Evidence for an extranucleolar mechanism of actinomycin D action

Adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs derived from natural sources

Cancer, a life threatening disease adversely affects huge population worldwide. Naturally derived drug discovery has emerged as a potential pathway in search of anticancers. Natural products-based drugs are generally considered safe, compared to their synthetic counterparts. A systematic review on adverse drugs reactions (ADRs) of the anticancer natural products has not been performed till date. We reviewed anticancer drugs, derived from plants, microbes and marine sources with their mechanistic action and reported ADRs. PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched through Boolean information retrieval method using keywords "natural products", "cancer", "herbal", "marine drugs" and "adverse drug reaction". We documented ADRs of natural products based anticancer agents, mechanisms of action and chemical structures. It was observed that majority of the natural products based anticancer drugs possess ample adverse effects, dominantly hematological toxicities, alopecia, neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. These findings deviate from the preconceived notion about safer nature of herbal drugs. We also came across some anti-cancer natural products with less/no reported adverse events like Cabazitaxel and Arglabin. Comprehensive pharmacovigilance studies are needed to report ADRs and thereby predicting safety of anti-cancer drugs, either originated from natural sources or chemically synthesized.

Requirement of RNA synthesis for pathfinding by growing axons

The effects of actinomycin D were studied in cultured grasshopper embryos at different stages of development by following the outgrowth patterns of identified neurones known as aCC, pCC, and Q1. When administered at stages occurring before 31% of embryonic development, actinomycin D (0.05-0.10 microM for 24-48 hours) prevented axon extension, whereas it did not affect the development of the nervous system in embryos older than 34% of development. At 31-34% of development, actinomycin D perturbed pathfinding of aCC without blocking axon extension. Thus, only 22% of the aCCs (n = 271) in embryos treated with actinomycin D extended an axon along the intersegmental nerve as in control embryos. In the remaining embryos, aCC failed to turn into the intersegmental nerve root; its growth cone remained in the longitudinal connective, above or below the turning point. Neurones of the group caudal to the intersegmental nerve root could extend along either the anterior or posterior commissure of the next posterior segment. In contrast to the observations made with aCC, only 1.2% of pCC (n = 166) and 0.0% of Q1 (n = 45) in embryos treated with actinomycin D showed axon growth along aberrant pathways. The position of the growth cones of most pCCs and all Q1s observed were in various points along their normal pathway. Both pCC and Q1, as a population, showed an extension rate significantly lower than that of their control counterparts. The effect of actinomycin D on aCC pathway choice was probably mediated by inhibition of RNA synthesis, because incorporation of uridine into RNA was reduced by 40%. The labelling of several monoclonal antibodies (1C10, 3B11, 7F7) that recognise surface glycoproteins (lachesin, fasciclin I, and REGA-1) involved in nervous system development of grasshopper embryos was suppressed. Our results suggest that the navigation of some axons along different pathways requires the synthesis of new mRNA.

Sensitivity of RNA synthesis to actinomycin D inhibition is dependent on the frequency of transcription: a mathematical model

The synthesis of ribosomal RNA is known to be up to 100-fold more sensitive to inhibition by actinomycin D than is messenger RNA. A model is presented here to explain the dose-response kinetics of this inhibition. The basic concept is that on very actively transcribed genes, such as ribosomal DNA, the first bound actinomycin D will sterically affect those densely packed polymerase molecules between it and the promoter, causing them to stack up into the promoter and interfere with the initiation of RNA synthesis. However, on less active genes, where the polymerases are widely spaced, the drug will inhibit individual polymerasas independently and only at the actinomycin blockade. Counteracting these inhibitory effects will be the tendency of genes bound with actinomycin to accumulate additional polymerases. A mathematical model is described which successfully explains previously reported dose-response kinetics of actinomycin inhibition in both frequently and infrequently transcribed genes. The analysis indicates that actinomycin inhibition is dependent on both polymerase packing and on gene size. The dose-response kinetics can be used to estimate both the size and transcriptional efficiency of individual genes. The model is also able to explain several other independent observations regarding the kinetics of inhibition of RNA synthesis by actinomycin.

Inhibition by cytochalasin B of DNA synthesis in a thermosensitive anchorage-independent growth mutant

After a shift from a nonpermissive to a permissive temperature, synchronized DNA synthesis and cell division were observed in a cold-sensitive anchorage-independent growth mutant (cs-17-25) of Chinese hamster lung cells in Methocel culture. Only 15 min exposure to the permissive temperature was sufficient for induction of DNA synthesis in the cells. A low dose of actinomycin D (0.02 micrograms/ml) or cytochalasin B (5 micrograms/ml) was able to inhibit the DNA synthesis when added at an early period after the temperature shift. The inhibitory effects of actinomycin D and cytochalasin B on RNA and protein synthesis were very similar at both temperatures. The degree of multinucleation caused by cytochalasin B was altered quickly depending on the incubation temperature. These results suggest that stimulation of this mutant involves an obligatory actin-mediated step closely correlated to transcription of early mRNAs.

