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Pisani C, Onori A, Gabanella F, Iezzi S, De Angelis R, Fanciulli M, Colizza A, de Vincentiis M, Di Certo MG, Passananti C, Corbi N. HAX1 is a novel binding partner of Che-1/AATF. Implications in oxidative stress cell response. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119587. [PMID: 37742722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
HAX1 is a multifunctional protein involved in the antagonism of apoptosis in cellular response to oxidative stress. In the present study we identified HAX1 as a novel binding partner for Che-1/AATF, a pro-survival factor which plays a crucial role in fundamental processes, including response to multiple stresses and apoptosis. HAX1 and Che-1 proteins show extensive colocalization in mitochondria and we demonstrated that their association is strengthened after oxidative stress stimuli. Interestingly, in MCF-7 cells, resembling luminal estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, we found that Che-1 depletion correlates with decreased HAX1 mRNA and protein levels, and this event is not significantly affected by oxidative stress induction. Furthermore, we observed an enhancement of the previously reported interaction between HAX1 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) upon H2O2 treatment. These results indicate the two anti-apoptotic proteins HAX1 and Che-1 as coordinated players in cellular response to oxidative stress with a potential role in estrogen sensitive breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Pisani
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Onori
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Iezzi
- SAFU Unit, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta De Angelis
- ISPRA, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Unit, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Srinivas AN, Suresh D, Chidambaram SB, Santhekadur PK, Kumar DP. Apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor-mediated liver damage and inflammation to cancer: Therapeutic intervention by curcumin in experimental metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis-hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:135-151. [PMID: 37942831 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
In tandem with the expanding obesity pandemic, the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as NASH)- driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is predicted to rise globally, creating a significant need for therapeutic interventions. We previously identified the upregulation of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF), which is implicated in facilitating the progression from MASH to HCC. The objective of this study was to examine whether the intervention of curcumin could alleviate AATF-mediated MASH, inhibit tumor growth, and elucidate the underlying mechanism. A preclinical murine model mimicking human MASH-HCC was employed, subjecting mice to either a chow diet normal water (CDNW) or western diet sugar water (WDSW) along with very low dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 - 0.2 μL/g, weekly). Mice receiving curcumin (CUR) alongside WDSW/CCl4 exhibited significant improvements, including reduced liver enzymes, dyslipidemia, steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning. Curcumin treatment also suppressed hepatic expression of inflammatory, fibrogenic, and oncogenic markers. Of note, there was a significant reduction in the expression of AATF upon curcumin treatment in WDSW/CCl4 mice and human HCC cells. In contrast, curcumin upregulated Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in MASH liver and HCC cells, which is known to downregulate sp1 (specificity protein-1) expression. Thus, curcumin treatment effectively inhibited the progression of MASH to HCC by downregulating the expression of AATF via the KLF4-Sp1 signaling pathway. These preclinical findings establish a novel molecular connection between curcumin and AATF in reducing hepatocarcinogenesis, and provide a strong rationale for the development of curcumin as a viable treatment for MASH-HCC in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha N Srinivas
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Diwakar Suresh
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Saravana B Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prasanna K Santhekadur
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Divya P Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR lab, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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Jin X, Tanaka H, Jin M, Fujita K, Homma H, Inotsume M, Yong H, Umeda K, Kodera N, Ando T, Okazawa H. PQBP5/NOL10 maintains and anchors the nucleolus under physiological and osmotic stress conditions. Nat Commun 2023; 14:9. [PMID: 36599853 PMCID: PMC9813255 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35602-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine binding protein 5 (PQBP5), also called nucleolar protein 10 (NOL10), binds to polyglutamine tract sequences and is expressed in the nucleolus. Using dynamic imaging of high-speed atomic force microscopy, we show that PQBP5/NOL10 is an intrinsically disordered protein. Super-resolution microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy method show that PQBP5/NOL10 makes up the skeletal structure of the nucleolus, constituting the granule meshwork in the granular component area, which is distinct from other nucleolar substructures, such as the fibrillar center and dense fibrillar component. In contrast to other nucleolar proteins, which disperse to the nucleoplasm under osmotic stress conditions, PQBP5/NOL10 remains in the nucleolus and functions as an anchor for reassembly of other nucleolar proteins. Droplet and thermal shift assays show that the biophysical features of PQBP5/NOL10 remain stable under stress conditions, explaining the spatial role of this protein. PQBP5/NOL10 can be functionally depleted by sequestration with polyglutamine disease proteins in vitro and in vivo, leading to the pathological deformity or disappearance of the nucleolus. Taken together, these findings indicate that PQBP5/NOL10 is an essential protein needed to maintain the structure of the nucleolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocen Jin
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hikari Tanaka
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Meihua Jin
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Kyota Fujita
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hidenori Homma
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Maiko Inotsume
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Huang Yong
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Kenichi Umeda
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kodera
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Toshio Ando
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Okazawa
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
- Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
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The Oncogenic and Immunological Roles of Apoptosis Antagonistic Transcription Factors in Human Tumors: A Pan-Cancer Analysis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3355365. [PMID: 36275893 PMCID: PMC9581705 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3355365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) participates in tumor progression in multiple cancer types. However, its role across cancers is not well understood. Methods Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) were used to analyze the multiomic roles of AATF in 33 tumor types, including gene and protein expression, survival prognosis, gene mutation, DNA methylation, protein phosphorylation, AATF coexpressed genes and their enrichment analysis, and immunological analysis. Results In TCGA and GTEx databases, 31 tumors and their corresponding normal tissues had AATF expression data, and it was differentially expressed in 29 of them. AATF was elevated in 27 tumors, decreased in 2 tumors, and was a risk factor for overall survival (OS) in 8 tumors and a risk factor for disease-free survival (DFS) in 4 tumors. AATF expression levels in various cancer types were significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, myeloid dendritic cells, eosinophils, and macrophages. The immune checkpoints PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4 were positively correlated with AATF expression in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), kidney chromophobe (KICH), and prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Conclusion In cancer, AATF expression is generally higher than that in normal tissue, and it is also associated with immunomodulation-related genes. AATF may be a risk factor for poor prognosis across cancers.
