p53-regulated apoptosis is differentiation dependent in ultraviolet B-irradiated mouse keratinocytes

The photo-protective role of vitamin D in the microalga Emiliania huxleyi

An essential interaction between sunlight and eukaryotes involves vitamin D production through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While extensively studied in vertebrates, the role of vitamin D in non-animal eukaryotes like microalgae remains unclear. Here, we investigate the potential involvement of vitamin D in the UV-triggered response of Emiliania huxleyi, a microalga inhabiting shallow ocean depths that are exposed to UV. Our results show that E. huxleyi produces vitamin D2 and D3 in response to UV. We further demonstrate that E. huxleyi responds to external administration of vitamin D at the transcriptional level, regulating protective mechanisms that are also responsive to UV. Our data reveal that vitamin D addition enhances algal photosynthetic performance while reducing harmful reactive oxygen species buildup. This study contributes to understanding the function of vitamin D in E. huxleyi and its role in non-animal eukaryotes, as well as its potential importance in marine ecosystems.

The Modulatory Influence of Plant-Derived Compounds on Human Keratinocyte Function

The plant kingdom is a rich source of secondary metabolites with numerous properties, including the potential to modify keratinocyte biology. Keratinocytes are important epithelial cells that play a protective role against various chemical, physical and biological stimuli, and participate in reactive oxygen scavenging and inflammation and wound healing processes. The epidermal cell response may be modulated by phytochemicals via changes in signal transduction pathways. Plant extracts and single secondary compounds can possess a high antioxidant capacity and may suppress reactive oxygen species release, inhibit pro-apoptotic proteins and apoptosis and activate antioxidant enzymes in keratinocytes. Moreover, selected plant extracts and single compounds also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and exposure may result in limited production of adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes. In addition, plant extracts and single compounds may promote keratinocyte motility and proliferation via the regulation of growth factor production and enhance wound healing. While such plant compounds may modulate keratinocyte functions, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed on their mechanisms of action, and more specific toxicity and clinical studies are needed to ensure their effectiveness and safety for use on human skin.

Chemical and biological basis for development of novel radioprotective drugs for cancer therapy

Ionizing radiation (IR) causes chemical changes in biological systems through direct interaction with the macromolecules or by causing radiolysis of water. This property of IR is harnessed in the clinic for radiotherapy in almost 50% of cancers patients. Despite the advent of stereotactic radiotherapy instruments and other advancements in shielding techniques, the inadvertent deposition of radiation dose in the surrounding normal tissue can cause late effects of radiation injury in normal tissues. Radioprotectors, which are chemical or biological agents, can reduce or mitigate these toxic side-effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients and also during radiation accidents. The desired characteristics of an ideal radioprotector include low chemical toxicity, high risk to benefit ratio and specific protection of normal cells against the harmful effects of radiation without compromising the cytotoxic effects of IR on cancer cells. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the major contributors of IR mediated toxicity, plethora of studies have highlighted the potential role of antioxidants to protect against IR induced damage. However, owing to the lack of any clinically approved radioprotector against whole body radiation, researchers have shifted the focus toward finding alternate targets that could be exploited for the development of novel agents. The present review provides a comprehensive insight in to the different strategies, encompassing prime molecular targets, which have been employed to develop radiation protectors/countermeasures. It is anticipated that understanding such factors will lead to the development of novel strategies for increasing the outcome of radiotherapy by minimizing normal tissue toxicity.

C/EBPβ suppresses keratinocyte autonomous type 1 IFN response and p53 to increase cell survival and susceptibility to UVB-induced skin cancer

p53 is activated by DNA damage and oncogenic stimuli to regulate senescence, apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, which are essential to prevent cancer. Here, we utilized UVB radiation, a potent inducer of DNA damage, p53, apoptosis and skin cancer to investigate the mechanism of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β (C/EBPβ) in regulating p53-mediated apoptosis in keratinocytes and to test whether the deletion of C/EBPβ in epidermis can protect mice from UVB-induced skin cancer. UVB-treatment of C/EBPβ skin conditional knockout (CKOβ) mice increased p53 protein levels in epidermis and enhanced p53-dependent apoptotic activity 3-fold compared with UVB-treated control mice. UVB increased C/EBPβ levels through a p53-dependent pathway and stimulated the formation of a C/EBPβ-p53 protein complex; knockdown of C/EBPβ increased p53 protein stability in keratinocytes. These results suggest a p53-C/EBPβ feedback loop, whereby C/EBPβ, a transcriptional target of a p53 pathway, functions as a survival factor by negatively regulating p53 apoptotic activity in response to DNA damage. RNAseq analysis of UVB-treated CKOβ epidermis unexpectedly revealed that type 1 interferon (IFN) pathway was the most highly enriched pathway. Numerous pro-apoptotic interferon stimulated genes were upregulated including some known to enhance p53 apoptosis. Our results indicate that p53 and IFN pathways function together in response to DNA damage to result in the activation of extrinsic apoptosis pathways and caspase 8 cleavage. Last, we observed CKOβ mice were resistant to UVB-induced skin cancer. Our results suggest that C/EBPβ represses apoptosis through keratinocyte autonomous suppression of the type 1 IFN response and p53 to increase cell survival and susceptibility to UVB-induced skin cancer.

Involvement of Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling Pathway in Proliferation of Urethral Plate Fibroblasts in Finasteride-Induced Rat Hypospadias

Background

We investigated the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in finasteride-induced hypospadias rats and explored the mechanisms involved.

Material/Methods

The hypospadias model was established by intragastric administration of finasteride and confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The urethral plate fibroblasts (UPF) were obtained from normal and modeled rats and identified based upon vimentin expression. Thereafter, UPF were divided into a normal control group, a model group, a model + MAPK inhibitor group, and a model + ERK inhibitor group. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycling of UPF were assessed. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate expression of the MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis-related genes.

Results

HE staining confirmed that 10 mg/kg finasteride caused severe hypospadias in rats. UPFs obtained from the 10 mg/kg finasteride group showed higher proliferation and cell cycling and lower apoptosis compared with those obtained from the normal control group (P<0.05). Interestingly, a MAPK inhibitor or an ERK inhibitor could attenuate the abnormalities of cell proliferation, cycling, and apoptosis of UPF induced by finasteride. Compared with controls, the relative expression of p-MEK1/MEK1, caspase 3, and P53 in the UPF of the model group were reduced, while the relative expression of p-MAPK14/MAPK14 was increased in the cells of the model group. By contrast, a MAPK inhibitor or an ERK inhibitor could alleviate the abnormalities of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and apoptosis-related gene expression induced by finasteride.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycling of UPFs in finasteride-induced hypospadias.

