binding activity as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. This effect was blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist, CGP 37849, indicative of a pivotal role of NMDA receptors in the PDC-evoked enhancement of AP-1 DNA-binding. Our results suggest that AP-1 may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of neuronal adaptation initiated by prolonged inhibition of glutamate reuptake.

Human alveolar macrophages are markedly deficient in REF-1 and AP-1 DNA binding activity

Although many functions of human alveolar macrophages are altered compared with their precursor cell, the blood monocyte (monocyte), the reason(s) for these functional changes have not been determined. We recently reported that human alveolar macrophages do not express AP-1 DNA binding activity (Monick, M. M., Carter, A. B., Gudmundsson, G., Geist, L. J., and Hunninghake, G. W. (1998) Am. J. Physiol. 275, L389-L397). To determine why alveolar macrophages do not express AP-1 DNA binding activity, we first showed that there was not a decrease in expression of the FOS and JUN proteins that make up the AP-1 complex. There was, however, a significant difference in the amounts of the nuclear protein, REF-1 (which regulates AP-1 DNA binding by altering the redox status of FOS and JUN proteins), in alveolar macrophages compared with monocytes. In addition, in vitro differentiation of monocytes to a macrophage-like cell resulted in decreased amounts of REF-1. Finally, addition of REF-1 from activated monocytes to alveolar macrophage nuclear proteins resulted in a marked increase in AP-1 DNA binding. These studies strongly suggest that the process of differentiation of monocytes into alveolar macrophages is associated with a loss of REF-1 and AP-1 activity. This observation may explain, in part, some of the functional differences observed for alveolar macrophages compared with monocytes.

Receptor interacting protein RIP140 inhibits both positive and negative gene regulation by glucocorticoids

Recent development in the field of gene regulation by nuclear receptors (NRs) have identified a role for cofactors in transcriptional control. While some of the NR-associated proteins serve as coactivators, the effect of the receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140) on NR transcriptional responses is complex. In this report we have studied the effect of RIP140 on gene regulation by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We demonstrate that RIP140 antagonized all GR-mediated responses tested, which included activation through classical GRE, the synergistic effects of glucocorticoids on AP-1 and Pbx1/HOXB1 responsive elements, as well as gene repression through a negative GRE and cross-talk with NF-kappaB (RelA). This involved the ligand-binding domain of the GR and did not occur when the GR was bound to the antagonist RU486. The strong repressive effect of RIP140 was restricted to glucocorticoid-mediated responses in as much as it slightly increased signaling through the RelA and the Pit-1/Pbx proteins and only slightly repressed signaling through the Pbx1/HOXB1 and AP-1 proteins, excluding general squelching as a mechanism. Instead, this suggests that RIP140 acts as a direct inhibitor of GR function. In line with a direct effect of RIP140 on the GR, we demonstrate a GR-RIP140 interaction in vitro by a glutathione S-transferase-pull down assay. Furthermore, the repressive effect of RIP140 could partially be overcome by overexpression of the coactivator TIF2, which involved a competition between TIF2 and RIP140 for binding to the GR.

Inhibition of p38 MAP kinase increases okadaic acid mediated AP-1 expression and DNA binding but has no effect on TRE dependent transcription

By performing in vitro kinase assays we found in papilloma producing 308 mouse keratinocytes that okadaic acid elevated activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This okadaic acid mediated activation of MAP kinases correlated with increased AP-1 binding to a consensus TPA responsive element (TRE) and elevated TRE dependent transcription. To determine the role of p38 MAP kinases in these processes we employed the specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB 203580. Using orthophosphate labeling we showed a decrease in phosphorylation of MAPK activated protein kinase-2 (MAPKAP-K2) indicating reduced activity of p38 MAPKs utilizing this kinase as substrate. In contrast, we found that SB 203580 raised activities of ERK-1/2 and JNKs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed an increase in TRE binding activity in response to SB 203580 most likely resulting from increased expression of the major TRE binding components JunD and FosB as indicated by Western blot analyses. Increased TRE DNA binding failed to lead to increased transactivation correlating with the inability of SB 203580 to increase phosphorylation of these AP-1 proteins. These data indicate that SB 203580 sensitive p38 MAP kinases are not involved in okadaic acid mediated increases in TRE DNA binding and transactivation.