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Srinivas AN, Suresh D, Mirshahi F, Santhekadur PK, Sanyal AJ, Kumar DP. Emerging roles of AATF: Checkpoint signaling and beyond. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3383-3395. [PMID: 33145763 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF), an interacting partner of RNA polymerase II is a multifunctional protein that is highly conserved in eukaryotes. In addition to the regulation of gene expression as a transcriptional coactivator, AATF is shown to play a dual role in regulating the cell cycle by displacing histone deacetylases 1 (HDAC1) from the retinoblastoma-E2F transcription factor (Rb-E2F) complex and also from the specificity protein 1 (Sp1) transcription factor responsible for p21 expression, thereby ensuring cell proliferation and growth arrest, respectively, at different checkpoints of the cell cycle. Notably, AATF has emerged as one of the most important modulators of various cellular responses such as proliferation, apoptosis, and survival. Studies have demonstrated that AATF protects cells from multiple stress stimuli such as DNA damage, ER stress, hypoxia, or glucose deprivation by inducing cell cycle arrest, autophagy, or apoptosis inhibition. Furthermore, AATF serves as a critical regulator in various cancers and promotes tumorigenesis by protecting cancer cells from apoptosis induction, favoring cell proliferation, or promoting cell survival by autophagy. Recent studies have demonstrated the key role of AATF in ribosome biosynthesis and have also provided insights into the mechanistic role of AATF, offering impressive cytoprotection in myocardial infarction, neurologic diseases, and nephronophthisis. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of AATF and shed light on its emerging roles underlining the potential use of AATF as a novel biomarker and as an effective therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha N Srinivas
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Diwakar Suresh
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Faridoddin Mirshahi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of GastroenterologyHepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Prasanna K Santhekadur
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of GastroenterologyHepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Divya P Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, CEMR, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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Yusuff T, Jensen M, Yennawar S, Pizzo L, Karthikeyan S, Gould DJ, Sarker A, Gedvilaite E, Matsui Y, Iyer J, Lai ZC, Girirajan S. Drosophila models of pathogenic copy-number variant genes show global and non-neuronal defects during development. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008792. [PMID: 32579612 PMCID: PMC7313740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While rare pathogenic copy-number variants (CNVs) are associated with both neuronal and non-neuronal phenotypes, functional studies evaluating these regions have focused on the molecular basis of neuronal defects. We report a systematic functional analysis of non-neuronal defects for homologs of 59 genes within ten pathogenic CNVs and 20 neurodevelopmental genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Using wing-specific knockdown of 136 RNA interference lines, we identified qualitative and quantitative phenotypes in 72/79 homologs, including 21 lines with severe wing defects and six lines with lethality. In fact, we found that 10/31 homologs of CNV genes also showed complete or partial lethality at larval or pupal stages with ubiquitous knockdown. Comparisons between eye and wing-specific knockdown of 37/45 homologs showed both neuronal and non-neuronal defects, but with no correlation in the severity of defects. We further observed disruptions in cell proliferation and apoptosis in larval wing discs for 23/27 homologs, and altered Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch signaling for 9/14 homologs, including AATF/Aatf, PPP4C/Pp4-19C, and KIF11/Klp61F. These findings were further supported by tissue-specific differences in expression patterns of human CNV genes, as well as connectivity of CNV genes to signaling pathway genes in brain, heart and kidney-specific networks. Our findings suggest that multiple genes within each CNV differentially affect both global and tissue-specific developmental processes within conserved pathways, and that their roles are not restricted to neuronal functions. Rare copy-number variants (CNVs), or large deletions and duplications in the genome, are associated with both neuronal and non-neuronal clinical features. Previous functional studies for these disorders have primarily focused on understanding the cellular mechanisms for neurological and behavioral phenotypes. To understand how genes within these CNVs contribute to developmental defects in non-neuronal tissues, we assessed 79 homologs of CNV and known neurodevelopmental genes in Drosophila models. We found that most homologs showed developmental defects when knocked down in the adult fly wing, ranging from mild size changes to severe wrinkled wings or lethality. Although a majority of tested homologs showed defects when knocked down specifically in wings or eyes, we found no correlation in the severity of the observed defects in these two tissues. A subset of the homologs showed disruptions in cellular processes in the developing fly wing, including alterations in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cellular signaling pathways. Furthermore, human CNV genes also showed differences in gene expression patterns and interactions with signaling pathway genes across multiple human tissues. Our findings suggest that genes within CNV disorders affect global developmental processes in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanzeen Yusuff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sneha Yennawar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lucilla Pizzo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Siddharth Karthikeyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dagny J. Gould
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Avik Sarker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Erika Gedvilaite
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yurika Matsui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Janani Iyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zhi-Chun Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Kumar DP, Santhekadur PK, Seneshaw M, Mirshahi F, Uram-Tuculescu C, Sanyal AJ. A Regulatory Role of Apoptosis Antagonizing Transcription Factor in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2019; 69:1520-1534. [PMID: 30394550 PMCID: PMC6440548 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing as a cause of liver-related mortality largely because of the growing burden of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The mechanisms of HCC development in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are incompletely understood. We initially identified apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) to be associated with HCC in a mouse model of NASH that develops HCC without the addition of specific carcinogens. AATF, also called che-1, is a transcriptional factor that is highly conserved among eukaryotes. AATF is known to be a central mediator of the cellular responses as it promotes cell proliferation and survival by inducing cell cycle arrest, autophagy, DNA repair, and inhibition of apoptosis. However, the role of AATF in NASH and HCC remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence for AATF as a contributory factor for HCC in NAFLD. AATF overexpression was further verified in human NASH and HCC and multiple human HCC cell lines. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), known to be increased in NASH, induced AATF expression. Promoter analysis of AATF revealed a sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1-c (SREBP-1c) binding site; inhibition of SREBP-1 by using specific inhibitors as well as small interfering RNA decreased TNFα-induced AATF expression. AATF interacted with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 to increase monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression. AATF knockdown decreased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation, and anchorage-dependent growth in HCC cell lines. Xenograft of QGY-7703 HCC cells with AATF stably knocked down into nonobese diabetic scid gamma mice demonstrated reduced tumorigenesis and metastases. Conclusion: AATF drives NAFLD and hepatocarcinogenesis, offering a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya P. Kumar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Prasanna K. Santhekadur
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University,
Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Mulugeta Seneshaw
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Faridoddin Mirshahi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cora Uram-Tuculescu
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University,
Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University,
Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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8
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Che-1 inhibits oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced neuronal apoptosis associated with inhibition of the p53-mediated proapoptotic signaling pathway. Neuroreport 2018; 29:1193-1200. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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9
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Jing P, Zou J, Weng K, Peng P. The PI3K/AKT axis modulates AATF activity in Wilms' tumor cells. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:1615-1623. [PMID: 30338213 PMCID: PMC6168685 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported excessive expression of apoptosis‐antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) in various tumors, where it reinforces the generation and development of cancers and is linked to the clinical outcome. Nevertheless, the expression and influence of AATF in Wilms’ tumor (WT) is largely unknown. Here, we discovered that AATF expression was markedly increased in WT tissues as compared to the surrounding normal tissues. Elevated levels of AATF expression were related to tumor relapse and pulmonary metastasis, congruent with it being a predictor of clinical outcome in people suffering from WT. Proliferation, invasion, and migration of WT cells were suppressed by knockdown of AATF and promoted by AATF overexpression in vitro. Furthermore, the tumor generation capability of WT cells noticeably decreased after knockout of AATF in vivo. The phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway modulated the activity of AATF in WT. The findings of our study indicate that AATF expression is increased in WT and can serve as a predictor of clinical outcome; in addition, it may enhance the development of WT via the PI3K/AKT axis and may be a promising marker for WT diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Jing
- Department of Pediatric Surgery Affiliated Hospital of Northern Sichuan Medical College Nanchong China.,Department of Clinical Medicine North Sichuan Medical College Nanchong China
| | - Jiaqiong Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College Nanchong China
| | - Kegui Weng
- Chongqing Cancer Institute Chongqing Cancer Hospital Chongqing University Cancer Hospital China
| | - Pei Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory the People's Hospital of Hanchuan/Hanchuan Hospital of People's Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University China
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Folgiero V, Sorino C, Pallocca M, De Nicola F, Goeman F, Bertaina V, Strocchio L, Romania P, Pitisci A, Iezzi S, Catena V, Bruno T, Strimpakos G, Passananti C, Mattei E, Blandino G, Locatelli F, Fanciulli M. Che-1 is targeted by c-Myc to sustain proliferation in pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:embr.201744871. [PMID: 29367285 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201744871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in treating B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), disease recurrence remains the main cause of treatment failure. New strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes are needed, particularly in high-risk relapsed patients. Che-1/AATF (Che-1) is an RNA polymerase II-binding protein involved in proliferation and tumor survival, but its role in hematological malignancies has not been clarified. Here, we show that Che-1 is overexpressed in pediatric BCP-ALL during disease onset and at relapse, and that its depletion inhibits the proliferation of BCP-ALL cells. Furthermore, we report that c-Myc regulates Che-1 expression by direct binding to its promoter and describe a strict correlation between Che-1 expression and c-Myc expression. RNA-seq analyses upon Che-1 or c-Myc depletion reveal a strong overlap of the respective controlled pathways. Genomewide ChIP-seq experiments suggest that Che-1 acts as a downstream effector of c-Myc. These results identify the pivotal role of Che-1 in the control of BCP-ALL proliferation and present the protein as a possible therapeutic target in children with relapsed BCP-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Folgiero
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Sorino
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Nicola
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Frauke Goeman
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bertaina
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Strocchio
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Romania
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Pitisci
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Iezzi
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Catena
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bruno
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNR, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattei
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNR, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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11
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Abstract
Par-4 is a unique proapoptotic protein with the ability to induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. The X-ray crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of Par-4 (Par-4CC), which regulates its apoptotic function, was obtained by MAD phasing. Par-4 homodimerizes by forming a parallel coiled-coil structure. The N-terminal half of Par-4CC contains the homodimerization subdomain. This structure includes a nuclear export signal (Par-4NES) sequence, which is masked upon dimerization indicating a potential mechanism for nuclear localization. The heteromeric-interaction models specifically showed that charge interaction is an important factor in the stability of heteromers of the C-terminal leucine zipper subdomain of Par-4 (Par-4LZ). These heteromer models also displayed NES masking capacity and therefore the ability to influence intracellular localization.
