Lipocortin 1 in apoptosis: mammary regression

ANNEXIN A1: Roles in Placenta, Cell Survival, and Nucleus

The unbiased approaches of the last decade have enabled the collection of new data on the biology of annexin A1 (ANXA1) in a variety of scientific aspects, creating opportunities for new biomarkers and/or therapeutic purposes. ANXA1 is found in the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, being described at low levels in the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of placental cells related to gestational diabetic diseases, and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus has been associated with a response to DNA damage. The approaches presented here open pathways for reflection upon, and intrinsic clarification of, the modulating action of this protein in the response to genetic material damage, as well as its level of expression and cellular localization. The objective of this study is to arouse interest, with an emphasis on the mechanisms of nuclear translocation of ANXA1, which remain underexplored and may be beneficial in new inflammatory therapies.

Biological and physical approaches on the role of piplartine (piperlongumine) in cancer

Chronic inflammation provides a favorable microenvironment for tumorigenesis, which opens opportunities for targeting cancer development and progression. Piplartine (PL) is a biologically active alkaloid from long peppers that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity. In the present study, we investigated the physical and chemical interactions of PL with anti-inflammatory compounds and their effects on cell proliferation and migration and on the gene expression of inflammatory mediators. Molecular docking data and physicochemical analysis suggested that PL shows potential interactions with a peptide of annexin A1 (ANXA1), an endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator with therapeutic potential in cancer. Treatment of neoplastic cells with PL alone or with annexin A1 mimic peptide reduced cell proliferation and viability and modulated the expression of MCP-1 chemokine, IL-8 cytokine and genes involved in inflammatory processes. The results also suggested an inhibitory effect of PL on tubulin expression. In addition, PL apparently had no influence on cell migration and invasion at the concentration tested. Considering the role of inflammation in the context of promoting tumor initiation, the present study shows the potential of piplartine as a therapeutic immunomodulator for cancer prevention and progression.

ANXA7-GTPase as Tumor Suppressor: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities

Chromosomal abnormalities, including homozygous deletions and loss of heterozygosity at 10q, are commonly observed in most human tumors, including prostate, breast, and kidney cancers. The ANXA7-GTPase is a tumor suppressor, which is frequently inactivated by genomic alterations at 10q21. In the last few years, considerable amounts of data have accumulated describing inactivation of ANXA7-GTPase in a variety of human malignancies and demonstrating the tumor suppressor potential of ANXA7-GTPase. ANXA7-GTPase contains a calcium binding domain that classifies it as a member of the annexin family. The cancer-specific expression of ANXA7-GTPase, coupled with its importance in regulating cell death, cell motility, and invasion, makes it a useful diagnostic marker of cancer and a potential target for cancer treatment. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that ANXA7-GTPase is a critical factor associated with the metastatic state of several cancers and can be used as a risk biomarker for HER2 negative breast cancer patients. Cross talk between ANXA7, PTEN, and EGFR leads to constitutive activation of PI3K-AKT signaling, a central pathway of tumor cell survival and proliferation. This review focuses on the recent progress in understanding the tumor suppressor functions of ANXA7-GTPase emphasizing the role of this gene in Ca²⁺ metabolism, and exploring opportunities for function as an example of a calcium binding GTPase acting as a tumor suppressor and opportunities for ANXA7-GTPase gene cancer therapy.

A Mechanistic Basis for the Beneficial Effects of Caloric Restriction On Longevity and Disease: Consequences for the Interpretation of Rodent Toxicity Studies

Caloric restriction in rodents has been repeatedly shown to increase life span while reducing the severity and retarding the onset of both spontaneous and chemically induced neoplasms. These effects of caloric restriction are associated with a spectrum of biochemical and physiological changes that characterize the organism's adaptation to reduced caloric intake and provide the mechanistic basis for caloric restriction's effect on longevity. Here, we review evidence suggesting that the primary adaptation appears to be a rhythmic hypercorticism in the absence of elevated adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) levels. This characteristic hypercorticism evokes a spectrum of responses, including reduced body temperature and increased metabolic efficiency, decreased mitogenic response coupled with increased rates of apoptosis, reduced inflammatory response, reduced oxidative damage to proteins and DNA, reduced reproductive capacity, and altered drug-metabolizing enzyme expression. The net effect of these changes is to (1) decrease growth and metabolism in peripheral tissues to spare energy for central functions, and (2) increase the organism's capacity to withstand stress and chemical toxicity. Thus, caloric restriction research has uncovered an evolutionary mechanism that provides rodents with an adaptive advantage in conditions of fluctuating food supply. During periods of abundance, body growth and fecundity are favored over endurance and longevity. Conversely, during periods of famine, reproductive performance and growth are sacrificed to ensure survival of individuals to breed in better times. This phenomena can be observed in rodent populations that are used in toxicity testing. Improvements over the last 30 years in animal husbandry and nutrition, coupled with selective breeding for growth and fecundity, have resulted in several strains now exhibiting larger animals with reduced survival and increased incidence of background lesions. The mechanistic data from caloric restriction studies suggest that these large animals will also be more susceptible to chemically induced toxicity. This creates a problem in comparing tests performed on animals of different weights and comparing data generated today with the historical database. The rational use of caloric restriction to control body weight to within preset guidelines is a possible way of alleviating this problem.