New Immunosuppressive Drug PNU156804 Blocks IL-2-Dependent Proliferation and NF-κB and AP-1 Activation

We had previously shown that the drug undecylprodigiosin (UP) blocks human lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. We have now investigated the mechanism of action of a new analogue of UP, PNU156804, which shows a more favorable activity profile than UP in mice. We demonstrate here that the biological effect of PNU156804 in vitro is indistinguishable from UP: PNU156804 blocks human T cell proliferation in mid-late G1, as determined by cell cycle analysis, expression of cyclins, and cyclin-dependent kinases and retinoblastoma phosphorylation. In addition, we show that PNU156804 does not block significantly the induction of either IL-2 or IL-2R α- and γ-chains but inhibits IL-2-dependent T cell proliferation. We have investigated several molecular pathways that are known to be activated by IL-2 in T cells. We show that PNU156804 does not inhibit c-myc and bcl-2 mRNA induction. On the other hand, PNU156804 efficiently inhibits the activation of the NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors. PNU156804 inhibition of NF-κB activation is due to the inhibition of the degradation of IκB-α and IκB-β. PNU156804 action is restricted to some signaling pathways; it does not affect NF-κB activation by PMA in T cells but blocks that induced by CD40 cross-linking in B lymphocytes. We conclude that the prodigiosin family of immunosuppressants is a new family of molecules that show a novel target specificity clearly distinct from that of other immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A, FK506, and rapamycin.

UV-responsive genes of arabidopsis revealed by similarity to the Gcn4-mediated UV response in yeast

A UV response that involves the Ras proteins and AP-1 transcription factors has recently been described in mammals and yeast. To test whether an equivalent response exists in plants, we monitored the expression of Arabidopsis histidinol dehydrogenase gene (HDH), a homologue of the yeast HIS4 gene, which is strongly induced by UV light and is a target of the transcriptional activator Gcn4. We show that HDH mRNA levels increase specifically in response to UV-B light. Only small increases were detected upon exposure to other wavelengths. To isolate plant genes involved in this UV response, a gcn4 mutant was transfected with an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA library. A new type of nucleotide diphosphate kinase (NDPK Ia) with a significant homology to the human tumor suppressor protein Nm23 rescued the gcn4 phenotype. NDPK Ia specifically binds to the HIS4 promoter in vitro and induces HIS4 transcription in yeast. In Arabidopsis, the NDPK Ia protein is located in the nucleus and cytosol. Expression studies in seedlings revealed that the level of NDPK Ia mRNA, like that of HDH, increases in response to UV-B light. It appears that NDPK Ia and HDH are components of a novel UV-responsive pathway in A. thaliana.

The dynamics of T cell receptor signaling: complex orchestration and the key roles of tempo and cooperation

T cells constantly sample their environment using receptors (TCR) that possess both a germline-encoded low affinity for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and a highly diverse set of CDR3 regions contributing to a range of affinities for specific peptides bound to these MHC molecules. The decision of a T cell "to sense and to respond" with proliferation and effector activity rather than "to sense, live on, but not respond" is dependent on TCR interaction with a low number of specific foreign peptide:MHC molecule complexes recognized simultaneously with abundant self peptide-containing complexes. Interaction with self-complexes alone, on the other hand, generates a signal for survival without a full activation response. Current models for how this distinction is achieved are largely based on translating differences in receptor affinity for foreign versus self ligands into intracellular signals that differ in quality, intensity, and/or duration. A variety of rate-dependent mechanisms involving assembly of molecular oligomers and enzymatic modification of proteins underlie this differential signaling. Recent advances have been made in measuring TCR:ligand interactions, in understanding the biochemical origin of distinct proximal and distal signaling events resulting from TCR binding to various ligands, and in appreciating the role of feedback pathways. This new information can be synthesized into a model of how self and foreign ligand recognition each evoke the proper responses from T cells, how these two classes of signaling events interact, and how pathologic responses may arise as a result of the underlying properties of the system. The principles of signal spreading and stochastic resonance incorporated into this model reveal a striking similarity in mechanisms of decision-making among T cells, neurons, and bacteria.

Btf, a novel death-promoting transcriptional repressor that interacts with Bcl-2-related proteins

