1
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Kopeina GS, Prokhorova EA, Lavrik IN, Zhivotovsky B. Alterations in the nucleocytoplasmic transport in apoptosis: Caspases lead the way. Cell Prolif 2018; 51:e12467. [PMID: 29947118 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a mode of regulated cell death that is indispensable for the morphogenesis, development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Caspases are cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases, which function as initiators and executors of apoptosis. Caspases are cytosolic proteins that can cleave substrates located in different intracellular compartments during apoptosis. Many years ago, the involvement of caspases in the regulation of nuclear changes, a hallmark of apoptosis, was documented. Accumulated data suggest that apoptosis-associated alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport are also linked to caspase activity. Here, we aim to discuss the current state of knowledge regarding this process. Particular attention will be focused on caspase nuclear entry and their functions in the demolition of the nucleus upon apoptotic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelina S Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Inna N Lavrik
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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SP140L, an Evolutionarily Recent Member of the SP100 Family, Is an Autoantigen in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:526518. [PMID: 26347895 PMCID: PMC4548144 DOI: 10.1155/2015/526518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The SP100 family members comprise a set of closely related genes on chromosome 2q37.1. The widely expressed SP100 and the leukocyte-specific proteins SP110 and SP140 have been associated with transcriptional regulation and various human diseases. Here, we have characterized the SP100 family member SP140L. The genome sequence analysis showed the formation of SP140L gene through rearrangements of the two neighboring genes, SP100 and SP140, during the evolution of higher primates. The SP140L expression is interferon-inducible with high transcript levels in B cells and other peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Subcellularly, SP140L colocalizes with SP100 and SP140 in nuclear structures that are devoid of SP110, PML, or p300 proteins. Similarly to SP100 and SP140 protein, we detected serum autoantibodies to SP140L in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis using luciferase immunoprecipitation system and immunoblotting assays. In conclusion, our results show that SP140L is phylogenetically recent member of SP100 proteins and acts as an autoantigen in primary biliary cirrhosis patients.
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3
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Gavrilov AA, Razin SV. Compartmentalization of the cell nucleus and spatial organization of the genome. Mol Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893315010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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4
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Ulianov SV, Gavrilov AA, Razin SV. Nuclear Compartments, Genome Folding, and Enhancer-Promoter Communication. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 315:183-244. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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5
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Batty EC, Jensen K, Freemont PS. PML nuclear bodies and other TRIM-defined subcellular compartments. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 770:39-58. [PMID: 23630999 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5398-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are defined by their possession of a RING, B-box and predicted coiled coil (RBCC) domain. The coiled-coil region facilitates the oligomerisation of TRIMs and contributes to the formation of high molecular weight complexes that show interesting subcellular compartmentalisations and structures. TRIM protein compartments include both nuclear and cytoplasmic filaments and aggregates (bodies), as well as diffuse subcellular distributions. TRIM 19, otherwise known as promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) protein forms nuclear aggregates termed PML nuclear bodies (PML NBs), at which a number of functionally diverse proteins transiently or covalently associate. PML NBs are therefore implicated in a wide variety of cellular functions such as transcriptional regulation, viral response, apoptosis and nuclear protein storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Batty
- Macromolecular Structure and Function Group, Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
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6
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Ezkurdia I, Tress ML. Protein structural domains: definition and prediction. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN PROTEIN SCIENCE 2011; Chapter 2:2.14.1-2.14.16. [PMID: 22045561 DOI: 10.1002/0471140864.ps0214s66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recognition and prediction of structural domains in proteins is an important part of structure and function prediction. This unit lists the range of tools available for domain prediction, and describes sequence and structural analysis tools that complement domain prediction methods. Also detailed are the basic domain prediction steps, along with suggested strategies for different protein sequences and potential pitfalls in domain boundary prediction. The difficult problem of domain orientation prediction is also discussed. All the resources necessary for domain boundary prediction are accessible via publicly available Web servers and databases and do not require computational expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iakes Ezkurdia
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)-Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael L Tress
