Limb and skin abnormalities in mice lacking IKKalpha

A critical role for I kappaB kinase alpha in the development of human and mouse squamous cell carcinomas

IKK (I kappaB kinase) alpha is essential for embryonic skin development in mice. Mice deficient in IKKalpha display markedly hyperplasic epidermis that lacks terminal differentiation, and they die because of this severely impaired skin. However, the function of IKKalpha in human skin diseases remains largely unknown. To shed light on the role of IKKalpha in human skin diseases, we examined IKKalpha expression and Ikkalpha mutations in human squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). We found a marked reduction in IKKalpha expression in poorly differentiated human SCCs and identified Ikkalpha mutations in exon 15 of Ikkalpha in eight of nine human SCCs, implying that IKKalpha is involved in development of this human skin cancer. Furthermore, in a chemical carcinogen-induced skin carcinogenesis setting, mice overexpressing human IKKalpha in the epidermis under the control of a truncated loricrin promoter developed significantly fewer SCCs and metastases than did wild-type mice. The IKKalpha transgene altered the skin microenvironment conditions, leading to elevated terminal differentiation in the epidermis, reduced mitogenic activity in the epidermis, and decreased angiogenic activity in the skin stroma. Thus, overexpression of IKKalpha in the epidermis antagonized chemical carcinogen-induced mitogenic and angiogenic activities, repressing tumor progression and metastases.

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

The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signalling pathway serves a crucial role in regulating the transcriptional responses of physiological processes that include cell division, cell survival, differentiation, immunity and inflammation. Here we outline studies using mouse models in which the core components of the NF-kappaB pathway, namely the IkappaB kinase subunits (IKKalpha, IKKbeta and NEMO), the IkappaB proteins (IkappaBalpha, IkappaBbeta, IkappaBvarepsilon and Bcl-3) and the five NF-kappaB transcription factors (NF-kappaB1, NF-kappaB2, c-Rel, RelA and RelB), have been genetically manipulated using transgenic and knockout technology.

Regulation and function of IKK and IKK-related kinases

Members of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) family of dimeric transcription factors (TFs) regulate expression of a large number of genes involved in immune responses, inflammation, cell survival, and cancer. NF-kappaB TFs are rapidly activated in response to various stimuli, including cytokines, infectious agents, and radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. In nonstimulated cells, some NF-kappaB TFs are bound to inhibitory IkappaB proteins and are thereby sequestered in the cytoplasm. Activation leads to phosphorylation of IkappaB proteins and their subsequent recognition by ubiquitinating enzymes. The resulting proteasomal degradation of IkappaB proteins liberates IkappaB-bound NF-kappaB TFs, which translocate to the nucleus to drive expression of target genes. Two protein kinases with a high degree of sequence similarity, IKKalpha and IKKbeta, mediate phosphorylation of IkappaB proteins and represent a convergence point for most signal transduction pathways leading to NF-kappaB activation. Most of the IKKalpha and IKKbeta molecules in the cell are part of IKK complexes that also contain a regulatory subunit called IKKgamma or NEMO. Despite extensive sequence similarity, IKKalpha and IKKbeta have largely distinct functions, due to their different substrate specificities and modes of regulation. IKKbeta (and IKKgamma) are essential for rapid NF-kappaB activation by proinflammatory signaling cascades, such as those triggered by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In contrast, IKKalpha functions in the activation of a specific form of NF-kappaB in response to a subset of TNF family members and may also serve to attenuate IKKbeta-driven NF-kappaB activation. Moreover, IKKalpha is involved in keratinocyte differentiation, but this function is independent of its kinase activity. Several years ago, two protein kinases, one called IKKepsilon or IKK-i and one variously named TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase), NAK (NF-kappaB-activated kinase), or T2K (TRAF2-associated kinase), were identified that exhibit structural similarity to IKKalpha and IKKbeta. These protein kinases are important for the activation of interferon response factor 3 (IRF3) and IRF7, TFs that play key roles in the induction of type I interferon (IFN-I). Together, the IKKs and IKK-related kinases are instrumental for activation of the host defense system. This Review focuses on the functions of IKK and IKK-related kinases and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their activities.

Irf6 is a key determinant of the keratinocyte proliferation-differentiation switch

The epidermis is a highly organized structure, the integrity of which is central to the protection of an organism. Development and subsequent maintenance of this tissue depends critically on the intricate balance between proliferation and differentiation of a resident stem cell population; however, the signals controlling the proliferation-differentiation switch in vivo remain elusive. Here, we show that mice carrying a homozygous missense mutation in interferon regulatory factor 6 (Irf6), the homolog of the gene mutated in the human congenital disorders Van der Woude syndrome and popliteal pterygium syndrome, have a hyperproliferative epidermis that fails to undergo terminal differentiation, resulting in soft tissue fusions. We further demonstrate that mice that are compound heterozygotes for mutations in Irf6 and the gene encoding the cell cycle regulator protein stratifin (Sfn; also known as 14-3-3sigma) show similar defects of keratinizing epithelia. Our results indicate that Irf6 is a key determinant of the keratinocyte proliferation-differentiation switch and that Irf6 and Sfn interact genetically in this process.

Activation of non-canonical NF-kappaB pathway mediated by STP-A11, an oncoprotein of Herpesvirus saimiri

Although Saimiri Transforming Protein (STP)-A11, an oncoprotein of Herpesvirus saimiri, has been known to activate NF-kappaB signaling pathway, the detailed mechanism has not been reported yet. We herein report that STP-A11 activates non-canonical NF-kappaB pathway, resulting in p100 processing to p52. In addition, translocation of p52 protein (NF-kappaB2) into the nucleus is observed by the expression of STP-A11. STP-A11-mediated processing of p100 to p52 protein requires proteosome-mediated proteolysis because MG132 treatment clearly blocked p52 production in spite of the expression of STP-A11. Analysis of STP-A11 mutants to activate NF-kappaB2 pathway discloses the requirement of TRAF6-binding site not Src-binding site for STP-A11-mediated NF-kappaB2 pathway. Blockage of STP-A11-mediated p52 production using siRNA against p52 enhanced a chemotherapeutic drug-mediated cell death, suggesting that p52 production induced by the expression of STP-A11 would contribute to cellular transformation, which results from a resistance to cell death.

Evaluation of the role of nuclear factor-kappaB signaling in liver injury using genetic animal models

Most chronic liver diseases are not sufficiently treatable at present and very often progress to liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. Several recent studies have suggested that cytokines and cytokine-activated inflammatory signaling pathways might play an important role in the mediation of liver injury. Although pro-inflammatory signaling pathways such as nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB have evolved primarily for host defense to infections, they appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and may mediate liver injury in response to a variety of agents and pathogens. Herein is summarized briefly some recent findings concerning the role of NF-kappaB in different models of liver injury based on transgenic and knockout animal technology.

