Selective translocation of beta II-protein kinase C to the nucleus of human promyelocytic (HL60) leukemia cells

Protein kinase C signaling "in" and "to" the nucleus: Master kinases in transcriptional regulation

PKC is a multifunctional family of Ser-Thr kinases widely implicated in the regulation of fundamental cellular functions, including proliferation, polarity, motility, and differentiation. Notwithstanding their primary cytoplasmic localization and stringent activation by cell surface receptors, PKC isozymes impel prominent nuclear signaling ultimately impacting gene expression. While transcriptional regulation may be wielded by nuclear PKCs, it most often relies on cytoplasmic phosphorylation events that result in nuclear shuttling of PKC downstream effectors, including transcription factors. As expected from the unique coupling of PKC isozymes to signaling effector pathways, glaring disparities in gene activation/repression are observed upon targeting individual PKC family members. Notably, specific PKCs control the expression and activation of transcription factors implicated in cell cycle/mitogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and immune function. Additionally, PKCs isozymes tightly regulate transcription factors involved in stepwise differentiation of pluripotent stem cells toward specific epithelial, mesenchymal, and hematopoietic cell lineages. Aberrant PKC expression and/or activation in pathological conditions, such as in cancer, leads to profound alterations in gene expression, leading to an extensive rewiring of transcriptional networks associated with mitogenesis, invasiveness, stemness, and tumor microenvironment dysregulation. In this review, we outline the current understanding of PKC signaling "in" and "to" the nucleus, with significant focus on established paradigms of PKC-mediated transcriptional control. Dissecting these complexities would allow the identification of relevant molecular targets implicated in a wide spectrum of diseases.

Recent Advances in the Development of Anticancer Drugs that Act against Signalling Pathways

Cancer can be considered a disease of deranged intracellular signalling. The intracellular signalling pathways that mediate the effects of oncogenes on cell growth and transformation present attractive targets for the development of new classes of drugs for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This is a new approach to developing anticancer drugs and the potential, as well as some of the problems, inherent in the approach are discussed. Anticancer drugs that produce their effects by disrupting signalling pathways are already in clinical trial. Some properties of these drugs, as well as other inhibitors of signalling pathways under development as potential anticancer drugs, are reviewed.

PKCβII acts downstream of chemoattractant receptors and mTORC2 to regulate cAMP production and myosin II activity in neutrophils

mTORC2 has been shown to be involved in cytoskeletal regulation, but the mechanisms by which this takes place are poorly understood. This study shows that PKCβII is specifically required for mTORC2-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase 9 and back retraction during neutrophil chemotaxis to chemoattractants.

Chemotaxis is a process by which cells polarize and move up a chemical gradient through the spatiotemporal regulation of actin assembly and actomyosin contractility, which ultimately control front protrusions and back retractions. We previously demonstrated that in neutrophils, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is required for chemoattractant-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase 9 (AC9), which converts ATP into cAMP and regulates back contraction through MyoII phosphorylation. Here we study the mechanism by which mTORC2 regulates neutrophil chemotaxis and AC9 activity. We show that inhibition of protein kinase CβII (PKCβII) by CPG53353 or short hairpin RNA knockdown severely inhibits chemoattractant-induced cAMP synthesis and chemotaxis in neutrophils. Remarkably, PKCβII-inhibited cells exhibit specific and severe tail retraction defects. In response to chemoattractant stimulation, phosphorylated PKCβII, but not PKCα, is transiently translocated to the plasma membrane, where it phosphorylates and activates AC9. mTORC2-mediated PKCβII phosphorylation on its turn motif, but not its hydrophobic motif, is required for membrane translocation of PKCβII. Inhibition of mTORC2 activity by Rictor knockdown not only dramatically decreases PKCβII activity, but it also strongly inhibits membrane translocation of PKCβII. Together our findings show that PKCβII is specifically required for mTORC2-dependent AC9 activation and back retraction during neutrophil chemotaxis.

Protein kinase C (PKC) as a drug target in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Protein kinase C (PKC) belongs to a family of ten serine/threonine protein kinases encoded by nine genes. This family of proteins plays critical roles in signal transduction which results in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and apoptosis. Due to differential subcellular localization and tissue distribution, each member displays distinct signaling characteristics. In this review, we have summarized the roles of PKC family members in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL is a heterogeneous hematological disorder with survival ranging from months to decades. PKC isoforms are differentially expressed in CLL and play critical roles in CLL pathogenesis. Thus, isoform-specific PKC inhibitors may be an attractive option for CLL treatment.

Nuclear phosphoinositides: location, regulation and function

Lipid signalling in human disease is an important field of investigation and stems from the fact that phosphoinositide signalling has been implicated in the control of nearly all the important cellular pathways including metabolism, cell cycle control, membrane trafficking, apoptosis and neuronal conduction. A distinct nuclear inositide signalling metabolism has been identified, thus defining a new role for inositides in the nucleus, which are now considered essential co-factors for several nuclear processes, including DNA repair, transcription regulation, and RNA dynamics. Deregulation of phoshoinositide metabolism within the nuclear compartment may contribute to disease progression in several disorders, such as chronic inflammation, cancer, metabolic, and degenerative syndromes. In order to utilize these very druggable pathways for human benefit there is a need to identify how nuclear inositides are regulated specifically within this compartment and what downstream nuclear effectors process and integrate inositide signalling cascades in order to specifically control nuclear function. Here we describe some of the facets of nuclear inositide metabolism with a focus on their relationship to cell cycle control and differentiation.

Protein kinase C: an attractive target for cancer therapy

Apoptosis plays an important role during all stages of carcinogenesis and the development of chemoresistance in tumor cells may be due to their selective defects in the intracellular signaling proteins, central to apoptotic pathways. Consequently, many studies have focused on rendering the chemotherapy more effective in order to prevent chemoresistance and pre-clinical and clinical data has suggested that protein kinase C (PKC) may represent an attractive target for cancer therapy. Therefore, a complete understanding of how PKC regulates apoptosis and chemoresistance may lead to obtaining a PKC-based therapy that is able to reduce drug dosages and to prevent the development of chemoresistance.

Physiology and pathology of nuclear phospholipase C β1

The existence and function of inositide signaling in the nucleus is well documented and we know that the existence of the inositide cycle inside the nucleus has a biological role. An autonomous lipid-dependent signaling system, independently regulated from its plasma membrane counterpart, acts in the nucleus and modulates cell cycle progression and differentiation.We and others focused on PLCβ1, which is the most extensively investigated PLC isoform in the nuclear compartment. PLCβ1 is a key player in the regulation of nuclear inositol lipid signaling, and, as discussed above, its function could also be involved in nuclear structure because it hydrolyses PtdIns(4,5)P2, a well accepted regulator of chromatin remodelling. The evidence, in a number of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, that the mono-allelic deletion of PLCβ1 is associated with an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia paves the way for an entirely new field of investigation. Indeed the genetic defect evidenced, in addition to being a useful prognostic tool, also suggests that altered expression of this enzyme could have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease, by causing an imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis. The epigenetics of PLCβ1 expression in MDS has been reviewed as well.

Isolation and characterization of a novel zinc finger gene, ZNFD, activating AP1(PMA) transcriptional activities

ZFPs (Zinc Finger Proteins) play important roles in various cellular functions, including transcriptional activation, transcriptional repression, cell proliferation, and development. C(2)H(2) (Cys-Cys-His-His motif) ZFPs are the most abundant proteins among the founding members of the ZFP super family in eukaryotes. In this study, we isolate a novel C(2)H(2) ZNF (Zinc Finger) gene ZNFD. It contains an ORF (Open Reading Frame) with a length of 990 bp, encoding 329 amino acids. The predicted protein contains a C(2)H(2) zinc finger. RT-PCR analysis in 18 human adult tissues indicated that it was expressed in five human adult tissues. Green fluorescence protein localization analysis showed that human ZNFD was located in the nucleus of Hela cells. Overexpression of ZNFD in the COS7 cells activates the transcriptional activities of AP1(PMA) (Activator of protein 1, that responds specifically to phorbol ester). Together the data indicate that ZNFD is probably a new type of C(2)H(2) ZFP and the ZNFD protein may act as a transcriptional activator in PKC (protein kinase C) signal pathway to mediate cellular functions.

A 20-amino acid module of protein kinase C{epsilon} involved in translocation and selective targeting at cell-cell contacts

In the pituitary gland, activated protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms accumulate either selectively at the cell-cell contact (alpha and epsilon) or at the entire plasma membrane (beta1 and delta). The molecular mechanisms underlying these various subcellular locations are not known. Here, we demonstrate the existence within PKCepsilon of a cell-cell contact targeting sequence (3CTS) that, upon stimulation, is capable of targeting PKCdelta, chimerin-alpha1, and the PKCepsilon C1 domain to the cell-cell contact. We show that this selective targeting of PKCepsilon is lost upon overexpression of 3CTS fused to a (R-Ahx-R)(4) (where Ahx is 6-aminohexanoic acid) vectorization peptide, reflecting a dominant-negative effect of the overexpressed 3CTS on targeting selectivity. 3CTS contains a putative amphipathic alpha-helix, a 14-3-3-binding site, and the Glu-374 amino acid, involved in targeting selectivity. We show that the integrity of the alpha-helix is important for translocation but that 14-3-3 is not involved in targeting selectivity. However, PKCepsilon translocation is increased when PKCepsilon/14-3-3 interaction is abolished, suggesting that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate activation may initiate two sets of PKCepsilon functions, those depending on 14-3-3 and those depending on translocation to cell-cell contacts. Thus, 3CTS is involved in the modulation of translocation via its 14-3-3-binding site, in cytoplasmic desequestration via the alpha-helix, and in selective PKCepsilon targeting at the cell-cell contact via Glu-374.

Isoform-specific translocation of PKC isoforms in NIH3T3 cells by TPA

Protein kinase C (PKC), a multi-gene family of enzymes, plays key roles in the pathways of signal transduction, growth control and tumorigenesis. Variations in the intracellular localization of the individual isoforms are thought to be an important mechanism for the isoform-specific regulation of enzyme activity and substrate specificity. To provide a dynamic method of analyzing the localization of the specific isoforms of PKC in living cells, we generated fluorescent fusion proteins of the various PKC isoforms by using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a fluorescent marker at the carboxyl termini of these enzymes. The intracellular localization of the specific PKC isoforms was then examined by fluorescence microscopy after transient transfection of the respective PKC-GFP expression vector into NIH3T3 cells and subsequent TPA stimulation. We found that the specific isoforms of PKC display distinct localization patterns in untreated NIH3T3 cells. For example, PKCalpha is localized mainly in the cytoplasm while PKCepsilon is localized mainly in the Golgi apparatus. We also observed that PKCalpha, beta1, beta2, gamma, delta, epsilon, and eta translocate to the plasma membrane within 10 min of the start of TPA treatment, while the cellular localizations of PKCzeta and iota were not affected by TPA. Using a protein kinase inhibitor, we also showed that the kinase activity was not important for the translocation of PKC. These results suggest that specific PKC isoforms exert spatially distinct biological effects by virtue of their directed translocation to different intracellular sites.

Decursin and PDBu: Two PKC activators distinctively acting in the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 human erythroleukemia cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of various cell types including normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) induces the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 human erythroleukemia cells through PKC activation. Decursin, a pyranocoumarin from Angelica gigas, exhibits the cytotoxic effects on various human cancer cell lines and in vitro PKC activation. We report here the differences between two PKC activators, tumor-suppressing decursin and tumor-promoting PDBu, in their actions on the megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells. First of all, decursin inhibited PDBu-induced bleb formation in K562 cells. Decursin also inhibited the PDBu-induced megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells that is characterized by an increase in substrate adhesion, the secretion of granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the surface expression of integrin beta3. The binding of PDBu to PKC was competitively inhibited by decursin. Decursin induced the more rapid down-regulation of PKC alpha and betaII isozymes than that induced by PDBu in K562 cells. Unlike PDBu, decursin promoted the translocation of PKC alpha and betaII to the nuclear membrane. Decursin-induced faster down-regulation and nuclear translocation of PKC alpha and betaII were not affected by the presence of PDBu. All these results indicate that decursin and phorbol ester are PKC activators distinctively acting in megakaryocytic differentiation and PKC modulation in K562 leukemia cells.

Involvement of PKC and ROS in the cytotoxic mechanism of anti-leukemic decursin and its derivatives and their structure–activity relationship in human K562 erythroleukemia and U937 myeloleukemia cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of various cell types including normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells. Recently, various PKC modulators were used as a chemotherapeutic agent of leukemia. Decursin (1), a pyranocoumarin from Angelica gigas, exhibits the cytotoxic effects on various human cancer cell lines and in vitro PKC activation. For the development of more effective anticancer agents with PKC modulation activity, 11 decursin derivatives 2-12 were chemically synthesized and evaluated for their ability to act as a tumor-suppressing PKC activator and as an antagonist to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a tumor-promoting PKC activator. In the presence of phosphatidylserine (PS), all of 12 compounds 1-12 activated PKC (mainly alpha, beta, and gamma isozymes) but only three compounds 1-3 activated PKC even in the absence of PS. Six compounds 1-6 containing the coumarin structure were cytotoxic to human K562 erythroleukemia and U937 myeloleukemia cells. A cytotoxic mechanism of decursin and its derivatives was investigated using TUR cells, a PKC betaII-deficient variant of U937 cells. Among six compounds 1-6 with cytotoxicity to K562 and U937 leukemia cells, only three compounds 1-3 were cytotoxic to TUR cells. Therefore, compounds 1-3 and 4-6 inhibit the proliferation of leukemia cells in a PKC betaII-independent and dependent manner, respectively, indicating that the side chain of compounds determines the dependency of their cytotoxicity on PKC betaII. To further elucidate the cytotoxic mechanism of compounds 1 and 2, levels of PKC isozymes and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated. Compounds 1-2 induced the down-regulation of PKC alpha and betaII in K562 cells and the production of ROS in U937 cells. Thus, PKC and ROS are probably important factors in the cytotoxic mechanism of compounds 1-2. From these results, the structure-activity relationship of decursin and its derivatives is as follows: (i) the coumarin structure is required for anti-leukemic activity and (ii) the side chain is a determinant of PKC activation and the cytotoxic mechanism in leukemia cells.