The adenovirus E1B 19,000-molecular-weight (19K) protein is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis and cooperates with E1A to transform primary rodent cells. E1B 19K shows sequence and functional homology to the mammalian antiapoptotic gene product, Bcl-2. Like Bcl-2, the biochemical mechanism of E1B 19K function includes binding to and antagonization of cellular proapoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bak, and Nbk/Bik. In addition, there is evidence that E1B 19K can affect gene expression, but whether this contributes to its antiapoptotic function has not been determined. In an effort to further understand the functions of E1B 19K, we screened for 19K-associated proteins by the yeast two-hybrid system. A novel protein, Btf (Bcl-2-associated transcription factor), that interacts with E1B 19K as well as with the antiapoptotic family members Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL but not with the proapoptotic protein Bax was identified. btf is a widely expressed gene that encodes a protein with homology to the basic zipper (bZip) and Myb DNA binding domains. Btf binds DNA in vitro and represses transcription in reporter assays. E1B 19K, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL sequester Btf in the cytoplasm and block its transcriptional repression activity. Expression of Btf also inhibited transformation by E1A with either E1B 19K or mutant p53, suggesting a role in either promotion of apoptosis or cell cycle arrest. Indeed, the sustained overexpression of Btf in HeLa cells induced apoptosis, which was inhibited by E1B 19K. Furthermore, the chromosomal localization of btf (6q22-23) maps to a region that is deleted in some cancers, consistent with a role for Btf in tumor suppression. Thus, btf may represent a novel tumor suppressor gene residing in a unique pathway by which the Bcl-2 family can regulate apoptosis.

Regulation of GATA-4 and AP-1 in transgenic mice overexpressing cardiac calsequestrin

Transgenic mouse hearts overexpressing the Ca(2+)-binding protein calsequestrin (CSQ) have an accompanying 10-fold increase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load, however, exhibits slow and small Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. Such slow kinetics of Ca2+ release may have activated excitation-transcription coupling as CSQ overexpressing hearts have induced levels of NFAT and GATA-4 activities and higher levels of c-fos mRNA and cFos protein compared to those of non-transgenic littermates. Adaptive responses, however, appear to downregulate transcriptional regulators controlling c-fos gene including serum response factor and Ca2+/cAMP response element-binding protein. CSQ-overexpressing hearts also had decreased levels of cJun protein, resulting in downregulated AP-1 activity. The mRNA levels of angiotensin II type1a receptor which requires AP-1 and GATA-4 for gene transcription was suppressed in CSQ overexpressing hearts. These results demonstrate that CSQ can regulate GATA-4- and AP-1-dependent transcriptional events, indicating the existence of SR-nuclear circuits of signal transduction in adult cardiac muscle.

Metabolic targets of cancer chemoprevention: interruption of tumor development by inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism

Tumor promotion is understood as a process that favors the clonal outgrowth of single mutated (initiated) cells to premalignant lesions through co-mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects. This process can be evoked by repeated induction of a regenerative tissue response as achieved either by irritation and wounding or by agents (tumor promoters) that interact with the corresponding pathways of cellular signaling. Metabolic processes regulated by such pathways and essential for tumor development are potential targets of cancer chemoprevention. Examples are provided by the expression of ornithine decarboxylase and the activation of eicosanoid formation from arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid metabolism is a particularly attractive and important target of chemopreventive measures. Its induction is a characteristic response to tissue damage and irritation and an apparently critical event in epithelial tumor promotion. Inhibitors of eicosanoid formation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rank among the most powerful chemopreventive agents in animal models and have been shown to halve the incidence of colorectal cancer in man. Recently, the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-catalyzed prostaglandin synthesis has been the subject of much attention. COX-2 is a typical 'emergency enzyme', since in most tissues it is transiently induced only in the course of repair and defense reactions. In epithelial neoplasia, i.e. in skin and colorectal tumors, the enzyme is constitutively overexpressed along different molecular pathways, and it seems to be critically involved in tumor promotion. Consequently, specific COX-2 inhibitors have been shown to exhibit considerable cancer chemopreventive potential. The putative role of other pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism in tumor promotion and malignant progression is presently under investigation.

Bacterial peptidoglycan induces CD14-dependent activation of transcription factors CREB/ATF and AP-1

Peptidoglycan (PGN), the major cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria, induces secretion of cytokines in macrophages through CD14, the pattern recognition receptor that binds lipopolysaccharide and other microbial products. To begin to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the transcription of cytokine genes, we wanted to determine which transcription factors are activated by PGN in mouse RAW264.7 and human THP-1 macrophage cells. Our results demonstrated that: (i) PGN induced phosphorylation of the transcription factors ATF-1 and CREB; (ii) ATF-1 and CREB bound DNA as a dimer and induced transcriptional activation of a CRE reporter plasmid, which was inhibited by dominant negative CREB and ATF-1; (iii) PGN induced phosphorylation of c-Jun, protein synthesis of JunB and c-Fos, and transcriptional activation of the AP-1 reporter plasmid, which was inhibited by dominant negative c-Fos; and (iv) PGN-induced activation of CREB/ATF and AP-1 was mediated through CD14. This is the first study to demonstrate activation of CREB/ATF and AP-1 transcription factors by PGN or by any other component of Gram-positive bacteria.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, a v-Jun target gene, induces oncogenic transformation

