Hyperoxia induces Egr-1 expression through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway

Pdx1 Is Transcriptionally Regulated by EGR-1 during Nitric Oxide-Induced Endoderm Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

The transcription factor, early growth response-1 (EGR-1), is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in response to different stimuli. EGR-1 is described to be involved in pancreatic endoderm differentiation, but the regulatory mechanisms controlling its action are not fully elucidated. Our previous investigation reported that exposure of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to the chemical nitric oxide (NO) donor diethylenetriamine nitric oxide adduct (DETA-NO) induces the expression of early differentiation genes such as pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1). We have also evidenced that Pdx1 expression is associated with the release of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and P300 from the Pdx1 promoter; these events were accompanied by epigenetic changes to histones and site-specific changes in the DNA methylation. Here, we investigate the role of EGR-1 on Pdx1 regulation in mESCs. This study reveals that EGR-1 plays a negative role in Pdx1 expression and shows that the binding capacity of EGR-1 to the Pdx1 promoter depends on the methylation level of its DNA binding site and its acetylation state. These results suggest that targeting EGR-1 at early differentiation stages might be relevant for directing pluripotent cells into Pdx1-dependent cell lineages.

Early Growth Response 1 Suppresses Macrophage Phagocytosis by Inhibiting NRF2 Activation Through Upregulation of Autophagy During Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in cystic fibrosis patients and immunocompromised individuals. A tightly regulated immune response possessed by healthy individuals can effectively control P. aeruginosa infections, whereas the patients with dysregulated immune response are susceptible to this bacterial pathogen. Early growth response 1 (Egr-1) is a zinc-finger transcription factor involved in regulation of various cellular functions, including immune responses. We previously identified that Egr-1 was deleterious to host in a mouse model of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia by promoting systemic inflammation and impairing bacterial clearance in lung, which associated with reduced phagocytosis and bactericidal ability of leucocytes, including macrophages and neutrophils. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the Egr-1-suppressed phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa are incompletely understood. Herein, we investigated whether the Egr-1-regulated autophagy play a role in macrophage phagocytosis during P. aeruginosa infection by overexpression or knockdown of Egr-1. We found that overexpression of Egr-1 inhibited the phagocytic activity of macrophages, and the autophagy activator rapamycin and inhibitor chloroquine could reverse the effects of Egr-1 knockdown and Egr-1 overexpression on phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa, respectively. Furthermore, the Egr-1-overexpressing macrophages displayed upregulated expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3A, LC3B and Atg5, and decreased levels of p62 in macrophages. Further studies revealed that the macrophages with Egr-1 knockdown displayed enhanced activation of transcription factor NRF2 and expression of scavenger receptors MACRO and MSR1. Altogether, these findings suggest that Egr-1 suppresses the phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa by macrophages through upregulation of autophagy and inhibition of NRF2 signaling.

GPER-independent inhibition of adrenocortical cancer growth by G-1 involves ROS/Egr-1/BAX pathway

We previously demonstrated that treatment of the H295R adrenocortical cancer cell line with the non-steroidal, high-affinity GPER (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1) agonist G-1 reduced tumor growth in vitro and in vivo through a GPER independent action. Moreover, we observed that G-1 treatment induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis following a sustained ERK1/2 activation. However, the precise mechanisms causing these effects were not clarified. Starting from our preliminary published results, we performed a microarray study that clearly evidenced a strong and significative up-regulation of EGR-1 gene in H295R cells treated for 24h with micromolar concentration of G-1. The microarray findings were confirmed by RT-PCR and Western-blot analysis as well as by immunofluorescence that revealed a strong nuclear staining for EGR-1 after G-1 treatment. EGR-1 is a point of convergence of many intracellular signaling cascades that control tumor cell growth and proliferation as well as others that relate to cell death machinery. Here we found that the increased Egr-1 expression was a consequence of G-1-mediated ROS-dependent ERK activation that were promptly reversed by the presence of the antioxidant n-acetyl-cysteine. Finally, we observed that silencing EGR-1 gene expression reversed the main effects induced by G-1 in ACC cells, including upregulation of the negative regulator of cell cycle, p21^Waf1/Cip1 and the positive regulator of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, BAX, as well as the cell growth inhibition. The identified ROS/MAPK/Egr-1/BAX pathway as a potential off-target effect of the G-1 could be useful in implementing the pharmacological approach for ACC therapy.

Probucol attenuates hyperoxia-induced lung injury in mice

Hyperoxic lung injury is pathologically characterized by alveolar edema, interlobular septal edema, hyaline membrane disease, lung inflammation, and alveolar hemorrhage. Although the precise mechanism by which hyperoxia causes lung injury is not well defined, oxidative stress, epithelial cell death, and proinflammatory cytokines are thought to be involved. Probucol—a commercially available drug for treating hypercholesterolemia—has been suggested to have antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. This study aimed to assess whether probucol could attenuate hyperoxic lung injury in mice. Mice were exposed to 95% O₂ for 72 h, with or without pre-treatment with 130 μg/kg probucol intratracheally. Probucol treatment significantly decreased both the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the degree of lung injury in hyperoxia-exposed mice. Probucol treatment reduced the number of cells positive for 8-hydroxyl-2′-deoxyguanosine or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and suppressed NF-κB activation, Bax expression, and caspase-9 activation in lung tissues from hyperoxia-exposed mice. These results suggest that probucol can reduce oxidative DNA damage, apoptotic cell death, and inflammation in lung tissues. Intratracheal administration of probucol may be a novel treatment for lung diseases induced by oxidative stress, such as hyperoxic lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits inflammation via free fatty acid receptor FFA4, disruption of TAB2 interaction with TAK1/TAB1 and downregulation of ERK-dependent Egr-1 expression in EA.hy926 cells

SCOPE

Inflammation is intimately associated with many cardiovascular events and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to protect against CVD. Egr-1 has emerged as a key regulator in the development of atherosclerosis. Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) is an n-3 FA membrane receptor. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory mediator and transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is essential in the TNF-α-mediated activation of NF-κB. We examined the mechanisms underlying DHA inhibition of inflammation in human EA.hy926 cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TNF-α markedly induced the interaction between TAK1 binding protein (TAB) 2 and TAK1/TAB1, the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK and Akt, the expression of Egr-1 and ICAM-1, and HL-60 (monocyte-like) cell adhesion. Pretreatment with DHA attenuated TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of ERK, expression of Egr-1 and ICAM-1 and HL-60 cell adhesion. Transfection with siFFA4 reversed the DHA-mediated inhibition of TNF-α-induced Egr-1 and ICAM-1 expression, HL-60 cell adhesion and NF-κB and DNA-binding activity.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of DHA on the endothelium is at least partially linked to FFA4, disruption of TAB2 interaction with TAK1/TAB1 and downregulation of ERK-dependent Egr-1 and ICAM-1 expression, which leads to less HL-60 cell adhesion to TNF-α-stimulated EA.hy926 cells.

Role of GADD45a in murine models of radiation- and bleomycin-induced lung injury

We previously reported protective effects of GADD45a (growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 45 alpha) in murine ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) via effects on Akt-mediated endothelial cell signaling. In the present study we investigated the role of GADD45a in separate murine models of radiation- and bleomycin-induced lung injury. Initial studies of wild-type mice subjected to single-dose thoracic radiation (10 Gy) confirmed a significant increase in lung GADD45a expression within 24 h and persistent at 6 wk. Mice deficient in GADD45a (GADD45a(-/-)) demonstrated increased susceptibility to radiation-induced lung injury (RILI, 10 Gy) evidenced by increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid total cell counts, protein and albumin levels, and levels of inflammatory cytokines compared with RILI-challenged wild-type animals at 2 and 4 wk. Furthermore, GADD45a(-/-) mice had decreased total and phosphorylated lung Akt levels both at baseline and 6 wk after RILI challenge relative to wild-type mice while increased RILI susceptibility was observed in both Akt(+/-) mice and mice treated with an Akt inhibitor beginning 1 wk prior to irradiation. Additionally, overexpression of a constitutively active Akt1 transgene reversed RILI-susceptibility in GADD45a(-/-) mice. In separate studies, lung fibrotic changes 2 wk after treatment with bleomycin (0.25 U/kg IT) was significantly increased in GADD45a(-/-) mice compared with wild-type mice assessed by lung collagen content and histology. These data implicate GADD45a as an important modulator of lung inflammatory responses across different injury models and highlight GADD45a-mediated signaling as a novel target in inflammatory lung injury clinically.

Effect of the transient pharmacological inhibition of Mapk3/1 pathway on ovulation in mice

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (Mapk3/1) pathway is critical for LH signal transduction during ovulation. However, the mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We hypothesized that Mapk pathway regulates ovulation through transcriptional regulation of ovulatory genes. To test this hypothesis we used immature mice superovulated with equine and human chorionic gonadotropins (eCG and hCG) and PD0325901, to inhibit hCG-induced Mapk3/1 activity. Mice received either the inhibitor PD0325901 (25 μg/g, i.p.) or vehicle at 2h before hCG stimulation. Administration of the inhibitor abolished Mapk3/1 phosphorylation in granulosa cells. While vehicle-treated mice ovulated normally, there were no ovulations in inhibitor-treated mice. First, we analyzed gene expression in granulosa cells at 0h, 1h and 4h post-hCG. There was expected hCG-driven increase in mRNA abundance of many ovulation-related genes including Ptgs2 in vehicle-treated granulosa cells, but not (P<0.05) in inhibitor-treated group. There was also reduced mRNA and protein abundance of the transcription factor, early growth response 1 (Egr1) in inhibitor-treated granulosa cells. We then used GRMO2 cell-line to test if Egr1 is recruited to promoter of Ptgs2 followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation with either Egr1 or control antibody. Enrichment of the promoter regions in immunoprecipitants of Egr1 antibody indicated that Egr1 binds to the Ptgs2 promoter. We then knocked down Egr1 expression in mouse primary granulosa cells using siRNA technology. Treatment with Egr1-siRNA inhibited Egr1 transcript accumulation, which was associated with reduced expression of Ptgs2 when compared to control-siRNA treated granulosa cells. These data demonstrate that transient inhibition of LH-stimulated MAPK3/1 activity abrogates ovulation in mice. We conclude that Mapk3/1 regulates ovulation, at least in part, through Egr1 and its target gene, Ptgs2 in granulosa cells of ovulating follicles in mice.

Adenosine promotes vascular barrier function in hyperoxic lung injury

Hyperoxic lung injury is characterized by cellular damage from high oxygen concentrations that lead to an inflammatory response in the lung with cellular infiltration and pulmonary edema. Adenosine is a signaling molecule that is generated extracellularly by CD73 in response to injury. Extracellular adenosine signals through cell surface receptors and has been found to be elevated and plays a protective role in acute injury situations. In particular, ADORA2B activation is protective in acute lung injury. However, little is known about the role of adenosine signaling in hyperoxic lung injury. We hypothesized that hyperoxia-induced lung injury leads to CD73-mediated increases in extracellular adenosine, which is protective through ADORA2B signaling pathways. To test this hypothesis, we exposed C57BL6, CD73(-/-), and Adora2B(-/-) mice to 95% oxygen or room air and examined markers of pulmonary inflammation, edema, and monitored lung histology. Hyperoxic exposure caused pulmonary inflammation and edema in association with elevations in lung adenosine levels. Loss of CD73-mediated extracellular adenosine production exacerbated pulmonary edema without affecting inflammatory cell counts. Furthermore, loss of the ADORA2B had similar results with worsening of pulmonary edema following hyperoxia exposure without affecting inflammatory cell infiltration. This loss of barrier function correlated with a decrease in occludin in pulmonary vasculature in CD73(-/-) and Adora2B(-/-) mice following hyperoxia exposure. These results demonstrate that exposure to a hyperoxic environment causes lung injury associated with an increase in adenosine concentration, and elevated adenosine levels protect vascular barrier function in hyperoxic lung injury through the ADORA2B-dependent regulation of occludin.

Apoptosis induction of human bladder cancer cells by sanguinarine through reactive oxygen species-mediated up-regulation of early growth response gene-1

Although the effects of sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid, on the inhibition of some kinds of cancer cell growth have been established, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. This study investigated possible mechanisms by which sanguinarine exerts its anticancer action in cultured human bladder cancer cell lines (T24, EJ, and 5637). Sanguinarine treatment resulted in concentration-response growth inhibition of the bladder cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Sanguinarine-induced apoptosis was correlated with the up-regulation of Bax, the down-regulation of Bid and XIAP, the activation of caspases (-3, -8, and -9), and the generation of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) completely reversed the sanguinarine-triggered apoptotic events. In addition, sanguinarine effectively increased the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the expression of the early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1), which was recovered by pretreatment with NAC. Furthermore, knockdown of Egr-1 expression by small interfering RNA attenuated sanguinarine-induced apoptosis, but not the JNK inhibitor, indicating that the interception of ROS generation blocked the sanguinarine-induced apoptotic effects via deregulation of the expression of Egr-1 proteins. Taken together, the data provide evidence that sanguinarine is a potent anticancer agent, which inhibits the growth of bladder cancer cells and induces their apoptosis through the generation of free radicals.

Moderate tidal volumes and oxygen exposure during initiation of ventilation in preterm fetal sheep

BACKGROUND

Preterm infants often receive mechanical ventilation and oxygen at birth. Exposure to large tidal volumes (V(T)s) at birth causes lung inflammation, and oxygen may amplify the injury. We hypothesized that normal V(T) ventilation at birth causes lung injury that is exacerbated by 95% oxygen.

METHODS

The head and chest of anesthetized preterm fetal sheep (129 ± 1 d gestation) were surgically exteriorized while maintaining the placental circulation. Fetuses were randomized to four groups with either V(T) ventilation to 6 ml/kg or continuous positive airway pressure of 5 cm H2O, and either 95%O2/5%CO2 or 95%N2/5%CO2. Age-matched fetuses were used as controls. After a 15-min intervention, the fetal lamb was returned to the uterus for 1 h 45 min.

RESULTS

In ventilated lambs, V(T) was 6.2 ± 0.4 ml/kg at 15 min. Ventilation increased proinflammatory cytokines as compared with controls and lambs on continuous positive airway pressure, with recruitment of primarily monocytes to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Early response protein 1 was activated around the bronchioles in V(T)-ventilated animals. The 15-min oxygen exposure did not change inflammatory mediators or other markers of lung and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

A V(T) of 6-7 ml/kg at birth increased early markers of injury and lung inflammation. Brief exposure to 95% oxygen did not alter lung inflammation.

Early genetic responses in rat vascular tissue after simulated diving

Diving causes a transient reduction of vascular function, but the mechanisms behind this are largely unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze genetic reactions that may be involved in acute changes of vascular function in divers. Rats were exposed to 709 kPa of hyperbaric air (149 kPa Po(2)) for 50 min followed by postdive monitoring of vascular bubble formation and full genome microarray analysis of the aorta from diving rats (n = 8) and unexposed controls (n = 9). Upregulation of 23 genes was observed 1 h after simulated diving. The differential gene expression was characteristic of cellular responses to oxidative stress, with functions of upregulated genes including activation and fine-tuning of stress-responsive transcription, cytokine/cytokine receptor signaling, molecular chaperoning, and coagulation. By qRT-PCR, we verified increased transcription of neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (Nr4a3), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (Serpine1), cytokine TWEAK receptor FN14 (Tnfrsf12a), transcription factor class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 40 (Bhlhe40), and adrenomedullin (Adm). Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF1 subunit HIF1-α was stabilized in the aorta 1 h after diving, and after 4 h there was a fivefold increase in total protein levels of the procoagulant plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1) in blood plasma from diving rats. The study did not have sufficient power for individual assessment of effects of hyperoxia and decompression-induced bubbles on postdive gene expression. However, differential gene expression in rats without venous bubbles was similar to that of all the diving rats, indicating that elevated Po(2) instigated the observed genetic reactions.

Egr-1 mediates epidermal growth factor-induced downregulation of E-cadherin expression via Slug in human ovarian cancer cells

Loss of the cell adhesion protein E-cadherin increases the invasive capability of ovarian cancer cells. We have previously shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) downregulates E-cadherin and induces ovarian cancer cell invasion through the H(2)O(2)/p38 MAPK-mediated upregulation of the E-cadherin transcriptional repressor Snail. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the EGF-induced downregulation of E-cadherin are not fully understood. In the current study, we demonstrated that treatment of two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3 and OVCAR5, with EGF induced the expression of the transcription factor Egr-1, and this induction was abolished by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of the EGF receptor. EGF-induced Egr-1 expression required the activation of the ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and was unrelated to EGF-induced H(2)O(2) production and activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Moreover, depletion of Egr-1 with siRNA abolished the EGF-induced downregulation of E-cadherin and increased cell invasion. Interestingly, siRNA depletion of Egr-1 attenuated the EGF-induced expression of Slug, but not that of Snail. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis showed that Slug is a target gene of Egr-1. These results provide evidence that Egr-1 is a mediator that is involved in the EGF-induced downregulation of E-cadherin and increased cell invasion. Our results also demonstrate that EGF activates two independent signaling pathways, which are the H(2)O(2)/p38 MAPK-mediated upregulation of Snail expression and the Egr-1-mediated upregulation of Slug expression. These two signaling pathways contribute to the EGF-induced downregulation of E-cadherin, which subsequently increases the invasive capability of ovarian cancer cells.

Deletion of caveolin-1 protects hyperoxia-induced apoptosis via survivin-mediated pathways

Hyperoxia-induced lung injury is an established model that mimics human acute respiratory distress syndrome. Cell death is a prominent feature in lungs following prolonged hyperoxia. Caveolae are omega-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane. Caveolin-1 (cav-1), a 22-kDa transmembrane scaffolding protein, is the principal structural component of caveolae. We have recently shown that deletion of cav-1 (cav-1-/-) protected against hyperoxia-induced cell death and lung injury both in vitro and in vivo; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, inhibits apoptosis in tumor cells. Although emerging evidence suggests that survivin is involved in wound healing, especially in vascular injuries, its role in hyperoxia-induced lung injury has not been investigated. Our current data demonstrated that hyperoxia induced apoptosis via suppressing survivin expression. Deletion of cav-1 abolished this suppression and subsequently protected against hyperoxia-induced apoptosis. Using "gain" and "loss" of function assays, we determined that survivin protected lung cells from hyperoxia-induced apoptosis via the inhibition of apoptosis executor caspase-3. Overexpression of survivin by deletion of cav-1 was regulated by Egr-1. Egr-1 functioned as a negative regulator of survivin expression. Deletion of cav-1 upregulated survivin via decreased Egr-1 binding of the survivin promoter region. Together, this study illustrates the effect of hyperoxia on survivin expression and the role of survivin in hyperoxia-induced apoptosis. We also demonstrate that deletion of cav-1 protects hyperoxia-induced apoptosis via modulation of survivin expression.

Hepatic regenerative response in small-sized liver isografts in the rat

BACKGROUND

To investigate hepatic regenerative response and associated mechanisms in different-size liver grafts in the rat.

METHODS

Rat models of different-size-graft liver transplantation (whole, 50%-size, or 30%-size) were established, with a sham operation group serving as a control. Portal pressure, graft injury, interleukin 6 (IL-6), signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cyclin D1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were all assessed.

RESULTS

The portal pressure was significantly higher and hepatic injury more severe in the smaller sized groups than in the whole graft group, especially in the 30%-size grafts. Hepatic IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in the two smaller sized groups were significantly higher than in the whole graft group, while IL-6 levels appeared to be negatively associated with graft sizes. Downstream markers of IL-6, Stat3 and MAPK phosphorylation, cyclin D1, and PCNA expression were also markedly increased in the small-sized grafts compared with the whole grafts, and appeared to positively correlate with early measurements of portal pressure and subsequent hepatic injury.

CONCLUSION

Vigorous hepatic regeneration in small-for-size liver grafts may be associated with highly activated IL-6/Stat3 and MAPK signaling, which may in turn correlate with graft size, portal pressure, and hepatic injury.

Divergence of the vertebrate sp1A/ryanodine receptor domain and SOCS box-containing (Spsb) gene family and its expression and regulation within the mouse brain

The Spsb family of genes encode well-conserved proteins of unknown function. Mammalian Spsb genes are likely the result of three separate duplication and divergence events during vertebrate evolution. The phylogenetic relationship along with expression and regulation of Spsb genes may offer insight into the evolution and function of this gene family in vertebrates. We have established that Spsb genes are expressed in numerous tissues, however their pattern and level of expression is tissue-dependent. Further, only Spsb1 is responsive to stress caused by ethanol exposure in the mouse brain, which suggests that Spsb genes have acquired different regulatory mechanisms. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements supports this, but also reveals some common regulatory modules involved in cell proliferation and stress response. Our results contribute to the growing body of data on the expression and function of Spsb genes, which serve as a model for studies on the origin, divergence and specialization of eukaryotic gene families.

Hemin upregulates Egr-1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells via reactive oxygen species ERK-1/2-Elk-1 and NF-kappaB

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidant stress are important mediators of cardiovascular pathologies including atherosclerosis. One source of ROS in the vasculature is free heme released from hemoglobin. Because Egr-1, the regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis, is also induced by oxidant stress and is likewise implicated in atherosclerosis, we examined the regulation of Egr-1 by heme in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Hemin increased Egr-1 expression (mRNA, protein) within 30 minutes and ERK-1/2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation within 5 minutes. Inhibiting hemin-induced ERK-1/2 activation by U0126 (MAPK-inhibitor), the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine, the NADPH oxidase inhibitors apocynin and diphenyleneiodonium chloride, the superoxide scavenger tiron, or tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II)-dimer (carbon-monoxide donor; CORM-2) blocked hemin-induced Egr-1 expression. Hemin activated Elk-1, SRF, and NF-kappaB and promoted their interaction with the Egr-1 promoter. Downregulating Elk-1 (via siRNA) or blocking NF-kappaB activation (via BAY-11-7082) abolished hemin induction of Egr-1. Finally, hemin-induced Egr-1 bound the promoters of tissue factor (TF), Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor (PAI)-1, and NGF-1A Binding (NAB)-2, upregulating their expression, and increased the biochemical activity of TF and PAI-1. Upregulation of Egr-1 and its target genes by heme-induced oxidant stress may be an important event in the initiation and progression of inflammatory vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Prostaglandin F2alpha stimulates the expression and secretion of transforming growth factor B1 via induction of the early growth response 1 gene (EGR1) in the bovine corpus luteum

In most mammals, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) is believed to be a trigger that induces the regression of the corpus luteum (CL), whereby progesterone synthesis is inhibited, the luteal structure involutes, and the reproductive cycle resumes. Studies have shown that the early growth response 1 (EGR1) protein can induce the expression of proapoptotic proteins, suggesting that EGR1 may play a role in luteal regression. Our hypothesis is that EGR1 mediates the actions of PGF2alpha by inducing the expression of TGF beta1 (TGFB1), a key tissue remodeling protein. The levels of EGR1 mRNA and protein were up-regulated in the bovine CL during PGF2alpha-induced luteolysis in vivo and in PGF2alpha-treated luteal cells in vitro. Using chemical and genetic approaches, the RAF/MAPK kinase (MEK) 1/ERK pathway was identified as a proximal signaling event required for the induction of EGR1 in PGF2alpha-treated cells. Treatment with PGF2alpha increased the expression of TGFB1 mRNA and protein as well as the binding of EGR1 protein to TGFB1 promoter in bovine luteal cells. The effect of PGF2alpha on TGFB1 expression was mimicked by a protein kinase C (PKC)/RAF/MEK1/ERK activator or adenoviral-mediated expression of EGR1. The stimulatory effect of PGF2alpha on TGFB1 mRNA and TGFB1 protein secretion was inhibited by blockade of MEK1/ERK signaling and by adenoviral-mediated expression of NAB2, an EGR1 binding protein that inhibits EGR1 transcriptional activity. Treatment of luteal cells with TGFB1 reduced progesterone secretion, implicating TGFB1 in luteal regression. These studies demonstrate that PGF2alpha stimulates the expression of EGR1 and TGFB1 in the CL. We suggest that EGR1 plays a role in the expression of genes whose cognate proteins coordinate luteal regression.

