Apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53-2 (ASPP2/53BP2L) is an E2F target gene

In silico analysis prediction of HepTH1-5 as a potential therapeutic agent by targeting tumour suppressor protein networks

Many studies reported that the activation of tumour suppressor protein, p53 induced the human hepcidin expression. However, its expression decreased when p53 was silenced in human hepatoma cells. Contrary to Tilapia hepcidin TH1-5, HepTH1-5 was previously reported to trigger the p53 activation through the molecular docking approach. The INhibitor of Growth (ING) family members are also shown to directly interact with p53 and promote cell cycle arrest, senescence, apoptosis and participate in DNA replication and DNA damage responses to suppress the tumour initiation and progression. However, the interrelation between INGs and HepTH1-5 remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to identify the mechanism and their protein interactions using in silico approaches. The finding revealed that HepTH1-5 and its ligands had interacted mostly on hotspot residues of ING proteins which involved in histone modifications via acetylation, phosphorylation, and methylation. This proves that HepTH1-5 might implicate in an apoptosis signalling pathway and preserve the protein structure and function of INGs by reducing the perturbation of histone binding upon oxidative stress response. This study would provide theoretical guidance for the design and experimental studies to decipher the role of HepTH1-5 as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer therapy. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

SIRT1/FOXO Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. The roles of the SIRT and FoxO proteins in tumor progression are known, but their roles in metastasis have not yet been clearly elucidated. In our study, we investigated the roles of SIRT and FoxO proteins their downstream pathways, proteins p21 and p53, in tumor progression and metastasis. We evaluated these proteins in vitro using metastatic 4TLM and 67NR cell lines, as well as their expression levels in tumor-bearing mice. In addition, the regulatory role of SIRT and FoxO proteins in different transduction cascades was examined by IPA core analysis, and clinicopathological evidence was investigated in the TCGA database. In primary tumors, the expression levels of SIRT1, p21, p53, E2F1 and FoxO proteins were higher in 67NR groups. In metastatic tissues, the expression levels of SIRT1, E2F1 and FoxO proteins were found to be enhanced, whereas the levels of p53 and p21 expression were noted to be reduced. IPA analysis also provided empirical evidence of the mechanistic involvement of SIRT and FoxO proteins in tumor progression and metastasis. In conclusion, SIRT1 was found to co-operate with FoxO proteins and to play a critical role in metastasis. Additional research is required to determine why overexpression of SIRT1 in metastatic tissues has oncogenic effects.

TP53BP2: Roles in suppressing tumorigenesis and therapeutic opportunities

Malignant tumor is still a major problem worldwide. During tumorigenesis or tumor development, tumor suppressor p53-binding protein 2 (TP53BP2), also known as apoptosis stimulating protein 2 of p53 (ASPP2), plays a critical role in p53 dependent and independent manner. Expression of TP53BP2 is highly correlated with the prognosis and survival rate of malignant tumor patients. TP53BP2 can interact with p53, NF-κB p65, Bcl-2, HCV core protein, PP1, YAP, CagA, RAS, PAR3, and other proteins to regulate cell function. Moreover, TP53BP2 can also regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, EMT and drug resistance of tumor cells through downstream signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, RAS/MAPK, mevalonate, TGF-β1, PI3K/AKT, aPKC-ι/GLI1 and autophagy pathways. As a potential therapeutic target, TP53BP2 has been attracted more attention. We review the role of TP53BP2 in tumorigenesis or tumor development and the signal pathway involved in TP53BP2, which may provide more deep insight and strategies for tumor treatment.

Hypoxia-regulated microRNAs: the molecular drivers of tumor progression

Hypoxia is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of nearly all solid tumors, leading to therapeutic failure. The changes in stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM), pH gradients, and chemical balance that contribute to multiple cancer hallmarks are closely regulated by intratumoral oxygen tension via its primary mediators, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIFs, especially HIF-1α, influence these changes in the TME by regulating vital cancer-associated signaling pathways and cellular processes including MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, STAT3, PI3K/Akt, Wnt, p53, and glycolysis. Interestingly, research has revealed the involvement of epigenetic regulation by hypoxia-regulated microRNAs (HRMs) of downstream target genes involved in these signaling. Through literature search and analysis, we identified 48 HRMs that have a functional role in the regulation of 5 key cellular processes: proliferation, metabolism, survival, invasion and migration, and immunoregulation in various cancers in hypoxic condition. Among these HRMs, 17 were identified to be directly associated with HIFs which include miR-135b, miR-145, miR-155, miR-181a, miR-182, miR-210, miR-224, miR-301a, and miR-675-5p as oncomiRNAs, and miR-100-5p, miR-138, miR-138-5p, miR-153, miR-22, miR-338-3p, miR-519d-3p, and miR-548an as tumor suppressor miRNAs. These HRMs serve as a potential lead in the development of miRNA-based targeted therapy for advanced solid tumors. Future development of combined HIF-targeted and miRNA-targeted therapy is possible, which requires comprehensive profiling of HIFs-HRMs regulatory network, and improved formula of the delivery vehicles to enhance the therapeutic kinetics of the targeted cancer therapy (TCT) moving forward.

