Retroviral oncoprotein Tax induces processing of NF-kappaB2/p100 in T cells: evidence for the involvement of IKKalpha

Regulation of NF-κB2 p100 Processing by Its cis-Acting Domain

Processing of NF-kappa B2 precursor protein p100 to generate p52 is tightly regulated. However, this proteolytic event could be actively induced by the NF-kappa B-inducing kinase and the human T-cell leukemia virus-encoded oncoprotein Tax or be constitutively turned on due to the loss of the C-terminal portion of p100. Whereas NF-kappa B-inducing kinase-mediated p100 processing requires beta-transducin repeat-containing protein, constitutive processing of p100 is independent of this protein. On the other hand, Tax-induced processing of p100 appears to be both beta-transducin repeat-containing protein-dependent and -independent. We show here that, besides the C-terminal sequences, multiple functional regions, including the two alpha-helices, dimerization domain, nuclear localization sequence, and glycine-rich region, located in the N terminus of p100, also play important roles in both constitutive and inducible processing, suggesting a common mechanism for p100 processing. We further demonstrate that with the help of the C-terminal death domain and I kappa B kinase alpha-targeting serines, the C-terminal ankyrin-repeat domain of p100 strongly interacts with its N-terminal dimerization domain and nuclear localization sequence, thereby bringing the C- and N-terminal sequences together to form a three-dimensional domain. This presumptive domain is not only responsible for suppression of constitutive processing but also required for inducible processing of p100. Taken together, these studies highlight the mechanism by which the different sequences within p100 work in concert to regulate its processing and shed light on the mechanisms of how p100 processing is tightly and delicately controlled.

Tax-independent constitutive IkappaB kinase activation in adult T-cell leukemia cells

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is a fatal T-cell malignancy that arises long after infection with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). We reported previously that nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was constitutively activated in ATL cells, although expression of the viral proteins was barely detectable, including Tax, which was known to persistently activate NF-kappaB. Here we demonstrate that ATL cells that do not express detectable Tax protein exhibit constitutive IkappaB kinase (IKK) activity. Transfection studies revealed that a dominant-negative form of IKK1, and not of IKK2 or NF-kappaB essential modulator (NEMO), suppressed constitutive NF-kappaB activity in ATL cells. This IKK activity was accompanied by elevated expression of p52, suggesting that the recently described noncanonical pathway of NF-kappaB activation operates in ATL cells. We finally show that specific inhibition of NF-kappaB by a super-repressor form of IkappaBalpha (SR-IkappaBalpha) in HTLV-I-infected T cells results in cell death regardless of Tax expression, providing definitive evidence of an essential role for NF-kappaB in the survival of ATL cells. In conclusion, the IKK complex is constitutively activated in ATL cells through a cellular mechanism distinct from that of Tax-mediated IKK activation. Further elucidation of this cellular mechanism should contribute to establishing a rationale for treatment of ATL.

Functions of NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2 in immune cell biology

Two members of the NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB)/Rel transcription factor family, NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2, are produced as precursor proteins, NF-kappaB1 p105 and NF-kappaB2 p100 respectively. These are proteolytically processed by the proteasome to produce the mature transcription factors NF-kappaB1 p50 and NF-kappaB2 p52. p105 and p100 are known to function additionally as IkappaBs (inhibitors of NF-kappaB), which retain associated NF-kappaB subunits in the cytoplasm of unstimulated cells. The present review focuses on the latest advances in research on the function of NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaB2 in immune cells. NF-kappaB2 p100 processing has recently been shown to be stimulated by a subset of NF-kappaB inducers, including lymphotoxin-beta, B-cell activating factor and CD40 ligand, via a novel signalling pathway. This promotes the nuclear translocation of p52-containing NF-kappaB dimers, which regulate peripheral lymphoid organogenesis and B-lymphocyte differentiation. Increased p100 processing also contributes to the malignant phenotype of certain T- and B-cell lymphomas. NF-kappaB1 has a distinct function from NF-kappaB2, and is important in controlling lymphocyte and macrophage function in immune and inflammatory responses. In contrast with p100, p105 is constitutively processed to p50. However, after stimulation with agonists, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha and lipopolysaccharide, p105 is completely degraded by the proteasome. This releases associated p50, which translocates into the nucleus to modulate target gene expression. p105 degradation also liberates the p105-associated MAP kinase (mitogen-activated protein kinase) kinase kinase TPL-2 (tumour progression locus-2), which can then activate the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)/MAP kinase cascade. Thus, in addition to its role in NF-kappaB activation, p105 functions as a regulator of MAP kinase signalling.

Tax deregulation of NF-kappaB2 p100 processing involves both beta-TrCP-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Processing of the nf-kappab2 gene product p100 to generate p52 is a tightly regulated event, consistent with the fact that the processing product, p52, is hardly detected in most cell types, including T cells, although the precursor p100 is expressed abundantly in these cells. However, in T cells transformed by the human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I), p100 processing is very active, resulting in high level expression of p52. Because overproduction of p52 is associated with lymphoid hyperplasia and transformation, deregulation of p100 processing may be part of the oncogenic mechanism of HTLV-I. We demonstrated previously that HTLV-I Tax oncoprotein is a potent inducer of p100 processing through specific targeting of IKKalpha via IKKgamma to p100 to trigger p100 phosphorylation and ubiquitination. In this study, we further show that Tax-mediated recruitment of IKKalpha to p100 requires serines 866 and 870 of p100, shown to be essential for inducible processing of p100. Upon interaction with p100, activated IKKalpha phosphorylates both N- and C-terminal serines of p100 (serines 99, 108, 115, 123 and 872), serving as a critical step in Tax-induced p100 processing. Using a genetic approach, we find that beta-transducin repeat-containing protein, a component of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex, previously shown to be required for physiological p100 processing mediated by nuclear factor-kappaB-inducing kinase, is only partially involved in Tax-induced processing of p100. These results indicate that both beta-transducin repeat-containing protein-dependent and -independent mechanisms contribute to Tax-deregulated p100 processing, further suggesting the involvement of different mechanisms in cellular and viral pathways of p100 processing.