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12
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Zalcman G, Corbi N, Di Certo MG, Mattei E, Federman N, Romano A. Heterozygous Che-1 KO mice show deficiencies in object recognition memory persistence. Neurosci Lett 2016; 632:169-74. [PMID: 27589891 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation is a key process in the formation of long-term memories. Che-1 is a protein involved in the regulation of gene transcription that has recently been proved to bind the transcription factor NF-κB, which is known to be involved in many memory-related molecular events. This evidence prompted us to investigate the putative role of Che-1 in memory processes. For this study we newly generated a line of Che-1(+/-) heterozygous mice. Che-1 homozygous KO mouse is lethal during development, but Che-1(+/-) heterozygous mouse is normal in its general anatomical and physiological characteristics. We analyzed the behavioral characteristic and memory performance of Che-1(+/-) mice in two NF-κB dependent types of memory. We found that Che-1(+/-) mice show similar locomotor activity and thigmotactic behavior than wild type (WT) mice in an open field. In a similar way, no differences were found in anxiety-like behavior between Che-1(+/-) and WT mice in an elevated plus maze as well as in fear response in a contextual fear conditioning (CFC) and object exploration in a novel object recognition (NOR) task. No differences were found between WT and Che-1(+/-) mice performance in CFC training and when tested at 24h or 7days after training. Similar performance was found between groups in NOR task, both in training and 24h testing performance. However, we found that object recognition memory persistence at 7days was impaired in Che-1(+/-) heterozygous mice. This is the first evidence showing that Che-1 is involved in memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Zalcman
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Memoria, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNR, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattei
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNR, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Noel Federman
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Memoria, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arturo Romano
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Memoria, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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13
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Bammert L, Jonas S, Ungricht R, Kutay U. Human AATF/Che-1 forms a nucleolar protein complex with NGDN and NOL10 required for 40S ribosomal subunit synthesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:9803-9820. [PMID: 27599843 PMCID: PMC5175352 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian AATF/Che-1 is essential for embryonic development, however, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. By immunoprecipitation of human AATF we discovered that AATF forms a salt-stable protein complex together with neuroguidin (NGDN) and NOL10, and demonstrate that the AATF-NGDN-NOL10 (ANN) complex functions in ribosome biogenesis. All three ANN complex members localize to nucleoli and display a mutual dependence with respect to protein stability. Mapping of protein-protein interaction domains revealed the importance of both the evolutionary conserved WD40 repeats in NOL10 and the UTP3/SAS10 domain in NGDN for complex formation. Functional analysis showed that the ANN complex supports nucleolar steps of 40S ribosomal subunit biosynthesis. All complex members were required for 18S rRNA maturation and their individual depletion affected the same nucleolar cleavage steps in the 5′ETS and ITS1 regions of the ribosomal RNA precursor. Collectively, we identified the ANN complex as a novel functional module supporting the nucleolar maturation of 40S ribosomal subunits. Our data help to explain the described role of AATF in cell proliferation during mouse development as well as its requirement for malignant tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bammert
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.,Molecular Life Sciences Ph.D. Program, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Jonas
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Kutay
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Bruno T, Iezzi S, Fanciulli M. Che-1/AATF: A Critical Cofactor for Both Wild-Type- and Mutant-p53 Proteins. Front Oncol 2016; 6:34. [PMID: 26913241 PMCID: PMC4753824 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The p53 protein is a key player in a wide range of protein networks that allow the state of “good health” of the cell. Not surprisingly, mutations of the TP53 gene are one of the most common alterations associated to cancer cells. Mutated forms of p53 (mtp53) not only lose the ability to protect the integrity of the genetic heritage of the cell but also acquire pro-oncogenic functions, behaving like dangerous accelerators of transformation and tumor progression. In recent years, many studies focused on investigating possible strategies aiming to counteract this mutant p53 “gain of function” but the results have not always been satisfactory. Che-1/AATF is a nuclear protein that binds to RNA polymerase II and plays a role in multiple fundamental processes, including control of transcription, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Several studies showed Che-1/AATF as an important endogenous regulator of p53 expression and activity in a variety of biological processes. Notably, this same regulation was more recently observed also on mtp53. The depletion of Che-1/AATF strongly reduces the expression of mutant p53 in several tumors in vitro and in vivo, making the cells an easier target for chemotherapy treatments. In this mini review, we report an overview of Che-1/AATF functions and discuss a possible role of Che-1/AATF in cancer therapy, with particular regard to its action on p53/mtp53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bruno
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena Cancer Institute , Rome , Italy
| | - Simona Iezzi
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena Cancer Institute , Rome , Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena Cancer Institute , Rome , Italy
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15
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Yuasa K, Ota R, Matsuda S, Isshiki K, Inoue M, Tsuji A. Suppression of death-associated protein kinase 2 by interaction with 14-3-3 proteins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 464:70-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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16
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Desantis A, Bruno T, Catena V, De Nicola F, Goeman F, Iezzi S, Sorino C, Gentileschi MP, Germoni S, Monteleone V, Pellegrino M, Kann M, De Meo PD, Pallocca M, Höpker K, Moretti F, Mattei E, Reinhardt HC, Floridi A, Passananti C, Benzing T, Blandino G, Fanciulli M. Che-1 modulates the decision between cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by its binding to p53. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1764. [PMID: 25996291 PMCID: PMC4669697 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 is mainly involved in the transcriptional regulation of a large number of growth-arrest- and apoptosis-related genes. However, a clear understanding of which factor/s influences the choice between these two opposing p53-dependent outcomes remains largely elusive. We have previously described that in response to DNA damage, the RNA polymerase II-binding protein Che-1/AATF transcriptionally activates p53. Here, we show that Che-1 binds directly to p53. This interaction essentially occurs in the first hours of DNA damage, whereas it is lost when cells undergo apoptosis in response to posttranscriptional modifications. Moreover, Che-1 sits in a ternary complex with p53 and the oncosuppressor Brca1. Accordingly, our analysis of genome-wide chromatin occupancy by p53 revealed that p53/Che1 interaction results in preferential transactivation of growth arrest p53 target genes over its pro-apoptotic target genes. Notably, exposure of Che-1+/− mice to ionizing radiations resulted in enhanced apoptosis of thymocytes, compared with WT mice. These results confirm Che-1 as an important regulator of p53 activity and suggest Che-1 to be a promising yet attractive drug target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Desantis
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - T Bruno
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - V Catena
- 1] Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy [2] Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio Coppito 2, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy
| | - F De Nicola
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - F Goeman
- Oncogenomic Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - S Iezzi
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - C Sorino
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - M P Gentileschi
- SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - S Germoni
- SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - V Monteleone
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - M Pellegrino
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - M Kann
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - P D De Meo
- HPC CINECA, Via dei Tizii, 6, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - M Pallocca
- Oncogenomic Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - K Höpker
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - F Moretti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - E Mattei
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - H C Reinhardt
- 1] Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany [2] Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Floridi
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - C Passananti
- IBMN-CNR, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - T Benzing
- 1] Department II of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany [2] Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany [3] Systems Biology of Aging, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G Blandino
- Oncogenomic Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - M Fanciulli
- 1] Epigenetics Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy [2] SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
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17
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Iezzi S, Fanciulli M. Discovering Che-1/AATF: a new attractive target for cancer therapy. Front Genet 2015; 6:141. [PMID: 25914721 PMCID: PMC4392318 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional cofactor Che-1/AATF is currently emerging as an important component of the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery, the complex signaling network that maintains genome integrity and prevents tumorigenesis. Moreover this protein is involved in a wide range of cellular pathways, regulating proliferation and survival in both physiological and pathological conditions. Notably, some evidence indicates that dysregulation of Che-1/AATF levels are associated with the transformation process and elevated levels of Che-1/AATF are required for tumor cell survival. It is for these reasons that Che-1/AATF has been regarded as an attractive, still theoretical, therapeutic target for cancer treatments. In this review, we will provide an updated overview of Che-1/AATF activities, from transcriptional regulation to DDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Iezzi
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Molecular Medicine Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Molecular Medicine Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome Italy
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18
