Analysis of transformation and tumorigenicity using mouse embryonic fibroblast cells

Simple Detection of Unstained Live Senescent Cells with Imaging Flow Cytometry

Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging and a promising target for therapeutic approaches. The identification of senescent cells requires multiple biomarkers and complex experimental procedures, resulting in increased variability and reduced sensitivity. Here, we propose a simple and broadly applicable imaging flow cytometry (IFC) method. This method is based on measuring autofluorescence and morphological parameters and on applying recent artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools. We show that the results of this method are superior to those obtained measuring the classical senescence marker, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal). We provide evidence that this method has the potential for diagnostic or prognostic applications as it was able to detect senescence in cardiac pericytes isolated from the hearts of patients affected by end-stage heart failure. We additionally demonstrate that it can be used to quantify senescence “in vivo” and can be used to evaluate the effects of senolytic compounds. We conclude that this method can be used as a simple and fast senescence assay independently of the origin of the cells and the procedure to induce senescence.

Inositol pyrophosphates promote MYC polyubiquitination by FBW7 to regulate cell survival

The transcription factor MYC regulates cell survival and growth, and its level is tightly controlled in normal cells. We report that serine pyrophosphorylation - a posttranslational modification triggered by inositol pyrophosphate signaling molecules - controls MYC levels via regulated protein degradation. We find that endogenous MYC is stabilized and less polyubiquitinated in cells with reduced inositol pyrophosphates. We show that the inositol pyrophosphate 5-IP7 transfers its high-energy beta phosphate moiety to pre-phosphorylated serine residues in the central PEST domain of MYC. Loss of serine pyrophosphorylation in the PEST domain lowers the extent of MYC polyubiquitination and increases its stability. Fusion to the MYC PEST domain lowers the stability of GFP, but this effect is dependent on the extent of PEST domain pyrophosphorylation. The E3 ubiquitin ligase FBW7 can bind directly to the PEST domain of MYC, and this interaction is exclusively dependent on serine pyrophosphorylation. A stabilized, pyrophosphorylation-deficient form of MYC increases cell death during growth stress in untransformed cells. Splenocytes from mice lacking IP6K1, a kinase responsible for the synthesis of 5-IP7, have higher levels of MYC, and show increased cell proliferation in response to mitogens, compared with splenocytes from wild type mice. Thus, control of MYC stability through a novel pyro-phosphodegron provides unexpected insight into the regulation of cell survival in response to environmental cues.

BCCIP is required for nucleolar recruitment of eIF6 and 12S pre-rRNA production during 60S ribosome biogenesis

Ribosome biogenesis is a fundamental process required for cell proliferation. Although evolutionally conserved, the mammalian ribosome assembly system is more complex than in yeasts. BCCIP was originally identified as a BRCA2 and p21 interacting protein. A partial loss of BCCIP function was sufficient to trigger genomic instability and tumorigenesis. However, a complete deletion of BCCIP arrested cell growth and was lethal in mice. Here, we report that a fraction of mammalian BCCIP localizes in the nucleolus and regulates 60S ribosome biogenesis. Both abrogation of BCCIP nucleolar localization and impaired BCCIP-eIF6 interaction can compromise eIF6 recruitment to the nucleolus and 60S ribosome biogenesis. BCCIP is vital for a pre-rRNA processing step that produces 12S pre-rRNA, a precursor to the 5.8S rRNA. However, a heterozygous Bccip loss was insufficient to impair 60S biogenesis in mouse embryo fibroblasts, but a profound reduction of BCCIP was required to abrogate its function in 60S biogenesis. These results suggest that BCCIP is a critical factor for mammalian pre-rRNA processing and 60S generation and offer an explanation as to why a subtle dysfunction of BCCIP can be tumorigenic but a complete depletion of BCCIP is lethal.

Metabolic adaptations in spontaneously immortalized PGC-1α knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts increase their oncogenic potential

PGC-1α controls, to a large extent, the capacity of cells to respond to changing nutritional requirements and energetic demands. The key role of metabolic reprogramming in tumor development has highlighted the potential role of PGC-1α in cancer. To investigate how loss of PGC-1α activity in primary cells impacts the oncogenic characteristics of spontaneously immortalized cells, and the mechanisms involved, we used the classic 3T3 protocol to generate spontaneously immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (iMEFs) from wild-type (WT) and PGC-1α knockout (KO) mice and analyzed their oncogenic potential in vivo and in vitro. We found that PGC-1α KO iMEFs formed larger and more proliferative primary tumors than WT counterparts, and fostered the formation of lung metastasis by B16 melanoma cells. These characteristics were associated with the reduced capacity of KO iMEFs to respond to cell contact inhibition, in addition to an increased ability to form colonies in soft agar, an enhanced migratory capacity, and a reduced growth factor dependence. The mechanistic basis of this phenotype is likely associated with the observed higher levels of nuclear β-catenin and c-myc in KO iMEFs. Evaluation of the metabolic adaptations of the immortalized cell lines identified a decrease in oxidative metabolism and an increase in glycolytic flux in KO iMEFs, which were also more dependent on glutamine for their survival. Furthermore, glucose oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle forward flux were reduced in KO iMEF, resulting in the induction of compensatory anaplerotic pathways. Indeed, analysis of amino acid and lipid patterns supported the efficient use of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates to synthesize lipids and proteins to support elevated cell growth rates. All these characteristics have been observed in aggressive tumors and support a tumor suppressor role for PGC-1α, restraining metabolic adaptations in cancer.

Characterization of a new B-ALL cell line with constitutional defect of the Notch signaling pathway

Notch signaling contribution to B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) development is still under investigation. The serendipitous onset of B-ALL in a patient affected by the germinal Notch mutation-dependent Alagille syndrome allowed us to establish a B-ALL cell line (VR-ALL) bearing a genetic loss of function in components of Notch signaling. VR-ALL is a common-type B-ALL cell line, grows in conventional culture medium supplemented with 10% serum, and gives rise, once injected into immunodeficient NOG mice, to a mouse xenograft model of B-ALL. Exome sequencing revealed deleterious mutations in some components of Notch signaling, including Jagged1, Notch1, and Notch2. In addition, VR-ALL is sensitive both in vitro and in vivo to γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) as well as conventional anti-leukemic drugs. For all these reasons, VR-ALL may help to gain more insights into the role of Notch signaling in B-ALL.

The tumor suppressor Hic1 maintains chromosomal stability independent of Tp53

Hypermethylated-in-Cancer 1 (Hic1) is a tumor suppressor gene frequently inactivated by epigenetic silencing and loss-of-heterozygosity in a broad range of cancers. Loss of HIC1, a sequence-specific zinc finger transcriptional repressor, results in deregulation of genes that promote a malignant phenotype in a lineage-specific manner. In particular, upregulation of the HIC1 target gene SIRT1, a histone deacetylase, can promote tumor growth by inactivating TP53. An alternate line of evidence suggests that HIC1 can promote the repair of DNA double strand breaks through an interaction with MTA1, a component of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex. Using a conditional knockout mouse model of tumor initiation, we now show that inactivation of Hic1 results in cell cycle arrest, premature senescence, chromosomal instability and spontaneous transformation in vitro. This phenocopies the effects of deleting Brca1, a component of the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway, in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These effects did not appear to be mediated by deregulation of Hic1 target gene expression or loss of Tp53 function, and rather support a role for Hic1 in maintaining genome integrity during sustained replicative stress. Loss of Hic1 function also cooperated with activation of oncogenic KRas in the adult airway epithelium of mice, resulting in the formation of highly pleomorphic adenocarcinomas with a micropapillary phenotype in vivo. These results suggest that loss of Hic1 expression in the early stages of tumor formation may contribute to malignant transformation through the acquisition of chromosomal instability.

Uncoupling Oncogene-Induced Senescence (OIS) and DNA Damage Response (DDR) triggered by DNA hyper-replication: lessons from primary mouse embryo astrocytes (MEA)

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a complex process, in which activation of oncogenic signals during early tumorigenesis results in a high degree of DNA replication stress. The ensuing response to the DNA damage produces a permanent G1 arrest that prevents unlimited cell proliferation and lessens the development of tumours. However, despite the role of OIS in the proliferative arrest resulting from an activating oncogenic-lesion has obtained wide support, there is also evidence indicating that cells may overcome oncogene-induced senescence under some circumstances. In this study, we have investigated the possibility that some of the assumptions on the role of DNA damage response (DDR) in triggering OIS may depend on the fact that most of the available data were obtained in mouse embryo fibroblast. By comparing the degree of OIS observed in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) and mouse embryo astrocytes (MEA) obtained from the same individuals we have demonstrated that, despite truthful activation of DDR in both cell types, significant levels of OIS were only detected in MEF. Therefore, this uncoupling between OIS and DDR observed in astrocytes supports the intriguingly possibility that OIS is not a widespread response mechanism to DDR.

Recurrent patterns of DNA copy number alterations in tumors reflect metabolic selection pressures

Copy number alteration (CNA) profiling of human tumors has revealed recurrent patterns of DNA amplifications and deletions across diverse cancer types. These patterns are suggestive of conserved selection pressures during tumor evolution but cannot be fully explained by known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Using a pan-cancer analysis of CNA data from patient tumors and experimental systems, here we show that principal component analysis-defined CNA signatures are predictive of glycolytic phenotypes, including 18F-fluorodeoxy-glucose (FDG) avidity of patient tumors, and increased proliferation. The primary CNA signature is enriched for p53 mutations and is associated with glycolysis through coordinate amplification of glycolytic genes and other cancer-linked metabolic enzymes. A pan-cancer and cross-species comparison of CNAs highlighted 26 consistently altered DNA regions, containing 11 enzymes in the glycolysis pathway in addition to known cancer-driving genes. Furthermore, exogenous expression of hexokinase and enolase enzymes in an experimental immortalization system altered the subsequent copy number status of the corresponding endogenous loci, supporting the hypothesis that these metabolic genes act as drivers within the conserved CNA amplification regions. Taken together, these results demonstrate that metabolic stress acts as a selective pressure underlying the recurrent CNAs observed in human tumors, and further cast genomic instability as an enabling event in tumorigenesis and metabolic evolution.

Focal Adhesion Kinase Regulates the DNA Damage Response and Its Inhibition Radiosensitizes Mutant KRAS Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to the limited availability of effective therapeutic options. For instance, there are no effective strategies for NSCLCs that harbor mutant KRAS, the most commonly mutated oncogene in NSCLC. Thus, our purpose was to make progress toward the generation of a novel therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We characterized the effects of suppressing focal adhesion kinase (FAK) by RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing or pharmacologic approaches in NSCLC cells and in tumor xenografts. In addition, we tested the effects of suppressing FAK in association with ionizing radiation (IR), a standard-of-care treatment modality.

RESULTS

FAK is a critical requirement of mutant KRAS NSCLC cells. With functional experiments, we also found that, in mutant KRAS NSCLC cells, FAK inhibition resulted in persistent DNA damage and susceptibility to exposure to IR. Accordingly, administration of IR to FAK-null tumor xenografts causes a profound antitumor effect in vivo CONCLUSIONS: FAK is a novel regulator of DNA damage repair in mutant KRAS NSCLC and its pharmacologic inhibition leads to radiosensitizing effects that could be beneficial in cancer therapy. Our results provide a framework for the rationale clinical testing of FAK inhibitors in NSCLC patients. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5851-63. ©2016 AACR.

SIRT3 regulates progression and development of diseases of aging

The mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT3 is a protein deacylase that influences almost every major aspect of mitochondrial biology, including nutrient oxidation, ATP generation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, mitochondrial dynamics, and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR). Interestingly, mice lacking SIRT3 (SIRT3KO), either spontaneously or when crossed with mouse models of disease, develop several diseases of aging at an accelerated pace, such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, and, thus, might be a valuable model of accelerated aging. In this review, we discuss functions of SIRT3 in pathways involved in diseases of aging and how the lack of SIRT3 might accelerate the aging process. We also suggest that further studies on SIRT3 will help uncover important new pathways driving the aging process.

Overweight in mice and enhanced adipogenesis in vitro are associated with lack of the hedgehog coreceptor boc

Obesity arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. However, the processes that regulate white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion at the level of the adipocyte are not well understood. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway plays a conserved role in adipogenesis, inhibiting fat formation in vivo and in vitro, but it has not been shown that mice with reduced HH pathway activity have enhanced adiposity. We report that mice lacking the HH coreceptor BOC displayed age-related overweight and excess WAT. They also displayed alterations in some metabolic parameters but normal food intake. Furthermore, they had an exacerbated response to a high-fat diet, including enhanced weight gain and adipocyte hypertrophy, livers with greater fat accumulation, and elevated expression of genes related to adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and adipokine production. Cultured Boc(-/-) mouse embryo fibroblasts showed enhanced adipogenesis relative to Boc(+/+) cells, and they expressed reduced levels of HH pathway target genes. Therefore, a loss-of-function mutation in an HH pathway component is associated with WAT accumulation and overweight in mice. Variant alleles of such HH regulators may contribute to WAT accumulation in human individuals with additional genetic or lifestyle-based predisposition to obesity.

The oncogenic role of the cochaperone Sgt1

Sgt1/Sugt1, a cochaperone of Hsp90, is involved in several cellular activities including Cullin E3 ubiqutin ligase activity. The high level of Sgt1 expression in colorectal and gastric tumors suggests that Sgt1 is involved in tumorigenesis. Here, we report that Sgt1 is overexpressed in colon, breast and lung tumor tissues and in Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts. We also found that Sgt1 heterozygous knockout resulted in suppressed Hras-mediated transformation in vitro and tumor formation in p53^−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and significantly increased survival of p53^−/− mice. Moreover, depletion of Sgt1 inhibited the growth of Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cells and destabilized EWS-FLI1 and PAX3-FOXO1 oncogenic fusion proteins, respectively, which are required for cellular growth. Our results suggest that Sgt1 contributes to cancer development by stabilizing oncoproteins and that Sgt1 is a potential therapeutic target.

Removal of a small C-terminal region of JCV and SV40 large T antigens has differential effects on transformation

The large T antigen (LT) protein of JCV and SV40 polyomaviruses is required to induce tumors in rodents and transform cells in culture. When both LTs are compared side-by-side in cell culture assays, SV40 shows a more robust transformation phenotype even though the LT sequences are highly conserved. A complete understanding of SV40׳s enhanced transforming capabilities relative to JCV is lacking. When the least conserved region of the LT proteins, the variable linker and host range region (VHR), was removed, changes in T antigen expression and cellular p53 post-translational modifications occurred, but interaction with the pRB pathway was unaffected. Transformation assessed by growth in low serum was reduced after VHR truncation of the SV40, but not the JCV, T antigen. Conversely, anchorage independent transformation was enhanced only by truncation of the JCV VHR. This is the first report to link the SV40 or JCV VHR region to transformation potential.

Spatial chaos and complexity in the intracellular space of cancer and normal cells

Background

One of the most challenging problems in biological image analysis is the quantification of the dynamical mechanism and complexity of the intracellular space. This paper investigates potential spatial chaos and complex behavior of the intracellular space of typical cancer and normal cell images whose structural details are revealed by the combination of scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam systems. Such numerical quantifications have important implications for computer modeling and simulation of diseases.

Methods

Cancer cell lines derived from a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-61) and normal mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells produced by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopes were used in this study. Spatial distributions of the organelles of cancer and normal cells can be analyzed at both short range and long range of the bounded dynamical system of the image space, depending on the orientations of the spatial cell. A procedure was designed for calculating the largest Lyapunov exponent, which is an indicator of the potential chaotic behavior in intracellular images. Furthermore, the sample entropy and regularity dimension were applied to measure the complexity of the intracellular images.

