Unravelling the complexities of the NF-κB signalling pathway using mouse knockout and transgenic models

MUC1-C oncoprotein functions as a direct activator of the nuclear factor-kappaB p65 transcription factor

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is constitutively activated in diverse human malignancies. The mucin 1 (MUC1) oncoprotein is overexpressed in human carcinomas and, like NF-kappaB, blocks cell death and induces transformation. The present studies show that MUC1 constitutively associates with NF-kappaB p65 in carcinoma cells. The MUC1 COOH-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) cytoplasmic domain binds directly to NF-kappaB p65 and, importantly, blocks the interaction between NF-kappaB p65 and its inhibitor IkappaBalpha. We show that NF-kappaB p65 and MUC1-C constitutively occupy the promoter of the Bcl-xL gene in carcinoma cells and that MUC1-C contributes to NF-kappaB-mediated transcriptional activation. Studies in nonmalignant epithelial cells show that MUC1-C interacts with NF-kappaB in the response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces the recruitment of NF-kappaB p65-MUC1-C complexes to NF-kappaB target genes, including the promoter of the MUC1 gene itself. We also show that an inhibitor of MUC1-C oligomerization blocks the interaction with NF-kappaB p65 in vitro and in cells. The MUC1-C inhibitor decreases MUC1-C and NF-kappaB p65 promoter occupancy and expression of NF-kappaB target genes. These findings indicate that MUC1-C is a direct activator of NF-kappaB p65 and that an inhibitor of MUC1 function is effective in blocking activation of the NF-kappaB pathway.

Unexpected functional redundancy between Twist and Slug (Snail2) and their feedback regulation of NF-kappaB via Nodal and Cerberus

A NF-kappaB-Twist-Snail network controls axis and mesoderm formation in Drosophila. Using translation-blocking morpholinos and hormone-regulated proteins, we demonstrate the presence of an analogous network in the early Xenopus embryo. Loss of twist (twist1) function leads to a reduction of mesoderm and neural crest markers, an increase in apoptosis, and a decrease in snail1 (snail) and snail2 (slug) mRNA levels. Injection of snail2 mRNA rescues twist's loss of function phenotypes and visa versa. In the early embryo NF-kappaB/RelA regulates twist, snail2, and snail1 mRNA levels; similarly Nodal/Smad2 regulate twist, snail2, snail1, and relA RNA levels. Both Twist and Snail2 negatively regulate levels of cerberus RNA, which encodes a Nodal, bone morphogenic protein (BMP), and Wnt inhibitor. Cerberus's anti-Nodal activity inhibits NF-kappaB activity and decreases relA RNA levels. These results reveal both conserved and unexpected regulatory interactions at the core of a vertebrate's mesodermal specification network.

The caspase-cleaved form of LYN mediates a psoriasis-like inflammatory syndrome in mice

We showed previously that Lyn is a substrate for caspases, a family of cysteine proteases, involved in the regulation of apoptosis and inflammation. Here, we report that expression of the caspase-cleaved form of Lyn (LynDeltaN), in mice, mediates a chronic inflammatory syndrome resembling human psoriasis. Genetic ablation of TNF receptor 1 in a LynDeltaN background rescues a normal phenotype, indicating that LynDeltaN mice phenotype is TNF-alpha-dependent. The predominant role of T cells in the disease occurring in LynDeltaN mice was highlighted by the distinct improvement of LynDeltaN mice phenotype in a Rag1-deficient background. Using pan-genomic profiling, we also established that LynDeltaN mice show an increased expression of STAT-3 and inhibitory members of the NFkappaB pathway. Accordingly, LynDeltaN alters NFkappaB activity underlying a link between inhibition of NFkappaB and LynDeltaN mice phenotype. Finally, analysis of Lyn expression in human skin biopsies of psoriatic patients led to the detection of Lyn cleavage product whose expression correlates with the activation of caspase 1. Our data identify a new role for Lyn as a regulator of psoriasis through its cleavage by caspases.

Cellular stress response pathway system as a sentinel ensemble in toxicological screening

High costs, long test times, and societal concerns related to animal use have required the development of in vitro assays for the rapid and cost-effective toxicological evaluation and characterization of compounds in both the pharmaceutical and environmental arenas. Although the pharmaceutical industry has developed very effective, high-throughput in vitro assays for determining the therapeutic potential of compounds, the application of this approach to toxicological screening has been limited. A primary reason for this is that while drug candidate screens are directed to a specific target/mechanism, xenobiotics can cause toxicity through any of a myriad of undefined interactions with cellular components and processes. Given that it is not practical to design assays that can interrogate each potential toxicological target, an integrative approach is required if there is to be a rapid and low-cost toxicological evaluation of chemicals. Cellular stress response pathways offer a viable solution to the creation of a set of integrative assays as there is a limited and hence manageable set (a small ensemble of 10 or less) of major cellular stress response pathways through which cells mount a homoeostatic response to toxicants and which also participate in cell fate/death decisions. Further, over the past decades, these pathways have been well characterized at a molecular level thereby enabling the development of high-throughput cell-based assays using the components of the pathways. Utilization of the set of cellular stress response pathway-based assays as indicators of toxic interactions of chemicals with basic cellular machinery will potentially permit the clustering of chemicals based on biological response profiles of common mode of action (MOA) and also the inference of the specific MOA of a toxicant. This article reviews the biochemical characteristics of the stress response pathways, their common architecture that enables rapid activation during stress, their participation in cell fate decisions, the essential nature of these pathways to the organism, and the biochemical basis of their cross-talk that permits an assay ensemble screening approach. Subsequent sections describe how the stress pathway ensemble assay approach could be applied to screening potentially toxic compounds and discuss how this approach may be used to derive toxicant MOA from the biological activity profiles that the ensemble strategy provides. The article concludes with a review of the application of the stress assay concept to noninvasive in vivo assessments of chemical toxicants.

