Control of oxidative stress resistance by IP3 kinase in Drosophila melanogaster

G. sinense and P. notoginseng Extracts Improve Healthspan of Aging Flies and Provide Protection in A Huntington Disease Model

In the last decades, the strong increase in the proportion of older people worldwide, and the increased prevalence of age associated degenerative diseases, have put a stronger focus on aging biology. In spite of important progresses in our understanding of the aging process, an integrative view is still lacking and there is still need for efficient anti-aging interventions that could improve healthspan, reduce incidence of age-related disease and, eventually, increase the lifespan. Interestingly, some compounds from traditional medicine have been found to possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that they could play a role as anti-aging compounds, although in depth in vivo investigations are still scarce. In this study we used one the major aging model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster, to investigate the ability of four herb extracts (HEs: Dendrobium candidum, Ophiopogon japonicum, Ganoderma sinense and Panax notoginseng) widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to slow down aging and improve healthspan of aged animals. Combining multiple approaches (stress resistance assays, lifespan and metabolic measurements, functional heart characterizations and behavioral assays), we show that these four HEs provide in vivo protection from various insults, albeit with significant compound-specific differences. Importantly, extracts of P. notoginseng and G. sinense increase the healthspan of aging animals, as shown by increased activity during aging and improved heart function. In addition, these two compounds also provide protection in a Drosophila model of Huntington’s disease (HD), suggesting that, besides their anti-aging properties in normal individuals, they could be also efficient in the protection against age-related diseases.

Glucose Starvation-Induced Rapid Death of Nrf1α-Deficient, but Not Nrf2-Deficient, Hepatoma Cells Results from Its Fatal Defects in the Redox Metabolism Reprogramming

Metabolic reprogramming exists in a variety of cancer cells, with the most relevance to glucose as a source of energy and carbon for survival and proliferation. Of note, Nrf1 was shown to be essential for regulating glycolysis pathway, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in cancer metabolic reprogramming, particularly in response to glucose starvation. Herein, we discover that Nrf1α^-/- hepatoma cells are sensitive to rapid death induced by glucose deprivation, such cell death appears to be rescued by Nrf2 interference, but HepG2 (wild-type, WT) or Nrf2^-/- cells are roughly unaffected by glucose starvation. Further evidence revealed that Nrf1α^-/- cell death is resulted from severe oxidative stress arising from aberrant redox metabolism. Strikingly, altered gluconeogenesis pathway was aggravated by glucose starvation of Nrf1α^-/- cells, as also accompanied by weakened pentose phosphate pathway, dysfunction of serine-to-glutathione synthesis, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damages, such that the intracellular GSH and NADPH were exhausted. These demonstrate that glucose starvation leads to acute death of Nrf1α^-/- , rather than Nrf2^-/- , cells resulting from its fatal defects in the redox metabolism reprogramming. This is owing to distinct requirements of Nrf1 and Nrf2 for regulating the constructive and inducible expression of key genes involved in redox metabolic reprogramming by glucose deprivation. Altogether, this work substantiates the preventive and therapeutic strategies against Nrf1α-deficient cancer by limiting its glucose and energy demands.

Roles for the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Regulation of Neuronal Calcium Homeostasis

By influencing Ca²⁺ homeostasis in spatially and architecturally distinct neuronal compartments, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) illustrates the notion that form and function are intimately related. The contribution of ER to neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis is attributed to the organelle being the largest reservoir of intracellular Ca²⁺ and having a high density of Ca²⁺ channels and transporters. As such, ER Ca²⁺ has incontrovertible roles in the regulation of axodendritic growth and morphology, synaptic vesicle release, and neural activity dependent gene expression, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Not surprisingly, many neurological diseases arise from ER Ca²⁺ dyshomeostasis, either directly due to alterations in ER resident proteins, or indirectly via processes that are coupled to the regulators of ER Ca²⁺ dynamics. In this review, we describe the mechanisms involved in the establishment of ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis in neurons. We elaborate upon how changes in the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca²⁺ exchange between the ER and other organelles sculpt neuronal function and provide examples that demonstrate the involvement of ER Ca²⁺ dyshomeostasis in a range of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Heat stress hardening of oriental armyworms is induced by a transient elevation of reactive oxygen species during sublethal stress

Pre-exposure to mild heat stress enhances the thermotolerance of insects. Stress hardening is a beneficial physiological plasticity, but the mechanism underlying it remains elusive. Here we report that reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations were quickly and transiently elevated in the armyworms, Mythimna separata, by exposing them to 40°C, but not other tested temperatures. Larvae exposed to 40°C had subsequently elevated antioxidant activity and the highest survival of all tested heating conditions. The elevation of ROS after lethal heating at 44°C for 1 h was approximately twofold compared to heating at 40°C. Injection of an optimal amount of hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) similarly caused sequential elevation of ROS and antioxidant activity in the test larval hemolymph, which led to significantly enhanced survival after lethal heat stress. The H₂ O₂ -induced thermotolerance was abolished by coinjection of potent antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or N-acetylcysteine. Both preheating at 40°C and H₂ O₂ injection enhanced expression of genes encoding superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and heat shock protein 70 in the fat body of test larvae, indicating the adequate heat stress induced a transient elevation of ROS, followed by upregulation of antioxidant activity. We infer that thermal stress hardening is induced by a small timely ROS elevation that triggers a reduction-oxidation signaling mechanism.

