The oncoprotein Bcl-3 directly transactivates through kappa B motifs via association with DNA-binding p50B homodimers

Interferon regulatory factor-2 physically interacts with NF-kappa B in vitro and inhibits NF-kappa B induction of major histocompatibility class I and beta 2-microglobulin gene expression in transfected human neuroblastoma cells

Most neural cells constitutively lack major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and beta 2-microglobulin gene expression. Cytokines and viruses may, however, induce expression of these genes in some neural cells, and this correlates with factor binding to the NF-kappa B and interferon stimulated response elements of these genes. Here, we demonstrate that NF-kappa B is capable of inducing MHC class I and beta 2-microglobulin gene expression when transiently co-transfected into CHP-126 neuroblastomas, and that IRF-2 represses this induction. Interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2) repression of MHC class I and beta 2-microglobulin gene expression in CHP-126 neuroblastomas may demonstrate a mechanism by which virus persists in neural cells. We show here that IRF-2 physically interacts in vitro with NF-kappa B. This interaction may contribute to the repression of the expression of these genes. Our demonstration that IRF family members, in addition to IRF-2, physically interact in vitro with NF-kappa B (p50 and p65), provides a general mechanism by which these transcription factors may, in concert, regulate the expression of a variety of genes involved in immune responses in the brain.

NF kappa B and interferon regulatory factor 1 physically interact and synergistically induce major histocompatibility class I gene expression

Major histocompatibility (MHC) class I gene expression is synergistically induced by the cytokines TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. However, the mechanism that results in synergistic activation of these genes has remained unclear. We demonstrated here that TNF-alpha induced binding of NF kappa B p50 and p65 to the NF kappa B-like element of the MHC class I promoter termed region I and IFN-gamma induced binding of IRF-1 to the adjacent interferon consensus sequence (ICS). We further demonstrated that NF kappa B and IRF-1 physically interacted with each other and cooperatively induced MHC class I gene expression when cotransfected into CHP-126 neuroblastomas. These results provide a molecular mechanism by which TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma synergistically induce the expression of a variety of genes involved in immune responses, including MHC class I.

Polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia in a case of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: the result of IL-2 production by the proliferating monoclonal B cells?

SEQ DATA who developed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia: 38.3 milligrams polyclonal IgG, 0.97 milligram IgA and 0.33 milligram IgM. Immunophenotyping showed a monoclonal lymphocytic population CD19+ CD5+ CD40+ CD23+, low sIg+ (95%), kappa type in the great majority (96%). RT-PCR of immunoglobulin genes gave evidence of monoclonal rearrangement of the IgM type. Our tests showed that IL-2 was produced when leukaemic B cells were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate, ionomycin and lipopolysaccharide. In addition, transfections with the full IL-2 promoter or elements thereof revealed that IL-2 expression is inducible and mediated through the NF-kB-promoter element. Finally, the amount of IL-2 secreted by these cells is about 39 ng/ml/10(6) cells, which is remarkably high for non-T cells. These results suggest that the large amounts of polyclonal IgG seen in this case of B-CLL are secreted by normal B cells which are in turn stimulated by IL-2 produced by proliferating monoclonal (leukaemic) B cells. Under cyclosporin A treatment, immunoglobulin secretion and B cell count remained low.

Regulation of the human P-selectin promoter by Bcl-3 and specific homodimeric members of the NF-kappa B/Rel family

P-selectin, an adhesion receptor for leukocytes, is constitutively expressed by megakaryocytes and endothelial cells. Synthesis of P-selectin is also increased by some inflammatory mediators. We characterized a previously identified kappa B site (-218GGGGGTGACCCC-207) in the promoter of the human P-selectin gene. The kappa B site was unique in that it bound constitutive nuclear protein complexes containing p50 or p52, but not inducible nuclear protein complexes containing p65. Furthermore, the element bound recombinant p50 or p52 homodimers, but not p65 homodimers. Methylation interference analysis indicated that p50 or p52 homodimers contacted the guanines at positions -218 to -214 on the coding strand and at -210 to -207 on the noncoding strand. Changes in the three central residues at -213 to -211 altered binding specificity for members of the NF-kappa B/Rel family. Mutations that eliminated binding to NF-kappa B/Rel proteins reduced by approximately 40% the expression of a reporter gene driven by the P-selectin promoter in transfected bovine aortic endothelial cells. Overexpression of p52 enhanced P-selectin promoter activity, and co-overexpression of Bcl-3 further induced promoter activity in a kappa B site-dependent manner. In contrast, overexpression of p50 repressed promoter activity; this repression was prevented by co-overexpression of Bcl-3. Similar phenomena were observed with reporter gene constructs driven by two tandem P-selectin kappa B sequences linked to the SV40 minimal promoter. These data suggest that Bcl-3 differentially regulates the effects of p50 and p52 homodimers bound to the kappa B site of the P-selectin promoter. This site may be a prototype for kappa B elements in other genes that bind specifically to p50 and/or p52 homodimers.

Rearranged NFKB-2 genes in lymphoid neoplasms code for constitutively active nuclear transactivators

The NFKB-2 gene codes for an NF-kappa B-related transcription factor containing rel-polyG-ankyrin domains. Chromosomal rearrangements of the NFKB-2 locus have been found in various types of lymphoid neoplasms, suggesting that they may contribute to lymphomagenesis. Rearrangements cluster within the 3'-terminal ankyrin-encoding domain of the NFKB-2 gene and lead to the production of C-terminally truncated proteins which, in some cases, are fused to heterologous protein domains. In order to determine the functional consequences of these alterations, we have analyzed the subcellular localization, DNA binding, and transcriptional activity of two representative tumor-associated mutants in which the ankyrin domain is either terminally truncated (NFKB-2p85) or truncated and joined to an out-of-frame immunoglobulin C alpha domain (lyt-10C alpha). Immunofluorescence studies performed on cells transfected with p85 or lyt-10C alpha expression vectors showed that both the abnormal proteins were constitutively localized in the nucleus. Immunoprecipitation analysis of UV-cross-linked DNA-protein adducts showed that p85 can bind kappa B sites in its unprocessed form. Cotransfection of p85 or lyt-10C alpha expression vectors with kappa B-driven reporter plasmids showed that both p85 and lyt-10C alpha have retained the ability to mediate transcriptional activation via heterodimerization with Rel-Ap65 but have lost the transrepression activity associated with homodimeric DNA binding. Furthermore, both p85 and lyt-10C alpha were capable of independent transactivation of kappa B-reporter genes and this activity could not be further stimulated by Bcl-3. These abnormal proteins may contribute to lumphomagenesis by determining a constitutive activation of the NF-kappa B system and, in particular, of NFKB-2 target genes.