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)-Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Olsson M, Zhivotovsky B. Caspases and cancer. Cell Death Differ 2011; 18:1441-9. [PMID: 21455218 PMCID: PMC3178435 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2011.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Evasion of apoptosis is considered to be one of the hallmarks of human cancers. This cell death modality is executed by caspases and several upstream regulatory factors, which direct their proteolytic activity, have been defined as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Often these regulatory factors, in addition to being potent apoptosis inducers, function in cell survival or repair signaling pathways in response to cellular stress. Thus, loss of function in a distinct regulatory mechanism does not necessarily mean that tumor formation is due to apoptosis malfunction resulting from insufficient caspase activation. Although each caspase has been assigned a distinct role in apoptosis, some redundancy with respect to their regulatory functions and substrate recognition is evident. Jointly, these proteases could be considered to possess solid tumor suppressor function, but what is the evidence that deregulation of specific caspases per se induces inappropriate cell survival, leading to enhanced tumorigenic potential? This question will be addressed in this review, which covers basic molecular mechanisms derived from in vitro analyses and emphasizes new insights that have emerged from in vivo and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Olsson
- Division of Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Zhivotovsky
- Division of Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Brand P, Lenser T, Hemmerich P. Assembly dynamics of PML nuclear bodies in living cells. PMC BIOPHYSICS 2010; 3:3. [PMID: 20205709 PMCID: PMC2854101 DOI: 10.1186/1757-5036-3-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian cell nucleus contains a variety of organelles or nuclear bodies which contribute to key nuclear functions. Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, antiviral responses, the DNA damage response and chromatin structure, but their precise biochemical function in these nuclear pathways is unknown. One strategy to tackle this problem is to assess the biophysical properties of the component parts of these macromolecular assemblies in living cells. In this study we determined PML NB assembly dynamics by live cell imaging, combined with mathematical modeling. For the first time, dynamics of PML body formation were measured in cells lacking endogenous PML. We show that all six human nuclear PML isoforms are able to form nuclear bodies in PML negative cells. All isoforms exhibit individual exchange rates at NBs in PML positive cells but PML I, II, III and IV are static at nuclear bodies in PML negative cells, suggesting that these isoforms require additional protein partners for efficient exchange. PML V turns over at PML Nbs very slowly supporting the idea of a structural function for this isoform. We also demonstrate that SUMOylation of PML at Lysine positions K160 and/or K490 are required for nuclear body formation in vivo.We propose a model in which the isoform specific residence times of PML provide both, structural stability to function as a scaffold and flexibility to attract specific nuclear proteins for efficient biochemical reactions at the surface of nuclear bodies. MCS code: 92C37
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Brand
- Leibniz-Institute of Age Research, Fritz-Lipman-Institute, Beutenbergstr, 11, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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9
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Abstract
Caspase-2 is the most evolutionarily conserved of all the caspases, yet it has a poorly defined role in apoptotic pathways. This is mainly due to a dearth of techniques to determine the activation status of caspase-2 and the lack of an abnormal phenotype in caspase-2 deficient mice. Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that caspase-2 may have important functions in a number of stress-induced cell death pathways, in cell cycle maintenance and regulation of tumour progression. This review discusses recent advances that have been made to help elucidate the true role of this elusive caspase and the potential contribution of caspase-2 to the pathology of human diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bouchier-Hayes
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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10
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Ezkurdia I, Graña O, Izarzugaza JMG, Tress ML. Assessment of domain boundary predictions and the prediction of intramolecular contacts in CASP8. Proteins 2010; 77 Suppl 9:196-209. [PMID: 19714769 DOI: 10.1002/prot.22554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This article details the assessment process and evaluation results for two categories in the 8th Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction experiment (CASP8). The domain prediction category was evaluated with a range of scores including the Normalized Domain Overlap score and a domain boundary distance measure. Residue-residue contact predictions were evaluated with standard CASP measures, prediction accuracy, and Xd. In the domain boundary prediction category, prediction methods still make reliable predictions for targets that have structural templates, but continue to struggle to make good predictions for the few ab initio targets in CASP. There was little indication of improvement in the domain prediction category. The contact prediction category demonstrated that there was renewed interest among predictors and despite the small sample size the results suggested that there had been an increase in prediction accuracy. In contrast to CASP7 contact specialists predicted contacts more accurately than the majority of tertiary structure predictors. Despite this small success, the lack of free modeling targets makes it unlikely that either category will be included in their present form in CASP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iakes Ezkurdia
- Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Bouchier-Hayes L, Oberst A, McStay GP, Connell S, Tait SWG, Dillon CP, Flanagan JM, Beere HM, Green DR. Characterization of cytoplasmic caspase-2 activation by induced proximity. Mol Cell 2009; 35:830-40. [PMID: 19782032 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2009.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 07/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-2 is an initiator caspase activated in response to heat shock and other stressors that induce apoptosis. Activation of caspase-2 requires induced proximity resulting after recruitment to caspase-2 activation complexes such as the PIDDosome. We have adapted bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to measure caspase-2 induced proximity in real time in single cells. Nonfluorescent fragments of the fluorescent protein Venus that can associate to reform the fluorescent complex were fused to caspase-2, allowing visualization and kinetic measurements of caspase-2 induced proximity after heat shock and other stresses. This revealed that the caspase-2 activation platform occurred in the cytosol and not in the nucleus in response to heat shock, DNA damage, cytoskeletal disruption, and other treatments. Activation, as measured by this approach, in response to heat shock was RAIDD dependent and upstream of mitochondrial outer-membrane permeabilization. Furthermore, we identify Hsp90alpha as a key negative regulator of heat shock-induced caspase-2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bouchier-Hayes