Role of Bacopa monnieri in the temporal regulation of oxidative stress in clock mutant (cryb) of Drosophila melanogaster

Accruing evidences imply that circadian organization of biochemical, endocrinological, cellular and physiological processes contribute to wellness of organisms and in the development of pathologies such as malignancy, sleep and endocrine disorders. Oxidative stress is known to mediate a number of diseases and it is notable to comprehend the orchestration of circadian clock of a model organism of circadian biology, Drosophila melanogaster, under oxidative stress. We investigated the nexus between circadian clock and oxidative stress susceptibility by exposing D. melanogaster to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or rotenone; the reversibility of rhythms following exposure to Bacopa monnieri extract (ayurvedic medicine rich in antioxidants) was also investigated. Abolishment of 24h rhythms in physiological response (negative geotaxis), oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione) were observed under oxidative stress. Furthermore, abolishment of per mRNA rhythm in H2O2 treated wild type flies and augmented susceptibility to oxidative stress in clock mutant (cry(b)) flies connotes the role of circadian clock in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Significant reversibility of rhythms was noted following B. monnieri treatment in wild type flies than cry(b) flies. Our experimental approach revealed a relationship involving oxidative stress and circadian clock in fruit fly and the utility of Drosophila model in screening putative antioxidative phytomedicines prior to their use in mammalian systems.

2,4-dinitrophenol partially alleviates ferrocyanide-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster

The toxicity of potassium ferrocyanide (PFC) and protective effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) under PFC treatment were tested on the Drosophila melanogaster model system. Fly larvae were raised on food supplemented with PFC at concentrations of 1.0 mM and mixtures with DNP in concentrations of 0.50 and 1.25 mM, either alone or in combination with 1.0 mM PFC. Food supplementation with PFC decreased larvae viability or pupation height, whereas when larvae were fed by PFC and DNP combination the decrease was less pronounced. Larval exposure to PFC and mixtures of DNP and PFC lowered activities of aconitase. Larval treatment with PFC resulted in higher carbonyl protein, uric acid, and low molecular mass thiols content and higher activity of thioredoxin reductase in adult flies, while DNP in mixtures with PFC relieved these effects. Furthermore, treatment with PFC/DNP mixtures resulted in higher activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase. It is proposed that PFC toxicity is mainly related to the cyanide and iron ions, released during its decomposition. The potential mechanisms of protective DNP effects against PFC toxicity are discussed.

Whole transcriptome analysis of a reversible neurodegenerative process in Drosophila reveals potential neuroprotective genes

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive and irreversible and they can be initiated by mutations in specific genes. Spalt-like genes (Sall) encode transcription factors expressed in the central nervous system. In humans, SALL mutations are associated with hereditary syndromes characterized by mental retardation, sensorineural deafness and motoneuron problems, among others. Drosophila sall mutants exhibit severe neurodegeneration of the central nervous system at embryonic stage 16, which surprisingly reverts later in development at embryonic stage 17, suggesting a potential to recover from neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that this recovery is mediated by a reorganization of the transcriptome counteracting SALL lost. To identify genes associated to neurodegeneration and neuroprotection, we used mRNA-Seq to compare the transcriptome of Drosophila sall mutant and wild type embryos from neurodegeneration and reversal stages.

Results

Neurodegeneration stage is associated with transcriptional changes in 220 genes, of which only 5% were already described as relevant for neurodegeneration. Genes related to the groups of Redox, Lifespan/Aging and Mitochondrial diseases are significantly represented at this stage. By contrast, neurodegeneration reversal stage is associated with significant changes in 480 genes, including 424 not previously associated with neuroprotection. Immune response and Salt stress are the most represented groups at this stage.

Conclusions

We identify new genes associated to neurodegeneration and neuroprotection by using an mRNA-Seq approach. The strong homology between Drosophila and human genes raises the possibility to unveil novel genes involved in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection also in humans.