Regulation of the DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B

The DNA binding activity of the dimeric sequence-specific transcription factor NF-kappa B can be controlled by a variety of post-translational mechanisms, including interactions with inhibitor proteins and by its redox state. The NF-kappa B family of transcription factors bind to kappa B motif sequences found in promoter and enhancer regions of a wide range of cellular and viral genes. Normally NF-kappa B family proteins are held in the cytoplasm in an inactive, non-DNA binding form by labile I kappa B inhibitor proteins. When the cell is activated by one of a wide range of stimuli, typically those associated with the cellular response to pathogens or stress, proteolytic degradation of I kappa B inhibitor proteins allows active NF-kappa B to translocate to the nucleus where it activates transcription of responsive genes. The initial trigger for I kappa B degradation is a signal-induced site-specific phosphorylation by an as yet unidentified kinase, which appears to target I kappa B for the covalent addition of multiple copies of the ubiquitin polypeptide. This modification subsequently allows the proteolytic degradation of the ubiquitinated I kappa B by the cellular 26S multicatalytic proteinase (proteasome) complex. It was recently shown that increased I kappa B-alpha expression in the cytoplasm leads to I kappa B-alpha accumulating in the nuclear compartment, removing template-bound NF-kappa B, and reducing NF-kappa B-dependent transcription. These NF-kappa B-I kappa B-alpha complexes could then be actively re-exported to the cytoplasm, allowing the cell to respond to further stimuli.

Avian I kappa B alpha is transcriptionally induced by c-Rel and v-Rel with different kinetics

The Rel/NF-kappa B family of transcription factors participates in the regulation of genes involved in defense responses, inflammation, healing and regeneration processes, and embryogenesis. The control of the transcriptional activation potential of the Rel/NF-kappa B proteins is mediated, in part, by their association with inhibitory proteins of the I kappa B family. This association results in the cytoplasmic retention of these factors until the cell receives a proper stimulatory signal. The I kappa B alpha gene is a target for regulation by the Rel/NF-kappa B proteins and is in fact upregulated in response to Rel/NF-kappa B activation. A naturally occurring oncogenic variant of the Rel/NF-kappa B family, v-rel, transforms avian lymphocytes, bone marrow cells, monocytes, and fibroblasts. Avian I kappa B alpha expression is upregulated in cells transformed by v-Rel. Avian I kappa B alpha is also upregulated in fibroblasts overexpressing c-Rel and oncogenic variants of c-Rel. c-Rel, a carboxy-terminally truncated variant of c-Rel, and v-Rel are all able to directly transactivate the expression of the avian I kappa B alpha gene. However, c-Rel was the most potent activator of this gene, and the induction of I kappa B alpha expression showed faster kinetics in cells overexpressing c-Rel than in those overexpressing v-Rel. The regulation of I kappa B alpha induction by the Rel proteins was shown to be dependent on a 362-bp region of the I kappa B alpha promoter that contains two potential NF-kappa B binding sites and one AP-1-like binding site. Results of electrophoretic mobility shift assays using these NF-kappa B binding sites indicate that major changes in the profile of DNA binding complexes in fibroblasts overexpressing v-Rel correlated temporally with the kinetic changes in v-Rel's ability to activate the expression of the I kappa B alpha gene.

Structural and functional characterization of the promoter regions of the NFKB2 gene

In order to clarify the transcriptional regulation of the NFKB2 gene (lyt-10, NF-kappa Bp100), we have characterized the structure and function of its promoter regions. Based on the nucleotide sequence of cDNA clones and the 5' flanking genomic region of the NFKB2 gene, RT-PCR analysis in a number of human cell lines demonstrated the presence of two alternative noncoding first exons (1a and 1b). Two distinct promoter regions, P1 and P2, were identified upstream of each exon, containing multiple sites of transcription initiation, as shown by RNase protection analysis. Sequence analysis of these regions showed a CAAT box upstream of exon 1a and high G-C content regions within both P1 and P2. Consensus binding sites for transcription factors, including SP1, AP1 and putative NF-kappa B (kappa B sites), were found upstream of each exon. In particular, six kappa B sites were identified, all but one of them capable of binding NF-kappa B complexes in vitro. Transfection in HeLa cells of plasmids containing P1 and P2 sequences linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene indicated that both P1 and P2 can act independently as promoters. Co-transfection of NF-kappa B effector plasmids (NF-kappa Bp52 and RelA) with a reporter gene linked to P1 and P2 showed that the NFKB2 promoter regions are regulated by NF-kappa B factors. RelA transactivates the NFKB2 promoter in a dose-dependent manner, whereas NF-kappa Bp52 acts as a repressor, indicating that the NFKB2 gene may be under the control of a negative feedback regulatory circuit.

Phosphorylation of human I kappa B-alpha on serines 32 and 36 controls I kappa B-alpha proteolysis and NF-kappa B activation in response to diverse stimuli

Post-translational activation of the higher eukaryotic transcription factor NF-kappa B requires both phosphorylation and proteolytic degradation of the inhibitory subunit I kappa B-alpha. Inhibition of proteasome activity can stabilize an inducibly phosphorylated form of I kappa B-alpha in intact cells, suggesting that phosphorylation targets the protein for degradation. In this study, we have identified serines 32 and 36 in human I kappa B-alpha as essential for the control of I kappa B-alpha stability and the activation of NF-kappa B in HeLa cells. A point mutant substituting serines 32 and 36 by alanine residues was no longer phosphorylated in response to okadaic acid (OA) stimulation. This and various other Ser32 and Ser36 mutants behaved as potent dominant negative I kappa B proteins attenuating kappa B-dependent transactivation in response to OA, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). While both endogenous and transiently expressed wild-type I kappa B-alpha were proteolytically degraded in response to PMA and TNF stimulation of cells, the S32/36A mutant of I kappa B-alpha remained largely intact under these conditions. Our data suggest that such diverse stimuli as OA, TNF and PMA use the same kinase system to phosphorylate and thereby destabilize I kappa B-alpha, leading to NF-kappa B activation.