Mutations in rDNA : 3. Modulatory action of α-amanitin on aberration induction in nucleolus organizer regions

The action of α-amanitin, an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, on the induction by hydroxyurea (HU) of chromosomal aberrations in nucleolus organizer regions of barley was studied. The data obtained show that α-amanitin can effectively modify aberration induction in rDNA. Administered before mutagen treatment or in combination with the mutagen, the toxin significantly decreased the HU-induced aberration frequencies in NORs. The data obtained provide further evidence that α-amanitin is an effective modulator of aberration induction in NORs either by interfering with RNA synthesis or by modifying chromatin structure.

Effect of actinomycin D on the expression of nuclear antigen SS-B/La

The nuclear autoantigen SS-B/La, which is recognized by antibodies in certain autoimmune diseases, is complexed with distinct cellular RNAs and the complex of antigen-RNA profile remains constant throughout the cell cycle. This antigen is prominent in the nucleolus during G1/S phase of the cell cycle. Actinomycin D at a concentration of 0.0005 microgram/ml is capable of abolishing the appearance of SS-B/La in the nucleolus. The amount of immune-precipitable SS-B/La-associated RNAs is reduced by 0.005 microgram/ml actinomycin D treatment. The mechanism for these findings is suggested to be related to inhibition of the synthesis of messenger RNA coding for SS-B/La.

Characterization of a factor that can prevent random transcription of cloned rDNA and its probable relationship to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase

A factor which eliminated nonspecific transcription of cloned rat rDNA was extensively purified from rat mammary adenocarcinoma ascites cells by successive fractionations on DEAE-Sephadex and heparin-Sepharose columns. The fractions containing RNA polymerase I (HS-B) and fractions eluting thereafter (HS-C) from the heparin-Sepharose column were pooled separately. Addition of HS-C to HS-B prevented random transcription of rDNA and yielded an accurate rDNA transcript with negligible non-specific transcription. The factor was essentially homogeneous and corresponded to Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase with respect to molecular weight, dependence on DNA for its activity and its ability to undergo auto ADP-ribosylation. The total amount of protein in the transcription assay was approximately 2 micrograms, which indicates a high degree of purity of all the factors required for specific transcription of rDNA.

Actinomycin D in low concentrations binds uniformly to human chromosomes

The binding of actinomycin D (actD) to fixed human metaphase chromosomes was studied by using autoradiography with [3H]actD and indirect immunofluorescence with a specific anti-actD antibody. At concentrations of 0.01 and 0.1 micrograms/ml there was a uniform distribution of drug along the chromosomes as observed by both methods. This is the first study to date characterizing actD binding at such low concentrations to human chromosomes. Since actD intercalates into the DNA helix with GC specificity, our observations indicate that detectable differences in base composition along the lengths of human chromosomes are minimal.

Acute effects of mitoxantrone on the template activity of isolated nuclei from the T-47D human breast tumor cell line

The effect of mitoxantrone on the template activity of nuclei isolated from the T-47D human breast tumor cell line was investigated. The results suggest that mitoxantrone significantly inhibits total RNA synthesis of these nuclei in a concentration-dependent manner. At low drug concentrations (10(-9) M and 10(-7) M) RNA synthesis was inhibited by 21.9% and 41% compared to control values, respectively. Greater inhibition was observed when the mitoxantrone concentration was increased to 10(-5) M or 10(-4) M (56% and 77%, respectively). Experiments utilizing alpha-amanitin revealed that mitoxantrone inhibits RNA polymerase II activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Polyoma-induced stimulation of nucleoplasmic transcription is paralleled by development of resistance against actinomycin D

Polyoma virus induced in quiescent, Go-arrested mouse kidney cells a lytic infection. Synthesis of the polyoma T-antigens began 7-8 h after infection and was followed by a mitotic reaction of the host cell comprising stimulated synthesis and accumulation of cellular (mainly ribosomal) RNA and protein and duplication of the host cell chromatin (S-phase). In the present work we focused attention on nucleoplasmic transcription, i.e. synthesis of hnRNA, 5S RNA and tRNA. To inhibit selectively nucleolar transcription we used low concentrations of actinomycin D (act. D). Synthesis of 45S precursor- ribosomal RNA in mock- and polyoma-infected mouse kidney cells was completely blocked by 0.05 micrograms/ml act.D within 2 h. In mock-infected cells also nucleoplasmic transcription was rather sensitive against 0.05 micrograms/ml act.D. Polyoma- induced stimulation of nucleoplasmic transcription began around 12 h and was paralleled by the development of resistance against act.D. Resistance of nucleoplasmic transcription in virus-infected cells was thus similar to that observed by others in uninfected, proliferating mammalian cells. The possible biological implications of these results are discussed.