IkappaB kinase is an essential component of the Tpl2 signaling pathway

IkappaB kinase (IKK), a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses, is known as an effector kinase mediating activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Whether IKK also participates in other signaling events is not known. Here we show that IKK serves as an essential component of a signaling pathway that involves activation of the Tpl2 kinase and its downstream targets, MEK1 and ERK. Inhibition of IKKbeta in macrophages eliminates Tpl2 activation and ERK phosphorylation induced by lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Using IKK-deficient murine fibroblasts, we further demonstrate that IKKbeta, but not IKKalpha, is required for Tpl2 activation. Moreover, this novel function of IKKbeta appears to involve phosphorylation and degradation of the Tpl2 inhibitor NF-kappaB1/p105. These findings suggest that IKKbeta exerts its immune-regulatory functions by targeting different downstream signaling pathways.

Enhanced tumorigenesis in HTLV-1 tax-transgenic mice deficient in interferon-gamma

The oncoprotein Tax of human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) is the major mediator of viral pathogenesis in infected individuals. Expression of Tax under the regulation of the human granzyme B promoter in mice results in a lymphoproliferative disorder resembling adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Tax expression is associated with the production of high levels interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in HTLV-1-infected CD4(+) cells and Tax-transgenic tumors. We examined the role of IFN-gamma in tumorigenesis, by mating Tax-transgenic mice with a gene-specific knockout for IFN-gamma. IFN-gamma(-/-) Tax(+)-transgenic mice show accelerated tumor onset (median, 4 versus 6 months), dissemination (median, 5 versus 7 months), and death (median, 7 versus 10 months), compared with IFN-gamma(+/-) or IFN-gamma(+/+) Tax(+) mice. Pathologic and immunophenotypic characteristics of tumors from all genotypes are indistinguishable, except for enhanced interleukin 2 receptor-beta (IL-2Rbeta) and suppressed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on tumors from IFN-gamma(-/-) Tax(+) transgenic mice. IFN-gamma(-/-) tumors demonstrate enhanced CD31 (platelet-endothelial CAM-1 [PECAM-1]) staining compared with those from IFN-gamma(+/-) or IFN-gamma(+/+) Tax(+) mice. Angiogenesis-specific cDNA microarray analysis identified 4 mediators of angiogenic growth differentially expressed in tumors from Tax(+)IFN-gamma(-/-) mice compared with Tax(+)IFN-gamma(+/+) littermates. As confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loss of IFN-gamma results in down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) while up-regulating expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tenascin C. These results provide insight into a possible mechanism by which IFN-gamma contributes to host resistance against HTLV-induced tumors through an angiostatic effect.

Induction of p100 processing by NF-kappaB-inducing kinase involves docking IkappaB kinase alpha (IKKalpha) to p100 and IKKalpha-mediated phosphorylation

The processing of the nfkappab2 gene product p100 to generate p52 is a regulated event, which is important for the instrumental function of NF-kappaB. We previously demonstrated that this tightly controlled event is regulated positively by NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) and its downstream kinase, IkappaB kinase alpha (IKKalpha). However, the precise mechanisms by which NIK and IKKalpha induce p100 processing remain unclear. Here, we show that, besides activating IKKalpha, NIK also serves as a docking molecule recruiting IKKalpha to p100. This novel function of NIK requires two specific amino acid residues, serine 866 and serine 870, of p100 that are known to be essential for inducible processing of p100. We also show that, after being recruited into p100 complex, activated IKKalpha phosphorylates specific serines located in both N- and C-terminal regions of p100 (serines 99, 108, 115, 123, and 872). The phosphorylation of these specific serines is the prerequisite for ubiquitination and subsequent processing of p100 mediated by the beta-TrCP ubiquitin ligase and 26 S proteasome, respectively. These results highlight the critical but different roles of NIK and IKKalpha in regulating p100 processing and shed light on the mechanisms mediating the tight control of p100 processing. These data also provide the first evidence for explaining why overexpression of IKKalpha or its activation by many other stimuli such as tumor necrosis factor and mitogens fails to induce p100 processing.

Regulation of the NF-kappaB-inducing kinase by tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3-induced degradation

The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors plays a pivotal role in regulation of diverse biological processes, including immune responses, cell growth, and apoptosis. Activation of NF-kappaB is mediated by both canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways. Although the canonical pathway has been extensively studied, the mechanism mediating the noncanonical pathway is still poorly understood. Recent studies have identified the NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) as a key component of the noncanonical pathway of NF-kappaB activation; however, how the signaling function of NIK is regulated remains unknown. We report here that one important mechanism of NIK regulation is through its dynamic interaction with the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3). TRAF3 physically associates with NIK via a specific sequence motif located in the N-terminal region of NIK; this molecular interaction appears to target NIK for degradation by the proteasome. Interestingly, induction of noncanonical NF-kappaB signaling by extracellular signals involves degradation of TRAF3 and the concomitant enhancement of NIK expression. These results suggest that induction of noncanonical NF-kappaB signaling may involve the rescue of NIK from TRAF3-mediated negative regulation.

Activation of alternative NF-kappa B pathway by human herpes virus 8-encoded Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1 beta-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (vFLIP)

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, also called human herpesvirus 8) has been linked to KS and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) in immunocompromised individuals. We report that PEL cell lines have constitutive active alternative NF-kappa B pathway and demonstrate high-level expression of NF-kappa B2/p100 precursor and its processed subunit p52. To elucidate the mechanism of activation of the alternative NF-kappa B pathway in PEL cells, we have investigated the role of KSHV-encoded viral Fas-associated death domain-like IL- beta 1-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (vFLIP) K13. We demonstrate that stable expression of K13, but not other FLIPs, in a variety of cell lines constitutively up-regulates p100/NF-kappa B2 expression and leads to its processing into the p52 subunit. K13-induced up-regulation and processing of p100 critically depends on the I kappa B kinase (IKK)alpha/IKK1 subunit of the IKK complex, whereas IKK beta/IKK2, receptor-interacting protein, and NF-kappa B-inducing kinase are dispensable for this process. Silencing of endogenous K13 expression by siRNA inhibits p100 processing and cellular proliferation. Our results demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that KSHV vFLIP K13 is required for the growth and proliferation of PEL cells and alternative NF-kappa B pathway plays a key role in this process. Therapeutic agents targeting the alternative NF-kappa B pathway may have a role in the treatment of KSHV-associated lymphomas.