DAMPs and influenza virus infection in ageing

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a serious global health problem worldwide due to frequent and severe outbreaks. IAV causes significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly population, due to the ineffectiveness of the vaccine and the alteration of T cell immunity with ageing. The cellular and molecular link between ageing and virus infection is unclear and it is possible that damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) may play a role in the raised severity and susceptibility of virus infections in the elderly. DAMPs which are released from damaged cells following activation, injury or cell death can activate the immune response through the stimulation of the inflammasome through several types of receptors found on the plasma membrane, inside endosomes after endocytosis as well as in the cytosol. In this review, the detriment in the immune system during ageing and the links between influenza virus infection and ageing will be discussed. In addition, the role of DAMPs such as HMGB1 and S100/Annexin in ageing, and the enhanced morbidity and mortality to severe influenza infection in ageing will be highlighted.

Sex-specific disruption of murine midbrain astrocytic and dopaminergic developmental trajectories following antenatal GC treatment

The mammalian midbrain dopaminergic systems arising in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical for coping behaviours and are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders where early life challenges comprise significant risk factors. Here, we aimed to advance our hypothesis that glucocorticoids (GCs), recognised key players in neurobiological programming, target development within these systems, with a novel focus on the astrocytic population. Mice received antenatal GC treatment (AGT) by including the synthetic GC, dexamethasone, in the mothers' drinking water on gestational days 16-19; controls received normal drinking water. Analyses of regional shapes and volumes of the adult SNc and VTA demonstrated that AGT induced long-term, dose-dependent, structural changes that were accompanied by profound effects on astrocytes (doubling/tripling of numbers and/or density). Additionally, AGT induced long-term changes in the population size and distribution of SNc/VTA dopaminergic neurons, confirming and extending our previous observations made in rats. Furthermore, glial/neuronal structural remodelling was sexually dimorphic and depended on the AGT dose and sub-region of the SNc/VTA. Investigations within the neonatal brain revealed that these long-term organisational effects of AGT depend, at least in part, on targeting perinatal processes that determine astrocyte density and programmed cell death in dopaminergic neurons. Collectively, our characterisation of enduring, AGT-induced, sex-specific cytoarchitectural disturbances suggests novel mechanistic links for the strong association between early environmental challenge (inappropriate exposure to excess GCs) and vulnerability to developing aberrant behaviours in later life, with translational implications for dopamine-associated disorders (such as schizophrenia, ADHD, autism, depression), which typically show a sex bias.

Cardioprotective potential of annexin-A1 mimetics in myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) and its resultant heart failure remains a major cause of death in the world. The current treatments for patients with MI are revascularization with thrombolytic agents or interventional procedures. These treatments have focused on restoring blood flow to the ischemic tissue to prevent tissue necrosis and preserve organ function. The restoration of blood flow after a period of ischemia, however, may elicit further myocardial damage, called reperfusion injury. Pharmacological interventions, such as antioxidant and Ca(2+) channel blockers, have shown premises in experimental settings; however, clinical studies have shown limited success. Thus, there is a need for the development of novel therapies to treat reperfusion injury. The therapeutic potential of glucocorticoid-regulated anti-inflammatory mediator annexin-A1 (ANX-A1) has recently been recognized in a range of systemic inflammatory disorders. ANX-A1 binds to and activates the family of formyl peptide receptors (G protein-coupled receptor family) to inhibit neutrophil activation, migration and infiltration. Until recently, studies on the cardioprotective actions of ANX-A1 and its peptide mimetics (Ac2-26, CGEN-855A) have largely focused on its anti-inflammatory effects as a mechanism of preserving myocardial viability following I-R injury. Our laboratory provided the first evidence of the direct protective action of ANX-A1 on myocardium, independent of inflammatory cells in vitro. We now review the potential for ANX-A1 based therapeutics to be seen as a "triple shield" therapy against myocardial I-R injury, limiting neutrophil infiltration and preserving both cardiomyocyte viability and contractile function. This novel therapy may thus represent a valuable clinical approach to improve outcome after MI.

Enhancing the interaction between annexin-1 and formyl peptide receptors regulates microglial activation to protect neurons from ischemia-like injury

As the immune cells of the brain, microglia are crucial for the maintenance of brain function. The aims of the present study were to determine whether and how annexin-1 is able to affect microglial phenotype and migration in the lesion microenvironment. In the current experiment, we enhanced the interaction between annexin-1 and formyl peptide receptors in microglia and analyzed the function. We found that annexin-1 could polarize microglia to a beneficial phenotype and promote microglial migration to protect neurons from ischemia-like injury, and the annexin-1-mediated neuroprotective effect was dependent on the release of glutamate and ATP from the injured neurons.