Selenoprotein dSelK in Drosophila elevates release of Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum by upregulating expression of inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate receptor

dSelK (G-rich), a homolog of human and mouse SelK, is one of three selenoproteins in Drosophila melanogaster. It is the only trans-membrane selenoprotein in D. melanogaster integrated into both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and the Golgi apparatus. The gene expression profile of Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells after the dsRNA interference (dsRNAi) targeting of dSelK was examined with the GeneChip Drosophila Genome 2.0 Array (Affymetrix), a high-density oligonucleotide microarray encompassing nearly the full Drosophila genome. The results showed that the transcriptional expression of eight genes whose proteins are located on (or related to) the ER or the Golgi apparatus was highly induced or repressed by the dsRNAi treatment. The mRNA levels of the inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate receptor (IP3 receptor), whose gene product is integrated into the ER membrane and regulates the release of Ca2+ from the ER to the cytosol, were significantly downregulated. In contrast, the expression of inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate kinase 1, which is a cytosolic protein with opposing functions to the IP3 receptor, was significantly upregulated. Quantitative real-time PCR verified these results. The concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ of the Drosophila S2 cells was significantly decreased after the knockdown of dSelK, whereas overexpression of dSelK significantly increased the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. These results indicate that dSelK in D. melanogaster is involved in regulating the release of Ca2+ from the ER to the cytosol and may play important roles in the signal transduction pathways involving Ca2+ mobilization.

Characterization of an inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase gene that is essential for drought and salt stress responses in rice

Drought and salt stresses are major limiting factors for crop production. To identify critical genes for stress resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.), we screened T-DNA mutants and identified a drought- and salt-hypersensitive mutant dsm3. The mutant phenotype was caused by a T-DNA insertion in a gene encoding a putative inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase previously named OsITPK2 with unknown function. Under drought stress conditions, the mutant had significantly less accumulation of osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugar and showed significantly reduced root volume, spikelet fertility, biomass, and grain yield; however, malondialdehyde level was increased in the mutant. Interestingly, overexpression of DSM3 (OsITPK2) in rice resulted in drought- and salt-hypersensitive phenotypes and physiological changes similar to those in the mutant. Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) level was decreased in the overexpressors under normal condition and drought stress. A few genes related to osmotic adjustment and reactive oxygen species scavenging were down-regulated in the mutant and overexpression lines. The expression level of DSM3 promoter-driven β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in rice was induced by drought, salt and abscisic acid. Protoplast transient expression assay indicated that DSM3 is an endoplasmic reticulum protein. Sequence analysis revealed six putative ITPKs in rice. Transcript level analysis of OsITPK genes revealed that they had different tempo-spatial expression patterns, and the responses of DSM3 to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, cold, and high temperature, were distinct from the other five members in rice. These results together suggest that DSM3/OsITPK2 is an important member of the OsITPK family for stress responses, and an optimal expression level is essential for drought and salt tolerance in rice.

Inositol trisphosphate 3-kinases: focus on immune and neuronal signaling

The localized control of second messenger levels sculpts dynamic and persistent changes in cell physiology and structure. Inositol trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P(3)] 3-kinases (ITPKs) phosphorylate the intracellular second messenger Ins(1,4,5)P(3). These enzymes terminate the signal to release Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum and produce the messenger inositol tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P(4)]. Independent of their enzymatic activity, ITPKs regulate the microstructure of the actin cytoskeleton. The immune phenotypes of ITPK knockout mice raise new questions about how ITPKs control inositol phosphate lifetimes within spatial and temporal domains during lymphocyte maturation. The intense concentration of ITPK on actin inside the dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons suggests a role in signal integration and structural plasticity in the dendrite, and mice lacking neuronal ITPK exhibit memory deficits. Thus, the molecular and anatomical features of ITPKs allow them to regulate the spatiotemporal properties of intracellular signals, leading to the formation of persistent molecular memories.

Neuronal expression of Mgat1 rescues the shortened life span of Drosophila Mgat11 null mutants and increases life span

The enzyme UDP-GlcNAc:alpha3-D-mannoside beta1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnT1, encoded by Mgat1) controls the synthesis of paucimannose N-glycans in Drosophila. We have previously reported that null mutations in Drosophila Mgat1 are viable but exhibit defects in locomotion, brain abnormalities, and a severely reduced life span. Here, we show that knockdown of Mgat1 in the central nervous system (CNS) of wild-type flies decreases locomotor activity and life span. This phenotype is similar to that observed in Drosophila Mgat1(1) null mutants, demonstrating that Mgat1 is required in the CNS. We also found that neuronal expression of a wild-type Mgat1 transgene rescued the shortened life span of Mgat1(1) null mutants and resulted in a dramatic 135% increase in mean life span relative to genetically identical controls. Neuronal expression of a wild-type Mgat1 transgene in wild-type flies resulted in a modest 9% increase in mean life span relative to genetically identical controls. In both Mgat1(1) null mutants and wild-type flies, neuronal expression of wild-type Mgat1 transgene resulted in a significant increase in GnT1 activity and resistance to oxidative stress. Whereas dietary restriction is not absolutely essential for the increased life span, it plays a role in the process. Interestingly, we observe a direct correlation between GnT1 activity and mean life span up to a maximum of appropriately 136 days, showing that the ability of GnT1 activity to increase life span is limited. Altogether, these observations suggest that Mgat1-dependent N-glycosylation plays an important role in the control of Drosophila life span.