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Desantis A, Bruno T, Catena V, De Nicola F, Goeman F, Iezzi S, Sorino C, Ponzoni M, Bossi G, Federico V, La Rosa F, Ricciardi MR, Lesma E, De Meo PD, Castrignanò T, Petrucci MT, Pisani F, Chesi M, Bergsagel PL, Floridi A, Tonon G, Passananti C, Blandino G, Fanciulli M. Che-1-induced inhibition of mTOR pathway enables stress-induced autophagy. EMBO J 2015; 34:1214-30. [PMID: 25770584 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201489920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key protein kinase that regulates cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy to maintain cellular homeostasis. Its activity is inhibited by adverse conditions, including nutrient limitation, hypoxia, and DNA damage. In this study, we demonstrate that Che-1, a RNA polymerase II-binding protein activated by the DNA damage response, inhibits mTOR activity in response to stress conditions. We found that, under stress, Che-1 induces the expression of two important mTOR inhibitors, Redd1 and Deptor, and that this activity is required for sustaining stress-induced autophagy. Strikingly, Che-1 expression correlates with the progression of multiple myeloma and is required for cell growth and survival, a malignancy characterized by high autophagy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Desantis
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bruno
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Catena
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca De Nicola
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Frauke Goeman
- Translational Oncogenomic Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Iezzi
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Sorino
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- Pathology and Myeloma Units, Molecular Oncology Division, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bossi
- Molecular Oncogenesis Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Federico
- Division of Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca La Rosa
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ricciardi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Lesma
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Teresa Petrucci
- Division of Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Hematology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Chesi
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - P Leif Bergsagel
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Aristide Floridi
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit, Molecular Oncology Division, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR Department of Molecular Medicine "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncogenomic Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Molecular Medicine Area Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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19
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Roux PF, Boutin M, Désert C, Djari A, Esquerré D, Klopp C, Lagarrigue S, Demeure O. Re-sequencing data for refining candidate genes and polymorphisms in QTL regions affecting adiposity in chicken. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111299. [PMID: 25333370 PMCID: PMC4205046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we propose an approach aiming at fine-mapping adiposity QTL in chicken, integrating whole genome re-sequencing data. First, two QTL regions for adiposity were identified by performing a classical linkage analysis on 1362 offspring in 11 sire families obtained by crossing two meat-type chicken lines divergently selected for abdominal fat weight. Those regions, located on chromosome 7 and 19, contained a total of 77 and 84 genes, respectively. Then, SNPs and indels in these regions were identified by re-sequencing sires. Considering issues related to polymorphism annotations for regulatory regions, we focused on the 120 and 104 polymorphisms having an impact on protein sequence, and located in coding regions of 35 and 42 genes situated in the two QTL regions. Subsequently, a filter was applied on SNPs considering their potential impact on the protein function based on conservation criteria. For the two regions, we identified 42 and 34 functional polymorphisms carried by 18 and 24 genes, and likely to deeply impact protein, including 3 coding indels and 4 nonsense SNPs. Finally, using gene functional annotation, a short list of 17 and 4 polymorphisms in 6 and 4 functional genes has been defined. Even if we cannot exclude that the causal polymorphisms may be located in regulatory regions, this strategy gives a complete overview of the candidate polymorphisms in coding regions and prioritize them on conservation- and functional-based arguments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-François Roux
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Morgane Boutin
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Colette Désert
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | | | - Diane Esquerré
- INRA, UMR1388 GenPhySE, GeT-PlaGe, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Sandrine Lagarrigue
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Demeure
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
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20
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Kocher BA, White LS, Piwnica-Worms D. DAPK3 suppresses acini morphogenesis and is required for mouse development. Mol Cancer Res 2014; 13:358-67. [PMID: 25304685 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-14-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK3) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in various signaling pathways important to tissue homeostasis and mammalian biology. Considered to be a putative tumor suppressor, the molecular mechanism by which DAPK3 exerts its suppressive function is not fully understood and the field lacks an appropriate mouse model. To address these gaps, an in vitro three-dimensional tumorigenesis model was used and a constitutive DAPK3-knockout mouse was generated. In the 3D morphogenesis model, loss of DAPK3 through lentiviral-mediated knockdown enlarged acinar size by accelerated acini proliferation and apoptosis while maintaining acini polarity. Depletion of DAPK3 enhanced growth factor-dependent mTOR activation and, furthermore, enlarged DAPK3 acini structures were uniquely sensitive to low doses of rapamycin. Simultaneous knockdown of RAPTOR, a key mTORC1 component, reversed the augmented acinar size in DAPK3-depleted structures indicating an epistatic interaction. Using a validated gene trap strategy to generate a constitutive DAPK3-knockout mouse, it was demonstrated that DAPK3 is vital for early mouse development. The Dapk3 promoter exhibits spatiotemporal activity in developing mice and is actively expressed in normal breast epithelia of adult mice. Importantly, reduction of DAPK3 expression correlates with the development of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and more aggressive breast cancer as observed in the Oncomine database of clinical breast cancer specimens. IMPLICATIONS Novel cellular and mouse modeling studies of DAPK3 shed light on its tumor-suppressive mechanisms and provide direct evidence that DAPK3 has relevance in early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A Kocher
- Molecular Imaging Center, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lynn S White
- Molecular Imaging Center, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David Piwnica-Worms
- Molecular Imaging Center, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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21
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HIPK2 sustains apoptotic response by phosphorylating Che-1/AATF and promoting its degradation. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1414. [PMID: 25210797 PMCID: PMC4225224 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Che-1/AATF is an RNA polymerase II-binding protein that is involved in the regulation of gene transcription, which undergoes stabilization and accumulation in response to DNA damage. We have previously demonstrated that following apoptotic induction, Che-1 protein levels are downregulated through its interaction with the E3 ligase HDM2, which leads to Che-1 degradation by ubiquitylation. This interaction is mediated by Pin1, which determines a phosphorylation-dependent conformational change. Here we demonstrate that HIPK2, a proapoptotic kinase, is involved in Che-1 degradation. HIPK2 interacts with Che-1 and, upon genotoxic stress, phosphorylates it at specific residues. This event strongly increases HDM2/Che-1 interaction and degradation of Che-1 protein via ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal system. In agreement with these findings, we found that HIPK2 depletion strongly decreases Che-1 ubiquitylation and degradation. Notably, Che-1 overexpression strongly counteracts HIPK2-induced apoptosis. Our results establish Che-1 as a new HIPK2 target and confirm its important role in the cellular response to DNA damage.
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22
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Apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) gene silencing: role in induction of apoptosis and down-regulation of estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells. Biotechnol Lett 2013; 35:1561-70. [PMID: 23801113 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-013-1257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) is involved in transcriptional regulation, cell cycle control, DNA damage responses and in the execution of cell death programs. It also interacts directly with nuclear hormone receptors to enhance their transactivation. This study highlights the RNomics of AATF gene in the pathogenesis of breast cancer: RNA interference gave 64% reduction in AATF mRNA and 47% decline in AATF protein expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cell proliferation decreased by 41% after transfection and was accompanied by apoptosis induction in 30% MCF-7 cells. Pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, Bag4, Fas, Faslg, Fadd, Casp5, Casp6, Abl 1, Apaf1, Bcl2l 11, Card4, -6, -8, Bnip2 and Bnip3l) were up-regulated and anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl2, Mcl1dc, TNF, Pycard, Tradd, Bcl2A1 and Birc1) were down-regulated as were estrogen receptor mRNA (42%) and protein expression (30 %). In normal non-malignant mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A) apoptosis induction was only 18% with a 9% fall in ER protein expression. Thus, AATF-silencing can be used to induce apoptosis and regulate ER expression in breast cancer cells for therapeutic interventions.
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A mosaic genetic screen for genes involved in the early steps of Drosophila oogenesis. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2013; 3:409-25. [PMID: 23450845 PMCID: PMC3583450 DOI: 10.1534/g3.112.004747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The first hours of Drosophila embryogenesis rely exclusively on maternal information stored within the egg during oogenesis. The formation of the egg chamber is thus a crucial step for the development of the future adult. It has emerged that many key developmental decisions are made during the very first stages of oogenesis. We performed a clonal genetic screen on the left arm of chromosome 2 for mutations affecting early oogenesis. During the first round of screening, we scored for defects in egg chambers morphology as an easy read-out of early abnormalities. In a second round of screening, we analyzed the localization of centrosomes and Orb protein within the oocyte, the position of the oocyte within the egg chamber, and the progression through meiosis. We have generated a collection of 71 EMS-induced mutants that affect oocyte determination, polarization, or localization. We also recovered mutants affecting the number of germline cyst divisions or the differentiation of follicle cells. Here, we describe the analysis of nine complementation groups and eight single alleles. We mapped several mutations and identified alleles of Bicaudal-D, lethal(2) giant larvae, kuzbanian, GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase, tho2, and eiF4A. We further report the molecular identification of two alleles of the Drosophila homolog of Che-1/AATF and demonstrate its antiapoptotic activity in vivo. This collection of mutants will be useful to investigate further the early steps of Drosophila oogenesis at a genetic level.