Isoenzyme-specific Translocation of Protein Kinase C (PKC)βII and not PKCβI to a Juxtanuclear Subset of Recycling Endosomes

Elucidation of isoenzyme-specific functions of individual protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes has emerged as an important goal in the study of this family of kinases, but this task has been complicated by modest substrate specificity and high homology among the individual members of each PKC subfamily. The classical PKCbetaI and PKCbetaII isoenzymes provide a unique opportunity because they are the alternatively spliced products of the beta gene and are 100% identical except for the last 50 of 52 amino acids. In this study, it is shown that green fluorescent protein-tagged PKCbetaII and not PKCbetaI translocates to a recently described juxtanuclear site of localization for PKCalpha and PKCbetaII isoenzymes that arises with sustained stimulation of PKC. Mechanistically, translocation of PKCbetaII to the juxtanuclear region required kinase activity. PKCbetaII, but not PKCbetaI, was found to activate phospholipase D within this time frame. Inhibitors of phospholipase D (1-butanol and a dominant negative construct) prevented the translocation of PKCbetaII to the juxtanuclear region but not to the plasma membrane, thus demonstrating a role for phospholipase D in the juxtanuclear translocation of PKCbetaII. Taken together, these results define specific biochemical and cellular actions of PKCbetaII when compared with PKCbetaI.

Bryostatin-1: a novel PKC inhibitor in clinical development

Modulation of PKC represents a novel approach to cancer therapy. Bryostatin-1 is a macrocyclic lactone derived from a marine invertebrate that binds to the regulatory domain of protein kinase C. Short-term exposure to bryostatin-1 promotes activation of PKC, whereas prolonged exposure promotes significant downregulation of PKC. In numerous hematological and solid tumor cell lines, bryostatin-1 inhibits proliferation, induces differentiation, and promotes apoptosis. Furthermore, preclinical studies indicate that bryostatin-1 potently enhances the effect of chemotherapy. In many cases, this effect is sequence specific. Bryostatin-1 is currently in phase I and phase II clinical trials. The major toxicities are myalgias, nausea, and vomiting. Although there is minimal single-agent activity, combinations with standard chemotherapy are providing very encouraging results and indicate a new direction in cancer therapy.

The V5 Domain of Protein Kinase C Plays a Critical Role in Determining the Isoform-Specific Localization, Translocation, and Biological Function of Protein Kinase C-δ and -ε

The catalytic domain of overexpressed protein kinase C (PKC)-δ mediates phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced differentiation or apoptosis in appropriate model cell lines. To define the portions of the catalytic domain that are critical for these isozyme-specific functions, we constructed reciprocal chimeras, PKC-δ/εV5 and -ε/δV5, by swapping the V5 domains of PKC-δ and -ε. PKC-δ/εV5 failed to mediate PMA-induced differentiation of 32D cells, showing the essential nature of the V5 domain for PKC-δ's functionality. The other chimera, PKC-ε/δV5, endowed inactive PKC-ε with nearly all PKC-δ's apoptotic ability, confirming the importance of PKC-δ in this function. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged PKC-δV5 and -ε/δV5 in A7r5 cells showed substantial basal nuclear localization, while GFP-tagged PKC-ε and -δ/εV5 showed significantly less, indicating that the V5 region of PKC-δ contains determinants critical to its nuclear distribution. PKC-ε/δV5-GFP showed much slower kinetics of translocation to membranes in response to PMA than parental PKC-ε, implicating the PKC-εV5 domain in membrane targeting. Thus, the V5 domain is critical in several of the isozyme-specific functions of PKC-δ and -ε.

cPKC-dependent sequestration of membrane-recycling components in a subset of recycling endosomes

In addition to the classical role of protein kinase C (PKC) as a mediator of transmembrane signals initiated at the plasma membrane, there is also significant evidence to suggest that a more sustained PKC activity is necessary for a variety of long term cellular responses. To date, the subcellular localization of PKC during sustained activation has not been extensively studied. We report here that long term activation of PKC (1 h) leads to the selective translocation of classical PKC isoenzymes, alpha and betaII, to a juxtanuclear compartment. Juxtanuclear translocation of PKC required an intact C1 and C2 domain, and occurred in a microtubule-dependent manner. This juxtanuclear compartment was localized close to the Golgi complex but displayed no overlap with Golgi markers, and was resistant to dispersal with Golgi disrupting agents, brefeldin A and nocodazole. Further characterization revealed that PKCalpha and betaII translocated to a compartment that colocalized with the small GTPase, rab11, which is a marker for the subset of recycling endosomes concentrated around the microtubule-organizing center/centrosome. Analysis of the functional consequence of cPKC translocation on membrane recycling demonstrated a cPKC-dependent sequestration of transferrin, a marker of membrane recycling, in the cPKC compartment. These results identify a novel site for cPKC translocation and define a novel function for the sustained activation of PKCalpha and betaII in regulation of recycling components.

Structural Study of the C2 Domains of the Classical PKC Isoenzymes Using Infrared Spectroscopy and Two-Dimensional Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy†

The secondary structure of the C2 domains of the classical PKC isoenzymes, alpha, betaII, and gamma, has been studied using infrared spectroscopy. Ca(2+) and phospholipids were used as protein ligands to study their differential effects on the isoenzymes and their influence on thermal protein denaturation. Whereas the structures of the three isoenzymes were similar in the absence of Ca(2+) and phospholipids at 25 degrees C, some differences were found upon heating in their presence, the C2 domain of the gamma-isoenzyme being better preserved from thermal denaturation than the domain from the alpha-isoenzyme and this, in turn, being better than that from the beta-isoenzyme. A two-dimensional correlation study of the denaturation of the three domains also showed differences between them. Synchronous 2D-IR correlation showed changes (increased aggregation of denaturated protein) occurring at 1616-19 cm(-1), and this was found in the three isoenzymes. On the other hand, the asynchronous 2D-IR correlation study of the domains in the absence of Ca(2+) showed that, in all cases, the aggregation of denaturated protein increased after changes in other structural components, an increase perhaps related with the hard-core role of the beta-sandwich in these proteins. The differences observed between the three C2 domains may be related with their physiological specialization and occurrence in different cell compartments and in different cells.

