The role of the ribosomal protein S19 C-terminus in Gi protein-dependent alternative activation of p38 MAP kinase via the C5a receptor in HMC-1 cells

The cross-talk between soluble "Find me" and "Keep out" signals as an initial step in regulating efferocytosis

The rapid clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs), known as efferocytosis, prompts the inhibition of inflammatory responses and autoimmunity and maintains homeostatic cell turnover by controlling the release of intracellular contents. The fast clearance of ACs requires professional and nonprofessional phagocytic cells that can accurately and promptly recognize ACs and migrate towards them. Cells undergoing apoptosis alarm their presence by releasing special soluble chemotactic factors, such as lactoferrin, that act as "Find me," "Keep out," or "Stay away" signals to recruit phagocytic cells, such as macrophages or prevent granulocyte migration. Efferocytosis effectively serves to prevent damage-associated molecular pattern release and secondary necrosis and inhibit inflammation/autoimmunity at the very first step. Since less attention has been given to the cross-talk and balance of "Find me" and "Keep out" signals released from ACs in efferocytosis, we set out to investigate the current knowledge of the roles of "Find me" and "Keep out" signals in the efferocytosis process.

CDK5RAP1 targeting NF-κB signaling pathway in human malignant melanoma A375 cell apoptosis

Malignant melanoma is characterized by rapid deterioration, early metastasis and high mortality. Cdk5 regulatory subunit-associated protein 1 (CDK5RAP1), which catalyzes 2-methylthio (ms²) modification of mitochondrial transfer RNAs, has been reported to induce cancer cell apoptosis, by a phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) signaling pathway. The present study was the first to report on the association between CDK5RAP1 deficiency and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway during the apoptosis process in human malignant melanoma (A375) cells. CDK5RAP1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and control siRNA were transfected into A375 cells. CDK5RAP1 deficiency inhibited Ca²⁺ influx in A375 cells. CDK5RAP1 deficiency also suppressed the proliferation of A375 cells, induced A375 cells apoptosis, and increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, CDK5RAP1 deficiency induced the phosphorylation of NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bcl-xl-associated death promoter (Bad). Notably, the phosphorylation of B-cell lymphoma-xl (Bcl-xl) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was downregulated by CDK5RAP1 deficiency. Pretreatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), the inhibitor of NF-κB, prevented the decrease in cell proliferation and apoptosis induced by CDK5RAP1 deficiency in A375 cells. However, pretreatment with PDTC did not affect the generation of ROS in A375 cells, indicating that ROS is an upstream target of NF-κB signaling pathway during the apoptosis process. Taken together, CDK5RAP1 deficiency induces cell apoptosis in malignant melanoma A375 cells via the NF-κB signaling pathway. The results from the present study indicated a potential novel candidate for the treatment of skin cancer.

Influence of the RPL34 gene on the growth and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for almost 3% of all malignant tumors all over the world. This study aims to investigate the correlation of RPL34 with the cell growth and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as well as its clinical prognosis.

METHOD

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were conducted to determine the RPL34 expression in 85 OSCC tissues and 30 normal oral mucosa tissues. Besides, OSCC cell lines SCC-4 were divided into blank group, negative control (NC) group and RPL34-shRNA group. The qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to measure RPL34 expression, CCK-8 and flow cytometry to observe cell growth and apoptosis, and wound healing and transwell to detect cell migration and invasion.

RESULTS

The RPL34 gene expression was up-regulated in OSCC tissues and cells. The RPL34 expression was significantly correlated with differentiation degree, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Patients with positive RPL34 expression had a poorer prognosis. After inhibition of RPL34 expression, the proliferation of SCC-4 cells was slowed down at 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h respectively, and both the migration distance and the number of invasive cells were reduced, while there was an increase in the ratio of cells at G0/G1 stage and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

The RPL34 gene was highly expressed in OSCC, while silencing RPL34 could block cell proliferation and metastasis, but promote cell apoptosis, suggesting the RPL34 gene to be a new promising clinical target for OSCC therapy.