Ultraviolet Light (UV) Regulation of the TNF Family Decoy Receptors DcR2 and DcR3 in Human Keratinocytes

Background:

Several additional members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family were recently identified. The existence of such receptors, which may play distinct and unique regulatory roles, suggests that complex regulatory mechanisms are involved in apoptosis.

Objective:

This study examines the expression of several members of the TNF receptor family in human keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation.

Methods:

Human keratinocytes were exposed to increasing doses of UVB, total RNA was harvested, and a quantitative RNase protection assay was performed.

Results:

Decoy receptor-3 (DcR3), a nonfunctional receptor that binds to Fas ligand (FasL), was constitutively expressed at high level in keratinocytes but decreased rapidly in cells exposed to UVB. Decoy receptor-2 (DcR2), a nonfunctional receptor that binds to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)/APO-2L, showed the opposite expression pattern. DcR2 was undetectable in unirradiated keratinocytes and was markedly up-regulated after exposure to UVB. Although the response showed significant delays at higher UVB doses, the patterns observed for DcR3 and DcR2 were consistent in this set of experiments.

Conclusion:

We conclude that UVB regulates expression of these two TNF decoy receptors in keratinocytes. This pathway may represent a novel mechanism for regulation of apoptosis in the skin.

Molecular Aspects of Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Apoptosis in the Skin

Background:

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an essential physiological process that controls cell numbers during physiological processes, and eliminates abnormal cells that can potentially harm an organism.

Objective:

This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of apoptosis induction in skin by UV radiation.

Methods:

A review of the literature was undertaken focusing on cell death in the skin secondary to UV radiation.

Results:

It is evident that a number of apoptotic pathways, both intrinsic and extrinsic, are induced following exposure to damaging UV radiation.

Conclusion:

Although our understanding of the apoptotic processes is gradually increasing, many important aspects remain obscure. These include interconnections between pathways, wavelength-specific differences and cell type differences.

Inhibition of mTOR by apigenin in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes: A new implication of skin cancer prevention

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the major environmental risk factor for developing skin cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, which is characterized by aberrant activation of Akt/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). Importantly, the link between UV irradiation and mTOR signaling has not been fully established. Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that has been shown to inhibit UV-induced skin cancer. Previously, we have demonstrated that apigenin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which leads to suppression of basal mTOR activity in cultured keratinocytes. Here, we demonstrated that apigenin inhibited UVB-induced mTOR activation, cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in mouse skin and in mouse epidermal keratinocytes. Interestingly, UVB induced mTOR signaling via PI3K/Akt pathway, however, the inhibition of UVB-induced mTOR signaling by apigenin was not Akt-dependent. Instead, it was driven by AMPK activation. In addition, mTOR inhibition by apigenin in keratinocytes enhanced autophagy, which was responsible, at least in part, for the decreased proliferation in keratinocytes. In contrast, apigenin did not alter UVB-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicate the important role of mTOR inhibition in UVB protection by apigenin, and provide a new target and strategy for better prevention of UV-induced skin cancer.

Long noncoding RNA lincRNA-p21 is the major mediator of UVB-induced and p53-dependent apoptosis in keratinocytes

LincRNA-p21 is a long noncoding RNA and a transcriptional target of p53 and HIF-1α. LincRNA-p21 regulates gene expression in cis and trans, mRNA translation, protein stability, the Warburg effect, and p53-dependent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in doxorubicin-treated mouse embryo fibroblasts. p53 plays a key role in the response of skin keratinocytes to UVB-induced DNA damage by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In skin cancer development, UVB-induced mutation of p53 allows keratinocytes upon successive UVB exposures to evade apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. We hypothesized that lincRNA-p21 has a key functional role in UVB-induced apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest in keratinocytes and loss of lincRNA-p21 function results in the evasion of apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest. We observed that lincRNA-p21 transcripts are highly inducible by UVB in mouse and human keratinocytes in culture and in mouse skin in vivo. LincRNA-p21 is regulated at the transcriptional level in response to UVB, and the UVB induction of lincRNA-p21 in keratinocytes and in vivo in mouse epidermis is primarily through a p53-dependent pathway. Knockdown of lincRNA-p21 blocked UVB-induced apoptosis in mouse and human keratinocytes, and lincRNA-p21 was responsible for the majority of UVB-induced and p53-mediated apoptosis in keratinocytes. Knockdown of lincRNA-p21 had no effect on cell proliferation in untreated or UVB-treated keratinocytes. An early event in skin cancer is the mutation of a single p53 allele. We observed that a mutant p53^+/R172H allele expressed in mouse epidermis (K5Cre^+/tg;LSLp53^+/R172H) showed a significant dominant-negative inhibitory effect on UVB-induced lincRNA-p21 transcription and apoptosis in epidermis. We conclude lincRNA-p21 is highly inducible by UVB and has a key role in triggering UVB-induced apoptotic death. We propose that the mutation of a single p53 allele provides a pro-oncogenic function early in skin cancer development through a dominant inhibitory effect on UVB-induced lincRNA-p21 expression and the subsequent evasion of UVB-induced apoptosis.

The basal transcription machinery as a target for cancer therapy

General transcription is required for the growth and survival of all living cells. However, tumor cells require extraordinary levels of transcription, including the transcription of ribosomal RNA genes by RNA polymerase I (RNPI) and mRNA by RNA polymerase II (RNPII). In fact, cancer cells have mutations that directly enhance transcription and are frequently required for cancer transformation. For example, the recent discovery that MYC enhances the transcription of the majority genes in the genome correlates with the fact that several transcription interfering drugs preferentially kill cancer cells. In recent years, advances in the mechanistic studies of the basal transcription machinery and the discovery of drugs that interfere with multiple components of transcription are being used to combat cancer. For example, drugs such as triptolide that targets the general transcription factors TFIIH and JQ1 to inhibit BRD4 are administered to target the high proliferative rate of cancer cells. Given the importance of finding new strategies to preferentially sensitize tumor cells, this review primarily focuses on several transcription inhibitory drugs to demonstrate that the basal transcription machinery constitutes a potential target for the design of novel cancer drugs. We highlight the drugs’ mechanisms for interfering with tumor cell survival, their importance in cancer treatment and the challenges of clinical application.