PICK1, an anchoring protein that specifically targets protein kinase Calpha to mitochondria selectively upon serum stimulation in NIH 3T3 cells

PICK1 binds to protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) through the carboxylate-binding loop in its PDZ (PSD95/Disc-large/ZO-1) domain and the C terminus of PKCalpha. We have previously shown that PICK1 modulates the catalytic activity of PKC selectively toward the antiproliferative gene TIS21. To investigate whether PICK1 plays a role in targeting activated PKCalpha to a particular intracellular compartment in addition to regulating PKC activity, we examine the localization of PICK1 and PKCalpha in response to various stimuli. Double staining with organelle markers and anti-rPICK1 antibodies reveals that PICK1 is associated with mitochondria but not with endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi in NIH 3T3 cells. Deletion of the PDZ domain impairs the mitochondria localization of PICK1, whereas mutations in the carboxylate-binding loop do not have an effect, suggesting that PICK1 can bind PKCalpha and mitochondria simultaneously. Upon serum stimulation, PICK1 translocates and displays a dense ring-like structure around the nucleus, where it still associates with mitochondria. A substantial portion of PKCalpha is concomitantly found in the condense perinuclear region. The C terminal-deleted PKCalpha fails to translocate and remains a diffuse cytoplasmic distribution, indicating that a direct interaction between PICK1 and PKCalpha is required for PKCalpha anchoring to mitochondria. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulation, in contrast, causes translocation of PKCalpha to the plasma membrane, whereas the majority of PICK1 remains in a cytoplasmic punctate pattern. Deletion at the C terminus of PKCalpha has no effect on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced translocation. These findings indicate a previously unidentified role for PICK1 in anchoring PKCalpha to mitochondria in a ligand-specific manner.

Involvement of PKC betaII in anti-proliferating action of a new antitumor compound gnidimacrin

Daphnane-type diterpene gnidimacrin (NSC 252940) shows significant antitumor activity against murine tumors and human tumor cell lines. This compound binds to and directly activates protein kinase C (PKC), arresting the cell cycle at the G(1) phase through inhibition of cdk2 activity in human K562 leukemia cells. In our study, we examined whether cellular PKC is involved in the antiproliferating effect of gnidimacrin. In a 24-hr exposure of K562 cells to high concentrations of bryostatin 1 (0.11-3.3 microM), both expression of PKC alpha and PKC betaII was downregulated, and thereafter these cells became resistant to gnidimacrin in response to the degree of PKC downregulation. In addition, PKC alpha and PKC betaII genes were transfected to gnidimacrin-resistant human hepatoma HLE cells that demonstrated positive expression of PKC alpha and negative expression of PKC betaII. PKC betaII gene-transfected cells became sensitive to gnidimacrin in relation to the degree of PKC betaII expression. The most sensitive clone to show 0.001 microg/mL (1.2 nM) as IC(50) in a continuous 4-day exposure was obtained. While PKC alpha gene-transfected cells exhibited an increase in PKC alpha expression and became sensitive to gnidimacrin, sensitivity was one-hundredth of that in PKC betaIotaIota gene-transfected cells. These results suggest that PKC, in particular PKC betaIotaIota, is necessary in the antitumor effect of gnidimacrin.

Nuclear lipid signalling

During the past twenty years, evidence has accumulated for the presence of phospholipids within the nuclei of eukaryotic cells. These phospholipids are distinct from those that are obviously present in the nuclear envelope. The best characterized of the intranuclear lipids are the inositol lipids that form the components of a phosphoinositide-phospholipase C cycle. However, exactly as has been discovered in the cytoplasm, this is just part of a complex picture that involves many other lipids and functions.

Nuclear lipid signaling

Abundant evidence now supports the existence of phospholipids in the nucleus that resist washing of nuclei with detergents. These lipids are apparently not in the nuclear envelope as part of a bilayer membrane, but are actually within the nucleus in the form of proteolipid complexes with unidentified proteins. This review discusses the experimental evidence that attempts to explain their existence. Among these nuclear lipids are the polyphosphoinositol lipids which, together with the enzymes that synthesize them, form an intranuclear phospholipase C (PI-PLC) signaling system that generates diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]. The isoforms of PI-PLC that are involved in this signaling system, and how they are regulated, are not yet entirely clear. Generation of DAG within the nucleus is believed to recruit protein kinase C (PKC) to the nucleus to phosphorylate intranuclear proteins. Generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 may mobilize Ca2+ from the space between the nuclear membranes and thus increase nucleoplasmic Ca2+. Less well understood are the increasing number of variations and complications on the "simple" idea of a PI-PLC system. These include, all apparently within the nucleus, (i) two routes of synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2]; (ii) two sources of DAG, one from the PI-PLC pathway and the other probably from phosphatidylcholine; (iii) several isoforms of PKC translocating to nuclei; (iv) increases in activity of the PI-PLC pathway at two points in the cell cycle; (v) a pathway of phosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, which may have several functions, including a role in the transfer of mRNA out of the nucleus; and (vi) the possible existence of other lipid signaling pathways that may include sphingolipids, phospholipase A2, and, in particular, 3-phosphorylated inositol lipids, which are now emerging as possible major players in nuclear signaling.

Protein kinase C-beta II Is an apoptotic lamin kinase in polyomavirus-transformed, etoposide-treated pyF111 rat fibroblasts

The role of protein kinase C-beta(II) (PKC-beta(II)) in etoposide (VP-16)-induced apoptosis was studied using polyomavirus-transformed pyF111 rat fibroblasts in which PKC-beta(II) specific activity in the nuclear membrane (NM) doubled and the enzyme was cleaved into catalytic fragments. No PKC-beta(II) complexes with lamin B1 and/or active caspases were immunoprecipitable from the NM of proliferating untreated cells, but large complexes of PKC-beta(II) holoprotein and its catalytic fragments with lamin B1, active caspase-3 and -6, and inactive phospho-CDK-1, but not PKC-beta(I) or PKC-delta, could be immunoprecipitated from the NM of VP-16-treated cells, suggesting that PKC-beta(II) is an apoptotic lamin kinase. By 30 min after normal nuclei were mixed with cytoplasms from VP-16-treated, but not untreated, cells, PKC-beta(II) holoprotein had moved from the apoptotic cytoplasm to the normal NM, and lamin B1 was phosphorylated before cleavage by caspase-6. Lamin B1 phosphorylation was partly reduced, but its cleavage was completely prevented, despite the presence of active caspase-6, by adding a selective PKC-betas inhibitor, hispidin, to the apoptotic cytoplasms. Thus, a PKC-beta(II) response to VP-16 seems necessary for lamin B1 cleavage by caspase-6 and nuclear lamina dissolution in apoptosing pyF111 fibroblasts. The possibility of PKC-beta(II) being an apoptotic lamin kinase in these cells was further suggested by lamin B1-bound PKC-delta being inactive or only slightly active and by PKC-alpha not combining with the lamin.