Results

Positive values of the largest Lyapunov exponents (LLEs) of the intracellular space of the SCC-61 were obtained in different spatial orientations for both long-range and short-range models, suggesting the chaotic behavior of the cell. The MEF has smaller positive values of LLEs in the long range than those of the SCC-61, and zero vales of the LLEs in the short range analysis, suggesting a non-chaotic behavior. The intracellular space of the SCC-61 is found to be more complex than that of the MEF. The degree of complexity measured in the spatial distribution of the intracellular space in the diagonal direction was found to be approximately twice larger than the complexity measured in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Conclusion

Initial findings are promising for characterizing different types of cells and therefore useful for studying cancer cells in the spatial domain using state-of-the-art imaging technology. The measures of the chaotic behavior and complexity of the spatial cell will help computational biologists gain insights into identifying associations between the oscillation patterns and spatial parameters of cells, and appropriate model for simulating cancer cell signaling networks for cancer treatment and new drug discovery.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations in mutator mice confer respiration defects and B-cell lymphoma development

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutator mice are proposed to express premature aging phenotypes including kyphosis and hair loss (alopecia) due to their carrying a nuclear-encoded mtDNA polymerase with a defective proofreading function, which causes accelerated accumulation of random mutations in mtDNA, resulting in expression of respiration defects. On the contrary, transmitochondrial mito-miceΔ carrying mtDNA with a large-scale deletion mutation (ΔmtDNA) also express respiration defects, but not express premature aging phenotypes. Here, we resolved this discrepancy by generating mtDNA mutator mice sharing the same C57BL/6J (B6J) nuclear background with that of mito-miceΔ. Expression patterns of premature aging phenotypes are very close, when we compared between homozygous mtDNA mutator mice carrying a B6J nuclear background and selected mito-miceΔ only carrying predominant amounts of ΔmtDNA, in their expression of significant respiration defects, kyphosis, and a short lifespan, but not the alopecia. Therefore, the apparent discrepancy in the presence and absence of premature aging phenotypes in mtDNA mutator mice and mito-miceΔ, respectively, is partly the result of differences in the nuclear background of mtDNA mutator mice and of the broad range of ΔmtDNA proportions of mito-miceΔ used in previous studies. We also provided direct evidence that mtDNA abnormalities in homozygous mtDNA mutator mice are responsible for respiration defects by demonstrating the co-transfer of mtDNA and respiration defects from mtDNA mutator mice into mtDNA-less (ρ⁰) mouse cells. Moreover, heterozygous mtDNA mutator mice had a normal lifespan, but frequently developed B-cell lymphoma, suggesting that the mtDNA abnormalities in heterozygous mutator mice are not sufficient to induce a short lifespan and aging phenotypes, but are able to contribute to the B-cell lymphoma development during their prolonged lifespan.

Induction of cancerous stem cells during embryonic stem cell differentiation

Stem cell maintenance depends on their surrounding microenvironment, and aberrancies in the environment have been associated with tumorigenesis. However, it remains to be elucidated whether an environmental aberrancy can act as a carcinogenic stress for cellular transformation of differentiating stem cells into cancer stem cells. Here, utilizing mouse embryonic stem cells as a model, it was illustrated that environmental aberrancy during differentiation leads to the emergence of pluripotent cells showing cancerous characteristics. Analogous to precancerous stages, DNA lesions were spontaneously accumulated during embryonic stem cell differentiation under aberrational environments, which activates barrier responses such as senescence and apoptosis. However, overwhelming such barrier responses, piled-up spheres were subsequently induced from the previously senescent cells. The sphere cells exhibit aneuploidy and dysfunction of the Arf-p53 module as well as enhanced tumorigenicity and a strong self-renewal capacity, suggesting development of cancerous stem cells. Our current study suggests that stem cells differentiating in an aberrational environment are at risk of cellular transformation into malignant counterparts.

CXCL17 expression by tumor cells recruits CD11b+Gr1 high F4/80- cells and promotes tumor progression

Background

Chemokines are involved in multiple aspects of pathogenesis and cellular trafficking in tumorigenesis. In this study, we report that the latest member of the C-X-C-type chemokines, CXCL17 (DMC/VCC-1), recruits immature myeloid-derived cells and enhances early tumor progression.

Methodology/Principal Findings

CXCL17 was preferentially expressed in some aggressive types of gastrointestinal, breast, and lung cancer cells. CXCL17 expression did not impart NIH3T3 cells with oncogenic potential in vitro, but CXCL17-expressing NIH3T3 cells could form vasculature-rich tumors in immunodeficient mice. Our data showed that CXCL17-expressing tumor cells increased immature CD11b⁺Gr1⁺ myeloid-derived cells at tumor sites in mice and promoted CD31⁺ tumor angiogenesis. Extensive chemotactic assays proved that CXCL17-responding cells were CD11b⁺Gr1^highF4/80⁻ cells (∼90%) with a neutrophil-like morphology in vitro. Although CXCL17 expression could not increase the number of CD11b⁺Gr1⁺ cells in tumor-burdened SCID mice or promote metastases of low metastatic colon cancer cells, the existence of CXCL17-responding myeloid-derived cells caused a striking enhancement of xenograft tumor formation.

Conclusions/Significance

These results suggest that aberrant expression of CXCL17 in tumor cells recruits immature myeloid-derived cells and promotes tumor progression through angiogenesis.

Neogenin regulates Sonic Hedgehog pathway activity during digit patterning

BACKGROUND

Digit patterning integrates signaling by the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways. GLI3, a component of the SHH pathway, is a major regulator of digit number and identity. Neogenin (encoded by Neo1) is a cell surface protein that serves to transduce signals from several ligands, including BMPs, in various developmental contexts. Although neogenin is implicated in BMP signaling, it has not been linked to SHH signaling and its role in digit patterning is unknown.

RESULTS

We report that Neo1 mutant mice have preaxial polydactyly with low penetrance. Expression of SHH target genes, but not BMP target genes, is altered in Neo1 mutant limb buds. Analysis of mice carrying mutations in both Neo1 and Gli3 reveals that, although neogenin plays a role in constraint of digit numbers, suppressing polydactyly, it is also required for the severe polydactyly caused by loss of GLI3. Furthermore, embryo fibroblasts from Neo1 mutant mice are sensitized to SHH pathway activation in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that neogenin regulates SHH signaling in the limb bud to achieve proper digit patterning.

Specific mitochondrial DNA mutation in mice regulates diabetes and lymphoma development

It has been hypothesized that respiration defects caused by accumulation of pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and the resultant overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or lactates are responsible for aging and age-associated disorders, including diabetes and tumor development. However, there is no direct evidence to prove the involvement of mtDNA mutations in these processes, because it is difficult to exclude the possible involvement of nuclear DNA mutations. Our previous studies resolved this issue by using an mtDNA exchange technology and showed that a G13997A mtDNA mutation found in mouse tumor cells induces metastasis via ROS overproduction. Here, using transmitochondrial mice (mito-mice), which we had generated previously by introducing G13997A mtDNA from mouse tumor cells into mouse embryonic stem cells, we provide convincing evidence supporting part of the abovementioned hypothesis by showing that G13997A mtDNA regulates diabetes development, lymphoma formation, and metastasis--but not aging--in this model.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans as multifunctional cell regulators: cell surface receptors

Proteoglycans are macromolecules expressed on the cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix of most animal tissues (Annu Rev Biochem 68:729-777, 1999; Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 276:105-159, 2009). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are essential for animal development and homeostasis, and are involved in various pathological processes. The functions of HSPGs are largely exerted through interaction of the heparan sulfate (HS) side chains with different types of ligands, including diverse molecules such as cytokines, enzymes, and pathogens. One of the important roles of cell surface HSPGs is to mediate cytokine-induced cell signaling through interaction with growth factors (GFs) and their cognate receptors. A selective dependence of GFs for different structural features of HS has been demonstrated by applying cell models that are mutated variously in HS structure due to deficiency in enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of HS chains.