NF-kappaB as a potential therapeutic target in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

The family of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factors is intimately involved in the regulation of expression of numerous genes in the setting of the inflammatory response. Since inflammatory processes play a fundamental role in the damage of articular tissues, many in vitro and in vivo studies have examined the contribution of components of the NF-kappaB signaling pathways to the pathogenesis of various rheumatic diseases, in particular, of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammation, cartilage degradation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and pannus formation are processes in which the role of NF-kappaB is prominent. Consequently, large efforts have been devoted to the study of the pharmacologic modulation of the NF-kappaB pathways. These studies have employed currently available therapeutic agents including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, nutraceuticals and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, as well as novel small molecule inhibitors targeted to specific proteins of the NF-kappaB pathways. In addition, promising strategies such as improved antisense DNA therapy and RNA interference have been examined with encouraging results. However, since NF-kappaB also plays a crucial beneficial role in normal physiology and technical problems for effective gene therapy still remain, further research will be needed before NF-kappaB-aimed strategies become an effective therapy for joint diseases, such as OA and RA.

Dissection of the NF-kappaB signalling cascade in transgenic and knockout mice

Studies in transgenic and knockout mice have made a major contribution to our current understanding of the physiological functions of the NF-kappaB signalling cascade. The generation and analysis of mice with targeted modifications of individual components of the NF-kappaB pathway tremendously advanced our knowledge of the roles of the NF-kappaB proteins themselves, and also of the many activators and negative regulators of NF-kappaB. These studies have highlighted the complexity of the NF-kappaB system, by revealing the multiple interactions, redundancies, but also diverse functions, performed by the different molecules participating in the regulation of NF-kappaB signalling. Furthermore, inhibition or enforced activation of NF-kappaB in transgenic mice has uncovered the critical roles that NF-kappaB plays in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as liver failure, diabetes and cancer.

IKKalpha and IKKbeta function in TNFalpha-stimulated adhesion molecule expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells

The role of NFkappaB and it's upstream kinases in regulating adhesion molecule expression in the smooth muscle of the vasculature remains controversial. We therefore examined the effect of blocking the NFkappaB pathway on TNFalpha-stimulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in primary cultures of human aortic smooth muscle cells using an adenoviral wild-type IkappaB alpha construct (Ad.IkappaB alpha) and dominant-negative IKKalpha (Ad.IKKalpha+/-) and IKKbeta (Ad.IKKbeta+/-) constructs. Ad.IkappaB alpha treatment was found to block NFkappaB DNA-binding, and thereby completely prevent TNFalpha-stimulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression without influencing IKK activity. Ad.IKKbeta+/- treatment completely inhibited TNFalpha-stimulated IKK kinase activity, IkappaB alpha degradation and NFkappaB DNA-binding in addition to completely blocking TNFalpha-stimulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Ad.IKKalpha+/- treatment however had no detectable effect on NFkappaB DNA-binding or ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Our results demonstrate that TNFalpha-stimulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells is NFkappaB-dependent, that IKKbeta is a suitable target for drug therapy and Ad.IKKbeta+/- an effective inhibitor of TNFalpha-stimulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression.

Extending the nuclear roles of IkappaB kinase subunits

The transcription factor NF-kappaB plays a key role in a wide variety of cellular processes such as innate and adaptive immunity, cellular proliferation, apoptosis and development. In unstimulated cells, NF-kappaB is sequestered in the cytoplasm through its tight association with inhibitory proteins called IkappaBs, comprising notably IkappaBalpha. A key step in NF-kappaB activation is the phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha by the so-called IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex, which targets the inhibitory protein for proteasomal degradation and allows the freed NF-kappaB to enter the nucleus where it can transactivate its target genes. The IKK complex is composed of two catalytic subunits called IKKalpha and IKKbeta, and a regulatory subunit called NEMO/IKKgamma. Despite their key role in mediating IkappaBalpha phosphorylation in the cytoplasm, recent works have provided evidence that IKK subunits also translocate into the nucleus to regulate NF-kappaB-dependent and -independent gene expression, paving the way of a novel and exciting field of research. In this review, we will describe the current knowledge in that research area.

NIK is involved in nucleosomal regulation by enhancing histone H3 phosphorylation by IKKalpha

The exact physiological role of NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) in the NF-kappaB activation pathway has not been defined, although it is an upstream kinase of IKKalpha. Recent studies have indicated that IKKalpha is a nucleosomal modifier of NF-kappaB signaling. We hypothesized that NIK generates a proximal signal that contributes to IKKalpha modification of nucleosomal structure through phosphorylation of histone H3 and enhancement of target gene expression. By using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, our data show that endogenous IKKalpha is recruited to the promoter site of several NF-kappaB-dependent genes in macrophages. Our data show that immunoreactive NIK is rapidly recruited to nuclear compartment in macrophages in response to treatment with endotoxin where it augments phosphorylation of histone H3 by inducing phosphorylation and kinase activity of IKKalpha. A small interfering RNA knockdown of NIK markedly reduces phosphorylation of histone H3 in endotoxin treated macrophages. These data, together, demonstrate a novel role for NIK as a histone H3 modifier, through an accessory pathway from NIK to IKKalpha, that could play an important role in the endotoxin response through modification of nucleosomal structure.

Ovol1 regulates the growth arrest of embryonic epidermal progenitor cells and represses c-myc transcription

Transcriptional control plays a key role in regulating epidermal proliferation and differentiation. Although ample information has been obtained on how epidermal homeostasis is controlled in adult skin, less is known about the control of proliferation/differentiation of epidermal stem/progenitor cells in the developing embryo. Ovol1, encoding a zinc finger protein homologous to Drosophila melanogaster Ovo, is expressed in embryonic epidermal progenitor cells that are transiting from proliferation to terminal differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate a function for Ovol1 in interfollicular epidermal development. In its absence, developing epidermis fails to properly restrict the proliferative potential of progenitor cells, and cultured keratinocytes fail to efficiently undergo growth arrest in response to extrinsic growth-inhibitory signals. We present molecular evidence that c-myc expression is up-regulated in Ovol1-deficient suprabasal cells and that Ovol1 represses c-myc transcription by directly binding to its promoter. Collectively, our findings indicate that Ovol1 is required for proliferation exit of committed epidermal progenitor cells and identify c-myc as an Ovol1 target.

Evolution of the thienopyridine class of inhibitors of IkappaB kinase-beta: part I: hit-to-lead strategies

High-throughput screening is routinely employed as a method for the identification of novel hit structures. Large numbers of active compounds are typically procured in this way and must undergo a rigorous validation process. This process is described in detail for a collection of screening hits identified as inhibitors of IkappaB kinase-beta (IKKbeta), a key regulatory enzyme in the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway. From these studies, a promising hit series was selected. Subsequent lead generation activities included the development of a pharmacophore hypothesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the hit series. This led to the exploration of related scaffolds offering additional opportunities, and the various structural classes were comparatively evaluated for enzyme inhibition, selectivity, and drug-like properties. A novel lead series of thienopyridines was thereby established, and this series advanced into lead optimization for further development.