Transcriptomic analysis of dorsal and ventral subiculum after induction of acute seizures by electric stimulation of the perforant pathway in rats

Preconditioning is a mechanism in which injuries induced by non-lethal hypoxia or seizures trigger cellular resistance to subsequent events. Norwood et al., in a 2010 study, showed that an 8-h-long period of electrical stimulation of the perforant pathway in rats is required for the induction of hippocampal sclerosis. However, in order to avoid generalized seizures, status epilepticus (SE), and death, a state of resistance to seizures must be induced in the hippocampus by a preconditioning paradigm consisting of two daily 30-min stimulation periods. Due to the importance of the subiculum in the hippocampal formation, this study aims to investigate differential gene expression patterns in the dorsal and ventral subiculum using RNA-sequencing, after induction of a preconditioning protocol by electrical stimulation of the perforant pathway. The dorsal (dSub) and ventral (vSub) subiculum regions were collected by laser-microdissection 24 h after preconditioning protocol induction in rats. RNA sequencing was performed in a Hiseq 4000 platform, reads were aligned using the STAR and DESEq2 statistics package was used to estimate gene expression. We identified 1176 differentially expressed genes comparing control to preconditioned subiculum regions, 204 genes were differentially expressed in dSub and 972 in vSub. The gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the most significant common enrichment pathway considering up-regulated genes in dSub and vSub was steroid metabolism. In contrast, the most significant enrichment pathway considering down-regulated genes in vSub was axon guidance. Our results indicate that preconditioning induces changes in the expression of genes related to synaptic reorganization, increased cholesterol metabolism, and astrogliosis in both dSub and vSub. Both regions also presented a decrease in the expression of genes related to glutamatergic transmission and an increase in expression of genes related to complement system activation and GABAergic transmission. The down-regulation of proapoptotic and axon guidance genes in the ventral subiculum suggests that preconditioning may induce a neuroprotective environment in this region.

Regulation of E2F1 activity via PKA-mediated phosphorylations

E2F1 becomes activated during the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and posttranslational modifications modulate its activity. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) by many ligands induces the activation of adenylate cyclases and the production of cAMP, which activates the PKA enzyme. Activated PKA elicits its biological effect by phosphorylating the target proteins containing serine or threonine amino acids in the RxxS/T motif. Since PKA activation negatively regulates cell proliferation, we thought that activated PKA would negatively affect the activity of E2F1. In line with this, when we analyzed the amino acid sequence of E2F1, we found 3 hypothetical consensus PKA phosphorylation sites located at 127-130, 232-235, and 361-364 positions and RYET, RLLS, and RMGS sequences. After showing the binding and phosphorylation of E2F1 by PKA, we converted the codons of Threonine-130, Serine-235, and Serine-364 to Alanine and Glutamic acid codons on the eukaryotic E2F1 expression vector we had previously created. We confirmed the phosphorylation of T130, S235, and S364 by developing monoclonal antibodies against phospho-specific forms of these sites and showed that their phosphorylation is cell cycle-dependent. According to our results, PKA-mediated phosphorylation of E2F1 by PKA inhibits proliferation and glucose uptake and induces caspase-3 activation and senescence.

Methylation of TP53BP2 and Apaf-1 genes in embryonic lung cells and their impact on gene expression

Background

During embryonic development, epigenetics plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the normal life activities of mammals. The study of methylation during embryonic lung development will gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of lung disease. This study aimed to investigate the methylation of promoter-related CpG islands of TP53BP2 and Apaf-1 genes in human embryonic lung cells and their effects on the regulation of gene expression.

Methods

The analyses of the methylation-prone region and the relationship with transcription factor binding sites were done by bioinformatic prediction. The bisulfite sequencing PCR was conducted aiming to the target areas. The methylation in promoter area and its impact on transcription factor binding as well as gene expression regulation effect were investigated by methylation inhibitor treatment and real-time PCR detection.

Results

Bisulfite sequencing results showed that the CpG methylation predicted by bioinformatic prediction were in part agree with the bisulfite sequencing results, some of the CpG methylation were appeared in the important transcription factor binding sites. After treating with methylation inhibitors, the transcription of Apaf-1 was significantly increased compared with TP53BP2, indicating that partial methylation in proximal promoter of Apaf-1 had a certain effect on transcription Inhibition.

Conclusions

The methylation of genes had effect on the growth and development of the embryo in the embryonic lung development, which may be influenced by the combination of key transcription factors, thereby inhibiting the transcriptional expression, ultimately affected the expression and regulation of key genes. These results will help to further understand the epigenetic regulation and its impact on the embryonic development.