BNIP3 plays crucial roles in the differentiation and maintenance of epidermal keratinocytes

Transcriptome analysis of the epidermis of Hes1(-/-) mouse revealed the direct relationship between Hes1 (hairy and enhancer of split-1) and BNIP3 (BCL2 and adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3), a potent inducer of autophagy. Keratinocyte differentiation is going along with activation of lysosomal enzymes and organelle clearance, expecting the contribution of autophagy in this process. We found that BNIP3 was expressed in the suprabasal layer of the epidermis, where autophagosome formation is normally observed. Forced expression of BNIP3 in human primary epidermal keratinocytes (HPEKs) resulted in autophagy induction and keratinocyte differentiation, whereas knockdown of BNIP3 had the opposite effect. Intriguingly, addition of an autophagy inhibitor significantly suppressed the BNIP3-stimulated differentiation of keratinocytes, suggesting that BNIP3 plays a crucial role in keratinocyte differentiation by inducing autophagy. Furthermore, the number of dead cells increased in the human epidermal equivalent of BNIP3 knockdown keratinocytes, which suggests that BNIP3 is important for maintenance of skin epidermis. Interestingly, although UVB irradiation stimulated BNIP3 expression and cleavage of caspase3, suppression of UVB-induced BNIP3 expression led to further increase in cleaved caspase3 levels. This suggests that BNIP3 has a protective effect against UVB-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes. Overall, our data provide valuable insights into the role of BNIP3 in the differentiation and maintenance of epidermal keratinocytes.

The role of AKT/mTOR pathway in stress response to UV-irradiation: implication in skin carcinogenesis by regulation of apoptosis, autophagy and senescence

Induction of DNA damage by UVB and UVA radiation may generate mutations and genomic instability leading to carcinogenesis. Therefore, skin cells being repeatedly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light have acquired multilayered protective mechanisms to avoid malignant transformation. Besides extensive DNA repair mechanisms, the damaged skin cells can be eliminated by induction of apoptosis, which is mediated through the action of tumor suppressor p53. In order to prevent the excessive loss of skin cells and to maintain the skin barrier function, apoptotic pathways are counteracted by anti-apoptotic signaling including the AKT/mTOR pathway. However, AKT/mTOR not only prevents cell death, but is also active in cell cycle transition and hyper-proliferation, thereby also counteracting p53. In turn, AKT/mTOR is tuned down by the negative regulators being controlled by the p53. This inhibition of AKT/mTOR, in combination with transactivation of damage-regulated autophagy modulators, guides the p53-mediated elimination of damaged cellular components by autophagic clearance. Alternatively, p53 irreversibly blocks cell cycle progression to prevent AKT/mTOR-driven proliferation, thereby inducing premature senescence. Conclusively, AKT/mTOR via an extensive cross talk with p53 influences the UV response in the skin with no black and white scenario deciding over death or survival.

Molecular Mechanisms of UV-Induced Apoptosis and Its Effects on Skin Residential Cells: The Implication in UV-Based Phototherapy

The human skin is an integral system that acts as a physical and immunological barrier to outside pathogens, toxicants, and harmful irradiations. Environmental ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun might potentially play a more active role in regulating several important biological responses in the context of global warming. UV rays first encounter the uppermost epidermal keratinocytes causing apoptosis. The molecular mechanisms of UV-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes include direct DNA damage (intrinsic), clustering of death receptors on the cell surface (extrinsic), and generation of ROS. When apoptotic keratinocytes are processed by adjacent immature Langerhans cells (LCs), the inappropriately activated Langerhans cells could result in immunosuppression. Furthermore, UV can deplete LCs in the epidermis and impair their migratory capacity, leading to their accumulation in the dermis. Intriguingly, receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) activation of LCs by UV can induce the pro-survival and anti-apoptotic signals due to the upregulation of Bcl-xL, leading to the generation of regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, a physiological dosage of UV can also enhance melanocyte survival and melanogenesis. Analogous to its effect in keratinocytes, a therapeutic dosage of UV can induce cell cycle arrest, activate antioxidant and DNA repair enzymes, and induce apoptosis through translocation of the Bcl-2 family proteins in melanocytes to ensure genomic integrity and survival of melanocytes. Furthermore, UV can elicit the synthesis of vitamin D, an important molecule in calcium homeostasis of various types of skin cells contributing to DNA repair and immunomodulation. Taken together, the above-mentioned effects of UV on apoptosis and its related biological effects such as proliferation inhibition, melanin synthesis, and immunomodulations on skin residential cells have provided an integrated biochemical and molecular biological basis for phototherapy that has been widely used in the treatment of many dermatological diseases.

Manganese superoxide dismutase is a mitochondrial fidelity protein that protects Polγ against UV-induced inactivation

Manganese superoxide dismutase is a nuclear encoded primary antioxidant enzyme localized exclusively in the mitochondrial matrix. Genotoxic agents, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, generates oxidative stress and cause mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. The mtDNA polymerase (Polγ), a major constituent of nucleoids, is responsible for the replication and repair of the mitochondrial genome. Recent studies suggest that the mitochondria contain fidelity proteins and MnSOD constitutes an integral part of the nucleoid complex. However, it is not known whether or how MnSOD participates in the mitochondrial repair processes. Using skin tissue from C57BL/6 mice exposed to UVB radiation, we demonstrate that MnSOD has a critical role in preventing mtDNA damage by protecting the function of Polγ. Quantitative-PCR analysis shows an increase in mtDNA damage after UVB exposure. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting studies demonstrate p53 translocation to the mitochondria and interaction with Polγ after UVB exposure. The mtDNA immunoprecipitation assay with Polγ and p53 antibodies in p53(+/+) and p53(-/-) mice demonstrates an interaction between MnSOD, p53 and Polγ. The results suggest that these proteins form a complex for the repair of UVB-associated mtDNA damage. The data also demonstrate that UVB exposure injures the mtDNA D-loop in a p53-dependent manner. Using MnSOD-deficient mice we demonstrate that UVB-induced mtDNA damage is MnSOD dependent. Exposure to UVB results in nitration and inactivation of Polγ, which is prevented by addition of the MnSOD mimetic Mn(III)TE-2-PyP(5+). These results demonstrate for the first time that MnSOD is a fidelity protein that maintains the activity of Polγ by preventing UVB-induced nitration and inactivation of Polγ. The data also demonstrate that MnSOD has a role along with p53 to prevent mtDNA damage.

p63 maintains keratinocyte proliferative capacity through regulation of Skp2-p130 levels

p63 is a master regulator of proliferation and differentiation in stratifying epithelia, and its expression is frequently altered in carcinogenesis. However, its role in maintaining proliferative capacity remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that hypoproliferation and loss of differentiation in organotypic raft cultures of primary neonatal human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) depleted of the α and β isoforms of p63 result from p53-p21-mediated accumulation of retinoblastoma (Rb) family member p130. Hypoproliferation in p63-depleted HFKs can be rescued by depletion of p53, p21(CIP1) or p130. Furthermore, we identified the gene encoding S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), the recognition component of the SCF(Skp2) E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a novel target of p63, potentially influencing p130 levels. Expression of Skp2 is maintained by p63 binding to a site in intron 2 and mRNA levels are downregulated in p63-depleted cells. Hypoproliferation in p63-depleted cells can be restored by re-expression of Skp2. Taken together, these results indicate that p63 plays a multifaceted role in maintaining proliferation in the mature regenerating epidermis, in addition to being required for differentiation.