NF-kappaB-dependent induction of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Fas/FasL is crucial for efficient influenza virus propagation

Activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB is a hallmark of infections by viral pathogens including influenza viruses. Because gene expression of many proinflammatory and antiviral cytokines is controlled by this factor, the concept emerged that NF-kappaB and its upstream regulator IkappaB kinase are essential components of the innate antiviral immune response to infectious pathogens. In contrast to this common view we report here that NF-kappaB activity promotes efficient influenza virus production. On a molecular level this is due to NF-kappaB-dependent viral induction of the proapoptotic factors tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and FasL, which enhance virus propagation in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. Thus, NF-kappaB acts both proapoptotically and provirally in the context of an influenza virus infection.

Effects of the proteasome inhibitor PS-341 on tumor growth in HTLV-1 Tax transgenic mice and Tax tumor transplants

Recent studies have shown that the transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) regulates critical survival pathways in a variety of cancers, including human T-cell leukemia/lymphotrophic virus 1 (HTLV-1)-transformed CD4 T cells. The activation of NF-kappaB is controlled by proteasome-mediated degradation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha). We investigated the effects of PS-341, a peptide boronate inhibitor of the proteasome in HTLV-1 Tax transgenic tumors in vitro and in vivo. In Tax transgenic mice, PS-341 administered thrice weekly inhibited tumor-associated NF-kappaB activity. Quantitation of proliferation, apoptosis, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-10 secretion by tumor cells in culture revealed that the effects of PS-341 on cell growth largely correlated with inhibition of pathways mediated by NF-kappaB. However, the effect of PS-341 on the growth of tumors in Tax transgenic mice revealed heterogeneity in drug responsiveness. The tumor tissues treated with PS-341 show no consistent inhibition of NFkappaB activation in vivo. Annexin V staining indicated that PS-341 response in vivo correlated with sensitivity to apoptosis induced by gamma irradiation. On the other hand, transplanted Tax tumors in Rag-1 mice showed consistent inhibition of tumor growth and prolonged survival in response to the same drug regimen. TUNEL staining indicated that PS-341 treatment sensitizes Tax tumors to DNA fragmentation.

Analogies between Drosophila and mammalian TRAF pathways

A central event in innate immunity is the activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway and up-regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent defense genes. Attack of mammals as well as of insects by microorganisms leads, among other things, to the activation of receptors of the Toll-like receptor group. Various adaptor proteins involving members of the TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family channel these receptor-generated signals to conserved intracellular kinase cascades that finally lead to the activation of NF-kappaB and JNK. In vertebrates, TRAF proteins link these pathways also to IL-1R-related molecules and members of the TNF receptor superfamily, which orchestrate a variety of immunoregulatory processes of the innate but also of the adaptive immune system. In this review, we will focus on the similarities but also the differences in TRAF-dependent signaling pathways of mammals and insects.

CD28 delivers a unique signal leading to the selective recruitment of RelA and p52 NF-kappaB subunits on IL-8 and Bcl-xL gene promoters

CD28 is one of the most important costimulatory receptors necessary for full T lymphocyte activation. The CD28 receptor can enhance T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signals, as well as deliver independent signals. Indeed, CD28 engagement by B7 can generate TCR-independent signals leading to IkappaB kinase and NF-kappaB activation. Here we demonstrate that the TCR-independent CD28 signal leads to the selective transcription of survival (Bcl-xL) and inflammatory (IL-8 and B cell activation factor, but not proliferative (IL-2), genes, in a NF-kappaB-dependent manner. CD28-stimulated T cells actively secrete IL-8, and Bcl-xL up-regulation protects T cells from radiation-induced apoptosis. The transcription of CD28-induced genes is mediated by the specific recruitment of RelA and p52 NF-kappaB subunits to target promoters. In contrast, p50 and c-Rel, which preferentially bind NF-kappaB sites on the IL-2 gene promoter after anti-CD3 stimulation, are not involved. Thus, we identify CD28 as a key regulator of genes important for both survival and inflammation.

Interaction between C/EBPbeta and Tax down-regulates human T-cell leukemia virus type I transcription

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein trans-activates viral transcription through three imperfect tandem repeats of a 21-bp sequence called Tax-responsive element (TxRE). Tax regulates transcription via direct interaction with some members of the activating transcription factor/CRE-binding protein (ATF/CREB) family including CREM, CREB, and CREB-2. By interacting with their ZIP domain, Tax stimulates the binding of these cellular factors to the CRE-like sequence present in the TxREs. Recent observations have shown that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) forms stable complexes on the CRE site in the presence of CREB-2. Given that C/EBPbeta has also been found to interact with Tax, we analyzed the effects of C/EBPbeta on viral Tax-dependent transcription. We show here that C/EBPbeta represses viral transcription and that Tax is no more able to form a stable complex with CREB-2 on the TxRE site in the presence of C/EBPbeta. We also analyzed the physical interactions between Tax and C/EBPbeta and found that the central region of C/EBPbeta, excluding its ZIP domain, is required for direct interaction with Tax. It is the first time that Tax is described to interact with a basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) factor without recognizing its ZIP domain. Although unexpected, this result explains why C/EBPbeta would be unable to form a stable complex with Tax on the TxRE site and could then down-regulate viral transcription. Lastly, we found that C/EBPbeta was able to inhibit Tax expression in vivo from an infectious HTLV-I molecular clone. In conclusion, we propose that during cell activation events, which stimulate the Tax synthesis, C/EBPbeta may down-regulate the level of HTLV-I expression to escape the cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte response.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 tax induction of biologically Active NF-kappaB requires IkappaB kinase-1-mediated phosphorylation of RelA/p65

