ATL-derived factor (ADF), an IL-2 receptor/Tac inducer homologous to thioredoxin; possible involvement of dithiol-reduction in the IL-2 receptor induction

Transactivation of an inducible anti-oxidative stress protein, human thioredoxin by HTLV-I Tax

Adult T-cell leukemia derived factor (ADF)/human thioredoxin (TRX), which has thiol reducing and radical scavenging activities, plays an essential role on cellular protection against oxidative stress and cell death. TRX itself is induced by various oxidative stress as well as the Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein. To investigate the mechanism of this induction, the promoter region of the TRX gene was analyzed. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter constructs containing the TRX promoter sequences responded to the overexpression of the Tax protein, whereas various oxidative agents activated the TRX promoter through a newly identified oxidative responsive element. Moreover, TRX was translocated from the cytoplasm into the nucleus by ultraviolet irradiation, suggesting its possible role on sensing and transducing oxidative signals.

Structural determinants of the catalytic reactivity of the buried cysteine of Escherichia coli thioredoxin

The structurally homologous thioredoxins and thioltransferases/glutaredoxins possess a solvent-exposed cysteine sulfur which carries out a nucleophilic attack on the target disulfide as well as a structurally adjacent solvent inaccessible thiol. The mechanistic basis of the essentially exclusive redox reactivity of the thioredoxins in contrast to the thiol-disulfide exchange reactions characteristic of the thioltransferases lies in the relative reactivity of the buried cysteine. A stable analog of the mixed disulfide state of Escherichia coli thioredoxin is used to demonstrate a pK value of 11.1 for the solvent inaccessible Cys 35 thiol. NMR chemical shift pH titration analysis indicates a very low dielectric surrounding the Cys 35 sulfur providing a basis for both the elevated pK and the enhanced apparent nucleophilicity. The buried Asp 26 likely serves as the proton sink for the (de)protonation of Cys 35. Relevance to the reactivity of the mammalian protein isomerases is discussed.

Subunit association and DNA binding activity of the heterotrimeric transcription factor NF-Y is regulated by cellular redox

NF-Y is a heterotrimeric transcription factor that specifically recognizes a CCAAT box motif found in a variety of eukaryotic promoter and enhancer elements. The subunit association and DNA binding properties of the NF-Y complex were examined as a function of redox state using recombinant NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC subunits. Reduction of NF-YB by dithiothreitol (DTT) was essential for reconstitution of specific NF-Y CCAAT box DNA binding activity in vitro. Approximately 30% of the Escherichia coli-derived NF-YB subunit existed as intermolecular disulfide-linked dimers. NF-YB mutants in which the highly conserved cysteine residues at positions 85 and 89 had been converted to serines existed only as monomers and did not require DTT for functional NF-Y DNA binding activity. DTT was required, however, for the functional association of NF-YC with wild-type NF-YB but not with the NF-YB cysteine mutants. The cellular redox factors Ref-1 and adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor stimulated the DNA binding activity of recombinant NF-Y in the absence of DTT. Cells treated with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, an irreversible inhibitor of thioredoxin reductase, exhibited reduced endogenous NF-Y DNA binding activity. Together these results suggest that the cellular redox environment of mammalian cells is an important posttranscriptional regulator of NF-Y subunit association and DNA binding activities.

Fas antigen/APO-1 (CD95) expression on myeloma cells

Many factors involved in the proliferation of myelomas have been reported, and the relationship between these factors and the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma has been discussed. We found that most myeloma cells express Fas antigen/APO-1 (CD95), a cell surface antigen that mediates apoptosis. However only some cells are sensitive to anti-Fas antibody and undergo apoptosis. These data indicate that some multiple myelomas are generated not only by cell proliferation but also by cell immortalization. The mechanism by which myelomas are immortalized is still unclear, but Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, adult T cell leukemia derived factor (ADF), soluble Fas are all candidate factors for this mechanism. The possibility also exists that inducers of apoptosis, e.g. tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme(ICE), Bcl-xS, or Bax, do not have a lethal effect. In this review, we focus on the system that immortalizes myeloma cells, and suggest the possibility that multiple myeloma constitutes one group of cells which cannot undergo apoptosis in the bone marrow.

A novel plasma membrane-bound thioredoxin from soybean

Two thioredoxin cDNAs from soybean were isolated by screening an expression library using an anti-(plasma membrane) serum. The nucleotide sequences of the two cDNAs were found to be 89% identical. The polypeptides encoded by the two cDNAs, designated TRX1 and TRX2, contain a disulfide active site, as found in other thioredoxins. TRX1 was expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli and shown to possess thiol-disufide interchange activity. Unlike other eukaryotic thioredoxins, these two soybean thioredoxins contain a putative transmembrane domain in their N-terminal regions. To determine subcellular location, the TRX1 was fused with a reporter epitope at its C-terminus and expressed in transgenic tobacco plants. The fusion protein was co-purified with plasma membrane markers 1,3 beta-glucan synthase and vanadate-sensitive ATPase, indicating the plasma membrane location of TRX1. When the reporter epitope was inserted between the start codon and the transmembrane domain in the N-terminus, the fusion protein was found in the soluble fraction, possibly due to disruption of the transmembrane domain by the highly hydrophilic epitope sequence. Taken together, our results demonstrate that soybean TRX1 is a plasma membrane-bound thioredoxin, which is most likely anchored to the membrane through the N-terminal transmembrane domain. It is known that plant plasma membranes contain various proteins with thiol-disulfide interchange activity. The soybean thioredoxins reported here are the first group of such proteins to be characterized at the molecular level. However, the biological function of the plasma membrane-bound thioredoxin remains to be determined.

Redox regulation of GA-binding protein-alpha DNA binding activity

We have investigated the reduction/oxidation (redox) regulation of the heteromeric transcription factor GA-binding protein (GABP). GABP, also known as nuclear respiratory factor 2, regulates the expression of nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, including cytochrome c oxidase subunits IV and Vb, as well as the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor 1. GABP is composed of two subunits, the Ets-related GABP-alpha, which mediates specific DNA binding, and GABP-beta, which forms heterodimers and heterotetramers on DNA sequences containing the PEA3/Ets motif ((C/A)GGA(A/T)(G/A)). We demonstrate here that GABP DNA binding activity and GABP-dependent gene expression in 3T3 cells are inhibited by pro-oxidant conditions. DNA binding of recombinant GABP-alpha was activated by chemical reduction (dithiothreitol) and by thioredoxin; however, GSSG inhibited GABP DNA binding activity. Treatment of GABP-alpha, but not GABP-beta1, with sulfhydryl-alkylating agents also inhibited GABP DNA binding activity. Our results suggest that GABP DNA binding activity is redox-regulated in vivo, possibly by thioredoxin-mediated reduction and by GSSG-mediated oxidation of the GABP-alpha subunit. The regulation of GABP (nuclear respiratory factor 2) DNA binding activity by cellular redox changes provides an important link between mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression and the redox state of the cell.