Helicobacter pylori induces IkappaB kinase alpha nuclear translocation and chemokine production in gastric epithelial cells

NF-kappaB is an important transcriptional factor that is involved in multiple cellular responses, such as inflammation and antiapoptosis. IkappaB kinase alpha (IKKalpha) and IKKbeta, which are critical regulators of NF-kappaB activity, possess various mechanisms for NF-kappaB activation. This variability in NF-kappaB signaling may be associated with distinct inflammatory responses in specific cell types. The gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is known to activate NF-kappaB. However, the role of IKK in H. pylori infection remains unclear. In this report, we show that H. pylori activates both IKKalpha and IKKbeta in gastric cancer cells and enhances NF-kappaB signaling in distinct manners. We found that IKKbeta acted as an IkappaBalpha kinase during H. pylori infection, whereas IKKalpha did not. H. pylori induced IKKalpha nuclear translocation in time-, multiplicity of infection-, and cag pathogenicity island-dependent manners. In contrast, p100 processing, which is a known IKKalpha activity induced by several cytokines, was not induced by H. pylori. Both IKKs were responsible for chemokine secretion by infected cells. However, the antiapoptotic effect of H. pylori was merely transduced by IKKbeta. Microarray analysis and real-time PCR indicated that both IKKs were involved in the transcriptional activation of genes associated with inflammation, antiapoptosis, and signal transduction. Our results indicate that H. pylori activates NF-kappaB via both IKKalpha and IKKbeta using distinct mechanisms. IKKalpha nuclear translocation induced by H. pylori is indispensable for appropriate inflammatory responses but not for antiapoptosis, which suggests a critical role for IKKalpha in gastritis development.

Transforming growth factor-beta-activated kinase 1 is essential for differentiation and the prevention of apoptosis in epidermis

Transforming growth factor-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family and is an upstream signaling molecule of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Given that NF-kappaB regulates keratinocyte differentiation and apoptosis, TAK1 may be essential for epidermal functions. To test this, we generated keratinocyte-specific TAK1-deficient mice from Map3k7(flox/flox) mice and K5-Cre mice. The keratinocyte-specific TAK1-deficient mice were macroscopically indistinguishable from their littermates until postnatal day 2 or 3, when the skin started to roughen and wrinkle. This phenotype progressed, and the mice died by postnatal day 7. Histological analysis showed thickening of the epidermis with foci of keratinocyte apoptosis and intra-epidermal micro-abscesses. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the suprabasal keratinocytes of the TAK1-deficient epidermis expressed keratin 5 and keratin 14, which are normally confined to the basal layer. The expression of keratin 1, keratin 10, and loricrin, which are markers for the suprabasal and late phase differentiation of the epidermis, was absent from the TAK1-deficient epidermis. Furthermore, the TAK1-deficient epidermis expressed keratin 16 and had an increased number of Ki67-positive cells. These data indicate that TAK1 deficiency in keratinocytes results in abnormal differentiation, increased proliferation, and apoptosis in the epidermis. However, the keratinocytes from the TAK1-deficient epidermis induced keratin 1 in suspension culture, indicating that the TAK1-deficient keratinocytes retain the ability to differentiate. Moreover, the removal of TAK1 from cultured keratinocytes of Map3k7(flox/flox) mice resulted in apoptosis, indicating that TAK1 is essential for preventing apoptosis. In conclusion, TAK1 is essential in the regulation of keratinocyte growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Regulation of IκB Kinase (IKK) Complex by IKKγ-dependent Phosphorylation of the T-loop and C Terminus of IKKβ

The mechanistic relationship of phosphorylation of the C terminus of IKKbeta with phosphorylation of its T-loop kinase domain within the IKK complex remained unclear. We investigated the regulatory role of the serine cluster residing immediately adjacent to the HLH domain and of the serines in the NEMO/IKKgamma-binding domain (NBD/gammaBD) in the C-terminal portion of IKKbeta in MEFs deficient in IKKbeta and IKKalpha and in yeast reconstitution system. We show that phosphorylation events at the C terminus of IKKbeta can be divided into autophosphorylation of the serine cluster adjacent to the HLH domain and phosphorylation of the NBD/gammaBD. Autophosphorylation of the serine cluster occurs immediately after IKK activation and requires IKKgamma. In MEFs, this autophosphorylation does not have the down-regulatory function on the IKK complex that was previously described (1). On the other hand, phosphorylation of the NBD/gammaBD regulates IKKgamma-dependent phosphorylation of the T-loop activation domain in IKKbeta and, hence, IKK complex activation. Our study suggests that, within the IKK complex, modulation of the NBD/gammaBD by IKKgamma is upstream to the T-loop phosphorylation.

NEMO, NFkappaB signaling and incontinentia pigmenti

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

IkappaB kinase-alpha is critical for interferon-alpha production induced by Toll-like receptors 7 and 9

The Toll-like receptor (TLR) family has important roles in microbial recognition and dendritic cell activation. TLRs 7 and 9 can recognize nucleic acids and trigger signalling cascades that activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells to produce interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) (refs 7, 8). TLR7/9-mediated dendritic cell activation is critical for antiviral immunity but also contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease in which serum IFN-alpha levels are elevated owing to plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation. TLR7/9-induced IFN-alpha induction depends on a molecular complex that contains a TLR adaptor, MyD88, and IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) (refs 10-14), but the underlying molecular mechanisms are as yet unknown. Here we show that IkappaB kinase-alpha (IKK-alpha) is critically involved in TLR7/9-induced IFN-alpha production. TLR7/9-induced IFN-alpha production was severely impaired in IKK-alpha-deficient plasmacytoid dendritic cells, whereas inflammatory cytokine induction was decreased but still occurred. Kinase-deficient IKK-alpha inhibited the ability of MyD88 to activate the Ifna promoter in synergy with IRF-7. Furthermore, IKK-alpha associated with and phosphorylated IRF-7. Our results identify a role for IKK-alpha in TLR7/9 signalling, and highlight IKK-alpha as a potential target for manipulating TLR-induced IFN-alpha production.

DrosophilaIk2, a member of the IκB kinase family, is required for mRNA localization during oogenesis

In both Drosophila and mammals, IκB kinases (IKKs) regulate the activity of Rel/NF-κB transcription factors by targeting their inhibitory partner proteins, IκBs, for degradation. We identified mutations in ik2, the gene that encodes one of two Drosophila IKKs, and found that the gene is essential for viability. During oogenesis, ik2 is required in an NF-κB-independent process that is essential for the localization of oskar and gurken mRNAs; as a result, females that lack ik2 in the germline produce embryos that are both bicaudal and ventralized. The abnormal RNA localization in ik2 mutant oocytes can be attributed to defects in the organization of microtubule minus-ends. In addition, both mutant oocytes and mutant escaper adults have abnormalities in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. These data suggest that this IκB kinase has an NF-κB-independent role in mRNA localization and helps to link microtubule minus-ends to the oocyte cortex, a novel function of the IKK family.