Jun is a transcription factor belonging to the activator protein 1 family. A mutated version of Jun (v-Jun) transduced by the avian retrovirus ASV17 induces oncogenic transformation in avian cell cultures and sarcomas in young galliform birds. The oncogenicity of Jun probably results from transcriptional deregulation of v-Jun-responsive target genes. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a growth-related v-Jun target, a homolog of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF). HB-EGF is strongly expressed in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) transformed by v-Jun. HB-EGF expression is not detectable or is marginal in nontransformed CEF. Using a hormone-inducible Jun-estrogen receptor chimera, we found that HB-EGF expression is correlated with v-Jun activity. In this system, induction of v-Jun is followed within 1 hr by elevated levels of HB-EGF. In CEF infected with various Jun mutants, HB-EGF expression is correlated with the oncogenic potency of the mutant. Constitutive expression of HB-EGF conveys to CEF the ability to grow in soft agar and to form multilayered foci of transformed cells on a solid substrate. These observations suggest that HB-EGF is an effector of Jun-induced oncogenic transformation.

Cellular activation triggered by the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease gene product PKD2

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by germ line mutations in at least three ADPKD genes. Two recently isolated ADPKD genes, PKD1 and PKD2, encode integral membrane proteins of unknown function. We found that PKD2 upregulated AP-1-dependent transcription in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. The PKD2-mediated AP-1 activity was dependent upon activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and JNK1 and protein kinase C (PKC) epsilon, a calcium-independent PKC isozyme. Staurosporine, but not the calcium chelator BAPTA [1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetate], inhibited PKD2-mediated signaling, consistent with the involvement of a calcium-independent PKC isozyme. Coexpression of PKD2 with the interacting C terminus of PKD1 dramatically augmented PKD2-mediated AP-1 activation. The synergistic signaling between PKD1 and PKD2 involved the activation of two distinct PKC isozymes, PKC alpha and PKC epsilon, respectively. Our findings are consistent with others that support a functional connection between PKD1 and PKD2 involving multiple signaling pathways that converge to induce AP-1 activity, a transcription factor that regulates different cellular programs such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Activation of these signaling cascades may promote the full maturation of developing tubular epithelial cells, while inactivation of these signaling cascades may impair terminal differentiation and facilitate the development of renal tubular cysts.

Specific regulation of fos family transcription factors in thymocytes at two developmental checkpoints

A central question in T cell development is what makes cortical thymocytes respond to stimulation in a qualitatively different way than any other thymocyte subset. Part of the answer is that AP-1 function changes drastically at two stages of T cell development. It undergoes striking down-regulation as thymocytes differentiate from immature, CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative (DN) TCR- thymocytes to CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) TCRlo cortical cells, and then returns in the cells that mature to TCRhigh, CD4(+)CD8(-) or CD4(-)CD8(+) single-positive (SP) thymocytes. At all three stages, the jun family mRNAs can be induced similarly. However, we demonstrate that DP cortical thymocytes are specifically impaired in c-fos and fosB mRNA induction, even when stimuli are used that optimize survival of the cells and a form of in vitro maturation. fra-2 expression is induction independent but much lower in DP cells than in the other subsets. Overall Fos family protein induction accordingly is severely decreased in DP cells. Defective c-Fos and FosB expression in cortical thymocytes is functionally significant, because antibody supershift experiments show that in activated immature and mature thymocytes, most detectable AP-1 DNA-binding complexes do contain c-Fos or FosB. Thus, defective c-Fos and FosB expression in cortical thymocytes qualitatively alters any AP-1 complexes they might express. The cortical thymocytes are not deficient in mRNA expression for any of the constitutive transcription factors that are known to be needed to drive c-Fos or FosB expression, so it is possible that the activity of these factors is developmentally regulated through a post-transcriptional mechanism.

Liver AP-1 activation due to carbon tetrachloride is potentiated by 1,2-dibromoethane but is inhibited by alpha-tocopherol or gadolinium chloride

Experimental acute intoxication by prooxidant haloalkanes produces marked stimulation of hepatic lipid peroxidation and cytolysis, which is followed by tissue regeneration. Our aim was to clarify the role of oxidative imbalance in the activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor, activator protein-1 (AP-1), which is involved in tissue repair. Rats were poisoned with a very low concentration of carbon tetrachloride, given alone or in combination with another hepatotoxin, 1,2-dibromoethane, to provide varying extents of oxidative damage. The level of AP-1-DNA binding was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay on liver extracts, obtained from rats killed 6 h after poisoning. Stimulation of lipid peroxidation and AP-1 upregulation were already established when the hepatic damage due to carbon tetrachloride +/-1,2-dibromoethane was beginning to appear. Rat supplementation with the antioxidant vitamin E completely inhibited AP-1 upregulation, thus supporting a causative role of membrane lipid oxidation in the observed modulation of the transcription factor. Moreover, activation of Kupffer cells appears to be a crucial step in the increased AP-1 binding to DNA, the latter being largely prevented by gadolinium chloride, a macrophage-specific inhibitor.