Cross-linking of CD30 induces HIV expression in chronically infected T cells

CD30, a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, is expressed constitutively on the surface of the human T cell line ACH-2, which is chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV)-1. We demonstrate that cross-linking CD30 with an anti-CD30-specific monoclonal antibody, which mimics the described biological activities of the CD30 ligand (CD30L), results in HIV expression. CD30 cross-linking does not alter proliferation of ACH-2 cells and the induction of HIV expression is not mediated by endogenous TNF alpha/beta. Furthermore, cross-linking of CD30 leads to NF-kappa B activation and enhanced HIV transcription. Thus, CD30-CD30L interactions mediate the induction of HIV expression by a kappa B-dependent pathway that is independent of TNF. This mechanism may be important in the activation of HIV expression from latently infected CD4+ T cells, especially in lymphoid organs where cell to cell contact is conducive to receptor-ligand interactions.

Inducible degradation of I kappa B alpha in vitro and in vivo requires the acidic C-terminal domain of the protein

After exposure of cells to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), I kappa B alpha is rapidly degraded by a proteolytic activity that is required for nuclear localization and activation of transcription factor NF-kappa B. To investigate this problem, we have developed a cell-free system to study the degradation of I kappa B alpha initiated in vivo. In this in vitro system, characteristics of endogenous I kappa B alpha degradation were comparable to those observed in vivo. Recombinant I kappa B alpha, when added to lysates from cells exposed to TNF, was specifically degraded by a cellular proteolytic activity; however, it was stable in extracts from unstimulated cells. Inhibition characteristics of the proteolytic activity responsible for I kappa B alpha degradation suggest the involvement of a serine protease. Analysis of mutated forms of I kappa B alpha in the in vitro system demonstrated that an I kappa B alpha species which was unable to interact with NF-kappa B was still efficiently degraded. In contrast, deletion of the C-terminal 61 amino acids from I kappa B alpha rendered the protein resistant to proteolytic degradation. Expression of I kappa B alpha mutated forms in COS-7 cells confirmed the importance of the C-terminal domain for the degradation of the protein in vivo following cell activation. Thus, it is likely that the acidic, negatively charged region represented by the C-terminal 61 amino acids of the protein contains residues critical for TNF-inducible degradation of I kappa B alpha.

Human MHC class II gene transcription directed by the carboxyl terminus of CIITA, one of the defective genes in type II MHC combined immune deficiency

Type II major histocompatibility complex combined immune deficiency (type II MHC CID or bare lymphocyte syndrome) is a congenital immunodeficiency disease characterized by absent MHC class II expression. Four distinct complementation groups have been identified. Recently, the defective gene in group II type II MHC CID has been isolated and termed CIITA. Here, we demonstrate that CIITA is an MHC class II gene-specific transcription activator. The transcription activation function is provided by the N-terminal acidic domain (amino acids 26-137), which is experimentally exchangeable with a heterologous viral transcription-activating domain. The specificity of CIITA for three major MHC class II genes, DR, DQ and DP, is mediated by its remaining C-terminal residues (amino acids 317-1130). The transactivation of multiple cis elements, especially S and X2, of the DR alpha proximal promoter in group II CID cells is CIITA dependent. Since CIITA overexpression in normal cells did not increase class II expression, we propose that initiation of CIITA expression serves as the on-off switch, while availability of downstream interactor(s) limits transcription.

Control of I kappa B-alpha proteolysis by site-specific, signal-induced phosphorylation

I kappa B-alpha inhibits transcription factor NF-kappa B by retaining it in the cytoplasm. Various stimuli, typically those associated with stress or pathogens, rapidly inactivate I kappa B-alpha. This liberates NF-kappa B to translocate to the nucleus and initiate transcription of genes important for the defense of the organism. Activation of NF-kappa B correlates with phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha and requires the proteolysis of this inhibitor. When either serine-32 or serine-36 of I kappa B-alpha was mutated, the protein did not undergo signal-induced phosphorylation or degradation, and NF-kappa B could not be activated. These results suggest that phosphorylation at one or both of these residues is critical for activation of NF-kappa B.

Regulation of dorsal in cultured cells by Toll and tube: tube function involves a novel mechanism

We described previously a transient cotransfection assay that allows us to study regulation of the Drosophila Dorsal protein (dl) in cultured cells. For example, we showed that over-expression of the Toll transmembrane receptor was sufficient to cause relocalization of dl from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Here we present data that the tube protein, shown previously by genetic studies to act downstream of Toll, can function in a novel way to enhance dl activity. In the absence of dl, or when dl is cytoplasmic, tube is also found in the cytoplasm of transfected cells. But when dl is localized to the nucleus, so is tube. tube can then function to enhance reporter gene expression, either by cooperation with dl or as a GAL4-tube fusion protein. tube thus appears capable of acting both as a chaperon or escort for dl as it moves to the nucleus, and then as a transcriptional coactivator. We also show that the intracytoplasmic domain of Toll, and specifically the region sharing homology with the interleukin-1 receptor, is sufficient to induce dl-tube nuclear translocation.

The Ikaros gene encodes a family of functionally diverse zinc finger DNA-binding proteins

We previously described the lymphocyte-restricted Ikaros gene encoding a zinc finger DNA-binding protein as a potential regulator of lymphocyte commitment and differentiation. Here, we report the isolation of four additional Ikaros transcripts, products of alternate splicing that encode functionally diverse proteins. The Ikaros proteins contain unique combinations of zinc finger modules that dictate their overall sequence specificity and affinity. The Ik-1 and Ik-2 proteins can both bind, albeit with different affinities, to the same recognition sequences present in a number of lymphocyte-specific regulatory elements. The Ik-3 and the Ik-4 proteins interact only with a subset of these motifs. The Ik-1 and Ik-2 proteins can strongly stimulate transcription, whereas Ik-3 and Ik-4 are weak activators. Significantly, the transcription activation potential of the Ikaros proteins correlates with their subcellular localization. Upon ectopic expression of the Ikaros isoforms in nonlymphoid cells, Ik-1 and Ik-2 localize to the nucleus, whereas Ik-3 and Ik-4 are predominantly found in the cytoplasm. The Ikaros isoforms are expressed differentially in lymphocytes: Ik-1 and Ik-2 mRNAs are the predominating forms, and Ik-4 is present in significant amounts only in early T-cell progenitors, whereas Ik-3 and Ik-5 transcripts are expressed at relatively low levels throughout lymphocyte development. The ability of the Ikaros gene to generate functionally diverse proteins that may participate in distinct regulatory pathways substantiates its role as a master regulator during lymphocyte development.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax-protein-mediated activation of NF-kappa B from p100 (NF-kappa B2)-inhibited cytoplasmic reservoirs