Akt regulates basal and induced processing of NF-kappaB2 (p100) to p52

NF-kappaB is a family of transcription factors important for innate and adaptive immunity. NF-kappaB is restricted to the cytoplasm by inhibitory proteins that are degraded when specifically phosphorylated, permitting NF-kappaB to enter the nucleus and activate target genes. Phosphorylation of the inhibitory proteins is mediated by an IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex, which can be composed of two subunits with enzymatic activity, IKKalpha and IKKbeta. The preferred substrate for IKKbeta is IkappaBalpha, degradation of which liberates p65 (RelA) to enter the nucleus where it induces genes important to innate immunity. IKKalpha activates a non-canonical NF-kappaB pathway in which p100 (NF-kappaB2) is processed to p52. Once produced, p52 can enter the nucleus and induce genes important to adaptive immunity. This study shows that Akt binds to and increases the activity of IKKalpha and thereby increases p52 production in cells. Constitutively active Akt augments non-canonical NF-kappaB activity, whereas kinase dead Akt or inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase have the opposite effect. Basal and ligand-induced p52 production is reduced in mouse embryo fibroblasts deficient in Akt1 and Akt2 compared with parental cells. These observations show that Akt plays a role in activation of basal and induced non-canonical NF-kappaB activity.

Essential role of IkappaB kinase alpha in thymic organogenesis required for the establishment of self-tolerance

IkappaB kinase (IKK) alpha exhibits diverse biological activities through protein kinase-dependent and -independent functions, the former mediated predominantly through a noncanonical NF-kappaB activation pathway. The in vivo function of IKKalpha, however, still remains elusive. Because a natural strain of mice with mutant NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) manifests autoimmunity as a result of disorganized thymic structure with abnormal expression of Rel proteins in the thymic stroma, we speculated that the NIK-IKKalpha axis might constitute an essential step in the thymic organogenesis that is required for the establishment of self-tolerance. An autoimmune disease phenotype was induced in athymic nude mice by grafting embryonic thymus from IKKalpha-deficient mice. The thymic microenvironment that caused autoimmunity in an IKKalpha-dependent manner was associated with defective processing of NF-kappaB2, resulting in the impaired development of thymic epithelial cells. Thus, our results demonstrate a novel function for IKKalpha in thymic organogenesis for the establishment of central tolerance that depends on its protein kinase activity in cooperation with NIK.

Proliferation and cornification during development of the mammalian epidermis

The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of the underlying dermis and outer epidermis. Proper embryonic development and continual renewal of the adult epidermis are essential to provide an impenetrable barrier against fluid loss and serve as our most important defense against insults from the external environment. During mammalian embryogenesis the epidermis develops from the surface ectoderm, which initially consists of a multipotent single-layer epithelium. Once these epithelial cells receive the appropriate developmental cues, they become committed to stratify, initiate a massive expansion program, and finally embark on a journey of terminal differentiation to produce the morphologically distinct layers of the epidermis. The culmination of this journey is the formation of an impervious cornified envelope via a highly specialized form of programmed cell death, termed "cornification" (reviewed in Candi et al.), which is distinct in many ways from the classic apoptotic pathways. The epidermal developmental program that is first seen in the fetus is recapitulated for the entire life of the organism. The basal layer of adult skin harbors stem cells, which can divide to produce daughter stem cells and transit amplifying (TA) cells that go on to differentiate and cornify (reviewed in Fuchs and Raghavan). In this review we summarize current knowledge about the molecular regulation of proliferation and cornification in the developing mammalian epidermis. We focus on events in the interfollicular epidermis, with special emphasis on transcriptional regulation by p63, Notch, NF-kappaB/IKK, Hox, AP-1, AP-2, and C/EBP factors. We end with a discussion about perturbations in epidermal proliferation and cornification as they pertain to human skin pathologies.

Defining the caspase-containing apoptotic machinery contributing to cornification in human epidermal equivalents

Whether terminal differentiation/stratum corneum formation of keratinocytes (KCs) represents a form of programmed cell death, utilizing mediators of classical apoptosis, is unclear. Apoptosis, an evolutionarily conserved death process, is comprised of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which converge using caspase 3. To define upstream and downstream caspases involved in terminal differentiation, we utilized human epidermal equivalents (EEs). Using submerged cultures comprised of human KCs, EEs were sequentially analyzed before and after being raised to an air/liquid (A/L) interface at 3-24 h intervals. At each time point, EEs were analyzed morphologically and for specific enzyme activity to distinguish different initiator (caspases 1, 2, 8, 9) and effector caspases (3, 6, 7). Terminal differentiation began at 6-8 h, as defined by stratum corneum with loricirin expression and completed at 18-24 h producing an epidermis resembling normal skin. Enzyme activity for caspases 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 (but not 4, 5) was enhanced (>two-fold nmol/mg/h) at 3-6 h compared with submerged cultures. Processing of caspase 14 occurred at 18 h, and cleaved caspase 14 was increased at 24 h. Activated caspase 3-positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling-positive KCs were identified in EEs at 3-6 h corresponding to initiation sites of terminal differentiation. Addition of caspase inhibitors reduced levels of involucrin and loricrin in EEs raised to an A/L interface. We conclude caspases function as important death effectors strategically positioned at intersection of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in KCs undergoing stratum corneum formation.

IkappaB kinase-2-independent and -dependent inflammation in airway disease models: relevance of IKK-2 inhibition to the clinic

Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor believed to be central in the expression of numerous inflammatory genes and the pathogenesis of many respiratory diseases. We have previously demonstrated increased NF-kappaB pathway activation in a steroid-sensitive animal model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-driven airway inflammation. It is noteworthy that this phenomenon was not observed in a steroid-insensitive model of elastase-induced inflammation in the rat. The aim of this study was to gather further evidence to suggest that these similar profiles of neutrophilic inflammation can be NF-kappaB-dependent or -independent by determining the impact of an IkappaB kinase-2 (IKK-2) inhibitor, 2-[(aminocarbonyl)amino]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide (TPCA-1). In the LPS model, TPCA-1 blocked the increase in NF-kappaB DNA binding, a marker of NF-kappaB pathway activation. This inhibition was associated with a reduction in inflammatory mediator release [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)/interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)] and lung inflammatory cell burden (neutrophilia/eosinophilia). These data were paralleled with a steroid and in human cell based assays. In the elastase-driven inflammation model, in which our group has previously failed to measure an increase in NF-kappaB DNA binding, neither TPCA-1 nor the steroid, affected mediator release (IL-1beta/MMP-9) or cellular burden (neutrophilia/lymphomononuclear cells). This is the first study to examine the effect of an IKK-2 inhibitor in well validated models that mimic aspects of the inflammatory lesion evident in diseases such as COPD. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that animal models with similar profiles of airway inflammation can be IKK-2 inhibitor/steroid-sensitive or -insensitive. If both profiles of inflammation exist in the clinic, then this finding is extremely exciting and may lead to greater understanding of disease pathology and the discovery of novel anti-inflammatory targets.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in latently infected cells by a novel IkappaB kinase inhibitor

In human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) latently infected cells, NF-kappaB plays a major role in the transcriptional induction of HIV-1 replication. Hence, downregulation of NF-kappaB activation has long been sought for effective anti-HIV therapy. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulates IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex, a critical regulator in the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. A novel IKK inhibitor, ACHP {2-amino-6-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-hydroxyphenyl]-4-piperidin-4-yl-nicotinonitrile}, was developed and evaluated as a potent and specific inhibitor for IKK-alpha and IKK-beta. In this study, we examined the ability of this compound to inhibit HIV-1 replication in OM10.1 cells latently infected with HIV. When these cells were pretreated with ACHP, TNF-alpha-induced HIV-1 replication was dramatically inhibited, as measured by the HIV p24 antigen levels in the culture supernatants. Its 50% effective concentration was approximately 0.56 microM, whereas its 50% cytotoxic concentration was about 15 microM. Western blot analysis revealed inhibition of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, IkappaBalpha degradation, p65 nuclear translocation, and p65 phosphorylation. ACHP was also found to suppress HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-driven gene expression through the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, ACHP inhibited TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB (p65) recruitment to the HIV-1 LTR, as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. These findings suggest that ACHP acts as a potent suppressor of TNF-alpha-induced HIV replication in latently infected cells and that this inhibition is mediated through suppression of IKK activity.

Binding of Manumycin A Inhibits IκB Kinase β Activity

IkappaB kinase (IKK) catalytic subunits play a key role in cytokinemediated nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB signaling, and a loss of NF-kappaB function appears to inhibit inflammation and oncogenesis. Manumycin A is a potent and selective farnesyltransferase inhibitor with antitumor activity. We found that manumycin A caused a rapid and potent inhibition of IKK activity induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha in a number of cell types. Most unexpectedly, other classes of farnesyltransferase inhibitors had no inhibitory effect. To identify the molecular mechanisms of manumycin A action, cultured human HepG2 hepatoma cells were transiently transfected with various IKKalpha and IKKbeta constructs, and a striking difference in manumycin A sensitivity was observed. Furthermore, cells expressing wild-type IKKbeta and IKKbeta mutated in the activation loop at Cys-179 exhibited covalent homotypic dimerization of IKKbeta in response to manumycin A, whereas substitution of Cys-662 and -716 conferred protection against dimer formation. Direct inhibition of IKK activity and formation of stable IKKbeta dimers were observed in the presence of manumycin A that could be blocked by dithiothreitol. IKK interaction with the adaptor protein IKKgamma/NEMO was disrupted in manumycin A-treated cells. Most importantly, administration of manumycin A to mice xenografted with murine B16F10 tumors caused potent IKK-suppressive effects. Thus, manumycin A with its epoxyquinoid moieties plays an important regulatory function in IKK signaling through pathways distinct from its role as a protein farnesylation inhibitor.

Selective inhibition of inhibitory kappa B kinase-beta abrogates induction of nitric oxide synthase in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat aortic smooth muscle cells

In this study, we utilised a number of adenoviral constructs in order to examine the role of intermediates of the NF-kappaB pathway in the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induction in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated a significant increase in iNOS induction and NF-kappaB DNA binding. These parameters were substantially reduced by overexpression of a wild-type Ikappa-Balpha adenoviral construct (Ad.Ikappa-Balpha), confirming a role for NF-kappaB in iNOS induction. Infection with a dominant-negative IKKalpha adenoviral construct (Ad.IKKalpha+/-) did not significantly affect iNOS induction, NF-kappaB DNA binding or Ikappa-Balpha loss. Infection of RASMCs with adenovirus encoding a dominant-negative IKKbeta (Ad.IKKbeta+/-) essentially abolished iNOS induction and activation of the NF-kappaB pathway. Pretreatment of RASMCs with a novel specific inhibitor of IKKbeta, SC-514, significantly reduced iNOS induction, NF-kappaB DNA binding and I-kappaBalpha loss in a concentration-dependent manner. In both RASMCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), infection with Ad.IKKbeta+/- also inhibited COX-2 expression in response to LPS. However, Ad.IKKalpha+/- was again without effect. These data suggest that IKKbeta plays a predominant, selective role in the regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent induction of iNOS in RASMCs.

Dlx genes, p63, and ectodermal dysplasias

Many events in vertebrate morphogenesis and organogenesis develop from epithelial/mesenchymal interactions. These processes involve a series of sequential and reciprocal interactions between the thickened epithelial sheets and underlying mesenchymal cells. Much has been learned from in vitro assays and knockout experiments in mice on the early signaling molecules that regulate the initial stages of the epithelial/mesenchymal interactions. In this review, we discuss effectors of these initial signals, specifically the p63 and Dlx families of transcription factors, that play central roles in embryonic patterning and regulation of different developmental processes, and provide a review of some of the mutations in these genes that have been associated with ectodermal dysplasias (EDs).

Inhibitor-kappaB kinase-beta regulates LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in cardiac myocytes through modulation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit phosphorylation

TNF-alpha is recognized as a significant contributor to myocardial dysfunction. Although several studies suggest that members of the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors are essential regulators of myocardial TNF-alpha gene expression, recent developments in our understanding of the modulation of NF-kappaB activity through posttranslational modification of NF-kappaB subunits suggest that the present view of NF-kappaB-dependent cytokine expression in heart is incomplete. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the role of p65 subunit phosphorylation in the regulation of TNF-alpha production in cultured neonatal ventricular myocytes. Bacterial LPS-induced TNF-alpha production is accompanied by a 12-fold increase in phosphorylation of p65 at Ser536, a modification associated with enhancement of p65 transactivation potential. Pharmacological inhibition of IKK-beta reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha production 38-fold, TNF-alpha mRNA levels 6-fold, and IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation 5-fold and degraded IkappaB-alpha 2-fold and p65 phosphorylation 6-fold. Overexpression of dominant-negative p65 reduced TNF-alpha production 3.5-fold, whereas overexpression of dominant-negative IKK-beta reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha production 2-fold and p65 phosphorylation 2-fold. Overexpression of dominant-negative IKK-alpha had no effect on p65 phosphorylation or TNF-alpha production, revealing that IKK-beta, not IKK-alpha, plays a central role in regulation of p65 phosphorylation at Ser536 and TNF-alpha production in heart. Finally, we demonstrated, using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, that LPS stimulates recruitment of Ser536-phosphorylated p65 to the TNF-alpha gene promoter in cardiac myocytes. Taken together, these data provide compelling evidence for the role of NF-kappaB signaling in TNF-alpha gene expression in heart and highlight the importance of this proinflammatory gene-regulatory pathway as a potential therapeutic target in the management of cytokine-induced myocardial dysfunction.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulates early differentiation in human laryngeal keratinocytes

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling regulates a variety of cellular functions, including proliferation, gene expression, and differentiation. Infection of laryngeal epithelial cells by human papillomaviruses causes recurrent respiratory papillomas, benign tumors characterized by an altered pattern of differentiation. Papilloma cells overexpress the EGFR and have constitutively active extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity, but overexpression of the lipid phosphatase PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog) reduces activation of Akt by PI3K. We hypothesized that the altered differentiation of papillomas reflects these changes in signaling from the EGFR-ERK and PI3K-Akt pathways and that one or both of these pathways is required for the normal differentiation process in mucosal epithelium. Inhibiting either the enzymatic activity or the synthesis of PI3K in uninfected laryngeal cells blocked expression of keratin-13 (K13), a protein induced during normal differentiation. In contrast, inhibiting activation of ERK had minimal effect. Using ribonucleic acid interference to reduce protein levels of integrin-linked kinase 1 or phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1, intermediates in the activation of Akt by PI3K, or reducing levels of Akt-1 itself did not inhibit K13 expression by normal laryngeal keratinocytes. We conclude that PI3K activation is an important regulator of expression of K13, a marker for the normal differentiation process in human mucosal keratinocytes, that this function does not require activation of Akt-1, and that the failure to express K13 in papilloma cells is not because of reduction in activated Akt.

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

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

Zebrafish IkappaB kinase 1 negatively regulates NF-kappaB activity

The IkappaB kinase (IKK) activity is critical for processing IkappaB inhibitory proteins and activating the NF-kappaB signaling, which is involved in a series of physiological and developmental steps in vertebrates. The IKK activity resides in two catalytic subunits, IKK1 and IKK2, and two regulatory subunits, NEMO and ELKS. IKK2 is the major cytokine-responsive IkappaB kinase because depletion of IKK1 does not interfere with the IKK activity. In fact, IKK1-/- mice display morphological abnormalities that are independent of its kinase activity and NF-kappaB activation. Hence, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model, we examined the evolutionary role of IKK1 in modulating NF-kappaB. Ikk1-/- zebrafish embryos present head and tail malformations and, surprisingly, show upregulation of NF-kappaB-responsive genes and increased NF-kappaB-dependent apoptosis. Overexpression of ikk1 leads to midline structure defects that resemble NF-kappaB blockage in vivo. Zebrafish Ikk1 forms complexes with NEMO that represses NF-kappaB in vertebrate cells. Indeed, truncation of its NEMO binding domain (NBD) restores NF-kappaB-dependent transcriptional activity and, consequently, the ikk1-overexpressing phenotype. Here, we report that Ikk1 negatively regulates NF-kappaB by sequestering NEMO from active IKK complexes, indicating that IKK1 can function as a repressor of NF-kappaB.

IκB Kinase α Regulates Subcellular Distribution and Turnover of Cyclin D1 by Phosphorylation

IkappaB kinases (IKKs), IKKalpha and IKKbeta, with a regulatory subunit IKKgamma/NEMO constitute a high molecular weight IKK complex that regulates NF-kappaB activity. Although IKKalpha and IKKbeta share structural and biochemical similarities, IKKalpha has been shown to have distinct biological roles. Here we show that IKKalpha plays a critical role in regulating cyclin D1 during the cell cycle. Analysis of IKKalpha-/- mouse embryo fibroblast cells showed that cyclin D1 is overexpressed and localized in the nucleus compared with parental mouse embryo fibroblasts. IKKalpha associates with and phosphorylates cyclin D1. Analysis on cyclin D1 mutants demonstrated that IKKalpha phosphorylates cyclin D1 at Thr286. Reconstitution of IKKalpha in knockout cells leads to nuclear export and increased degradation of cyclin D1. Further, RNAi-mediated knockdown of IKKalpha results in similar changes as observed in IKKalpha-/- cells. These results suggest a novel role of IKKalpha in regulating subcellular localization and proteolysis of cyclin D1 by phosphorylation of cyclin D1 at Thr286, the same residue earlier found to be a target for glycogen synthase kinase-3beta-induced phosphorylation.

A selective novel low-molecular-weight inhibitor of IkappaB kinase-beta (IKK-beta) prevents pulmonary inflammation and shows broad anti-inflammatory activity

1 Pulmonary inflammatory diseases such as asthma are characterized by chronic, cell-mediated inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. 2 Recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells is orchestrated by a variety of mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, or adhesion molecules, the expression of which is regulated via the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). 3 NF-kappaB signaling is controlled by the inhibitor of kappa B kinase complex (IKK), a critical catalytic subunit of which is IKK-beta. 4 We identified COMPOUND A as a small-molecule, ATP-competitive inhibitor selectively targeting IKK-beta kinase activity with a K(i) value of 2 nM. 5 COMPOUND A inhibited stress-induced NF-kappaB transactivation, chemokine-, cytokine-, and adhesion molecule expression, and T- and B-cell proliferation. 6 COMPOUND A is orally bioavailable and inhibited the release of LPS-induced TNF-alpha in rodents. 7 In mice COMPOUND A inhibited cockroach allergen-induced airway inflammation and hyperreactivity and efficiently abrogated leukocyte trafficking induced by carrageenan in mice or by ovalbumin in a rat model of airway inflammation. 8 COMPOUND A was well tolerated by rodents over 3 weeks without affecting weight gain. 9 Furthermore, in mice COMPOUND A suppressed edema formation in response to arachidonic acid, phorbol ester, or edema induced by delayed-type hypersensitivity. 10 These data suggest that IKK-beta inhibitors offer an effective therapeutic approach for inhibiting chronic pulmonary inflammation.

Differential expression of phosphorylated NF-kappaB/RelA in normal and psoriatic epidermis and downregulation of NF-kappaB in response to treatment with etanercept

Etanercept, a recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor fusion protein, is FDA approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. TNFalpha increases the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and leads to the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). The Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factors play a central role in numerous cellular processes, including the stress response and keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. Utilizing a phosphorylation-specific antibody, we examined the expression of active nuclear NF-kappaB/RelA via immunohistochemistry in normal skin, non-lesional psoriatic skin, lesional psoriatic skin, and lesional skin from patients treated with etanercept. There was no expression of active nuclear NF-kappaB in the normal epidermis, whereas a basal level of constitutive active phosphorylated NF-kappaB/RelA was present in uninvolved epidermis from psoriasis patients. There was also significant upregulation of active phosphorylated NF-kappaB/RelA in the epidermis from psoriatic plaques. Serial biopsies from psoriasis patients treated with etanercept at 1, 3, and 6 mo demonstrated a significant downregulation of phosphorylated NF-kappaB/RelA, which correlated with decreases in epidermal thickness, restoration of normal markers of keratinocyte differentiation, and clinical outcomes. These data suggest that activation of NF-kappaB plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and that a potential mechanism of action for TNF-targeting agents is downregulation of NF-kappaB transcriptional activity.