Probing early growth response 1 interacting proteins at the active promoter in osteoblast cells using oligoprecipitation and mass spectrometry

Current advances in proteomics have allowed for a rapidly expanding integration of associated methodologies with more traditional molecular and biochemical approaches to the study of cell function. Recent studies on the role of inorganic phosphate have suggested this ion is a novel signaling molecule capable of altering the function of numerous cell types. Elevated inorganic phosphate generated in the extracellular microenvironment by differentiating osteoblasts has recently been determined to act through a largely uncharacterized mechanism as an important signaling molecule responsible for altering the transcription of various genes during osteoblast differentiation. The transcription factor, early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), has previously been shown to be involved in the early response of osteoblasts to inorganic phosphate. To elucidate the role of EGR1 as a potential early regulator of transcription in the inorganic phosphate response, an oligoprecipitation procedure was optimized to capture the DNA bound, transcriptionally active form of EGR1. The interacting proteins thusly captured were identified using mass spectrometry (MS). Proteins involved in transcription, RNA processing, and chromatin modification were identified by this approach. The combined oligoprecipitation-MS approach presented here is highly effective for isolating and characterizing entire transcriptional complexes in the DNA bound state and is broadly extendable to the identification of both known and unknown transcription factor protein complexes.

Growth regulation via insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 and -2 in association with mutant K-ras in lung epithelia

Gain-of-function point mutations in K-ras affect early events in pulmonary bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. We investigated altered mRNA expression on K-Ras activation in human peripheral lung epithelial cells (HPL1A) using oligonucleotide microarrays. Mutated K-Ras stably expressed in HPL1A accelerated cell growth and induced the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein (IGFBP)-4 and IGFBP-2, which modulate cell growth via IGF. Other lung epithelial cell lines (NHBE and HPL1D) revealed the same phenomena as HPL1A by mutated K-ras transgene. Lung cancer cell growth was also accelerated by mutated K-ras gene transduction, whereas IGFBP-4/2 induction was weaker compared with mutated K-Ras-expressing lung epithelial cells. To understand the differences in IGFBP-4/2 inducibility via K-Ras-activated signaling between nonneoplastic lung epithelia and lung carcinoma, we addressed the mechanisms of IGFBP-4/2 transcriptional activation. Our results revealed that Egr-1, which is induced on activation of Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, is crucial for transactivation of IGFBP-4/2. Furthermore, IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-2 promoters were often hypermethylated in lung carcinoma, yielding low basal expression/weak induction of IGFBP-4/2. These findings suggest that continuous K-Ras activation accelerates cell growth and evokes a feedback system through IGFBP-4/2 to prevent excessive growth. Moreover, this growth regulation is disrupted in lung cancers because of promoter hypermethylation of IGFBP-4/2 genes.

Protein profiling the effects of in vitro hyperoxic exposure on fetal rabbit lung

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that acute in vitro exposure of prematurely delivered fetal rabbit lungs to hyperoxic conditions will induce the expression of an adaptive cassette of proteins that mediates antioxidant and inflammatory processes. To test this hypothesis, ex situ fetal rabbit lung explants were prepared from New Zealand white rabbits delivered by cesarean section on day 29 of gestation and incubated under air (21% O2; 5% CO2) or hyperoxic (95% O2; 5% CO2) atmospheres. Total tissue protein was extracted following incubation and subjected to 2-DE. Using this technique, 1500-2000 protein spots were resolved per gel. Treatment-dependent, differentially expressed proteins were identified by image analysis (Melanie II) and MALDI-TOF MS and MALDI-MS/MS. The analysis identified 12 protein spots that were differentially expressed by 1.5-fold or more (p<0.05) by exposure to hyperoxic conditions. Six of these differentially expressed proteins were identified as vimentin, annexin I, inorganic pyrophosphatase, prohibitin, an N-terminal fragment of ATP synthase and heat shock protein 27. The data obtained are consistent with the roles of these proteins in mediating cellular response to oxidative stress and in regulating cell proliferation.

c-Abl regulates early growth response protein (EGR1) in response to oxidative stress

c-Abl is a tyrosine kinase that can act as a regulator of cell growth and apoptosis in response to stress. Using cell lines expressing c-Abl in an inducible manner, we identified genes whose expression was regulated by c-Abl kinase activity. Microarray analysis indicated that Early Growth Response-1 (EGR1) gene expression is induced by c-Abl kinase activity, which was confirmed at the message and protein levels. Promoter mapping experiments revealed that c-Abl utilizes three distal serum response elements (SREs) in the EGR1 promoter, which are transactivated by mitogen/extracellular receptor kinase (MEK/ERK) signaling. PD 95089, a specific inhibitor of MEK/ERK signaling, attenuated c-Abl-mediated upregulation of EGR1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Similar results were obtained by using a dominant-negative mutant of mitogen/extracellular kinase. Significantly, hydrogen peroxide-induced EGR1 expression appears to be mediated by c-Abl, as cells expressing dominant negative c-Abl, and c-Abl-/- murine embryonic fibroblasts, are completely defective in hydrogen peroxide-induced EGR1 expression. In addition, c-Abl-induced apoptosis is partially mitigated by EGR1 activity, as cells devoid of EGR1 expression undergo reduced rates of c-Abl-induced apoptosis. Together, these results indicate that c-Abl promotes the induction of EGR1 through the MEK/ERK pathway in regulating apoptotic response to oxidative stress.

Role of early growth response-1 (Egr-1) in interleukin-13-induced inflammation and remodeling

IL-13 is an important stimulator of inflammation and tissue remodeling at sites of Th2 inflammation, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of a variety of human disorders. We hypothesized that the ubiquitous transcription factor, early growth response-1 (Egr-1), plays a key role in IL-13-induced tissue responses. To test this hypothesis we compared the expression of Egr-1 and related moieties in lungs from wild type mice and transgenic mice in which IL-13 was overexpressed in a lung-specific fashion. We simultaneously characterized the effects of a null mutation of Egr-1 on the tissue effects of transgenic IL-13. These studies demonstrate that IL-13 stimulates Egr-1 via an Erk1/2-independent Stat6-dependent pathway(s). They also demonstrate that IL-13 is a potent stimulator of eosinophil- and mononuclear cell-rich inflammation, alveolar remodeling, and tissue fibrosis in mice with wild type Egr-1 loci and that these alterations are ameliorated in the absence of Egr-1. Lastly, they provide insights into the mechanisms of these processes by demonstrating that IL-13 stimulates select CC and CXC chemokines (MIP-1alpha/CCL-3, MIP-1beta/CCL-4, MIP-2/CXCL2/3, MCP-1/CCL-2, MCP-2/CCL-8, MCP-3/CCL-7, MCP-5/CCL-12, KC/CXCL-1, and Lix/CXCL-5), matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and apoptosis regulators (caspase-3, -6, -8, and -9 and Bax) and activates transforming growth factor-beta1 and pulmonary caspases via Egr-1-dependent pathways. These studies demonstrate that Egr-1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IL-13-induced inflammatory and remodeling responses.