Activation of the NF-kappaB/Rel family of transcription factors proceeds through a catalytic complex containing IkappaB kinase (IKK)-1 and IKK2. Targeted disruption of each of the IKK genes suggests that these two kinases may mediate distinct functions in the activation pathway. In our studies of the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax oncoprotein, we have uncovered a new function of IKK1 required for complete activation of the NF-kappaB transcriptional program. In IKK1(-/-) murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), Tax normally induced early NF-kappaB activation events. However, NF-kappaB induced by Tax in these IKK1(-/-) cells was functionally impaired. In IKK1(-/-) (but not wild-type) MEFs, Tax failed to activate several different kappaB reporter constructs or to induce the endogenous IkappaBalpha gene. In contrast, Tax normally activated the cAMP-responsive element-binding protein/activating transcription factor pathway, leading to full stimulation of an HTLV-1 long terminal repeat reporter construct in IKK1(-/-) cells. Furthermore, reconstitution of IKK1(-/-) cells with kinase-proficient (but not kinase-deficient) forms of IKK1 restored the Tax induction of full NF-kappaB transactivation. We further found that the defect in NF-kappaB action in IKK1(-/-) cells correlated with a failure of Tax to induce phosphorylation of the RelA/p65 subunit of NF-kappaB at Ser(529) and Ser(536). Such phosphorylation of RelA/p65 was readily detected in wild-type MEFs. Phosphorylation of Ser(536) was required for a complete response to Tax expression, whereas phosphorylation of Ser(529) appeared to be less critical. Together, these findings highlight distinct roles for the IKK1 and IKK2 kinases in the activation of NF-kappaB in response to HTLV-1 Tax. IKK2 plays a dominant role in signaling for IkappaBalpha degradation, whereas IKK1 appears to play an important role in enhancing the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB by promoting RelA/p65 phosphorylation.

IκB kinases: key regulators of the NF-κB pathway

The nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB pathway is important for the expression of a wide variety of genes that are involved in the control of the host immune and inflammatory response, and in the regulation of cellular proliferation and survival. The constitutive activation of this pathway is associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, in addition to atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and diabetes. One of the key steps in activating the NF-kappaB pathway is the stimulation of the IkappaB (inhibitor of kappaB) kinases. Recent data indicate that these kinases activate the NF-kappaB pathway through distinct steps that are operative in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. A better understanding of the mechanisms that activate this pathway provides the potential for defining new therapeutic targets that might prevent the aberrant activation of NF-kappaB in a variety of human diseases.

TRAIL and NFkappaB signaling--a complex relationship

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or Apo2L is a ligand of the TNF family interacting with five different receptors of the TNF receptor superfamily, including two death receptors. It has attracted wide interest as a potential anticancer therapy because some recombinant soluble forms of TRAIL induce cell death predominantly in transformed cells. The nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB)?Rel family of proteins are composed of a group of dimeric transcription factors that have an outstanding role in the regulation of inflammation and immunity. Control of transcription by NFkappaB proteins can be of relevance to the function of TRAIL in three ways. First, induction of antiapoptotic NFkappaB dependent genes critically determines cellular susceptibility toward apoptosis induction by TRAIL-R1, TRAIL-R2, and other death receptors. Each of the multiple of known NFkappaB inducers therefore has the potential to interfere with TRAIL-induced cell death. Second, TRAIL and some of its receptors are inducible by NFkappaB, disclosing the possibility of autoamplifying TRAIL signaling loops. Third, the TRAIL death receptors can activate the NFkappaB pathway. This chapter summarizes basic knowledge regarding the understanding of the NFkappaB pathway and focuses on its multiple roles in TRAIL signaling.

Epstein-Barr virus-encoded latent infection membrane protein 1 regulates the processing of p100 NF-kappaB2 to p52 via an IKKgamma/NEMO-independent signalling pathway

The oncogenic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1) constitutively activates the 'canonical' NF-kappaB pathway that involves the phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha downstream of the IkappaB kinases (IKKs). In this study, we show that LMP1 also promotes the proteasome-mediated proteolysis of p100 NF-kappaB2 resulting in the generation of active p52, which translocates to the nucleus in complex with the p65 and RelB NF-kappaB subunits. LMP1-induced NF-kappaB transactivation is reduced in nf-kb2(-/-) mouse embryo fibroblasts, suggesting that p100 processing contributes to LMP1-mediated NF-kappaB transcriptional effects. This pathway is likely to operate in vivo, as the expression of LMP1 in primary EBV-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma biopsies correlates with the nuclear accumulation of p52. Interestingly, while the ability of LMP1 to activate the canonical NF-kappaB pathway is impaired in cells lacking IKKgamma/NEMO, the regulatory subunit of the IKK complex, p100 processing remains unaffected. As a result, nuclear translocation of p52, but not p65, occurs in the absence of IKKgamma. These data point to the existence of a novel signalling pathway that regulates NF-kappaB in LMP1-expressing cells, and may thereby play a role in both oncogenic transformation and the establishment of persistent EBV infection.

Latent Membrane Protein 1 of Epstein-Barr Virus Stimulates Processing of NF-κB2 p100 to p52

Recent studies have identified a limited number of cellular receptors that can stimulate an alternative NF-kappa B activation pathway that depends upon the inducible processing of NF-kappa B2 p100 to p52. Here it is shown that the latent membrane protein (LMP)-1 of Epstein-Barr virus can trigger this signaling pathway in both B cells and epithelial cells. LMP1-induced p100 processing, which is mediated by the proteasome and is dependent upon de novo protein synthesis, results in the nuclear translocation of p52.RelB dimers. Previous studies have established that LMP1 also stimulates the canonical NF-kappa B-signaling pathway that triggers phosphorylation and degradation of I kappa B alpha. Interestingly, LMP1 activation of these two NF-kappa B pathways is shown here to require distinct regions of the LMP1 C-terminal cytoplasmic tail. Thus, C-terminal-activating region 1 is required for maximal triggering of p100 processing but is largely dispensable for stimulation of I kappa B alpha phosphorylation. In contrast, C-terminal-activating region 2 is critical for maximal LMP1 triggering of I kappa B alpha phosphorylation and up-regulation of p100 levels but does not contribute to activation of p100 processing. Because p100 deletion mutants that constitutively produce p52 oncogenically transform fibroblasts in vitro, it is likely that stimulation of p100 processing by LMP1 will play an important role in its transforming function.