Cell-specific inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate 3-kinase mediates epithelial cell apoptosis in response to oxidative stress in Drosophila

Organismal stress responses to oxidative stress are relevant to ageing and disease and involve key cell-/tissue-specific signal transduction mechanisms. Using Drosophila, an established in vivo model for stress studies, we show that cell-specific inositol phosphate signalling specifically via inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate 3-kinase (InsP(3) 3-K, IP(3)K), negatively regulates organismal responses to oxidative stress. We demonstrate that the Drosophila Malpighian tubule (equivalent to vertebrate kidney and liver) is a key epithelial sensor for organismal oxidative stress responses: precise targeting of either gain-of-function constructs of Drosophila IP(3)Ks (IP(3)K-1 and IP(3)K-2), or loss-of-function (RNAi) constructs to only one cell type in tubule reversibly modulates survival of stress-challenged adult flies. In vivo, targeted IP(3)K-1 directly increases H(2)O(2) production, pro-apoptotic caspase-9 activity and mitochondrial membrane potential. The mitochondrial calcium load in tubule principal cells-assessed by luminescent and fluorescent genetically-encoded mitochondrial calcium reporters-is significantly increased by IP(3)K-1 under oxidative stress conditions, leading to apoptosis. The Drosophila orthologues of human apoptotic bcl-2 genes include debcl and buffy. Oxidative stress challenge does not modulate gene expression of either debcl or buffy in tubules; and altered debcl expression does not influence survival rates under oxidative stress challenge. Finally, targeted over-expression of either debcl or buffy to tubule principal cells does not impact on tubule caspase-9 activity. Thus, IP(3)K-1 modulates epithelial cell apoptosis without involvement of bcl-2-type proteins.

Mislocalization of mitochondria and compromised renal function and oxidative stress resistance in Drosophila SesB mutants

Mitochondria accumulate at sites of intense metabolic activity within cells, but the adaptive value of this placement is not clear. In Drosophila, sesB encodes the ubiquitous isoform of adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT, the mitochondrial inner membrane ATP/ADP exchanger); null alleles are lethal, whereas hypomorphic alleles display sensitivity to a range of stressors. In the adult renal tubule, which is densely packed with mitochondria and hence enriched for sesB, both hypomorphic alleles and RNA interference knockdowns cause the mitochondria to lose their highly polarized distribution in the tissue and to become rounded. Basal cytoplasmic and mitochondrial calcium levels are both increased, and neuropeptide calcium response compromised, with concomitant defects in fluid secretion. The remaining mitochondria in sesB mutants are overactive and maintain depleted cellular ATP levels while generating higher levels of hydrogen peroxide than normal. When sesB expression is knocked down in just tubule principal cells, the survival of the whole organism upon oxidative stress is reduced, implying a limiting role for the tubule in homeostatic response to stressors. The physiological impacts of defective ANT expression are thus widespread and diverse.

Molecular characterization of ThIPK2, an inositol polyphosphate kinase gene homolog from Thellungiella halophila, and its heterologous expression to improve abiotic stress tolerance in Brassica napus

Inositol polyphosphate kinases play important roles in diverse cellular processes. In this study, the function of an inositol polyphosphate kinase gene homolog named ThIPK2 from a dicotyledonous halophyte Thellungiella halophila was investigated. The deduced translation product (ThIPK2) shares 85% identity with the Arabidopsis inositol polyphosphate kinase AtIPK2beta. Transient expression of ThIPK2-YFP fusion protein in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) protoplasts indicates that the protein is localized to the nucleus and plasma membrane, with a minor localization to the cytosol. Heterologous expression of ThIPK2 in ipk2Delta (also known as arg82Delta), a yeast mutant strain that lacks inositol polyphosphate multikinase (Ipk2) activity, rescued the mutant's salt-, osmotic- and temperature-sensitive growth defects. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed ubiquitous expression of ThIPK2 in various tissues, including roots, rosette leaves, cauline leaves, stem, flowers and siliques, and shoot ThIPK2 transcript was strongly induced by NaCl or mannitol in T. halophila as exhibited by real-time PCR analysis. Transgenic expression of ThIPK2 in Brassica napus led to significantly improved salt-, dehydration- and oxidative stress resistance. Furthermore, the transcripts of various stress responsive marker genes increased in ThIPK2 transgenic plants under salt stress condition. These results suggest that ThIPK2 is involved in plant stress responses, and for the first time demonstrate that ThIPK2 could be a useful candidate gene for improving drought and salt tolerance in important crop plants by genetic transformation.