Regulation of interleukin-8 gene expression

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a member of the CXC chemokine family, is an important activator and chemoattractant for neutrophils and has been implicated in a variety of inflammatory diseases. IL-8 is secreted in a stimulus-specific manner by a wide variety of cell types and is regulated primarily at the level of gene transcription. Functional studies indicate that IL-8 transcriptional responses to proinflammatory mediators are rapid and require only 100 nucleotides of 5'-flanking DNA upstream of the TATA box. Within the IL-8 promoter sequence are DNA binding sites for the inducible transcription factors AP-1, NF-IL-6, and NF-kappaB. Transcription factors in these families bind the IL-8 promoter as dimers, and several distinct subunit combinations have been identified as important for IL-8 transcription. In addition, these factors can act in concert to synergistically activate the IL-8 promoter. AP-1 and NF-IL-6 physically interact with NF-kappaB, and functional cooperativity among the factors appears to be critical for optimal IL-8 promoter activity in different cell types. IL-8 transcription appears to be activated by a promoter recruitment mechanism where inducible transcription factor binding to the IL-8 promoter is required for binding of constitutively active TATA box-binding proteins and formation of a stable preinitiation complex. This review discusses the regulatory role these higher-order synergistic interactions play in IL-8 transcription and in generation of the stimulus-specific and cell type-specific patterns of IL-8 expression.

Active nucleocytoplasmic shuttling required for function and regulation of stress-activated kinase Spc1/StyI in fission yeast

Transcriptional induction of many stress-response genes is dependent on stress-induced nuclear accumulation of stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs). In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, nuclear accumulation of the SAPK Spc1 (also known as StyI) requires activating phosphorylation catalyzed by the SAPK kinase Wis1; however, it is unknown whether the localization of Spc1 is regulated by nuclear transport factors. Herein are reported studies that show that Spc1 localization is regulated by active transport mechanisms during osmotic stress. Nuclear import of Spc1 requires Pim1, a homologue of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RCC1 that is essential for nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of proteins. Nuclear export of Spc1 is regulated by the export factor Crm1. An Spc1-Crm1 complex forms as Spc1 is exported from the nucleus. Wis1 and the tyrosine phosphatases Pyp1 and Pyp2 that inactivate Spc1 are excluded from the nucleus by a Crm1-independent mechanism; hence the nuclear import of Spc1 leads to transient isolation from its regulatory proteins. Thus, active nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is required for both the function and regulation of Spc1 during the osmotic shock response.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 induces interleukin-6 expression via activating protein-1 consisting of JunD homodimers in primary human lung fibroblasts

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 induces extracellular matrix deposition and proliferation of mesenchymal cells. We recently reported that interleukin (IL)-6 is an essential mediator of growth factor-induced proliferation of lung fibroblasts. Here, we demonstrate by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunoassay that TGF-beta1 is a potent inducer of IL-6 mRNA and protein in primary human lung fibroblasts. Transient transfections of fibroblasts with a luciferase reporter gene construct containing nucleotides -651 to +1 of the human IL-6 promoter revealed that TGF-beta1 also potently activated IL-6 promoter activity. Progressive 5'-deletions and site-directed mutagenesis of the parental construct located the TGF-beta1-responsive cis-regulatory element to a known activating protein-1 (AP-1) sequence (nucleotides -284 to -276). Gel shift analyses revealed that AP-1 DNA binding activity in nuclear extracts was increased 30 min after stimulation with TGF-beta1. In contrast, neither CCAAT enhancer-binding protein-beta, NF-kappaB, nor Sp1 were activated by TGF-beta1. Supershift analyses demonstrated that the AP-1 complex induced by TGF-beta1 was composed of Jun isoforms and absent of Fos isoforms. Moreover, this complex was found to be a JunD homodimer. Our data thus demonstrate that TGF-beta1 is a potent inducer of IL-6 in primary human lung fibroblasts. The TGF-beta1-activated JunD homodimer may be essential for a majority of the biological effects induced by TGF-beta1 in this cell type, such as proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis.