Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 mediates oxidative stress via suppressing the thioredoxin function

Mutagenic analysis in a pure molecular system shows that thioredoxin-interacting protein residue Cys247 is necessary and sufficient for a mixed disulfide formation with thioredoxin

The human thioredoxin (TRX)-interacting protein is found in multiple subcellular compartments and plays a major role in redox homeostasis, particularly in the context of metabolism (e.g., lipidemia and glycemia) and apoptosis. A molecular approach to the protein's modus operandi is still needed because some aspects of the TRX-interacting protein-mediated regulation of TRX are not clearly understood. To this end, His-tagged TRX-interacting proteins were over-expressed in Escherichia coli. Because the protein is expressed mainly in inclusion bodies, it was denatured in high concentrations of guanidium hydrochloride, centrifuged, and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. His-TRX-interacting protein was then refolded by dialysis and its restructuring monitored by circular dichroism spectrometry. This preparation resulted in the formation of a covalent complex with recombinant human TRX, demonstrating that association occurs without the intervention of other partner proteins. Multiple cysteine-to-serine mutants of TRX-interacting protein were produced and purified. These mutations were efficient in limiting the formation of disulfide-linked homo-oligomers in an oxidizing environment. The mutants were also used to gain functional insight into the formation of the TRX-interacting protein-TRX complexes. These complexes were able to form in the absence of internal disulfide bridges. A mutant with all but one cysteine changed to serine (Cys ²⁴⁷) also showed an enhanced capacity to form complexes with TRX demonstrating, in a pure molecular system, that this particular cysteine is likely responsible for the disulfide bridge between TRX-interacting protein and TRX.

Amelioration of renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury by liposomal delivery of curcumin to renal tubular epithelial and antigen-presenting cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Renal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is an inevitable consequence of renal transplantation, causing significant graft injury, increasing the risk of rejection and contributing to poor long-term graft outcome. Renal injury is mediated by cytokine and chemokine synthesis, inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from activation of the NF-κB pathway.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We utilized liposomal incorporation of a potent inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, curcumin, to target delivery to renal tubular epithelial and antigen-presenting cells. Liposomes containing curcumin were administered before bilateral renal ischaemia in C57/B6 mice, with subsequent reperfusion. Renal function was assessed from plasma levels of urea and creatinine, 4 and 24 h after reperfusion. Renal tissue was examined for NF-κB activity and oxidative stress (histology, immunostaining) and for apoptosis (TUNEL). Cytokines and chemokines were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting.

KEY RESULTS

Liposomal curcumin significantly improved serum creatinine, reduced histological injury and cellular apoptosis and lowered Toll-like receptor-4, heat shock protein-70 and TNF-α mRNA expression. Liposomal curcumin also reduced neutrophil infiltration and diminished inflammatory chemokine expression. Curcumin liposomes reduced intracellular superoxide generation and increased superoxide dismutase levels, decreased inducible NOS mRNA expression and 3-nitrotyrosine staining consistent with limitations in nitrosative stress and inhibited renal tubular mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein. These actions of curcumin were mediated by inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK and phospho-S6 ribosomal protein.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Liposomal delivery of curcumin promoted effective, targeted delivery of this non-toxic compound that provided cytoprotection via anti-inflammatory and multiple antioxidant mechanisms following renal IR injury.

The prognostic and predictive power of redox protein expression for anthracycline-based chemotherapy response in locally advanced breast cancer

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become the standard of care for locally advanced primary breast cancer. Anthracycline-based regimens have proven to be one of the most effective treatments in this setting. As certain cytotoxic antineoplastic agents, such as anthracyclines, generate reactive oxygen species as a by-product of their mechanism of action, we examined whether redox protein expression was involved in the response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy and with clinical outcome. Pre-treatment needle core biopsy and post-anthracycline treatment tumour sections were analysed from 98 cases. In all, 32 individuals had a complete clinical response and 17 had a complete pathological response. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for eight redox proteins: thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, thioredoxin interacting protein (TxNIP), glutathione S-transferase (GST) π, θ and α, catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase. GST π (P=0.05) and catalase (P=0.045) were associated with pathological complete response in pre-chemotherapy samples. TxNIP (P=0.017) and thioredoxin reductase (P=0.022) were independent prognostic factors for distant metastasis-free survival and TxNIP for overall survival (P=0.014). In oestrogen receptor negative patients that are known to have a poor overall survival, a considerably worse prognosis was seen in cases that exhibited low expression of TxNIP (P=0.000003), stratifying patients into more defined groups. This study indicates the importance of redox regulation in determining breast cancer response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy and provides ways of further stratifying pre-chemotherapy patients to potentially allow more tailored treatments.

Roles of thioredoxin binding protein (TXNIP) in oxidative stress, apoptosis and cancer

Thioredoxin binding protein (TXNIP) has multiple functions and plays an important role in redox homeostasis. TXNIP increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative stress, resulting in cellular apoptosis. It has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies. In the present review, we will first provide an overview of TXNIP protein and function, followed by a summary of the major studies that have demonstrated the frequent repression of TXNIP in cancers. Functional characterization of TXNIP knockout mouse model is summarized. We will then discuss the use of small molecular inhibitors to reactivate TXNIP expression as a novel anticancer strategy.

Calcium channel blockers act through nuclear factor Y to control transcription of key cardiac genes

First-generation calcium channel blockers such as verapamil are a widely used class of antihypertensive drugs that block L-type calcium channels. We recently discovered that they also reduce cardiac expression of proapoptotic thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), suggesting that they may have unappreciated transcriptional effects. By use of TXNIP promoter deletion and mutation studies, we found that a CCAAT element was mediating verapamil-induced transcriptional repression and identified nuclear factor Y (NFY) to be the responsible transcription factor as assessed by overexpression/knockdown and luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in cardiomyocytes and in vivo in diabetic mice receiving oral verapamil. We further discovered that increased NFY-DNA binding was associated with histone H4 deacetylation and transcriptional repression and mediated by inhibition of calcineurin signaling. It is noteworthy that the transcriptional control conferred by this newly identified verapamil-calcineurin-NFY signaling cascade was not limited to TXNIP, suggesting that it may modulate the expression of other NFY targets. Thus, verapamil induces a calcineurin-NFY signaling pathway that controls cardiac gene transcription and apoptosis and thereby may affect cardiac biology in previously unrecognized ways.

Cell stress proteins in atherothrombosis

Cell stress proteins (CSPs) are a large and heterogenous family of proteins, sharing two main characteristics: their levels and/or location are modified under stress and most of them can exert a chaperon function inside the cells. Nonetheless, they are also involved in the modulation of several mechanisms, both at the intracellular and the extracellular compartments. There are more than 100 proteins belonging to the CSPs family, among them the thioredoxin (TRX) system, which is the focus of the present paper. TRX system is composed of several proteins such as TRX and peroxiredoxin (PRDX), two thiol-containing enzymes that are key players in redox homeostasis due to their ability to scavenge potential harmful reactive oxygen species. In addition to their main role as antioxidants, recent data highlights their function in several processes such as cell signalling, immune inflammatory responses, or apoptosis, all of them key mechanisms involved in atherothrombosis. Moreover, since TRX and PRDX are present in the pathological vascular wall and can be secreted under prooxidative conditions to the circulation, several studies have addressed their role as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Thioredoxin-1 Promotes Anti-Inflammatory Macrophages of the M2 Phenotype and Antagonizes Atherosclerosis

Objective—

Oxidative stress is believed to play a key role in cardiovascular disorders. Thioredoxin (Trx) is an oxidative stress-limiting protein with anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Here, we analyzed whether Trx-1 might exert atheroprotective effects by promoting macrophage differentiation into the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype.

Methods and Results—

Trx-1 at 1 μg/mL induced downregulation of p16 INK4a and significantly promoted the polarization of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in macrophages exposed to interleukin (IL)-4 at 15 ng/mL or IL-4/IL-13 (10 ng/mL each) in vitro, as evidenced by the expression of the CD206 and IL-10 markers. In addition, Trx-1 induced downregulation of nuclear translocation of activator protein-1 and Ref-1, and significantly reduced the lipopolysaccharide-induced differentiation of inflammatory M1 macrophages, as indicated by the decreased expression of the M1 cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Consistently, Trx-1 administered to hyperlipoproteinemic ApoE2.Ki mice at 30 μg/30 g body weight challenged either with lipopolysaccharide at 30 μg/30 g body weight or with IL-4 at 500 ng/30 g body weight significantly induced the M2 phenotype while inhibiting differentiation of macrophages into the M1 phenotype in liver and thymus. ApoE2.Ki mice challenged once weekly with lipopolysaccharide for 5 weeks developed severe atherosclerotic lesions enriched with macrophages expressing predominantly M1 over M2 markers. In contrast, however, daily injections of Trx-1 shifted the phenotype pattern of lesional macrophages in these animals to predominantly M2 over M1, and the aortic lesion area was significantly reduced (from 100%±18% to 62.8%±9.8%; n=8; P <0.01). Consistently, Trx-1 colocalized with M2 but not with M1 macrophage markers in human atherosclerotic vessel specimens.

Conclusion—

The ability of Trx-1 to promote differentiation of macrophages into an alternative, anti-inflammatory phenotype may explain its protective effects in cardiovascular diseases. These data provide novel insight into the link between oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.

Interaction between M-like protein and macrophage thioredoxin facilitates antiphagocytosis for Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus

Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus, S.z) is one of the common pathogens that can cause septicemia, meningitis, and mammitis in domesticated species. M-like protein (SzP) is an important virulence factor of S. zooepidemicus and contributes to bacterial infection and antiphagocytosis. The interaction between SzP of S. zooepidemicus and porcine thioredoxin (TRX) was identified by the yeast two-hybrid and further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. SzP interacted with both reduced and the oxidized forms of TRX without inhibiting TRX activity. Membrane anchored SzP was able to recruit TRX to the surface, which would facilitate the antiphagocytosis of the bacteria. Further experiments revealed that TRX regulated the alternative complement pathway by inhibiting C3 convertase activity and associating with factor H (FH). TRX alone inhibited C3 cleavage and C3a production, and the inhibitory effect was additive when FH was also present. TRX inhibited C3 deposition on the bacterial surface when it was recruited by SzP. These new findings indicated that S. zooepidemicus used SzP to recruit TRX and regulated the alternative complement pathways to evade the host immune phagocytosis.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein mediates nuclear-to-plasma membrane communication: role in vascular endothelial growth factor 2 signaling

OBJECTIVE

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) are both regulated by changes in cellular reduction-oxidation (redox) state and localize to the nucleus basally in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Previously we showed a novel mechanism for PARP1 inhibition-mediated HUVEC survival through activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling in response to stress-induced apoptosis. In addition, we showed TXNIP translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) and activation of VEGFR2 in response to physiological stimuli. Because TXNIP is an α-arrestin that regulates VEGFR2 signaling, we hypothesized that PARP1 regulates TXNIP localization and function that might affect HUVEC stress-induced apoptosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HUVEC treated with 10 μmol/L PARP1 inhibitor (PJ34) were protected from TNF (10 ng/mL) or H(2)O(2) (300 μmol/L) mediated cell death. HUVEC transfected with TXNIP siRNA lost the protective effect of PARP1 inhibition, suggesting a protective role for TXNIP. Using immunofluorescence, cell fractionation analysis, and plasma membrane sheet assay, TXNIP was shown to translocate to the plasma membrane after PARP1 inhibition. TXNIP translocation was associated with activation of VEGFR2 signaling. Functionally, TXNIP-PARP1 interaction was decreased on PJ34 treatment, suggesting PARP1 as a novel regulator of TXNIP localization and function.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism of TXNIP by PARP1 to mediate activation of plasma membrane signaling and cell survival.

Thioredoxin interacting protein is a novel mediator of retinal inflammation and neurotoxicity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Up-regulation of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous inhibitor of thioredoxin (Trx), compromises cellular antioxidant and anti-apoptotic defences and stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, implying a role for TXNIP in apoptosis. Here we have examined the causal role of TXNIP expression in mediating retinal neurotoxicity and assessed the neuroprotective actions of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker and an inhibitor of TXNIP expression.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Retinal neurotoxicity was induced by intravitreal injection of NMDA in Sprague-Dawley rats, which received verapamil (10 mg·kg(-1), p.o.) or vehicle. Neurotoxicity was examined by terminal dUTP nick-end labelling assay and ganglion cell count. Expression of TXNIP, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK-1), NF-κB, p38 MAPK, JNK, cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-nonenal were examined by Western and slot-blot analysis. Release of TNF-α and IL-1β was examined by elisa.

KEY RESULTS

NMDA injection enhanced TXNIP expression, decreased Trx activity, causing increased oxidative stress, glial activation and release of TNF-α and IL-1β. Enhanced TXNIP expression disrupted Trx/ASK-1 inhibitory complex leading to release of ASK-1 and activation of the pro-apoptotic p38 MAPK/JNK pathway, as indicated by cleaved PARP and caspase-3 expression. Treatment with verapamil blocked these effects.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Elevated TXNIP expression contributed to retinal neurotoxicity by three different mechanisms, inducing release of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-1β, altering antioxidant status and disrupting the Trx-ASK-1 inhibitory complex leading to activation of the p38 MAPK/JNK apoptotic pathway. Targeting TXNIP expression is a potential therapeutic target for retinal neurodegenerative disease.

CNP-1 (ARRD-17), a novel substrate of calcineurin, is critical for modulation of egg-laying and locomotion in response to food and lysine sensation in Caenorhabditis elegans

Calcineurin is a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase involved in calcium signaling pathways. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the loss of calcineurin activity causes pleiotropic defects including hyperadaptation of sensory neurons, hypersensation to thermal difference and hyper-egg-laying when worms are refed after starvation. In this study, we report on arrd-17 as calcineurin-interacting protein-1 (cnp-1), which is a novel molecular target of calcineurin. CNP-1 interacts with the catalytic domain of the C. elegans calcineurin A subunit, TAX-6, in a yeast two-hybrid assay and is dephosphorylated by TAX-6 in vitro. cnp-1 is expressed in ASK, ADL, ASH and ASJ sensory neurons as TAX-6. It acts downstream of tax-6 in regulation of locomotion and egg-laying after starvation, ASH sensory neuron adaptation and lysine chemotaxis, that is known to be mediated by ASK neurons. Altogether, our biochemical and genetic evidence indicates that CNP-1 is a direct target of calcineurin and required in stimulated egg-laying and locomotion after starvation, adaptation to hyperosmolarity and attraction to lysine, which is modulated by calcineurin. We suggest that the phosphorylation status of CNP-1 plays an important role in regulation of refed stimulating behaviors after starvation and attraction to amino acid, which provides valuable nutritious information.

Global analysis of gene expression in NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons identifies molecular pathways associated with cell death

BACKGROUND

Developing sympathetic neurons depend on nerve growth factor (NGF) for survival and die by apoptosis after NGF withdrawal. This process requires de novo gene expression but only a small number of genes induced by NGF deprivation have been identified so far, either by a candidate gene approach or in mRNA differential display experiments. This is partly because it is difficult to obtain large numbers of sympathetic neurons for in vitro studies. Here, we describe for the first time, how advances in gene microarray technology have allowed us to investigate the expression of all known genes in sympathetic neurons cultured in the presence and absence of NGF.

RESULTS

We have used Affymetrix Exon arrays to study the pattern of expression of all known genes in NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons. We identified 415 up- and 813 down-regulated genes, including most of the genes previously known to be regulated in this system. NGF withdrawal activates the mixed lineage kinase (MLK)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-c-Jun pathway which is required for NGF deprivation-induced death. By including a mixed lineage kinase (MLK) inhibitor, CEP-11004, in our experimental design we identified which of the genes induced after NGF withdrawal are potential targets of the MLK-JNK-c-Jun pathway. A detailed Gene Ontology and functional enrichment analysis also identified genetic pathways that are highly enriched and overrepresented amongst the genes expressed after NGF withdrawal. Five genes not previously studied in sympathetic neurons - trib3, ddit3, txnip, ndrg1 and mxi1 - were validated by real time-PCR. The proteins encoded by these genes also increased in level after NGF withdrawal and this increase was prevented by CEP-11004, suggesting that these genes are potential targets of the MLK-JNK-c-Jun pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

The sympathetic neuron model is one of the best studied models of neuronal apoptosis. Overall, our microarray data gives a comprehensive overview of, and provides new information about, signalling pathways and transcription factors that are regulated by NGF withdrawal.

Thioredoxin binding protein (TBP)-2/Txnip and α-arrestin proteins in cancer and diabetes mellitus

Thioredoxin binding protein -2/ thioredoxin interacting protein is an α-arrestin protein that has attracted much attention as a multifunctional regulator. Thioredoxin binding protein -2 expression is downregulated in tumor cells and the level of thioredoxin binding protein is correlated with clinical stage of cancer. Mice with mutations or knockout of the thioredoxin binding protein -2 gene are much more susceptible to carcinogenesis than wild-type mice, indicating a role for thioredoxin binding protein -2 in cancer suppression. Studies have also revealed roles for thioredoxin binding protein -2 in metabolic control. Enhancement of thioredoxin binding protein -2 expression causes impairment of insulin sensitivity and glucose-induced insulin secretion, and β-cell apoptosis. These changes are important characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thioredoxin binding protein -2 regulates transcription of metabolic regulating genes. Thioredoxin binding protein -2-like inducible membrane protein/ arrestin domain containing 3 regulates endocytosis of receptors such as the β(2)-adrenergic receptor. The α-arrestin family possesses PPXY motifs and may function as an adaptor/scaffold for NEDD family ubiquitin ligases. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of α-arrestin proteins would provide a new pharmacological basis for developing approaches against cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Redox modification of cell signaling in the cardiovascular system

Oxidative stress is presumed to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease. However, oxidants are also generated in healthy cells, and increasing evidence suggests that they can act as signaling molecules. The intracellular reduction-oxidation (redox) status is tightly regulated by oxidant and antioxidant systems. Imbalance between them causes oxidative or reductive stress which triggers cellular damage or aberrant signaling, leading to dysregulation. In this review, we will briefly summarize the aspects of ROS generation and neutralization mechanisms in the cardiovascular system. ROS can regulate cell signaling through oxidation and reduction of specific amino acids within proteins. Structural changes during post-translational modification allow modification of protein activity which can result in altered cellular function. We will focus on the molecular basis of redox protein modification and how this regulatory mechanism affects signal transduction in the cardiovascular system. Finally, we will discuss some techniques applied to monitoring redox status and identifying redox-sensitive proteins in the heart. This article is part of a Special Section entitled "Post-translational Modification."

Response to dexamethasone is glucose-sensitive in multiple myeloma cell lines

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia is among the major side effects of dexamethasone (DEX). Glucose or glucocorticoid (GC) regulates the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) that controls the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the modulation of thioredoxin (TRX) activity.

METHODS

Multiple myeloma (MM) cells were grown in 5 or 20 mM/L glucose with or without 25 μM DEX. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to assess TXNIP RNA expression in response to glucose and DEX. ROS were detected by 5-6-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCFDA). TRX activity was assayed by the insulin disulfide-reducing assay. Proliferation was evaluated using CellTiter96 reagent with 490-nm absorbtion and used to calculate the DEX IC50 in 20 mM/L glucose using the Chou's dose effect equation.

RESULTS

TXNIP RNA level responded to glucose or DEX with the same order of magnitude ARH77 > NCIH929 > U266B1 in these cells. MC/CAR cells were resistant to the regulation. ROS level increased concurrently with reduced TRX activity. Surprisingly glucose increased TRX activity in MC/CAR cells keeping ROS level low. DEX and glucose were lacking the expected additive effect on TXNIP RNA regulation when used concurrently in sensitive cells. ROS level was significantly lower when DEX was used in conditions of hyperglycemia in ARH77/NCIH9292 cells but not in U266B1 cells. Dex-IC50 increased 10-fold when the dose response effect of DEX was evaluated with glucose in ARH && and MC/Car cells

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows for the first time that glucose or DEX regulates important components of ROS production through TXNIP modulation or direct interference with TRX activity in MM cells. We show that glucose modulates the activity of DEX through ROS regualtion in MM cells. A better understanding of these pathways may help in improving the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of DEX, a drug still highly used in the treatment of MM. Our study also set the ground to study the relevance of the metabolic milieu in affecting drug response and toxicity in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients with MM.

The arrestin fold: variations on a theme

Endocytosis of ligand-activated plasma membrane receptors has been shown to contribute to the regulation of their downstream signaling. β-arrestins interact with the phosphorylated tail of activated receptors and act as scaffolds for the recruitment of adaptor proteins and clathrin, that constitute the machinery used for receptor endocytosis. Visual- and β-arrestins have a two-lobe, immunoglobulin-like, β-strand sandwich structure. The recent resolution of the crystal structure of VPS26, one of the retromer subunits, unexpectedly evidences an arrestin fold in this protein, which is otherwise unrelated to arrestins. From a functional point of view, VPS26 is involved in the retrograde transport of the mannose 6-P receptor from the endosomes to the trans-Golgi network. In addition to the group of genuine arrestins and Vps26, mammalian cells harbor a vast repertoire of proteins that are related to arrestins on the basis of their PFAM Nter and Cter arrestin- domains, which are named Arrestin Domain- Containing proteins (ADCs). The biological role of ADC proteins is still poorly understood. The three subfamilies have been merged into an arrestin-related protein clan.

This paper provides an overall analysis of arrestin clan proteins. The structures and functions of members of the subfamilies are reviewed in mammals and model organisms such as Drosophila, Caenorhabditis, Saccharomyces and Dictyostelium.

The histone methyltransferase inhibitor, DZNep, up-regulates TXNIP, increases ROS production, and targets leukemia cells in AML

Recent studies have shown that 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), a histone methyltransferase inhibitor, disrupts polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and preferentially induces apoptosis in cancer cells, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The present study demonstrates that DZNep induces robust apoptosis in AML cell lines, primary cells, and targets CD34(+)CD38(-) leukemia stem cell (LSC)-enriched subpopulations. Using RNA interference (RNAi), gene expression profiling, and ChIP, we identified that TXNIP, a major redox control molecule, plays a crucial role in DZNep-induced apoptosis. We show that disruption of PRC2, either by DZNep treatment or EZH2 knockdown, reactivates TXNIP, inhibits thioredoxin activity, and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, we show that TXNIP is down-regulated in AML and is a direct target of PRC2-mediated gene silencing. Consistent with the ROS accumulation on DZNep treatment, we also see a signature of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-regulated genes, commonly associated with cell survival, down-regulated by DZNep. Taken together, we uncover a novel molecular mechanism of DZNep-mediated apoptosis and propose that EZH2 may be a potential new target for epigenetic treatment in AML.

Thioredoxin regulates adipogenesis through thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) protein stability

Txnip (thioredoxin-interacting protein) is a critical mediator of metabolism and adipogenesis in vivo. The mechanisms of action of Txnip are believed to operate at least in part by inhibiting the redox signaling functions of thioredoxin. We tested here whether Txnip suppressed adipogenesis by inhibiting thioredoxin and discovered a reversal of roles; Txnip inhibits adipogenesis directly, and thioredoxin binding regulates Txnip by enhancing Txnip protein stability. Unlike Txnip, a Txnip mutant that cannot bind thioredoxin (C247S) did not prevent adipocyte differentiation, but was degraded more quickly by proteasomal targeting. Finding that endogenous Txnip protein is also rapidly degraded at the onset of adipogenesis suggested that Txnip degradation is required for adipocyte differentiation. Thioredoxin overexpression stabilized Txnip protein levels to inhibit adipogenesis, and adipogenic stimulants such as insulin promoted Txnip-thioredoxin dissociation to the more labile free Txnip state. As an α-arrestin protein, Txnip has two C-terminal tail PPXY motifs that mediate E3 ubiquitin ligase binding and Txnip protein stability. Mutating the PPXY motifs prevented Txnip degradation, even when thioredoxin binding was lost, and restored the ability of C247S Txnip to inhibit adipogenesis. These studies present a novel reconsideration of Txnip-thioredoxin signaling by showing that thioredoxin regulates the intrinsic function of Txnip as an inhibitor of adipogenesis through protein stabilization.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein mediates TRX1 translocation to the plasma membrane in response to tumor necrosis factor-α: a key mechanism for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 transactivation by reactive oxygen species

OBJECTIVE

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) promotes inflammation in endothelial cells (EC) by binding to thioredoxin-1 (TRX1) in a redox-dependent manner. Formation of the TXNIP-TRX1 complex relieves inhibition of the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1-c-Jun N-terminal kinase-vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 pathway. Because TXNIP is an α-arrestin with numerous protein-protein interacting domains, we hypothesized that TXNIP-TRX1 trafficking should alter function of EC exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In response to physiological levels of ROS (10 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor-α and 30 μmol/L H(2)O(2)), TXNIP-TRX1 translocated to the plasma membrane in human umbilical vein EC, with a peak at 30 minutes, as measured by immunofluorescence colocalization with vascular endothelial-cadherin, cell fractionation, and membrane sheet assay. TXNIP-mediated translocation of TRX1 to the membrane required TXNIP and TRX1 binding, as evidenced by inability of the ROS-insensitive TXNIP-Cys247Ser mutant to promote membrane localization. Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling required TXNIP, as shown by significant decreases in plasma membrane tyrosine phosphorylation and EC migration after TRX1 knockdown. Furthermore, TXNIP knockdown increased human umbilical vein EC apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor. Rescue with TXNIP-wild-type but not TXNIP-Cys247Ser prevented cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a novel role for the TXNIP-TRX1 complex to enable inflammation by promoting EC survival and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling under conditions of physiological oxidative stress.

Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 deficiency accelerates liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver regeneration is a complicated process involving a variety of interacting factors. Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a potent growth suppressor that, upon over-expression, inhibits tumor cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression. Here, we investigated the function of VDUP1 in liver regeneration following hepatectomy in mice.

METHODS

Liver regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) was compared in VDUP1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice, and the activities of proliferative- and cell-cycle-related signaling pathways were measured.

RESULTS

Compared with WT mice, liver recovery was significantly accelerated in VDUP1 KO mice during the first day after PH, in association with increased DNA synthesis. Consistent with this observation, the expression levels of key cell-cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclin D, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), p21, and p27, were markedly altered in the livers of VDUP1 KO mice. Induction of growth factors and activation of proliferative signaling pathway components including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6 kinase (p70(S6K)), occurred much earlier and to a greater extent in VDUP1 KO mouse livers. In addition, primary hepatocytes isolated from VDUP1 KO mice displayed increased activation of ERK1/2 and Akt in response to HGF and TGF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reveal an important role for VDUP1 in the regulation of proliferative signaling during liver regeneration. Altered activation of genes involved in ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways may explain the accelerated growth responses seen in VDUP1 KO mice.

Early response of bovine alveolar macrophages to infection with live and heat-killed Mycobacterium bovis

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of economic importance and a significant animal health and welfare issue. The alveolar macrophage (AlvMϕ) plays a vital role in the immune response to TB and recent studies provide insights into the interactions between Mϕ and Mycobacterium bovis. Here we reveal the early transcriptional response of bovine AlvMϕ to M. bovis infection. We demonstrate up-regulation of immune response genes, including chemokines, members of the NF-κB pathway which may be involved in their transcription and also pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. M. bovis may therefore induce multiple mechanisms to manipulate the host immune response. We compared the response of AlvMϕ to infection with live and heat-killed M. bovis to determine transcriptional differences dependent on the viable pathogen. Several chemokines up-regulated following live M. bovis infection were not up-regulated after heat-killed M. bovis stimulation; hence the Mϕ seems to differentiate between the two stimuli.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the N-terminal domain of human thioredoxin-interacting protein

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a negative regulator of thioredoxin and its roles in the pathologies of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases have marked it out as a potential drug target. Expression of TXNIP is robustly induced under various stress conditions such as high glucose, heat shock, UV, H(2)O(2) and mechanical stress amongst others. Elevated levels of TXNIP result in the sequestration and inactivation of thioredoxin, leading to cellular oxidative stress. For some time, this was the only known function of TXNIP; however, more recently the protein has been shown to play a role in regulation of glucose uptake and activation of the inflammasome. Based on the primary sequence, TXNIP is remotely related to β-arrestins, which include the visual arrestins. TXNIP has thus been classified as a member of the α-arrestin family, which to date includes five other members. None of the other α-arrestins are known to interact with thioredoxin, although curiously one has been implicated in glucose uptake. In order to gain insight into the structure-function relationships of the α-arrestin protein family, and particularly that of TXNIP, the N-terminal domain of TXNIP has been crystallized. The crystals belonged to a monoclinic space group and diffracted to 3 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation.

TXNIP potentiates Redd1-induced mTOR suppression through stabilization of Redd1

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved serine-threonine kinase activated in response to growth factors and nutrients. Because of frequent dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway in diverse human cancers, this kinase is a key therapeutic target. Redd1 is a negative regulator of mTOR, mediating dissociation of 14-3-3 from tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)2, which allows formation of a TSC-TSC2 complex. In the present study, we identify TXNIP that inhibits mTOR activity by binding to and stabilizing Redd1 protein. Redd1 and TXNIP expression was induced by a synthetic glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Moreover, Redd1 expression in response to 2-DG was regulated by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Overexpression of TXNIP was associated with reduced mTOR activity mediated by an increase in Redd1 level, whereas knockdown of TXNIP using small interfering RNA resulted in recovery of mTOR activity via downregulation of Redd1 during treatment with 2-DG. Interestingly, Redd1 was additionally stabilized via interactions with N-terminal-truncated TXNIP, leading to suppression of mTOR activity. Our results collectively demonstrate that TXNIP stabilizes Redd1 protein induced by ATF4 in response to 2-DG, resulting in potentiation of mTOR suppression. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify TXNIP as a novel member of the mTOR upstream that acts as a negative regulator in response to stress signals.

Monensin is a potent inducer of oxidative stress and inhibitor of androgen signaling leading to apoptosis in prostate cancer cells

Current treatment options for advanced and hormone refractory prostate cancer are limited and responses to commonly used androgen pathway inhibitors are often unsatisfactory. Our recent results indicated that sodium ionophore monensin is one of the most potent and cancer-specific inhibitors in a systematic sensitivity testing of most known drugs and drug-like molecules in a panel of prostate cancer cell models. Because monensin has been extensively used in veterinary applications to build muscle mass in cattle, the link to prostate cancer and androgen signaling was particularly interesting. Here, we showed that monensin effects at nanomolar concentrations are linked to induction of apoptosis and potent reduction of androgen receptor mRNA and protein in prostate cancer cells. Monensin also elevated intracellular oxidative stress in prostate cancer cells as evidenced by increased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and by induction of a transcriptional profile characteristic of an oxidative stress response. Importantly, the antiproliferative effects of monensin were potentiated by combinatorial treatment with the antiandrogens and antagonized by antioxidant vitamin C. Taken together, our results suggest monensin as a potential well-tolerated, in vivo compatible drug with strong proapoptotic effects in prostate cancer cells, and synergistic effects with antiandrogens. Moreover, our data suggest a general strategy by which the effects of antiandrogens could be enhanced by combinatorial administration with agents that increase oxidative stress in prostate cancer cells.

Enhancement of the radiation effects by D-allose in head and neck cancer cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the radiosensitizing potential of D-allose in human head and neck cancer cells. HSC-3 cells were treated with or without D-allose for 6 h and then irradiated (2-6 Gy). The combination of D-allose and radiation was more effective than either agent alone. The radiation enhancement ratios at the 37% survival level were 1.61 and 2.11 for 10 mM and 25 mM D-allose treatment, respectively. The combination of D-allose and radiation also reduced the cell proliferation in 3D culture experiments. Although the mRNA expression of TXNIP was not increased by radiation alone, combined use with D-allose markedly elevated TXNIP expression. The combination of D-allose and radiation significantly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis compared to that induced by either agent alone. This study shows that D-allose enhances the effect of radiation, suggesting a potential clinical application of combination treatment with D-allose and radiation for head and neck cancer.

The intracellular redox stress caused by hexavalent chromium is selective for proteins that have key roles in cell survival and thiol redox control

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] compounds (e.g. chromates) are strong oxidants that readily enter cells where they are reduced to reactive Cr intermediates that can directly oxidize some cell components and can promote the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Inhalation is a major route of exposure which directly exposes the bronchial epithelium. Previous studies with non-cancerous human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) demonstrated that Cr(VI) treatment results in the irreversible inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and the oxidation of thioredoxins (Trx) and peroxiredoxins (Prx). The mitochondrial Trx/Prx system is somewhat more sensitive to Cr(VI) than the cytosolic Trx/Prx system, and other redox-sensitive mitochondrial functions are subsequently affected including electron transport complexes I and II. Studies reported here show that Cr(VI) does not cause indiscriminant thiol oxidation, and that the Trx/Prx system is among the most sensitive of cellular protein thiols. Trx/Prx oxidation is not unique to BEAS-2B cells, as it was also observed in primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Increasing the intracellular levels of ascorbate, an endogenous Cr(VI) reductant, did not alter the effects on TrxR, Trx, or Prx. The peroxynitrite scavenger MnTBAP did not protect TrxR, Trx, Prx, or the electron transport chain from the effects of Cr(VI), implying that peroxynitrite is not required for these effects. Nitration of tyrosine residues of TrxR was not observed following Cr(VI) treatment, further ruling out peroxynitrite as a significant contributor to the irreversible inhibition of TrxR. Cr(VI) treatments that disrupt the TrxR/Trx/Prx system did not cause detectable mitochondrial DNA damage. Overall, the redox stress that results from Cr(VI) exposure shows selectivity for key proteins which are known to be important for redox signaling, antioxidant defense, and cell survival.

Oxidative stress-induced degradation of thioredoxin-1 and apoptosis is inhibited by thioredoxin-1-actin interaction in endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1), one important antioxidative enzyme in endothelial cells, is required for apoptosis inhibition. Apoptosis induction is dependent on cytoskeletal changes, which depend on actin rearrangements. Therefore, we wanted to elucidate whether a physical interaction exists between Trx-1 and actin and what the functional consequences are.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Combined immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry identified actin as a new binding partner for Trx-1. A separate pool of Trx-1 forms a complex with apoptosis signaling kinase 1. Actin is required for stress fiber formation; thus, the interaction of actin with Trx-1 might interfere with this process. Stress fiber formation, which is directly linked to the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), occurs as early as 1 hour after H(2)O(2) treatment. It is inhibited by Trx-1 overexpression, treatment with exogenous Trx-1, or inhibition of FAK. Prolonged incubation with H(2)O(2) induced stress fiber formation, reduced Trx-1 protein levels, and increased apoptosis. All these processes were inhibited by preincubation with the FAK inhibitor PF573228. On the contrary, incubation with PF573228 1 hour after H(2)O(2) treatment did not block stress fiber formation, degradation of Trx-1, or apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that the actin-Trx-1 complex protects Trx-1 from degradation and, thus, endothelial cells from apoptosis. Reciprocally, Trx-1 prevents stress fiber formation.

Thioredoxin binding protein-2 mediates metabolic adaptation in response to lipopolysaccharide in vivo

OBJECTIVES

Endotoxin triggers a reorganization of the energy metabolic pathway, including the promotion of fatty acid utilization to adapt to a high energy demand during endotoxemia. However, the factors responsible for the metabolic adaptation and characteristic pathologies resulting from defective utilization fatty acids during endotoxin response have not been fully clarified. The thioredoxin binding protein-2 (TBP-2) knockout (TBP-2) mouse is an animal model of fatty acid oxidation disorder. The aim of this study was to determine whether and how TBP-2 is involved in metabolic regulation in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia model in mice.

DESIGN

Prospective animal trial.

SETTING

Research laboratory.

SUBJECTS

TBP-2 and wild control mice.

INTERVENTION

TBP-2 and wild control mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS. Mortality, serum levels of markers of hepatorenal injuries, cytokines, insulin, glucose and lipid derivatives, and the hepatic signaling pathway regulating gluconeogenesis were investigated.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Following the administration of LPS, TBP-2 mice showed a predisposition for death without any significant elevation of inflammatory cytokines, compared to the wild mice. LPS-challenged TBP-2 mice showed fat deposition in the liver and kidney, organ injuries, glycogen depletion, and elevation of serum lipid derivatives such as free fatty acids, triglyceride and cholesterol. Hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia were observed in TBP-2 mice after LPS injection. Death due to the LPS administration was prevented by supplementation of glucose. Phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO1, an inhibitory pathway of gluconeogenesis in the liver of LPS-challenged TBP-2 mice was demonstrated, suggesting the enhancement of insulin signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

TBP-2 is involved in metabolic control during LPS-induced endotoxemia. After the LPS challenge, TBP-2 mice showed several characteristic aspects, such as hepatorenal injuries, and dysregulation of the lipid and glucose metabolisms. Furthermore, hypoglycemia promoted by hyperinsulinemia may be a critical risk factor for mortality in circumstances in which fatty acid utilization is impaired during endotoxemia.

Downregulation of miR-342 is associated with tamoxifen resistant breast tumors

BACKGROUND

Tumor resistance to the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen remains a serious clinical problem especially in patients with tumors that also overexpress HER2. We have recently demonstrated that the clinically important isoform of HER2, HERΔ16, promotes therapeutically refractory breast cancer including resistance to endocrine therapy. Likewise additional breast tumor cell models of tamoxifen resistance have been developed that do not involve HER2 overexpression. However, a unifying molecular mechanism of tamoxifen resistance has remained elusive.

RESULTS

Here we analyzed multiple cell models of tamoxifen resistance derived from MCF-7 cells to examine the influence of microRNAs (miRNAs) on tamoxifen resistance. We compared miRNA expression profiles of tamoxifen sensitive MCF-7 cells and tamoxifen resistant MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells. We observed significant and dramatic downregulation of miR-342 in the MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cell line as well as the HER2 negative but tamoxifen resistant MCF-7 variants TAMR1 and LCC2. Restoring miR-342 expression in the MCF-7/HER2Δ16 and TAMR1 cell lines sensitized these cells to tamoxifen-induced apoptosis with a dramatic reduction in cell growth. Expression of miR-342 was also reduced in a panel of tamoxifen refractory human breast tumors, underscoring the potential clinical importance of miR-342 downregulation. Towards the goal of identifying direct and indirect targets of miR-342 we restored miR-342 expression in MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells and analyzed changes in global gene expression by microarray. The impact of miR-342 on gene expression in MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells was not limited to miR-342 in silica predicted targets. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis of the dataset revealed a significant influence of miR-342 on multiple tumor cell cycle regulators.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that miR-342 regulates tamoxifen response in breast tumor cell lines and our clinical data indicates a trend towards reduced miR-342 expression and tamoxifen resistance. In addition, our results suggest that miR-342 regulates expression of genes involved in tamoxifen mediated tumor cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Restoring miR-342 expression may represent a novel therapeutic approach to sensitizing and suppressing the growth of tamoxifen refractory breast tumors.

Thioredoxin-binding protein-2 (TBP-2/VDUP1/TXNIP) regulates T-cell sensitivity to glucocorticoid during HTLV-I-induced transformation

Although glucocorticoid (GC) is widely used for treating hematopoietic malignancies including adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), the mechanism by which leukemic cells become resistant to GC in the clinical course remains unclear. Using a series of T-cell lines infected with human T lymphotropic virus type-I (HTLV-I), the causative virus of ATL, we have dissected the transformation from interleukin (IL)-2-dependent to -independent growth stage. The transformation associates the loss of thioredoxin-binding protein-2 (TBP-2), a tumor suppressor and regulator of lipid metabolism. Here we show that TBP-2 is responsible for GC-induced apoptosis in ATL cells. In the IL-2-dependent stage, dexamethasone induced TBP-2 expression and apoptosis, both of which were blocked by GC receptor (GR) antagonist RU486. Knockdown of TBP-2 consistently reduced the amount of GC-induced apoptosis. In IL-2-independent stage, however, expression of GR and TBP-2 was suppressed and GC failed to induce apoptosis. Forced expression of GR led the cells to mild sensitivity to GC, which was also accomplished by treatment with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, a TBP-2 inducer. A transfection experiment showed that TBP-2 expression induced apoptosis in IL-2-independent ATL cells. Thus, TBP-2 is likely to be one of the key molecules for GC-induced apoptosis and a potential target for treating the advanced stage of ATL.

High glucose condition upregulated Txnip expression level in rat mesangial cells through ROS/MEK/MAPK pathway

Thioredoxin interacting protein (Txnip) is one of the most abundantly up-regulated genes in response to hyperglycemia. The increased renal expression of Txnip was associated with type IV collagen accumulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. As the mechanism of action of high glucose is unknown, we undertook the investigation of the signaling pathway on the upregulation of Txnip expression induced by high glucose in rat mesangial cells. Rat mesangial cells were exposed to normal (5.5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose at different time points. Txnip expression was determined using real-time RT-PCR and western-blotting at transcription and translation level, respectively. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by FACS Calibur flow cytometer using fluorescent probe (DCFH-DA).The treatment with high glucose resulted in an increase of Txnip mRNA from 4 h to 12 h and Txnip protein from 12 to 24 h in comparison with normal glucose condition. In addition, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) was found to decrease Txnip protein expression under high glucose condition. Furthermore, p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 suppressed Txnip expression at transcription and protein level significantly to high glucose exposure. These results suggest that high glucose exposure improves Txnip mRNA and protein expression level by ROS/MEK/MAPK signaling pathway.

Physiological insights gained from gene expression analysis in obesity and diabetes

Microarray technology permits the interrogation of nearly all expressed genes under a wide range of conditions. Patterns of gene expression in response to obesity and diabetes have yielded important insights into the pathogenesis of diabetes and its relationship to obesity. In muscle, microarray studies have motivated research into mitochondrial function. In adipose tissue, clues have pointed to the importance of inflammation in obesity. New adipocyte-derived hormones involved in insulin resistance have been found; a notable example is retinol binding protein 4. In liver, genes responsive to master regulators of lipid metabolism have been identified. In beta-cells, genes involved in cell survival, cell proliferation, and insulin secretion have been identified. These studies have greatly expanded our understanding of mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of obesity-induced diabetes. When combined with genetic information, microarray data can be used to construct causal network models linking gene expression with disease.

Molecular signatures and new candidates to target the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory joint disease of unknown etiology and pronounced interpatient heterogeneity. To characterize RA at the molecular level and to uncover pathomechanisms, we performed genome-wide gene expression analysis. We identified a set of 1,054 genes significantly deregulated in pair-wise comparisons between RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients, RA and normal donors (ND), or OA and ND. Correlation analysis revealed gene sets regulated identically in all three groups. As a prominent example secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was identified to be significantly upregulated in RA compared with both OA and ND. SPP1 expression was found to correlate with genes expressed during an inflammatory response, T-cell activation and apoptosis, suggesting common underlying regulatory networks. A subclassification of RA patients was achieved on the basis of proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) expression, distinguishing PRG4 high and low expressors and reflecting the heterogeneity of the disease. In addition, we found that low PRG4 expression was associated with a more aggressive disease stage, which is in accordance with PRG4 loss-of-function mutations causing camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis syndrome. Altogether we provide evidence for molecular signatures of RA and RA subclasses, sets of new candidate genes as well as for candidate gene networks, which extend our understanding of disease mechanisms and may lead to an improved diagnosis.

Protein kinase networks regulating glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis of hematopoietic cancer cells: fundamental aspects and practical considerations

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are integral components in the treatment protocols of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma owing to their ability to induce apoptosis of these malignant cells. Resistance to GC therapy is associated with poor prognosis. Although they have been used in clinics for decades, the signal transduction pathways involved in GC-induced apoptosis have only partly been resolved. Accumulating evidence shows that this cell death process is mediated by a communication between nuclear GR affecting gene transcription of pro-apoptotic genes such as Bim, mitochondrial GR affecting the physiology of the mitochondria, and the protein kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), which interacts with Bim following exposure to GCs. Prevention of Bim up-regulation, mitochondrial GR translocation, and/or GSK3 activation are common causes leading to GC therapy failure. Various protein kinases positively regulating the pro-survival Src-PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Raf-Ras-MEK-ERK signal cascades have been shown to be activated in malignant leukemic cells and antagonize GC-induced apoptosis by inhibiting GSK3 activation and Bim expression. Targeting these protein kinases has proven effective in sensitizing GR-positive malignant lymphoid cells to GC-induced apoptosis. Thus, intervening with the pro-survival kinase network in GC-resistant cells should be a good means of improving GC therapy of hematopoietic malignancies.

Vitamin D3 upregulated protein 1 suppresses TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation in hepatocarcinogenesis

Vitamin D(3) upregulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a candidate tumor suppressor, the expression of which is dramatically reduced in various tumor tissues. In this study, we found that VDUP1 expression is suppressed during human hepatic carcinogenesis, and mice lacking VDUP1 are much more susceptible to diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis compared with wild type mice. VDUP1-deficient tumors proliferated significantly more than wild type tumors and had corresponding changes in the expression of key cell cycle regulatory proteins. In addition, the hepatomitogen-induced response was associated with a considerable increase in the release of TNF-α and subsequent enhancement of NF-κB activation in VDUP1-deficient mice. When cells were treated with TNF-α, the VDUP1 level was markedly reduced, concomitant with elevated NF-κB activation. Furthermore, the overexpression of VDUP1 resulted in the robust suppression of TNF-α-activated NF-κB activity via association with HDAC1 and HDAC3. These results indicate that VDUP1 negatively regulates hepatocarcinogenesis by suppressing TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation.

Lactic acidosis triggers starvation response with paradoxical induction of TXNIP through MondoA

Although lactic acidosis is a prominent feature of solid tumors, we still have limited understanding of the mechanisms by which lactic acidosis influences metabolic phenotypes of cancer cells. We compared global transcriptional responses of breast cancer cells in response to three distinct tumor microenvironmental stresses: lactic acidosis, glucose deprivation, and hypoxia. We found that lactic acidosis and glucose deprivation trigger highly similar transcriptional responses, each inducing features of starvation response. In contrast to their comparable effects on gene expression, lactic acidosis and glucose deprivation have opposing effects on glucose uptake. This divergence of metabolic responses in the context of highly similar transcriptional responses allows the identification of a small subset of genes that are regulated in opposite directions by these two conditions. Among these selected genes, TXNIP and its paralogue ARRDC4 are both induced under lactic acidosis and repressed with glucose deprivation. This induction of TXNIP under lactic acidosis is caused by the activation of the glucose-sensing helix-loop-helix transcriptional complex MondoA:Mlx, which is usually triggered upon glucose exposure. Therefore, the upregulation of TXNIP significantly contributes to inhibition of tumor glycolytic phenotypes under lactic acidosis. Expression levels of TXNIP and ARRDC4 in human cancers are also highly correlated with predicted lactic acidosis pathway activities and associated with favorable clinical outcomes. Lactic acidosis triggers features of starvation response while activating the glucose-sensing MondoA-TXNIP pathways and contributing to the “anti-Warburg” metabolic effects and anti-tumor properties of cancer cells. These results stem from integrative analysis of transcriptome and metabolic response data under various tumor microenvironmental stresses and open new paths to explore how these stresses influence phenotypic and metabolic adaptations in human cancers.

Solid tumors usually have many differences in their chemical environments, such as low oxygen, depletion of glucose, high acidity (low pH), and accumulation of lactate, from normal tissues. These changes are usually called tumor microenvironmental stresses. In this study, we have used microarrays to compare the transcriptional response and metabolic adaptation in response to these different stresses seen in the tumor microenvironments. Through these comparisons, we have found that lactic acidosis triggers a starvation response, highly similar to glucose deprivation, even in the presence of abundant nutrients and oxygen. Even the cells seem to be starved; cells under lactic acidosis have decreased glucose uptake. We found this unexpected biological behavior was due to the paradoxical induction of a glucose-sensing Mondo-TXNIP pathway. The activation of this novel anti-tumor pathway under lactic acidosis contributes to the anti-Warburg effect and the restriction of cell growth in tumorigenesis by limiting nutrient availability and its inactivation may be required for tumor progression under these microenvironmental stresses.

The emerging role of the thioredoxin system in angiogenesis

Although there have been a multitude of studies, the mechanisms of angiogenesis remain incompletely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that cellular redox homeostasis is an important regulator of angiogenesis. The thioredoxin (TRX) system functions as an endogenous antioxidant that can exert influence over endothelial cell function via modulation of cellular redox status. It has become apparent that the cytosolic TRX1 isoform participates in both canonical and novel angiogenic signaling pathways and may represent an avenue for therapeutic exploitation. Recent studies have further identified a role for the mitochondrial isoform TRX2 in ischemia-induced angiogenesis. TRX-interacting protein (TXNIP) is the endogenous inhibitor of TRX redox activity that has been implicated in growth factor-mediated angiogenesis. As TXNIP is strongly induced by glucose, this molecule could be of consequence to disordered angiogenesis manifest in diabetes mellitus. This review will focus on data implicating the TRX system in endothelial cell homeostasis and angiogenesis.

Inhibition of TXNIP expression in vivo blocks early pathologies of diabetic retinopathy

Evidence is mounting that proinflammatory and proapoptotic thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) has a causative role in the development of diabetes. However, there are no studies investigating the role of TXNIP in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Here, we show that, in diabetic rats, TXNIP expression and hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) flux, which regulates TXNIP, are elevated in the retina and correlates well with the induction of inflammatory cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) and sclerotic fibronectin (FN). We blocked the expression of TXNIP in diabetic rat retinas by: (i) inhibiting HBP flux; (ii) inducing post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) for TXNIP mRNA; and (iii) performing an in vivo transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) approach for TXNIP knockdown by promoter-targeted small interfering RNAs and cell-penetrating peptides as RNA interference (RNAi) transducers. Each of these methods is efficient in downregulating TXNIP expression, resulting in blockade of its target genes, Cox-2 and FN, demonstrating that TXNIP has a causative role in aberrant gene induction in early DR. RNAi TGS of TXNIP abolishes diabetes-induced retinal gliosis and ganglion injury. Thus, TXNIP has a critical role in inflammation and retinal injury in early stages of DR. The successful employment of TXNIP TGS and amelioration of its pathological effects open the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed to block disease onset and progression of DR.

Redox control systems in the nucleus: mechanisms and functions

Proteins with oxidizable thiols are essential to many functions of cell nuclei, including transcription, chromatin stability, nuclear protein import and export, and DNA replication and repair. Control of the nuclear thiol-disulfide redox states involves both the elimination of oxidants to prevent oxidation and the reduction of oxidized thiols to restore function. These processes depend on the common thiol reductants, glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin-1 (Trx1). Recent evidence shows that these systems are controlled independent of the cytoplasmic counterparts. In addition, the GSH and Trx1 couples are not in redox equilibrium, indicating that these reductants have nonredundant functions in their support of proteins involved in transcriptional regulation, nuclear protein trafficking, and DNA repair. Specific isoforms of glutathione peroxidases, glutathione S-transferases, and peroxiredoxins are enriched in nuclei, further supporting the interpretation that functions of the thiol-dependent systems in nuclei are at least quantitatively distinct, and probably also qualitatively distinct, from similar processes in the cytoplasm. Elucidation of the distinct nuclear functions and regulation of the thiol redox pathways in nuclei can be expected to improve understanding of nuclear processes and also to provide the basis for novel approaches to treat aging and disease processes associated with oxidative stress in the nuclei.

Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1(VDUP1) is regulated by FOXO3A and miR-17-5p at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, respectively, in senescent fibroblasts

Vitamin D(3) up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1) plays multifunctional roles in diverse cellular responses, particularly in its relation to proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and diseases such as cancer and stress-related diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that VDUP1 was up-regulated during the senescence process. Our results showed that overexpression of VDUP1 in young cells caused typical signs of senescence. We also found that VDUP1 knockdown delayed the onset of Ras-induced cellular senescence. Subsequently, we found that FOXO3A, whose activity increased in senescent cells, transcriptionally up-regulates VDUP1 expression and miR-17-5p, whose expression decreased in senescent cells, directly interacted with the 3'-untranslated region of VDUP1 transcripts, and destabilized VDUP1 mRNA in young cells. These results indicated that VDUP1 expression was regulated by FOXO3A at the transcriptional level and by miR-17-5p at the post-transcriptional levels during the senescence process.

Anti-oxidant effect of gold nanoparticles restrains hyperglycemic conditions in diabetic mice

Background

Oxidative stress is imperative for its morbidity towards diabetic complications, where abnormal metabolic milieu as a result of hyperglycemia, leads to the onset of several complications. A biological antioxidant capable of inhibiting oxidative stress mediated diabetic progressions; during hyperglycemia is still the need of the era. The current study was performed to study the effect of biologically synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to control the hyperglycemic conditions in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice.

Results

The profound control of AuNPs over the anti oxidant enzymes such as GSH, SOD, Catalase and GPx in diabetic mice to normal, by inhibition of lipid peroxidation and ROS generation during hyperglycemia evidence their anti-oxidant effect during hyperglycemia. The AuNPs exhibited an insistent control over the blood glucose level, lipids and serum biochemical profiles in diabetic mice near to the control mice provokes their effective role in controlling and increasing the organ functions for better utilization of blood glucose. Histopathological and hematological studies revealed the non-toxic and protective effect of the gold nanoparticles over the vital organs when administered at dosage of 2.5 mg/kilogram.body.weight/day. ICP-MS analysis revealed the biodistribution of gold nanoparticles in the vital organs showing accumulation of AuNPs in the spleen comparatively greater than other organs.

Conclusion

The results obtained disclose the effectual role of AuNPs as an anti-oxidative agent, by inhibiting the formation of ROS, scavenging free radicals; thus increasing the anti-oxidant defense enzymes and creating a sustained control over hyperglycemic conditions which consequently evoke the potential of AuNPs as an economic therapeutic remedy in diabetic treatments and its complications.

Role of thioredoxin reductase 1 and thioredoxin interacting protein in prognosis of breast cancer

Introduction

The purpose of this work was to study the prognostic influence in breast cancer of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) and thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), key players in oxidative stress control that are currently evaluated as possible therapeutic targets.

Methods

Analysis of the association of TXNRD1 and TXNIP RNA expression with the metastasis-free interval (MFI) was performed in 788 patients with node-negative breast cancer, consisting of three individual cohorts (Mainz, Rotterdam and Transbig). Correlation with metagenes and conventional clinical parameters (age, pT stage, grading, hormone and ERBB2 status) was explored. MCF-7 cells with a doxycycline-inducible expression of an oncogenic ERBB2 were used to investigate the influence of ERBB2 on TXNRD1 and TXNIP transcription.

Results

TXNRD1 was associated with worse MFI in the combined cohort (hazard ratio = 1.955; P < 0.001) as well as in all three individual cohorts. In contrast, TXNIP was associated with better prognosis (hazard ratio = 0.642; P < 0.001) and similar results were obtained in all three subcohorts. Interestingly, patients with ERBB2-status-positive tumors expressed higher levels of TXNRD1. Induction of ERBB2 in MCF-7 cells caused not only an immediate increase in TXNRD1 but also a strong decrease in TXNIP. A subsequent upregulation of TXNIP as cells undergo senescence was accompanied by a strong increase in levels of reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions

TXNRD1 and TXNIP are associated with prognosis in breast cancer, and ERBB2 seems to be one of the factors shifting balances of both factors of the redox control system in a prognostic unfavorable manner.

Tranilast attenuates the up-regulation of thioredoxin-interacting protein and oxidative stress in an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of kidney failure in the developed world. Tranilast has been reported to not only act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic compound, but it also exerts anti-oxidative stress effects in diabetic nephropathy. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) is the endogenous inhibitor of the anti-oxidant thioredoxin and is highly up-regulated in diabetic nephropathy, leading to oxidative stress and fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether tranilast exerts its anti-oxidant properties through the inhibition of Txnip.

METHODS

Heterozygous Ren-2 rats were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. Another group of rats were injected with citrate buffer alone and treated as non-diabetic controls. After 6 weeks of diabetes, diabetic rats were divided into two groups: one group gavaged with tranilast at 200 mg/kg/day and another group with vehicle.

RESULTS

Diabetic rats had a significant increase in albuminuria, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, peritubular collagen IV accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and macrophage infiltration (all P < 0.05). These changes were associated with an increase in Txnip mRNA and protein expression in the tubules and glomeruli of diabetic kidney. Treatment with tranilast for 4 weeks significantly attenuated Txnip up-regulation in diabetic rats and this was associated with a reduction in ROS, fibrosis and macrophage infiltration (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate that tranilast not only has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects as previously reported but also attenuates the up-regulation of Txnip and oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy.

Deletion of the alpha-arrestin protein Txnip in mice promotes adiposity and adipogenesis while preserving insulin sensitivity

OBJECTIVE

Thioredoxin interacting protein (Txnip), a regulator of cellular oxidative stress, is induced by hyperglycemia and inhibits glucose uptake into fat and muscle, suggesting a role for Txnip in type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Txnip-null (knockout) mice are protected from insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Txnip gene-deleted (knockout) mice and age-matched wild-type littermate control mice were maintained on a standard chow diet or subjected to 4 weeks of high-fat feeding. Mice were assessed for body composition, fat development, energy balance, and insulin responsiveness. Adipogenesis was measured from ex vivo fat preparations, and in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after forced manipulation of Txnip expression.

RESULTS

Txnip knockout mice gained significantly more adipose mass than controls due to a primary increase in both calorie consumption and adipogenesis. Despite increased fat mass, Txnip knockout mice were markedly more insulin sensitive than controls, and augmented glucose transport was identified in both adipose and skeletal muscle. RNA interference gene-silenced preadipocytes and Txnip(-/-) MEFs were markedly adipogenic, whereas Txnip overexpression impaired adipocyte differentiation. As increased adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity suggested aspects of augmented peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) response, we investigated Txnip's regulation of PPARgamma function; manipulation of Txnip expression directly regulated PPARgamma expression and activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Txnip deletion promotes adiposity in the face of high-fat caloric excess; however, loss of this alpha-arrestin protein simultaneously enhances insulin responsiveness in fat and skeletal muscle, revealing Txnip as a novel mediator of insulin resistance and a regulator of adipogenesis.

DJ-1 protects against oxidative damage by regulating the thioredoxin/ASK1 complex

DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein linked to recessively inherited Parkinson's disease (PD) due to loss of function mutations. Among its activities is anti-oxidant property leading to cytoprotection under oxidative stress conditions. A key effector of oxidant-induced cell death is the MAP3 kinase apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) which is bound to and inhibited by thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) under basal conditions. Upon oxidative stimuli, however, ASK1 dissociates from this physiological inhibitor and is activated. In the present study, we investigated the role of DJ-1 in regulating Trx1/ASK1 interaction. Over-expression of DJ-1 suppressed ASK1 activation in response to H(2)O(2) in a time-dependent manner. Wild-type DJ-1, but not the PD-associated L166P mutant, prevented the dissociation of ASK1 from Trx1 in response to H(2)O(2). Among cysteine mutants of DJ-1, C46S, C53S, and C106S, only C106S failed to inhibit this dissociation implying that cysteine 106 is essential for Trx1/ASK1 regulation. Furthermore, compared to wild-type mice, DJ-1 null mouse brain homogenates and embryonic fibroblasts were more susceptible to oxidant-induced dissociation of ASK1 from Trx1, activation of the downstream kinase c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and to cell death. These findings point to yet another mechanism through which DJ-1 has anti-oxidant and cytoprotective properties by regulating the Trx1/ASK1 complex and controlling the availability of ASK1 to effect apoptosis.

The roles of thioredoxin and thioredoxin-binding protein-2 in endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in the establishment and development of endometriosis. Thioredoxin (TRX) is an endogenous redox regulator that protects cells against oxidative stress, and TRX-binding protein-2 (TBP-2) is a negative regulator of TRX in the biological function and expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of TRX and TBP-2 in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.

METHODS

A total of 35 patients with histologically confirmed endometriosis and 31 patients without endometriosis participated in this study. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify TRX and TBP-2 mRNA levels, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess TRX and TBP-2 protein localization in the endometrium. Serum and peritoneal fluid levels of TRX and TBP-2 were measured using a specific commercial ELISA.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in TRX mRNA levels in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis and the control groups. However, TBP-2 mRNA levels in the endometrium were lower, and the TRX to TBP-2 ratio was higher in patients with endometriosis than in the control group. In particular, the TRX to TBP-2 ratio was significantly higher during late secretory and menstrual phase in patients with endometriosis compared with the control group. IHC studies also showed the decreased TBP-2 immunoreactivity in patients with endometriosis compared with the control group. There was no correlation between TRX and TBP-2 mRNA levels in patients with endometriosis, whereas TRX mRNA levels were positively correlated with TBP-2 mRNA levels in the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in TRX and TBP-2 levels in serum or peritoneal fluid.

CONCLUSIONS

Aberrant expression of TRX and TBP-2 in the endometrium may be associated with the establishment of endometriosis.