Activation pattern of mitogen-activated protein kinases in early phase of different size liver isografts in rats

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) play a pivotal role in ischemia reperfusion injuries of heart and liver, but the activation pattern of MAPKs in the early phase of different size liver isografts remains unclear. The experiment is designed to investigate the activation pattern and role of MAPKs in isografts of the rat with different size liver transplantation. The animal models of different size graft liver transplantation (whole graft, 50% size, or 30% size, respectively) were established and the sham operation group served as a control. The recipients were sacrificed at 0.5-, 2-, 6-, and 24-hour time points after transplantation to harvest the graft specimens and blood samples. The serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, and histological findings were evaluated. The expressions of the total and phosphorylated p46/p54 JNKs, p38 MAPK, and p42/p44 ERKs were detected by Western blot. The serum ALT and AST levels increased significantly at the 0.5-hour time point and maintained high with the peak levels at the 6-hour time point after liver transplantation. The different sizes of liver isografts did not change the expressions of total p46/p54JNKs, p38MAPK, and p42/p44 ERKs. While the expressions of phosphorylated p46/p54JNKs, p38 MAPK, and p42/p44 ERKs were either negative or mildly up-regulated in the sham operation group, they were significantly activated in the transplanted liver at the 0.5-hour time point, especially in the 30% size liver transplantation group. In conclusion, the activation of three MAPKs in liver isografts correlates with graft size and the JNK and p38 MAPK are responsible for the graft injury while the ERK signal pathway maybe participate in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation after small-for-size liver transplantation.

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor differentially regulates expression of proangiogenic factors through Egr-1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF) and the angiogenesis factors platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are found in elevated concentrations in serum or tumor tissue of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), suggesting these factors may be coregulated. A cDNA microarray analysis for HGF-inducible genes revealed that HGF also modulates PDGFA expression, a gene recently shown to be inducible by the transcription factor, early growth response-1 (Egr-1). In the present study, we investigated the potential role of HGF-induced Egr-1 in expression of PDGF, VEGF, and IL-8. HGF induced expression of all three factors and Egr-1 expression and DNA-binding activity. The analysis of promoter sequences showed putative Egr-1 binding sites in the PDGFA or VEGF but not in the IL-8 promoter, and HGF-induced Egr-1-binding activity was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. The maximal basal and HGF-induced promoter activity for the PDGFA gene existed within -630 bp of the promoter region, and overexpression of Egr-1 significantly increased such activity. Consistent with this, expression of PDGFA and VEGF but not IL-8 showed corresponding differences with Egr-1 expression in HNSCC tumor specimens and were strongly suppressed by transfection of Egr-1-antisense or small interference RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides. HGF-induced expression of Egr-1, PDGFA, and VEGF was suppressed by pharmacologic and siRNA inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways. We conclude that the HGF-induced activation of transcription factor Egr-1 by MEK1/2- and PKC-dependent mechanisms differentially contributes to expression of PDGF and VEGF, which are important angiogenesis factors and targets for HNSCC therapy.

Egr-1 is activated by 17beta-estradiol in MCF-7 cells by mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent phosphorylation of ELK-1

Early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is an immediate-early gene induced by E2 in the rodent uterus and breast cancer cells. E2 induces Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and reporter gene activity in cells transfected with pEgr-1A, a construct containing the -600 to +12 region of the Egr-1 promoter linked to the firefly luciferase gene. Deletion analysis of the Egr-1 promoter identified a minimal E2-responsive region of the promoter that contained serum response element (SRE)3 (-376 to -350) which bound Elk-1 and serum response factor (SRF) in gel mobility shift assays. Hormone-responsiveness of Egr-1 in MCF-7 cells was specifically inhibited by PD98059, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, but not by LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-K). These results contrasted with hormone-dependent activation of the SRE in the c-fos promoter, which was inhibited by both PD98059 and LY294002. Differences in activation of the SREs in Egr-1 and c-fos were related to promoter sequence, which defines the affinities of Elk-1 and SRF to their respective binding sites. Thus, Egr-1, like c-fos, is activated through non-genomic (extranuclear) pathways of estrogen action in breast cancer cells.

Ultraviolet Irradiation Suppresses T Cell Activation via Blocking TCR-Mediated ERK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

UV irradiation is carcinogenic and immunosuppressive. Previous studies indicate that UV-mediated alteration of APCs and induction of suppressor T cells play a critical role in UV-induced immune suppression. In this study, we show that UV irradiation can directly (independently of APCs and suppressor T cells) inhibit T cell activation by blocking TCR-mediated phosphorylation of ERK and IkappaB via overactivation of the p38 and JNK pathways. These events lead to the down-modulation of c-Jun, c-Fos, Egr-1, and NF-kappaB transcription factors and thereby inhibit production of cytokines, e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, upon TCR stimulation. We also show that UV irradiation can suppress preactivated T cells, indicating that UV irradiation does not only impair T cell function in response to T cell activation, but can also have systemic effects that influence ongoing immune responses. Thus, our data provide an additional mechanism by which UV irradiation directly suppresses immune responses.

Gene expression changes induced by bismuth in a macrophage cell line

We have investigated the effect of bismuth by autometallography, cell viability, TUNEL assay and microarray analysis of a macrophage cell line. The cells accumulate bismuth in their lysosomes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell viability assays show a significant decrease in the number of viable cells related to both bismuth concentrations and exposure time. TUNEL assays after 12 h and 24 h at a bismuth-citrate concentration of 50 microM revealed the presence of 30% and 70% TUNEL-positive cells, respectively, compared with 8% in the controls. We have analysed gene expression profiles for cells exposed to 50 microM bismuth-citrate and for untreated controls at 12 h and 24 h by microarray analysis, which confirmed that bismuth is a powerful metallothionein inducer. A number of glycolytic enzymes are induced by bismuth, suggesting that bismuth is able to induce "hypoxia-like" stress. BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (Bnip3) has been suggested as a regulator of hypoxia-induced cell death independent of caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release. Bnip3 is up-regulated indicating the involvement of Bnip3 as a possible mechanism for bismuth-induced cell death. Differences have been noticed in cell viability and in the modification of the mRNA expression levels at 12 and 24 h. Only 13 genes are modified at both these times, suggesting a time-dependent molecular cascade in which bismuth-exposed cells enter a dormant stage with mRNA down-regulation being followed by cell death of susceptible cells.