Alternative forms of the human thioredoxin mRNA: identification and characterization

Thioredoxin (TRX) is an ubiquitous and relatively conserved oxidoreductant enzyme which is involved in a multitude of redox reactions through the formation of reversible disulfide bonds. A recent report indicates the presence of novel isoforms of TRX proteins isolated from MP6 cell lines [Rosén et al., Int. Immunol. 7 (1995) 625-633]. In these isoforms, as evidenced from amino acid sequencing, several Lys residues of the wild-type sequence were replaced by Arg. Although the human genome contains several (isoformic) copies of the TRX gene, only one appears to be transcriptionally active [Kaghad et al., Gene, 140 (1994) 273-278]. As we characterized the isoforms of TRX mRNAs, we found that several MP6 TRX cDNA clones were devoid of the characteristic poly(A) tail. In order to increase the efficiency of isolating mRNAs without the poly(A) tail, we developed a novel procedure for exclusive capturing of a specific mRNA by magnetic beads coated with biotinylated antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide. Using this method on MP6 cell total RNA, we isolated an additional truncated version of the TRX mRNA. This latter form does not produce any variant TRX enzyme, as an inframe stop codon truncates the product. This isoform was also present in mRNAs isolated from human placenta, leucocyte cells and Molt4 cells, the latter two being the progenitors of MP6 cells. From a thorough analysis of the sequence of the truncated TRX mRNA, we conclude that this variant originated from an event of altered splicing, as consensus splice sites were present in the normal TRX cDNA at precise positions.

A novel promoter sequence is involved in the oxidative stress-induced expression of the adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF)/human thioredoxin (Trx) gene

Adult T cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF) is a human thioredoxin (Trx) and is a disulfide reducing protein with various biological functions. We found that expression of the ADF/Trx gene was increased by oxidative agents such as hydrogen peroxide, diamide and menadione in Jurkat cells. Analysis using a CAT expression vector plasmid under the control of the ADF/Trx gene promoter revealed that CAT gene expression in Jurkat cells was increased after exposure to oxidative agents. A series of deletion analyses showed that a region from -976 to -890 of the 5' flanking sequence was required for enhancement of ADF/Trx promoter activity against the oxidative agents. Gel mobility shift assay revealed the specific DNA binding activities to the sequences from -953 to -930 in the nuclear extracts from the Jurkat cells. The sequences in this region showed no homology with any known consensus sequences for DNA binding factors. It is suggested that ADF/Trx gene expression is enhanced through a novel cis-acting regulatory element responsive for the oxidative stress and a new factor(s) is involved in this oxidative stress responsive element.

Alternative binding of p56lck and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in T cells by sulfhydryl oxidation: implication of aberrant signaling due to oxidative stress in T lymphocytes

Recent studies of the physiological effects induced by oxidative stress have revealed that not only does oxidative stress causes random and indiscriminate injury on cells or tissues but it may evoke a cascade of signaling, by which cells may manage themselves to counter the stress. We have previously reported that sulfhydryl oxidation induces tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of a src family protein tyrosine kinase, p56lck, in T lymphocytes (Nakamura et al., 1993, Oncogene 8, 3133-3139). However, the possible difference between receptor-mediated signals and oxidative stress-mediated signals is not clear yet. In this study using cultured peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBL blasts), we show that upon the sulfhydryl oxidation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p56lck, the kinase associates with phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase p85 subunit via the binding of the C-terminal SH2 domain of p85 to the tyrosine-phosphorylated p56lck. This is in contrast to the association of these two molecules in the case of CD4-p56lck cross-linking or interleukin-2 stimulation, where PI 3-kinase p85 subunit binds to the SH3 or SH3/SH2 domain(s) of p56lck. Thus our results indicate the possibility that T cells may utilize an alternative signaling machinery upon an oxidative stress-induced activation of a src family protein tyrosine kinase, p56lck.

Crystal structures of reduced, oxidized, and mutated human thioredoxins: evidence for a regulatory homodimer

BACKGROUND

Human thioredoxin reduces the disulfide bonds of numerous proteins in vitro, and can activate transcription factors such as NFkB in vivo. Thioredoxin can also act as a growth factor, and is overexpressed and secreted in certain tumor cells.

RESULTS

Crystal structures were determined for reduced and oxidized wild type human thioredoxin (at 1.7 and 2.1 A nominal resolution, respectively), and for reduced mutant proteins Cys73-->Ser and Cys32-->Ser/Cys35-->Ser (at 1.65 and 1.8 A, respectively). Surprisingly, thioredoxin is dimeric in all four structures; the dimer is linked through a disulfide bond between Cys73 of each monomer, except in Cys73-->Ser where a hydrogen bond occurs. The thioredoxin active site is blocked by dimer formation. Conformational changes in the active site and dimer interface accompany oxidation of the active-site cysteines, Cys32 and Cys35.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been suggested that a reduced pKa in the first cysteine (Cys32 in human thioredoxin) of the active-site sequence is important for modulation of the redox potential in thioredoxin. A hydrogen bond between the sulfhydryls of Cys32 and Cys35 may reduce the pKa of Cys32 and this pKa depression probably results in increased nucleophilicity of the Cys32 thiolate group. This nucleophilicity, in tum, is thought to be necessary for the role of thioredoxin in disulfide-bond reduction. The physiological role, if any, of thioredoxin dimer formation remains unknown. It is possible that dimerization may provide a mechanism for regulation of the protein, or a means of sensing oxidative stress.