Two carboxyl-terminal activation regions of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 activate NF-kappaB through distinct signaling pathways in fibroblast cell lines

Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an Epstein-Barr virus transforming protein, is able to activate NF-kappaB through its carboxyl-terminal activation region 1 (CTAR1) and 2 (CTAR2), but the exact role of each domain is not fully understood. Here we show that LMP1 activates NF-kappaB in different NF-kappaB essential modulator (NEMO)-defective cell lines, but not in cells lacking both IkappaB kinase 1 (IKK1) and 2 (IKK2). Mutational studies reveal that CTAR1, but not CTAR2, mediates NEMO-independent NF-kappaB activation and that this process largely depends on IKK1. Retroviral expression of LMP1 mutants in cells lacking either functional NF-kappaB inducing kinase (NIK), NEMO, IKK1, or IKK2 further illustrates distinct signals from the two activation regions of LMP1 for persistent NF-kappaB activation. One originates in CTAR2, operates through the canonical NEMO-dependent pathway, and induces NFKB2 p100 production; the second signal originates in CTAR1, utilizes NIK and IKK1, and induces the processing of p100. Our results thus help clarify how two functional domains of LMP1 persistently activate NF-kappaB through distinct signaling pathways.

Colon cancer: prevalence, screening, gene expression and mutation, and risk factors and assessment

Colon cancer detection at an early stage and identifying susceptible individuals can result in reduced mortality from this prevalent cancer. Genetic events leading to the development of this cancer involve a multistage progression of adenoma polyps to invasive metastatic carcinomas. Currently, there is no satisfactory screening method that is highly specific, sensitive, or reliable. Dietary patterns associated with the greatest increase in colon cancer risk are the ones that typify a diet rich in fat and calories, and low in vegetable, fruits, and fibers. Genetic susceptibility to environmental carcinogenesis must be factored into the risk assessment for this cancer. Many genes have been shown to be associated with increased expression and mutations in colorectal cancer patients. These genes have been reviewed; it is hoped that by carefully selecting a number of them, a molecular approach that is suitable for arriving at a tumorigenic expression index is developed, which will reliably detect this cancer at an early stage (i.e., before it metastasizes), especially in exfoliated samples (e.g., stool and blood), so that appropriate intervention strategies can be implemented. Illustrated herein is the utility of employing real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to quantitatively measure gene expression, and develop an index that is specific for this cancer, which if perfected may result in a reliable and sensitive screening technique for colorectal cancer detection.

The HBZ factor of human T-cell leukemia virus type I dimerizes with transcription factors JunB and c-Jun and modulates their transcriptional activity

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-encoded Tax protein activates transcription from the viral promoter via association with the cellular basic leucine zipper factor cAMP-response element-binding protein-2. Tax is also able to induce cellular transformation of T lymphocytes probably by modulating transcriptional activity of cellular factors, including nuclear factor-kappaB, E2F, activator protein-1 (AP-1), and p53. Recently, we characterized in HTLV-I-infected cells the presence of a novel viral protein, HBZ, encoded by the complementary strand of the HTLV-I RNA genome (Gaudray, G., Gachon, F., Basbous, J., Biard-Piechaczyk, M., Devaux, C., and Mesnard, J.-M. (2002) J. Virol. 76, 12813-12822). HBZ is a nuclear basic leucine zipper protein that down-regulates Tax-dependent viral transcription by inhibiting the binding of cAMP-response element-binding protein-2 to the HTLV-I promoter. In searching for other cellular targets of HBZ, we identified two members of the Jun family, JunB and c-Jun. Co-immunoprecipitation and cellular colocalization confirmed that HBZ interacts in vivo with JunB and c-Jun. When transiently introduced into CEM cells with a reporter gene containing the AP-1 site from the collagenase promoter, HBZ suppressed transactivation by c-Jun. On the other hand, the combination of HBZ with Jun-B had higher transcriptional activity than JunB alone. Consistent with the structure of its basic domain, we demonstrate that HBZ decreases the DNA-binding activity of c-Jun and JunB. Last, we show that c-Jun is no longer capable of activating the basal expression of the HTLV-I promoter in the presence of HBZ in vivo. Our results support the hypothesis that HBZ could be a negative modulator of the Tax effect by controlling Tax expression at the transcriptional level and by attenuating activation of AP-1 by Tax.

Oncogenes, tumor suppressors and p52 NF-κB

A role for the p52 NF-kappaB subunit in tumorigenesis has been steadily emerging since its discovery as a gene associated with chromosomal translocations in B- and T-cell lymphomas. Now Eliopoulos and co-workers have extended these studies to examine the effect of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1) on p52. They find that LMP1 stimulates the processing of p100 to p52 NF-kappaB. Moreover, nuclear p52 is also associated with LMP1 expression in tumor tissue biopsies. They also demonstrate that the pathway leading to p100/p52 processing is distinct from that engaged by LMP1 to activate other NF-kappaB subunits through IkappaBalpha degradation. A clearer picture is now developing of the important role that p52 NF-kappaB plays during normal cell growth and how subverting its function can contribute to oncogenesis.