Regulation of tissue- and stimulus-specific cell fate decisions by p53 in vivo

The tumour suppressor p53 pathway is often inactivated by multiple mechanisms in the genesis of human cancers. Aberrant cellular proliferation, DNA damage, hypoxia, and ribosomal stress cause activation of the p53 tumour suppressor with multiple possible consequences to the cell: cell death, cell cycle arrest, or senescence. These mechanisms ultimately ensure that the cell does not replicate, and are thus potent tumour suppressor mechanisms. An important question that has eluded the field is how p53 makes these cell fate decisions. This review summarizes the current status of knowledge regarding p53-mediated stress and tissue-dependent cell fate decisions in mouse models and human tumours.

p53 and MDM2 protein expression in actinic cheilitis

Actinic cheilitis is a potentially malignant lip lesion caused by excessive and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to histomorphological alterations indicative of abnormal cell differentiation. In this pathology, varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia may be found. There are few published studies regarding the p53 and MDM2 proteins in actinic cheilitis. Fifty-eight cases diagnosed with actinic cheilitis were histologically evaluated using Banóczy and Csiba (1976) parameters, and were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using the streptavidin-biotin method in order to assess p53 and MDM2 protein expression. All studied cases expressed p53 proteins in basal and suprabasal layers. In the basal layer, the nuclei testing positive for p53 were stained intensely, while in the suprabasal layer, cells with slightly stained nuclei were predominant. All cases also tested positive for the MDM2 protein, but with varying degrees of nuclear expression and a predominance of slightly stained cells. A statistically significant correlation between the percentage of p53 and MDM2-positive cells was established, regardless of the degree of epithelial dysplasia. The expression of p53 and MDM2 proteins in actinic cheilitis can be an important indicator in lip carcinogenesis, regardless of the degree of epithelial dysplasia.

p53 tumor suppressor gene: a critical molecular target for UV induction and prevention of skin cancer

The relationship between exposure to UV radiation and development of skin cancer has been well established. Several studies have shown that UVB induces unique mutations (C-->T and CC-->TT transitions) in the p53 tumor suppressor gene that are not commonly induced by other carcinogens. Our studies have demonstrated that UV-induced mouse skin cancers contain p53 mutations at a high frequency and that these mutations can be detected in UV-irradiated mouse skin well before the appearance of skin tumors. This observation suggested that it might be possible to use p53 mutations as a biologic endpoint for testing the efficacy of sunscreens in photoprotection studies. Indeed, application of SPF 15 sunscreens to mouse skin before each UVB irradiation resulted in reduction in the number of p53 mutations. Because p53 mutations represent an early essential step in photocarcinogenesis, these results imply that inhibition of this event may protect against skin cancer development. This hypothesis was confirmed by our finding that sunscreens used in p53 mutation inhibition experiments also protected mice against UVB-induced skin cancer.

A novel role for protein kinase Cdelta-mediated phosphorylation of acid sphingomyelinase in UV light-induced mitochondrial injury

Multiple studies have addressed the mechanisms by which ultraviolet (UV) light induces cell death, and a few have focused on stress mediators such as acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) or protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta). Based on a recent study that identified a novel mechanism of activation of ASMase through phosphorylation, the current study was undertaken to determine the upstream mechanisms regulating ASMase in response to UV and to investigate the role of ASMase and its phosphorylation at S508 as an integral event during UV light-induced cell death. Exposure of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to UV light type C (UVC) transiently activated ASMase with maximal activity detected at 10 min postirradiation. A significant increase in C16-ceramide was detected concomitant with a decrease in C16-sphingomyelin. In marked contrast, cells overexpressing the ASMase(S508A) mutant, which could not be phosphorylated, had no change in either ASMase activity or ceramide levels post-UV radiation. Loss of PKCdelta by RNA interference or its inhibition by rottlerin blocked ASMase phosphorylation and membrane targeting, thus implicating PKCdelta upstream of ASMase activation by UV light. Further investigations revealed that UV radiation altered mitochondrial morphology from elongated tubules to fragmented perinuclear organelles, consistent with the onset of the apoptotic cascade. Importantly, cells overexpressing ASMase(S508A) were protected (>50%) from UV light-induced mitochondrial fragmentation. Mechanistically, the results showed that ASMase(S508A) cells had 50% less active Bax than ASMase(WT) cells. These molecular differences culminated in resistance of ASMase(S508) cells to UVC-induced cell death (25%) as compared to ASMase(WT) cells (46%). Taken together, this study provides key molecular insights into activation of ASMase in response to UV light, the role of PKCdelta in this activation, and the role of ASMase in mediating apoptotic responses.

Molecular Aspects of Ultraviolet Radiation-induced Apoptosis in the Skin

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an essential physiological process that controls cell numbers during physiological processes, and eliminates abnormal cells that can potentially harm an organism.

OBJECTIVE

This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of apoptosis induction in skin by UV radiation.

METHODS

A review of the literature was undertaken focusing on cell death in the skin secondary to UV radiation.

RESULTS

It is evident that a number of apoptotic pathways, both intrinsic and extrinsic, are induced following exposure to damaging UV radiation.

