Regulation of reactive oxygen species generation in cell signaling

Mycobacterium massiliense induces inflammatory responses in macrophages through Toll-like receptor 2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase

Mycobacterium massiliense (Mmass) is an emerging, rapidly growing mycobacterium (RGM) that belongs to the M. abscessus (Mabc) group, albeit clearly differentiated from Mabc. Compared with M. tuberculosis, a well-characterized human pathogen, the host innate immune response against Mmass infection is largely unknown. In this study, we show that Mmass robustly activates mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), but neither TLR4 nor Dectin-1, are involved in Mmass-induced TNF-α or IL-6 production in BMDMs. Mmass infection also activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs; c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK) pathway. Mmass-induced TNF-α and IL-6 production was dependent on JNK activation, while they were unaffected by either the ERK1/2 or p38 pathway in BMDMs. Additionally, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase-2, and nuclear factor-κB are required for Mmass-induced proinflammatory cytokine generation in macrophages. Furthermore, the S morphotype of Mmass showed lower overall induction of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines than the R morphotype, suggesting fewer immunogenic characteristics for this clinical strain. Together, these results suggest that Mmass-induced activation of host proinflammatory cytokines is mediated through TLR2-dependent JNK and ROS signaling pathways.

Antioxidative capacity in the fat body of Bombyx mori is increased following oral administration of 4-methylumbelliferone

Plant sources of umbelliferones have tumor-inhibitory effects at the cellular level. However, their physiological functions in animals are largely unresolved. In this study, we provide evidence to show that 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) participates in the regulation of antioxidative capacity in the fat body of Bombyx mori, a tissue similar to mammalian liver in this model invertebrate. Larvae (3rd day of the 5th instar) were orally exposed to 4 mM 4-MU, an umbelliferone, which swiftly induced the generation of a large number of ROS (e.g. H2O2 increased 6 to 8-fold), and 4-MU was detected in the fat body 8 min after administration. In addition, the activities of CAT and GPx were up-regulated 4 to 11-fold and 2 to 16-fold, respectively, and were helpful in defending fat body cells against oxidative injury in combination with NADPH. Furthermore, significant increases in the contents of T-AOC (up to approx. 2-fold), antioxidants of ASAFR (by 2 to 4-fold) and GSH were detected.

Redox-regulated growth factor survival signaling

SIGNIFICANCE

Once the thought of as unwanted byproducts of cellular respiration in eukaryotes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to facilitate essential physiological roles. It is now understood that ROS are critical mediators of intracellular signaling. Control of signal transduction downstream of growth factor receptors by ROS is a complex process whose details are only recently coming to light.

RECENT ADVANCES

Indeed, recent evidence points to control of signal propagation by ROS at multiple levels in the typical cascade. Growth factor stimulation activates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (Noxs) at the membrane, producing superoxide in the extracellular matrix, which is catalyzed to the membrane-permeable hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that mediates intracellular signaling events.

CRITICAL ISSUES

The potential for H2O2, however, to disrupt cellular functions by damaging proteins and nucleic acids demands that its levels are kept in check by receptor-associated peroxiredoxins. This interplay of Nox and peroxiredoxin activity moderates levels of H2O2 sufficiently to modify signaling partners locally. Among the best studied of these partners are redox-controlled phosphatases that are inactivated by H2O2. Phosphatases regulate signal propagation downstream of receptors, and thus their inactivation allows a further level of control. Transmission of information further downstream to targets such as transcription factors, themselves regulated by ROS, completes this pathway.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Thus, signal propagation or attenuation can be dictated by ROS at multiple points. Given the complex nature of these processes, we envisage the emerging trends in the field of redox signaling in the context of growth factor stimulation.

Activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor-associated protein exerts an inhibitory effect on vascular hypertrophy and oxidative stress in angiotensin II-mediated hypertension

AIMS

Activation of tissue angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) plays an important role in the development of vascular remodelling. We have shown that the AT1R-associated protein (ATRAP/Agtrap), a specific binding protein of AT1R, functions as an endogenous inhibitor to prevent pathological activation of the tissue renin-angiotensin system. In this study, we investigated the effects of ATRAP on Ang II-induced vascular remodelling.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Transgenic (Tg) mice with a pattern of aortic vascular-dominant overexpression of ATRAP were obtained, and Ang II or vehicle was continuously infused into Tg and wild-type (Wt) mice via an osmotic minipump for 14 days. Although blood pressure of Ang II-infused Tg mice was comparable with that of Ang II-infused Wt mice, the Ang II-mediated development of aortic vascular hypertrophy was partially inhibited in Tg mice compared with Wt mice. In addition, Ang II-mediated up-regulation of vascular Nox4 and p22(phox), NADPH oxidase components, and 4-HNE, a marker of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, was significantly suppressed in Tg mice, with a concomitant inhibition of activation of aortic vascular p38MAPK and JNK by Ang II. This protection afforded by vascular ATRAP against Ang II-induced activation of NADPH oxidase is supported by in vitro experimental data using adenoviral transfer of recombinant ATRAP.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that activation of aortic vascular ATRAP partially inhibits the Nox4/p22(phox)-ROS-p38MAPK/JNK pathway and pathological aortic hypertrophy provoked by Ang II-mediated hypertension, thereby suggesting ATRAP as a novel receptor-binding modulator of vascular pathophysiology.

Cytoplasmic localization and redox cysteine residue of APE1/Ref-1 are associated with its anti-inflammatory activity in cultured endothelial cells

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in base excision DNA repair and transcriptional regulation of gene expression. APE1/Ref-1 is mainly localized in the nucleus, but cytoplasmic localization has also been reported. However, the functional role of cytoplasmic APE1/Ref-1 and its redox cysteine residue are still unknown. We investigated the role of cytoplasmic APE1/Ref-1 on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressions in endothelial cells. Endogenous APE1/Ref-1 was mainly observed in the nucleus, however, cytoplasmic APE1/Ref-1 was increased by TNF-α. Cytoplasmic APE1/Ref-1 expression was not blunted by cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, suggesting cytoplasmic translocation of APE1/Ref-1. Transfection of an N-terminus deletion mutant APE1/Ref-1(29-318) inhibited TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression, indicating an anti-inflammatory role for APE1/Ref-1 in the cytoplasm. In contrast, redox mutant of APE1/Ref-1 (C65A/C93A) transfection led to increased TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression. Our findings suggest cytoplasmic APE1/Ref-1 localization and redox cysteine residues of APE1/Ref-1 are associated with its anti-inflammatory activity in endothelial cells.