TMF/ARA160 downregulates proangiogenic genes and attenuates the progression of PC3 xenografts

TMF/ARA160 is a Golgi-associated protein whose level is downregulated in solid tumors. TMF changes its subcellular localization on exposure of cells to stress cues, thereby, directing proteins, such as the key transcription factor, Stat3, to proteasomal degradation. Here, we show that enforced ectopic expression of HA-TMF in PC3 prostate carcinoma cells, which do not express Stat3, significantly attenuated the development and growth of xenograft tumors elicited by these cells in athymic mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed impaired angiogenesis and accelerated onset of apoptosis in the HA-TMF-expressing tumors. RNA expression profiling revealed the downregulation of several proangiogenic genes in HA-TMF-expressing xenografts. Among these were the interleukin-8 and interleukin-1beta genes, whose expression is controlled by nuclear factor-kB. The level of the nuclear factor-kB component, p65/RelA, was decreased in HA-TMF-expressing xenografts, and TMF was found to direct the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of p65/RelA in metabolically stressed PC3 clones. Taken together, our findings indicate that TMF/ARA160 is a regulator of key transcription factors under metabolic constraints, thereby affecting angiogenesis and progression of solid tumors, which are subjected to metabolic stress.

Regulation and function of NF-kappaB transcription factors in the immune system

The mammalian Rel/NF-kappaB family of transcription factors, including RelA, c-Rel, RelB, NF-kappaB1 (p50 and its precursor p105), and NF-kappaB2 (p52 and its precursor p100), plays a central role in the immune system by regulating several processes ranging from the development and survival of lymphocytes and lymphoid organs to the control of immune responses and malignant transformation. The five members of the NF-kappaB family are normally kept inactive in the cytoplasm by interaction with inhibitors called IkappaBs or the unprocessed forms of NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2. A wide variety of signals emanating from antigen receptors, pattern-recognition receptors, receptors for the members of TNF and IL-1 cytokine families, and others induce differential activation of NF-kappaB heterodimers. Although work over the past two decades has shed significant light on the regulation of NF-kappaB transcription factors and their functions, much progress has been made in the past two years revealing new insights into the regulation and functions of NF-kappaB. This recent progress is covered in this review.

Cloning and characterization of DULP, a novel ubiquitin-like molecule from human dendritic cells

We identified a novel ubiquitin-like molecule DULP from human dendritic cells. DULP contains a domain that shares 26% identity and 34% similarity with ubiquitin, and it possesses the corresponding Ile-44 hydrophobic patch used by mono- or poly-ubiquitin to interact with a ubiquitin-interaction motif (UIM) or ubiquitin-associated domain (UBA). Lysine residue corresponding to 6 of ubiquitin, which is involved in the formation of a multi-ubiquitin chain that can bind proteasomal subunit Rpn10/S5a, is also conserved in its ubiquitin-homology domain. However, DULP does not possess the highly conserved C-terminus Gly-Gly required for ubiquitin conjugation or the Lys-48 required for the formation of polyubiquitin chain to target substrates for degradation, suggesting it might be a novel ubiquitin-domain protein (UDP). DULP was found widely expressed in many cells and the ubiquitin-homology domain was not cleaved. We also confirmed that DULP expression was enriched in the nucleus and much weaker in the cytosol. Besides, we found that overexpression of DULP in 293T cells induced apoptosis, which might not be associated with the mitochondrial or proteasome pathway, with the specific mechanism remaining unclear. Further investigations are needed to identify the precise biological functions of DULP.

Cell-autonomous role for NF-kappa B in immature bone marrow B cells

The NF-kappaB transcription factors have many essential functions in B cells, such as during differentiation and proliferation of Ag-challenged mature B cells, but also during final maturation of developing B cells in the spleen. Among the various specific functions NF-kappaB factors carry out in these biologic contexts, their ability to assure the survival of mature and maturing B cells in the periphery stands out. Less clear is what if any roles NF-kappaB factors play during earlier stages of B cell development in the bone marrow. Using mice deficient in both NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2, which are thus partially compromised in both the classical and alternative activation pathways, we demonstrate a B cell-autonomous contribution of NF-kappaB to the survival of immature B cells in the bone marrow. NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2 also play a role during the earlier transition from proB to late preB cells; however, in this context these factors do not act in a B cell-autonomous fashion. Although NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2 are not absolutely required for survival and progression of immature B cells in the bone marrow, they nevertheless make a significant contribution that marks the beginning of the profound cell-autonomous control these factors exert during all subsequent stages of B cell development. Therefore, the lifelong dependency of B cells on NF-kappaB-mediated survival functions is set in motion at the time of first expression of a full BCR.