Plasminogen/plasmin regulates c-fos and egr-1 expression via the MEK/ERK pathway

In this study, we showed that plasminogen (Plg) and plasmin (Pla) bind to lysine-binding sites on cell surface and trigger a signaling pathway that activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) MEK and ERK1/2, which in turn leads to the expression of the primary response genes c-fos and early growth response gene egr-1. Our data show that the Plg/Pla-stimulated steady-state mRNA levels of both genes reached a maximum by 30 min and then returned to basal levels by 1h. The gene induction was sensitive to both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of MEK. Leupeptin, a serine protease inhibitor, suppressed Pla but not Plg-induced c-fos and egr-1 expression, emphasizing the role played by the serine protease activity associated with Pla. Pre-incubation with cholera toxin completely blocked the Plg/Pla-induced gene expression, suggesting that another signaling pathway, which recruits G protein-coupled receptors, may also be involved. Furthermore, Plg/Pla also stimulated AP-1 and EGR-1 DNA-binding activities, which were abrogated by pharmacological inhibition of MEK. Altogether, these results suggest that Plg/Pla stimulates c-fos and egr-1 expression via activation of the MEK/ERK pathway.

Loss of Gadd45a does not modify the pulmonary response to oxidative stress

It is well established that exposure to high levels of oxygen (hyperoxia) injures and kills microvascular endothelial and alveolar type I epithelial cells. In contrast, significant death of airway and type II epithelial cells is not observed at mortality, suggesting that these cell types may express genes that protect against oxidative stress and damage. During a search for genes induced by hyperoxia, we previously reported that airway and alveolar type II epithelial cells uniquely express the growth arrest and DNA damage ( Gadd) 45a gene. Because Gadd45a has been implicated in protection against genotoxic stress, adult Gadd45a (+/+) and Gadd45a (−/−) mice were exposed to hyperoxia to investigate whether it protected epithelial cells against oxidative stress. During hyperoxia, Gadd45a deficiency did not affect loss of airway epithelial expression of Clara cell secretory protein or type II epithelial cell expression of pro-surfactant protein C. Likewise, Gadd45a deficiency did not alter recruitment of inflammatory cells, edema, or overall mortality. Consistent with Gadd45a not affecting the oxidative stress response, p21Cip1/WAF1and heme oxygenase-1 were comparably induced in Gadd45a (+/+) and Gadd45a (−/−) mice. Additionally, Gadd45a deficiency did not affect oxidative DNA damage or apoptosis as assessed by oxidized guanine and terminal deoxyneucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. Overexpression of Gadd45a in human lung adenocarcinoma cells did not affect viability or survival during exposure, whereas it was protective against UV-radiation. We conclude that increased tolerance of airway and type II epithelial cells to hyperoxia is not attributed solely to expression of Gadd45a.

FTY720 attenuates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in normal and cirrhotic livers

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is an inevitable consequence during liver surgery. The outcome is particularly poor in cirrhotic livers, which are more prone to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. We aim to study whether FTY720 could attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury both in normal and in cirrhotic livers. We applied a 70% liver-ischemia (60 min) model in rats with normal or cirrhotic livers. FTY720 was given 20 min before ischemia and 10 min before reperfusion (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Liver tissues and blood were sampled at 20 min, 60 min, 90 min, 6 h and 24 h after reperfusion for detection of MAPK-Egr-1, Akt pathways and caspase cascade. Hepatic ultrastructure and apoptosis were also compared. FTY720 significantly improved liver function in the rats with normal and cirrhotic livers. Akt pathway was activated at 6 and 24 h after reperfusion. FTY720 significantly down-regulated Egr-1, ET-1, iNOS and MIP-2 accompanied with up-regulation of A20, IL-10, HO-1 and Hsp70. MAPK (Raf-MEK-Erk) pathway was down-regulated. Hepatic ultrastructure was well maintained and fewer apoptotic liver cells were found in the FTY720 groups. In conclusion, FTY720 attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in both normal and cirrhotic livers by activation of cell survival Akt signaling and down-regulation of Egr-1 via Raf-MEK-Erk pathway.

Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinase Activation Delays Hyperoxia-Induced Epithelial Cell Death in Conditions of Akt Downregulation

Hyperoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen = 95%) induces death of lung epithelial cells. The duration of cell survival in the setting of hyperoxia depends on hyperoxia-induced activation of intracellular survival pathways. Two survival pathways with known effects on lung epithelial cells are the propidium iodide 3-kinase/Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. We investigated the effect of hyperoxia on activity of both the Akt and ERK pathways in the A549 lung epithelial cell line. Hyperoxia-exposed cells show progressive loss of Akt activation and total Akt protein. Hyperoxia decreases Akt mRNA, consistent with the loss of total Akt. In addition, hyperoxia induces ERK activation. Inhibition of ERK with the MAP kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor, U0126, shortens the survival time of cells in hyperoxia, suggesting that increased ERK activity partially compensates for the hyperoxia-induced Akt downregulation. Our findings show, for the first time, that hyperoxia has divergent effects on two survival pathways (Akt and ERK), and that ERK activity compensates for the loss of the Akt survival effects, delaying the death of hyperoxia-exposed lung epithelial cells.