Allelic heterogeneity in NCF2 associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility across four ethnic populations

Recent reports have associated NCF2, encoding a core component of the multi-protein NADPH oxidase (NADPHO), with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility in individuals of European ancestry. To identify ethnicity-specific and -robust variants within NCF2, we assessed 145 SNPs in and around the NCF2 gene in 5325 cases and 21 866 controls of European-American (EA), African-American (AA), Hispanic (HS) and Korean (KR) ancestry. Subsequent imputation, conditional, haplotype and bioinformatic analyses identified seven potentially functional SLE-predisposing variants. Association with non-synonymous rs17849502, previously reported in EA, was detected in EA, HS and AA (P(EA) = 1.01 × 10(-54), PHS = 3.68 × 10(-10), P(AA) = 0.03); synonymous rs17849501 was similarly significant. These SNPs were monomorphic in KR. Novel associations were detected with coding variants at rs35937854 in AA (PAA = 1.49 × 10(-9)), and rs13306575 in HS and KR (P(HS) = 7.04 × 10(-7), P(KR) = 3.30 × 10(-3)). In KR, a 3-SNP haplotype was significantly associated (P = 4.20 × 10(-7)), implying that SLE predisposing variants were tagged. Significant SNP-SNP interaction (P = 0.02) was detected between rs13306575 and rs17849502 in HS, and a dramatically increased risk (OR = 6.55) with a risk allele at each locus. Molecular modeling predicts that these non-synonymous mutations could disrupt NADPHO complex assembly. The risk allele of rs17849501, located in a conserved transcriptional regulatory region, increased reporter gene activity, suggesting in vivo enhancer function. Our results not only establish allelic heterogeneity within NCF2 associated with SLE, but also emphasize the utility of multi-ethnic cohorts to identify predisposing variants explaining additional phenotypic variance ('missing heritability') of complex diseases like SLE.

The apelin receptor APJ: journey from an orphan to a multifaceted regulator of homeostasis

The apelin receptor (APJ; gene symbol APLNR) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor gene family. Neural gene expression patterns of APJ, and its cognate ligand apelin, in the brain implicate the apelinergic system in the regulation of a number of physiological processes. APJ and apelin are highly expressed in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system, which regulates fluid homeostasis, in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which controls the neuroendocrine response to stress, and in the forebrain and lower brainstem regions, which are involved in cardiovascular function. Recently, apelin, synthesised and secreted by adipocytes, has been described as a beneficial adipokine related to obesity, and there is growing awareness of a potential role for apelin and APJ in glucose and energy metabolism. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, expression pattern and regulation of apelin and its receptor, as well as the main second messengers and signalling proteins activated by apelin. We also highlight the physiological and pathological roles that support this system as a novel therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention in treating conditions related to altered water balance, stress-induced disorders such as anxiety and depression, and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Proteoliposomes as tool for assaying membrane transporter functions and interactions with xenobiotics

Proteoliposomes represent a suitable and up to date tool for studying membrane transporters which physiologically mediate absorption, excretion, trafficking and reabsorption of nutrients and metabolites. Using recently developed reconstitution strategies, transporters can be inserted in artificial bilayers with the same orientation as in the cell membranes and in the absence of other interfering molecular systems. These methodologies are very suitable for studying kinetic parameters and molecular mechanisms. After the first applications on mitochondrial transporters, in the last decade, proteoliposomes obtained with optimized methodologies have been used for studying plasma membrane transporters and defining their functional and kinetic properties and structure/function relationships. A lot of information has been obtained which has clarified and completed the knowledge on several transporters among which the OCTN sub-family members, transporters for neutral amino acid, B0AT1 and ASCT2, and others. Transporters can mediate absorption of substrate-like derivatives or drugs, improving their bioavailability or can interact with these compounds or other xenobiotics, leading to side/toxic effects. Therefore, proteoliposomes have recently been used for studying the interaction of some plasma membrane and mitochondrial transporters with toxic compounds, such as mercurials, H₂O₂ and some drugs. Several mechanisms have been defined and in some cases the amino acid residues responsible for the interaction have been identified. The data obtained indicate proteoliposomes as a novel and potentially important tool in drug discovery.

Temporal-spatial interaction between reactive oxygen species and abscisic acid regulates rapid systemic acclimation in plants

Being sessile organisms, plants evolved sophisticated acclimation mechanisms to cope with abiotic challenges in their environment. These are activated at the initial site of exposure to stress, as well as in systemic tissues that have not been subjected to stress (termed systemic acquired acclimation [SAA]). Although SAA is thought to play a key role in plant survival during stress, little is known about the signaling mechanisms underlying it. Here, we report that SAA in plants requires at least two different signals: an autopropagating wave of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that rapidly spreads from the initial site of exposure to the entire plant and a stress-specific signal that conveys abiotic stress specificity. We further demonstrate that SAA is stress specific and that a temporal-spatial interaction between ROS and abscisic acid regulates rapid SAA to heat stress in plants. In addition, we demonstrate that the rapid ROS signal is associated with the propagation of electric signals in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our findings unravel some of the basic signaling mechanisms underlying SAA in plants and reveal that signaling events and transcriptome and metabolome reprogramming of systemic tissues in response to abiotic stress occur at a much faster rate than previously envisioned.