Multiple roles of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway regulated by coupled negative feedback circuits

The NF-kappaB signaling pathway can perform multiple functional roles depending on specific cellular environments and cell types. Even in the same cell clones, the pathway can show different kinetic and phenotypic properties. It is believed that the complex networks controlling the NF-kappaB signaling pathway can generate these diverse and sometimes ambiguous phenomena. We noted, however, that the dynamics of NF-kappaB signaling pathway is highly stochastic and that the NF-kappaB signaling pathway contains multiple negative feedback circuits formed by IkappaB isoform proteins, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in particular. Considering the topological similarity, their functional roles seem to be redundant, raising the question why different types of IkappaB isoforms need to exist. From extensive stochastic simulations of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, we found that each IkappaB isoform actually conducts a different regulatory role through its own negative feedback. Specifically, our data suggest that IkappaBalpha controls the dynamic patterns of nuclear NF-kappaB, while IkappaBepsilon induces cellular heterogeneity of the NF-kappaB activities. These results may provide an answer to the question of how a single NF-kappaB signaling pathway can perform multiple biological functions even in the same clonal populations.

Development of immunoglobulin lambda-chain-positive B cells, but not editing of immunoglobulin kappa-chain, depends on NF-kappaB signals

By genetically ablating IκB kinase (IKK)-mediated NF-κB activation in the B cell lineage, and by analyzing a mouse mutant in which Igλ⁺ B cells are generated in the absence of rearrangements in Igk, we define two distinct, consecutive phases of early B cell development that differ in their dependence on IKK-mediated NF-κB signaling. During the first phase, in which NF-κB signaling is dispensable, predominantly Igκ⁺ B cells are generated and undergo efficient receptor editing. In the second phase, predominantly Igλ⁺ B cells are generated, whose development is ontogenetically timed to occur after Igk rearrangements. This second phase of development is dependent on NF-κB signals, which can be substituted by transgenic expression of the pro-survival factor Bcl2.

Neuroimmune perspectives in sepsis

Physiologic anti-inflammatory mechanisms are selected by evolution to control the immune system and to prevent infectious and inflammatory disorders. Central-acting α₂-agonists attenuate systemic inflammation and improve survival in experimental sepsis. This anti-inflammatory and therapeutic mechanism of central sympatholytics appears to be mediated by an unexpected vagomimetic potential of the α₂-agonists to activate the vagus nerve. Recent studies, however, rule out a cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanism based on a direct cholinergic interaction between the vagus nerve and the immune system. Since the nervous system is the principal regulator of the immune system, physiologic studies understanding the neuroimmune connections can provide major advantages to design novel therapeutic strategies for sepsis.

RelB sustains IkappaBalpha expression during endotoxin tolerance

Transcription factors and chromatin structural modifiers induce clinically relevant epigenetic modifications of blood leukocytes during severe systemic inflammation (SSI) in humans and animals. These changes affect genes with distinct functions, as exemplified by the silencing of a set of acute proinflammatory genes and the sustained expression of a group of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory genes. This paradigm is closely mimicked in the THP-1 human promonocyte cell model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin tolerance. We previously reported that LPS-induced de novo expression of RelB is required for generating tolerance to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) expression. RelB represses transcription by binding with heterochromatic protein 1 alpha (HP1alpha) to the proximal promoters of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. In contrast, we report herein that RelB is required for sustained expression of anti-inflammatory IkappaBalpha in LPS-tolerant THP-1 cells. RelB transcription activation requires binding to the IkappaBalpha proximal promoter along with NF-kappaB p50 and is associated with an apparent dimer exchange with p65. We also observed that RelB induced during human SSI binds to the IkappaBalpha proximal promoter of circulating leukocytes. We conclude that RelB functions as a dual transcription regulator during LPS tolerance and human SSI by activating and repressing innate immunity genes.

NF-kappaB signaling, liver disease and hepatoprotective agents

The NF-kappaB signaling pathway has particular relevance to several liver diseases including hepatitis (liver infection by Helicobacter, viral hepatitis induced by HBV and HCV), liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, the NF-kappaB signaling pathway is a potential target for development of hepatoprotective agents. Several types of drugs including: selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), antioxidants, proteasome inhibitors, IKK inhibitors and nucleic acid-based decoys have been shown to interfere with NF-kappaB activity at different levels and may be useful for the treatment of liver diseases. However, NF-kappaB also plays an important hepatoprotective function that needs to be taken into consideration during development of new therapeutic regimens.