Current concepts: III. Molecular aspects of dietary modulation of transcription and enhanced longevity

Dietary restriction is a known means of prolonging the life span of animals. How diet can increase longevity at the molecular level is not yet known. As organisms age, there is a decrease in the ability ot synthesize RNA and a decrease in protein synthesis indicating that there is an overall loss in gene expression. In addition, a decrease in protein turnover is evident indicating a lack of cellular renewal because of the accumulation of tissue protein. Evidence is presented in this review, that certain dietary regimens appear to be capable of enhancing the synthesis of mRNA and probably also produce enhanced turnover of tissue proteins. It is proposed that the physiological "stress" produced by restricted feeding paradigms can enhance gene expression and that this may be a significant factor in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis for a longer period of time.

alpha-Amanitin and 5-fluorouridine inhibition of serum-stimulated DNA synthesis in quiescent AKR-2B mouse embryo cells

AKR-2B mouse embryo cells undergoing the serum-stimulated transition from a quiescent to a proliferating state exhibit an increase in the rate of hnRNA synthesis which appears to be mediated through an increase in the actual number of RNA polymerase II molecules. alpha-Amanitin, administered early in the prereplication interval following stimulation, effectively inhibits hnRNA synthesis, polysomal mRNA accumulation, polyribosome formation, and subsequent DNA synthesis, and cell division. Unexpectedly, alpha-amanitin treatment also produces almost complete inhibition of the synthesis of 45S rRNA precursor and the increase in accumulation of cytoplasmic rRNA following serum stimulation. In order to determine whether the inhibition of new ribosomal synthesis might in itself be sufficient to prevent serum-stimulated DNA synthesis, the effects of 5-fluorouridine (5-FU), a specific inhibitor of 45S rRNA processing, were investigated. If added within eight hours following serum stimulation, 5-FU was found to completely inhibit subsequent DNA synthesis. These results suggest that quiescent AKR-2B cells do not contain a sufficient excess of ribosomes to support the synthesis of proteins which are required for DNA synthesis in response to serum growth factors. Furthermore, an early polymerase II mediated synthesis of mRNA(s) coding for some factor(s) necessary for ribosomal gene transcription may be an essential step in the serum-stimulated synthesis of new ribosomes.

Amatoxins, phallotoxins, phallolysin, and antamanide: the biologically active components of poisonous Amanita mushrooms

This review gives a comprehensive account of the molecular toxicology of the bicyclic peptides obtained from the poisonous mushrooms of the genus Amanita. The discussion of the biochemical events will be preceded by a consideration of the chemistry of the toxic peptides. The structural features essential for biological activities of both the amatoxins and the phallotoxins will be discussed, also including the most important analytical data. Similar consideration will be given to antamanide, a cyclic peptide, which counteracts phalloidin. In addition, the phallolysins, three cytolytic proteins from Amanita phalloides will be discussed. The report on the biological activity of the amatoxins will deal with the sensitivity of the different RNA-polymerases towards the toxins and with their action on various cell types. Consideration will also be given to systems in which alpha-amanitin was used and can be used as a molecular tool; in the past, many investigators used the inhibitor in molecular biology, genetics, and even in physiological research. As for the phallotoxins, discussion of the affinity of these toxins for actin is provied. Further discussion attempts to understand the course of intoxication by filling in the gap between the first molecular event, formation of microfilaments, and the various lesions in hepatocytes during the intoxication.

Inhibition of RNA and protein syntheses makes non-differentiating mouse myeloid leukemia cells sensitive to a factor(s) stimulating differentiation

Treatment with ascitic fluid from animals bearing various tumors, can induce mouse myeloid leukemia line cells, M1, to differentiate in vitro into macrophages and granulocytes. Cells were isolated that were resistant to the ascitic fluid factor(s) stimulating differentiation (D-factor). The resistant cells became sensitive to the D-factor and differentiated after treatment with various inhibitors of RNA synthesis (actinomycin D, nogalamycin, chromomycin A3 or cordycepin) or protein synthesis (puromycin or cycloheximide). The cells could not be induced to differentiate by treatment with the inhibitors alone. The effective doses of the inhibitors of protein synthesis were toxic to the cells. Among these inhibitors actinomycin D (5 ng/ml) was the most effective for sensitizing the resistant cells. Inhibitors of DNA synthesis did not sensitize the resistant cells. Added actinomcyin D was mainly recovered in the nuclear fraction of the cells. The sensitizing effect of actinomycin D on the cells was roughly parallel to the extent of its inhibition of RNA synthesis in the cells. The effective concentration of actinomycin D (5 ng/ml) mainly inhibited it also inhibited alpha-amanitin-resistant RNA synthesis to some extent. These results suggest that alpha-amanitin-sensitive RNA synthesis may be involved in sensitization of the resistant cells to the D-factor.