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Felten A, Brinckmann D, Landsberg G, Scheidtmann KH. Zipper-interacting protein kinase is involved in regulation of ubiquitination of the androgen receptor, thereby contributing to dynamic transcription complex assembly. Oncogene 2012; 32:4981-8. [PMID: 23146908 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We have recently identified apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF), tumor-susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) and zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) as novel coactivators of the androgen receptor (AR). The mechanisms of coactivation remained obscure, however. Here we investigated the interplay and interdependence between these coactivators and the AR using the endogenous prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene as model for AR-target genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in combination with siRNA-mediated knockdown revealed that recruitment of AATF and ZIPK to the PSA enhancer was dependent on AR, whereas recruitment of TSG101 was dependent on AATF. Association of AR and its coactivators with the PSA enhancer or promoter occurred in cycles. Dissociation of AR-transcription complexes was due to degradation because inhibition of the proteasome system by MG132 caused accumulation of AR at enhancer/promoter elements. Moreover, inhibition of degradation strongly reduced transcription, indicating that continued and efficient transcription is based on initiation, degradation and reinitiation cycles. Interestingly, knockdown of ZIPK by siRNA had a similar effect as MG132, leading to reduced transcription but enhanced accumulation of AR at androgen-response elements. In addition, knockdown of ZIPK, as well as overexpression of a dominant-negative ZIPK mutant, diminished polyubiquitination of AR. Furthermore, ZIPK cooperated with the E3 ligase Mdm2 in AR-dependent transactivation, assembled into a single complex on chromatin and phosphorylated Mdm2 in vitro. These results suggest that ZIPK has a crucial role in regulation of ubiquitination and degradation of the AR, and hence promoter clearance and efficient transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Felten
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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25
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Ferraris SE, Isoniemi K, Torvaldson E, Anckar J, Westermarck J, Eriksson JE. Nucleolar AATF regulates c-Jun-mediated apoptosis. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 23:4323-32. [PMID: 22933572 PMCID: PMC3484108 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e12-05-0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun is essential for stress-induced apoptosis in several models. The apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor is a novel nucleolar stress sensor, which is required as a cofactor for c-Jun–mediated apoptosis. The AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun has been shown to be essential for stress-induced apoptosis in several models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the proapoptotic activity of c-Jun are poorly understood. We identify the apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) as a novel nucleolar stress sensor, which is required as a cofactor for c-Jun–mediated apoptosis. Overexpression or down-regulation of AATF expression levels led to a respective increase or decrease in the amount of activated and phosphorylated c-Jun with a proportional alteration in the induction levels of the proapoptotic c-Jun target genes FasL and TNF-α. Accordingly, AATF promoted commitment of ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated cells to c-Jun-dependent apoptosis. Whereas AATF overexpression potentiated UV-induced apoptosis in wild-type cells, c-Jun–deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts were resistant to AATF-mediated apoptosis induction. Furthermore, AATF mutants defective in c-Jun binding were also defective in inducing AP-1 activity and c-Jun–mediated apoptosis. UV irradiation induced a translocation of AATF from the nucleolus to the nucleus, thereby enabling its physical association to c-Jun. Analysis of AATF deletion mutants revealed that the AATF domains required for compartmentalization, c-Jun binding, and enhancement of c-Jun transcriptional activity were all also required to induce c-Jun–dependent apoptosis. These results identify AATF as a nucleolar-confined c-Jun cofactor whose expression levels and spatial distribution determine the stress-induced activity of c-Jun and the levels of c-Jun–mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima E Ferraris
- Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, FIN-20521 Turku, Finland
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26
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Bacalini MG, Di Lonardo D, Catizone A, Ciccarone F, Bruno T, Zampieri M, Guastafierro T, Calabrese R, Fanciulli M, Passananti C, Caiafa P, Reale A. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation affects stabilization of Che-1 protein in response to DNA damage. DNA Repair (Amst) 2011; 10:380-9. [PMID: 21317046 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) catalyzes a post-translational modification that plays a crucial role in coordinating the signalling cascade in response to stress stimuli. During the DNA damage response, phosphorylation by ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase and checkpoint kinase Chk2 induces the stabilization of Che-1 protein, which is critical for the maintenance of G2/M arrest. In this study we showed that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, beyond phosphorylation, is involved in the regulation of Che-1 stabilization following DNA damage. We demonstrated that Che-1 accumulation upon doxorubicin treatment is reduced after the inhibition of PARP activity in HCT116 cells and in PARP-1 knock-out or silenced cells. In accordance, impairment in Che-1 accumulation by PARP inhibition reduced Che-1 occupancy at p21 promoter and affected the expression of the corresponding gene. Epistasis experiments showed that the effect of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation on Che-1 stabilization is independent from ATM kinase activity. Indeed we demonstrated that Che-1 protein co-immunoprecipitates with ADP-ribose polymers and that PARP-1 directly interacts with Che-1, promoting its modification in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Bacalini
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Haematology, Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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27
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Weitzel DH, Chambers J, Haystead TAJ. Phosphorylation-dependent control of ZIPK nuclear import is species specific. Cell Signal 2010; 23:297-303. [PMID: 20854903 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2010.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Revised: 08/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
ZIPK (zipper-interacting protein kinase) is a Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase that promotes myosin phosphorylation in both smooth muscle and non-muscle cells. A recent report attempted to clarify a debate over the subcellular localization of ZIPK in non-muscle cells (Shoval et. al. (2007) Plos Genetics. 3: 1884-1883). A species-specific loss of a key phosphorylation site (T299) in murine (mouse and rat) ZIPK seems to direct it to the nucleus, while the presence of the T299 site in human ZIPK correlates with cytoplasmic localization. T299 is immediately adjacent to a putative nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and may mask its function when phosphorylated, therefore explaining the species-specific dichotomy of intracellular localization. However, despite the murine ZIPK (mZIPK) lacking the T299 residue that is critical for controlling human ZIPK (hZIPK) subcellular localization, mutational analysis showed that this NLS control locus is nonfunctional in the murine context. A constitutively active Rho promoted the cytoplasmic retention of a human ZIPK mutant that would otherwise localize to the nucleus. Endogenous hZIPK showed sensitivity to the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B, suggesting a continuous shuttling between cytoplasm and nucleus that is dependent upon T299 dephosphorylation. Thus, the C-terminal domain of human and murine ZIPK demonstrated quite divergent nuclear import and export functionality. We conclude that in the case of ZIPK, studies between the species may not be directly comparable to each other given the gross differences in intracellular localization and movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas H Weitzel
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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28
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Bruno T, Desantis A, Bossi G, Di Agostino S, Sorino C, De Nicola F, Iezzi S, Franchitto A, Benassi B, Galanti S, La Rosa F, Floridi A, Bellacosa A, Passananti C, Blandino G, Fanciulli M. Che-1 promotes tumor cell survival by sustaining mutant p53 transcription and inhibiting DNA damage response activation. Cancer Cell 2010; 18:122-34. [PMID: 20708154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2010.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2009] [Revised: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Che-1 is a RNA polymerase II binding protein involved in the regulation of gene transcription and, in response to DNA damage, promotes p53 transcription. In this study, we investigated whether Che-1 regulates mutant p53 expression. We found that Che-1 is required for sustaining mutant p53 expression in several cancer cell lines, and that Che-1 depletion by siRNA induces apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, loss of Che-1 activates DNA damage checkpoint response and induces transactivation of p73. Therefore, these findings underline the important role that Che-1 has in survival of cells expressing mutant p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bruno
- Department of Therapeutic Programs Development, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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29
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Wu Y, Yan Q, Zuo J, Saiyin H, Jiang W, Qiao S, Yu L. Link of Dlk/ZIP kinase to cell apoptosis and tumor suppression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 392:510-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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Ishigaki S, Fonseca SG, Oslowski CM, Jurczyk A, Shearstone JR, Zhu LJ, Permutt MA, Greiner DL, Bortell R, Urano F. AATF mediates an antiapoptotic effect of the unfolded protein response through transcriptional regulation of AKT1. Cell Death Differ 2009; 17:774-86. [PMID: 19911006 PMCID: PMC2854298 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2009.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated cell death plays an important
role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases including diabetes and
neurodegeneration. Although pro-apoptotic programs activated by ER stress have
been extensively studied, identification and characterization of anti-apoptotic
programs that counteract ER stress is currently incomplete. Through the gene
expression profiling of β-cells lacking WFS1, a causative gene for
Wolfram syndrome, we have discovered a novel anti-apoptotic gene of the unfolded
protein response (UPR), apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF). Here
we study the regulation of AATF, identify its target genes, and determine the
basis for its anti-apoptotic activities in response to ER stress. We show that
AATF is induced by ER stress through the PERK-eIF2α pathway and
transcriptionally activates the Akt1 gene through Stat3, which sustains Akt1
activation and promotes cell survival. Ectopic expression of AATF or a
constitutively active form of AKT1 confers on cells resistance to ER
stress-mediated cell death, whereas RNAi-mediated knockdown of AATF or AKT1
renders cells sensitive to ER stress. We also discovered positive crosstalk
between the AATF and WFS1 signaling pathways. Thus, WFS1-deficiency or
AATF-deficiency mediates a self-perpetuating cycle of cell death. Our results
reveal a novel anti-apoptotic program relevant to treatment for diseases caused
by ER stress-mediated cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ishigaki
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, 01605-2324, USA.