DNA double-strand breaks activate a multi-functional genetic program in developing lymphocytes

DNA double-strand breaks are generated by genotoxic agents and by cellular endonucleases as intermediates of several important physiological processes. The cellular response to genotoxic DNA breaks includes the activation of transcriptional programs known primarily to regulate cell-cycle checkpoints and cell survival. DNA double-strand breaks are generated in all developing lymphocytes during the assembly of antigen receptor genes, a process that is essential for normal lymphocyte development. Here we show that in murine lymphocytes these physiological DNA breaks activate a broad transcriptional program. This program transcends the canonical DNA double-strand break response and includes many genes that regulate diverse cellular processes important for lymphocyte development. Moreover, the expression of several of these genes is regulated similarly in response to genotoxic DNA damage. Thus, physiological DNA double-strand breaks provide cues that can regulate cell-type-specific processes not directly involved in maintaining the integrity of the genome, and genotoxic DNA breaks could disrupt normal cellular functions by corrupting these processes.

Regulation of Sp1 by cell cycle related proteins

Sp1 transcription factor regulates the expression of multiple genes, including the Sp1 gene itself. We analyzed the ability of different cell cycle regulatory proteins to interact with Sp1 and to affect Sp1 promoter activity. Using an antibody array, we observed that CDK4, SKP2, Rad51, BRCA2 and p21 could interact with Sp1 and we confirmed these interactions by co-immunoprecipitation. CDK4, SKP2, Rad51, BRCA2 and p21 also activated the Sp1 promoter. Among the known Sp1-interacting proteins, E2F-DP1, Cyclin D1, Stat3 and Rb activated the Sp1 promoter, whereas p53 and NF kappaB inhibited it. The proteins that regulated Sp1 gene expression were shown by positive chromatin immunoprecipitation to be bound to the Sp1 promoter. Moreover, SKP2, BRCA2, p21, E2F-DP1, Stat3, Rb, p53 and NF kappaB had similar effects on an artificial promoter containing only Sp1 binding sites. Transient transfections of CDK4, Rad51, E2F-DP1, p21 and Stat3 increased mRNA expression from the endogenous Sp1 gene in HeLa cells whereas overexpression of NF kappaB, and p53 decreased Sp1 mRNA levels. p21 expression from a stably integrated inducible promoter in HT1080 cells activated Sp1 expression at the promoter and mRNA levels, but at the same time it decreased Sp1 protein levels due to the activation of Sp1 degradation. The observed multiple effects of cell cycle regulators on Sp1 suggest that Sp1 may be a key mediator of cell cycle associated changes in gene expression.

Alternative splicing in the NF-kappaB signaling pathway

Activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB can affect the expression of several hundred genes, many of which are involved in inflammation and immunity. The proper NF-kappaB transcriptional response is primarily regulated by post-translational modification of NF-kappaB signaling constituents. Herein, we review the accumulating evidence suggesting that alternative splicing of NF-kappaB signaling components is another means of controlling NF-kappaB signaling. Several alternative splicing events in both the tumor necrosis factor and Toll/interleukin-1 NF-kappaB signaling pathways can inhibit the NF-kappaB response, whereas others enhance NF-kappaB signaling. Alternative splicing of mRNAs encoding some NF-kappaB signaling components can be induced by prolonged exposure to an NF-kappaB-activating signal, such as lipopolysaccharide, suggesting a mechanism for negative feedback to dampen excessive NF-kappaB signaling. Moreover, some NF-kappaB alternative splicing events appear to be specific for certain diseases, and could serve as therapeutic targets or biomarkers.

The protein kinase C-responsive inhibitory domain of CARD11 functions in NF-kappaB activation to regulate the association of multiple signaling cofactors that differentially depend on Bcl10 and MALT1 for association

The activation of NF-kappaB by T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling is critical for T-cell activation during the adaptive immune response. CARD11 is a multidomain adapter that is required for TCR signaling to the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex. During TCR signaling, the region in CARD11 between the coiled-coil and PDZ domains is phosphorylated by protein kinase Ctheta (PKCtheta) in a required step in NF-kappaB activation. In this report, we demonstrate that this region functions as an inhibitory domain (ID) that controls the association of CARD11 with multiple signaling cofactors, including Bcl10, TRAF6, TAK1, IKKgamma, and caspase-8, through an interaction that requires both the caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and the coiled-coil domain. Consistent with the ID-mediated control of their association, we demonstrate that TRAF6 and caspase-8 associate with CARD11 in T cells in a signal-inducible manner. Using an RNA interference rescue assay, we demonstrate that the CARD, linker 1, coiled-coil, linker 3, SH3, linker 4, and GUK domains are each required for TCR signaling to NF-kappaB downstream of ID neutralization. Requirements for the CARD, linker 1, and coiled-coil domains in signaling are consistent with their roles in the association of CARD11 with Bcl10, TRAF6, TAK1, caspase-8, and IKKgamma. Using Bcl10- and MALT1-deficient cells, we show that CARD11 can recruit signaling cofactors independently of one another in a signal-inducible manner.