DNA methylation in silkworm genome may provide insights into epigenetic regulation of response to Bombyx mori cypovirus infection

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that regulates a wide range of biological processes including immune response. However, information on the epigenetics-mediated immune mechanisms in insects is limited. Therefore, in this study, we examined transcriptomes and DNA methylomes in the fat body and midgut tissues of silkworm, Bombyx mori with or without B. mori cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmCPV) infection. The transcriptional profile and the genomic DNA methylation patterns in the midgut and fat body were tissue-specific and dynamically altered after BmCPV challenge. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that differentially methylated genes (DMGs) could be involved in pathways of RNA transport, RNA degradation, nucleotide excision repair, DNA replication, etc. 27 genes were shown to have both differential expression and differential methylation in the midgut and fat body of infected larvae, respectively, indicating that the BmCPV infection-induced expression changes of these genes could be mediated by variations in DNA methylation. BS-PCR validated the hypomethylation of G2/M phase-specific E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase-like gene in the BmCPV infected midgut. These results demonstrated that epigenetic regulation may play roles in host-virus interaction in silkworm and would be potential value for further studies on mechanism of BmCPV epithelial-specific infection and epigenetic regulation in the silkworm.

Effects of 12C6+ heavy ion beam irradiation on the p53 signaling pathway in HepG2 liver cancer cells

The heavy ion beam is considered to be the ideal source for radiotherapy. The p53 tumor suppressor gene senses DNA damage and transducts intracellular apoptosis signals. Previous reports showed that the heavy ion beam can trigger complex forms of damage to cellular DNA, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of HepG2 human liver cancer cells; however, the mechanisms remains unclear fully. In order to explore whether the intrinsic or extrinsic pathway participates this process, HepG2 cells were treated with 12C6+ HIB irradiation at doses of 0 (control), 1, 2, 4, and 6 Gy with various methods employed to understand relevant mechanisms, such as detection of apoptosis, cell cycle, and Fas expression by flow cytometry, analysis of apoptotic morphology by electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy, and screening differentially expressed genes relating to p53 signaling pathway by PCR-array assay following with any genes confirmed by western blot analysis. This study showed that 12C6+ heavy ion beam irradiation at a dose of 6 Gy leads to endogenous DNA double-strand damage, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis of human HepG2 cells via synergistic effect of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Differentially expressed genes in the p53 signaling pathway related to DNA damage repair, apoptosis, cycle regulation, metastasis, deterioration and radioresistance were also discovered. Consequently, the expressions of Fas, TP53BP2, TP53AIP1, and CASP9 were confirmed upregulated after 12C6+ HIB irradiation treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the mechanisms of inhibition and apoptosis induced by 12C6+ heavy ion beam irradiation on HepG2 cancer cells is mediated by initiation of the biological function of p53 signaling pathway including extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

Exogenous p53 and ASPP2 expression enhances rAdV-TK/ GCV-induced death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells lacking functional p53

Suicide gene therapy using herpes simplex virus-1 thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) in combination with ganciclovir (GCV) has emerged as a potential new method for treating cancer. We hypothesize that the efficacy of HSV-TK/GCV therapy is at least partially dependent on p53 status in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Using recombinant adenoviral vectors (rAdV), TK, p53, and ASPP2 were overexpressed individually and in combination in Hep3B (p53 null) and HepG2 (p53 wild-type) cell lines and in primary HCC tumor cells. p53 overexpression induced death in Hep3B cells, but not HepG2 cells. ASPP2 overexpression increased rAdV-TK/GCV-induced HepG2 cell death by interacting with endogenous p53. Similarly, ASPP2 reduced survival in rAdV-TK/GCV-treated primary HCC cells expressing p53 wild-type but not a p53 R249S mutant. Mutated p53 was unable to bind to ASPP2, suggesting that the increase in rAdV-TK/GCV-induced cell death resulting from ASPP2 overexpression was dependent on its interaction with p53. Additionally, γ-H2AX foci, ATM phosphorylation, Bax, and p21 expression increased in rAdV-TK/GCV-treated HepG2 cells as compared to Hep3B cells. This suggests that the combined use of HSV-TK, GCV, rAdV-p53 and rAdV-ASPP2 may improve therapeutic efficacy in HCC patients lacking functional p53.

ΔN-ASPP2, a novel isoform of the ASPP2 tumor suppressor, promotes cellular survival

ASPP2 is a tumor suppressor that works, at least in part, through enhancing p53-dependent apoptosis. We now describe a new ASPP2 isoform, ΔN-ASPP2, generated from an internal transcription start site that encodes an N-terminally truncated protein missing a predicted 254 amino acids. ΔN-ASPP2 suppresses p53 target gene transactivation, promoter occupancy, and endogenous p53 target gene expression in response to DNA damage. Moreover, ΔN-ASPP2 promotes progression through the cell cycle, as well as resistance to genotoxic stress-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. Additionally, we found that ΔN-ASPP2 expression is increased in human breast tumors as compared to adjacent normal breast tissue; in contrast, ASPP2 is suppressed in the majority of these breast tumors. Together, our results provide insight into how this new ASPP2 isoform may play a role in regulating the ASPP2-p53 axis.

Structure-Based Analysis Reveals Cancer Missense Mutations Target Protein Interaction Interfaces

Recently it has been shown that cancer mutations selectively target protein-protein interactions. We hypothesized that mutations affecting distinct protein interactions involving established cancer genes could contribute to tumor heterogeneity, and that novel mechanistic insights might be gained into tumorigenesis by investigating protein interactions under positive selection in cancer. To identify protein interactions under positive selection in cancer, we mapped over 1.2 million nonsynonymous somatic cancer mutations onto 4,896 experimentally determined protein structures and analyzed their spatial distribution. In total, 20% of mutations on the surface of known cancer genes perturbed protein-protein interactions (PPIs), and this enrichment for PPI interfaces was observed for both tumor suppressors (Odds Ratio 1.28, P-value < 10⁻⁴) and oncogenes (Odds Ratio 1.17, P-value < 10⁻³). To study this further, we constructed a bipartite network representing structurally resolved PPIs from all available human complexes in the Protein Data Bank (2,864 proteins, 3,072 PPIs). Analysis of frequently mutated cancer genes within this network revealed that tumor-suppressors, but not oncogenes, are significantly enriched with functional mutations in homo-oligomerization regions (Odds Ratio 3.68, P-Value < 10⁻⁸). We present two important examples, TP53 and beta-2-microglobulin, for which the patterns of somatic mutations at interfaces provide insights into specifically perturbed biological circuits. In patients with TP53 mutations, patient survival correlated with the specific interactions that were perturbed. Moreover, we investigated mutations at the interface of protein-nucleotide interactions and observed an unexpected number of missense mutations but not silent mutations occurring within DNA and RNA binding sites. Finally, we provide a resource of 3,072 PPI interfaces ranked according to their mutation rates. Analysis of this list highlights 282 novel candidate cancer genes that encode proteins participating in interactions that are perturbed recurrently across tumors. In summary, mutation of specific protein interactions is an important contributor to tumor heterogeneity and may have important implications for clinical outcomes.

E2F1 transcription factor and its impact on growth factor and cytokine signaling

E2F1 is a transcription factor involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. The transactivation capacity of E2F1 is regulated by pRb. In its hypophosphorylated form, pRb binds and inactivates DNA binding and transactivating functions of E2F1. The growth factor stimulation of cells leads to activation of CDKs (cyclin dependent kinases), which in turn phosphorylate Rb and hyperphosphorylated Rb is released from E2F1 or E2F1/DP complex, and free E2F1 can induce transcription of several genes involved in cell cycle entry, induction or inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, growth factors and cytokines generally utilize E2F1 to direct cells to either fate. Furthermore, E2F1 regulates expressions of various cytokines and growth factor receptors, establishing positive or negative feedback mechanisms. This review focuses on the relationship between E2F1 transcription factor and cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, TGF-beta, G-CSF, LIF), growth factors (EGF, KGF, VEGF, IGF, FGF, PDGF, HGF, NGF), and interferons (IFN-α, IFN-β and IFN-γ).

The downregulation of the RNA-binding protein Staufen2 in response to DNA damage promotes apoptosis

Staufen2 (Stau2) is an RNA-binding protein involved in cell fate decision by controlling several facets of mRNA processing including localization, splicing, translation and stability. Herein we report that exposure to DNA-damaging agents that generate replicative stress such as camptothecin (CPT), 5-fluoro-uracil (5FU) and ultraviolet radiation (UVC) causes downregulation of Stau2 in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. In contrast, other agents such as doxorubicin and ionizing radiation had no effect on Stau2 expression. Consistently, Stau2 expression is regulated by the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) signaling pathway but not by the DNA-PK or ataxia telangiectasia mutated/checkpoint kinase 2 pathways. Stau2 downregulation is initiated at the level of transcription, independently of apoptosis induction. Promoter analysis identified a short 198 bp region which is necessary and sufficient for both basal and CPT-regulated Stau2 expression. The E2F1 transcription factor regulates Stau2 in untreated cells, an effect that is abolished by CPT treatment due to E2F1 displacement from the promoter. Strikingly, Stau2 downregulation enhances levels of DNA damage and promotes apoptosis in CPT-treated cells. Taken together our results suggest that Stau2 is an anti-apoptotic protein that could be involved in DNA replication and/or maintenance of genome integrity and that its expression is regulated by E2F1 via the ATR signaling pathway.

Phosphorylated AKT inhibits the apoptosis induced by DRAM-mediated mitophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma by preventing the translocation of DRAM to mitochondria

Increasing autophagy is beneficial for curing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Damage-regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM) was recently reported to induce apoptosis by mediating autophagy. However, the effects of DRAM-mediated autophagy on apoptosis in HCC cells remain unclear. In this study, normal hepatocytes (7702) and HCC cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B and Huh7) were starved for 48 h. Starvation induced apoptosis and autophagy in all cell lines. We determined that starvation also induced DRAM expression and DRAM-mediated autophagy in both normal hepatocytes and HCC cells. However, DRAM-mediated autophagy was involved in apoptosis in normal hepatocytes but not in HCC cells, suggesting that DRAM-mediated autophagy fails to induce apoptosis in hepatoma in response to starvation. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that DRAM translocated to mitochondria and induced mitophagy, which led to apoptosis in 7702 cells. In HCC cells, starvation also activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, which blocks the translocation of DRAM to mitochondria through the binding of p-AKT to DRAM in the cytoplasm. Inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway rescued DRAM translocation to mitochondria; subsequently, mitochondrial DRAM induced apoptosis in HCC cells by mediating mitophagy. Our findings open new avenues for the investigation of the mechanisms of DRAM-mediated autophagy and suggest that promoting DRAM-mediated autophagy together with PI3K/AKT inhibition might be more effective for autophagy-based therapy in hepatoma.

Protein–protein interactions of ASPP2: an emerging therapeutic target

ASPP2 induces apoptosis and is downregulated in many types of cancer, making it a promising target for anti-cancer drugs.

Attenuated expression of apoptosis stimulating protein of p53-2 (ASPP2) in human acute leukemia is associated with therapy failure

Inactivation of the p53 pathway is a universal event in human cancers and promotes tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Inactivating p53 mutations are uncommon in non-complex karyotype leukemias, thus the p53-pathway must be inactivated by other mechanisms. The Apoptosis Stimulating Protein of p53-2 (ASPP2) is a damage-inducible p53-binding protein that enhances apoptosis at least in part through a p53-mediated pathway. We have previously shown, that ASPP2 is an independent haploinsufficient tumor suppressor in vivo. Now, we reveal that ASPP2 expression is significantly attenuated in acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemia – especially in patients with an unfavorable prognostic risk profile and patients who fail induction chemotherapy. In line, knock down of ASPP2 in expressing leukemia cell lines and native leukemic blasts attenuates damage-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, cultured blasts derived from high-risk leukemias fail to induce ASPP2 expression upon anthracycline treatment. The mechanisms of ASPP2 dysregulation are unknown. We provide evidence that attenuation of ASPP2 is caused by hypermethylation of the promoter and 5′UTR regions in native leukemia blasts. Together, our results suggest that ASPP2 contributes to the biology of leukemia and expression should be further explored as a potential prognostic and/or predictive biomarker to monitor therapy responses in acute leukemia.

Cisplatin inhibits hippocampal cell proliferation and alters the expression of apoptotic genes

The hippocampus, which is critical for memory and spatial navigation, contains a proliferating stem cell niche that is especially vulnerable to antineoplastic drugs such as cisplatin. Although the damaging effects of cisplatin have recently been recognized, the molecular mechanisms underlying its toxic effects on this vital region are largely unknown. Using a focused apoptosis gene array, we analyzed the early cisplatin-induced changes in gene expression in the hippocampus of adult Sprague-Dawley rats and compared the results to those from the inferior colliculus, a non-mitotic auditory region resistant to cisplatin-induced cell death. Two days after a 12 mg/kg dose of cisplatin, significant increases were observed in five proapoptotic genes: Bik, Bid, Bok, Trp53p2, and Card6 and a significant decrease in one antiapoptotic gene Bcl2a1. In contrast, Nol3, an antiapoptotic gene, showed a significant increase in expression. The cisplatin-induced increase in Bid mRNA and decrease in Bcl2a1 mRNA were accompanied by a corresponding increase and decrease of their respective proteins in the hippocampus. In contrast, the cisplatin-induced changes in Bcl2a1, Bid, Bik, and Bok gene expression in the inferior colliculus were strikingly different from those in the hippocampus consistent with the greater susceptibility of the hippocampus to cisplatin toxicity. Cisplatin also significantly reduced immunolabeling of the cell proliferation marker Ki67 in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus 2 days post-treatment. These results indicate that cisplatin-induced hippocampal cell death is mediated by increased expression of proapoptotic and decreased antiapoptotic genes and proteins that likely inhibit hippocampal cell proliferation.

E2F1-mediated DNA damage is implicated in 8-Cl-adenosine-induced chromosome missegregation and apoptosis in human lung cancer H1299 cells

Although E2F1-mediated DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) and tetraploid have been extensively studied, the role of E2F1 in mitotic catastrophe is still unknown. We have previously shown that 8-chloro-adenosine (8-Cl-Ado) induces DNA DSBs and aberrant mitosis in human lung cancer cells, followed by delayed apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that E2F1-mediated DNA damage is implicated in 8-Cl-Ado-induced chromosome missegregation and apoptosis in lung cancer H1299 cells. We showed that E2F1 was accumulated upon 8-Cl-Ado-induced DNA DSBs. Induction of E2F1 by 8-Cl-Ado caused DNA damage in cycling cells including M cells. In contrast, silencing of E2F1 expression decreased 8-Cl-Ado-induced DNA DSBs, particularly eliminated E2F1-mediated mitotic DNA damage. Over-expression of E2F1 and/or 8-Cl-Ado exposure resulted in aberrant mitotic spindles and chromosome segregation errors. Furthermore, over-expression of E2F1 expression enhanced 8-Cl-Ado-induced apoptosis. Together, our data indicate that E2F1-mediated DNA damage, in particular mitotic DNA damage, is an important fraction of 8-Cl-Ado-induced DNA damage, which is implicated in 8-Cl-Ado-induced mitotic catastrophe and delayed apoptosis. Induction of E2F1 by 8-Cl-Ado may contribute at least partly to the drug-inhibited proliferation of cancer cells.

Siah2 regulates tight junction integrity and cell polarity through control of ASPP2 stability

Changes in cell adhesion and polarity are closely associated with epithelial cell transformation and metastatic capacity. The tumor suppressor protein ASPP2 has been implicated in control of cell adhesion and polarity, through its effect on the PAR complex. Here we demonstrate that under hypoxic conditions the ubiquitin ligase Siah2 controls ASPP2 availability, with concomitant effect on epithelial cell polarity. LC-MS/MS analysis identified ASPP2 and ASPP1 as Siah2 interacting proteins. Biochemical analysis confirmed this interaction and mapped degron motifs within ASPP2, which are required for Siah2-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal-dependent degradation. Inhibition of Siah2 expression increases ASPP2 levels and enhances ASPP2-dependent maintenance of TJ integrity and polarized architecture in 3D organotypic culture. Conversely, increase of Siah2 expression under hypoxia decreases ASPP2 levels and the formation of apical polarity in 3D culture. In all, our studies demonstrate the role of Siah2 in regulation of TJ integrity and cell polarity under hypoxia, through its regulation of ASPP2 stability.

N terminus of ASPP2 binds to Ras and enhances Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK activation to promote oncogene-induced senescence

The ASPP2 (also known as 53BP2L) tumor suppressor is a proapoptotic member of a family of p53 binding proteins that functions in part by enhancing p53-dependent apoptosis via its C-terminal p53-binding domain. Mounting evidence also suggests that ASPP2 harbors important nonapoptotic p53-independent functions. Structural studies identify a small G protein Ras-association domain in the ASPP2 N terminus. Because Ras-induced senescence is a barrier to tumor formation in normal cells, we investigated whether ASPP2 could bind Ras and stimulate the protein kinase Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade. We now show that ASPP2 binds to Ras-GTP at the plasma membrane and stimulates Ras-induced signaling and pERK1/2 levels via promoting Ras-GTP loading, B-Raf/C-Raf dimerization, and C-Raf phosphorylation. These functions require the ASPP2 N terminus because BBP (also known as 53BP2S), an alternatively spliced ASPP2 isoform lacking the N terminus, was defective in binding Ras-GTP and stimulating Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. Decreased ASPP2 levels attenuated H-RasV12-induced senescence in normal human fibroblasts and neonatal human epidermal keratinocytes. Together, our results reveal a mechanism for ASPP2 tumor suppressor function via direct interaction with Ras-GTP to stimulate Ras-induced senescence in nontransformed human cells.

Oncogenic activation of glypican-3 by c-Myc in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that has an important role in cell growth and differentiation, and its function in tumorigenesis is tissue-dependent. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the overexpression of GPC3 has been demonstrated to be a reliable diagnostic indicator. However, the mechanisms that regulate the expression and function of GPC3 remain unclear. The oncoprotein c-Myc is a transcription factor that plays a significant role in more than 50% of human tumors. We report here that GPC3 is a transcriptional target of c-Myc and that the expression of c-Myc is also regulated by GPC3, thus forming a positive feedback signaling loop. We found that the overexpression of c-Myc could induce GPC3 promoter-dependent luciferase activity in luciferase reporter experiments. Furthermore, mutational analysis identified c-Myc-binding sites within the GPC3 promoter. The exogenous overexpression of c-Myc increased the endogenous messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of GPC3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed the binding of c-Myc to the endogenous GPC3 promoter, indicating that c-Myc can directly transcriptionally activate GPC3. Interestingly, GPC3 can also elevate c-Myc expression. Overexpression of GPC3 increased c-Myc protein levels, whereas the knockdown of GPC3 reduced c-Myc expression levels. Lastly, the elevated levels of c-Myc correlate with the overexpression of GPC3 in human HCC samples.

CONCLUSION

These data provide new mechanistic insight into the roles of GPC3 and of c-Myc in the development of HCC.

Physical and functional interaction between ribosomal protein L11 and the tumor suppressor ARF

The ARF tumor suppressor protein activates p53 in response to oncogenic stress, whereas ribosomal protein L11 induces p53 following ribosomal stress. Both proteins bind to central, albeit non-overlapping, regions of MDM2 and suppress MDM2 activity toward p53. However, it is not known whether the two pathways are functionally connected. Here we show that ARF directly binds to L11 in vitro and in cells, which then forms a complex with MDM2 and p53. L11 collaboratively enhances ARF-induced p53 transcriptional activity and cell cycle arrest. Supporting these results, knocking down L11 reduces ARF-mediated p53 accumulation and alleviates ARF-induced cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, overexpression of ARF increases the levels of ribosome-free L11 and enhances the interaction of L11 with MDM2 and p53. These results demonstrate that ARF activates p53, at least partly by induction of ribosomal stress, which results in L11 suppression of MDM2, and suggest that the ARF-MDM2-p53 and the L11-MDM2-p53 pathways are functionally connected.

Sigma-1 receptor agonists provide neuroprotection against gp120 via a change in bcl-2 expression in mouse neuronal cultures

Although combined antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved the prognosis of HIV-1 infected patients and decreased the incidence of HIV-1 associated dementia, the cumulative prevalence of this disease, in particular, mild or asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment, has not decreased. Thus, in addition to active antiretroviral therapy, the search for an effective neuroprotective approach is very important. Sigma-1 receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system. Sigma-1 receptor agonists are robustly neuroprotective in many neuropathy and neurotoxicity in vivo and in vitro studies. This study aims to investigate possible neuroprotective effects of sigma-1 receptor agonist, 4-phenyl-1-(4-phenylbutyl) piperidine (PPBP) against HIV-1 protein gp120. Primary cortical neuronal cultures were exposed to gp120 in different concentrations; to investigate neuroprotective effects of sigma-1 receptor agonist, cells were pre-treated with PPBP (10μM) in the presence or absence of pre-incubated sigma-1 receptor antagonist rimcazole (5μM). Cell apoptosis was confirmed with calcein/PI uptake test, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay or TUNEL assay and neurite degeneration was evaluated with morphometry via MAP-2 stained immunofluorescence. The mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis associated bax and bcl-2 were determined with real-time qPCR and Western blot. The results showed that gp120 could induce neuronal apoptosis and neurite degeneration in a concentration dependent manner and PPBP could attenuate the neurotoxicity of gp120. Simultaneously, gp120 could induce low expression of bcl-2 and bax, but only low expression of bcl-2 could be reversed by PPBP. The present data suggest that PPBP, at least, in part protects the neuron against gp120 by regulating bcl-2 expression.

Inhibitory member of the apoptosis-stimulating proteins of the p53 family (iASPP) interacts with protein phosphatase 1 via a noncanonical binding motif

Although kinase mutations have been identified in various human diseases, much less is known about protein phosphatases. Here, we show that all apoptosis-stimulating proteins of p53 (ASPP) family members can bind protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) via two distinct interacting motifs. ASPP2 interacts with PP1 through an RVXF PP1 binding motif, whereas the inhibitory member of the ASPP family (iASPP) interacts with PP1 via a noncanonical motif (RNYF) that is located within its Src homology 3 domain (SH3). Phe-815 is crucial in mediating iASPP/PP1 interaction, and iASPP(F815A) fails to inhibit the transcriptional and apoptotic function of p53. This study identifies iASPP as a new binding partner of PP1, interacting through a noncanonical PP1 binding motif.

Division and apoptosis of E2f-deficient retinal progenitors

The activating E2f transcription factors (E2f1, E2f2 and E2f3) induce transcription and are widely viewed as essential positive cell cycle regulators. Indeed, they drive cells out of quiescence, and the 'cancer cell cycle' in Rb1 null cells is E2f-dependent. Absence of activating E2fs in flies or mammalian fibroblasts causes cell cycle arrest, but this block is alleviated by removing repressive E2f or the tumour suppressor p53, respectively. Thus, whether activating E2fs are indispensable for normal division is an area of debate. Activating E2fs are also well known pro-apoptotic factors, providing a defence against oncogenesis, yet E2f1 can limit irradiation-induced apoptosis. In flies this occurs through repression of hid (also called Wrinkled; Smac/Diablo in mammals). However, in mammals the mechanism is unclear because Smac/Diablo is induced, not repressed, by E2f1, and in keratinocytes survival is promoted indirectly through induction of DNA repair targets. Thus, a direct pro-survival function for E2f1-3 and/or its relevance beyond irradiation has not been established. To address E2f1-3 function in normal cells in vivo we focused on the mouse retina, which is a relatively simple central nervous system component that can be manipulated genetically without compromising viability and has provided considerable insight into development and cancer. Here we show that unlike fibroblasts, E2f1-3 null retinal progenitor cells or activated Müller glia can divide. We attribute this effect to functional interchangeability with Mycn. However, loss of activating E2fs caused downregulation of the p53 deacetylase Sirt1, p53 hyperacetylation and elevated apoptosis, establishing a novel E2f-Sirt1-p53 survival axis in vivo. Thus, activating E2fs are not universally required for normal mammalian cell division, but have an unexpected pro-survival role in development.