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31
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Boosen M, Vetterkind S, Kubicek J, Scheidtmann KH, Illenberger S, Preuss U. Par-4 is an essential downstream target of DAP-like kinase (Dlk) in Dlk/Par-4-mediated apoptosis. Mol Biol Cell 2009; 20:4010-20. [PMID: 19625447 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e09-02-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) was initially identified as a gene product up-regulated in prostate cancer cells undergoing apoptosis. In rat fibroblasts, coexpression of Par-4 and its interaction partner DAP-like kinase (Dlk, which is also known as zipper-interacting protein kinase [ZIPK]) induces relocation of the kinase from the nucleus to the actin filament system, followed by extensive myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and induction of apoptosis. Our analyses show that the synergistic proapoptotic effect of Dlk/Par-4 complexes is abrogated when either Dlk/Par-4 interaction or Dlk kinase activity is impaired. In vitro phosphorylation assays employing Dlk and Par-4 phosphorylation mutants carrying alanine substitutions for residues S154, T155, S220, or S249, respectively, identified T155 as the major Par-4 phosphorylation site of Dlk. Coexpression experiments in REF52.2 cells revealed that phosphorylation of Par-4 at T155 by Dlk was essential for apoptosis induction in vivo. In the presence of the Par-4 T155A mutant Dlk was partially recruited to actin filaments but resided mainly in the nucleus. Consequently, apoptosis was not induced in Dlk/Par-4 T155A-expressing cells. In vivo phosphorylation of Par-4 at T155 was demonstrated with a phospho-specific Par-4 antibody. Our results demonstrate that Dlk-mediated phosphorylation of Par-4 at T155 is a crucial event in Dlk/Par-4-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Boosen
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53117 Bonn, Germany
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32
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Desantis A, Onori A, Di Certo MG, Mattei E, Fanciulli M, Passananti C, Corbi N. Novel activation domain derived from Che-1 cofactor coupled with the artificial protein Jazz drives utrophin upregulation. Neuromuscul Disord 2009; 19:158-62. [PMID: 19162479 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Revised: 10/31/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Our aim is to upregulate the expression level of the dystrophin related gene utrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, thus complementing the lack of dystrophin functions. To this end, we have engineered synthetic zinc finger based transcription factors. We have previously shown that the artificial three-zinc finger protein named Jazz fused with the Vp16 activation domain, is able to bind utrophin promoter A and to increase the endogenous level of utrophin in transgenic mice. Here, we report on an innovative artificial protein, named CJ7, that consists of Jazz DNA binding domain fused to a novel activation domain derived from the regulatory multivalent adaptor protein Che-1/AATF. This transcriptional activation domain is 100 amino acids in size and it is very powerful as compared to the Vp16 activation domain. We show that CJ7 protein efficiently promotes transcription and accumulation of the acetylated form of histone H3 on the genomic utrophin promoter locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Desantis
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, CNR, c/o Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
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33
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Kaul D, Ahlawat A, Gupta SD. HIV-1 genome-encoded hiv1-mir-H1 impairs cellular responses to infection. Mol Cell Biochem 2008; 323:143-8. [PMID: 19082544 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-008-9973-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 11/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The recent discovery of HIV-1 genome-encoded novel microRNA (miRNA; designated as hiv1-mir-H1) having ability to target selectively and specifically human cellular AATF gene, prompted us to explore the role of this miRNA in the regulation of genes involved in cellular apoptosis, proliferation and nucleic acid-based immune mechanism governed by miRNAs. Such a study revealed that this miRNA-induced knockdown of AATF gene, within normal human blood mononuclear cells, was responsible for the suppression of genes coding for Bcl-2, c-myc, Par-4 and Dicer. Further, hiv1-mir-H1 had the capacity to downregulate expression of cellular miR149 gene recognized to target Vpr gene encoded by HIV-1. Based upon these findings, we propose an "Epigenomic Pathway" through which hiv1-mir-H1 induced AATF gene knockdown within human mononuclear cells initiates their apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kaul
- Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine & Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160 012, India.
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34
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Passananti C, Floridi A, Fanciulli M. Che-1/AATF, a multivalent adaptor connecting transcriptional regulation, checkpoint control, and apoptosis. Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 85:477-83. [PMID: 17713582 DOI: 10.1139/o07-062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Che-1/AATF (Che-1) was originally characterized as an interacting protein for RNA polymerase II. In addition to transcriptional regulation, the evidence suggests that Che-1 has a viral factor-like S phase promoting role in counteracting Rb repression to facilitate E2F-dependent transactivation during G1-S transition. Recently, Che-1 was found to play an important role in the DNA damage response and cell-cycle checkpoint control. Genetic studies in mice revealed that Che-1 is essential for preimplantation development and the establishment of embryonic gene expression. Importantly, several findings showed that Che-1 participates in inhibiting apoptotic process. Thus, Che-1 emerges as an important adaptor that connects transcriptional regulation, cell-cycle progression, checkpoint control, and apoptosis.