The solution structure of human thioredoxin complexed with its target from Ref-1 reveals peptide chain reversal

BACKGROUND

Human thioredoxin (hTRX) is a 12 kDa cellular redox protein that has been shown to play an important role in the activation of a number of transcriptional and translational regulators via a thiol-redox mechanism. This activity may be direct or indirect via another redox protein known as Ref-1. The structure of a complex of hTRX with a peptide comprising its target from the transcription factor NF kappa B has previously been solved. To further extend our knowledge of the recognition by and interaction of hTRX with its various targets, we have studied a complex between hTRX and a Ref-1 peptide. This complex represents a kinetically stable mixed disulfide intermediate along the reaction pathway.

RESULTS

Using multidimensional heteronuclear edited and filtered NMR spectroscopy, we have solved the solution structure of a complex between hTRX and a 13-residue peptide comprising residues 59-71 of Ref-1. The Ref-1 peptide is located in a crescent-shaped groove on the surface of hTRX, the groove being formed by residues in the active-site loop (residues 32-36), helix 3, beta strands 3 and 5, and the loop between beta strands 3 and 4. The complex is stabilized by numerous hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions that involve residues 61-69 of the peptide and confer substrate specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The orientation of the Ref-1 peptide in the hTRX-Ref-1 complex is opposite to that found in the previously solved complex of hTRX with the target peptide from the transcription factor NF kappa B. Orientation is determined by three discriminating interactions involving the nature of the residues at the P-2' P-4 and P-5 binding positions. (P0 defines the active cysteine of the peptide, Cys65 for Ref-1 and Cys62 for NF kappa B. Positive and negative numbers indicate residues N-terminal and C-terminal to this residue, respectively, and vice versa for NF kappa B as it binds in the opposite orientation.) The environment surrounding the reactive Cys32 of hTRX, as well as the packing of the P+3 to P-4 residues are essentially the same in the two complexes, despite the opposing orientation of the peptide chains. This versatility in substrate recognition permits hTRX to act as a wide-ranging redox regulator for the cell.

Increased expression of human thioredoxin/adult T cell leukemia-derived factor in Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine the involvement of human thioredoxin/adult T cell leukemia-derived factor TRX/ADF) in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and the correlation with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODS

Indirect immunohistochemical techniques and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were utilized to analyze TRX/ADF expression and the presence of EBV, using 6 normal tissues and 23 surgical specimens. The kinetics of expression of TRX/ADF induced by EBV was examined in vitro with peripheral blood B cells from EBV-seronegative donors.

RESULTS

Marked expression of TRX/ADF was found in the infiltrating B cells and the epithelial cells of salivary gland tissues from patients with SS (11 of 12 cases), but not in those from patients with other salivary gland inflammatory conditions (0 of 11 cases) or those of normal individuals (0 of 6 cases). In immunohistologic analyses, a striking topographic correlation between TRX/ADF and EBV was found. The coexistence of TRX/ADF messenger RNA and EBV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (r = 0.75, P < 0.01). Peripheral blood B cells from EBV-seronegative donors showed de novo synthesis of TRX/ADF following in vitro infection with EBV. EBV-infected B cell lines all expressed TRX/ADF. TRX/ADF was not detected in non-EBV-infected cells. Tumors in SCID mice reconstituted with mononuclear cells of salivary glands from SS patients, which were composed of human B cells carrying EBV DNA, were positive for TRX/ADF.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that TRX/ADF expression closely reflects the intracellular event of EBV reactivation in SS. This is also the first report to show the ectopic in vivo expression of TRX/ADF in human autoimmune disease.

NK-lysin, a disulfide-containing effector peptide of T-lymphocytes, is reduced and inactivated by human thioredoxin reductase. Implication for a protective mechanism against NK-lysin cytotoxicity

The cytotoxic and antibacterial polypeptide NK-lysin has a molecular mass of approximately 9 kDa and contains three disulfide bonds. The activity was highly dependent on intact disulfides, because the bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli and the cytolytic effect on human 3B6 lymphocytes was inhibited when NK-lysin was treated with dithiothreitol prior to incubation with the cells. NK-lysin was a direct substrate for human or calf thymus thioredoxin reductase and preincubation of the peptide with mammalian thioredoxin reductase, and NADPH abolished its antibacterial and cytolytic activities. The addition of human thioredoxin further enhanced the inhibitory effect of thioredoxin reductase and NADPH. In contrast, e. coli thioredoxin reductase showed no direct disulfide reductase activity with NK-lysin in agreement with previous data showing large differences in structure and substrate specificity between the mammalian and E. coli enzymes. NK-lysin is the first identified macromolecular disulfide substrate for human thioredoxin reductase apart from human thioredoxin. When 3B6 cells were incubated with NADPH, thioredoxin, and thioredoxin reductase prior to addition of NK-lysin, cytotoxicity was markedly reduced. These data suggest that thioredoxin reductase inactivates NK-lysin and provides a mechanism by which the cytotoxic activity of NK-lysin is regulated.

Oxybenzone oxidation following solar irradiation of skin: photoprotection versus antioxidant inactivation

We used noninvasive Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy to follow the fate of the broadly used ultraviolet UVA sun blocker, oxybenzone, after topical application to the skin. Our results showed that oxybenzone is rapidly photo-oxidized, yielding oxybenzone semiquinone, a potent electrophile, which reacts with thiol groups on important anti-oxidant enzymes and substrates, such as thioredoxin reductase and reduced glutathione, respectively. Although oxybenzone is an excellent broad spectrum UVA filter, its rapid oxidation followed by the inactivation of important antioxidant systems indicates that this substance may be rather harmful to the homeostasis of the epidermis. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that FT-Raman spectroscopy is a useful method for studying the transport and metabolism of active ingredients in topical preparations.

Rehearsing the ABCs. Protein translocation

Recent evidence that vacuolar enzymes in yeast can be delivered directly from the cytosol, rather than via the secretory pathway, alerts us to the increasing evidence for 'non-classical' forms of protein translocation that may involve ABC transporters.

Sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor and normal value measurement

Four different monoclonal antibodies against recombinant adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF), identical to thioredoxin, were established and used for the determination of ADF concentration in serum. Using two of the monoclonal antibodies, we developed a two-step enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for ADF. This ELISA showed a highly specific reactivity on ADF with no cross-reactivity to several proteins with homologue sequence on the active center. The detection limit of the assay was 2.0 ng/ml (mean +/- 2 SD). The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation (CV) were 0.81-3.74% (n = 8) and 4.78-6.97% (n = 7), respectively. The normal value of ADF mean concentration from 145 healthy donors was 40.8 ng/ml.