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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12
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Kitevska T, Spencer DMS, Hawkins CJ. Caspase-2: controversial killer or checkpoint controller? Apoptosis 2009; 14:829-48. [PMID: 19479377 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-009-0365-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The caspases are an evolutionarily conserved family of cysteine proteases, with essential roles in apoptosis or inflammation. Caspase-2 was the second caspase to be cloned and it resembles the prototypical nematode caspase CED-3 more closely than any other mammalian protein. An absence of caspase-2-specific reagents and the subtle phenotype of caspase-2-deficient mice have hampered definition of the physiological role of caspase-2 and identification of factors regulating its activity. Although some data implicate caspase-2 in apoptotic pathways, a link with apoptosis has been less firmly established for caspase-2 than for some other caspases. Emerging evidence suggests that caspase-2 regulates the cell cycle and may act as a tumour suppressor. This article critically reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the biochemistry and biology of this controversial caspase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Kitevska
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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13
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Abstract
The immediate early gene Arc is emerging as a versatile, finely tuned system capable of coupling changes in neuronal activity patterns to synaptic plasticity, thereby optimizing information storage in the nervous system. Here, we attempt to overview the Arc system spanning from transcriptional regulation of the Arc gene, to dendritic transport, metabolism, and translation of Arc mRNA, to post-translational modification, localization, and degradation of Arc protein. Within this framework we discuss the function of Arc in regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics underlying consolidation of long-term potentiation (LTP) and regulation of AMPA-type glutamate receptor endocytosis underlying long-term depression (LTD) and homeostatic plasticity. Behaviorally, Arc has a key role in consolidation of explicit and implicit forms of memory, with recent work implicating Arc in adaptation to stress as well as maladaptive plasticity connected to drug addiction. Arc holds considerable promise as a “master regulator” of protein synthesis-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity, but the mechanisms that modulate and switch Arc function are only beginning to be elucidated.
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14
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Kuipers SD, Tiron A, Soule J, Messaoudi E, Trentani A, Bramham CR. Selective survival and maturation of adult-born dentate granule cells expressing the immediate early gene Arc/Arg3.1. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4885. [PMID: 19290048 PMCID: PMC2654102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Progenitor cells in the adult dentate gyrus provide a constant supply of neuronal precursors, yet only a small fraction of these cells survive and develop into mature dentate granule cells (DGCs). A major challenge of current research is thus to understand the stringent selection process that governs the maturation and functional integration of adult-born DGCs. In mature DGCs, high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the perforant path input elicits robust expression of the immediate early gene Arc/Arg3.1, trafficking of its mRNA to dendrites, and local synthesis of the protein necessary for consolidation of long-term potentiation (LTP). Given the synaptic commitment inherent in LTP consolidation, we considered that HFS-evoked expression of Arc could be used to timemap the functional integration of newborn DGCs. Dividing cells were birthmarked by BrdU-labeling at 1, 7, 14, 21, or 28 days prior to induction of LTP and expression of Arc was examined by confocal microscopy. Contrary to expectation, LTP did not induce Arc expression in newborn cells at any age, suggesting they might be refractory to synaptically-evoked Arc expression for at least one month. Importantly, however, spontaneous expression of Arc was detected in BrdU-labeled cells and strongly associated with the survival and maturation of NeuN-positive DGCs. Moreover, Arc expression at the earliest ages (1 and 7 days), clearly precedes the formation of glutamatergic synapses on new neurons. These results suggest an unexpected early role for Arc in adult-born DGCs, distinct from its functions in LTP, LTD, and homeostatic synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjoukje D. Kuipers
- Department of Biomedicine and Bergen Mental Health Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Adrian Tiron
- Department of Biomedicine and Bergen Mental Health Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jonathan Soule
- Department of Biomedicine and Bergen Mental Health Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elhoucine Messaoudi
- Department of Biomedicine and Bergen Mental Health Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Andrea Trentani
- Department of Biomedicine and Bergen Mental Health Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Clive R. Bramham
- Department of Biomedicine and Bergen Mental Health Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
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15
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Peterson P, Org T, Rebane A. Transcriptional regulation by AIRE: molecular mechanisms of central tolerance. Nat Rev Immunol 2008; 8:948-57. [PMID: 19008896 PMCID: PMC2785478 DOI: 10.1038/nri2450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The negative selection of T cells in the thymus is necessary for the maintenance of self tolerance. Medullary thymic epithelial cells have a key function in this process as they express a large number of tissue-specific self antigens that are presented to developing T cells. Mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) protein cause a breakdown of central tolerance that is associated with decreased expression of self antigens in the thymus. In this Review, we discuss the role of AIRE in the thymus and recent advances in our understanding of how AIRE might function at the molecular level to regulate gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pärt Peterson
- Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, University of Tartu, Tartu 5O411, Estonia.