Molecular genetic analysis of human herpes virus 8-encoded viral FLICE inhibitory protein-induced NF-kappaB activation

The human herpes virus 8 (HHV8)-encoded viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP), also known as K13, is known to activate the NF-kappaB pathway, a property not shared by other vFLIPs. Previous studies have demonstrated that HHV8 vFLIP K13 interacts with several cellular signaling proteins involved in NF-kappaB activation, such as receptor-interacting protein, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, IkappaB kinase (IKK) 1, IKK2, and NF-kappaB essential modulator (NEMO). In this report we have used cell lines deficient in the above proteins to investigate the mechanism of NF-kappaB activation via HHV8 vFLIP K13. We demonstrate that receptor-interacting protein and NF-kappaB-inducing kinase are dispensable for vFLIP K13-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding and transcriptional activation. On the other hand, vFLIP K13-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding activity is significantly reduced, although not absent, in cells deficient in IKK1, IKK2, and NEMO. Furthermore, vFLIP K13-induced NF-kappaB transcriptional activity is only weakly present in IKK1-deficient cells and almost completely absent in those deficient in IKK2 and NEMO. HHV8 vFLIP K13-induced NF-kappaB activation in IKK1- and IKK2-deficient fibroblasts could be rescued by wild type but not by the kinase-inactive mutants of IKK1 and IKK2, respectively. Consistent with the above results, vFLIP K13-induced NF-kappaB activation could be effectively blocked by chemical inhibitors of the kinase activity of IKK1 and IKK2. Thus, a cooperative interaction of all three subunits of the IKK complex is required for maximal NF-kappaB activation via HHV8 vFLIP K13. Selective inhibitors of the IKK1 kinase activity may have a role in the treatment of disorders caused by abnormal NF-kappaB activation by HHV8 vFLIP K13.

TWEAK induces NF-kappaB2 p100 processing and long lasting NF-kappaB activation

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of the TNF superfamily that has been shown to induce angiogenesis, apoptosis in tumor cells, and NF-kappaB activation through binding to its receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14. We have identified TWEAK as an inducer of constitutive NF-kappaB activation by expression cloning, and we report here sequential regulation by TWEAK of two separate signaling cascades for NF-kappaB activation, the NF-kappaB essential modulator-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Upon TWEAK stimulation, IkappaBalpha is rapidly phosphorylated, generating NF-kappaB DNA-binding complexes containing p50 and RelA in a manner dependent on the canonical IkappaB kinase complex. Unlike TNF-alpha, TWEAK stimulation results in prolonged NF-kappaB activation with a transition of the DNA-binding NF-kappaB components from RelA- to RelB-containing complexes by 8 h, and the latter remained active in binding at least until 24 h post-stimulation. This long lasting activation is accompanied by the proteasome-mediated processing of NF-kappaB2/p100, which does not depend on the NF-kappaB essential modulator but requires IkappaB kinase 1 and functional NF-kappaB-inducing kinase activity. Finally, we show that fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 with a mutation at its TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)-binding site cannot activate NF-kappaB and that TWEAK fails to induce the p100 processing and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation in cells deficient for TRAF2 and TRAF5. Our results thus identify TWEAK as a novel physiological regulator of the non-canonical pathway for NF-kappaB activation.

KSHV vFLIP binds to IKK-gamma to activate IKK

When expressed in heterologous cells, the viral FLIP protein (vFLIP) of Kaposi's-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been reported both to block Fas-mediated apoptosis and to activate the NF-kappaB activation pathway by interaction with IkappaB kinase (IKK). In a yeast-two-hybrid screen, we identified IKKgamma as an interacting partner of vFLIP. We expressed fragments of IKKgamma in mammalian cells and bacteria, and identified the central CCR3/4 (amino acids 150-272) as the vFLIP binding region. To investigate the proteins interacting with vFLIP in a KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell line, we immunoprecipitated vFLIP and identified four associated proteins by mass spectrometry: IKK components IKKalpha, beta and gamma, and the chaperone, Hsp90. Using gel filtration chromatography, we demonstrated that a single population of vFLIP in the cytoplasm of PEL cells co-eluted and co-precipitated with an activated IKK complex. An inhibitor of Hsp90, geldanamycin, inhibited IKK's kinase activity induced by vFLIP and killed PEL cells, suggesting that vFLIP activation of IKK contributes to PEL cell survival.

Identification and characterization of p100HB, a new mutant form of p100/NF-kappa B2

P100, which is encoded by NF-kappa B2, inhibits Rel dimers. It can also be processed into p52, one of the DNA binding sub-units of NF-kappa B/Rel factors. Several p100 C-terminal truncations that result from gene rearrangements are associated with lymphomagenesis. Here, we characterized a new p100 mutant that we termed p100HB. It originates from a point-mutation that generates a premature stop-codon, and thus the protein lacks the last 125 amino acids. We have detected p100HB in several human tumor cell lines. The truncated protein is mainly unprocessed, and although it still binds Rel dimers, it has reduced inhibitory potency compared to p100 and translocates into the nucleus. Thus, p100HB may be associated with deregulated NF-kappa B/Rel functions.

NF-kappaB and virus infection: who controls whom

Among the different definitions of viruses, 'pirates of the cell' is one of the most picturesque, but also one of the most appropriate. Viruses have been known for a long time to utilize a variety of strategies to penetrate cells and, once inside, to take over the host nucleic acid and protein synthesis machinery to build up their own components and produce large amounts of viral progeny. As their genomes carry a minimal amount of information, encoding only a few structural and regulatory proteins, viruses are largely dependent on their hosts for survival; however, despite their apparent simplicity, viruses have evolved different replicative strategies that are regulated in a sophisticated manner. During the last years, the study of the elaborate relationship between viruses and their hosts has led to the understanding of how viral pathogens not only are able to alter the host metabolism via their signaling proteins, but are also able to hijack cellular signaling pathways and transcription factors, and control them to their own advantage. In particular, the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway appears to be an attractive target for common human viral pathogens. This review summarizes what is known about the control of NF-kappaB by viruses, and discusses the possible outcome of NF-kappaB activation during viral infection, which may benefit either the host or the pathogen.