Molecular cloning of the human glucose-regulated protein ERp57/GRP58, a thiol-dependent reductase. Identification of its secretory form and inducible expression by the oncogenic transformation

Recently it was shown that putative phospholipase C-alpha cDNA does not code for an isotype of the phospholipase C superfamily but for one of the glucose-regulated proteins (GRPs), ERp57/GRP58. We have isolated human ERp57/GRP58 cDNA from human placenta. Sequence analysis showed that ERp57/GRP58 has two Trp-Cys-Gly-His-Cys-Lys motifs completely conserved among the mammals. Bacterially expressed recombinant ERp57/GRP58 protein contained a thiol-dependent reductase activity which was completely abolished when Ser residues were substituted for Cys residues in both of the two motifs. Furthermore, we have identified a soluble form of ERp57/GRP58 by Western blotting and biosynthetic labeling. In v-onc transformants of normal rat kidney cells, the expression level of ERp57/GRP58 was elevated at the protein level. In NIH3T3 cells transformed with v-src, activated c-src (Y527F) or c-src, the expression level of ERp57/GRP58 was upregulated in proportion to their transforming abilities. These results indicate that a soluble form of ERp57/GRP58 exists and that this protein may control both extracellular and intracellular redox activities through its thiol-dependent reductase activity. Moreover, it is likely that ERp57/GRP58 is involved in the oncogenic transformation.

Immunocytochemical localization of thioredoxin in human trophoblast and decidua

An immunocytochemical investigation into the expression of thioredoxin in human reproductive tissues was performed using monoclonal antibodies produced against recombinant human thioredoxin. First trimester and term human placental villi, decidua and term fetal membranes were examined for thioredoxin content and cellular localization. In first trimester tissue strong thioredoxin staining was observed in the underlying cytotrophoblast cells and in the stromal cells present in the decidua, but not in the syncytiotrophoblast surrounding the chorionic villi. In term placental villi very little thioredoxin was observed. Term fetal membranes proved to be a rich source of thioredoxin, the most intense staining was seen in the cytotrophoblast cells in the chorionic membrane, with the amnion and decidua also showing positive immunoreactivity. The potential role/s that thioredoxin may play within the placental bed is considered.

Rejection and expression of thioredoxin in transplanted canine lung

Thioredoxin (TRX) production has been shown to be induced by a variety of stresses. In this study, we examined TRX expression in lung tissues after canine lung transplantation to determine whether it could be induced by allogenic stimulations and could be used to diagnose early rejection. Thirty-five adult mongrel dogs were used in all. In group A, 24 dogs underwent allotransplantation of the left lung with no immunosuppressant and were sacrificed at various times; 5 were sacrificed on postoperative day (POD) 1; 5 on POD 2; 7 on POD 3; and 7 on POD 5. In group B, 5 donor right lungs were used for negative control. In group C, 3 dogs underwent autotransplantation. In group D, 8 dogs underwent allotransplantation of the left lung with optimal immunosuppression and were sacrificed at POD 28. Lung tissues were stained with anti-TRX antibody, and the TRX high-producer (TRXh) cells in a randomly chosen field were counted as the index of TRX expression. In group A, the number of TRXh cells were as follows: 1.68 +/- 1.14 in grade 0; 4.87 +/- 1.07 in grade 1; 10.42 +/- 4.24 in grade 2; 27.34 +/- 17.96 in grade 3; and 50.90 +/- 17.36 in grade 4. In group B, the number of TRXh cells was 1.82 +/- 1.01. There was a significant difference between each rejection grade in group A and group B (p < 0.01), and we could observe TRXh cells in the early stage of rejection. These results suggest that analysis of TRXh cells in lung tissues may be useful in the early diagnosis of rejection.

Thiol modulation of TNF alpha and IL-1 induced MnSOD gene expression and activation of NF-kappa B

TNF alpha and IL-1 each can activate NF-kappa B and induce gene expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a mitochondrial matrix enzyme which can provide critical protection against hyperoxic lung injury. The regulation of MnSOD gene expression is not well understood. Since redox status can modulate NF-kappa B and potential kappa B site(s) exist in the MnSOD promoter, the effect of thiols (including NAC, DTT and 2-ME) on TNF alpha and IL-1 induced activation of NF-kappa B and MnSOD gene expression was investigated. Activation of NF-kB and increased MnSOD expression were potentiated by thiol reducing agents. In contrast, thiol oxidizing or alkylating agents inhibited both NF-kappa B activation and elevated MnSOD expression in response to TNF alpha or IL-1. Since protease inhibitors TPCK and TLCK can inhibit NF-kappa activation, we also investigated the effect of these compounds on MnSOD expression and NF-kappa B activation. TPCK and TLCK each inhibited MnSOD gene expression and NF-kappa B activation. Since the MnSOD promoter also contains an AP-1 binding site, the effect of thiols and thiol modifying agents on AP-1 activation was investigated. Thiols had no consistent effect on AP-1 activation. Likewise, some of the thiol modifying compounds inhibited AP-1 activation by TNF alpha or IL-1, whereas others did not. Since diverse agents had similar effects on activation of NF-kappa B and MnSOD gene expression, we have demonstrated that activation of NF-kappa B and MnSOD gene expression are closely associated and that reduced sulfhydryl groups are required for cytokine mediation of both processes.

Expression of the adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor, human thioredoxin, in the allotransplanted canine lung

The relationship between the expression of adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor, human thioredoxin (ADF/TRX), and rejection in transplanted canine lungs was investigated in this study. Of a total 27 adult mongrel dogs, 24 underwent allotransplantation of the left lung with no immunosuppressant and the other three underwent autotransplantation of the left lung. Of the allotransplanted dogs, five were killed on postoperative day (POD) 1, five on POD 2, seven on POD 3, and seven on POD 5, while all three autotransplanted dogs were killed on POD 5. Histological examination was performed on the 24 allotransplanted left lungs (group A), 12 autologous right lungs (group B), and bilateral lungs of the three autotransplanted dogs (group C). The lung tissue was stained with anti-ADF antibody, and the high-ADF-producing cells (ADFh cells) in a randomly chosen field were counted as an index of ADF expression. As the signs of rejection in the group A lungs became more severe with time, the ADFh cells increased in number: 1.68 +/- 1.15, 6.08 +/- 3.44, 14.03 +/- 6.09, and 47.74 +/- 18.89, on PODs 1, 2, 3, and 5, respectively. However, the number of ADFh cells in the group B and group C lungs did not become significantly different from that on POD 1 in group A. These results suggested that ADF/TRX expression may be useful for the early diagnosis of rejection of transplanted lungs.