Mutations of the withered (whd) gene in Drosophila melanogaster confer hypersensitivity to oxidative stress and are lesions of the carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) gene

Since some oxygen defense mutants of Drosophila melanogaster exhibit a crinkled wing phenotype, a screen was performed on strains bearing mutant alleles conferring a visible wing phenotype to determine whether any were hypersensitive to oxidative stress. One mutant, withered (whd), was found to be sensitive to both dietary paraquat and hyperoxia. New alleles of whd were induced on a defined genetic background and strains carrying these alleles were also found to be sensitive to oxidative stress. To identify the product of the whd gene we used a sequence-based positional candidate approach and by this method we determined that whd encodes carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I), an enzyme of the outer mitochondrial membrane that is required for the import of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. Although this function is not vital under laboratory conditions, whd adults were found to be highly sensitive to starvation and to heavy metal toxicity relative to controls. This work uncovers a novel relationship between fatty acid metabolism and reactive oxygen metabolism. Further, these results in conjunction with past research on whd and on mammalian CPT I support the hypothesis that CPT I serves a vital function in the response to thymine supplementation.

Age-related changes in Drosophila midgut are associated with PVF2, a PDGF/VEGF-like growth factor

Age-associated changes in stem cell populations have been implicated in age-related diseases, including cancer. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms that link aging to the modulation of adult stem cell populations. Drosophila midgut is an excellent model system for the study of stem cell renewal and aging. Here we describe an age-related increase in the number and activity of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and progenitor cells in Drosophila midgut. We determined that oxidative stress, induced by paraquat treatment or loss of catalase function, mimicked the changes associated with aging in the midgut. Furthermore, we discovered an age-related increase in the expression of PVF2, a Drosophila homologue of human PDGF/VEGF, which was associated with and required for the age-related changes in midgut ISCs and progenitor cell populations. Taken together, our findings suggest that PDGF/VEGF may play a central role in age-related changes in ISCs and progenitor cell populations, which may contribute to aging and the development of cancer stem cells.

Genes and biological processes controlled by the Drosophila FOXA orthologue Fork head

The larval salivary glands of Drosophila express the FOXA transcription factor Fork head (Fkh) before, but not after, puparium formation. Forced expression of Fkh in late prepupae prevents the programmed destruction of the tissue, which normally occurs in the early pupa. Using Affymetrix GeneChips, we analysed changes in gene expression brought about by Fkh when expressed shortly before the normal time of salivary gland death. Genes identified as responsive to Fkh include not only cell death genes, but also genes involved in autophagy, phospholipid metabolism and hormone-controlled signalling pathways. In addition, Fkh changed the expression of genes involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism that are known to be target genes of the FOXAs in vertebrates. Premature loss of fkh induced by RNAi and gain of Fkh by ectopic expression at earlier times of development confirmed that genes identified in the microarray study are under normal developmental control by Fkh. These genes include Eip63F-1, which is expressed in both salivary glands and Malpighian tubules, suggesting that Fkh controls common aspects of the secretory function of the two organs. Eip63F-1 is one of many genes controlled by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone that appear to be co-regulated by Fkh.

Enhancement of stress tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants constitutively expressing AtIpk2beta, an inositol polyphosphate 6-/3-kinase from Arabidopsis thaliana

Inositol phosphates (IPs) and their turnover products have been implicated to play important roles in stress signaling in eukaryotic cells. In higher plants genes encoding inositol polyphosphate kinases have been identified previously, but their physiological functions have not been fully resolved. Here we expressed Arabidopsis inositol polyphosphate 6-/3-kinase (AtIpk2beta) in two heterologous systems, i.e. the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and tested the effect on abiotic stress tolerance. Expression of AtIpk2beta rescued the salt-, osmotic- and temperature-sensitive growth defects of a yeast mutant strain (arg82Delta) that lacks inositol polyphosphate multikinase activity encoded by the ARG82/IPK2 gene. Transgenic tobacco plants constitutively expressing AtIpk2beta under the control of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter were generated and found to exhibit improved tolerance to diverse abiotic stresses when compared to wild type plants. Expression patterns of various stress responsive genes were enhanced, and the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes were elevated in transgenic plants, suggesting a possible involvement of AtIpk2beta in plant stress responses.