Ethanolamine is a co-mitogenic factor for proliferation of primary hepatocytes

Mature adult parenchymal hepatocytes can enter the S phase in the presence of growth factors such as HGF and EGF, but rarely proliferate in culture. We hypothesized that the cell cycle of hepatocytes in culture is restricted before G(2)/M phase and we attempted to identify the factor that induces cell cycle progression. We found that the conditioned medium from long-term cultured hepatocytes contained co-mitogenic activity with other growth factors, which was attributed to ethanolamine (Etn). Etn induced not only DNA synthesis but also cell replication of cultured hepatocytes with various other growth factors. Etn and HGF synergistically induced cyclin D(1), A and B expression, however, only cyclin B but not cyclin A formed a complex with Cdc2. In addition, Etn combined with HGF enhanced PKCbetaII expression and translocated PKCbetaII to the plasma membrane, and induced filopodia formation, which was inhibited by an antisense oligonucleotide against PKCbetaII. In addition, blocking the cytoskeleton rearrangement with inhibitors (colchicine, cytochalasin D, or chlerythrine (a specific PKC inhibitor)) inhibited cyclin expression and cell proliferation. Although Etn enhanced the downstream product, cellular phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), PE itself did not show any Etn-like activities on hepatocytes. Taken together, our results indicate that Etn functions as a co-replication factor to promote the cell cycle of mature hepatocytes to G(2)/M phase in the presence of growth factors. The activity is thought to be mediated by PKCbetaII-dependent cyclin B expression.

Proliferating or differentiating stimuli act on different lipid-dependent signaling pathways in nuclei of human leukemia cells

Previous results have shown that the human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line responds to either proliferating or differentiating stimuli. When these cells are induced to proliferate, protein kinase C (PKC)-beta II migrates toward the nucleus, whereas when they are exposed to differentiating agents, there is a nuclear translocation of the alpha isoform of PKC. As a step toward the elucidation of the early intranuclear events that regulate the proliferation or the differentiation process, we show that in the HL-60 cells, a proliferating stimulus (i.e., insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-I]) increased nuclear diacylglycerol (DAG) production derived from phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate, as indicated by the inhibition exerted by 1-O-octadeyl-2-O-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and U-73122 (1-[6((17 beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione), which are pharmacological inhibitors of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. In contrast, when HL-60 cells were induced to differentiate along the granulocytic lineage by dimethyl sulfoxide, we observed a rise in the nuclear DAG mass, which was sensitive to either neomycin or propranolol, two compounds with inhibitory effect on phospholipase D (PLD)-mediated DAG generation. In nuclei of dimethyl sulfoxide-treated HL-60 cells, we observed a rise in the amount of a 90-kDa PLD, distinct from PLD1 or PLD2. When a phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate-derived DAG pool was generated in the nucleus, a selective translocation of PKC-beta II occurred. On the other hand, nuclear DAG derived through PLD, recruited PKC-alpha to the nucleus. Both of these PKC isoforms were phosphorylated on serine residues. These results provide support for the proposal that in the HL-60 cell nucleus there are two independently regulated sources of DAG, both of which are capable of acting as the driving force that attracts to this organelle distinct, DAG-dependent PKC isozymes. Our results assume a particular significance in light of the proposed use of pharmacological inhibitors of PKC-dependent biochemical pathways for the therapy of cancer disease.

Generation of diacylglycerol molecular species through the cell cycle: a role for 1-stearoyl, 2-arachidonyl glycerol in the activation of nuclear protein kinase C-βII at G2/M

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of 11 isoenzymes that are differentially involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. PKC-βII, a mitotic lamin kinase, has been shown previously to translocate to the nucleus at G2/M and this was coupled to the generation of nuclear diacylglycerol. However, it is not clear how isoenzyme selective translocation and nuclear targeting is achieved during cell cycle. To investigate further the role of nuclear diacylglycerol we measured PKC isoenzyme translocation and analysed diacylglycerol species at different stages of the cell cycle in U937 cells synchronized by centrifugal elutriation. Translocation of PKC-βII to the membrane fraction, an indicator of activation, occurred at S and G2/M, although PKC-βII was targeted to the nucleus only at G2/M. Levels of nuclear diacylglycerol, specifically tetraunsaturated species, increased during G2/M. By contrast, there were no obvious changes in nuclear phosphatidic acid species or mass. 1-stearoyl, 2-arachidonyl glycerol (SAG), the major polyunsaturated nuclear diacylglycerol, was able to activate classical PKC isoenzymes (PKC-α andβ), but was less effective for activation of novel isoenzymes(PKC-δ), in an in vitro PKC assay. We propose that PKC-βII nuclear translocation during G2/M phase transition is mediated in part by generation of SAG at the nucleus.

Adaptor proteins in protein kinase C-mediated signal transduction

Spatial and temporal organization of signal transduction is essential in determining the speed and precision by which signaling events occur. Adaptor proteins are key to organizing signaling enzymes near their select substrates and away from others in order to optimize precision and speed of response. Here, we describe the role of adaptor proteins in determining the specific function of individual protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes. These isozyme-selective proteins were called collectively RACKs (receptors for activated C-kinase). The role of RACKs in PKC-mediated signaling was determined using isozyme-specific inhibitors and activators of the binding of each isozyme to its respective RACK. In addition to anchoring activated PKC isozymes, RACKs anchor other signaling enzymes. RACK1, the anchoring protein for activated betaIIPKC, binds for example, Src tyrosine kinase, integrin, and phosphodiesterase. RACK2, the epsilonPKC-specific RACK, is a coated-vesicle protein and thus is involved in vesicular release and cell-cell communication. Therefore, RACKs are not only adaptors for PKC, but also serve as adaptor proteins for several other signaling enzymes. Because at least some of the proteins that bind to RACKs, including PKC itself, regulate cell growth, modulating their interactions with RACKs may help elucidate signaling pathways leading to carcinogenesis and could result in the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Cyclosporin a promotes hair epithelial cell proliferation and modulates protein kinase C expression and translocation in hair epithelial cells

Cyclosporin A is an immunosuppressive agent known to cause hirsutism. The mechanisms of action that cause hirsutism have not been fully elucidated, however. We have previously reported that several selective protein kinase C inhibitors promote the growth of murine hair epithelial cells and stimulate anagen induction. In this paper, we report on an investigation of the mechanisms of action of hair-growing activity possessed by cyclosporin A from the viewpoint of whether it promotes hair epithelial cell growth or whether it modulates the expression or translocation of protein kinase C isozymes in hair epithelial cells. Our results indicate that cyclosporin A (over a wide dosage range of 1-1000 ng per ml) stimulates cultured murine hair epithelial cell growth to about 150%-160% relative to controls. We also observed growth-promoting effects on murine epidermal keratinocytes (about 140%) at the dose range of 1-100 ng per ml. At high dose ranges above 3 microg per ml, the growth of both cells was inhibited. On the other hand, we found that cyclosporin A reduces the overall expression of protein kinase C alpha, betaI, and betaII in cultured murine hair epithelial cells, and reduces the levels of protein kinase C alpha, betaI, betaII, and eta in the particulate fraction from cultured murine hair epithelial cells. From these results, we speculate that the hair-growing activity of cyclosporin A is at least partially attributable to its growth-promoting influence on hair epithelial cells sequential to its downregulation of some protein kinase C isozymes in hair epithelial cells or inhibition of translocation of some protein kinase C isozymes to the membrane or cytoskeleton of hair epithelial cells.