Expression of adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor in bronchoalveolar lavage cells after canine lung transplantation

Lung transplantation is now an accepted therapeutic option for patients with end-stage lung disease, and an early diagnosis of rejection is essential in the management of these patients. Adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF), known as a human homolog of thioredoxin, has been shown to be induced by a variety of stresses. In this study we examined ADF expression in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage cells after canine lung transplantation to determine whether it could be induced by allogenic stimulations and could be used to diagnose early rejection. Allotransplantations were performed in adult mongrel dogs, and immunosuppression was performed from the day of operation to the fifth postoperative day. No immunosuppressant was given from the sixth to the tenth postoperative days. Animals were put to death on the tenth postoperative day. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on the fifth and tenth postoperative days, and the lavage cells and lung tissues were examined immunohistochemically with anti-ADF antibody. The grades of rejection were as follows: grade 1 in two animals, grade 2 in three animals, and grade 3 in two animals. The percentages of ADF high-producer cells in bronchoalveolar lavage cells on the fifth and tenth postoperative days were 4.29% +/- 2.65% and 26.6% +/- 3.99%, respectively (p < 0.01). The percentages of ADF high-producer cells in normal healthy dogs and in those with grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 rejection were 3.00% +/- 1.64%, 20.5% +/- 9.00%, 25.5% +/- 6.06%, and 34.5% +/- 6.50%, respectively. The percentage in each rejection group was significantly higher than that in normal healthy dogs (p < 0.05). These results suggest that examination of bronchoalveolar lavage cells with ADF staining may be useful in the early diagnosis of rejection.

Characterization of mammalian thioredoxin reductase, thioredoxin and glutaredoxin by immunochemical methods

Specific polyclonal antibodies towards the oxidized form of bovine thioredoxin reductase (TR) have been obtained in rabbits, and purified. The antigenicity was lost upon reduction of TR by NADPH indicating a large conformational change upon reduction of the redox-active disulfide in the enzyme. The antibodies did not cross-react with other bovine NADPH-dependent dehydrogenases. No reactivity was observed with TR from bacteria, yeast or rat and only a slight reaction was obtained with TR from horse. Immunoaffinity purified anti-thioredoxin and anti-glutaredoxin antibodies were used to develop competitive indirect ELISA assays that were validated giving very good linearity, reproducibility, sensitivity and parallelism. The glutaredoxin (Grx) immunoassay is the first quantitative method described to measure the protein. When applied to a battery of calf tissues the contents of Grx varied from 7 to 120 micrograms per gram of fresh tissue. Skeletal and heart muscles gave the lowest values and spleen and salivary glands the highest. However, skeletal muscle showed the highest gluthathione-hydroxyethyl disulfide oxidoreductase specific activity.

Attenuation of ischaemia reperfusion injury by human thioredoxin

BACKGROUND

Active oxygen species are thought to play a part in ischaemia reperfusion injury. The ability of a novel agent, human thioredoxin (hTRX), to attenuate lung damage has been examined in a rat model of ischaemia reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Twenty eight animals were studied. At thoracotomy the left main bronchus and the left main pulmonary artery were clamped for 75 minutes and the lung was then reperfused for 20 minutes. Phosphate buffered saline was administered intravenously to nine control animals and hTRX (30 micrograms/g body weight) was given intravenously to another group of nine animals. Two experiments were carried out. The first (Exp 1) was a time matched pair experiment (five treated, five controls), and the second (Exp 2) was performed under controlled conditions (four treated, four controls; temperature 25 degrees C, humidity 65%). In another 10 nonischaemic rats and those in Exp 1 biochemical measurements of lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxide levels were performed.

RESULTS

In both experiments rats perfused with hTRX survived longer than controls. In Exp 1 the arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) on air in the hTRX group was higher at 20 minutes than at one minute after reperfusion. In Exp 2 PaO2 at 20 minutes was higher in the hTRX group than in the controls. Lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxide levels in the control group were higher than in the hTRX group and in the non-ischaemic groups. Histological examination showed less thickening and oedema of the alveolar walls in the hTRX group than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that hTRX is effective as a radical scavenger and can limit the extent of ischaemia reperfusion injury of the lungs of experimental animals.

Thioredoxin structure and mechanism: conformational changes on oxidation of the active-site sulfhydryls to a disulfide

The recent high-resolution solution structures of human and Escherichia coli thioredoxin in their oxidized and reduced states support a catalytic model of protein disulfide reduction involving binding of a target protein and nucleophilic attack by the active-site Cys32 thiolate to form a transition state mixed disulfide.

Solution structure of human thioredoxin in a mixed disulfide intermediate complex with its target peptide from the transcription factor NF kappa B

BACKGROUND

Human thioredoxin is a 12 kDa cellular redox protein that plays a key role in maintaining the redox environment of the cell. It has recently been shown to be responsible for activating the DNA-binding properties of the cellular transcription factor, NF kappa B, by reducing a disulfide bond involving Cys62 of the p50 subunit. Using multidimensional heteronuclear-edited and hetero-nuclear-filtered NMR spectroscopy, we have solved the solution structure of a complex of human thioredoxin and a 13-residue peptide extending from residues 56-68 of p50, representing a kinetically stable mixed disulfide intermediate along the reaction pathway.

RESULTS

The NF kappa B peptide is located in a long boot-shaped cleft on the surface of human thioredoxin delineated by the active-site loop, helices alpha 2, alpha 3 and alpha 4, and strands beta 3 and beta 4. The peptide adopts a crescent-like conformation with a smooth 110 degrees bend centered around residue 60 which permits it to follow the path of the cleft.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the intermolecular disulfide bridge between Cys32 of human thioredoxin and Cys62 of the peptide, the complex is stabilized by numerous hydrogen-bonding, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions which involve residues 57-65 of the NF kappa B peptide and confer substrate specificity. These structural features permit one to suggest the specificity requirements for human thioredoxin-catalyzed disulfide bond reduction of proteins.