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35
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Leister P, Felten A, Chasan AI, Scheidtmann KH. ZIP kinase plays a crucial role in androgen receptor-mediated transcription. Oncogene 2007; 27:3292-300. [PMID: 18084323 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the development and homeostasis of the prostate and in prostate cancer. The transcriptional activity of AR is mediated by interaction with multiple co-activators, which serve in chromatin modification or remodeling, or provide a link between specific and general transcription factors. We have identified zipper interacting protein (ZIP) kinase as a novel transcriptional co-activator of the AR. ZIP kinase enhanced expression of AR-responsive promotor/luciferase reporter constructs in a hormone- and kinase-dependent manner. Similar results were obtained for glucocorticoid receptor but not for progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor. Following hormone treatment, AR and ZIP kinase formed physical complexes and associated with the promoter and enhancer of the prostate-specific antigen gene, as revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Strikingly, depletion of ZIP kinase by siRNA led to significant reduction of AR-mediated transactivation. The interaction of ZIP kinase with AR seems to be mediated in part by apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor and in part by direct binding. Interestingly, AR was not phosphorylated by ZIP kinase in vitro, suggesting that it phosphorylates other co-activators or chromatin proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Leister
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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36
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37
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Passananti C, Fanciulli M. The anti-apoptotic factor Che-1/AATF links transcriptional regulation, cell cycle control, and DNA damage response. Cell Div 2007; 2:21. [PMID: 17634135 PMCID: PMC1948887 DOI: 10.1186/1747-1028-2-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Che-1 is a RNA polymerase II binding protein involved in the transcriptional regulation of E2F target genes and in cell proliferation. Recently, it has been shown that Che-1 accumulates in cells responding to genotoxic agents such as Doxorubicin and ionizing radiation. The DNA damage-activated checkpoint kinases ATM and Chk2 interact with and phosphorylate Che-1, enhancing its accumulation and stability, and promoting Che-1-mediated transcription of p53-responsive genes and of p53 itself, as evidenced by microarray analysis. This transcriptional response is suppressed by expression of a Che-1 mutant lacking ATM and Chk2 phosphorylation amino acid residues, or by depletion of Che-1 by RNA silencing. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis has shown that Che-1 is released from E2F target genes and recruited to the p21 and p53 promoters after DNA damage. Che-1 contributes to the maintenance of the G2/M checkpoint in response to genotoxic stress. These findings identify a new mechanism by which the checkpoint kinases regulate, via the novel effector Che-1, the p53 pathway. Lastly, increasing evidence suggests that Che-1 may be involved in apoptotic signaling in neural tissues. In cortical neurons, Che-1 exhibits anti-apoptotic activity, protecting cells from neuronal damage induced by amyloid β-peptide. In cerebellar granule neurons, Che-1 interacts with Tau in the cytoplasmic compartment and this interaction is modulated during neuronal apoptosis. Finally, Che-1 directly interacts with the neuronal cell-death inducer "NRAGE" which downregulates endogenous Che-1 by targeting it for proteasome-dependent degradation. These findings identify Che-1 as a novel cytoprotective factor against apoptotic insults and suggest that Che-1 may represent a potential target for therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Passananti
- Instituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolare, CNR, c/o Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via Delle Messi d'oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
- Rome Oncogenomic Center, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- Laboratory "B", Department of Therapeutic Programs Development, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via Delle Messi d'oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
- Rome Oncogenomic Center, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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38
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Scheidtmann KH. Dlk/ZIP kinase, a novel Ser/Thr-specific protein kinase with multiple functions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/sita.200600112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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39
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Di Certo MG, Corbi N, Bruno T, Iezzi S, De Nicola F, Desantis A, Ciotti MT, Mattei E, Floridi A, Fanciulli M, Passananti C. NRAGE associates with the anti-apoptotic factor Che-1 and regulates its degradation to induce cell death. J Cell Sci 2007; 120:1852-8. [PMID: 17488777 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.03454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophin receptor-interacting MAGE homolog (NRAGE) has been recently identified as a cell-death inducer, involved in molecular events driving cells through apoptotic networks during neuronal development. Recently, we have focused on the functional role of Che-1, also known as apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF), a protein involved in cell cycle control and gene transcription. Increasing evidence suggests that Che-1 is involved in apoptotic signalling in neural tissues. In cortical neurons Che-1 exhibits an anti-apoptotic activity, protecting cells from neuronal damage induced by amyloid beta-peptide. Here, we report that Che-1 interacts with NRAGE and that an EGFP-NRAGE fusion protein inhibits nuclear localization of Che-1, by sequestering it within the cytoplasmic compartment. Furthermore, NRAGE overexpression downregulates endogenous Che-1 by targeting it for proteasome-dependent degradation. Finally, we propose that Che-1 is a functional antagonist of NRAGE, because its overexpression completely reverts NRAGE-induced cell-death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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40
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De Nicola F, Bruno T, Iezzi S, Di Padova M, Floridi A, Passananti C, Del Sal G, Fanciulli M. The prolyl isomerase Pin1 affects Che-1 stability in response to apoptotic DNA damage. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:19685-91. [PMID: 17468107 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m610282200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that DNA damage leads to stabilization and accumulation of Che-1, an RNA polymerase II-binding protein that plays an important role in transcriptional activation of p53 and in maintenance of the G(2)/M checkpoint. Here we show that Che-1 is down-regulated during the apoptotic process. We found that the E3 ligase HMD2 physically and functionally interacts with Che-1 and promotes its degradation via the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal system. Furthermore, we found that in response to apoptotic stimuli Che-1 interacts with the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 and that conformational changes generated by Pin1 are required for Che-1/HDM2 interaction. Notably, a Che-1 mutant lacking the capacity to bind Pin1 exhibits an increased half-life and this correlates with a diminished apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress. Our results establish Che-1 as a new Pin1 and HDM2 target and confirm its important role in the cellular response to DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Nicola
- Laboratory B, Experimental Research Center and Rome Oncogenomic Center, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
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41
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Abstract
Death-associated protein kinase (DAPk) is the founding member of a newly classified family of Ser/Thr kinases, whose members not only possess significant homology in their catalytic domains, but also share cell death-associated functions. The realization that DAPk is a tumor suppressor gene, whose expression is lost in multiple tumor types, has spurred a flurry of interest in the kinase family and produced an impressive body of literature concerning its function, regulation, and connection to disease. The DAPk family has been linked to several cell death-related signaling pathways, and functions other than cell death have also been proposed. This review presents a thorough structural analysis of the kinases, discusses methods of regulation, clarifies their cellular targets and functions, and shows how these functions are integrated. Although many gaps in our knowledge still remain, the data generated to date can be combined to delineate a place for the DAPk family within the general cell death-signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Bialik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100 Israel.
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42
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Felten A, Leister P, Burgdorf S, Uhlmann L, Scheidtmann KH. Characterization of rat BLOS2/Ceap, a putative yeast She3 homolog, as interaction partner of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor/Che-1. Biol Chem 2007; 388:569-82. [PMID: 17552904 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2007.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AATF/Che-1 is a coactivator of several transcription factors, including steroid hormone receptors. In search of novel interaction partners of AATF, we identified BLOS2 (BLOC1S2, also termed Ceap) from a rat cDNA library. BLOS2 is extremely conserved with a high degree of homology to yeast She3p. The clone isolated represents a splice variant encoding a polypeptide of 168 residues. Rat BLOS2 mRNA is highly expressed in brain and testis and at lower levels in other tissues, but not in skeletal or smooth muscle. Expression as a tagged fusion protein revealed predominant cytoplasmic, but also nuclear localization. In the cytoplasm, BLOS2 fusion proteins exhibit diffuse, filamentous, or dotted distribution, with the latter partially co-localizing with recycling endosomes. In addition, BLOS2 localizes to centrosomes or the pericentrosomal region. Moreover, BLOS2 co-localizes with myosin V globular tail domains in vesicle-like structures. However, a direct interaction could not be demonstrated. In transactivation assays, BLOS2 enhanced transcription from androgen receptor and p53-responsive promoters. However, this enhancement correlated with accumulation of both androgen receptor and p53, suggesting that BLOS2 has a stabilizing effect on these transcription factors. We propose that BLOS2 functions as an adapter in processes such as protein and vesicle processing and transport, and perhaps transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Felten
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Roemerstr. 164, D-53117 Bonn, Germany
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43
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Bruno T, De Nicola F, Iezzi S, Lecis D, D'Angelo C, Di Padova M, Corbi N, Dimiziani L, Zannini L, Jekimovs C, Scarsella M, Porrello A, Chersi A, Crescenzi M, Leonetti C, Khanna KK, Soddu S, Floridi A, Passananti C, Delia D, Fanciulli M. Che-1 phosphorylation by ATM/ATR and Chk2 kinases activates p53 transcription and the G2/M checkpoint. Cancer Cell 2006; 10:473-86. [PMID: 17157788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2006.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Revised: 07/18/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Che-1 is a RNA polymerase II-binding protein involved in the transcription of E2F target genes and induction of cell proliferation. Here we show that Che-1 contributes to DNA damage response and that its depletion sensitizes cells to anticancer agents. The checkpoint kinases ATM/ATR and Chk2 interact with Che-1 and promote its phosphorylation and accumulation in response to DNA damage. These Che-1 modifications induce a specific recruitment of Che-1 on the TP53 and p21 promoters. Interestingly, it has a profound effect on the basal expression of p53, which is preserved following DNA damage. Notably, Che-1 contributes to the maintenance of the G2/M checkpoint induced by DNA damage. These findings identify a mechanism by which checkpoint kinases regulate responses to DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bruno
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Department of Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, 00158 Rome, Italy
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44
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Xie J, Guo Q. Apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor protects renal tubule cells against oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion. J Am Soc Nephrol 2006; 17:3336-46. [PMID: 17065240 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2006040311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) is a leucine zipper domain-containing protein that has antiapoptotic properties. AATF is expressed in several organs and tissues, including the kidney. AATF may participate in inhibition of proapoptotic pathways and/or activation of antiapoptotic pathways. Ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal injury (IRI) is clinically important because it typically damages renal tubular epithelial cells and glomerular cells and is the most common cause of acute renal failure. It now is reported that AATF is expressed in human kidney proximal tubule (HK-2) cells and in mouse primary renal tubule epithelial cells. Levels of AATF expression were altered significantly in these cells in a well-established in vitro model of renal IRI. In transfected HK-2 cells, RNA interference-mediated silencing of AATF exacerbated whereas overexpression of the full-length AATF ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of superoxide and peroxynitrite, lipid peroxidation, caspase-3 activation, and apoptotic death that were induced by IRI. In primary renal tubule epithelial cells, overexpression of AATF mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors resulted in significant antiapoptotic activity, whereas knockdown of AATF by small interference RNA led to exacerbated cell death after IRI. These results identify AATF as a novel cytoprotective factor against oxidative and apoptotic damage in renal tubular cells. AATF may represent a potential candidate for therapeutic application in IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xie
- Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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45
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Weiland C, Ahr HJ, Vohr HW, Ellinger-Ziegelbauer H. Characterization of primary rat proximal tubular cells by gene expression analysis. Toxicol In Vitro 2006; 21:466-91. [PMID: 17134868 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2006.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2006] [Revised: 09/27/2006] [Accepted: 10/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The kidney plays a major role in excretory and reabsorptive processes. The kidney cortex consists primarily of proximal tubular cells, which are epithelial cells that are often involved in the induction and progression of various kidney diseases. Therefore primary proximal tubular cells are widely used as a renal cell model. To further characterize this kidney in vitro model different time points in culture after isolation of the cells were compared to the cortex in vivo using gene expression analysis based on microarrays. This study revealed that many metabolic pathways and some kidney-specific functions are lacking in the in vitro model. Furthermore genes involved in RNA and protein synthesis, intracellular transport, extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal organization were upregulated in culture compared to in vivo, indicating proliferation of the cells and differentiation into a cell culture phenotype. The data represented here may help to evaluate the in vivo relevance of results obtained with this in vitro model.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Weiland
- Molecular and Special Toxicology, Bayer HealthCare AG, Aprather Weg 18a, D-42096 Wuppertal, Germany.