Midazolam induces cellular apoptosis in human cancer cells and inhibits tumor growth in xenograft mice

Midazolam is a widely used anesthetic of the benzodiazepine class that has shown cytotoxicity and apoptosisinducing activity in neuronal cells and lymphocytes. This study aims to evaluate the effect of midazolam on growth of K562 human leukemia cells and HT29 colon cancer cells. The in vivo effect of midazolam was investigated in BALB/c-nu mice bearing K562 and HT29 cells human tumor xenografts. The results show that midazolam decreased the viability of K562 and HT29 cells by inducing apoptosis and S phase cell-cycle arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. Midazolam activated caspase-9, capspase-3 and PARP indicating induction of the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Midazolam lowered mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Midazolam showed reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity through inhibition of NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) enzyme activity in K562 cells. Midazolam caused inhibition of pERK1/2 signaling which led to inhibition of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-XL and XIAP and phosphorylation activation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bid. Midazolam inhibited growth of HT29 tumors in xenograft mice. Collectively our results demonstrate that midazolam caused growth inhibition of cancer cells via activation of the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and inhibited HT29 tumor growth in xenograft mice. The mechanism underlying these effects of midazolam might be suppression of ROS production leading to modulation of apoptosis and growth regulatory proteins. These findings present possible clinical implications of midazolam as an anesthetic to relieve pain during in vivo anticancer drug delivery and to enhance anticancer efficacy through its ROS-scavenging and pro-apoptotic properties.

Manganese neurotoxicity and the role of reactive oxygen species

Manganese (Mn) is an essential dietary nutrient, but an excess or accumulation can be toxic. Disease states, such as manganism, are associated with overexposure or accumulation of Mn and are due to the production of reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and toxic metabolites; alteration of mitochondrial function and ATP production; and depletion of cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms. This review focuses on all of the preceding mechanisms and the scientific studies that support them as well as providing an overview of the absorption, distribution, and excretion of Mn and the stability and transport of Mn compounds in the body.

Dynamic regulation of Ero1α and peroxiredoxin 4 localization in the secretory pathway

In the early secretory compartment (ESC), a network of chaperones and enzymes assists oxidative folding of nascent proteins. Ero1 flavoproteins oxidize protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), generating H₂O₂ as a byproduct. Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prx4) can utilize luminal H₂O₂ to oxidize PDI, thus favoring oxidative folding while limiting oxidative stress. Interestingly, neither ER oxidase contains known ER retention signal(s), raising the question of how cells prevent their secretion. Here we show that the two proteins share similar intracellular localization mechanisms. Their secretion is prevented by sequential interactions with PDI and ERp44, two resident proteins of the ESC-bearing KDEL-like motifs. PDI binds preferentially Ero1α, whereas ERp44 equally retains Ero1α and Prx4. The different binding properties of Ero1α and Prx4 increase the robustness of ER redox homeostasis.

Stereospecific oxidation of calmodulin by methionine sulfoxide reductase A

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A has long been known to reduce S-methionine sulfoxide, both as a free amino acid and within proteins. Recently the enzyme was shown to be bidirectional, capable of oxidizing free methionine and methionine in proteins to S-methionine sulfoxide. A feasible mechanism for controlling the directionality has been proposed, raising the possibility that reversible oxidation and reduction of methionine residues within proteins is a redox-based mechanism for cellular regulation. We undertook studies aimed at identifying proteins that are subject to site-specific, stereospecific oxidation and reduction of methionine residues. We found that calmodulin, which has nine methionine residues, is such a substrate for methionine sulfoxide reductase A. When calmodulin is in its calcium-bound form, Met77 is oxidized to S-methionine sulfoxide by methionine sulfoxide reductase A. When methionine sulfoxide reductase A operates in the reducing direction, the oxidized calmodulin is fully reduced back to its native form. We conclude that reversible covalent modification of Met77 may regulate the interaction of calmodulin with one or more of its many targets.

Beyond oxidative stress: an immunologist's guide to reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) react preferentially with certain atoms to modulate functions ranging from cell homeostasis to cell death. Molecular actions include both inhibition and activation of proteins, mutagenesis of DNA and activation of gene transcription. Cellular actions include promotion or suppression of inflammation, immunity and carcinogenesis. ROS help the host to compete against microorganisms and are also involved in intermicrobial competition. ROS chemistry and their pleiotropy make them difficult to localize, to quantify and to manipulate - challenges we must overcome to translate ROS biology into medical advances.

Interaction of NADPH oxidase 1 with Toll-like receptor 2 induces migration of smooth muscle cells

AIMS

NADPH oxidase (Nox) isozymes that generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), an inflammatory mediator, are both involved in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. To identify the molecular connection between TLR2 and Nox isozymes in vascular remodelling, we analysed generation of ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines in aortic smooth muscle cells from Nox1-deficient mice in response to the synthetic triacylated lipoprotein Pam3CSK, a TLR2 agonist.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We showed that TLR2 signalling stimulates progression of the pro-inflammatory phenotype in mouse aortic smooth muscle cells (MASMCs) through activation of Nox1. We demonstrated the interaction of TLR2 with Nox1 using yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays. MASMCs from Nox1-deficient mice failed to generate of ROS in response to Pam3CSK4, indicating that Nox1 is essential for TLR2-dependent production of ROS. We also found that Pam3CSK4 stimulated migration of MASMCs from wild-type mice in a Transwell system, but MASMCs from Nox1-deficient mice failed to show this response. Wild-type MASMCs produced matrix metalloprotease 2 in response to Pam3CSK4, whereas Nox1-deficient MASMCs failed to generate this protease. Moreover, stimulation of MASMCs with Pam3CSK4 resulted in increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage inflammatory protein 2 in a Nox1-dependent manner, leading to enhanced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and trans-endothelial migration of U937 cells.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that Nox1 plays an important role in TLR2-mediated intracellular H2O2 generation, activation of matrix metalloprotease 2, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn stimulate MASMC migration and vascular remodelling.

Dietary ω -3 polyunsaturated fatty acid DHA: a potential adjuvant in the treatment of cancer

ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly present in fish oil, are part of the human diet. Among PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has received particular attention for its anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, antiangiogenetic, anti-invasion, and antimetastatic properties. These data suggest that DHA can exert antitumor activity potentially representing an effective adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy. This review is focused on current knowledge supporting the potential use of DHA for the enhancement of the efficacy of anticancer treatments in relation to its ability to enhance the uptake of anticancer drugs, regulate the oxidative status of tumor cells, and inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis.

TLR3-triggered reactive oxygen species contribute to inflammatory responses by activating signal transducer and activator of transcription-1

Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential secondary messengers in many signaling cascades governing innate immunity and cellular functions. TLR3 signaling is crucially involved in antiviral innate and inflammatory responses; however, the roles of ROS in TLR3 signaling remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that TLR3-induced ROS generation is required for the activation of NF-κB, IFN-regulatory factor 3, and STAT1-mediated innate immune responses in macrophages. TLR3 induction led to a rapid increase in ROS generation and a physical association between components of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzyme complex (NOX2 and p47(phox)) and TLR3 via a Ca(2+)-c-Src tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway. TLR3-induced ROS generation, NOX2, and p47(phox) were required for the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 and STAT2. TLR3-induced activation of STAT1 contributed to the generation of inflammatory mediators, which was significantly attenuated in NOX2- and p47(phox)-deficient macrophages, suggesting a role for ROS-STAT1 in TLR3-mediated innate immune responses. Collectively, these results provide a novel insight into the crucial role that TLR3-ROS signaling plays in innate immune responses by activating STAT1.

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal enhances tissue factor activity in human monocytic cells via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation-dependent phosphatidylserine exposure

OBJECTIVE

4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is one of the major aldehydes formed during lipid peroxidation and is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of HNE on tissue factor (TF) procoagulant activity expressed on cell surfaces.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

TF activity and antigen levels on intact cells were measured using factor Xa generation and TF monoclonal antibody binding assays, respectively. Exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface was analyzed using thrombin generation assay or by binding of a fluorescent dye-conjugated annexin V. 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate was used to detect the generation of reactive oxygen species. Our data showed that HNE increased the procoagulant activity of unperturbed THP-1 cells that express traces of TF antigen, but had no effect on unperturbed endothelial cells that express no measurable TF antigen. HNE increased TF procoagulant activity but not TF antigen of both activated monocytic and endothelial cells. HNE treatment generated reactive oxygen species, activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and increased the exposure of phosphatidylserine at the outer leaflet in THP-1 cells. Treatment of THP-1 cells with an antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, suppressed the above HNE-induced responses and negated the HNE-mediated increase in TF activity. Blockade of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation inhibited HNE-induced phosphatidylserine exposure and increased TF activity.

CONCLUSIONS

HNE increases TF coagulant activity in monocytic cells through a novel mechanism involving p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation that leads to enhanced phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface.

Mitochondria and organismal longevity

Mitochondria are essential for various biological processes including cellular energy production. The oxidative stress theory of aging proposes that mitochondria play key roles in aging by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which indiscriminately damage macromolecules and lead to an age-dependent decline in biological function. However, recent studies show that increased levels of ROS or inhibition of mitochondrial function can actually delay aging and increase lifespan. The aim of this review is to summarize recent findings regarding the role of mitochondria in organismal aging processes. We will discuss how mitochondria contribute to evolutionarily conserved longevity pathways, including mild inhibition of respiration, dietary restriction, and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling.

Redox regulation of protein kinases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been long regarded as by-products of a cascade of reactions stemming from cellular oxygen metabolism, which, if they accumulate to toxic levels, can have detrimental effects on cellular biomolecules. However, more recently, the recognition of ROS as mediators of cellular communications has led to their classification as signalling mediators in their own right. The prototypic redox-regulated targets downstream of ROS are the protein tyrosine phosphatases, and the wealth of research that has focused on this area has come to shape our understanding of how redox-signalling contributes to and facilitates protein tyrosine phosphorylation signalling cascades. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is more to this system than simply the negative regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatases. Identification of redox-sensitive kinases such as Src led to the slow emergence of a role for redox regulation of tyrosine kinases. A flow of evidence, which has increased exponentially in recent times as a result of the development of new methods for the detection of oxidative modifications, demonstrates that, by concurrent oxidative activation of tyrosine kinases, ROS fine tune the duration and amplification of the phosphorylation signal. A more thorough understanding of the complex regulatory mechanism of redox-modification will allow targeting of both the production of ROS and their downstream effectors for therapeutic purposes. The present review assesses the most relevant recent literature that demonstrates a role for kinase regulation by oxidation, highlights the most significant findings and proposes future directions for this crucial area of redox biology.

A new oxidative stress model, 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride induces cardiovascular damages in chicken embryo

It is now well established that the developing embryo is very sensitive to oxidative stress, which is a contributing factor to pregnancy-related disorders. However, little is known about the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the embryonic cardiovascular system due to a lack of appropriate ROS control method in the placenta. In this study, a small molecule called 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), a free radicals generator, was used to study the effects of oxidative stress on the cardiovascular system during chick embryo development. When nine-day-old (stage HH 35) chick embryos were treated with different concentrations of AAPH inside the air chamber, it was established that the LD50 value for AAPH was 10 µmol/egg. At this concentration, AAPH was found to significantly reduce the density of blood vessel plexus that was developed in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of HH 35 chick embryos. Impacts of AAPH on younger embryos were also examined and discovered that it inhibited the development of vascular plexus on yolk sac in HH 18 embryos. AAPH also dramatically repressed the development of blood islands in HH 3+ embryos. These results implied that AAPH-induced oxidative stress could impair the whole developmental processes associated with vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we observed heart enlargement in the HH 40 embryo following AAPH treatment, where the left ventricle and interventricular septum were found to be thickened in a dose-dependent manner due to myocardiac cell hypertrophy. In conclusion, oxidative stress, induced by AAPH, could lead to damage of the cardiovascular system in the developing chick embryo. The current study also provided a new developmental model, as an alternative for animal and cell models, for testing small molecules and drugs that have anti-oxidative activities.

Reactive oxygen species and tumor metastasis

The migration and invasion of cancer cells are the first steps in metastasis. Through a series of cellular responses, including cytoskeletal reorganization and degradation of the extracellular matrix, cancer cells are able to separate from the primary tumor and metastasize to distant locations in the body. In cancer cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in the migration and invasion of cells. Stimulation of cell surface receptors with growth factors and integrin assembly generates ROS, which relay signals from the cell surface to important signaling proteins. ROS then act within cells to promote migration and invasion. In this review, we collect recent evidence pointing towards the involvement of ROS in tumor metastasis and discuss the roles of ROS at different stages during the process of cancer cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Ac-cel, a novel antioxidant, protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury in PC12 cells via attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction

Oxidative stress has been implicated in pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative diseases (ND) and increased oxidative stress is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. As a result, looking for potent antioxidants, especially those targeting mitochondria, has become an attractive strategy in ND therapy. In this study, we explored protective effects and potential mechanism of Ac-cel, a novel compound, against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced injury in PC12 cells. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with Ac-cel prior to 24 h of H(2)O(2) exposure markedly attenuated cytotoxicity induced by H(2)O(2) as evidenced by morphological changes and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Ac-cel also exhibited potent antiapoptotic effect demonstrated by results of annexin V and PI staining. The above beneficial effects of Ac-cel were accompanied by improved mitochondrial function, reduced caspase-3 cleavage as well as upregulated ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein expression. Moreover, Ac-cel pretreatment markedly reversed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation following 30 min of H(2)O(2) exposure in PC12 cells. Further, subcellular investigation indicated that Ac-cel significantly reduced production of mitochondrial ROS in isolated rat cortical mitochondria. Taken together, the present study, for the first time, reports that Ac-cel pretreatment inhibits H(2)O(2)-stimulated early accumulation of intracellular ROS possibly via reducing mitochondrial ROS production directly and leads to subsequent preservation of mitochondrial function. These results indicate that Ac-cel is a potential drug candidate for treatment of oxidative stress-associated ND.

Role of oxidative stress in refractory epilepsy: evidence in patients and experimental models

Oxidative stress, a state of imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen, is induced by a wide variety of factors. This biochemical state is associated with systemic diseases, and diseases affecting the central nervous system. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder with refractoriness to drug therapy at about 30%. Currently, experimental evidence supports the involvement of oxidative stress in seizures, in the process of their generation, and in the mechanisms associated with refractoriness to drug therapy. Hence, the aim of this review is to present information in order to facilitate the handling of this evidence and determine the therapeutic impact of the biochemical status for this pathology.

Uncoupling and reactive oxygen species (ROS)--a double-edged sword for β-cell function? "Moderation in all things"

The ability of the mitochondrion to (a) manage fuel import to oxidize for adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) generation while (b) protecting itself and the cellular environment from electron leak, which can generate highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a delicate balancing act. ATP is the currency of the cell and as such serves a signaling function as a substrate partner to many kinases and ion channels. While various ROS species have been viewed as a dangerous and toxic group of molecules, it also has a role as a signal derived from mitochondria, as well as other enzymatic sources: a double-edged sword. Current efforts to understand the biochemical mechanisms affected by ROS as a signal--usually noted to be hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))--are exciting, but this duality of ROS effects also pose challenges in managing its levels to protect cells. The mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), UCP3, and the permeability transition pore have been integral to efforts to try to understand what role mitochondrial-derived ROS have in cells. In this piece we reflect on mitochondrial ROS and uncoupling proteins as signaling regulators. It seems that when it comes to ROS and uncoupling the proverb "Moderation in all things" is apt.

Autophagy protects against oxaliplatin-induced cell death via ER stress and ROS in Caco-2 cells

Oxaliplatin is included in a number of effective combination regimens used as first and subsequent lines of therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy plays a significant role in response to cancer therapy. However, the role of autophagy in oxaliplatin-induced cell death remains to be clarified. In this study, we showed that oxaliplatin induced cell death and autophagy in Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells. The suppression of autophagy using either pharmacologic inhibitors (3-methyladenine, bafilomycin A1) or RNA interference in essential autophagy genes (ATG5 or Beclin1) enhanced the cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by oxaliplatin in Caco-2 cells. Blocking oxaliplatin-induced ROS production by using ROS scavengers (NAC or Tiron) decreased autophagy. Furthermore, numerous dilated endoplasmic reticula (ER) were present in oxaliplatin-treated Caco-2 cells, and blocking ER stress by RNA interference against candidate of metastasis-1 (P8) and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) decreased autophagy and ROS production. Taken together, these data indicate that oxaliplatin activates autophagy as a cytoprotective response via ER stress and ROS in human colorectal cancer cells.

Ginseng Berry Extract Prevents Atherogenesis via Anti-Inflammatory Action by Upregulating Phase II Gene Expression

Ginseng berry possesses higher ginsenoside content than its root, which has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for many human diseases, including atherosclerosis. We here examined the antiatherogenic effects of the Korean ginseng berry extract (KGBE) and investigated its underlying mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. Administration of KGBE decreased atherosclerotic lesions, which was inversely correlated with the expression levels of phase II genes to include heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutamine-cysteine ligase (GCL). Furthermore, KGBE administration suppressed NF-κB-mediated expression of atherogenic inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1), without altering serum cholesterol levels, in ApoE^−/− mice fed a high fat-diet. Treatment with KGBE increased phase II gene expression and suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced reactive oxygen species production, NF-κB activation, and inflammatory gene expression in primary macrophages. Importantly, these cellular events were blocked by selective inhibitors of HO-1 and GCL. In addition, these inhibitors reversed the suppressive effect of KGBE on TNF-α-mediated induction of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, resulting in decreased interaction between endothelial cells and monocytes. These results suggest that KGBE ameliorates atherosclerosis by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated expression of atherogenic genes via upregulation of phase II enzymes and thus has therapeutic or preventive potential for atherosclerosis.