The involvement of xanthohumol in the expression of annexin in human malignant glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant and resistant tumor of the central nervous system in humans and new therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Recently, we have shown that the potential chemotherapeutic polyphenol xanthohumol (XH), isolated from Humulus Lupulus, induces apoptosis of human T98G glioblastoma cells by increasing reactive oxygen species and activating MAPK pathways. Then we have found, by western blotting and microscopic analysis, that XH up-regulates cytosolic levels of ANXA1 and induces translocation of the protein on the cell membrane of T98G cells in a time-dependent manner with significant effects observed after 24 h. On the basis of the above evidence, the aim of this work was to investigate the role of intracellular and cell membrane localized ANXA1 in GBM cells. RT-PCR analysis has shown that XH up-regulates mRNA levels of ANXA1 after 16 h treatment. To demonstrate the involvement of ANXA1 in apoptosis of GBM cells we down-regulated ANXA1 expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) and then analysed apoptosis in the presence and absence of apoptotic stimuli. Importantly, apoptosis induced by XH was reduced in siRNA-ANXA1 transfected cells where western blot analysis shows a significant reduction of ANXA1 protein levels. To investigate the role of ANXA1 expression on the cell membrane of T98G cells as potential "eat-me" signal we studied phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by human macrophages. We incubated apoptotic T98G cells with human blood monocyte derived macrophages (M=). After co-incubation period we analysed the percentage of M= phagocytosing the apoptotic cells by cytofluorimetric FACS analysis and by confocal microscopy. Our results show that XH induces phagocytosis of apoptotic T98G cells by human M= in a concentration-effect manner, a processes that is dependent on caspase mediated apoptosis. ANXA1 acts as an "eat-me" signal on the cell membrane of T98G cells, and interestingly, apoptotic siRNA-ANXA1 transfected cells are not completely ingested by M=. These results were confirmed by incubating apoptotic cells with a neutralizing anti-ANXA1 antiboby and ANXA1 membrane depletion by EDTA washing. ANXA1 was also detected in supernatants of apoptotic cells and the incubation of enriched supernatants enhanced the percentage of phagocytosis by M=. These results demonstrated that ANXA1 is involved both in the apoptosis and phagocytosis of glioblastoma cells. This study shows a possible role of ANXA1 in maintenance of brain homeostasis and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for neuro-inflammatory diseases and chemotherapy targets in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.

Annexin A1 modulates natural and glucocorticoid-induced resolution of inflammation by enhancing neutrophil apoptosis

This study aimed at assessing whether AnxA1, a downstream mediator for the anti-inflammatory effects of GCs, could affect the fate of immune cells in tissue exudates, using LPS-induced pleurisy in BALB/c mice. AnxA1 protein expression in exudates was increased during natural resolution, as seen at 48-72 h post-LPS, an effect augmented by treatment with GC and associated with marked presence of apoptotic neutrophils in the pleural exudates. The functional relevance of AnxA1 was determined using a neutralizing antibody or a nonspecific antagonist at FPR/ALXRs: either treatment inhibited both spontaneous and GC-induced resolution of inflammation. Injection of Ac2-26 (100 μg, given 4 h into the LPS response), an AnxA1-active N-terminal peptide, promoted active resolution and augmented the extent of neutrophil apoptosis. Such an effect was prevented by the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk. Mechanistically, resolution of neutrophilic inflammation was linked to cell apoptosis with activation of Bax and caspase-3 and inhibition of survival pathways Mcl-1, ERK1/2, and NF-κB. These novel in vivo data, using a dynamic model of acute inflammation, provide evidence that AnxA1 is a mediator of natural and GC-induced resolution of inflammation with profound effects on neutrophil apoptosis.

Overexpression of annexin 1 in the development and differentiation of urothelial carcinoma

This study investigates the expression of annexin 1 in urothelial carcinoma (UC) and its relation with clinicopathologic factors, and evaluates its potential clinical significance. Annexin 1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining with manual tissue microarrays and Western blot in UC. Immunohistochemical analysis of UC in tissue microarrays showed that annexin 1 protein was 76.5% (150/196) positive, which was markedly increased compared with that in the normal urothelium 20.8% (5/24) (p < 0.01). In addition, the positive expression rate of annexin 1 was higher in the high-grade UC (81.7%; 143/175) than in the low-grade UC (33.3%; 7/21). Western blot revealed that the expression of annexin 1 was low in low-grade UC, and markedly increased in high-grade UC. In conclusion, annexin 1 overexpression is observed in UC, which suggests it may be associated with tumorigenesis and its expression correlates with the differentiation of UC.

Sustained productivity in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines: proteome analysis of the molecular basis for a process-related phenotype

Background

The ability of mammalian cell lines to sustain cell specific productivity (Qp) over the full duration of bioprocess culture is a highly desirable phenotype, but the molecular basis for sustainable productivity has not been previously investigated in detail. In order to identify proteins that may be associated with a sustained productivity phenotype, we have conducted a proteomic profiling analysis of two matched pairs of monoclonal antibody-producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines that differ in their ability to sustain productivity over a 10 day fed-batch culture.

Results

Proteomic profiling of inherent differences between the two sets of comparators using 2D-DIGE (Difference Gel Electrophoresis) and LC-MS/MS resulted in the identification of 89 distinct differentially expressed proteins. Overlap comparisons between the two sets of cell line pairs identified 12 proteins (AKRIB8, ANXA1, ANXA4, EIF3I, G6PD, HSPA8, HSP90B1, HSPD1, NUDC, PGAM1, RUVBL1 and CNN3) that were differentially expressed in the same direction.

Conclusion

These proteins may have an important role in sustaining high productivity of recombinant protein over the duration of a fed-batch bioprocess culture. It is possible that many of these proteins could be useful for future approaches to successfully manipulate or engineer CHO cells in order to sustain productivity of recombinant protein.

Decreased expression of Annexin A1 correlates with pathologic differentiation grade in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Previously, we established an in vitro cellular carcinogenesis model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), including the human immortalized oral epithelia cells (HIOECs) and its derived cancerous HB96 cells. In this study, comparative proteomic analysis identified that Annexin A1 was one of the significantly down-regulated genes in the cancerous HB96 cells. To investigate Annexin A1 down-regulation and its potential usefulness as a molecular marker in OSCC, we further screened Annexin A1 expressions with a panel of OSCC lines, and clinical samples of cancerous and the paired adjacent normal tissues from primary OSCC patients. By Western blot analysis and real-time PCR, we showed that both Annexin A1 mRNA and protein expressions decreased in OSCC cell lines except in two cell lines for the mRNA levels. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR also showed that both Annexin A1 mRNA and protein expressions decreased in the cancerous tissues from OSCC patients compared with those in the paired adjacent non-malignant epithelia. More importantly, both Annexin A1 mRNA and protein expressions negatively correlated with the pathologic differentiation grades of cancerous tissues. The lower Annexin A1 mRNA or protein expressions correlated with the poorer pathologic differentiation grades. These results suggest that decreased expression of Annexin A1 contributes to the cancerous progression of OSCC, and Annexin A1 may be a potential biomarker for pathologic differentiation grade of OSCC.

Annexin A1 in the brain--undiscovered roles?

Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is an endogenous protein known to have potent anti-inflammatory properties in the peripheral system. It has also been detected in the brain, but its function there is still ambiguous. In this review, we have, for the first time, collated the evidence currently available on the function of ANXA1 in the brain and have proposed several possible mechanisms by which it exerts a neuroprotective or anti-neuroinflammatory function. We suggest that ANXA1, its small peptide mimetics and its receptors might be exciting new therapeutic targets in the management of a wide range of neuroinflammatory diseases, including stroke and neurodegenerative conditions.

Coagulation Activation by Lipopolysaccharides

Lipopolysaccharides at approximate plasma reactivities >3 ng/mL or β-glucans at >0.5-1 μg/mL are toxic for human blood; lipopolysaccharide interacts with membrane components of susceptible cells (eg, monocytes) activating phospholipase A2that destroys the cell membrane. Cell fragments (microparticles or DNA) possess polynegative niches that activate intrinsic hemostasis. Pathologic disseminated intravascular coagulation arises. Blood vessels are obstructed by disseminated thrombi, and vital organ areas become ischemic. Multiorgan failure threatens life of the patient. Diagnosis and therapy of pathologic disseminated intravascular coagulation is of extreme clinical importance. For early diagnosis of pathologic disseminated intravascular coagulation, specific activation markers of coagulation (eg, plasmatic amidolytic thrombin activity) or the plasmatic lipopolysaccharide or glucan reactivity can be measured. A new treatment target might be kallikrein or factor XIIa; 10 to 20 mM arginine is the approximate 50% inhibitory concentration against the contact phase of coagulation. The complex interaction between cell fragments and hemostasis causes pathologic disseminated intravascular coagulation in sepsis.

Reduced annexin II protein expression in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer

CONTEXT

Annexin II is a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein that plays a role in many cellular functions, including apoptosis, signal transduction, and cellular motility. The protein is strongly expressed in normal prostatic epithelial glands, but its expression in benign prostatic lesions has not been reported. Although commonly underexpressed in prostate cancer, the association of reduced expression with pathologic grade and stage is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To compare annexin II expression in benign prostatic lesions with expression in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer, as well as to correlate expression levels with pathologic grade and stage.

DESIGN

A semi-quantitative assessment of annexin II expression was performed in radical prostatectomy specimens from 74 patients and prostate needle core biopsy specimens from 13 patients. Foci with normal prostatic glands, atrophic glands, basal cell hyperplasia, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and prostatic adenocarcinoma were evaluated.

RESULTS

Annexin II expression was present in more than 50% of glands in most (>85%) samples of benign prostatic epithelium, atrophic glands, and basal cell hyperplasia. In high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, annexin II staining was markedly reduced in epithelial cells but not in basal cells. Annexin II was absent or focally present in moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma but was retained in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced annexin II expression may be a useful diagnostic biomarker to help identify small foci of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma on needle core biopsy specimens since it is consistently expressed in benign prostatic glands. Re-expression of annexin II in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma may provide prognostic information.

Mammary gland involution as a multi-step process

Mammary gland involution is a highly complex multi-step process in which the lactating gland returns to a morphologically near pre-pregnant state. This developmental stage is characterized by a high degree of epithelial cell death, redevelopment of the mammary adipose tissue and tissue remodelling. Many factors involved have been described and these have been reviewed intensively in this journal (Furth, P. A., J. Mammary Gland Biol. Neoplasia, 4:123-127, 1999) and elsewhere. Microarray analysis technology has now not only allowed us to identify genes not previously associated with involution (Stein, T., Morris, J.S., Davis, C.R.,Weber-Hall, S.J., Duffy, M.A., Heath, V.J., et al., Breast Cancer Res., 6: R75-R91, 2004; Clarkson, R.W., Wayland, M.T., Lee, J., Freeman, T., Watson, C.J., Breast Cancer Res., 6: R92-R109, 2004; Clarkson, R.W., Watson, C.J., J. Mammary Gland Biol. Neoplasia, 8: 309-319, 2003), it has also enabled us to define multiple phases of the controlled regulatory response to forced weaning on the basis of their transcriptional profiles. This review provides a synthesis of published data, integrating the time course of transcriptional activity in the mouse mammary gland with a gene ontology approach to identify the pathways involved.