RP S19 C-terminal peptide trimer acts as a C5a receptor antagonist

We have demonstrated that ribosomal protein S19 (RP S19) polymer, when crosslinked between Lys122 and Gln137 by activated coagulation factor XIII, acts as a C5a receptor (C5aR) antagonist/agonist. Based on experimental data obtained using RP S19 analog peptide and recombinant protein monomer, we suggested that L₁₃₁DR, I₁₃₄AGQVAAAN and K₁₄₃KH moieties in the RP S19 C‐terminus act in, respectively, C5aR binding, penetration of the plasma membrane, and interaction with either an apoptosis-inducing molecule in neutrophils (delta lactoferrin) or a calcium channel-activating molecule (annexin A3) to induce the p38 MAPK pathway in macrophages. Recently, we observed RP S19 trimer in serum. To study the effects of this RP S19 trimer on C5aR, we prepared mutant RP S19 C‐terminal peptide (RP S19^122-145) dimer and trimer, and examined their chemotactic activities and signal transduction pathways in human C5aR-overexpressing squamous cell carcinoma HSC-1 (HSC-1^C5aR) cells using 24 trans-well chamber and western blotting assays, respectively. HSC-1^C5aR cells were attracted by RP S19^122-145 dimer and vice versa by RP S19^122-145 trimer. The RP S19^122-145 dimer-induced attraction was competitively blocked by pre-treatment with RP S19^122-145 trimer. Moreover, RP S19^122-145 trimer-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation was stronger than RP S19^122-145 dimer-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. RP S19^122-145 trimer appeared to act as a C5aR antagonist. The agonistic and antagonistic effects of RP S19^122-145 dimers and trimers were reflected by monocytic, THP-1-derived macrophage-like cells. Unlike the C5aR agonist C5a, which acts at the inflammation phase of acute inflammation, RP S19 trimer might act as a C5aR antagonist at the resolution phase.

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RP S19 dimer acted as C5aR antagonist/agonist.

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RP S19 dimer induced p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signal.

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RP S19 trimer acted as C5aR antagonist.

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RP S19 trimer induced p38MAPK signal.

Protective effect of C4a against hyperoxic lung injury via a macrophage-dependent but not a neutrophil/lymphocyte-dependent signaling pathway

Complement anaphylatoxins have been investigated extensively; however, the role of complement anaphylatoxin C4a in hyperoxic lung injury has yet to be investigated. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the role of C4a in hyperoxic lung injury in vitro and in vivo. BALB/c mice were ventilated with 100% oxygen with or without C4a treatment for 36 h. The body weight and the relative lung weight of the mice were determined, along with any morphological changes in the lung. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified in the lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis. The total cell count and the number of macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes in the BALF were determined using cytocentrifuge slides and a hemocytometer. Histamine release from total cells in the BALF was also analyzed. The relative mRNA expression levels of CD68, F4/80, CD64, CD19 and CD3 in the murine lung tissue were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that hyperoxia induced lung injury and morphological changes, and increased the expression levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α, histamine release, the number of inflammatory cells, and the expression levels of CD68, F4/80, CD64, CD19 and CD3. The hyperoxia-induced morphological changes and inflammatory reaction were significantly attenuated in mice treated with C4a. Treatment with C4a also attenuated the increase in the total cell count, decreased the number of macrophages in the BALF, and suppressed the elevated mRNA expression levels of CD68 and F4/80 in the lung tissue samples. Conversely, treatment with C4a did not affect the number of neutrophils or lymphocytes in the BALF or the mRNA expression of CD64, CD19 and CD3 in lung tissue. In conclusion, C4a attenuated hyperoxic lung injury via a macrophage-dependent but not a neutrophil/lymphocyte-dependent pathway.

The Novel Receptor C5aR2 Is Required for C5a-Mediated Human Mast Cell Adhesion, Migration, and Proinflammatory Mediator Production

C5a generated during complement activation possesses proinflammatory and immunoregulatory properties critical for the development and modulation of allergic immune responses. In immune cells, C5a mediates its effects through binding to two G protein-coupled receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2. Mast cells are key effectors in allergic reactions, and decades of research have suggested that the majority of C5a effects on mast cells are mediated through C5aR1, whereas the expression and function of C5aR2 have not been explored. We demonstrated that the human mast cell line Laboratory of Allergic Diseases 2 (LAD2) expresses surface C5aR2 but not C5aR1, whereas CD34(+) cell-derived primary mast cells do not express surface C5aR1 or C5aR2. Stem cell factor and IL-4 upregulated C5aR2 expression on LAD2 cells. Furthermore, C5a caused internalization of LAD2 cell-surface C5aR2. We therefore used LAD2 cells as a model to study C5a/C5aR2-induced biological responses and signaling in human mast cells. We found that whereas C5a was unable to induce degranulation, it stimulated GM-CSF, TNF, CXCL10, and CCL2 production. C5a caused ERK phosphorylation, a signaling molecule important in cytokine and chemokine generation. In addition, C5a stimulated adhesion and chemotaxis of mast cells. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K, and small interfering RNA against β-arrestin-2 blocked C5a-induced adhesion. Silencing of C5aR2 using lentiviral short hairpin RNA rendered the cells unresponsive to C5a-induced adhesion, chemotaxis, and mediator release, as well as ERK phosphorylation. Overall, this study reveals a novel role for C5aR2 in C5a-mediated activation of mast cells and demonstrates that C5aR2 ligation initiates a β-arrestin-2-, PI3K-, and ERK-dependent signaling pathway in these cells.