RelB-dependent stromal cells promote T-cell leukemogenesis

BACKGROUND

The Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factors are often activated in solid or hematological malignancies. In most cases, NF-kappaB activation is found in malignant cells and results from activation of the canonical NF-kappaB pathway, leading to RelA and/or c-Rel activation. Recently, NF-kappaB activity in inflammatory cells infiltrating solid tumors has been shown to contribute to solid tumor initiation and progression. Noncanonical NF-kappaB activation, which leads to RelB activation, has also been reported in breast carcinoma, prostate cancer, and lymphoid leukemia.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here we report a novel role for RelB in stromal cells that promote T-cell leukemogenesis. RelB deficiency delayed leukemia onset in the TEL-JAK2 transgenic mouse model of human T acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Bone marrow chimeric mouse experiments showed that RelB is not required in the hematopoietic compartment. In contrast, RelB plays a role in radio-resistant stromal cells to accelerate leukemia onset and increase disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The present results are the first to uncover a role for RelB in the crosstalk between non-hematopoietic stromal cells and leukemic cells. Thus, besides its previously reported role intrinsic to specific cancer cells, the noncanonical NF-kappaB pathway may also play a pro-oncogenic role in cancer microenvironmental cells.

Negative regulation of constitutive NF-kappaB and JNK signaling by PKN1-mediated phosphorylation of TRAF1

Inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaB) kinase (IKK) and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) are stress inducible kinases that critically regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes. Transient activation of the downstream transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1, allows for stress inducible, inflammatory and innate immune gene expression programs. However, elevated chronic activity is associated with cancer and chronic inflammatory disease. Despite its relevance to human health, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control constitutive activity of IKK and JNK. Here, we demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase PKN1 plays a critical role in regulating constitutive IKK/JNK activity in unstimulated cells and report on the molecular mechanism. We identify TRAF1 as a substrate of PKN1 kinase activity in vitro and in vivo, and show that this phosphorylation event is required for attenuating downstream kinase activities. Furthermore, this silencing was dependent on TNFR2. Mutagenesis of the phospho-acceptor residue in TRAF1 abrogated PKN1-dependent recruitment to TNFR2. Our results suggest a model by which the stoichiometric ratio of TRAF1 and TRAF2 heteromeric complexes associated with TNFR2 control the tonic activity of JNK and IKK. TRAF1 phosphorylation by the ubiquitously expressed kinase PKN1 thereby plays a critical role in the negative regulation of tonic activity of the two central inflammatory signaling pathways.

Induction of CD56 and TCR-independent activation of T cells with aging

Degeneration of the thymus and severe contraction of the T cell repertoire with aging suggest that immune homeostasis in old age could be mediated by distinct effectors. Therefore, receptors expressed on T cells as they undergo senescence in vitro, as well as those displayed by circulating T cells during normal chronologic aging, were examined. Monitoring of T cells driven to senescence showed de novo induction of CD56, the prototypic receptor of NK cells. Analysis of fresh T cells in peripheral blood showed an age-dependent induction of CD56. These unusual T cells expressed high levels of Bcl2, p16, and p53, and had limited, or completely lost, ability to undergo cell division, properties consistent with senescence. CD56 cross-linking without TCR ligation on CD56(+) T cells resulted in extensive protein phosphorylation, NF-kappaB activation, and Bax down-regulation. CD56 cross-linking was also sufficient to drive production of various humoral factors. These data suggest that the immunologic environment in old age is functionally distinct, rather than being a dysfunctional version of that seen at a young age. CD56(+) T cells are unique effectors capable of mediating TCR-independent immune cascades that could be harnessed to enhance protective immunity in the elderly.

Shared principles in NF-kappaB signaling

The transcription factor NF-kappaB has served as a standard for inducible transcription factors for more than 20 years. The numerous stimuli that activate NF-kappaB, and the large number of genes regulated by NF-kappaB, ensure that this transcription factor is still the subject of intense research. Here, we attempt to synthesize some of the basic principles that have emerged from studies of NF-kappaB, and we aim to generate a more unified view of NF-kappaB regulation.

IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta/IKK2/IKBKB)--a key molecule in signaling to the transcription factor NF-kappaB

IKKbeta/IKBKB (IkappaB kinase beta), also designated as IKK2, was named after its function of phosphorylating IkappaB molecules, the inhibitors of NF-kappaB transcription factors. The kinase activity of IKKbeta targets two adjacent serine residues of IkappaB leading to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the inhibitor, followed by release and activation of NF-kappaB. Many signaling pathways that activate NF-kappaB converge at the level of IKKbeta. Examples of stimuli leading to IKKbeta and subsequent NF-kappaB activation include inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNFalpha), endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide), viral infection and double strand RNA as well as physical signals such as UV-irradiation. Transcription factors of the NF-kappaB protein family have a great variety of functions in regulating the immune system, cellular differentiation, survival and proliferation. NF-kappaB is an essential factor in acute as well as chronic inflammation, a pathological state which is either cause or co-factor in a great variety of diseases. Moreover, recent data suggest that many variants of cancer are characterized by elevated constitutive activity of NF-kappaB, which can act as a survival factor for malignant cells by its predominantly anti-apoptotic function. Given the tight regulation of NF-kappaB by IkappaB molecules and the central role of IKKbeta in phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor, IKKbeta is a very promising target for pharmaceutical substances aiming at interfering with NF-kappaB activation.