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46
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Kaul D, Mehrotra A. Functional characterization of AATF transcriptome in human leukemic cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2006; 297:215-20. [PMID: 17006618 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-006-9317-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 08/25/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The study, addressed to explore the transcriptional expression and regulation of Apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) gene within various types of human leukemic cell lines, revealed that AATF gene was overexpressed ubiquitously in all the leukemic cell lines studied and this upregulation was accompanied by c-myc gene overamplification in these cells. Downregulation of AATF gene transcription within leukemic cells not only resulted in the downregulation of c-myc gene and vice-versa but also contributed to apoptosis leading to cell death. Further, the link between AATF expression and leukemic cellular apoptosis involved PI3K/Akt pathway. Based on these results we propose that AATF gene may be of crucial importance in maintaining the leukemic state of a cell compartment through its ability to initiate cell proliferation coupled with repression of cellular apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kaul
- Molecular Biology Unit,Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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47
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Granberg F, Svensson C, Pettersson U, Zhao H. Modulation of host cell gene expression during onset of the late phase of an adenovirus infection is focused on growth inhibition and cell architecture. Virology 2005; 343:236-45. [PMID: 16169035 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2005] [Revised: 08/01/2005] [Accepted: 08/17/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Microarray analysis of host cell gene expression during an adenovirus type 2 infection showed that the number of regulated genes, as well as the magnitude of change, was increased as the infection proceeded into the late phase. In contrast to the early phase of infection when the majority of differentially expressed genes were upregulated, expression of most of the regulated genes (82 out of 112) declined during the late phase. In particular, numerous TGF-beta inducible genes and several TGF-beta-independent growth-arrest-inducing genes were targeted. Of the 30 genes upregulated more than 2-fold at 20 h post-infection, nearly two-thirds of encoded proteins are involved in cell metabolism. The data indicate that adenovirus primarily targets cellular genes involved in antiviral defense, cell growth arrest and apoptosis, as well as cell metabolism, to ensure sufficient production of viral progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Granberg
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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48
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Friedrich ML, Wen BG, Bain G, Kee BL, Katayama C, Murre C, Hedrick SM, Walsh CM. DRAK2, a lymphoid-enriched DAP kinase, regulates the TCR activation threshold during thymocyte selection. Int Immunol 2005; 17:1379-90. [PMID: 16172133 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxh315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DAP kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases known to regulate intrinsic apoptotic processes. DAP-related apoptotic kinase-2 (DRAK2) is highly expressed in lymphoid organs, with differential expression during thymocyte development. Low levels of transcript were observed in CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) and double-negative populations, whereas single-positive thymocytes possessed elevated levels. Ex vivo stimulation of DP thymocytes with phorbol myristate acetate or antibodies that activate the TCR complex led to the accumulation of DRAK2 in a protein kinase C- and MAP Kinase-dependent fashion. Although DAP kinase family members are thought to potentiate apoptosis, ectopic expression of DRAK2 using retroviral transduction of primary T cells and NIH3T3 fibroblasts failed to decrease rates of survival, suggesting that DRAK2 expression is not sufficient to promote apoptosis. Rather, our results demonstrate that DRAK2 is a primary response gene activated by TCR stimulation in DP thymocytes. Further, we observed that DRAK2 controlled the threshold for calcium signaling in the thymus since positively selected Drak2-deficient thymocytes displayed a reduced requirement for TCR cross-linking. These findings are consistent with a role for DRAK2 in thymocyte selection and lymphoid maturation, and demonstrate that DRAK2 transduces non-apoptotic signals during thymocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Friedrich
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Immunology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-3900, USA
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49
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Schneider-Stock R, Roessner A, Ullrich O. DAP-kinase—Protector or enemy in apoptotic cell death. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2005; 37:1763-7. [PMID: 16009322 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2004] [Accepted: 02/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Death-associated protein (DAP)-kinase, a member of a novel subfamily of pro-apoptotic serine/threonine kinases, was recently identified as a new tumor suppressor gene with multiple functions in programmed cell death. This 160-kDa protein consists of different interaction domains that enable it to participate in seemingly contradictory pathways such as elimination of premalignant cells or cytoprotection in cellular homoeostasis. DAP-kinase is frequently inactivated by aberrant promoter methylation in many cancer types, and its expression was shown to be a useful molecular marker for cancer prognosis. Moreover, DAP-kinase is considered a regulator of neuronal apoptosis. Future investigations should allow for the evaluation of DAP-kinase as a potential target for both pro- and anti-apoptotic therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Schneider-Stock
- Department of Pathology, Head of Molecular Genetics Division, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
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50
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Xie J, Guo Q. PAR-4 is involved in regulation of beta-secretase cleavage of the Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:13824-32. [PMID: 15671026 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m411933200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that aberrant production and aggregation of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta)-(1-42) play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Abeta is produced when amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by beta- and gamma-secretases at the N and C termini of the Abeta domain, respectively. The beta-secretase is membrane-bound aspartyl protease, most commonly known as BACE1. Because BACE1 cleaves APP at the N terminus of the Abeta domain, it catalyzes the first step in Abeta generation. PAR-4 (prostate apoptosis response-4) is a leucine zipper protein that was initially identified to be associated with neuronal degeneration and aberrant Abeta production in models of AD. We now report that the C-terminal domain of PAR-4 is necessary for forming a complex with the cytosolic tail of BACE1 in co-immunoprecipitation assays and in vitro pull-down experiments. Overexpression of PAR-4 significantly increased, whereas silencing of PAR-4 expression by RNA interference significantly decreased, beta-secretase cleavage of APP. These results suggest that PAR-4 may be directly involved in regulating the APP cleavage activity of BACE1. Because the increased BACE1 activity observed in AD patients does not seem to arise from genetic mutations or polymorphisms in BACE1, the identification of PAR-4 as an endogenous regulator of BACE1 activity may have significant implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xie
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA
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