Annexin 1: the new face of an old molecule

The annexin superfamily consists of 13 calcium or calcium and phospholipid binding proteins with a significant degree of biological and structural homology (40-60%). First described in the late 1970s and subsequently referred to as macrocortin, renocortin, lipomodulin, lipocortin-1, and more recently Annexin 1, this 37 kDa calcium and phospholipid binding protein is a strong inhibitor of glucocorticoid-induced eicosanoid synthesis and PLA2. Recent interest in the biological activity of this intriguing molecule has unraveled important functional attributes of Annexin 1 in a variety of inflammatory pathways, on cell proliferation machinery, in the regulation of cell death signaling, in phagocytic clearance of apoptosing cells, and most importantly in the process of carcinogenesis. Here we attempt to present a short review on these diverse biological activities of an interesting and important molecule, which could be a potential target for novel therapeutic intervention in a host of disease states.

Impaired phagocytic mechanism in annexin 1 null macrophages

The role of the anti-inflammatory protein annexin-A1 (Anx-A1) in the phagocytic process has been investigated using a murine bone marrow culture-derived macrophage model from Anx-A1(+/+) and Anx-A1(-/-) mice. Macrophages prepared from Anx-A1(-/-) mice exhibited a reduced ingestion of zymosan, Neisseria meningitidis or sheep red blood cells, when compared to Anx-A1(+/+) cells and in the case of zymosan this effect was also mirrored by a reduced clearance in vivo when particles were injected into the peritoneal cavity of Anx-A1(-/-) mice. The ablation of the Anx-A1 gene did not cause any apparent cytoskeletal defects associated with particle ingestion but the cell surface expression of the key adhesion molecule CD11b was depressed in the Anx-A1(-/-) cells providing a possible explanation for the attenuated phagocytic potential of these cells. The production of the cytokines TNFalpha and IL-6 was increased in Anx-A1(-/-) macrophages following phagocytosis of all types of particle.

Absence of annexin I expression in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and cell lines

BACKGROUND

Annexin I, one of the 20 members of the annexin family of calcium and phospholipid-binding proteins, has been implicated in diverse biological processes including signal transduction, mediation of apoptosis and immunosuppression. Previous studies have shown increased annexin I expression in pancreatic and breast cancers, while it is absent in prostate and esophageal cancers.

RESULTS

Data presented here show that annexin I mRNA and protein are undetectable in 10 out of 12 B-cell lymphoma cell lines examined. Southern blot analysis indicates that the annexin I gene is intact in B-cell lymphoma cell lines. Aberrant methylation was examined as a cause for lack of annexin I expression by treating cells 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine. Reexpression of annexin I was observed after prolonged treatment with the demethylating agent indicating methylation may be one of the mechanisms of annexin I silencing. Treatment of Raji and OMA-BL-1 cells with lipopolysaccharide, an inflammation inducer, and with hydrogen peroxide, a promoter of oxidative stress, also failed to induce annexin I expression. Annexin I expression was examined in primary lymphoma tissues by immunohistochemistry and presence of annexin I in a subset of normal B-cells and absence of annexin I expression in the lymphoma tissues were observed. These results show that annexin I is expressed in normal B-cells, and its expression is lost in all primary B-cell lymphomas and 10 of 12 B-cell lymphoma cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, similar to prostate and esophageal cancers, annexin I may be an endogenous suppressor of cancer development, and loss of annexin I may contribute to B-cell lymphoma development.

Expression of Annexin I, II and VII Proteins in Androgen Stimulated and Recurrent Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

We performed a comprehensive survey of annexin I, II and VII protein expression in patient matched benign prostatic epithelium (BPE), androgen stimulated prostate cancer (AS-CaP) and recurrent prostate cancer (R-CaP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Annexin I, II and VII was immunostained in 23 matched pairs of BPE and AS-CaP specimens, and in 25 R-CaP specimens. Protein expression was assessed visually and using color digital video image analysis.

RESULTS

The expression levels of annexins I and II was decreased from BPE to AS-CaP in all patients examined using visual assessment (22 of 22) or digital image analysis (18 of 18 for annexin I and 22 of 22 for annexin II). Annexin I mean optical density (MOD) decreased by 69% (0.718 to 0.222, p <0.0001) and annexin II MOD decreased by 71% (0.820 to 0.238, p <0.0001). Annexin I MOD further decreased almost 50% in R-CaP compared with AS-CaP (0.117 vs 0.222, p <0.0065) and annexin II MOD further declined by 37% (AS-CaP 0.238 vs R-CaP 0.150, p <0.0001). Annexin VII MOD showed no significant change between BPE and AS-CaP (0.229 and 0.214, respectively) but it decreased 14% in R-CaP vs AS-CaP (0.184 vs 0.214, p <0.0051).

CONCLUSIONS

Annexins I and II expression are decreased in AS-CaP compared with BPE and a further reduction is observed with progression from AS-CaP to R-CaP. Annexin VII protein expression is decreased in R-CaP, although AS-CaP and BPE are similar. This study suggests that the dysregulations of annexin proteins I, II and VII are important events in prostate carcinogenesis and progression.

Transglutaminase 2: an enigmatic enzyme with diverse functions

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an inducible transamidating acyltransferase that catalyzes Ca(2+)-dependent protein modifications. It acts as a G protein in transmembrane signalling and as a cell surface adhesion mediator, this distinguishes it from other members of the transglutaminase family. The sequence motifs and domains revealed in the recent TG2 structure, can each be assigned distinct cellular functions, including the regulation of cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and cell death. Ablation of TG2 in mice results in impaired wound healing, autoimmunity and diabetes, reflecting the number and variety of TG2 functions. An important role for the enzyme in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease, fibrosis and neurodegenerative disorders has also been demonstrated, making TG2 an important therapeutic target.

Unaltered expression of Fas (CD95/APO-1), caspase-3, Bcl-2 and annexins in brains of fetal Down syndrome: evidence against increased apoptosis

Apoptosis is the mechanism by which cells are programmed to die under a wide range of physiological and developmental stimuli. Accumulating evidence indicates that enhanced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in Down syndrome (DS) may play a role in mental retardation and precocious neurodegeneration of the Alzheimer-type. In this regard, alteration of several apoptosis related proteins have been reported in adult DS brain. Fetal DS neurons exhibited increased reactive oxygen species leading to early apoptosis, however, expression of apoptosis related proteins in fetal DS, has never been considered. To address this issue, we investigated the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis including Fas (CD95, APO-1), caspase-3, Bcl-2 and annexins in the cerebral cortex of control and DS fetal brain by western blot and two dimensional electrophoresis. Here, we report that no detectable changes were obtained in fetal DS brain in the expression of Fas, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Annexins (I, II, V, and VI) compared to controls. In parallel experiment, we also examined the expression of neuron specific enolase (NSE), a neuronal marker found to be decreased in adult DS brain, to see if there is any neuronal loss and no difference was observed between the two groups. Protein expression did not correlate with age. The unchanged levels of Fas, Bcl-2 and annexins together with unaltered caspase-3 expression, a predominant caspase that executes apoptosis in the developing nervous system, suggest that enhanced apoptosis may not be apparent in fetal DS brain as demonstrated for adult DS brain.

Transfection of annexin 1 in monocytic cells produces a high degree of spontaneous and stimulated apoptosis associated with caspase-3 activation

Transfection of the pre-monomyelocytic U937 cell line with a plasmid coding for full-length annexin 1 (ANX1, 347 amino acid) leads to cell death by promoting apoptosis. In addition, over-expression of the N-terminal and the first domain of the protein (144 amino acids, clone ANX1-S), which does not contain the Ca2+ binding sites, gives susceptibility to cell apoptosis following activation by either 5 ng ml(-1) tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or 1 - 40 microg ml-1 etoposide. This was demonstrated by using the fluorescent labelled annexin V, cell cycle and nuclear staining analyses. Transfection with an empty plasmid (clone CMV) or with a plasmid carrying the cDNA antisense for ANX1 (clone ANX1-AS) did not alter U937 cells to the degree of apoptosis promoted by either stimulant. Treatment of CMV U937 cells with TNF-alpha increased ANX1 mRNA and protein expression in a time-dependent manner, with maximal increases at 3 and 6 h, respectively. Clone ANX1-S showed higher constitutive (more than 2 fold) and activated caspase-3 activity, associated with higher phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity (in the region of +50 - 100%), whereas expression of cytosolic PLA2 Bax and Bcl-2 were similar in all cell clones, as determined by Western blotting. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a complex regulatory role of cell apoptosis for ANX1, at least with regards to cells of the myelo-monocytic lineage.

Increased apoptosis in U937 cells over-expressing lipocortin 1 (annexin I)

The potential involvement of endogenous lipocortin 1 in the process of cellular apoptosis, particularly in cells of the myelo-monocytic lineage, has been investigated. U937 cells were transfected either with an antisense or a sense DNA for lipocortin 1 and the stable clones 36.4AS clone (20-40% lower lipocortin 1 levels) and 15S (30% higher lipocortin 1 levels) were obtained. Cell apoptosis was induced by incubation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha: optimal responses were observed within a 24 h incubation period at a 5 ng/ml concentration. Apoptosis was assessed both morphologically, by annexin V binding and cell cycle analysis with propidium iodide. Whilst no consistent difference was seen between wild type cells and clone 36.4AS, a higher incidence of apoptosis (ranging from +30% to + 60%) was observed in the 15S clone. Release of arachidonic acid from loaded cells was promoted by 24 h incubation with the cytokine, and a higher degree of release was measured in the 15S clone. These data indicate that endogenous intracellular lipocortin 1 is involved in the promotion of apoptosis in cells of the myelo-monocytic derivation.

l-Deprenyl, blocking apoptosis and regulating gene expression in cultured retinal neurons

Apoptosis is the final pathway of many forms of retinal degeneration. E1A-NR3 is an immortalized retinal cell line that manifests specific phenotypes of retinal neurons. The present study induced apoptosis in these cells by two ischemic assaults, serum deprivation and hypoxia. The results demonstrated that both the assaults decreased viable cell numbers significantly by inducing apoptosis, as revealed by viable cell count, DNA fragmentation analysis, and in situ labeling of apoptotic cells by the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. l-Deprenyl is known to be a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and it was found recently to have neurotrophic activities. We set out to determine the protective effect of l-deprenyl on retinal cells and delineate its mechanism independent of monoamine oxidase inhibition. At concentrations as low as 0.0001 and 0.001 microM, l-deprenyl significantly increased the numbers of surviving cells under serum-free and hypoxic conditions, respectively. This effect appeared to be dependent upon the l-deprenyl concentration within the range of 0.001 to 10 microM. The neurotrophic activity was via blocking apoptosis, as l-deprenyl decreased the fragmented DNA and the numbers of positively stained apoptotic cells under serum-free or hypoxic conditions. Using mRNA differential display, nine mRNAs were identified and confirmed by northern blot analysis to have altered expression levels at 8 hr of exposure to hypoxia. Five of them do not match any existing sequences in GenBank, whereas the other four represent known genes including c-jun, heat-shock protein hsp70, phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and calpactin I heavy chain. All of the four mRNAs were increased significantly by hypoxia. The c-jun, PGK, and calpactin mRNAs, but not hsp70, also were increased by serum withdrawal. l-Deprenyl partially reversed the increase in c-jun and hsp70 mRNA levels, but not in PGK and calpactin. These results suggest that l-deprenyl blocks apoptosis induced by hypoxia as well as by growth factor withdrawal and regulates the expression of apoptosis-related genes.

Induction of AP-1 activity by perillyl alcohol in breast cancer cells

Monoterpenes display chemopreventive and therapeutic activity in rat mammary tumor models. Monoterpenes can also inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis of cultured cells. In this study, the monoterpene perillyl alcohol (POH) was found to induce transient expression of the c-jun and c-fos genes transcriptionally. POH also transiently induced phosphorylation of c-Jun protein. These events were associated with transcriptional activation of an AP-1-dependent reporter gene. These results suggest that POH might affect c-Jun activity via the Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase pathway and modulate expression of AP-1 target genes.

Tissue transglutaminase: apoptosis versus autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by multiple autoantibodies and/or autoreactive T cells that recognize a large number of antigens. Many of these antigens undergo extensive post-translational modifications during apoptosis and act as substrates for the proapoptotic cystein proteases. Here, Mauro Piacentini and Vittorio Colizzi discuss the effects on autoimmunity produced by post-translational modifications of proteins catalysed by the proapoptotic enzyme tissue transglutaminase.

Increased expression of annexin I and thioredoxin detected by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of drug resistant human stomach cancer cells

The therapy of advanced cancer using chemotherapy alone or in combination with radiation or hyperthermia yields an overall response rate of about 20-50%. This success is often marred by the development of resistance to cytostatic drugs. Our aim was to study the global analysis of protein expression in the development of chemoresistance in vitro. We therefore used a cell culture model derived from the gastric carcinoma cell line EPG 85-257P. A classical multidrug-resistant subline EPG85-257RDB selected to daunorubicin and an atypical multidrug-resistant cell variant EPG85-257RNOV selected to mitoxantrone, were analysed using two-dimensional electrophoresis in immobilized pH-gradients (pH 4.0-8.0) in the first dimension and linear polyacrylamide gels (12%) in the second dimension. After staining with coomassie brilliant blue, image analysis was performed using the PDQuest system. Spots of interest were isolated using preparative two-dimensional electrophoresis and subjected to microsequencing. A total of 241 spots from the EPG85-257RDB-standard and 289 spots from the EPG85-257RNOV-standard could be matched to the EPG85-257P-standard. Microsequencing after enzymatic hydrolysis in gel, mass spectrometric data and sequencing of the peptides after their fractionation using microbore HPLC identified that two proteins annexin I and thioredoxin were overexpressed in chemoresistant cell lines. Annexin I was present in both the classical and the atypical multidrug-resistant cells. Thioredoxin was found to be overexpressed only in the atypical multidrug-resistant cell line.

Lipocortin 1 (annexin 1) in patches associated with the membrane of a lung adenocarcinoma cell line and in the cell cytoplasm

Lipocortin 1 (annexin I) is a calcium- and phospholipid-binding annexin protein which can be externalised from cells despite the lack of a signal sequence. To determine its cellular distribution lipocortin 1 in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells was localised by light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry and by cell fractionation and western blotting. Lipocortin 1 immunoreactivity is concentrated in prominent patches associated with the plasma membrane. The intensity of these patches varied with the confluence and duration of the culture and was not detectably diminished by an EDTA wash before fixation. Tubulin and cytokeratin 8 were colocalized with lipocortin 1 in the patches. Within the cells lipocortin 1 was distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Electron microscopy revealed prominent immunoreactivity along the plasma membrane with occasional large clusters of gold particles in contact with the membrane surface of the cells; within the cytoplasm the membrane of some vesicle/vacuole structures and some small electron-dense bodies was immunoreactive, but no immunogold particles were associated with the multilamellar bodies. Subcellular fractionation, extraction and western blotting showed that lipocortin 1 in the membrane pellet was present as two distinct fractions; one, intimately associated with the lipid bilayer, which behaved like an integral membrane protein and one loosely attached which behaved like a peripheral membrane protein. The results show that a substantial amounts of lipocortin 1 is concentrated in focal structures associated with and immediately beneath the plasma membrane. These might form part of the mechanism by which lipocortin 1 is released from the cells.

Infraorbital nerve transection and whisker follicle removal in adult rats affect microglia and astrocytes in the trigeminal brainstem. A study with lipocortin1- and S100beta-immunohistochemistry

Transections of the infraorbital nerve in adult rats resulted in progressive alterations of microglia identified by Lipocortinl immunoreactivity at the sites where the primary afferents terminate, i.e. in the trigeminal brainstem sensory nuclei. Microglia proliferated three- to four-fold. Their cell bodies enlarged and their processes thickened. Microglial responses were similar to the removal of whisker follicles. However, they were restricted to discrete nuclear subregions that matched with the known whisker somatotopy. Astrocytes identified by S100beta immunoreactivity showed minor increases in size and in population density. No microglial or astrocytic reactions were found in the second and third synaptic relays of the somatosensory pathway. Because both types of lesion reportedly lead to the reorganization of primary afferents, our results establish the two experimental designs as valuable tools to elucidate the role of microglia and Lipocortin1 in adult brain plasticity.