RelB forms transcriptionally inactive complexes with RelA/p65

RelB is an unusual member of the NF-kappaB transcription factor family that acts as both a transcriptional activator as well as a repressor of NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression. Although RelB promotes gene expression when it associates with p50/NF-kappaB1 or p52/NF-kappaB2, the precise molecular mechanisms through which it represses NF-kappaB remain unclear. To examine this inhibitory function in more detail, we employed reporter gene assays and found that RelB represses at the level of RelA. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift analysis revealed that in vitro translated RelB impaired the DNA binding activity of RelA and that overexpressed RelB significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced RelA activity in murine embryonic fibroblasts. Intriguingly, this inhibitory effect was due to the formation of RelA.RelB heterodimers that were unable to bind to kappaB sites in vitro strongly suggesting that these newly described NF-kappaB dimers cannot bind DNA. Expression pattern analysis revealed that RelA.RelB heterodimers appeared at relatively low levels in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells. However, the presence of these complexes increased following stimulation with phorbolesters or lipopolysaccharide or by overexpression of constitutively active IKKbeta. Functional characterization of RelA.RelB heterodimers in NIH3T3 murine embryonic fibroblasts revealed that they are not regulated by IkappaB proteins and are located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that sequestration of RelA in transcriptionally inactive RelA.RelB complexes provides a molecular mechanism that may explain the repressive role of RelB on NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression.

Notch3, another Notch in T cell development

Different members of the Notch family have been described to play a critical role in T cell lineage commitment and T cell development and functions. Nevertheless, whether they act as redundant molecules, by affecting the same molecular mechanisms, or play distinct roles in T cell differentiation and/or functions is not clear. Altered Notch3 signaling impairs the developmentally regulated interplay between pre-TCR and NF-kappaB signaling and allows the disruption of early thymocyte differentiation and the development of T cell leukemia, thus identifying the crucial role of Notch3 receptor in the coordination of T cell differentiation and growth control.

Vav-1 and the IKK alpha subunit of I kappa B kinase functionally associate to induce NF-kappa B activation in response to CD28 engagement

We have recently observed that CD28 engagement initiates a signaling pathway leading to the activation of I kappa B kinase (IKK) complex and, consequently, to NF-kappa B activation, and we identified Vav-1 as an important mediator of this function. Here we report for the first time that Vav-1 constitutively associates with IKK alpha in both Jurkat and primary CD4(+) T cells. Vav-1/IKK alpha association is mediated by their helix-loop-helix domains, does not involve IKK beta, and is functionally relevant in that Vav-1-associated IKK alpha kinase activity is increased following CD28 engagement by B7. Moreover, we demonstrate that CD28-induced NF-kappa B activation is augmented by both IKK alpha and Vav-1, but not IKK beta. Confocal microscopy showed that endogenous Vav-1 and IKK alpha, but not IKK beta, were recruited to the membrane and colocalized in response to CD28 stimulation. Taken together, these data evidence that Vav-1 plays a key role in the control of NF-kappa B pathway by targeting IKK alpha in the T cell membrane and favoring its activation in response to CD28 stimulation.

NF-kappaB1/p105 regulates lipopolysaccharide-stimulated MAP kinase signaling by governing the stability and function of the Tpl2 kinase

NF-kappaB family of transcription factors plays a pivotal role in regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. NF-kappaB is known to function by binding to the kappaB enhancer and directly activating target gene transcription. Here we demonstrate another function of NF-kappaB, in which the nfkappab1 gene product p105 regulates MAP kinase signaling triggered by the bacterial component lipopolysaccharide. p105 exerts this signaling function by controlling the stability and function of an upstream kinase, Tpl2. In macrophages, Tpl2 forms a stable and inactive complex with p105, and activation of Tpl2 involves its dissociation from p105 and subsequent degradation. Thus, p105 functions as a physiological partner and inhibitor of Tpl2, which provides an example of how a transcription factor component regulates upstream signaling events.

Lymphotoxin and lipopolysaccharide induce NF-kappaB-p52 generation by a co-translational mechanism

The 'classical' NF-kappaB activation pathway proceeds via IkappaB kinase (IKK)-beta/gamma-mediated phosphorylation, induced ubiquitination and the degradation of small IkappaBs. An alternative, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase and IKK-alpha-dependent pathway, which stimulates the processing of NF-kappaB2/p100, has recently been suggested. However, no physiological stimulus has been shown to trigger the activation of this pathway. Here we demonstrate that persistent stimulation with lymphotoxin beta (LT-beta) receptor agonists or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not with interleukin-1beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, induces the generation of p52 DNA-binding complexes by activating the processing of the p100 precursor. Induction of p52 DNA-binding activity is delayed in comparison with p50/p65 complexes and depends on de novo protein synthesis. p100 is constitutively and inducibly polyubiquitinated, and both ubiquitination and p52 generation are coupled to continuing p100 translation. Thus, both LT-beta receptor agonists and LPS induce NF-kappaB/p100 processing to p52 at the level of the ribosome.

Tumor necrosis factor signaling

A single mouse click on the topic tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in PubMed reveals about 50,000 articles providing one or the other information about this pleiotropic cytokine or its relatives. This demonstrates the enormous scientific and clinical interest in elucidating the biology of a molecule (or rather a large family of molecules), which began now almost 30 years ago with the description of a cytokine able to exert antitumoral effects in mouse models. Although our understanding of the multiple functions of TNF in vivo and of the respective underlying mechanisms at a cellular and molecular level has made enormous progress since then, new aspects are steadily uncovered and it appears that still much needs to be learned before we can conclude that we have a full comprehension of TNF biology. This review shortly covers some general aspects of this fascinating molecule and then concentrates on the molecular mechanisms of TNF signal transduction. In particular, the multiple facets of crosstalk between the various signalling pathways engaged by TNF will be addressed.

Lymphotoxin-beta receptor mediates NEMO-independent NF-kappaB activation

Lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTbetaR) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily that activates nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) through the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex, the core of which is comprised of IKK1, IKK2 and NF-kappaB essential modulator (NEMO). We demonstrate here that the LTbetaR signaling to NF-kappaB activation does not necessarily require NEMO, which is essential for TNFR signaling. In the absence of NEMO, the p50 and RelB, but not RelA subunits of NF-kappaB are found in the nuclear DNA binding complexes induced by the LTbetaR signaling. Our results thus disclose NEMO-independent NF-kappaB activation by LTbetaR.

NF-kappaB signaling. Many roads lead to madrid

The involvement of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in a plethora of cellular activities has made it one of the most studied proteins. The emerging understanding of new roles for NF-kappaB and complexities of the regulation of its function was the focus of a recent Juan March workshop held recently in Madrid, Spain.