An RNAi-based genetic screen for oxidative stress resistance reveals retinol saturase as a mediator of stress resistance

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous late-onset diseases as well as organismal longevity. Nevertheless, the genetic components that affect cellular sensitivity to oxidative stress have not been explored extensively at the genome-wide level in mammals. Here we report an RNA interference (RNAi) screen for genes that increase resistance to an organic oxidant, tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BHP), in cultured fibroblasts. The loss-of-function screen allowed us to identify several short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that elevated the cellular resistance to tert-BHP. One of these shRNAs strongly protected cells from tert-BHP and H(2)O(2) by specifically reducing the expression of retinol saturase, an enzyme that converts all-trans-retinol (vitamin A) to all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinol. The protective effect was well correlated with the reduction in mRNA level and was observed in both primary fibroblasts and NIH3T3 cells. The results suggest a novel role for retinol saturase in regulating sensitivity to oxidative stress and demonstrate the usefulness of large-scale RNAi screening for elucidating new molecular pathways involved in stress resistance.

Arabidopsis inositol polyphosphate 6-/3-kinase (AtIpk2beta) is involved in axillary shoot branching via auxin signaling

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) inositol polyphosphate 6-/3-kinase gene (AtIpk2beta) is known to participate in inositol phosphate metabolism. However, little is known about its physiological functions in higher plants. Here, we report that AtIpk2beta regulates Arabidopsis axillary shoot branching. By overexpressing AtIpk2beta in the wild type and mutants, we found that overexpression of AtIpk2beta leads to more axillary shoot branches. Further analysis of AtIpk2beta overexpression lines showed that axillary meristem forms earlier and the bud outgrowth rate is also accelerated, resulting in more axillary shoot branches. The AtIpk2beta promoter/beta-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion (AtIpk2betaGUS) expression pattern is similar to that of the auxin reporter DR5GUS. Moreover, AtIpk2beta can be induced in response to exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatments. In addition, AtIpk2beta overexpression plants exhibit IAA-related phenotypes and are more resistant to exogenous IAA treatments. Further analysis employing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction shows that some genes, including auxin-biosynthesis (CYP83B1), auxin-transport (PIN4), and auxin-mediated branching genes (MAX4 and SPS), are regulated by AtIpk2beta. Taken together, our data provide insights into a role for AtIpk2beta in axillary shoot branching through the auxin signaling pathway.

Regulation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate 3-Kinases by Calcium and Localization in Cells

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3)) 3-kinases (IP(3)Ks) are a group of calmodulin-regulated inositol polyphosphate kinases (IPKs) that convert the second messenger Ins(1,4,5)P(3) into inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. However, what they contribute to the complexities of Ca(2+) signaling, and how, is still not fully understood. In this study, we have used a simple Ca(2+) imaging assay to compare the abilities of various Ins (1,4,5)P(3)-metabolizing enzymes to regulate a maximal histamine-stimulated Ca(2+) signal in HeLa cells. Using transient transfection, we overexpressed green fluorescent protein-tagged versions of all three mammalian IP(3)K isoforms, including mutants with disrupted cellular localization or calmodulin regulation, and then imaged the Ca(2+) release stimulated by 100 microm histamine. Both localization to the F-actin cytoskeleton and calmodulin regulation enhance the efficiency of mammalian IP(3)Ks to dampen the Ins (1,4,5)P(3)-mediated Ca(2+) signals. We also compared the effects of the these IP(3)Ks with other enzymes that metabolize Ins(1,4,5)P(3), including the Type I Ins(1,4,5)P(3) 5-phosphatase, in both membrane-targeted and soluble forms, the human inositol polyphosphate multikinase, and the two isoforms of IP(3)K found in Drosophila. All reduce the Ca(2+) signal but to varying degrees. We demonstrate that the activity of only one of two IP(3)K isoforms from Drosophila is positively regulated by calmodulin and that neither isoform associates with the cytoskeleton. Together the data suggest that IP(3)Ks evolved to regulate kinetic and spatial aspects of Ins (1,4,5)P(3) signals in increasingly complex ways in vertebrates, consistent with their probable roles in the regulation of higher brain and immune function.

The MAPKKK Mekk1 regulates the expression of Turandot stress genes in response to septic injury in Drosophila

Septic injury triggers a rapid and widespread response in Drosophila adults that involves the up-regulation of many genes required to combat infection and for wound healing. Genome-wide expression profiling has already demonstrated that this response is controlled by signaling through the Toll, Imd, JAK-STAT and JNK pathways. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we now demonstrate that the MAPKKK Mekk1 regulates a small subset of genes induced by septic injury including Turandot (Tot) stress genes. Our analysis indicates that Tot genes show a complex regulation pattern including signals from both the JAK-STAT and Imd pathways and Mekk1. Interestingly, Mekk1 flies are resistant to microbial infection but susceptible to paraquat, an inducer of oxidative stress. These results point to a role of Mekk1 in the protection against tissue damage and/or protein degradation and indicate complex interactions between stress and immune pathways in Drosophila.

The Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate kinase1 gene affects olfactory reception in Drosophila melanogaster

The Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) route is one of the two main transduction cascades that mediate olfactory reception in Drosophila melanogaster. The activity of IP3 kinase1 reduces the levels of this substrate by phosphorylation into inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakiphosphate (IP4). We show here that the gene is expressed in olfactory sensory organs as well as in the rest of the head. To evaluate in vivo the olfactory functional effects of up-regulating IP3K1, individuals with directed genetic changes at the reception level only were generated using the UAS/Gal4 method. In this report, we described the consequences in olfactory perception of overexpressing the IP3Kinase1 gene at eight different olfactory receptor-neuron subsets. Six out of the eight studied Gal-4/UAS-IP3K1 hybrids displayed abnormal behavioral responses to ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol or propionaldehyde. Specific behavioral defects corresponded to the particular neuronal olfactory profile. These data confirm the role of the IP3kinase1 gene, and consequently the IP3 transduction cascade, in mediating olfactory information at the reception level.

Alzheimer's disease: mRNA expression profiles of multiple patients show alterations of genes involved with calcium signaling

We combined global and high-resolution strategies to find genes with altered mRNA expression levels in one of the largest collection of brain autopsies from Alzheimer's patients and controls ever studied. Our global analysis involved microarray hybridizations of large pools of samples obtained from 114 individuals, using two independent sets of microarrays. Ten genes selected from the microarray experiments were quantified on each individual separately using real-time RT-PCR. This high-resolution analysis accounted for systematic differences in age, postmortem interval, brain pH, and reference gene expression, and it estimated the effect of disease on mRNA levels, on top of the effect of all other variables. Differential expression was confirmed for eight out of ten genes. Among them, Type B inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (ITPKB), and regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) showed highly altered expression levels in patients (P values < 0.0001). Our results point towards increased inositol triphospate (IP3)-mediated calcium signaling in Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular Definition of a Novel Inositol Polyphosphate Metabolic Pathway Initiated by Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate 3-Kinase Activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The production of inositol polyphosphate (IPs) and pyrophosphates (PP-IPs) from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (I(1,4,5)P3) requires the 6-/3-/5-kinase activity of Ipk2 (also known as Arg82 and inositol polyphosphate multikinase). Here, we probed the distinct roles for I(1,4,5)P3 6- versus 3-kinase activities in IP metabolism and cellular functions reported for Ipk2. Expression of either I(1,4,5)P3 6- or 3-kinase activity rescued growth of ipk2-deficient yeast at high temperatures, whereas only 6-kinase activity enabled growth on ornithine as the sole nitrogen source. Analysis of IP metabolism revealed that the 3-kinase initiated the synthesis of novel pathway consisting of over eleven IPs and PP-IPs. This pathway was present in wild-type and ipk2 null cells, albeit at low levels as compared with inositol hexakisphosphate synthesis. The primary route of synthesis was: I(1,4,5)P3 --> I(1,3,4,5)P4 --> I(1,2,3,4,5)P5 --> PP-IP4 --> PP2-IP3 and required Kcs1 (or possibly Ipk2), Ipk1, a novel inositol pyrophosphate synthase, and then Kcs1 again, respectively. Mutation of kcs1 ablated this pathway in ipk2 null cells and overexpression of Kcs1 in ipk2 mutant cells phenocopied IP3K expression, confirming it harbors a novel 3-kinase activity. Our work provides a revised genetic map of IP metabolism in yeast and evidence for dosage compensation between IPs and PP-IPs downstream of I(1,4,5)P3 in the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic processes.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinases: functions and regulations

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (IP3 3-kinase/IP(3)K) plays an important role in signal transduction in animal cells by phosphorylating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP(4)). Both IP(3) and IP(4) are critical second messengers which regulate calcium (Ca(2+)) homeostasis. Mammalian IP3Ks are involved in many biological processes, including brain development, memory, learning and so on. It is widely reported that Ca(2+) is a canonical second messenger in higher plants. Therefore, plant IP3K should also play a crucial role in plant development. Recently, we reported the identification of plant IP3K gene (AtIpk2beta/AtIP3K) from Arabidopsis thaliana and its characterization. Here, we summarize the molecular cloning, biochemical properties and biological functions of IP3Ks from animal, yeast and plant. This review also discusses potential functions of IP3Ks in signaling crosstalk, inositol phosphate metabolism, gene transcriptional control and so on.

A Drosophila p38 orthologue is required for environmental stress responses

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an evolutionarily conserved signalling mechanism involved in processes as diverse as apoptosis, cell fate determination, immune function and stress response. Aberrant p38 signalling has been implicated in many human diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and neurodegenerative diseases. To further understand the role of p38 in these processes, we generated a Drosophila strain that is null for the D-p38a gene. Mutants are homozygous viable and show no observable developmental defects. However, flies lacking D-p38a are susceptible to some environmental stresses, including heat shock, oxidative stress and starvation. These phenotypes only partially overlap those caused by mutations in D-MEKK1 and dTAK1, suggesting that the D-p38a gene is required to mediate some, but not all, of the functions ascribed to p38 signalling.