Mutations in CDON, encoding a hedgehog receptor, result in holoprosencephaly and defective interactions with other hedgehog receptors

Holoprosencephaly (HPE), a common human congenital anomaly defined by a failure to delineate the midline of the forebrain and/or midface, is associated with diminished Sonic hedgehog (SHH)-pathway activity in development of these structures. SHH signaling is regulated by a network of ligand-binding factors, including the primary receptor PTCH1 and the putative coreceptors, CDON (also called CDO), BOC, and GAS1. Although binding of SHH to these receptors promotes pathway activity, it is not known whether interactions between these receptors are important. We report here identification of missense CDON mutations in human HPE. These mutations diminish CDON's ability to support SHH-dependent gene expression in cell-based signaling assays. The mutations occur outside the SHH-binding domain of CDON, and the encoded variant CDON proteins do not display defects in binding to SHH. In contrast, wild-type CDON associates with PTCH1 and GAS1, but the variants do so inefficiently, in a manner that parallels their activity in cell-based assays. Our findings argue that CDON must associate with both ligand and other hedgehog-receptor components, particularly PTCH1, for signaling to occur and that disruption of the latter interactions is a mechanism of HPE.

Low-level laser therapy activates NF-kB via generation of reactive oxygen species in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Background

Despite over forty years of investigation on low-level light therapy (LLLT), the fundamental mechanisms underlying photobiomodulation at a cellular level remain unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, we isolated murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) from transgenic NF-kB luciferase reporter mice and studied their response to 810 nm laser radiation. Significant activation of NF-kB was observed at fluences higher than 0.003 J/cm² and was confirmed by Western blot analysis. NF-kB was activated earlier (1 hour) by LLLT compared to conventional lipopolysaccharide treatment. We also observed that LLLT induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production similar to mitochondrial inhibitors, such as antimycin A, rotenone and paraquat. Furthermore, we observed similar NF-kB activation with these mitochondrial inhibitors. These results, together with inhibition of laser induced NF-kB activation by antioxidants, suggests that ROS play an important role in the laser induced NF-kB signaling pathways. However, LLLT, unlike mitochondrial inhibitors, induced increased cellular ATP levels, which indicates that LLLT also upregulates mitochondrial respiration.

Conclusion

We conclude that LLLT not only enhances mitochondrial respiration, but also activates the redox-sensitive NFkB signaling via generation of ROS. Expression of anti-apoptosis and pro-survival genes responsive to NFkB could explain many clinical effects of LLLT.

The MDM2-a splice variant of MDM2 alters transformation in vitro and the tumor spectrum in both Arf- and p53-null models of tumorigenesis

MDM2-A is a common splice variant of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) that is frequently detected in many tumor types. Our previous work has characterized MDM2-A as an activator of p53, and therefore, in a wild-type p53 background, this splice variant would be predicted to confer p53-dependent tumor protection. To test this hypothesis, we used Mdm2-a transgenic mice to assess transformation and tumorigenesis in tumor susceptible murine models. A MDM2-A-dependent decrease in transformation was observed in Arf-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) or when wild-type MEFs were exposed to the carcinogen ethylnitrosourea. However, this reduced transformation did not confer tumor protection in vivo; Mdm2-a/Arf-null mice and ethylnitrosourea-treated MDM2-expressing mice developed similar tumor types with equivalent latency compared with their respective controls. Interestingly, when p53 was deleted, MDM2-A expression enhanced transformation of p53-null MEFs and altered tumor spectrum in vivo. In addition, p53-heterozygous mice that expressed MDM2-A developed aggressive mammary tumors that were not observed in p53-heterozygous controls. In conclusion, we found that although MDM2-A expression enhances p53 activity and decreases transformation in vitro, it cannot confer tumor protection. In contrast, MDM2-A seems to exhibit a novel transforming potential in cells where p53 function is compromised. These data show that MDM2 splice variants, such as MDM2-A, may provide protection against transformation of normal tissues having intact p53. However, when such splice variants are expressed in tumors that have defects in the p53 pathway, these isoforms may contribute to tumor progression, which could explain why their expression is often associated with aggressive tumor types.