Effects of IκB kinase α on the differentiation of squamous carcinoma cells

IkappaB kinase (IKK) alpha and beta share the function to phosphorylate IkappaB to activate a transcription factor NF-kappaB. Recent reports, however, revealed differences in the functions of the two kinases. The present study was designed to determine a unique function of IKKalpha on the differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Transfection with IKKalpha gene, but neither IKKbeta nor NF-kappaB gene, inhibited the constitutive expressions as well as extracellular calcium-induced expressions of involucrin and filaggrin, epithelial differentiation markers, in cultured SCC cells. Morphological changes from polygonal to fibroblastic shape were seen in the SCC cells stably expressing green-fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused IKKalpha while intracellular localization of GFP-IKKalpha differed from that of GFP-IKKbeta. Interestingly, phorbol myristate acetate together with IKKalpha gene transfection strongly inhibited the expression of involucrin in SCC cells and induced the phosphorylation of serine residue in IKKalpha, suggesting that protein kinase C is involved in the effect of IKKalpha on the differentiation of SCC cells. In conclusion, high expression of IKKalpha may serve as an intracellular signal to halt the epithelial differentiation of SCC cells.

LPS induces CD40 gene expression through the activation of NF-kappaB and STAT-1alpha in macrophages and microglia

CD40 is expressed on various immune cells, including macrophages and microglia. Aberrant expression of CD40 is associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Interaction of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) with the Gram-negative bacteria endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in the induction of an array of immune response genes. In this study, we describe that LPS is a strong inducer of CD40 expression in macrophages and microglia, which occurs at the transcriptional level and involves the activation of the transcription factors nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1alpha (STAT-1alpha). LPS-induced CD40 expression involves the endogenous production of the cytokine interferon-beta (IFN-beta), which contributes to CD40 expression by the activation of STAT-1alpha. Blocking IFN-beta-induced activation of STAT-1alpha by IFN-beta-neutralizing antibody reduces LPS-induced CD40 gene expression. Furthermore, LPS induces acetylation and phosphorylation of histones H3 and H4 and the recruitment of NF-kappaB, STAT-1alpha, and RNA polymerase II on the CD40 promoter in vivo in a time-dependent manner, all events important for CD40 gene transcription. These results indicate that both LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation and endogenous production of IFN-beta that subsequently induces STAT-1alpha activation play critical roles in the transcriptional activation of the CD40 gene by LPS.

Ikappa-B kinase-2 inhibitor blocks inflammation in human airway smooth muscle and a rat model of asthma

RATIONALE

Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is a transcription factor known to regulate the expression of many inflammatory genes, including cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. NF-kappaB is held inactive in the cytoplasm, bound to I-kappaB. The removal of I-kappaB, via the actions of inhibitor of kappaB (I-kappaB) kinase-2 (IKK-2), allows NF-kappaB to enter the nucleus.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of inhibiting IKK-2 on in vitro and in vivo models of airway inflammation.

METHODS

The effect of inhibiting IKK-2 was assessed in stimulated, cultured, primary human airway smooth muscle cells and an antigen-driven rat model of lung inflammation.

MEASUREMENTS

The release of cytokines from cultured cells and inflammatory cytokine expression and cellular burden in the lung were determined.

MAIN RESULTS

Two structurally distinct molecules and dominant negative technology demonstrated that inhibition of IKK-2 activity completely blocked cytokine release from cultured cells, whereas the two glucocorticoid comparators had limited impact on granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interleukin 8, and eotaxin release. In addition, in an in vivo antigen-driven model of airway inflammation, the IKK-2 inhibitor blocked NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, which was associated with a reduction in inflammatory cytokine gene and protein expression, airway eosinophilia, and late asthmatic reaction, similar in magnitude to that obtained with budesonide.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that inhibiting IKK-2 results in a general reduction of the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. Compounds of this class could have therapeutic utility in the treatment of asthma and may, in certain respects, possess a beneficial efficacy profile compared with that of a steroid.

Dissecting role of regulatory factors in NF-kappaB pathway with siRNA

NF-kappaB, a family of related transcription factors, has been a focus of intense scientific research during the past decade. Multiple stimuli, both extracellular and intracellular, lead to its activation. The NF-kappaB pathway regulates expression of a diverse array of genes involved in different biological processes. Various pathological states are characterized by the dysregulated NF-kappaB pathway. Recently, NF-kappaB activation has been connected with multiple aspects of oncogenesis and serves as an important mechanism to regulate cell survival in response to chemotherapy by activating different genes that inhibit apoptosis. Several methods of inhibiting NF-kappaB activation, such as antisense oligonucleotides, proteosome inhibitors and RNA interference (RNAi) are currently under investigation. RNAi represents a powerful tool to better define the role of specific genes in different signal transduction pathways and has recently been used to define the function of genes that regulate the NF-kappaB pathway. This review discusses the emerging role of RNAi to dissect the function of regulatory factors in the NF-kappaB pathway and its potential use as a targeted therapy.

Midkine, a newly discovered regulator of the renin–angiotensin pathway in mouse aorta: Significance of the pleiotrophin/midkine developmental gene family in angiotensin II signaling

We previously demonstrated that pleiotrophin (PTN the protein, Ptn the gene) highly regulates the levels of expression of the genes encoding the proteins of the renin-angiotensin pathway in mouse aorta. We now demonstrate that the levels of expression of these same genes are significantly regulated in mouse aorta by the PTN family member midkine (MK the protein, Mk the gene); a 3-fold increase in expression of renin, an 82-fold increase in angiotensinogen, a 6-fold decrease in the angiotensin converting enzyme, and a 6.5-fold increase in the angiotensin II type 1 and a 9-fold increase in the angiotensin II type 2 receptor mRNAs were found in Mk-/- mouse aorta in comparison with the wild type (WT, +/+). The results in Mk-/- mice are remarkably similar to those previously reported in Ptn-/- mouse aorta, with the single exception of that the levels of the angiotensinogen gene expression in Ptn-/- mice are equal to those in WT+/+ mouse aorta, and thus, in contrast to Mk gene expression unaffected by levels of Ptn gene expression. The data indicate that MK and PTN share striking but not complete functional redundancy. These data support potentially high levels importance of MK and the MK/PTN developmental gene family in downstream signals initiated by angiotensin II either in development or in the many pathological conditions in which MK expression levels are increased, such as atherosclerosis and many human neoplasms that acquire constitutive endogenous Mk gene expression by mutation during tumor progression and potentially provide a target through the renin-angiotensin pathway to treat advanced malignancies.