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax protein transforms T cells through induced expression of many cellular genes, including those encoding the growth-related proteins interleukin 2 and the alpha chain of its receptor. Induction of these genes is mediated, at least in part, through Tax-dependent posttranslational activation of NF-kappa B, typically heterodimers of p50 (NF-kappa B1) and p65 (RelA). The preexisting NF-kappa B proteins are retained in the cytoplasm of cells by association with inhibitory ankyrin-motif-containing I kappa B proteins, primarily I kappa B-alpha but also including the precursor proteins p105 (NF-kappa B1) and p100 (NF-kappa B2). Here we demonstrate the existence of a previously undescribed multimeric cytoplasmic complex in which NF-kappa B dimers are associated with the p100 inhibitor in a manner dependent on the precursor protein's ankyrin domain. We also demonstrate an antagonistic effect of the Tax protein on the cytoplasmic sequestration function of p100; this in turn leads to nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B dimers liberated from multimeric complexes. Tax may exert these effects through the physical association with p100. Tax also relieves the p100-mediated inhibition of DNA binding by p50-p65 heterodimers in vitro. The results demonstrate a mechanism by which Tax may activate NF-kappa B in T cells.

Alternate RNA splicing of murine nfkb1 generates a nuclear isoform of the p50 precursor NF-kappa B1 that can function as a transactivator of NF-kappa B-regulated transcription

The NF-kappa B1 subunit of the transcription factor NF-kappa B is derived by proteolytic cleavage from the N terminus of a 105-kDa precursor protein. The C terminus of p105NF-kappa B1, like those of I kappa B proteins, contains ankyrin-related repeats that inhibit DNA binding and nuclear localization of the precursor and confer I kappa B-like properties upon p105NF-kappa B1. Here we report the characterization of two novel NF-kappa B1 precursor isoforms, p84NF-kappa B1 and p98NF-kappa B1, that arise by alternate splicing within the C-terminal coding region of murine nfkb1. p98NF-kappa B1, which lacks the 111 C-terminal amino acids (aa) of p105NF-kappa B1, has a novel 35-aa C terminus encoded by an alternate reading frame of the gene. p84NF-kappa B1 lacks the C-terminal 190 aa of p105NF-kappa B1, including part of ankyrin repeat 7. RNA and protein analyses indicated that the expression of p84NF-kappa B1 and p98NF-kappa B1 is restricted to certain tissues and that the phorbol myristate acetate-mediated induction of p84NF-kappa B1 and p105NF-kappa B1 differs in a cell-type-specific manner. Both p84NF-kappa B1 and p98NF-kappa B1 are found in the nuclei of transfected cells. Transient transfection analysis revealed that p98NF-kappa B1, but not p105NF-kappa B1 or p84NF-kappa B1, acts as a transactivator of NF-kappa B-regulated gene expression and that this is dependent on sequences in the Rel homology domain required for DNA binding and on the novel 35 C-terminal aa of this isoform. In contrast to previous findings, which indicated that p105NF-kappa B1 does not bind DNA, all of the NF-kappa B1 precursors were found to specifically bind with low affinity to a highly restricted set of NF-kappa B sites in vitro, thereby raising the possibility that certain of the NF-kappa B1 precursor isoforms may directly modulate gene expression.

The Ikaros gene encodes a family of functionally diverse zinc finger DNA-binding proteins

We previously described the lymphocyte-restricted Ikaros gene encoding a zinc finger DNA-binding protein as a potential regulator of lymphocyte commitment and differentiation. Here, we report the isolation of four additional Ikaros transcripts, products of alternate splicing that encode functionally diverse proteins. The Ikaros proteins contain unique combinations of zinc finger modules that dictate their overall sequence specificity and affinity. The Ik-1 and Ik-2 proteins can both bind, albeit with different affinities, to the same recognition sequences present in a number of lymphocyte-specific regulatory elements. The Ik-3 and the Ik-4 proteins interact only with a subset of these motifs. The Ik-1 and Ik-2 proteins can strongly stimulate transcription, whereas Ik-3 and Ik-4 are weak activators. Significantly, the transcription activation potential of the Ikaros proteins correlates with their subcellular localization. Upon ectopic expression of the Ikaros isoforms in nonlymphoid cells, Ik-1 and Ik-2 localize to the nucleus, whereas Ik-3 and Ik-4 are predominantly found in the cytoplasm. The Ikaros isoforms are expressed differentially in lymphocytes: Ik-1 and Ik-2 mRNAs are the predominating forms, and Ik-4 is present in significant amounts only in early T-cell progenitors, whereas Ik-3 and Ik-5 transcripts are expressed at relatively low levels throughout lymphocyte development. The ability of the Ikaros gene to generate functionally diverse proteins that may participate in distinct regulatory pathways substantiates its role as a master regulator during lymphocyte development.

Alternate RNA splicing of murine nfkb1 generates a nuclear isoform of the p50 precursor NF-kappa B1 that can function as a transactivator of NF-kappa B-regulated transcription

The NF-kappa B1 subunit of the transcription factor NF-kappa B is derived by proteolytic cleavage from the N terminus of a 105-kDa precursor protein. The C terminus of p105NF-kappa B1, like those of I kappa B proteins, contains ankyrin-related repeats that inhibit DNA binding and nuclear localization of the precursor and confer I kappa B-like properties upon p105NF-kappa B1. Here we report the characterization of two novel NF-kappa B1 precursor isoforms, p84NF-kappa B1 and p98NF-kappa B1, that arise by alternate splicing within the C-terminal coding region of murine nfkb1. p98NF-kappa B1, which lacks the 111 C-terminal amino acids (aa) of p105NF-kappa B1, has a novel 35-aa C terminus encoded by an alternate reading frame of the gene. p84NF-kappa B1 lacks the C-terminal 190 aa of p105NF-kappa B1, including part of ankyrin repeat 7. RNA and protein analyses indicated that the expression of p84NF-kappa B1 and p98NF-kappa B1 is restricted to certain tissues and that the phorbol myristate acetate-mediated induction of p84NF-kappa B1 and p105NF-kappa B1 differs in a cell-type-specific manner. Both p84NF-kappa B1 and p98NF-kappa B1 are found in the nuclei of transfected cells. Transient transfection analysis revealed that p98NF-kappa B1, but not p105NF-kappa B1 or p84NF-kappa B1, acts as a transactivator of NF-kappa B-regulated gene expression and that this is dependent on sequences in the Rel homology domain required for DNA binding and on the novel 35 C-terminal aa of this isoform. In contrast to previous findings, which indicated that p105NF-kappa B1 does not bind DNA, all of the NF-kappa B1 precursors were found to specifically bind with low affinity to a highly restricted set of NF-kappa B sites in vitro, thereby raising the possibility that certain of the NF-kappa B1 precursor isoforms may directly modulate gene expression.