Negative regulation of ligand-initiated Ca(2+) uptake by PKC-beta II in differentiated HL60 cells

In phagocytic cells, fMet-Leu-Phe triggers phosphoinositide remodeling, activation of protein kinase C (PKC), release of intracellular Ca(2+) and uptake of extracellular Ca(2+). Uptake of extracellular Ca(2+) can be triggered by store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOCC) and via a receptor-operated nonselective cation channel(s). In neutrophilic HL60 cells, the PKC activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) activates multiple PKC isotypes, PKC-alpha, PKC-beta, and PKC-delta, and inhibits ligand-initiated mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) and uptake of extracellular Ca(2+). Therefore PKC is a negative regulator at several points in Ca(2+) mobilization. In contrast, selective depletion of PKC-beta in HL60 cells by an antisense strategy enhanced fMet-Leu-Phe-initiated Ca(2+) uptake but not mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+). Thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) uptake through SOCC was not affected by PKC-beta II depletion. Thus PKC-beta II is a selective negative regulator of Ca(2+) uptake but not release of intracellular Ca(2+) stores. PKC-beta II inhibits a receptor-operated cation or Ca(2+) channel, thus inhibiting ligand-initiated Ca(2+) uptake.

Differentiation therapy of human cancer: basic science and clinical applications

Current cancer therapies are highly toxic and often nonspecific. A potentially less toxic approach to treating this prevalent disease employs agents that modify cancer cell differentiation, termed 'differentiation therapy.' This approach is based on the tacit assumption that many neoplastic cell types exhibit reversible defects in differentiation, which upon appropriate treatment, results in tumor reprogramming and a concomitant loss in proliferative capacity and induction of terminal differentiation or apoptosis (programmed cell death). Laboratory studies that focus on elucidating mechanisms of action are demonstrating the effectiveness of 'differentiation therapy,' which is now beginning to show translational promise in the clinical setting.

Nuclear import and export signals enable rapid nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the atypical protein kinase C lambda

The atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes, lambda/iota- and zetaPKC, play important roles in cellular signaling pathways regulating proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. By using green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins, we found that wild-type lambdaPKC localized predominantly to the cytoplasm, whereas both a kinase-defective mutant and an activation loop mutant accumulated in the nucleus. We have mapped a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS) to the N-terminal part of the zinc finger domain of lambdaPKC. Leptomycin B treatment induced rapid nuclear accumulation of GFP-lambda as well as endogenous lambdaPKC suggesting the existence of a CRM1-dependent nuclear export signal (NES). Consequently, we identified a functional leucine-rich NES in the linker region between the zinc finger and the catalytic domain of lambdaPKC. The presence of both the NLS and NES enables a continuous shuttling of lambdaPKC between the cytoplasm and nucleus. Our results suggest that the exposure of the NLS in both lambda- and zetaPKC is regulated by intramolecular interactions between the N-terminal part, including the pseudosubstrate sequence, and the catalytic domain. Thus, either deletion of the N-terminal region, including the pseudosubstrate sequence, or a point mutation in this sequence leads to nuclear accumulation of lambdaPKC. The ability of the two atypical PKC isoforms to enter the nucleus in HeLa cells upon leptomycin B treatment differs substantially. Although lambdaPKC is able to enter the nucleus very rapidly, zetaPKC is much less efficiently imported into the nucleus. This difference can be explained by the different relative strengths of the NLS and NES in lambdaPKC compared with zetaPKC.

Roles for beta II-protein kinase C and RACK1 in positive and negative signaling for superoxide anion generation in differentiated HL60 cells

beta-Protein kinase (PKC) is essential for ligand-initiated assembly of the NADPH oxidase for generation of superoxide anion (O(2)). Neutrophils and neutrophilic HL60 cells contain both betaI and betaII-PKC, isotypes that are derived by alternate splicing. betaI-PKC-positive and betaI-PKC null HL60 cells generated equivalent amounts of O(2) in response to fMet-Leu-Phe and phorbol myristate acetate. However, antisense depletion of betaII-PKC from betaI-PKC null cells inhibited ligand-initiated O(2) generation. fMet-Leu-Phe triggered association of a cytosolic NADPH oxidase component, p47(phox), with betaII-PKC but not with RACK1, a binding protein for betaII-PKC. Thus, RACK1 was not a component of the signaling complex for NADPH oxidase assembly. Inhibition of beta-PKC/RACK1 association by an inhibitory peptide or by antisense depletion of RACK1 enhanced O(2) generation. Therefore, betaII-PKC but not betaI-PKC is essential for activation of O(2) generation and plays a positive role in signaling for NADPH oxidase activation in association with p47(phox). In contrast, RACK1 is involved in negative signaling for O(2) generation. RACK1 binds to betaII-PKC but not with the p47(phox).betaII-PKC complex. RACK1 may divert betaII-PKC to other signaling pathways requiring beta-PKC for signal transduction. Alternatively, RACK1 may sequester betaII-PKC to down-regulate O(2) generation.

Modulation of protein kinase C in antitumor treatment

PKC isoenzymes were found to be involved in proliferation, antitumor drug resistance and apoptosis. Therefore, it has been tried to exploit PKC as a target for antitumor treatment. PKC alpha activity was found to be elevated, for example, in breast cancers and malignant gliomas, whereas it seems to be underexpressed in many colon cancers. So it can be expected that inhibition of PKC activity will not show similar antitumor activity in all tumors. In some tumors it seems to be essential to inhibit PKC to reduce growth. However, for inhibition of tumor proliferation it may be an advantage to induce apoptosis. In this case an activation of PKC delta should be achieved. The situation is complicated by the facts that bryostatin leads to the activation of PKC and later to a downmodulation and that the PKC inhibitors available to date are not specific for one PKC isoenzyme. For these reasons, PKC modulation led to many contradicting results. Despite these problems, PKC modulators such as miltefosine, bryostatin, safingol, CGP41251 and UCN-01 are used in the clinic or are in clinical evaluation. The question is whether PKC is the major or the only target of these compounds, because they also interfere with other targets. PKC may also be involved in apoptosis. Oncogenes and growth factors can induce cell proliferation and cell survival, however, they can also induce apoptosis, depending on the cell type or conditions in which the cells or grown. PKC participates in these signalling pathways and cross-talks. Induction of apoptosis is also dependent on many additional factors, such as p53, bcl-2, mdm2, etc. Therefore, there are also many contradicting results on PKC modulation of apoptosis. Similar controversial data have been reported about MDR1-mediated multidrug resistance. At present it seems that PKC inhibition alone without direct interaction with PGP will not lead to successful reversal of PGP-mediated drug efflux. One possibility to improve chemotherapy would be to combine established antitumor drugs with modulators of PKC. However, here also very contrasting results were obtained. Many indicate that inhibition, others, that activation of PKC enhances the antiproliferative activity of anticancer drugs. The problem is that the exact functions of the different PKC isoenzymes are not clear at present. So further investigations into the role of PKC isoenzymes in the complex and interacting signalling pathways are essential. It is a major challenge in the future to reveal whether modulation of PKC can be used for the improvement of cancer therapy.