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

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

Therapeutic effect of topical administration of SN50, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB, in treatment of corneal alkali burns in mice

We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of topical administration of SN50, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB, in a corneal alkali burn model in mice. An alkali burn was produced with 1 N NaOH in the cornea of C57BL/6 mice under general anesthesia. SN50 (10 microg/microl) or vehicle was topically administered daily for up to 12 days. The eyes were processed for histological or immunohistochemical examination after bromodeoxyuridine labeling or for semi-quantification of cytokine mRNA. Topical SN50 suppressed nuclear factor-kappaB activation in local cells and reduced the incidence of epithelial defects/ulceration in healing corneas. Myofibroblast generation, macrophage invasion, activity of matrix metalloproteinases, basement membrane destruction, and expression of cytokines were all decreased in treated corneas compared with controls. To elucidate the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in epithelial cell proliferation, we performed organ culture of mouse eyes with TNF-alpha, SN50, or an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and examined cell proliferation in healing corneal epithelium in TNF-alpha-/- mice treated with SN50. An acceleration of epithelial cell proliferation by SN50 treatment was found to depend on TNF-alpha/JNK signaling. In conclusion, topical application of SN50 is effective in treating corneal alkali burns in mice.

The Ectodysplasin and NFkappaB signalling pathways in odontogenesis

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

Genetic pathways required for epidermal morphogenesis

The epidermis is composed of keratinocytes which undergo a highly reproducible terminal differentiation program resulting in the formation of a protective barrier, which is established during embryogenesis. Significant progress has recently been made in understanding the genetic pathways associated with the earliest event characteristic of epidermal morphogenesis, commitment to stratification. This process depends on the expression of p63, a transcription factor which is transcribed into isoforms that contain (TA) or lack (AN) a transactivation domain. In the absence of p63 expression, epithelia remain single-layered, while ectopic TAp63alpha expression in single-layered epithelia initiates stratification. Later events during epidermal morphogenesis require withdrawal from the cell cycle and commitment to terminal differentiation. Some of the genetic pathways underlying these events are beginning to be elucidated, however, the exact molecular events remain to be determined. In this review, we summarize the involvement of several signaling pathways in different stages of epidermal morphogenesis.

Formation of an IKKalpha-dependent transcription complex is required for estrogen receptor-mediated gene activation

The IkappaB kinases IKKalpha and IKKbeta regulate distinct cytoplasmic and nuclear events that are critical for cytokine-mediated activation of the NF-kappaB pathway. Because the IKKs have previously been demonstrated to associate with the nuclear hormone receptor coactivator AIB1/SRC-3, the question of whether either IKKalpha or IKKbeta may be involved in increasing the expression of hormone-responsive genes was addressed. We demonstrated that IKKalpha, in conjunction with ERalpha and AIB1/SRC-3, is important in activating the transcription of estrogen-responsive genes, including cyclin D1 and c-myc, to result in the enhanced proliferation of breast cancer cells. Estrogen treatment facilitated the association of IKKalpha, ERalpha, and AIB1/SRC-3 to estrogen-responsive promoters and increased IKKalpha phosphorylation of ERalpha, AIB1/SRC-3, and histone H3. These results suggest that IKKalpha plays a major role in regulating the biological effects of estrogen via its promoter association and modification of components of the transcription complex.

The RIP kinases: crucial integrators of cellular stress

Since the discovery of the first member ten years ago, the receptor-interacting protein (RIP) family kinases have emerged as essential sensors of cellular stress. The different members integrate both extracellular stress signals transmitted by various cell-surface receptors and signals emanating from intracellular stress. The cascades of events initiated by activated RIPs are complex. Not only are pro-survival, inflammatory and immune responses triggered by RIP kinases via the activation of transcription factors such as NF-kappaB and AP-1, but opposing, death-inducing programs can also be initiated by the RIP kinases. Hence, RIP kinases are crucial regulators of cell survival and cell death.

Gene expression profiling in conjunction with physiological rescues of IKKalpha-null cells with wild type or mutant IKKalpha reveals distinct classes of IKKalpha/NF-kappaB-dependent genes

Cellular responses to stress-like stimuli require the IkappaB kinase (IKK) signalsome (IKKalpha, IKKbeta, and NEMO/IKKgamma) to activate NF-kappaB-dependent genes. IKKbeta and NEMO/IKKgamma are required to release NF-kappaB p65/p50 heterodimers from IkappaBalpha, resulting in their nuclear migration and sequence-specific DNA binding; but IKKalpha was found to be dispensable for this initial phase of canonical NF-kappaB activation. Nevertheless, IKKalpha-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) fail to express NF-kappaB targets in response to proinflammatory stimuli, uncovering a nuclear role for IKKalpha in NF-kappaB activation. However, it remains unknown whether the global defect in NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression of IKKalpha-/- cells is caused by the absence of IKKalpha kinase activity. We show by gene expression profiling that rescue of near physiological levels of wild type IKKalpha in IKKalpha-/- MEFs globally restores expression of their canonical NF-kappaB target genes. To prove that the kinase activity of IKKalpha was required on a genomic scale, the same physiological rescue was performed with a kinase-dead, ATP binding domain IKKalpha mutant (IKKalpha(K44M)). Remarkably, the IKKalpha(K44M) protein rescued approximately 28% of these genes, albeit in a largely stimulus-independent manner with the notable exception of several genes that also acquired tumor necrosis factor-alpha responsiveness. Thus the IKKalpha-containing signalsome unexpectedly functions in the presence and absence of extracellular signals in both kinase-dependent and -independent modes to differentially modulate the expression of five distinct classes of IKKalpha/NF-kappaB-dependent genes.

Notch signaling in the integrated control of keratinocyte growth/differentiation and tumor suppression

Oncogenesis is closely linked to abnormalities in cell differentiation. Notch signaling provides an important form of intercellular communication involved in cell fate determination, stem cell potential and differentiation. Here we review the role of this pathway in the integrated growth/differentiation control of the keratinocyte cell type, and the maintenance of normal skin homeostasis. In parallel with the pro-differentiation function of Notch1 in keratinocytes, we discuss recent evidence pointing to a tumor suppressor function of this gene in both mouse skin and human cervical carcinogenesis. The possibility that Notch signaling elicits signals with a duality of growth positive and negative function will be discussed.

Deletion of IKK2 in hepatocytes does not sensitize these cells to TNF-induced apoptosis but protects from ischemia/reperfusion injury

The inhibitor of NF-kappaB (I-kappaB) kinase (IKK) complex consists of 3 subunits, IKK1, IKK2, and NF-kappaB essential modulator (NEMO), and is involved in the activation of NF-kappaB by various stimuli. IKK2 or NEMO constitutive knockout mice die during embryogenesis as a result of massive hepatic apoptosis. Therefore, we examined the role of IKK2 in TNF-induced apoptosis and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the liver by using conditional knockout mice. Hepatocyte-specific ablation of IKK2 did not lead to impaired activation of NF-kappaB or increased apoptosis after TNF-alpha stimulation whereas conditional NEMO knockout resulted in complete block of NF-kappaB activation and massive hepatocyte apoptosis. In a model of partial hepatic I/R injury, mice lacking IKK2 in hepatocytes displayed significantly reduced liver necrosis and inflammation than wild-type mice. AS602868, a novel chemical inhibitor of IKK2, protected mice from liver injury due to I/R without sensitizing them toward TNF-induced apoptosis and could therefore emerge as a new pharmacological therapy for liver resection, hemorrhagic shock, or transplantation surgery.