High efficiency versus maximal performance--the cause of oxidative stress in eukaryotes: a hypothesis

Degenerative diseases are in part based on elevated production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in mitochondria, mainly during stress and excessive work under stress (strenuous exercise). The production of ROS increases with increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)). A mechanism is described which is suggested to keep ΔΨ(m) at low values under normal conditions thus preventing ROS formation, but is switched off under stress and excessive work to maximize the rate of ATP synthesis, accompanied by decreased efficiency. Low ΔΨ(m) and low ROS production are suggested to occur by inhibition of respiration at high [ATP]/[ADP] ratios. The nucleotides interact with phosphorylated cytochrome c oxidase (COX), representing the step with the highest flux-control coefficient of mitochondrial respiration. At stress and excessive work neural signals are suggested to dephosphorylate the enzyme and abolish the control of COX activity (respiration) by the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio with consequent increase of ΔΨ(m) and ROS production. The control of COX by the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio, in addition, is proposed to increase the efficiency of ATP production via a third proton pumping pathway, identified in eukaryotic but not in prokaryotic COX. We conclude that 'oxidative stress' occurs when the control of COX activity by the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio is switched off via neural signals.

Proteomics analysis of tumor microenvironment: Implications of metabolic and oxidative stresses in tumorigenesis

Tumorigenesis is always concomitant with microenvironmental alterations. The tumor microenvironment is a heterogeneous and complex milieu, which exerts a variety of stresses on tumor cells for proliferation, survival, or death. Recently, accumulated evidence revealed that metabolic and oxidative stresses both play significant roles in tumor development and progression that converge on a common autophagic pathway. Tumor cells display increased metabolic autonomy, and the hallmark is the exploitation of aerobic glycolysis (termed Warburg effect), which increased glucose consumption and decreased oxidative phosphorylation to support growth and proliferation. This characteristic renders cancer cells more aggressive; they devour tremendous amounts of nutrients from microenvironment to result in an ever-growing appetite for new tumor vessel formation and the release of more "waste," including key determinants of cell fate like lactate and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The intracellular ROS level of cancer cells can also be modulated by a variety of stimuli in the tumor microenvironment, such as pro-growth and pro-inflammatory factors. The intracellular redox state serves as a double-edged sword in tumor development and progression: ROS overproduction results in cytotoxic effects and might lead to apoptotic cell death, whereas certain level of ROS can act as a second-messenger for regulation of such cellular processes as cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. The molecular mechanisms for cancer cell responses to metabolic and oxidative stresses are complex and are likely to involve multiple molecules or signaling pathways. In addition, the expression and modification of these proteins after metabolic or oxidative stress challenge are diverse in different cancer cells and endow them with different functions. Therefore, MS-based high-throughput platforms, such as proteomics, are indispensable in the global analysis of cancer cell responses to metabolic and oxidative stress. Herein, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of the metabolic and oxidative stresses associated with tumor progression with proteomics-based systems biology approaches.

Identification of genes required for alternative oxidase production in the Neurospora crassa gene knockout library

The alternative oxidase (AOX) of Neurospora crassa transfers electrons from ubiquinol to oxygen. The enzyme is not expressed under normal conditions. However, when the function of the standard electron transport chain is compromised, AOX is induced, providing cells with a means to continue respiration and growth. Induction of the enzyme represents a form of retrograde regulation because AOX is encoded by a nuclear gene that responds to signals produced from inefficiently functioning mitochondria. To identify genes required for AOX expression, we have screened the N. crassa gene knockout library for strains that are unable to grow in the presence of antimycin A, an inhibitor of complex III of the standard electron transport chain. From the 7800 strains containing knockouts of different genes, we identified 62 strains that have reduced levels of AOX when grown under conditions known to induce the enzyme. Some strains have virtually no AOX, whereas others have only a slight reduction of the protein. A broad range of seemingly unrelated functions are represented in the knockouts. For example, we identified transcription factors, kinases, the mitochondrial import receptor Tom70, three subunits of the COP9 signalosome, a monothiol glutaredoxin, and several hypothetical proteins as being required for wild-type levels of AOX production. Our results suggest that defects in many signaling or metabolic pathways have a negative effect on AOX expression and imply that complex systems control production of the enzyme.

Overexpression of Romo1 promotes production of reactive oxygen species and invasiveness of hepatic tumor cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the mitochondria promotes hepatocarcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, the exact mechanism by which mitochondrial ROS contributes to tumor cell invasion is not known. We investigated the role of ROS modulator 1 (Romo1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and tumor cell invasiveness.

METHODS

We performed real-time, semi-quantitative, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; invasion and luciferase assays; and immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical analyses. The formation of pulmonary metastatic nodules after tumor cell injection was tested in severe combined immunodeficient mice. We analyzed Romo1 expression in HCC cell lines and tissues (n = 95).

RESULTS

Expression of Romo1 was increased in HCC cells, compared with normal human lung fibroblast cells. Exogenous expression of Romo1 in HCC cells increased their invasive activity, compared with control cells. Knockdown of Romo1 in Hep3B and Huh-7 HCC cells reduced their invasive activity in response to stimulation with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Levels of Romo1 were increased compared with normal liver tissues in 63 of 95 HCC samples from patients. In HCC samples from patients, there was an inverse correlation between Romo1 overexpression and patient survival times. Increased levels of Romo1 also correlated with vascular invasion by the tumors, reduced differentiation, and larger tumor size.

CONCLUSIONS

Romo1 is a biomarker of HCC progression that might be used in diagnosis. Reagents that inhibit activity of Romo1 and suppress mitochondrial ROS production, rather than eliminate up-regulated intracellular ROS, might be developed as cancer therapies.