Nuclear lipid signaling

There is now abundant evidence for the existence of phospholipids in the nucleus that resist washing of nuclei with detergents. These lipids are apparently not in the nuclear envelope, but are actually within the nucleus, presumably not in a bilayer membrane but instead forming proteolipid complexes with unidentified proteins. This review discusses the experimental evidence that attempts to explain their existence. Among these nuclear lipids are the polyphosphoinositol lipids which, together with the enzymes that synthesize them, form an intranuclear phospholipase C (PI-PLC) signaling system that generates diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P(3)]. The isoforms of PI-PLC that are involved in this signaling system, and how they are regulated, are not yet clear. Generation of diacylglycerol within the nucleus is believed to recruit protein kinase C to the nucleus to phosphorylate intranuclear proteins. Generation of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) may mobilize Ca(2+) from the space between the nuclear membranes and thus increase nucleoplasmic Ca(2+). Less well understood are an increasing number of variations and complications on the "simple" idea of a PI-PLC system. These include, all apparently within the nucleus: (i) two separate routes of synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate; (ii) two different sources of diacylglycerol, one being from the PI-PLC pathway, and the other probably from phosphatidylcholine; (iii) several different isoforms of PKC translocating to the nuclei; (iv) increases in activity of the PI-PLC pathway at two different points in the cell cycle; (v) a pathway of phosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P(3), which may have several functions, including a role in the transfer of messenger RNA (mRNA) out of the nucleus; and (vi) the possible existence of other lipid signaling pathways that may include sphingolipids, phospholipase A2, and 3-phosphorylated inositol lipids.

Morphodensitometric analysis of protein kinase C beta(II) expression in rat colon: modulation by diet and relation to in situ cell proliferation and apoptosis

We have recently demonstrated that overexpression of PKC beta(II) renders transgenic mice more susceptible to carcinogen-induced colonic hyperproliferation and aberrant crypt foci formation. In order to further investigate the ability of PKC beta(II) to modulate colonocyte cytokinetics, we determined the localization of PKC beta(II) with respect to cell proliferation and apoptosis along the entire colonic crypt axis following carcinogen and diet manipulation. Rats were provided diets containing either corn oil [containing n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)] or fish oil (containing n-3 PUFA), cellulose (non-fermentable fiber) or pectin (fermentable fiber) and injected with azoxymethane (AOM) or saline. After 16 weeks, an intermediate time point when no macroscopic tumors are detected, colonic sections were utilized for immunohistochemical image analysis and immunoblotting. Cell proliferation was measured by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into DNA and apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling. In the distal colon, PKC beta(II) staining was localized to the upper portion of the crypt. In comparison, proximal crypts had more (P < 0.05) staining in the lower tertile. AOM enhanced (P < 0.05) PKC beta(II) expression in all regions of the distal colonic crypt (upper, middle and lower tertiles). There was also an interaction (P < 0.05) between dietary fat and fiber on PKC beta(II) expression (corn/pectin > fish/cellulose, fish/pectin > corn/cellulose) in all regions of the distal colonic crypt. With respect to colonic cell kinetics, proliferation paralleled the increase in PKC beta(II) expression in carcinogen-treated animals. In contrast, apoptosis at the lumenal surface was inversely proportional to PKC beta(II) expression in the upper tertile. These results suggest that an elevation in PKC beta(II) expression along the crypt axis in the distal colon is linked to enhancement of cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis, predictive intermediate biomarkers of tumor development. Therefore, select dietary factors may confer protection against colon carcinogenesis in part by blocking carcinogen-induced PKC beta(II) expression.

Differential redistribution of protein kinase C isoforms by cyclic AMP in HL60 cells

In this study we have analyzed the distribution of protein kinase C isoforms in cytosol, membrane, and nucleus in HL60 cells. Furthermore, we have studied the redistribution of these isoforms after cyclic AMP treatment. Protein kinase C localization and cyclic AMP-induced translocation was demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Cytosol, membrane and nucleus in HL60 cells expressed the abundance of protein kinase C alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, lambda, and zeta isoforms. After cyclic AMP treatment, the amount of protein kinase C betaI and zeta increased only in the nucleus, while protein kinase C delta increased in the three fractions tested. These effects were dependent on the cyclic AMP concentration and duration of action. Our results suggest the existence of cross-talk between the cyclic AMP system and protein kinase C in HL60 cells. Taking into account the processes regulated by protein kinase C, these findings also suggest that cyclic AMP plays a regulatory role in various cellular responses in HL60 cells, such as differentiation and gene expression. The increase observed in PKC delta was due to cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase C activation, and the synthesis of enzyme was probably activated by the nucleotide.

Apoptosis regulating proteins as targets of therapy for haematological malignancies

Most chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of haematological malignancies cause cell death by inducing apoptosis through undefined means. The discovery of the proteins involved in apoptosis and the description of apoptotic pathways suggest new potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Both 'intrinsic' and 'extrinsic' pathways can be activated separately, but activation of caspases appears central to most apoptotic pathways. Novel approaches attempt to induce apoptosis by directly targeting a portion of an apoptotic pathway. Agents that trigger signalling of Fas or tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor seek to induce the extrinsic pathway at the cell surface. The BCL-2 family of proteins seems central to the regulation of those apoptotic pathways that involve mitochondrial sequestration or the release of cytochrome c, with subsequent activation of Apaf-1, caspase-9 and caspase-3. The activity of this family may depend upon both the phosphorylation state of different members and the relative level of pro- and anti-apoptotic members. New agents such as the staurosporine analogue UCN-01 and bryostatin are thought to affect apoptosis induction by altering BCL-2 phosphorylation. Others, such as BCL-2 antisense and ATRA attempt to modulate the protein levels to promote apoptosis. Direct activation of caspase-3 is a probable target, but as yet no agent with this direct function is in trial. Clinical trials of several agents have been completed or are underway. It is likely that agents that target particular points in apoptosis pathways will have antileukaemia/lymphoma activity, however, the optimal utilisation may involve combination with other more conventional agents that also activate apoptosis.