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16
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Krumschnabel G, Sohm B, Bock F, Manzl C, Villunger A. The enigma of caspase-2: the laymen's view. Cell Death Differ 2008; 16:195-207. [PMID: 19023332 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2008.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis of cellular substrates by caspases (cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases) is one of the hallmarks of apoptotic cell death. Although the activation of apoptotic caspases is considered a 'late-stage' event in apoptosis signaling, past the commitment stage, one caspase family member, caspase-2, splits the cell death community into half - those searching for evidence of an apical initiator function of this molecule and those considering it as an amplifier of the apoptotic caspase cascade, at best, if relevant for apoptosis at all. This review screens past and present biochemical as well as genetic evidence for caspase-2 function in cell death signaling and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Krumschnabel
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Abstract
The promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is a tumor suppressor identified in acute PML and implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of tumors. PML is essential for the proper assembly of a nuclear macromolecular structure called the PML nuclear body (PML-NB). PML and PML-NBs are functionally promiscuous and have been associated with the regulation of several cellular functions. Above all these is the control of apoptosis, a function of PML whose physiological relevance is emphasized by in vivo studies that demonstrate that mice and cells lacking Pml are resistant to a vast variety of apoptotic stimuli. The function of PML in regulating apoptosis is not confined to a linear pathway; rather, PML works within a regulatory network that finely tunes various apoptotic pathways, depending on the cellular context and the apoptotic stimulus. Here, we will summarize earlier and recent advances on the molecular mechanisms by which PML regulates apoptosis and the implication of these findings for cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bernardi
- Cancer Genetics Program, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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18
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Salomoni P, Ferguson BJ, Wyllie AH, Rich T. New insights into the role of PML in tumour suppression. Cell Res 2008; 18:622-40. [PMID: 18504460 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2008.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The PML gene is involved in the t(15;17) translocation of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), which generates the oncogenic fusion protein PML (promyelocytic leukaemia protein)-retinoic acid receptor alpha. The PML protein localises to a subnuclear structure called the PML nuclear domain (PML-ND), of which PML is the essential structural component. In APL, PML-NDs are disrupted, thus implicating these structures in the pathogenesis of this leukaemia. Unexpectedly, recent studies indicate that PML and the PML-ND play a tumour suppressive role in several different types of human neoplasms in addition to APL. Because of PML's extreme versatility and involvement in multiple cellular pathways, understanding the mechanisms underlying its function, and therefore role in tumour suppression, has been a challenging task. In this review, we attempt to critically appraise the more recent advances in this field and propose new avenues of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Salomoni
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Lancaster Road Box 138, Leicester, LE 9HN, UK.
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19
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Ferguson BJ, Cooke A, Peterson P, Rich T. Death in the AIRE. Trends Immunol 2008; 29:306-12. [PMID: 18515183 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2008.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 03/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
When thymic epithelia begin to synthesize peripheral tissue antigens such as insulin, we are seeing the result of autoimmune regulator (AIRE) activity and the workings of central tolerance. AIRE is an extraordinary protein that repatterns the transcriptome of medullary thymic epithelia (mTECs) to produce a stroma decorated with peripheral self-peptides. These peptidic arrays are used to purge self-reactive T cells, thereby averting autoimmunity. We now propose that an inherently cytotoxic event such as global chromatin modification paves the way for AIRE action. This injury stimulus might impose temporal restrictions for the T-cell education process and is endured, at least transiently, by the unique cellular environment provided by the medullary thymic epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Ferguson
- Department of Pathology, Divisions of Immunology and Cellular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
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