A proteasome inhibitor prevents activation of NF-kappa B and stabilizes a newly phosphorylated form of I kappa B-alpha that is still bound to NF-kappa B

Activation of the inducible transcription factor NF-kappa B involves removal of the inhibitory subunit I kappa B-alpha from a latent cytoplasmic complex. It has been reported that I kappa B-alpha is subject to both phosphorylation and proteolysis in the process of NF-kappa B activation. In this study, we present evidence that the multicatalytic cytosolic protease (proteasome) is involved in the degradation of I kappa B-alpha. Micromolar amounts of the peptide Cbz-Ile-Glu(O-t-Bu)-Ala-leucinal (PSI), a specific inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome, prevented activation of NF-kappa B in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and okadaic acid (OA) through inhibition of I kappa B-alpha degradation. The m-calpain inhibitor Cbz-Leu-leucinal was ineffective. In the presence of PSI, a newly phosphorylated form of I kappa B-alpha accumulated in TNF- and OA-stimulated cells. However, the covalent modification of I kappa B-alpha was not sufficient for activation of NF-kappa B: no substantial NF-kappa B DNA binding activity appeared in cells because the newly phosphorylated form of I kappa B-alpha was still tightly bound to p65 NF-kappa B. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, an antioxidant inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation which did not interfere with proteasome activities, prevented de novo phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha as well as its subsequent degradation. This suggests that phosphorylation of I kappa B-alpha is equally necessary for the activation of NF-kappa B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Elements in the long terminal repeat of HIV-1 that interact with nuclear extracts from Jurkat cells persistently infected with vaccinia virus

Previous reports showed transactivation of the long terminal repeat (LTR) of HIV-1 in Jurkat cells persistently infected with vaccinia virus. In this communication, electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to characterize the elements in HIV-1 LTR which might be responsible for the mechanism of transactivation. The results indicated that two elements, those for binding NF-kB and NFAT-1, were able to interact with nuclear extracts derived from Jurkat cells persistently infected with vaccinia virus, suggesting that they may play a role in the transactivation of HIV-1 LTR.

Kinetic analysis of human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax-mediated activation of NF-kappa B

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein induces the expression of cellular genes, at least in part, by activating the endogenous NF-kappa B transcription factors. Induced expression of cellular genes is thought to be important for transformation of T cells to continued growth, a prelude to the establishment of adult T-cell leukemia. However, neither underlying mechanisms nor kinetics of the Tax-mediated activation of NF-kappa B are understood. We have analyzed a permanently transfected Jurkat T-cell line in which the expression of Tax is entirely dependent on addition of heavy metals. The initial NF-kappa B binding activity seen after induction of Tax is due almost exclusively to p50/p65 heterodimers. At later times, NF-kappa B complexes containing c-Rel and/or p52 accumulate. The early activation of p50/p65 complexes is a posttranslational event, since neither mRNA nor protein levels of NF-kappa B subunits had increased at that time. We demonstrate for the first time a Tax-induced proteolytic degradation of the NF-kappa B inhibitor, I kappa B-alpha, which may trigger the initial nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B. As nuclear NF-kappa B rapidly and potently stimulates resynthesis of I kappa B-alpha, the steady-state level of I kappa B-alpha does not significantly change. Thus, the dramatic Tax-induced increase in the I kappa B-alpha turnover may continually weaken inhibition and activate NF-kappa B. Additional, distinct actions of Tax may contribute further to the high levels of NF-kappa B activity seen.

Kinetic analysis of human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax-mediated activation of NF-kappa B

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein induces the expression of cellular genes, at least in part, by activating the endogenous NF-kappa B transcription factors. Induced expression of cellular genes is thought to be important for transformation of T cells to continued growth, a prelude to the establishment of adult T-cell leukemia. However, neither underlying mechanisms nor kinetics of the Tax-mediated activation of NF-kappa B are understood. We have analyzed a permanently transfected Jurkat T-cell line in which the expression of Tax is entirely dependent on addition of heavy metals. The initial NF-kappa B binding activity seen after induction of Tax is due almost exclusively to p50/p65 heterodimers. At later times, NF-kappa B complexes containing c-Rel and/or p52 accumulate. The early activation of p50/p65 complexes is a posttranslational event, since neither mRNA nor protein levels of NF-kappa B subunits had increased at that time. We demonstrate for the first time a Tax-induced proteolytic degradation of the NF-kappa B inhibitor, I kappa B-alpha, which may trigger the initial nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B. As nuclear NF-kappa B rapidly and potently stimulates resynthesis of I kappa B-alpha, the steady-state level of I kappa B-alpha does not significantly change. Thus, the dramatic Tax-induced increase in the I kappa B-alpha turnover may continually weaken inhibition and activate NF-kappa B. Additional, distinct actions of Tax may contribute further to the high levels of NF-kappa B activity seen.

A family of serine proteases expressed exclusively in myelo-monocytic cells specifically processes the nuclear factor-kappa B subunit p65 in vitro and may impair human immunodeficiency virus replication in these cells

Two groups of U937 promonocytic cells were obtained by limiting dilution cloning which differed strikingly in their ability to support human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) replication. "Plus" clones replicated the virus efficiently, whereas "minus" clones did not. We examined these clones for differences in nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B activity which might account for the observed phenomenon. Stimulation of plus clones liberated the classical p50-p65 complex from cytoplasmic pools, whereas minus clones produced an apparently novel, faster-migrating complex, as judged by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. It is surprising that the faster-migrating complex was composed also of p50 and p65. However, the p65 subunit was COOH-terminally truncated, as shown by immunoprecipitation. The truncation resulted from limited proteolysis of p65 during cellular extraction which released particular lysosomal serine proteases, such as elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase 3. These specific proteases are coordinately expressed and were present exclusively in the minus U937 clones, but not in the plus clones, as demonstrated in the case of cathepsin G. In addition, these proteases were detected in certain subclones of THP-1 and HL-60 cells and in primary monocytes, in each case correlating with the truncated from of p65. We demonstrate in vitro cleavage of p65 by purified elastase and cathepsin G. It is possible that particular serine proteases may have inhibiting effects on the replication of HIV-1 in myelo-monocytic cells. The data also demonstrate that special precautions must be taken when making extracts from myelo-monocytic cells.