An analogue of resveratrol HS-1793 exhibits anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells via inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis gene expression

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin and polyphenol derived from grapes, berries, and peanuts. It has been shown to mediate death of a wide variety of cancer cells. Although resveratrol is considered an important potential chemotherapeutic agent, it is required at high doses to achieve a biologically or physiologically significant effect, which may be impractical for treating cancer. Thus, a more stable and potent derivative of resveratrol, with more effective tumoricidal activity, must be developed. A novel resveratrol analog, HS-1793, has recently been synthesized and was determined to exhibit a greater decrease in cancer cell viability than resveratrol. However, the underlying mechanism of HS-1793-induced cancer cell death remains unknown. We thus investigated the mechanism by which HS-1793 induces cell death and assessed whether this occurs through a mitochondrial-mediated mechanism. Using the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, we determined that HS-1793 treatment significantly increased cell death at a relatively low dose compared with resveratrol. HS-1793 treatment more significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, cellular ATP concentration, and cellular oxygen consumption rate than resveratrol treatment. At the molecular level, HS-1793 treatment down-regulated the expression of major mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating proteins, including mitochondrial transcriptional factor A (TFAM), Tu translation elongation factor (TUFM), and single-stranded DNA-binding protein. We conclude that HS- 1793 acts by regulating the expression of TFAM and TUFM, leading to a block in normal mitochondrial function, which sensitizes cancer cells to cell death. We therefore propose that HS-1793 can be a useful chemosensitization agent, which together with other such agents can efficiently target cancer cells.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants and metabolic modulators as pharmacological interventions to slow ageing

Populations in many nations today are rapidly ageing. This unprecedented demographic change represents one of the main challenges of our time. A defining property of the ageing process is a marked increase in the risk of mortality and morbidity with age. The incidence of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases increases non-linearly, sometimes exponentially with age. One of the most important tasks in biogerontology is to develop interventions leading to an increase in healthy lifespan (health span), and a better understanding of basic mechanisms underlying the ageing process itself may lead to interventions able to delay or prevent many or even all age-dependent conditions. One of the putative basic mechanisms of ageing is age-dependent mitochondrial deterioration, closely associated with damage mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Given the central role that mitochondria and mitochondrial dysfunction play not only in ageing but also in apoptosis, cancer, neurodegeneration and other age-related diseases there is great interest in approaches to protect mitochondria from ROS-mediated damage. In this review, we explore strategies of targeting mitochondria to reduce mitochondrial oxidative damage with the aim of preventing or delaying age-dependent decline in mitochondrial function and some of the resulting pathologies. We discuss mitochondria-targeted and -localized antioxidants (e.g.: MitoQ, SkQ, ergothioneine), mitochondrial metabolic modulators (e.g. dichloroacetic acid), and uncouplers (e.g.: uncoupling proteins, dinitrophenol) as well as some alternative future approaches for targeting compounds to the mitochondria, including advances from nanotechnology.

Protein kinase Cα protects against multidrug resistance in human colon cancer cells

Multidrug resistance is the phenomenon by which, after exposure to a single chemotherapeutic agent, cancer cells evade the agent's cytotoxic effects as well as become resistant to several classes of diverse drugs. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a family of transporter proteins that contribute to drug resistance via a n ATP - dependent drug efflux pump. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a prominent ABC superfamily protein encoded by the mdr gene which has the ability to mediate the cellular extrusion of xenobiotics and anticancer drugs from tumor cells. Exclusively expressed P-gp cells from the human colon cancer HCT15/DOX line showed resistance to doxorubicin while parental HCT15 cells treated with doxorubicin displayed typical signs of apoptosis. In order to verify the hypothesis that expression of MDR is controlled in part, by protein kinase C (PKC), expression patterns of different PKC isoforms were examined in both cell lines. Of the PKC isoforms evaluated, the membrane translocation and expression levels of PKCα were strikingly increased in HCT15/DOX cells. PKCα reversed doxorubicin-induced apoptosis through the scavenging of ROS as well as inhibition of PARP cleavage. In addition, inhibition of PKCα with Go6976, a specific inhibitor of classical PKC, led to reduced MDR expression and increased doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of PKCα by siRNA diminished the protective effects of PKCα for doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. These results suggested that over-expression and activity of PKCα is closely associated with the regulation of the MDR phenotype in human colon cancer HCT15 cells and provided insight into a new strategy for inhibiting doxorubicin resistance in human cancers.

TNFα affects energy metabolism and stimulates biogenesis of mitochondria in EA.hy926 endothelial cells

Mitochondrial response of EA.hy926 endothelial cells to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) was investigated. It was confirmed that TNFα stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and increases intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) level. These changes were paralleled by elevated oxygen consumption, slightly raised total mitochondrial mass and increased manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) content. They also correlated with a rise of mitochondrial transcription factor 1 (TFAM), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α, which are involved in regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and an elevated level of selected respiratory chain proteins. Thus, the apparent stimulatory effect of TNFα on mitochondrial metabolism probably reflects an increased amount of mitochondria rather than activation of biochemical processes per se, although the latter cannot be excluded definitely. These observations are similar to those described for cardiac muscle cells challenged with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in which mitochondrial biogenesis was postulated. Stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis could be a mechanism activated to prevent TNFα-induced cell death.

A low pKa cysteine at the active site of mouse methionine sulfoxide reductase A

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A is an essential enzyme in the antioxidant system which scavenges reactive oxygen species through cyclic oxidation and reduction of methionine and methionine sulfoxide. Recently it has also been shown to catalyze the reverse reaction, oxidizing methionine residues to methionine sulfoxide. A cysteine at the active site of the enzyme is essential for both reductase and oxidase activities. This cysteine has been reported to have a pK(a) of 9.5 in the absence of substrate, decreasing to 5.7 upon binding of substrate. Using three independent methods, we show that the pK(a) of the active site cysteine of mouse methionine sulfoxide reductase is 7.2 even in the absence of substrate. The primary mechanism by which the pK(a) is lowered is hydrogen bonding of the active site Cys-72 to protonated Glu-115. The low pK(a) renders the active site cysteine susceptible to oxidation to sulfenic acid by micromolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. This characteristic supports a role for methionine sulfoxide reductase in redox signaling.