Site-directed mutagenesis of Lys36 in human thioredoxin: the highly conserved residue affects reduction rates and growth stimulation but is not essential for the redox protein's biochemical or biological properties

Previous studies have demonstrated that a recombinant form of the human redox protein thioredoxin can stimulate the growth rate of Swiss 3T3 murine fibroblasts and that this ability to promote cellular proliferation was dependent upon a redox-active form. A site-directed mutagenesis study of the highly conserved Lys36 adjacent to the two active site cysteines of thioredoxin was performed to determine whether the basic residue was essential for the biochemical and mitogenic properties of human thioredoxin. Two mutants were generated in which the lysine residue was replaced with either glutamic acid (K36E) or leucine (K36L). While K36E and K36L were both redox-active in a thioredoxin-specific assay, the mutants exhibited decreased affinities for thioredoxin reductase relative to wild-type thioredoxin since their respective KM values increased by a factor of 5 and 7. Examination of the secondary structure of the variants by circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that both mutants had minor variations in the overall structural content when compared to thioredoxin, with K36L being most similar to the wild-type protein. Thermal equilibrium denaturation studies of the variants showed that K36E had a TM of 69.5 degrees C. A TM value for thioredoxin and K36L could not be established because the absence of a plateau above 83 degrees C rendered it difficult to establish an upper base line and, hence, the TM. The two mutants were able to stimulate cellular proliferation, albeit with reduced efficiency when compared with wild-type thioredoxin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene is an irreversible inhibitor of human thioredoxin reductase. Loss of thioredoxin disulfide reductase activity is accompanied by a large increase in NADPH oxidase activity

Human thioredoxin reductase is a dimeric enzyme that catalyzes reduction of the disulfide in oxidized thioredoxin by a mechanism involving transfer of electrons from NADPH via FAD to a redox-active disulfide. 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) is an alkylating agent used for depleting intracellular GSH and also showing distinct immunomodulatory properties. We have discovered that low concentrations of DNCB completely inactivated human or bovine thioredoxin reductase, with a second order rate constant in excess of 200 M-1 s-1, which is almost 10,000-fold faster than alkylation of GSH. Total inactivation of 50 nM reduced thioredoxin reductase was obtained by 100 microM DNCB after 5 reductase was obtained by 100 microM DNCB after 5 min of incubation at 20 degrees C also in the presence of 1 mM GSH. The inhibition occurred with enzyme only in the presence of NADPH and persisted after removal of DNCB, suggesting alkylation of the active site nascent thiols as the mechanism of inactivation. Thioredoxin reductase modified by DNCB lacked reducing activity with oxidized thioredoxin, 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), or sodium selenite. However, the DNCB-modified enzyme oxidized NADPH at a rate of 4.7 nmol/min/nmol of enzyme in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. This activity was not dependent on the presence of DNCB in solution and constituted a 34-fold increase of the inherent low NADPH oxidase activity of the native enzyme. DNCB is a specific inhibitor of mammalian thioredoxin reductase, which reacted 100-fold faster than glutathione reductase. The inactivation of the disulfide reducing activity of thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin with a concomitant large increase of the NADPH oxidase activity producing reactive oxygen intermediates may mediate effects of DNCB on cells in vivo.

Structure of the mouse thioredoxin-encoding gene and its processed pseudogene

Thioredoxins (TXN) are small proteins with various biological functions, such as redox regulation, found in many species including bacteria, plants and animals. We previously reported the isolation of the TXN-encoding cDNAs from human and mouse. In order to elucidate the functions of the mammalian TXN system, we planned to generate Txn knockout mice, and cloned the genomic DNA fragments using the Txn cDNA as a probe. The Txn gene extends over 12 kb and consists of five exons separated by four introns. Detailed Southern analyses revealed that the mouse genome contains only one active Txn gene and one processed pseudogene (Txn-ps1), in contrast to some species which have families of active TXN-encoding genes. These findings should help to understand Txn itself, and provide a basis for transgenic experiments by gene targeting.

Redox signalling and the control of cell growth and death

Cells maintain a reduced intracellular state in the face of a highly oxidizing extracellular environment. Redox signalling pathways provide a link between external stimuli, through the flavoenzyme-mediated NADPH-dependent reduction of intracellular peptide thiols, such as glutathione, thioredoxin, glutaredoxin, and redox factor-1, to the posttranslational redox modification of certain intracellular proteins. This can affect the proteins' correct folding, assembly into multimeric complexes, enzymatic activity, and their binding as transcription factors to specific DNA sequences. Such changes have been linked to altered cell growth and death.

Induction of ADF/TRX by oxidative stress in keratinocytes and lymphoid cells

Adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF)/human thioredoxin (TRX) has thiol-dependent reducing activities and is known to have regulatory roles on the DNA-protein interaction and cell activation. Inducive effect of ultraviolet (UV) has been indicated because of the enhanced expression of ADF/TRX in epidermal cells of sun-exposed skin, as determined by immunohistochemical staining with antibody against recombinant ADF (rADF). We studied the effect of UVB irradiation and other oxidative stress on the expression of ADF/TRX in epithelial cells as well as lymphoid cells, as HTLV-1 and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoid cells constitutively produce ADF/TRX. Using immunohistochemical staining anti-ADF antibody, the enhancement of ADF/TRX expression on primary culture of human keratinocytes was demonstrated, 12 h after 20 mJ/cm2 UVB irradiation. Western blot analysis of the ADF/TRX protein in the cell lysates also showed the significant induction. In in situ hybridization, induction of ADF/TRX mRNA was detected after 4 h of UV exposure. ADF/TRX was also induced in a HTLV-1 (+) T-cell line, MT-1, by UVB or H2O2 dose dependently. The augmentation of ADF/TRX was observed 6 h after treatment of H2O2.

Thioredoxin h is one of the major proteins in rice phloem sap

Sieve tubes play important roles in the transfer of nutrients as well as signals. Hundreds of proteins were found in pure phloem sap collected from rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Kantou) plants through the cut ends of insect stylets. These proteins may be involved in nutrient transfer and signal transduction. To characterize the nature of these proteins, the partial amino-acid sequence of a 13-kDa protein, named RPP13-1, that was abundant in the pure phleom sap was determined. A cDNA clone of 687 bp, containing an open reading frame of 122 amino acids, was isolated using corresponding oligonucleotides as a probe. The deduced amino-acid sequence was very similar to that of the ubiquitous thiol redox protein, thioredoxin. The consensus sequences of thioredoxins are highly conserved. No putative signal peptide was identified. Antiserum against wheat thioredoxin h cross-reacted with RPP13-1 in the phloem sap of rice plants. RPP13-1 produced in Escherichia coli was reactive to antiserum against wheat thioredoxin h. Both E. coli-produced RPP13-1 and the phloem sap proteins catalyzed the reduction of the disulfide bonds of insulin in the presence of dithiothreitol. These results indicate that an active thioredoxin is a major protein translocating in rice sieve tubes.