BCL3 encodes a nuclear protein which can alter the subcellular location of NF-kappa B proteins

BCL3 is a candidate proto-oncogene involved in the recurring translocation t(14;19) found in some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. BCL3 protein acts as an I kappa B in that it can specifically inhibit the DNA binding of NF-kappa B factors. Here, we demonstrate that BCL3 is predominantly a nuclear protein and provide evidence that its N terminus is necessary to direct the protein into the nucleus. In contrast to I kappa B alpha (MAD3), BCL3 does not cause NF-kappa B p50 to be retained in the cytoplasm; instead, in cotransfection assays, it alters the subnuclear localization of p50. The two proteins colocalize, suggesting that they interact in vivo. Further immunofluorescence experiments showed that a mutant p50, lacking a nuclear localization signal and restricted to the cytoplasm, is brought into the nucleus in the presence of BCL3. Correspondingly, a wild-type p50 directs into the nucleus a truncated BCL3, which, when transfected alone, is found in the cytoplasm. We tested whether BCL3 could overcome the cytoplasmic retention of p50 by I kappa B alpha. Results from triple cotransfection experiments with BCL3, I kappa B alpha, and p50 implied that BCL3 can successfully compete with I kappa B alpha and bring p50 into the nucleus; thus, localization of NF-kappa B factors may be affected by differential expression of I kappa B proteins. These novel properties of BCL3 protein further establish BCL3 as a distinctive member of the I kappa B family.

Constitutive NF-kappa B activity in neurons

NF-kappa B is inducible transcription factor present in many cell types in a latent cytoplasmic form. So far, only immune cells including mature B cells, thymocytes, and adherent macrophages have been reported to contain constitutively active forms of NF-kappa B in the nucleus. A recent study showed that the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promoter is highly active in several brain regions of transgenic mice (J. R. Corboy, J. M. Buzy, M. C. Zink, and J. E. Clements, Science 258:1804-1807, 1992). Since the activity of this viral enhancer is governed mainly by two binding sites for NF-kappa B, we were prompted to investigate the state of NF-kappa B activity in neurons. Primary neuronal cultures derived from rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex showed a high constitutive expression of an HIV-1 long terminal repeat-driven luciferase reporter gene, which was primarily dependent on intact NF-kappa B binding sites and was abolished upon coexpression of the NF-kappa B-specific inhibitor I kappa B-alpha. Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy showed that the activity of NF-kappa B correlated with the presence of the NF-kappa B subunits p50 and RelA (p65) in nuclei of cultured neurons. NF-kappa B was also constitutively active in neurons in vivo. As investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, constitutive NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity was highly enriched in fractions containing neuronal nuclei prepared from rat cerebral cortex. Nuclear NF-kappa B-specific immunostaining was also seen in cryosections from mouse cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Only a subset of neurons was stained. Activated NF-kappa B in the brain is likely to participate in normal brain function and to reflect a distinct state of neuronal activity or differentiation. Furthermore, it may explain the high level of activity of the HIV-1 enhancer in neurons, an observation potentially relevant for the etiology of the AIDS dementia complex caused by HIV infection of the central nervous system.

BCL3 encodes a nuclear protein which can alter the subcellular location of NF-kappa B proteins

BCL3 is a candidate proto-oncogene involved in the recurring translocation t(14;19) found in some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. BCL3 protein acts as an I kappa B in that it can specifically inhibit the DNA binding of NF-kappa B factors. Here, we demonstrate that BCL3 is predominantly a nuclear protein and provide evidence that its N terminus is necessary to direct the protein into the nucleus. In contrast to I kappa B alpha (MAD3), BCL3 does not cause NF-kappa B p50 to be retained in the cytoplasm; instead, in cotransfection assays, it alters the subnuclear localization of p50. The two proteins colocalize, suggesting that they interact in vivo. Further immunofluorescence experiments showed that a mutant p50, lacking a nuclear localization signal and restricted to the cytoplasm, is brought into the nucleus in the presence of BCL3. Correspondingly, a wild-type p50 directs into the nucleus a truncated BCL3, which, when transfected alone, is found in the cytoplasm. We tested whether BCL3 could overcome the cytoplasmic retention of p50 by I kappa B alpha. Results from triple cotransfection experiments with BCL3, I kappa B alpha, and p50 implied that BCL3 can successfully compete with I kappa B alpha and bring p50 into the nucleus; thus, localization of NF-kappa B factors may be affected by differential expression of I kappa B proteins. These novel properties of BCL3 protein further establish BCL3 as a distinctive member of the I kappa B family.

Constitutive NF-kappa B activity in neurons

NF-kappa B is inducible transcription factor present in many cell types in a latent cytoplasmic form. So far, only immune cells including mature B cells, thymocytes, and adherent macrophages have been reported to contain constitutively active forms of NF-kappa B in the nucleus. A recent study showed that the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promoter is highly active in several brain regions of transgenic mice (J. R. Corboy, J. M. Buzy, M. C. Zink, and J. E. Clements, Science 258:1804-1807, 1992). Since the activity of this viral enhancer is governed mainly by two binding sites for NF-kappa B, we were prompted to investigate the state of NF-kappa B activity in neurons. Primary neuronal cultures derived from rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex showed a high constitutive expression of an HIV-1 long terminal repeat-driven luciferase reporter gene, which was primarily dependent on intact NF-kappa B binding sites and was abolished upon coexpression of the NF-kappa B-specific inhibitor I kappa B-alpha. Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy showed that the activity of NF-kappa B correlated with the presence of the NF-kappa B subunits p50 and RelA (p65) in nuclei of cultured neurons. NF-kappa B was also constitutively active in neurons in vivo. As investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, constitutive NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity was highly enriched in fractions containing neuronal nuclei prepared from rat cerebral cortex. Nuclear NF-kappa B-specific immunostaining was also seen in cryosections from mouse cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Only a subset of neurons was stained. Activated NF-kappa B in the brain is likely to participate in normal brain function and to reflect a distinct state of neuronal activity or differentiation. Furthermore, it may explain the high level of activity of the HIV-1 enhancer in neurons, an observation potentially relevant for the etiology of the AIDS dementia complex caused by HIV infection of the central nervous system.