S9, a 19 S proteasome subunit interacting with ubiquitinated NF-kappaB2/p100

Proteasome-mediated processing of the nfkappab2 gene product p100 is a regulated event that generates the NF-kappaB subunit p52. This event can be induced through p100 phosphorylation by a signaling pathway involving the nuclear factor-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK). The C-terminal region of p100, which contains its phosphorylation site and a death domain, plays a pivotal role in regulating the processing of p100. To understand the biochemical mechanism of p100 processing, we searched for cellular factors interacting with the C-terminal regulatory region of p100 using the yeast two-hybrid system. This led to the identification of S9, a non-ATPase subunit of the 19 S proteasome with no known functions. Interestingly, the S9/p100 interaction could be induced by NIK but not by a catalytically inactive NIK mutant. This inducible molecular interaction required p100 ubiquitination and was dependent on the intact death domain. We further demonstrated that the death domain is essential for NIK-induced post-translational processing of p100, thus providing a functional link between the S9 binding and the processing of p100. Finally, we provide genetic evidence for the essential role of S9 in the inducible processing of p100.

CD40 regulates the processing of NF-kappaB2 p100 to p52

The nf-kb2 gene encodes the cytoplasmic NF-kappaB inhibitory protein p100 from which the active p52 NF-kappaB subunit is derived by proteasome-mediated proteolysis. Ligands which stimulate p100 processing to p52 have not been defined. Here, ligation of CD40 on transfected 293 cells is shown to trigger p52 production by stimulating p100 ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasome-mediated proteolysis. CD40-mediated p52 accumulation is dependent on de novo protein synthesis and triggers p52 translocation into the nucleus to generate active NF-kappaB dimers. Endogenous CD40 ligation on primary murine splenic B cells also stimulates p100 processing, which results in the delayed nuclear translocation of p52-RelB dimers. In both 293 cells and primary splenic B cells, the ability of CD40 to trigger p100 processing requires functional NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK). In contrast, NIK activity is not required for CD40 to stimulate the degradation of IkappaBalpha in either cell type. The regulation of p100 processing by CD40 is likely to be important for the transcriptional regulation of CD40 target genes in adaptive immune responses.

Association of the adaptor TANK with the I kappa B kinase (IKK) regulator NEMO connects IKK complexes with IKK epsilon and TBK1 kinases

Canonical activation of NF-kappa B is mediated via phosphorylation of the inhibitory I kappa B proteins by the I kappa B kinase complex (IKK). IKK is composed of a heterodimer of the catalytic IKK alpha and IKK beta subunits and a presumed regulatory protein termed NEMO (NF-kappa B essential modulator) or IKK gamma. NEMO/IKK gamma is indispensable for activation of the IKKs in response to many signals, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Here we identify TANK (TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa B activator) as a NEMO/IKK gamma-interacting protein via yeast two-hybrid analyses. This interaction is confirmed in mammalian cells, and the domains required are mapped. TANK was previously shown to assist NF-kappa B activation in a complex with TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) or IKK epsilon, two kinases distantly related to IKK alpha/beta, but the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. Here we show that TBK1 and IKK epsilon synergize with TANK to promote interaction with the IKKs. The TANK binding domain within NEMO/IKK gamma is required for proper functioning of this IKK subunit. These results indicate that TANK can synergize with IKK epsilon or TBK1 to link them to IKK complexes, where the two kinases may modulate aspects of NF-kappa B activation.

The death domain of NF-kappa B1 p105 is essential for signal-induced p105 proteolysis

Stimulation of cells with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) triggers NF-kappaB1 p105 proteolysis, releasing associated Rel subunits to translocate into the nucleus and modulate target gene expression. Phosphorylation of serine 927 within the p105 PEST region by the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex is required to promote p105 proteolysis in response to TNFalpha stimulation. In this study, the role of the p105 death domain (DD) in signal-induced p105 proteolysis is investigated. Endogenous p105 is shown to interact with the IKK complex in HeLa cells, and transient transfection experiments in 293 cells indicate that each of the catalytic components of the IKK complex, IKK1 and IKK2, can bind to p105. Interaction of p105 with both IKK1 and IKK2 is substantially reduced by deletion of the p105 DD or introduction of a specific point mutation (L841A) into the p105 DD homologous to the lpr mutation in Fas. Phosphorylation of immunoprecipitated p105 on serine 927 by purified recombinant IKK1 or IKK2 protein in vitro is dramatically reduced in both DD mutants relative to wild type. Furthermore, both of the DD mutations significantly impair the ability of low concentrations of IKK2 to induce p105 serine 927 phosphorylation and proteolysis in transiently transfected 3T3 cells. However, high levels of transiently expressed IKK2 bypass the requirement for the p105 DD to induce p105 serine 927 phosphorylation. Finally, p105 serine 927 phosphorylation by the endogenous IKK complex after TNFalpha stimulation and subsequent p105 proteolysis is blocked in both p105 DD mutants when stably expressed in HeLa cells. Thus, the p105 DD acts as a docking site for IKK, increasing its local concentration in the vicinity of the p105 PEST region and facilitating efficient serine 927 phosphorylation.

Genetic evidence for the essential role of beta-transducin repeat-containing protein in the inducible processing of NF-kappa B2/p100

Processing of the nf kappa b2 gene product p100 to generate p52 is an important step in NF-kappa B regulation. This step is regulated by a nonclassical NF-kappa B signaling pathway involving the NF-kappa B-inducing kinase (NIK). NIK induces p100 processing by triggering phosphorylation of specific C-terminal serines of p100. However, the downstream molecular events leading to p100 processing remain unclear. Here we show that NIK induced the physical recruitment of beta-transducin repeat-containing protein (beta-TrCP), a component of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex, to p100. This event required the phosphorylation sites as well as the death domain of p100. Using the RNA interference technique, we demonstrated that beta-TrCP is essential for NIK-induced p100 ubiquitination and processing. Interestingly the constitutive processing of p100 mutants was independent of beta-TrCP. These results suggest that beta-TrCP is an essential component of NIK-induced p100 processing.