Fucoidan protects ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress via normalization of reactive oxygen species generation through the Ca²⁺-dependent ERK signaling pathway

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and it is the main cause of loss of vision. In previous years, interest in the biological activities of marine organisms has intensified. The effect of fucoidan from the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus on the molecular mechanisms of numerous diseases has been studied, while to date, its effect on DR was yet to be investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of fucoidan in DR. The human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE‑19 was exposed to high D‑glucose in the presence or absence of fucoidan. Cell viability was monitored using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured using fluorescence spectrophotometry. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry using Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate staining. Ca2+ influx was measured with a calcium imaging system and the activation of the extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) protein was evaluated using western blot analysis. The non‑toxic fucoidan protected ARPE‑19 cells from high glucose‑induced cell death and normalized high glucose‑induced generation of ROS. Fucoidan also inhibited high glucose‑induced cell apoptosis, as well as the Ca2+ influx and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in ARPE‑19 cells. Taken together, these findings indicated that fucoidan protects ARPE‑19 cells against high glucose‑induced oxidative damage via normalization of ROS generation through the Ca2+‑dependent ERK signaling pathway.

Annexin A3 plays a role in cytoplasmic calcium oscillation by extracellular calcium in the human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells differentiated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate

The roles of annexin A3 (ANXA3) in macrophages are not fully understood. In contrast to C5a, we have demonstrated that C-terminal ribosomal protein S19 (RP S19)-tagged S-tagged C5a (S-tagged C5a/RP S19) raises an alternative cytoplasmic calcium oscillation by extracellular calcium during macrophage migration into apoptotic cells. We here differentiated human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells bearing with either control sense RNA and shRNA for ANXA3 mRNA or a vector cDNA with or without ANXA3 cDNA into macrophage-like cells by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and found that a fluorescence ratio (340 nm/380 nm) upon the S-tagged C5a/RP S19-induced alternative cytoplasmic calcium oscillation by extracellular calcium was an equilateral association with a dose of ANXA3. Moreover, the ANXA3-dependent modification was partially reflected upon the S-tagged C5a-induced classical cytoplasmic calcium oscillation by both intracellular calcium and extracellular calcium. ANXA3 seems to extend the C5aR-mediated cytoplasmic calcium oscillation by extracellular calcium at least in the HL-60 macrophage-like cells.

Crosstalk between TGF-β1 and complement activation augments epithelial injury in pulmonary fibrosis

The epithelial complement inhibitory proteins (CIPs) cluster of differentiation 46 and 55 (CD46 and CD55) regulate circulating immune complex-mediated complement activation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Our previous studies demonstrated that IL-17A mediates epithelial injury via transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and down-regulates CIPs. In the current study, we examined the mechanistic role of TGF-β1 in complement activation-mediated airway epithelial injury in IPF pathogenesis. We observed lower epithelial CIP expression in IPF lungs compared to normal lungs, associated with elevated levels of complement component 3a and 5a (C3a and C5a), locally and systemically. In normal primary human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml), C3a, or C5a (100 nM), we observed loss of CIPs and increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation [also observed with RNA interference (RNAi) of CD46/CD55]. TGF-β1-mediated loss of CIPs and Snail induction [SNAI1; a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin (E-CAD)] was blocked by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK; SB203580) and RNAi silencing of SNAI1. C3a- and C5a-mediated loss of CIPs was also blocked by p38MAPK inhibition. While C3a upregulated TGFb transcripts, both C3a and C5a down-regulated SMAD7 (negative regulator of TGF-β), and whereas TGF-β1 induced C3a/C5a receptor (C3aR/C5aR) expression, pharmacologic C3aR/C5aR inhibition protected against C3a-/C5a-mediated loss of CIPs. Taken together, our results suggest that epithelial injury in IPF can be collectively amplified as a result of TGF-β1-induced loss of CIPs leading to complement activation that down-regulates CIPs and induces TGF-β1 expression

Complement anaphylatoxin C4a inhibits C5a-induced neointima formation following arterial injury

Interactions between complement anaphylatoxins have been investigated in numerous fields; however, their functions during arterial remodeling following injury have not been studied. The inhibitory effect of complement anaphylatoxin C4a on neointima formation induced by C5a following arterial injury was investigated. Mice were subjected to wire-induced endothelial denudation of the femoral artery and treated with C5a alone or C5a + C4a for two weeks. C4a significantly inhibited C5a-induced neointima formation and the expression of CD68, F4/80, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF‑α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). In vitro, although C4a did not directly inhibit the migration, proliferation or the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) of C5a-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), C5a-pretreated conditioned medium‑induced migration, proliferation and VCAM-1 expression of VSMCs were suppressed when VSMCs were exposed to conditioned medium from C4a-pretreated macrophages. In addition, C5a-induced TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 expression, Ca2+ influx and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in macrophages were suppressed by C4a. C4a inhibits C5a-induced neointima formation, not by acting directly on VSMCs, but via a macrophage-mediated reaction by inhibiting the Ca2+-dependent ERK pathway in macrophages.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. [corrected]. LXXXVII. Complement peptide C5a, C4a, and C3a receptors