Regulatory squelching

An important function of transcription factors may be to sequester coactivators or corepressors of transcription. In this manner transcription factors could regulate in trans the activity of promoters to which they do not bind. This may be of widespread significance as a mechanism to control cell cycle-dependent and differentiation-specific transcriptional activity within eukaryotic cells. Therefore squelching in vivo may be important than hitherto appreciated.

Alternative splicing of RNA transcripts encoded by the murine p105 NF-kappa B gene generates I kappa B gamma isoforms with different inhibitory activities

The gene encoding the 105-kDa protein (p105) precursor of the p50 subunit of transcription factor NF-kappa B also encodes a p70 I kappa B protein, I kappa B gamma, which is identical to the C-terminal 607 amino acids of p105. Here we show that alternative RNA splicing generates I kappa B gamma isoforms with properties different from those of p70. One 63-kDa isoform, termed I kappa B gamma-1, which lacks 59 amino acids C-terminal to ankyrin repeat 7, has a novel 35-amino acid C terminus encoded by an alternative reading frame of the p105 gene. A 55-kDa isoform, I kappa B gamma-2, lacks the 190 C-terminal amino acids of p70I kappa B gamma. In contrast to p70I kappa B gamma, which is a cytoplasmic protein, I kappa B gamma-1 is found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, whereas I kappa B gamma-2 is predominantly nuclear. The I kappa B gamma isoforms also display differences in specificity and affinity for Rel/NF-kappa B proteins. While p70I kappa B gamma inhibits p50-, p65-, and c-Rel-mediated transactivation and/or DNA binding, both I kappa B gamma-1 and I kappa B gamma-2 are specific for p50 and have different affinities for this subunit. The absence in I kappa B gamma-1 and I kappa B gamma-2 of a protein kinase A site whose phosphorylation modulates p70I kappa B gamma inhibitory activity suggests that alternative RNA splicing may be used to generate I kappa B gamma isoforms that respond differently to intracellular signals.

Evolution of the oncogenic potential of v-rel: rel-induced expression of immunoregulatory receptors correlates with tumor development and in vitro transformation

v-rel is a viral oncogene that evolved from turkey c-rel, an NF-kappa B-related transcription factor. Numerous structural alterations record the evolutionary selection of v-rel and distinguish it from c-rel. To evaluate the biological significance of these alterations, we constructed a set of five c/v-rel hybrids in which three mutation clusters (c-Rel amino acids 1 to 97,222 to 302, and 328 to 598) were differentially distributed. These constructs, in addition to parental v-rel and c-rel and two C-terminal deletion mutants of c-rel, were expressed from a retroviral vector. An analysis of cells infected with each of the nine viruses revealed that mutations in all three domains contributed to the ability of v-rel to induce two endogenous c-rel target genes, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II, in the B-cell line DT95 as well as MHC class II in normal splenocytes. The analysis revealed a strong nonlinear correlation between the ability of a Rel protein to induce expression of MHC proteins and its capacity to produce splenic tumors and establish in vitro transformation. This correlation is consistent with the hypothesis that v-rel transforms by constitutively altering expression of genes regulated by c-rel and in this way simulates events associated with immune response-linked proliferation of cells of hematopoietic origin. Further, the 16 carboxy-terminal amino acids of c-Rel were identified as a domain responsible for producing a cytotoxic and/or cytostatic effect in DT95. Because this effect is likely to differentially influence induction of MHC expression and tumorigenesis/transformation, it may represent one factor that contributes to the nonlinearity of their correlation.

Detection of bcl rearrangements in B-CLL by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Data concerning oncogene activation in CLL are very limited. When studied by Southern blot, rearrangements of bcl-1, bcl-2, and bcl-3 have been only infrequently reported. We evaluated the role of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the detection of gene rearrangements in two CLL patients. We used multiple DNA probes, including those of chromosome 12, immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, and the oncogenes bcl-1, bcl-2, and bcl-3. Additionally, routine cytogenetic study was performed. In one patient, trisomy 12 and bcl-2 translocation were demonstrated by both methods, while trisomy 12 and bcl-1 translocation were seen in the second patient, who had a normal karyotype. Larger studies should evaluate the role of FISH in the detection of oncogene involvement in CLL and compare it with other molecular methods.

Bcl-3-mediated nuclear regulation of the NF-kappa B trans-activating factor

The NF-kappa B factor governs the expression of many genes encoding immunoregulatory molecules. This activity is itself controlled. In this article, novel nuclear pathways for NF-kappa B regulation are described.

Transformation of avian fibroblasts overexpressing the c-rel proto-oncogene and a variant of c-rel lacking 40 C-terminal amino acids

The v-rel oncogene was derived from the c-rel proto-oncogene, which encodes a transcriptional activator. Expression of v-rel transforms avian hematopoietic cells and fibroblasts. Here we report that overexpression (via a replication-competent retroviral vector) of full-length c-Rel as well as a 40-amino-acid, carboxy-terminal deletion construct of c-Rel (c-Rel delta) resulted in the morphological transformation of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs). Subcellular localization of Rel polypeptides in these transformed cells as determined by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation revealed their presence in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, with the majority of Rel polypeptides showing cytoplasmic localization. Cytoplasmic localization could be due to interaction with I kappa B molecules, and in fact, the overexpression of c-Rel or the C-terminal deletion construct of c-Rel resulted in an increase in the levels of mRNA encoding the avian I kappa B protein pp40 and the avian homolog of the NF-kappa B protein, p105. However, expression of v-Rel resulted in the induction of pp40 mRNA only. While c-Rel was a weak activator of kappa B-mediated transcription of a reporter construct in transformed CEFs, v-Rel and c-Rel delta were transcriptional repressors. However, in spite of these differences, all of these proteins resulted in the transformation of CEFs.