CONCLUSION

Although our understanding of the apoptotic processes is gradually increasing, many important aspects remain obscure. These include interconnections between pathways, wavelength-specific differences and cell type differences.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes: on the role of cytosolic factors

Epidemiological and experimental evidences have established solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation as the leading cause of skin cancers. Specifically, the frequency of non-melanoma skin cancer, one of the malignancies with the most rapidly increasing incidence, is directly related to the total exposure to solar UV light. As part of a general effort to elucidate the components of cellular signal transduction pathways, the mechanisms of cellular responses to UV radiation have received considerable attention over the last few years. These efforts were driven mainly by the conviction that understanding how normal cells respond to extracellular stimuli such as exposure to UV radiation will undoubtedly help in deciphering what goes wrong in a variety of clinical disorders including skin cancers and will assist in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Studies over the last decade have established that UV radiation induces a bewildering array of signal transduction pathways, some of which could lead to apoptotic cell death. UV-induced cell death by apoptosis is considered to be a natural protective mechanism that removes damaged keratinocytes and circumvents the risk of malignant transformation. In this review, we summarize some of the most important findings regarding the response and role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in UVA and UVB radiation-induced signaling to apoptosis in keratinocytes. We will also briefly discuss what is known about the role of the BCL-2 family of proteins, the emerging role of lysosomal proteases and other important cytosolic signaling proteins in UV-induced apoptosis.

Cellular UV damage responses--functions of tumor suppressor p53

DNA damage, provoked by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, evokes a cellular damage response composed of activation of stress signaling and DNA checkpoint functions. These are translated to responses of replicative arrest, damage repair, and apoptosis aimed at cellular recovery from the damage. p53 tumor suppressor is a central stress response protein, activated by multiple endogenous and environmental insults, including UV radiation. The significance of p53 in the DNA damage responses has frequently been reviewed in the context of ionizing radiation or other double strand break (DSB)-inducing agents. Despite partly similar patterns, the molecular events following UV radiation are, however, distinct from the responses induced by DSBs and are profoundly coupled with transcriptional stress. These are illustrated, e.g., by the UV damage-specific translocations of Mdm2, promyelocytic leukemia protein, and nucleophosmin and their interactions with p53. In this review, we discuss UV damage-provoked cellular responses and the functions of p53 in damage recovery and cell death.

The sunburn cell: Regulation of death and survival of the keratinocyte

Sunburn cells are keratinocytes undergoing apoptosis after they have received a physiological UVB dose that irreversibly and severely damaged their DNA or other chromophores. If these cells would escape programmed cell death, a cancer prone phenotype could arise. On the other hand, if the decision to die is made too prematurely, the proliferative compartment of basal keratinocytes would be inevitably lost, thereby hampering normal skin homeostasis. Pro- and anti-apoptotic mediators carefully control crucial points of the cell death program by regulating complex signalling cascades originating at the cell membrane, the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The balance between survival and apoptogenic factors determines the final cell fate, and growing evidence suggests that the deregulation of this balance by chronic UVB stress, results in the development of skin malignancy. The present paper reviews recent data on the major pathways regulating UVB-induced sunburn cell formation and implicates the deregulation of these pathways in the development of skin cancer.

Fate of UVB-induced p53 mutations in SKH-hr1 mouse skin after discontinuation of irradiation: relationship to skin cancer development

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin cancer in humans and mice. We have previously shown that in hairless SKH-hr1 mice, UVB-induced p53 mutations arise very early, well before tumor development. In this study, we investigated whether discontinuation of UVB exposure before the onset of skin tumors results in the disappearance of p53 mutations in the skin of hairless SKH-hr1 mice. Irradiation of mice at a dose of 2.5 kJ/m2 three times a week for 8 weeks induced p53 mutations in the epidermal keratinocytes of 100% of the mice. UVB irradiation was discontinued after 8 weeks, but p53 mutations at most hotspot codons were still present even 22 weeks later. During that period, the percent of mice carrying p53(V154A/R155C), p53(H175H/H176Y), and p53R275C mutant alleles remained at or near 100%, whereas the percentage of mice with p53R270C mutation decreased by 45%. As expected, discontinuation of UVB after 8 weeks resulted in a delay in tumor development. A 100% of tumors carried p53(V154A/R155C) mutant alleles, 76% carried p53(H175H/H176Y) mutants, and 24 and 19% carried p53R270C and p53R275C mutants, respectively. These results suggest that different UVB-induced p53 mutants may provide different survival advantages to keratinocytes in the absence of further UVB exposure and that skin cancer development can be delayed but not prevented by avoidance of further exposure to UVB radiation.

[Isolation of mitochondrial DNA binding proteins which are specific for maize cox1 promoter]

We purified DNA binding proteins which interact with the promoter region of cox1 gene from maize mitochondria. Presence of poly[dIdC-dIdC] and KCl in concentrations up to 500 mM had no influence on binding efficiency demonstrating high specificity of complexes formed. Surprisingly, we did not detect DNA binding when probes containing promoter regions of other mitochondrial genes (cox3, rrn26) were used. Mobility shift competition studies also suggest that the protein posseses binding specificity towards cox1 promoter. The core motif AAGTA proved to be necessary for DNA binding. Using combination of EMSA and elution of proteins from PAG we showed that DNA-protein complex formed contains three polypeptides with molecular mass 60, 44 and 22 kD. We suggest that the isolated proteins may play an important role in the regulation of plant cox1 gene transcription.

Loss of p21WAF1/Cip1 in Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes restores DNA repair capacity

Ultraviolet light (UV)-induced DNA damage is repaired primarily by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Gadd45 is a multifunctional protein that regulates NER. Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes fail to repair UV-induced DNA damage, but the mechanism by which Gadd45 stimulates repair of UV-induced DNA damage is unknown. p21WAF1/Cip1 (p21) is a well-characterized downstream target of p53 that binds to Gadd45 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The role of p21 in NER is somewhat controversial, however, recent studies appear to suggest that it inhibits DNA repair by inhibiting PCNA activity. Since a physical interplay exists between p21, Gadd45 and PCNA, we hypothesized that Gadd45 promoted DNA repair via p21. Initially, we examined p21 protein expression in Gadd45-deficient and proficient mice and found a higher base level of p21 protein in Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes and in most other tissues. With these results, we next speculated on the role played by p21 in Gadd45 regulated NER, by exposing keratinocytes from wild-type, single and double knockout (Gadd45 and p21) mice to UV, and measuring the responses. We confirmed that Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes were defective in UV-induced NER, but interestingly Gadd45/p21-null keratinocytes had normal NER in response to UV. Furthermore, Gadd45/p21-null keratinocytes were more resistant to UV-induced cell death than Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes. These results support the hypothesis that Gadd45 enhances NER by negatively regulating basal p21 expression in keratinocytes.