Progesterone-dependent deoxyribonucleic acid looping between RUSH/SMARCA3 and Egr-1 mediates repression by c-Rel

Steroids regulate alternative splicing of RUSH/SMARCA3. The full-length, progesterone-dependent alpha-isoform and the 3'-truncated, estrogen-dependent beta-isoform have identical DNA-binding domains, nuclear localization signals, and RING fingers. Transcription of RUSH/SMARCA3 is mediated by a bipartite progesterone receptor half-site/overlapping Y-box combination (-38/-26), where progesterone activation is attenuated by nuclear factor Y binding. Regulation also involves two GC-rich sequences in the proximal promoter (-162/+90) and a RUSH/SMARCA3 site (-616/-611) in the 5'-untranslated region. Isoform-specific binding to the RUSH/SMARCA3 site is dictated by the hormonal milieu, as is the availability of factors that bind to the distal GC-rich site (-131/-126), a composite binding site for Egr-1/specific protein-1/3/Myc-associated zinc finger protein/myeloid zinc finger-1/c-Rel, and the proximal GC-rich site (-62/-53), which binds only Sp1/3. TransSignal TF-TF interaction arrays, supershift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed strong physical interactions between RUSH/Egr-1 and RUSH/c-Rel that were visualized with fluorescent microscopy. Higher-order, long-range interactions between RUSH and Egr-1/c-Rel derivative of the anisotropic flexibility of the intervening DNA sequence were shown by Chromosome Conformation Capture assay. Glutathione S-transferase pull-downs confirmed that the RING finger is the protein-binding domain, suggesting that the RUSH isoforms have equivalent potential for protein interactions. Transient transfection assays showed that the cooperative interaction between RUSH and Egr-1 mediates repression by c-Rel. Thus, progesterone-induced transcription is fine-tuned by isoform-specific autoregulation, in which newly synthesized RUSH-1alpha binds DNA and interacts physically with liganded Egr-1 in the proximal promoter via a DNA-looping mechanism to mediate repression by c-Rel. In the absence of progesterone induction, RUSH-1beta replaces RUSH-1alpha binding, Egr-1 and c-Rel are unavailable as molecular ties, and DNA looping is disfavored.

Nuclear factor-kappaB as a hormonal intracellular signaling molecule: focus on angiotensin II-induced cardiovascular and renal injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) has recently emerged as a novel intracellular signaling molecule for hormones, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The purpose of this article is to highlight the role of NF-kappaB as an intracellular signaling for angiotensin II and clinical perspectives of targeting NF-kappaB signaling in treating hypertensive and renal diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

A selective review of recently published work provides strong evidence that activation of NF-kappaB signaling by angiotensin II mediates the detrimental effects of angiotensin II on the transcription of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Angiotensin II stimulates AT1 receptors to activate NF-kappaB signaling via both canonical (classical) and noncanonical (alternative) pathways. Intracellular angiotensin II may also induce NF-kappaB activation and transactivation of target genes. Nearly 800 NF-kappaB inhibitors have been described, but none has advanced to clinical trials. However, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1 blockers are beneficial in treating angiotensin II-induced hypertensive and renal injury in part by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation.

SUMMARY

Angiotensin II induces the transcription of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, leading to target organ injury. These responses to angiotensin II are caused primarily by AT1 receptor-activated NF-kappaB signaling. Targeting NF-kappaB signaling with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, AT1 blockers, and specific NF-kappaB inhibitors may represent a novel approach in treating angiotensin II-induced hypertensive and renal diseases.

Notch and NFkappaB signaling pathways: Do they collaborate in normal vertebrate brain development and function?

Both Notch and NFkappaB signaling pathways are well-known for regulating proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Recent studies have presented several lines of evidence supporting an integration of the Notch and NFkappaB signaling pathways in differentiation/maturation of a diverse range of cell types. It is notable that Notch and NFkappaB signaling pathways share many common features: (i) both are activated by common stimuli such as TNF-alpha and hypoxia, (ii) activated Notch (NICD) and NFkappaB mediate transcription by regulating corepressors such as SMRT/N-COR, and (iii) both regulate similar target genes such as Hes-1 and IkappaBalpha. This review expands on how the collaboration between these pathways may play an important role in the CNS. We will speculate on the mechanisms by which Notch and NFkappaB signaling may collaborate to regulate stem cell renewal and differentiation during brain development and function.