Cdc42-dependent activation of NADPH oxidase is involved in ethanol-induced neuronal oxidative stress

It has been suggested that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress play an important role in ethanol-induced damage to both the developing and mature central nervous system (CNS). The mechanisms underlying ethanol-induced neuronal ROS, however, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of NADPH oxidase (NOX) in ethanol-induced ROS generation. We demonstrated that ethanol activated NOX and inhibition of NOX reduced ethanol-promoted ROS generation. Ethanol significantly increased the expression of p47^phox and p67^phox, the essential subunits for NOX activation in cultured neuronal cells and the cerebral cortex of infant mice. Ethanol caused serine phosphorylation and membrane translocation of p47^phox and p67^phox, which were prerequisites for NOX assembly and activation. Knocking down p47^phox with the small interfering RNA was sufficient to attenuate ethanol-induced ROS production and ameliorate ethanol-mediated oxidative damage, which is indicated by a decrease in protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Ethanol activated cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) and overexpression of a dominant negative (DN) Cdc42 abrogate ethanol-induced NOX activation and ROS generation. These results suggest that Cdc42-dependent NOX activation mediates ethanol-induced oxidative damages to neurons.

Antioxidant dieckol downregulates the Rac1/ROS signaling pathway and inhibits Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-family verprolin-homologous protein 2 (WAVE2)-mediated invasive migration of B16 mouse melanoma cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is linked to dynamic actin cytoskeleton reorganization, which is involved in tumor cell motility and metastasis. Thus, inhibition of ROS generation and actin polymerization in tumor cells may represent an effective anticancer strategy. However, the molecular basis of this signaling pathway is currently unknown. Here, we show that the Ecklonia cava-derived antioxidant dieckol downregulates the Rac1/ROS signaling pathway and inhibits Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-family verprolin-homologous protein 2 (WAVE2)-mediated invasive migration of B16 mouse melanoma cells. Steady-state intracellular ROS levels were higher in malignant B16F10 cells than in parental, nonmetastatic B16F0 cells. Elevation of ROS by H(2)O(2) treatment increased migration and invasion ability of B16F0 cells to level similar to that of B16F10 cells, suggesting that intracellular ROS signaling mediates the prometastatic properties of B16 mouse melanoma cells. ROS levels and the cell migration and invasion ability of B16 melanoma cells correlated with Rac1 activation and WAVE2 expression. Overexpression of dominant negative Rac1 and depletion of WAVE2 by siRNA suppressed H(2)O(2)-induced cell invasion of B16F0 and B16F10 cells. Similarly, dieckol attenuates the ROS-mediated Rac1 activation and WAVE2 expression, resulting in decreased migration and invasion of B16 melanoma cells. In addition, we found that dieckol decreases association between WAVE2 and NADPH oxidase subunit p47(phox). Therefore, this finding suggests that WAVE2 acts to couple intracellular Rac1/ROS signaling to the invasive migration of B16 melanoma cells, which is inhibited by dieckol.

Rice ASR1 protein with reactive oxygen species scavenging and chaperone-like activities enhances acquired tolerance to abiotic stresses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abscisic acid stress ripening (ASR1) protein is a small hydrophilic, low molecular weight, and stress-specific plant protein. The gene coding region of ASR1 protein, which is induced under high salinity in rice (Oryza sativa Ilmi), was cloned into a yeast expression vector pVTU260 and transformed into yeast cells. Heterologous expression of ASR1 protein in transgenic yeast cells improved tolerance to abiotic stresses including hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), high salinity (NaCl), heat shock, menadione, copper sulfate, sulfuric acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and also high concentration of ethanol. In particular, the expression of metabolic enzymes (Fba1p, Pgk1p, Eno2p, Tpi1p, and Adh1p), antioxidant enzyme (Ahp1p), molecular chaperone (Ssb1p), and pyrimidine biosynthesis-related enzyme (Ura1p) was up-regulated in the transgenic yeast cells under oxidative stress when compared with wild-type cells. All of these enzymes contribute to an alleviated redox state to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. In the in vitro assay, the purified ASR1 protein was able to scavenge ROS by converting H(2)O(2) to H(2)O. Taken together, these results suggest that the ASR1 protein could function as an effective ROS scavenger and its expression could enhance acquired tolerance of ROS-induced oxidative stress through induction of various cell rescue proteins in yeast cells.

Preventing retinal apoptosis--is there a common therapeutic theme?

There is an urgent need for therapies for retinal diseases; retinitis pigmentosa sufferers have no treatment options available and those targeted at other retinopathies have shown limited effectiveness. The process of programmed cell death or apoptosis although complex, remains a possible target for the treatment of retinal diseases. Having identified apoptosis in the vertebrate retina in populations of immature neurons as an essential part of development it was proposed that re-activation of these developmental cell death pathways might provide insight into the death mechanisms operating in retinal diseases. However, the discovery that numerous factors initiate and mediate the apoptotic cascade in mature photoreceptors has resulted in a relatively untargeted approach to examining and arresting apoptosis in the retina. In the last 5 years, mouse models have been treated with a diverse range of drugs or factors including anti-oxidants, growth factors, steroid hormones, calcium/calpain inhibitors and tetracycline antibiotics. Therefore to draw a unifying theme from these broad research areas is challenging. However, this review focusses on two targets which are currently under investigation, reactive oxygen species and mammalian target of rapamycin, drawing together the common themes of these research areas.

Molecular links between mitochondrial dysfunctions and schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with both neurochemical and neurodevelopmental components in the pathogenesis. Growing pieces of evidence indicate that schizophrenia has pathological components that can be attributable to the abnormalities of mitochondrial function, which is supported by the recent finding suggesting mitochondrial roles for Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1). In this minireview, we briefly summarize the current understanding of the molecular links between mitochondrial dysfunctions and the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, covering recent findings from human genetics, functional genomics, proteomics, and molecular and cell biological approaches.