Expression of apoptotic and cell proliferation regulatory proteins in actinic cheilitis

BACKGROUND

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a pre-malignant lesion caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The apoptotic proteins p53, bax, bcl-2, and the proliferation marker Ki-67, are known to play an important role in UV-exposed skin and carcinomas, therefore, these markers were assessed in AC and compared with normal lip and oral mucosa.

METHODS

AC (n = 13), normal lip (n = 7) and oral mucosa (n = 6) biopsies were stained immunohistochemically for p53, bax, bcl-2 and Ki-67, to determine their expression and distribution.

RESULTS

p53 was over-expressed in AC as compared with normal lip and oral mucosa (P < 0.003). Although bcl-2 expression was higher in AC than in oral mucosa (P < 0.002), it was significantly reduced as compared with normal lip (P < 0.04). Bax expression remained unchanged, and Ki-67 was significantly increased in AC and normal lip as compared with oral mucosa (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that DNA-damaged cells by UV radiation in AC are eliminated by apoptosis.

pRb2/p130 decreases sensitivity to apoptosis induced by camptothecin and doxorubicin but not by taxol

PURPOSE

In addition to their original function as cell cycle regulators, retinoblastoma (Rb) family members were recently reported to modulate the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible role of pRb2/p130 in the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to camptothecin, doxorubicin, and taxol.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

pRb2/p130 was overexpressed in the CAOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line, and the effect of pRb2/p130 overexpression on sensitivity to apoptosis trigged by IC(50) doses of different drugs was evaluated by various methods, including 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

The results reported in this study support the conclusion that overexpression of pRb2/p130 in the CAOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line lacking wild-type p53 is able to inhibit apoptosis triggered by camptothecin and doxorubicin through the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase signaling transduction pathway. Conversely, taxol-induced cell death is not influenced by the pRb2/p130 protein level.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful analysis of pRb2/p130 expression in tumor specimens could help to identify the best clinical protocol to be used for each patient, improving efficacy and tolerance and therefore offering additional progress in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.

Cell and tissue responses to genotoxic stress

Cancers arise as a consequence of the accumulation of multiple genetic mutations in a susceptible cell, resulting in perturbation of regulatory networks that control proliferation, survival, and cellular function. Here, the sources of cellular stress that can cause oncogenic mutations and the responses of cells to DNA damage are reviewed. The role of different repair pathways and the potential for cell- and tissue-specific reliance on individual repair mechanisms are discussed. Evidence for cell- and tissue-specific activation of p53-mediated growth arrest and apoptosis after exposure to an individual genotoxin is assessed and some of the potential mediators of these different responses are provided. These cell- and tissue-specific responses to particular forms of DNA damage are likely to be key determinants of tissue-specific tumour susceptibility, and there is good evidence for genetic variations in these responses. The role that genotoxic agents play in altering the microenvironment to produce indirect effects on tumourigenesis through altered production of free radicals and cytokines that are characteristic of inflammatory-type processes is also evaluated. Changes to the microenvironment as direct or indirect effects of genotoxic stress can be involved in both tumour initiation and progression and may even be a prerequisite for tumourigenesis. Therefore, tumour susceptibility after endogenous or exogenous genotoxic stress represents a balance between cell-intrinsic responses of target cells and changes to the microenvironment. A fuller understanding of cell- and tissue-specific responses, alterations to the microenvironment, and genetic modifiers of these responses could lead to novel prevention and therapeutic strategies for common forms of human malignancy.

UV induced bystander signaling leading to apoptosis

Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were exposed to UV (A+B) (UVA-350-400 mJ/cm2 and UVB-30 mJ/cm2) which induces apoptosis as evidenced by MTT assay, DNA laddering, Bax and Fas up-regulation. UV induced apoptotic conditioned media (6 h or earlier) did not cause apoptosis in unexposed cells. However, treatment with conditioned medium collected post UV exposure (1 h) induced Bax in unexposed cells as observed by RT-PCR. The induction of cell death was initiated by conditioned medium collected 12 h after UV exposure and the extent of death was increased progressively when conditioned medium collected 24 or 72 h post UV exposure was used. Medium collected 24 h after UV exposure also increased mitochondrial membrane permeability as determined by rhodamine uptake. Conditioned medium induced apoptosis did not involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) unlike UV induced apoptosis indicating that the apoptosis pathway could be different. Interestingly, at high dilution apototic conditioned medium did not induce apoptosis but actually protected cells from UV insult. The role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in UV induced bystander effects are also discussed.

Silibinin protects against photocarcinogenesis via modulation of cell cycle regulators, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and Akt signaling

Here, we assessed the protective effect of silibinin on UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice. Topical application of silibinin before or immediately after UVB exposure or its dietary feeding resulted in a strong protection against photocarcinogenesis, in terms of tumor multiplicity (60-66%; P < 0.001), tumor volume per mouse (93-97%; P < 0.001) and tumor volume per tumor (80-91%; P < 0.001). Silibinin also moderately inhibited tumor incidence (5-15%; P < 0.01) and delayed tumor latency period (up to 4 weeks; P < 0.01-0.001). To investigate in vivo molecular mechanisms of silibinin efficacy, tumors and uninvolved skin from tumor-bearing mice were examined immunohistochemically for proliferation, p53, apoptosis, and activated caspase-3. Silibinin treatment showed a strong decrease (P < 0.001) in proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and an increase in p53-positive (P < 0.005-0.001), terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated nick end labeling-positive (P < 0.005-0.001), and cleaved caspase-3-positive cells (P < 0.001). Western blot analysis of normal skin and tumor lysates showed that silibinin decreases the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and associated cyclins A, E, and D1, together with an up-regulation of Cip1/p21, Kip1/p27, and p53. Silibinin also showed a strong phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, stress-activated protein kinase/c-JUN NH2-terminal kinase 1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases but inhibited Akt phosphorylation and decreased survivin levels with an increase in cleaved caspase-3. Together, these results show a strong preventive efficacy of silibinin against photocarcinogenesis, which involves the inhibition of DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and cell cycle progression and an induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, these results also identify in vivo molecular mechanisms of silibinin efficacy against photocarcinogenesis.