Anti-proliferative effect of two novel palmitoyl-carnitine analogs, selective inhibitors of protein kinase C conventional isoenzymes

Previous studies have shown that palmitoyl-carnitine is an anti-proliferative agent and a protein kinase C inhibitor. Two new palmitoyl-carnitine analogs were synthesized by replacing the ester bond with a metabolically more stable ether bond. An LD50 value in the nM range was found in anti-proliferative assays using HL-60 cells and was dependent on the alkyl-chain length. The inhibitory action of these water-soluble compounds on protein kinase C in vitro was greatly increased with respect to palmitoyl-carnitine and was dependent on the length of the alkyl chain. Its effect was mediated by an increase in the enzyme's requirement for phosphatidylserine. Inhibition of the in situ phosphorylation of a physiological platelet protein kinase C substrate and of phorbol ester-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells was also observed. Finally, to test for isoenzyme selectivity, several human recombinant protein kinase C isoforms were used. Only the Ca2+-dependent classic protein kinase Cs (alpha, betaIota, betaIotaIota and gamma) were inhibited by these compounds, yet the activities of casein kinase I, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase were unaffected. Thus, these novel inhibitors appear to be both protein kinase C and isozyme selective. They may be useful in assessing the individual roles of protein kinase C isoforms in cell proliferation and tumor development and may be rational candidates for anti-neoplasic drug design.

Concerted regulation of wild-type p53 nuclear accumulation and activation by S100B and calcium-dependent protein kinase C

The calcium ionophore ionomycin cooperates with the S100B protein to rescue a p53-dependent G(1) checkpoint control in S100B-expressing mouse embryo fibroblasts and rat embryo fibroblasts (REF cells) which express the temperature-sensitive p53Val135 mutant (C. Scotto, J. C. Deloulme, D. Rousseau, E. Chambaz, and J. Baudier, Mol. Cell. Biol. 18:4272-4281, 1998). We investigated in this study the contributions of S100B and calcium-dependent PKC (cPKC) signalling pathways to the activation of wild-type p53. We first confirmed that S100B expression in mouse embryo fibroblasts enhanced specific nuclear accumulation of wild-type p53. We next demonstrated that wild-type p53 nuclear translocation and accumulation is dependent on cPKC activity. Mutation of the five putative cPKC phosphorylation sites on murine p53 into alanine or aspartic residues had no significant effect on p53 nuclear localization, suggesting that the cPKC effect on p53 nuclear translocation is indirect. A concerted regulation by S100B and cPKC of wild-type p53 nuclear translocation and activation was confirmed with REF cells expressing S100B (S100B-REF cells) overexpressing the temperature-sensitive p53Val135 mutant. Stimulation of S100B-REF cells with the PKC activator phorbol ester phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) promoted specific nuclear translocation of the wild-type p53Val135 species in cells positioned in early G(1) phase of the cell cycle. PMA also substituted for ionomycin in the mediating of p53-dependent G(1) arrest at the nonpermissive temperature (37.5 degrees C). PMA-dependent growth arrest was linked to the cell apoptosis response to UV irradiation. In contrast, growth arrest mediated by a temperature shift to 32 degrees C protected S100B-REF cells from apoptosis. Our results suggest a model in which calcium signalling, linked with cPKC activation, cooperates with S100B to promote wild-type p53 nuclear translocation in early G(1) phase and activation of a p53-dependent G(1) checkpoint control.

Alterations in the expression and localization of protein kinase C isoforms during mammary gland differentiation

Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in signaling that modulates the proliferation and differentiation of many cell types, including mammary epithelial cells. In addition, changes in PKC expression or activity have been observed during mammary carcinogenesis. In order to examine the involvement of specific PKC isoforms during normal mammary gland development, the expression and localization of PKCs alpha, delta, epsilon and zeta were examined during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and involution. By immunoblot analysis, expression of PKC alpha, delta, epsilon and zeta proteins was increased in mammary epithelial organoids during the transition from puberty to pregnancy. In mammary gland frozen sections, PKCs alpha, delta, epsilon and zeta were stained in the luminal epithelium and myoepithelium, in varying isoform-and developmental stage-specific locations. PKC alpha was found in a punctate apical localization in the luminal epithelium during pregnancy. During lactation, PKC epsilon was present in the nucleus, and PKC zeta was concentrated in the subapical region of the luminal epithelium. Additionally, marked staining for PKCs alpha, delta, epsilon, and zeta was observed in the myoepithelial cells at the base of ducts and alveoli. This basal ductal and alveolar staining differed in intensity in a developmentally-specific fashion. During most time points (virgin, pregnant, lactating, and early involution), myoepithelial cells of the duct were more intensely stained than those lining the alveoli for PKCs alpha, delta, epsilon and zeta. During late involution (days 9-12), the preferential staining of ducts was lost or reversed, and the myoepithelial cells lining the regressing alveolar structures stained equally (PKCs epsilon and zeta) or more intensely (PKCs alpha and delta), coincident with the thickening of the myoepithelial cells surrounding the regressing alveoli. The increased PKC isoform staining at the base of alveoli during involution suggests that alveolar regression may be influenced by alterations in signaling in the alveolar myoepithelium.

Protein kinase C isoforms during the development of deciduomata in pregnant rats

In this study, we determined the expression of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms during pregnancy. At pregnant duration, PKC alpha was down-modulated in the deciduomata but not in the myometrium. Down-modulation was compatible with the increase in cell mitosis, which reached a maximum at 8-9 days. On the other hand, PKC zeta was not down-modulated. It was increased both in the cytosolic and particulate fractions of the deciduomata, and paralleled the frequency of decidual cell mitosis. The other PKC isoform of delta was also increased, but it was associated with the cell regression. Therefore, these findings confirmed that the variable expression of PKC isoforms in decidualizing tissue may be involved in the modulation of decidual cell growth.

Monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells is characterized by the nuclear translocation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and of definite phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C isoforms

Immunochemical and immunocytochemical data indicate that nuclei of HL-60 cells contain different enzymes involved in the phosphoinositide cycle, such as PI 3-K and the phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC isoforms beta3, gamma1 and gamma2. These enzymes translocate differently to the nuclear fraction when HL-60 cells are treated with differentiating doses of vitamin D3: PI 3-K translocated progressively to the nucleus in parallel with full differentiation until 96 hours. PLC beta3 increased until 72 hours of treatment and then lowered its intranuclear amount and PLC gamma1 was unchanged at all the examined times. PLC gamma2 nuclear translocation increased progressively until 96 hours of vitamin D3 administration. A fourth PLC isozyme, beta2, present in the cytoplasm of untreated cells, translocates to the cytoplasm after vitamin D3 addition and reaches the highest concentration at the end of monocytic differentiation. Terminal monocytic differentiation was characterized at the nuclear level by high levels of PI 3-K and PLC gamma2 and by the novel expression of PLC beta2. We then observed that the xi isoform of PKC, constitutively present in nuclei of HL-60 cells, translocated to the nucleus when cells were induced to differentiate along the monocytic lineage, but the nuclear translocation of PKC xi was blocked as a consequence of PI 3-K inhibition by Wortmannin. These findings indicate that the main components of the noncanonical and canonical inositol lipid signal transduction pathways, including PI 3-K, PLC beta2 and beta3, PLC gamma2, undergo nuclear translocation and may therefore play a relevant role during monocytic differentiation at the nuclear level. Furthermore, PKC xi nuclear translocation appears to be related to PI 3-K activity.