Thioredoxin reductase induction coincides with melanin biosynthesis in brown and black guinea pigs and in murine melanoma cells

X-rays were used to induce melanin biosynthesis in brown and black guinea pigs in vivo. During the course of pigmentation, the expression of thioredoxin reductase was increased, whereas for the other antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (cytosol Cu/Zn-enzyme), catalase, and glutathione reductase, levels and activities decreased. Isobutylmethylxanthine induced eumelanin biosynthesis in murine melanoma cells (Cloudman S-91). In these cells, thioredoxin reductase levels coincided with melanogenesis. Our results suggest that both tyrosinase and thioredoxin reductase respond to oxidative stress in the epidermis as well as in melanoma cells and react with superoxide anion radicals to stimulate melanogenesis and to prevent peroxidative damage, respectively.

Adult T cell leukemia-derived factor/human thioredoxin protects endothelial F-2 cell injury caused by activated neutrophils or hydrogen peroxide

Adult T cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF), originally defined as an interleukin 2 receptor/alpha (alpha) chain inducer produced by human T-lymphotropic virus type-I transformed cells, is identical to human thioredoxin (TRX). In this study, the protective effect of ADF/TRX on the cytotoxicity of endothelial cells caused by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-activated neutrophils or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was examined. When murine endothelial F-2 cells established from an ultraviolet light-induced tumor on a nude mouse were incubated with PMA-activated neutrophils or with 1 mM H2O2 for 6 hours, the cytotoxicity of F-2 cells was respectively 51 +/- 4% or 40 +/- 8% by the 51Cr releasing assay. Recombinant ADF/TRX (rADF/TRX) inhibited this cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, although mutant ADF/TRX (cysteine 31 to serine), 2-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol did not. On a molar basis, rADF/TRX was more effective than glutathione but less effective than catalase. Immunoblotting analysis showed that treatment with 0.1 mM H2O2 induced murine TRX on F-2 cells. These findings indicate that ADF/TRX is an oxidative stress-inducible endogenous protein and rADF/TRX plays a protective role against activated neutrophils- or H2O2-induced endothelial cytotoxicity.

Two different cellular redox systems regulate the DNA-binding activity of the p50 subunit of NF-kappa B in vitro

The NF-kappa B/Rel/Dorsal (NRD) transcription factor family binds target DNA sequences through their conserved N-terminal basic region that contains a single cysteine residue flanked by basic residues. This cysteine residue plays a critical role in the regulation of the DNA-binding activity of NRD members, since chemical modifications of this residue modulate the DNA-binding activity of NRD members. Here we show that cellular factors regulate the DNA-binding activity of NRD members in vitro by reduction-oxidation (redox) mechanisms. Two cellular redox systems, thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (also called Redox factor-1), independently, as well as, synergistically stimulate the DNA-binding activity of bacterially synthesized (recombinant) p50, one of the subunits of NF-kappa B that is a major NRD factor inducible in various types of cells. Since the mutation of the conserved residue (Cys61) in the N-terminal basic region of p50 impairs the stimulation of p50 DNA-binding activity by these redox factors, the regulation of p50 DNA-binding activity by these redox factors is mediated through this cysteine residue. It is, therefore, possible that these two cellular redox systems could play independent, as well as synergistic roles in the regulation of NF-kappa B functions in vivo through the redox control of their DNA-binding activity.

The predicted amino acid sequence of human thioredoxin is identical to that of the autocrine growth factor human adult T-cell derived factor (ADF): thioredoxin mRNA is elevated in some human tumors

The cDNA sequences of thioredoxin obtained by PCR cloning from human colon cancer cells, human lymphoblastoid cells, and human liver have been found to be identical with the cDNA sequence reported for the autocrine growth factor, human adult T-cell leukemia derived factor (ADF). Recombinant human thioredoxin was 95% reduced by dithiothreitol and was a substrate for reduction by human thioredoxin reductase. Human non-small cell primary lung tumors from subjects who were not cigarette smokers at the time of surgery showed significantly increased levels of thioredoxin mRNA compared to thioredoxin mRNA in paired normal human lung tissue. Subjects who were smokers did not show a significant increase in lung tumor thioredoxin mRNA. The results of the study show that human thioredoxin and ADF are identical species and suggest that there may be increased production of thioredoxin (ADF) by some human cancers.

Neuroprotection by glial cells through adult T cell leukemia-derived factor/human thioredoxin (ADF/TRX)

Adult T cell leukemia-derived factor (ADF) is a human homologue of thioredoxin (TRX) with many biological functions and is induced by various stimuli and stress. In the central nervous system (CNS), expression of ADF/TRX occurs in glial cells during ischemia and reperfusion. We showed that ADF/TRX was actively released from U251 astrocytoma cells upon exposure to a low concentration of H2O2. The addition of conditioned medium from H2O2-stimulated U251 cells or recombinant ADF (rADF) to the culture medium promoted the survival of neurons from embryonic mouse cortex and striatum, but the addition of mutant ADF (mADF), which has no reducing activity, did not. In addition to rADF, incubation with two other thiol compounds, 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), also increased the neuronal cell survival rate. In contrast, L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), which inhibited the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), decreased the neuronal cell survival rate. Intracellular GSH was increased by incubation with rADF for 24 h, as it is with 2-ME and NAC. Redox active molecules such as thiol compounds may be survival factors for central neurons in vitro, and this capacity may be supplied by endogenous molecules, such as ADF/TRX and glutathione, under certain pathologic conditions in vivo.