Activation of p38 MAPK is required for Bax translocation to mitochondria, cytochrome c release and apoptosis induced by UVB irradiation in human keratinocytes

This study establishes that activation of p38 MAPK by UVB represents a crucial signal required for the conformational change and translocation of Bax to the mitochondria in human keratinocytes. UVB-induced Bax translocation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release, which precede caspase activation and other endpoints of the apoptotic program such as chromatin fragmentation and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, are blocked by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the p38alpha MAPK. Inhibition of p38 MAPK strongly reduces the UVB-induced formation of sunburn cells and blocks Bax conformational change both in cultured human keratinocytes and in human skin, providing clear evidence for the physiological role of the p38 MAPK-Bax pathway in the removal of precancerous, UVB-damaged keratinocytes. Furthermore, we show that Bcl-2 overexpression, but not the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk, blocks Bax conformational change and its subsequent translocation downstream of p38 MAPK. These data indicate that the activation of p38 MAPK by UVB engages a caspase-independent death signal leading to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and apoptosis in human keratinocytes and suggest that p38 MAPK might have a preventive role in the process of photocarcinogenesis.

Honokiol induces apoptosis through p53-independent pathway in human colorectal cell line RKO

AIM: To investigate the signal pathway of honokiol-induced apoptosis on human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells and to evaluate whether p53 and p53-related genes were involved in honokiol-treated RKO cells.

METHODS: Cell cycle distribution and subdiploid peak were analyzed with a flow cytometer and DNA fragment with electrophoresis on agarose gels. Transcriptional level of Bax, Bcl- 2, Bid and Bcl-xl was accessed by RT-PCR. Western blotting was used to measure p53 protein expression and other factors related to apoptosis. Proliferation inhibition of two cell lines (RKO, SW480) with high expression of p53 and one cell line with p53 negative expression (LS180) was monitored by MTT assay.

RESULTS: Honokiol induced RKO cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA expression level and protein level of Bid were up -regulated while that of Bcl-xl was down-regulated, but no changes in Bax and Bcl-2 were observed. Western blotting showed p53 expression had no remarkable changes in honokiol-induced RKO cell apoptosis. LS180 cells treated with honokiol exhibited apparent growth inhibition like RKO cells and Sw480 cells.

CONCLUSION: Honokiol can induce RKO cells apoptosis through activating caspase cascade by p53-indepenent pathway.

The density of epidermal p53 clones is higher adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

It is well accepted that ultraviolet radiation from the sun can induce and promote growth of skin tumours. Skin cancer develops as a consequence of multiple genetic hits, where an initial, important step includes proliferation of cells susceptible to malignant transformation. Foci of morphologically normal epidermal keratinocytes overexpressing p53 protein are common in chronically sun-exposed skin. Such foci have previously been shown to represent expanding clones of p53-mutated keratinocytes. Although several characteristics concerning epidermal p53 clones remain to be resolved, an important role in skin carcinogenesis is anticipated. The density of epidermal p53 clones in human skin is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the occurrence of epidermal p53 clones in skin surrounding cancers with that in skin surrounding benign melanocytic naevi. To assess the influence of age on frequency and size of epidermal p53 clones in human facial skin.

METHODS

We have analysed the number and sizes of epidermal p53 clones in skin specimens from patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and benign melanocytic naevi. Cases included normal facial skin from four different age groups. Tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained and the presence of p53 clones was recorded. Approximately 1.4 m of epidermis from a total of 112 biopsies was analysed.

RESULTS

We found 128 epidermal p53 clones in biopsy specimens from 112 patients. The results showed that the number and size of p53 clones increase with age. In normal skin adjacent to SCC p53 clones were significantly more numerous and greater in size in comparison with those in normal skin both adjacent to benign naevi and adjacent to BCC. Interestingly, normal skin in the close vicinity of BCC and melanocytic naevi showed similar results regarding both number and size of epidermal p53 clones.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a connection between development of epidermal p53 clones and SCC.

Molecular events associated with apoptosis and proliferation induced by ultraviolet-B radiation in the skin of hairless mice

BACKGROUND

It is recognized that UV radiation produced apoptotic cells (sun burn cells) in the epidermis of mice. However, the relationship between apoptosis and cell proliferation after UV exposure in the skin of hairless mice are still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on molecular events associated with apoptosis and proliferation in SKH1-hr mouse skin.

METHODS

Mice were irradiated with daily UVB exposure of 0.1 or 0.25 J/cm(2) for 14 days. The skin tissues were analyzed at 2 and 24 h after the end irradiation for the presence of apoptotic cells and Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells. We measured the expression of p53, p21, bcl-2, bax and E2F-1.

RESULTS

The results indicated that UVB irradiation caused to increase apoptotic cells in the epidermis of mice. The expression of p53 and p21 was increased at 2 and 24 h after irradiation compared with the control. UV radiation induced high levels of bax at 2 and 24 h after irradiation with a concomitant decrease in bcl-2 expression. The expression of E2F-1 in the skin was also increased at 2 and 24 h after irradiation. Coinciding with these changes, BrdU positive cells increased at 2 and 24 h after UVB exposure at the epidermis of hairless mice, which observed the apoptotic expression.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that UVB irradiation of mouse skin induces apoptosis and is mediated by the p53/p21/E2F-1/bax pathway and that the dead cells are replaced by hyperproliferative cells, leading to epidermal hyperplasia.

Epidermal homeostasis: the role of the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor systems

GH and IGF-I and -II were first identified by their endocrine activity. Specifically, IGF-I was found to mediate the linear growth-promoting actions of GH. It is now evident that these two growth factor systems also exert widespread activity throughout the body and that their actions are not always interconnected. The literature highlights the importance of the GH and IGF systems in normal skin homeostasis, including dermal/epidermal cross-talk. GH activity, sometimes mediated via IGF-I, is primarily evident in the dermis, particularly affecting collagen synthesis. In contrast, IGF action is an important feature of the dermal and epidermal compartments, predominantly enhancing cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The locally expressed IGF binding proteins play significant and complex roles, primarily via modulation of IGF actions. Disturbances in GH and IGF signaling pathways are implicated in the pathophysiology of several skin perturbations, particularly those exhibiting epidermal hyperplasia (e.g., psoriasis, carcinomas). Additionally, many studies emphasize the potential use of both growth factors in the treatment of skin wounds; for example, burn patients. This overview concerns the role and mechanisms of action of the GH and IGF systems in skin and maintenance of epidermal integrity in both health and disease.