Differential expression of the calpactin I subunits annexin II and p11 in cultured keratinocytes and during wound repair

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) is an important modulator of skin morphogenesis and cutaneous wound repair. To gain insight into the mechanisms of TGF-beta1 action in the skin, we used the differential display RT-PCR technique to identify genes that are regulated by this factor in cultured human keratinocytes. We obtained several partial cDNA clones. One of them was identical to the 3'-end of p11, the small and regulatory subunit of the calpactin I complex [(annexin II)2(p11)2]. RNase protection and northern blot analysis revealed specific regulation of expression of both subunits of this heterotetrameric protein (p11 and annexin II) by TGF-beta1 as well as by other growth factors, although the time course and degree of induction or suppression were different for each gene. Furthermore, we analyzed p11 and annexin II expression in normal and wounded skin. Both p11 and annexin II mRNAs were found in the dermal and epidermal compartments of normal human skin. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the presence of p11 at equally high levels in all layers of normal epidermis and in the hyper-proliferative epithelium at the wound edge. By contrast, annexin II expression was high in the basal layer of normal epidermis but low in the suprabasal layers and in the hyper-proliferative epithelium at the wound edge, suggesting a differentiation-specific regulation of this calpactin I subunit. The differential expression and regulation of p11 and annexin II subunits in keratinocytes suggest the existence of different ratios of monomeric versus p11-complexed annexin II that might be associated with different cellular functions.

Identifying differential gene expression in monoterpene-treated mammary carcinomas using subtractive display

Monoterpene-induced/repressed genes were identified in regressing rat mammary carcinomas treated with dietary limonene using a newly developed method termed subtractive display. The subtractive display screen identified 42 monoterpene-induced genes comprising 9 known genes and 33 unidentified genes, as well as 58 monoterpene-repressed genes comprising 1 known gene and 57 unidentified genes. Several of the identified differentially expressed genes are involved in the mitoinhibitory transforming growth factor beta signal tranduction pathway, as demonstrated by isolation of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor and the transforming growth factor beta type II receptor. The monoterpene-induced/repressed genes indicate that apoptosis and differentiation act in concert to effect carcinoma regression. Apoptosis is suggested by the cloning of a marker of programmed cell death, lipocortin 1. Consistent with a differentiation/remodeling process occurring during tumor regression, subtractive display identified YWK-II and neuroligin 1. Thus far, of the cDNAs putatively identified as differentially expressed in this complex in situ carcinoma model, 5 were tested, and each one has been confirmed to be differentially expressed. Additionally, many of the identified known genes are expressed as rare transcripts and exhibit small but significant changes in abundance. Together, these points demonstrate the unique utility of this new gene expression screen to identify altered gene expression in a complex in vivo environment.

Apoptosis: molecular regulation of cell death

The field of apoptosis is unusual in several respects. Firstly, its general importance has been widely recognised only in the past few years and its surprising significance is still being evaluated in a number of areas of biology. Secondly, although apoptosis is now accepted as a critical element in the repertoire of potential cellular responses, the picture of the intra-cellular processes involved is probably still incomplete, not just in its details, but also in the basic outline of the process as a whole. It is therefore a very interesting and active area at present and is likely to progress rapidly in the next two or three years. This review emphasises recent work on the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and, in particular, on the intracellular interactions which control this process. This latter area is of crucial importance since dysfunction of the normal control machinery is likely to have serious pathological consequences, probably including oncogenesis, autoimmunity and degenerative disease. The genetic analysis of programmed cell death during the development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proved very useful in identifying important events in the cell death programme. Recently defined genetic connections between C. elegans cell death and mammalian apoptosis have emphasised the value of this system as a model for cell death in mammalian cells, which, inevitably, is more complex. The signals inducing apoptosis are very varied and the same signals can induce differentiation and proliferation in other situations. However, some pathways appear to be of particular significance in the control of cell death; recent analysis of the apoptosis induced through the cell-surface Fas receptor has been especially important for immunology. Two gene families are dealt with in particular detail because of their likely importance in apoptosis control. These are, first, the genes encoding the interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme family of cysteine proteases and, second, those related to the proto-oncogene bcl-2. Both of these families are homologous to cell death genes in C. elegans. In mammalian cells the number of members of both families which have been identified is growing rapidly and considerable effort is being directed towards establishing the roles played by each member and the ways in which they interact to regulate apoptosis. Other genes with established roles in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation are also important in controlling apoptosis. Several of these are known proto-oncogenes, e.g. c-myc, or tumour suppressors, e.g. p53, an observation which is consistent with the importance of defective apoptosis in the development of cancer. Viral manipulation of the apoptosis of host cells frequently involves interactions with these cellular proteins. Finally, the biochemistry of the closely controlled cellular self-destruction which ensues when the apoptosis programme has been engaged is also very important. The biochemical changes involved in inducing phagocytosis of the apoptotic cell, for example, allow the process to be neatly integrated within the tissues, under physiological conditions. Molecular defects in this area too may have important pathological consequences.