Leukotriene D(4) induces AP-1 but not NFkappaB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells

We have previously shown that leukotriene D(4) (LTD(4)), a known pro-inflammatory mediator, induces increased survival and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. In this study we examined whether LTD(4) functions via activation of the transcription factors NFkappaB and AP-1, which are potent inducers of mitogenesis. We found that the NFkappaB inhibitory protein IkappaBalpha was not degraded upon LTD(4) stimulation. Furthermore, nuclear translocation of the classical p65 or alternative p52 subunits of NFkappaB was not observed. Accordingly, LTD(4) stimulation failed to induce NFkappaB transcriptional activity. Instead we found that LTD(4) induced phosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and transcriptional activity of AP-1, which could be reduced by a JNK inhibitor. Moreover, LTD(4) induced cell proliferation, and this effect was also blocked upon addition of a JNK inhibitor. Our findings show for the first time that JNK/AP-1 but not NFkappaB is a downstream target of LTD(4) in intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting that AP-1 is an important mediator of LTD(4)-induced mitogenic effects.

Anti-inflammatory interventions of NF-kappaB signaling: potential applications and risks

Signaling via NF-kappaB is a key process during inflammation and thus constitutes an attractive target for anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions. Especially during initial hyperinflammatory states of an acute illness such as sepsis or in the course of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases inhibition of IKK-driven NF-kappaB activation provides a promising treatment strategy. Given its critical role in innate and adaptive immune responses, however, there is a certain amount of risk due to induced immunodeficiency that may follow inhibitory treatment. Moreover, its primary anti-apoptotic function suggests that blockade of NF-kappaB activation has dramatic effects on cell functions and survival and eventually worsens the course of an inflammatory disease. An overview of canonical and alternative NF-kappaB activation and its critical role in immune responses will be provided. A main topic focuses on recent animal studies and data derived from genetic studies in humans that provide an insight into potential effects of different therapeutic modulations of NF-kappaB inflammatory signaling. The pros and cons of NF-kappaB inhibition and treatment strategies will be critically reviewed.

Signaling to NF-kappaB by Toll-like receptors

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against invading pathogens. A family of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) acts as primary sensors that detect a wide variety of microbial components and elicit innate immune responses. All TLR signaling pathways culminate in activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which controls the expression of an array of inflammatory cytokine genes. NF-kappaB activation requires the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory kappaB (IkappaB) proteins, which is triggered by two kinases, IkappaB kinase alpha (IKKalpha) and IKKbeta. In addition, several TLRs activate alternative pathways involving the IKK-related kinases TBK1 [TRAF family member-associated NF-kappaB activator (TANK) binding kinase-1] and IKKi, which elicit antiviral innate immune responses. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of the role of NF-kappaB in TLR signaling pathways and discuss potential implications for molecular medicine.

Nuclear factor-kappaB and the hepatic inflammation-fibrosis-cancer axis

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcriptional regulator of genes involved in immunity, inflammatory response, cell fate, and function. Recent attention has focused on the pathophysiological role of NF-kappaB in the diseased liver. In vivo studies using rodent models of liver disease and cell-targeted perturbation of NF-kappaB activity have revealed complex and multicellular functions in hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma - a process we have termed the "inflammation-fibrosis-cancer axis". This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and provides insight into the vast complexity of the hepatic NF-kappaB signaling system, which should provide a rich source of new therapeutic targets.

MALT1 directs B cell receptor-induced canonical nuclear factor-kappaB signaling selectively to the c-Rel subunit

NF-kappaB (Rel) transcription factors control physiological and pathological immune cell function. The scaffold proteins Bcl-10 and MALT1 couple antigen-receptor signals to the canonical NF-kappaB pathway and are pivotal in lymphomagenesis. Here we found that Bcl-10 and MALT1 differentially regulated B cell receptor-induced activation of RelA and c-Rel. Bcl-10 was essential for recruitment of the kinase IKK into lipid rafts for the activation of RelA and c-Rel, for blocking apoptosis and for inducing division after B cell receptor ligation. In contrast, MALT1 participated in survival signaling but was not involved in IKK recruitment or activation and was dispensable for RelA induction and proliferation. MALT1 selectively activated c-Rel to control a distinct subprogram. Our results provide mechanistic insights into B cell receptor-induced survival and proliferation signals and demonstrate the selective control of c-Rel in the canonical NF-kappaB pathway.