Detection of adult T-cell leukemia-derived factor/human thioredoxin in human serum

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL)-derived factor (ADF), originally defined as an inducer of interleukin-2 receptor/alpha-chain (IL-2R/p55) of human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) positive T cells, is a human homologue of redox-active coenzyme thioredoxin (Trx) of Escherichia coli. In this study, an enzymatic assay system based on the dithiol-dependent insulin-reducing activity of ADF/Trx was established (insulin-reducing assay) to determine the amount of ADF/Trx in human serum using NADPH and Trx reductase purified from human placenta. Insulin-reducing activity was detected in all of the serum samples from healthy volunteers (n = 30) screened by this assay, with a mean +/- SD of 10.9 +/- 2.4 U/l. This mean value corresponds with the concentration of 223 ng recombinant ADF/Trx (rADF/Trx)/ml. Human serum is known to contain several redox-active proteins with ADF/Trx motifs. To differentiate the contribution of these proteins and ADF/Trx to the insulin-reducing activity, the anti-rADF/Trx monoclonal antibody (mAb)-conjugated affinity column-depleted sera obtained from an identical source was used for analysis. The affinity column-depleted sera demonstrated a loss of over 99% of the original activity, while control column depleted sera lost less than 4%. Furthermore, the amount of affinity-purified ADF/Trx molecules eluted from the same column almost corresponded with the amount estimated by the insulin-reducing activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The high-resolution three-dimensional solution structures of the oxidized and reduced states of human thioredoxin

BACKGROUND

Thioredoxin is a ubiquitous protein and is involved in a variety of fundamental biological functions. Its active site is conserved and has two redox active cysteines in the sequence Trp-Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys. No structures of the oxidized and reduced states from the same species have been determined at high resolution under the same conditions and using the same methods. Hence, any detailed comparison of the two oxidation states has been previously precluded.

RESULTS

The reduced and oxidized states of the (C62A, C69A, C73A) mutant of human thioredoxin have been investigated by multidimensional heteronuclear NMR. Structures for both states were determined on the basis of approximately 28 experimental restraints per residue, and the resulting precision of the two structures is very high. Consequently, subtle differences between the oxidized and reduced states can be reliably assessed and evaluated. Small differences, particularly within and around the active site can be discerned.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the structures of the reduced and oxidized states of the (C62A, C69A, C73A) mutant of human thioredoxin are very similar (with a backbone atomic root mean square difference of about 0.9 A) and the packing of side chains within the protein core is nearly identical. The conformational change between oxidized and reduced human thioredoxin is very small and localized to areas in spatial proximity to the redox active cysteines. These subtle structural differences, in addition to the restriction of conformational freedom within the active site upon oxidation, may be important for the different activities of thioredoxin involving a variety of target proteins.

Biochemical, structural, and biological properties of human thioredoxin active site peptides

The human redox protein thioredoxin is an autocrine growth factor for some cancer cells. Redox activity is essential for this function but other required structural features of thioredoxin are not known. Two 8-mer peptides (I and II) and one 14-mer peptide (III) were designed based on the amino acid sequence of the redox active site of thioredoxin. Peptide I and peptide III contained the wild-type sequence of thioredoxin while peptide II contained serine residues in place of the catalytically active cysteines. Circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated that all three peptides were comprised mainly of random coil, with peptide III containing slightly more ordered secondary structure. Peptides I and III were substrates for thioredoxin reductase with KM values of 890 and 265 microM, respectively. The redox inactive peptide II could not compete with thioredoxin for reduction by thioredoxin reductase in a coupled insulin reduction assay. However, peptide II was a competitive inhibitor for the reduction of 5, 5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) by thioredoxin reductase. All three peptides gave only background levels of stimulation of the proliferation of Swiss 3T3 murine fibroblasts when compared to the stimulation caused by thioredoxin. These results suggest that while the ability of thioredoxin to stimulate cellular proliferation is redox-dependent, more information than that contained in the redox active site domain alone defined by 14 amino acids is required.

Distinct effects of glutathione disulphide on the nuclear transcription factor kappa B and the activator protein-1

Oxidative conditions potentiate the activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF kappa B) and the activator protein-1 (AP-1) in intact cells, but inhibit their DNA binding activity in vitro. We now show that both the activation of NF kappa B and the inhibition of its DNA binding activity is modulated in intact cells by the physiological oxidant glutathione disulphide (GSSG). NF kappa B activation in human T lineage cells (Molt-4) by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate was inhibited by dithiothreitol, and this was partly reversed by the glutathione reductase inhibitor 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) or by hydrogen peroxide, indicating that GSSG may be required for NF kappa B activation. These effects of BCNU and hydrogen peroxide were not seen in glutathione-depleted cells. However, NF kappa B and AP-1 activation were potentiated by dithiothreitol if added to cell cultures 1 h after the phorbol ester, indicating that a shift of redox conditions may support optimal oxidative activation with minimal inhibition of DNA binding. The elevation of intracellular GSSG levels by BCNU before stimulation suppressed the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression dependent on NF kappa B but increased that dependent on AP-1. This selective suppression of NF kappa B was also demonstrable by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In vitro, GSSG inhibited the DNA binding activity of NF kappa B more effectively than that of AP-1, while AP-1 was inhibited more effectively by oxidized thioredoxin.

Down-regulation of CD3 antigen on adult T cell leukemia cells

The immunological abnormality of T lymphocytes in patients with adult T cell leukemia (ATL) is characterized by the abnormal enhanced expression of the 55 kDa chain of the receptor for interleukin 2 (IL-2R/p55) (Tac), and down-regulation of CD3 antigen. Using serum and culture supernatants of leukemic cells from ATL patients (Group A) whose CD3 expression was down-regulated and those whose CD3 was not low (Group B), the possible mechanism of CD3 down-regulation on ATL cells was investigated. When PBMC from normal individuals were cultured with sera from ATL patients for 24 hrs, CD3 expression revealed by means of fluorescent intensity (MFI) was down-regulated by sera from ATL patients in Group A (MFI: Pt.1 = 51.6 +/- 4.5, Pt.2 = 48.0 +/- 6.9, Control = 96.5 +/- 6.6), not by sera from patients in Group B (MFI: Pt.3 = 105.5 +/- 7.9, Pt.4 = 102.5 +/- 8.3, Control = 96.5 +/- 6.6). When normal PBMC were cultured with supernatants of leukemic cells from ATL patients in Group A, the same CD3 down-regulating activity was also detected (MFI: Pt.1 = 78.0 +/- 10.2, Pt.2 = 70.6 +/- 8.7, Control = 94.0 +/- 6.6). By using gel-chromatography, the fractionated supernatants from ATL patients in Group A decreased CD3 expression of normal PBMC significantly (MFI: Pt.1 = 22.9 +/- 5.8, Pt.2 = 28.8 +/- 7.4, Control = 92.1 +/- 9.6).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)