Differential expression of proliferation- and apoptosis-related markers in lentigo maligna and solar keratosis keratinocytes

Keratinocytes influence the number, morphology, and proliferation of melanocytes. An interference in the melanocyte-keratinocyte relationship may contribute to melanoma development. This study examined the expression of apoptotic and proliferative markers in keratinocytes in lentigo maligna to characterize the epidermis permissive to these lesions. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from 25 samples of lentigo maligna, 20 samples of solar keratoses, and 5 samples each of normal sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed skin (controls) were immunostained with antibodies directed against the proapoptotic markers bax and p53, the antiapoptotic marker bcl-2, and the proliferation marker ki-67. Eight percent of the lentigo maligna samples were positive for keratinocyte expression of bcl-2, 24% were positive for p53, and 76% were positive for bax; respective findings for solar keratoses were 35%, 85%, and 90%. Comparison with normal sun-exposed skin yielded lower rates of keratinocyte proliferation in 56% of the lentigo maligna samples, similar rates in 36%, and higher rates in 8%; for solar keratoses, proliferation was higher than controls in 60% of samples, similar in 35%, and lower in 5%. All these differences were statistically significant. These findings indicate that there are variable patterns of epidermal reaction to chronic sun exposure. The epidermis in lentigo maligna shows overall low proliferation and an apparently low apoptotic tendency. The dysfunctional epidermis may be permissive to aberrant melanocyte proliferation in the early stages of melanoma development.

Pifithrin-alpha promotes p53-mediated apoptosis in JB6 cells

Recently, blockage of p53-dependent transcriptional activation and apoptosis by pifithrin-alpha (PFTalpha) has been reported to be useful for reducing the side effects of cancer therapy and the compound is thus thought to be a specific inhibitor of p53 [Komarov et al., Science 1999;285:1733-1737]. Here, we found that PFTalpha did not inhibit UVB- or doxorubicin (Dox)-stimulated p53-mediated transcriptional activation and apoptosis in JB6 cells. Instead, p53-dependent activation and apoptosis were not only induced by PFTalpha itself but were also enhanced by a combination of PFTalpha with UVB or Dox. Furthermore, PFTalpha-induced apoptosis was mediated through p53-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and p38 kinase, but not c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), were activated, and these activations were required for phosphorylation and accumulation of p53 in the cellular apoptotic response to PFTalpha. Thus, we conclude that PFTalpha is not a specific p53 inhibitor in JB6 cells but is a potential activator of p53-mediated signaling and apoptosis.

p53 mutations as a marker of skin cancer risk: comparison of UVA and UVB effects

The epidermis is excellently adapted to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The p53 protein plays a crucial role in the orchestration of a cell's response to UV-induced damage, and more specifically to DNA damage. This response appears to differ between differentiated (suprabasal) and undifferentiated (basal) epidermal cells. The latter are the most likely targets in UV carcinogenesis. The UVB-related mutations in p53 genes of human carcinomas from sun-exposed skin indicate that rendering p53 dysfunctional is an important (early) step in the formation of these tumors. Experiments in hairless mice confirm this finding for UVB-driven carcinogenesis, but not for UVA1-(365-nm)-driven carcinogenesis. Microscopic clusters of preneoplastic cells overexpressing mutant p53 occur in chronically UVB-exposed murine skin long before the ultimate carcinomas. The number of these clusters at a certain time-point appears to be predictive of the tumor risk at latter time-points. These UVB-induced p53 clusters appear to be suitable surrogates of tumors in short-term experiments.

Distinct pathways mediate UV-induced apoptosis in Drosophila embryos

Cell death in Drosophila is regulated by many of the same signals that control apoptosis in mammalian systems. For all the three major cell death pathways that have been described in humans, homologous components have been identified in Drosophila. Here we report that distinct pathways mediate UV-induced apoptosis at different developmental stages in the Drosophila embryo. In midstage embryos, UVC irradiation induces reaper expression and cell death through a mei-41(dATM)-dependent pathway; UVB does not have the same effect. In contrast, in pregastrulation embryos, both UVB and UVC promote apoptosis via transcriptional induction of the Drosophila Apaf-1/ced-4 homolog. This early UV response requires E2F but not mei-41 function and appears to be independent of DNA damage.

Role of reduced glutathione efflux in apoptosis of immortalized human keratinocytes induced by UVA

We have investigated the role played by GSH efflux in apoptosis of human HaCaT keratinocytes induced by UVA irradiation. UVA irradiation of HaCaT cells caused a rapid rise in GSH efflux across the intact cell membrane, followed by an increase in apoptosis. GSH efflux was stimulated by glucose and was reduced by the addition of exogenous GSH and intracellular GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine, suggesting that GSH transport is active and is influenced by the GSH concentration gradient across the cell membrane. Verapamil and cyclosporin A, blockers of the multidrug resistance-associated protein, decreased UVA-induced GSH efflux. GSH efflux occurred within 2 h of UVA irradiation, suggesting that the stimulation of GSH efflux is due to an increase in the activity of pre-existing multidrug resistance-associated protein transporter carrier. Although inhibition of GSH efflux did not affect caspase activation and DNA fragmentation, it delayed the gradual increase in plasma membrane permeability and reduced phosphatidylserine translocation in HaCaT cells. It is therefore likely that upon UVA irradiation, GSH efflux increased the intracellular oxidative stress without intervention of reactive oxygen species, thus resulting in more phosphatidylserine externalization and membrane rearrangement. These provide targets for macrophage recognition and phagocytosis and thus minimize the potential to invoke inflammation or neoplastic transformation.

The role of p53 in determining sensitivity to radiotherapy

Ionizing radiation (IR) has proven to be a powerful medical treatment in the fight against cancer. Rational and effective use of its killing power depends on understanding IR-mediated responses at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. Tumour cells frequently acquire defects in the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the response to IR, which sensitizes them to radiation therapy. One of the key molecules involved in a cell's response to IR is p53. Understanding these mechanisms indicates new rational approaches to improving cancer treatment by IR.

Molecular mechanisms of irradiation-induced apoptosis

The following review focuses on our current knowledge as to how the cell death regulatory machinery is activated to mediate irradiation-induced cell death. In particular, we will address recent developments related to the following questions: 1.) Which cell death regulatory genes mediate irradiation-induced cell death? 2.) What is the mechanism of irradiation-induced activation or suppression of cell death regulatory genes (proteins)? 3.) How does the condition of the cell death regulatory machinery affect the cell's sensitivity or resistance to irradiation? Now more than ever, it seems clear that irradiation -induced apoptosis is a complex process involving all three major cell death regulatory pathways: the mitochondria pathway (Bcl-2/Apaf-1), the Iap pathway, and the death receptor pathway. Depending on the cellular context, one or multiple pathways may be activated to mediate irradiation-induced cell death. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these processes demands systematic strategies in contrast to traditional approaches that focused on one gene/protein. For this reason, we will also examine recent studies applying genomic (proteomic) methods in this area.