Coordinating TLR‐activated signaling pathways in cells of the immune system

Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling leads to the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathways. While the upstream signaling events initiated at the level of adaptors and the activation of the downstream signaling pathways have received a lot of attention, our understanding of how these signaling pathways are coordinated to regulate gene expression is poorly understood. This review gives a selective overview on our current understanding of signaling downstream of TLRs, with an emphasis on how the upstream kinases like the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (TAK1 and Tpl2) and inhibitor of kappa-B kinase (IKK) coordinate the signaling events that steer the course of an immune response.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Gene Expression in T Cells to Identify Targets of the NF-κB Transcription Factor c-Rel

It is well established that the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors serves a major role in controlling gene expression in response to T cell activation, but the genome-wide roles of individual family members remain to be determined. c-Rel, a member of the NF-kappaB family, appears to play a specific role in T cell function because T cells from c-Rel(-/-) animals are defective in their response to immune signals. We have used expression profiling to identify sets of genes that are affected by either deletion or overexpression of c-Rel in T cells. Very few of these genes exhibit a strong requirement for c-Rel; rather, c-Rel appears to modulate the expression of a large number of genes in these cells. The sets of c-Rel-affected genes are significantly enriched for genes containing consensus NF-kappaB/Rel sites in their proximal promoter regions. In addition, their promoters contain a higher average density of NF-kappaB/Rel sites compared with all genes represented on the microarrays. A transcriptional module comprised of two closely spaced c-Rel consensus sites is found with higher frequency in the c-Rel-affected gene sets and may represent an important control module for genes regulated by c-Rel or other NF-kappaB family members. We confirmed the importance of these findings on a subgroup of genes by using quantitative PCR to monitor gene expression as well as in vitro c-Rel/DNA binding assays and luciferase reporter assays. The c-Rel-regulated genes identified here support a role for c-Rel in inflammatory responses as well as in the promotion of cell growth and survival.

Applied information retrieval and multidisciplinary research: new mechanistic hypotheses in complex regional pain syndrome

Background

Collaborative efforts of physicians and basic scientists are often necessary in the investigation of complex disorders. Difficulties can arise, however, when large amounts of information need to reviewed. Advanced information retrieval can be beneficial in combining and reviewing data obtained from the various scientific fields. In this paper, a team of investigators with varying backgrounds has applied advanced information retrieval methods, in the form of text mining and entity relationship tools, to review the current literature, with the intention to generate new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying a complex disorder. As an example of such a disorder the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) was chosen. CRPS is a painful and debilitating syndrome with a complex etiology that is still unraveled for a considerable part, resulting in suboptimal diagnosis and treatment.

Results

A text mining based approach combined with a simple network analysis identified Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFκB) as a possible central mediator in both the initiation and progression of CRPS.

Conclusion

The result shows the added value of a multidisciplinary approach combined with information retrieval in hypothesis discovery in biomedical research. The new hypothesis, which was derived in silico, provides a framework for further mechanistic studies into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRPS and requires evaluation in clinical and epidemiological studies.

The transcriptional factor Osterix directly interacts with RNA helicase A

Osterix is an osteoblast-specific transcriptional factor, required for bone formation and osteoblast differentiation. Here, we identified new Osterix interacting factors by using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Among the candidates, RNA helicase A was identified to interact with Osterix. To determine the interaction of Osterix with RNA helicase A, immunoprecipitation assay was performed. Western analysis confirmed the association between Osterix and RNA helicase A. Immunocytochemical analysis also showed that Osterix and RNA helicase A were co-localized in HEK 293 cells. Our data suggest that RNA helicase A might be a component of Osterix regulation.

Introduction to NF-kappaB: players, pathways, perspectives

This article serves as an introduction to the collection of reviews on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). It provides an overview of the discovery and current status of NF-kappaB as a research topic. Described are the structures, activities and regulation of the proteins in the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors. NF-kappaB signaling is primarily regulated by inhibitor kappaB (IkappaB) proteins and the IkappaB kinase complex through two major pathways: the canonical and non-canonical NF-kappaB pathways. The organization and focus of articles included in the following reviews are described, as well as likely future areas of research interest on NF-kappaB.

Transcriptional regulation via the NF-kappaB signaling module

Stimulus-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity, the central mediator of inflammatory responses and immune function, comprises a family of dimeric transcription factors that regulate diverse gene expression programs consisting of hundreds of genes. A family of inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) proteins controls NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity and nuclear localization. IkappaB protein metabolism is intricately regulated through stimulus-induced degradation and feedback re-synthesis, which allows for dynamic control of NF-kappaB activity. This network of interactions has been termed the NF-kappaB signaling module. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular structures and biochemical mechanisms that determine NF-kappaB dimer formation and the signal-processing characteristics of the signaling module. We identify NF-kappaB-kappaB site interaction specificities and dynamic control of NF-kappaB activity as mechanisms that generate specificity in transcriptional regulation. We discuss examples of gene regulation that illustrate how these mechanisms may interface with other transcription regulators and promoter-associated events, and how these mechanisms suggest regulatory principles for NF-kappaB-mediated gene activation.

Introduction to NF-kappaB: players, pathways, perspectives

This article serves as an introduction to the collection of reviews on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). It provides an overview of the discovery and current status of NF-kappaB as a research topic. Described are the structures, activities and regulation of the proteins in the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors. NF-kappaB signaling is primarily regulated by inhibitor kappaB (IkappaB) proteins and the IkappaB kinase complex through two major pathways: the canonical and non-canonical NF-kappaB pathways. The organization and focus of articles included in the following reviews are described, as well as likely future areas of research interest on NF-kappaB.