Platelet-derived growth factor induces tissue factor expression in vascular smooth muscle cells via activation of Egr-1

Activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a seminal event in the initiation and progression of the atherosclerotic lesion and may contribute to atherosclerotic plaque instability with plaque rupture and thrombus formation. Tissue factor (TF), a prothrombotic molecule expressed by various cell types within atherosclerotic plaques, is thought to play a major role in thrombus formation after plaque rupture. This study examined intracellular signaling pathways leading to TF expression and Egr-1 activation, a key element in tissue factor transcription, by PDGF-BB in rat SMCs. PDGF-BB induced TF mRNA and protein expression in a time-dependent manner. Early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) binding activity was also induced by PDGF-BB, as well as phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. PDGF-BB-induced Egr-1 activation was suppressed by inhibitors of 2 upstream activators of Egr-1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Src family kinases, whereas antioxidants, phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase, and p38 MAPK inhibitors had no effect. PDGF-BB-stimulated expression of the transcriptional co-repressor NAB2 was time-dependent. Furthermore, transient transfections of SMCs with wild-type and mutated TF promoter constructs showed that the Egr-1 binding region is an important transcriptional regulator of PDGF-BB-induced TF expression. Taken together, the results suggest that PDGF-BB induces TF expression and activity in SMC by a Src family kinases/ERK/Egr-1 signaling pathway and may therefore contribute to thrombus formation in advanced atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Attenuation of small-for-size liver graft injury by FTY720: significance of cell-survival Akt signaling pathway

To investigate the protective mechanism of FTY720 in small-for-size liver grafts, we applied a rat orthotopic liver transplantation model using 40% of liver grafts. FTY720 was administered (1 mg/kg, i.v.) at 20 min before graft harvesting in the donor, immediately before total hepatectomy and immediately after graft reperfusion in the recipient. The 7-day graft survival rates in the FTY720 group were significantly improved compared with the control group [100% (6/6) vs. 40% (4/10), p = 0.034]. FTY720 significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels at 24 h after liver transplantation. The cell-survival Akt signaling pathway was activated in FTY720 groups by phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3beta, Bad and Forkhead Transcription Factor at 6 and 24 h after liver transplantation. The cleaved-caspases 3, 7 and 9 were down-regulated, accompanied with less apoptotic nuclei after FTY720 treatment. Acute-phase inflammatory MAPK pathway was down-regulated by dephosphorylation of c-Raf, Mek and Erk in the treatment groups. A20 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were up-regulated together with down-regulation of iNOS. Hepatic sinusoids were well preserved in the FTY720 group but disrupted in the control group. In conclusion, FTY720 attenuates small-for-size liver graft injury by activation of cell-survival Akt signaling and down-regulation of the MAPK pathway.

NADPH oxidase and ERK signaling regulates hyperoxia-induced Nrf2-ARE transcriptional response in pulmonary epithelial cells

Oxidative stress plays a major role in hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury. We have shown previously that mice lacking the Nrf2 are more susceptible to hyperoxia than are wild-type mice. Nrf2 activates antioxidant response element (ARE)-mediated gene expression involved in cellular protection against toxic insults. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanisms that control the activation of Nrf2 by hyperoxia using a non-malignant murine alveolar epithelial cell line, C10. No significant alteration in the levels of Nrf2 mRNA and protein was found following exposure to hyperoxia. In contrast, hyperoxia caused the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus within 30-60 min of exposure. Consistent with these observations, gel shift and reporter analyses demonstrated a correlation between the hyperoxia-enhanced ARE DNA-binding activity of Nrf2 and an up-regulation of ARE-driven transcription. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase with diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) blocked both Nrf2 translocation and ARE-mediated transcription. Inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway caused a similar effect. Consistent with this finding, hyperoxia stimulated ERK-1 and ERK-2 phosphorylation, whereas DPI or N-acetyl-l-cysteine blocked such activation. Hyperoxia stimulated the phosphorylation of endogenous Nrf2, but not in the presence of U0126, suggesting a critical role for ERK signaling in the activation of Nrf2. Consistent with this notion, hyperoxia did not stimulate the phosphorylation of Nrf2 in fibroblasts lacking the ERK-1. Collectively, our findings suggest that hyperoxia-induced, ARE-driven, Nrf2-dependent transcription is controlled by NADPH oxidase and ERK-1 signaling.

Extracellular ATP-mediated signaling for survival in hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress

Respiratory failure is a serious consequence of lung cell injury caused by treatment with high inhaled oxygen concentrations. Human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) are a principal target of hyperoxic injury (hyperoxia). Cell stress can cause release of ATP, and this extracellular nucleotide can activate purinoreceptors and mediate responses essential for survival. In this investigation, exposure of endothelial cells to an oxidative stress, hyperoxia, caused rapid but transient ATP release (20.03 +/- 2.00 nm/10(6) cells in 95% O(2) versus 0.08 +/- 0.01 nm/10(6) cells in 21% O2 at 30 min) into the extracellular milieu without a concomitant change in intracellular ATP. Endogenously produced extracellular ATP-enhanced mTOR-dependent uptake of glucose (3467 +/- 102 cpm/mg protein in 95% oxygen versus 2100 +/- 112 cpm/mg protein in control). Extracellular addition of ATP-activated important cell survival proteins like PI 3-kinase and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK-1/2). These events were mediated primarily by P2Y receptors, specifically the P2Y2 and/or P2Y6 subclass of receptors. Extracellular ATP was required for the survival of HLMVEC in hyperoxia (55 +/- 10% surviving cells with extracellular ATP scavengers [apyrase + adenosine deaminase] versus 95 +/- 12% surviving cells without ATP scavengers at 4 d of hyperoxia). Incubation with ATP scavengers abolished ATP-dependent ERK phosphorylation stimulated by hyperoxia. Further, ERK activation also was found to be important for cell survival in hyperoxia, as treatment with PD98059 enhanced hyperoxia-mediated cell death. These findings demonstrate that ATP release and subsequent ATP-mediated signaling events are vital for survival of HLMVEC in hyperoxia.

In vivo exposure to hyperoxia induces DNA damage in a population of alveolar type II epithelial cells

It is well established that hyperoxia injures and kills alveolar endothelial and type I epithelial cells of the lung. Although type II epithelial cells remain morphologically intact, it remains unclear whether they are also damaged. DNA integrity was investigated in adult mice whose type II cells were identified by their endogenous expression of pro-surfactant protein C or transgenic expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein. In mice exposed to room air, punctate perinuclear 8-oxoguanine staining was detected in approximately 4% of all alveolar cells and in 30% of type II cells. After 48 or 72 h of hyperoxia, 8-oxoguanine was detected in 11% of all alveolar cells and in >60% of type II cells. 8-Oxoguanine colocalized by confocal microscopy with the mitochondrial transmembrane protein cytochrome oxidase subunit 1. Type II cells isolated from hyperoxic lungs exhibited nuclear DNA strand breaks by comet assay even though they were viable and morphologically indistinguishable from cells isolated from lungs exposed to room air. These data reveal that type II cells exposed to in vivo hyperoxia have oxidized and fragmented DNA. Because type II cells are essential for lung remodeling, our findings raise the possibility that they are proficient in DNA repair.