Genome wide analysis of common and specific stress responses in adult drosophila melanogaster

Background

During their life, multicellular organisms are challenged with oxidative stress. It is generated by several reactive oxygen species (ROS), may limit lifespan and has been related to several human diseases. ROS can generate a wide variety of defects in many cellular components and thus the response of the organism challenged with oxidative stress may share some features with other stress responses. Conversely, in spite of recent progress, a complete functional analysis of the transcriptional responses to different oxidative stresses in model organisms is still missing. In addition, the functional significance of observed transcriptional changes is still elusive.

Results

We used oligonucleotide microarrays to address the specificities of transcriptional responses of adult Drosophila to different stresses induced by paraquat and H₂O₂, two oxidative stressors, and by tunicamycin which induces an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Both specific and common responses to the three stressors were observed and whole genome functional analysis identified several important classes of stress responsive genes. Within some functional classes, we observed that isozymes do not all behave similarly, which may reflect unsuspected functional specificities. Moreover, genetic experiments performed on a subset of lines bearing mutations in genes identified in microarray experiments showed that a significant number of these mutations may affect resistance of adult Drosophila to oxidative stress.

Conclusions

A long term common stress response to paraquat- or H₂O₂-induced oxidative stresses and ER stress is observed for a significant number of genes. Besides this common response, the unexpected complexity of the stress responses to oxidative and ER stresses in Drosophila, suggest significant specificities in protective properties between genes associated to the same functional classes. According to our functional analysis, a large part of the genome may play a role in protective mechanisms against oxidative stress in Drosophila.

A molecular basis for inositol polyphosphate synthesis in Drosophila melanogaster

Metabolism of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (I(1,4,5)P3) results in the production of diverse arrays of inositol polyphosphates (IPs), such as IP4, IP5, IP6) and PP-IP5. Insights into their synthesis in metazoans are reported here through molecular studies in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Two I(1,4,5)P3 kinase gene products are implicated in initiating catabolism of these important IP regulators. We find dmIpk2 is a nucleocytoplasmic 6-/3-kinase that converts I(1,4,5)P3 to I(1,3,4,5,6)P5, and harbors 5-kinase activity toward I(1,3,4,6)P4, and dmIP3K is a 3-kinase that converts I(1,4,5)P3 to I(1,3,4,5)P4. To assess their relative roles in the cellular production of IPs we utilized complementation analysis, RNA interference, and overexpression studies. Heterologous expression of dmIpk2, but not dmIP3K, in ipk2 mutant yeast recapitulates phospholipase C-dependent cellular synthesis of IP6. Knockdown of dmIpk2 in Drosophila S2 cells and transgenic flies results in a significant reduction of IP6 levels; whereas depletion of dmIP3K, either alpha or beta isoforms or both, does not decrease IP6 synthesis but instead increases its production, possibly by expanding I(1,4,5)P3 pools. Similarly, knockdown of an I(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase results in significant increase in dmIpk2/dmIpk1-dependent IP6 synthesis. IP6 production depends on the I(1,3,4,5,6)P5 2-kinase activity of dmIpk1 and is increased in transgenic flies overexpressing dmIpk2. Our studies reveal that phosphatase and kinase regulation of I(1,4,5)P3 metabolic pools directly impinge on higher IP synthesis, and that the major route of IP6 synthesis depends on the activities of dmIpk2 and dmIpk1, but not dmIP3K, thereby challenging the role of IP3K in the genesis of higher IP messengers.

Transcriptional regulation of the Drosophila catalase gene by the DRE/DREF system

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause oxidative stress and aging. The catalase gene is a key component of the cellular antioxidant defense network. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate catalase gene expression are poorly understood. In this study, we have identified a DNA replication-related element (DRE; 5'-TATCGATA) in the 5'-flanking region of the Drosophila catalase gene. Gel mobility shift assays revealed that a previously identified factor called DREF (DRE- binding factor) binds to the DRE sequence in the Drosophila catalase gene. We used site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro transient transfection assays to establish that expression of the catalase gene is regulated by DREF through the DRE site. To explore the role of DRE/DREF in vivo, we established transgenic flies carrying a catalase-lacZ fusion gene with or without mutation in the DRE. The beta-galactosidase expression patterns of these reporter transgenic lines demonstrated that the catalase gene is upregulated by DREF through the DRE sequence. In addition, we observed suppression of the ectopic DREF-induced rough eye phenotype by a catalase amorphic Cat(n1) allele, indicating that DREF activity is modulated by the intracellular redox state. These results indicate that the DRE/DREF system is a key regulator of catalase gene expression and provide evidence of cross-talk between the DRE/DREF system and the antioxidant defense system.