The activation of the complement cascade, a cornerstone of the innate immune response, produces a number of small (74-77 amino acid) fragments, originally termed anaphylatoxins, that are potent chemoattractants and secretagogues that act on a wide variety of cell types. These fragments, C5a, C4a, and C3a, participate at all levels of the immune response and are also involved in other processes such as neural development and organ regeneration. Their primary function, however, is in inflammation, so they are important targets for the development of antiinflammatory therapies. Only three receptors for complement peptides have been found, but there are no satisfactory antagonists as yet, despite intensive investigation. In humans, there is a single receptor for C3a (C3a receptor), no known receptor for C4a, and two receptors for C5a (C5a₁ receptor and C5a₂ receptor). The most recently characterized receptor, the C5a₂ receptor (previously known as C5L2 or GPR77), has been regarded as a passive binding protein, but signaling activities are now ascribed to it, so we propose that it be formally identified as a receptor and be given a name to reflect this. Here, we describe the complex biology of the complement peptides, introduce a new suggested nomenclature, and review our current knowledge of receptor pharmacology.

Dual functions of the C5a receptor as a connector for the K562 erythroblast-like cell-THP-1 macrophage-like cell island and as a sensor for the differentiation of the K562 erythroblast-like cell during haemin-induced erythropoiesis

The transcriptional nuclear factor binding to the Y box of human leukocyte antigen genes (NF-Y) for the C5a receptor (C5aR) gene is active in erythroblasts. However, the roles of the C5aR in erythropoiesis are unclear. We have previously demonstrated that apoptotic cell-derived ribosomal protein S19 (RP S19) oligomers exhibit extraribosomal functions in promoting monocyte chemotaxis and proapoptosis via the C5aR without receptor internalisation. In contrast to the extraribosomal functions of the RP S19, a proapoptotic signal in pro-EBs, which is caused by mutations in the RP S19 gene, is associated with the inherited erythroblastopenia, Diamond-Blackfan anaemia. In this study, we detected C5aR expression and RP S19 oligomer generation in human erythroleukemia K562 cells during haemin-induced erythropoiesis. Under monocell culture conditions, the differentiation into K562 erythrocyte-like cells was enhanced following the overexpression of Wild-type RP S19. Conversely, the differentiation was repressed following the overexpression of mutant RP S19. An RP S19 oligomer inhibitor and a C5aR inhibitor blocked the association of the K562 basophilic EB-like cells and the THP-1 macrophage-like cells under coculture conditions. When bound to RP S19 oligomers, the C5aR may exhibit dual functions as a connector for the EB-macrophage island and as a sensor for EB differentiation in the bone marrow.

Inhibitory effects of C4a on chemoattractant and secretagogue functions of the other anaphylatoxins via Gi protein-adenylyl cyclase inhibition pathway in mast cells

A recombinant complement anaphylatoxin, C4a, inhibited chemotaxis, respiratory burst and histamine release in mast cell-like HMC-1 cells that were treated with recombinant C5a anaphylatoxin. C4a also inhibited histamine release from HMC-1 cells that were induced by recombinant C3a. The inhibition of C5a- and C3a-induced leukocyte reactions by C4a was recapitulated in peripheral blood CD133(+) cell-derived differentiated mast cells. In HMC-1 cells, C4a inhibited cytoplasmic Ca(2+) influx, an event that precedes anaphylatoxin-induced chemotactic and secretary responses. A conditioned medium of HMC-1 cells after shortly treated with C4a also inhibited the anaphylatoxin-induced Ca(2+) influx even after removal of C4a, indicating that the effect of C4a is to liberate an autocrine inhibitor from the mast cells. The inhibitor secretion by C4a was prevented with pertussis toxin or with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Conversely, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor reproduced the effect of C4a. C4a decreased the intracellular cyclic AMP concentration of HMC-1 cells, indicating that C4a elicited the Gi protein-adenylyl cyclase inhibition pathway. Neither C4a nor the conditioned medium, however, inhibited Ca(2+) influx and respiratory burst in C5a- or C3a-stimulated peripheral neutrophils, suggesting that these cells lack this inhibitory system. Additionally, in HMC-1 cells, C4a did not inhibit Ca(2+)-independent, Leu72Gln-C5a-stimulated chemotactic response. In agreement with this finding, C4a treatment inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HMC-1 cells stimulated with other anaphylatoxins but did not inhibit p38MAPK phosphorylation in cells stimulated with Leu72Gln-C5a. Taken together, these findings suggest that the autocrine inhibitory effect elicited by C4a is attributed to interruption of Ca(2+)-dependent intracellular signaling pathway.