HLA class I heavy-chain gene promoter elements mediating synergy between tumor necrosis factor and interferons

The cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), beta interferon (IFN-beta), and IFN-gamma increase major histocompatibility complex class I molecule expression. A greater than additive (i.e., synergistic) induction of class I heavy-chain mRNA is observed in HeLa cells treated with TNF in combination with either type of IFN. To define the cis-acting elements mediating cytokine synergy, the promoter of a human major histocompatibility complex class I heavy-chain gene (HLA-B7) was placed in front of a reporter gene and transfected into HeLa cells. Deletion analysis mapped the elements required for synergy to a 40-bp region containing a kappa B-like element, which is necessary for the response to TNF, and an interferon consensus sequence (ICS), which is necessary for the responses to IFNs. When the orientation of these elements was reversed or their normal 20-bp spacing was reduced by 5 or 10 bp, i.e., one half or one full turn of the DNA helix, essentially equivalent responses were obtained, suggesting that these parameters are not critical. In electromobility shift assays, a p50-containing NF-kappa B nuclear factor from TNF-treated cells binds kappa B-containing probes, and ISGF-2 from IFN-gamma-treated cells binds ICS-containing probes. A probe containing both the kappa B and ICS elements (kappa B-ICS) forms a novel complex with nuclear factors isolated from cells treated with both TNF and IFN-gamma; this complex also forms when nuclear factors from individually cytokine-treated cells are mixed in vitro. The natural variant ICS found in HLA-A responds to IFN-gamma and can mediate synergy with TNF. However, the variant kappa B found in HLA-C does not respond to TNF, nor can it mediate synergy between TNF and IFN-gamma. These observations suggest that synergy between TNF and IFNs in the induction of HLA class I gene expression results from the sum of individual interactions of cytokine-activated enhancer-binding factors with the transcription initiation complex.

HLA class I heavy-chain gene promoter elements mediating synergy between tumor necrosis factor and interferons

The cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), beta interferon (IFN-beta), and IFN-gamma increase major histocompatibility complex class I molecule expression. A greater than additive (i.e., synergistic) induction of class I heavy-chain mRNA is observed in HeLa cells treated with TNF in combination with either type of IFN. To define the cis-acting elements mediating cytokine synergy, the promoter of a human major histocompatibility complex class I heavy-chain gene (HLA-B7) was placed in front of a reporter gene and transfected into HeLa cells. Deletion analysis mapped the elements required for synergy to a 40-bp region containing a kappa B-like element, which is necessary for the response to TNF, and an interferon consensus sequence (ICS), which is necessary for the responses to IFNs. When the orientation of these elements was reversed or their normal 20-bp spacing was reduced by 5 or 10 bp, i.e., one half or one full turn of the DNA helix, essentially equivalent responses were obtained, suggesting that these parameters are not critical. In electromobility shift assays, a p50-containing NF-kappa B nuclear factor from TNF-treated cells binds kappa B-containing probes, and ISGF-2 from IFN-gamma-treated cells binds ICS-containing probes. A probe containing both the kappa B and ICS elements (kappa B-ICS) forms a novel complex with nuclear factors isolated from cells treated with both TNF and IFN-gamma; this complex also forms when nuclear factors from individually cytokine-treated cells are mixed in vitro. The natural variant ICS found in HLA-A responds to IFN-gamma and can mediate synergy with TNF. However, the variant kappa B found in HLA-C does not respond to TNF, nor can it mediate synergy between TNF and IFN-gamma. These observations suggest that synergy between TNF and IFNs in the induction of HLA class I gene expression results from the sum of individual interactions of cytokine-activated enhancer-binding factors with the transcription initiation complex.

Isolation of a cDNA encoding the chicken p50B/p97 (Lyt-10) transcription factor

NF-kappa B is a transcription factor composed of the p50 and p65 subunits. Recent works identified another human gene which encodes a molecule related to the p50 subunit, termed p50B, p49 or lyt-10. Here, we isolated the cDNA clones encoding chicken p50B/p97 (Lyt-10). The deduced amino acid sequence of the precursor protein, p97, shows conservation of the overall structure, and 86% identity in the Rel homology domain (RHD) and 56% identity in the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD) to human p50B/p97. Expression of this gene is highest in the chicken spleen.

The NF-kappa B transcription factor and cancer: high expression of NF-kappa B- and I kappa B-related proteins in tumor cell lines

NF-kappa B is a pleiotropic transcription factor which controls the expression of many genes and viruses. To date, there is good evidence, but no definitive proof, for its role in tumor formation and development of metastasis. To investigate the possibility that members of the NF-kappa B family could participate in the molecular control of the transformed and invasive phenotype, we examined the expression of these proteins in a variety of human tumor cell lines. The expression of p50, p65, p52 and I kappa B was quantified at the protein level using western immunoblot and mobility shift assay and at the RNA level by northern blot. We observed high expression of the NF-kappa B inhibitor I kappa B in the ovarian carcinoma cell line OVCAR-3 together with constitutive nuclear NF-kappa B activity. We also studied the colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 and its metastatic counterpart HTM-29 and we observed specific expression of the p52 NF-kappa B-related protein in the metastatic cells. Our data confirm that NF-kappa B could be involved in the genesis of a variety of cancers including solid tumors and provide us with interesting models to explore the exact role of these transcription factors in cancer.

The I kappa B proteins: members of a multifunctional family

The I kappa B proteins bind to Rel/NF-kappa B transcription factors and modulate their activities. Although originally described only as cytoplasmic inhibitors of Rel/NF-kappa B transcription complexes, it is now clear that I kappa B proteins also have other functions.

Dissociation of the dorsal-cactus complex and phosphorylation of the dorsal protein correlate with the nuclear localization of dorsal

The formation of dorsal-ventral polarity in Drosophila requires the asymmetric nuclear localization of the dorsal protein along the D/V axis. This process is regulated by the action of the dorsal group genes and cactus. We show that dorsal and cactus are both phosphoproteins that form a stable cytoplasmic complex, and that the cactus protein is stabilized by its interaction with dorsal. The dorsal-cactus complex dissociates when dorsal is targeted to the nucleus. While the phosphorylation of cactus remains apparently unchanged during early embryogenesis, the phosphorylation state of dorsal correlates with its release from cactus and with its nuclear localization. This differential phosphorylation event is regulated by the dorsal group pathway.

The I kappa B proteins: multifunctional regulators of Rel/NF-kappa B transcription factors

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