Epigenetic silence of ankyrin-repeat-containing, SH3-domain-containing, and proline-rich-region- containing protein 1 (ASPP1) and ASPP2 genes promotes tumor growth in hepatitis B virus-positive hepatocellular carcinoma

The ankyrin-repeat-containing, SH3-domain-containing, and proline-rich-region-containing protein (ASPP) family of proteins regulates apoptosis through interaction with p53 and its family members. This study evaluated the epigenetic regulation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explores the effects of down-regulation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 on the development of HCC. HCC cell lines and tissues from HCC patients were used to examine the expression and methylation of ASPP1 and ASPP2. The expression of ASPP1 and ASPP2 was diminished in HCC cells by epigenetic silence owing to hypermethylation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 promoters. Analyses of 51 paired HCC and surrounding nontumor tissues revealed that methylation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 was associated with the decreased expression of ASPP1 and ASPP2 in tumor tissues and the early development of HCC. Moreover, ASPP2 became methylated upon HBV x protein (HBx) expression. The suppressive effects on tumor growth by ASPP1 and ASPP2 were examined with RNA interference-mediated gene silence. Down-regulation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 promoted the growth of HCC cells in soft agar and in nude mice and decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to apoptotic stimuli.

CONCLUSION

ASPP1 and ASPP2 genes are frequently down-regulated by DNA methylation in HBV-positive HCC, which may play important roles in the development of HCC. These findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms leading to hepatocarcinogenesis and may have potent therapeutic applications.

p53 and E2f: partners in life and death

During tumour development cells sustain mutations that disrupt normal mechanisms controlling proliferation. Remarkably, the Rb-E2f and MDM2-p53 pathways are both defective in most, if not all, human tumours, which underscores the crucial role of these pathways in regulating cell cycle progression and viability. A simple interpretation of the observation that both pathways are deregulated is that they function independently in the control of cell fate. However, a large body of evidence indicates that, in addition to their independent effects on cell fate, there is extensive crosstalk between these two pathways, and specifically between the transcription factors E2F1 and p53, which influences vital cellular decisions. This Review discusses the molecular mechanisms that underlie the intricate interactions between E2f and p53.

Apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (ASPP2) heterozygous mice are tumor-prone and have attenuated cellular damage-response thresholds

The expression of ASPP2 (53BP2L), a proapoptotic member of a family of p53-binding proteins, is frequently suppressed in many human cancers. Accumulating evidence suggests that ASPP2 inhibits tumor growth; however, the mechanisms by which ASPP2 suppresses tumor formation remain to be clarified. To study this, we targeted the ASPP2 allele in a mouse by replacing exons 10-17 with a neoR gene. ASPP2(-/-) mice were not viable because of an early embryonic lethal event. Although ASPP2(+/-) mice appeared developmentally normal, they displayed an increased incidence of a variety of spontaneous tumors as they aged. Moreover, gamma-irradiated 6-week-old ASPP2(+/-) mice developed an increased incidence of high-grade T cell lymphomas of thymic origin compared with ASPP2(+/+) mice. Primary thymocytes derived from ASPP2(+/-) mice exhibited an attenuated apoptotic response to gamma-irradiation compared with ASPP2(+/+) thymocytes. Additionally, ASPP2(+/-) primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts demonstrated a defective G(0)/G(1) cell cycle checkpoint after gamma-irradiation. Our results demonstrate that ASPP2 is a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor and, importantly, open new avenues for investigation into the mechanisms by which disruption of ASPP2 pathways could play a role in tumorigenesis and response to therapy.

CCL3L1 prevents gp120-induced neuron death via the CREB cell signaling pathway

Neurodegeneration is a characteristic feature of AIDS dementia complex and is commonly associated with neuronal death in the brains of both pediatric and adult patients. Neuronal death associated with AIDS dementia complex can be induced by the HIV-1 protein gp120, but the underlying signal transduction mechanism remains unclear, especially for HIV-1 subtypes commonly seen in China. We have now demonstrated that the human CC ligand 3-like protein 1 (CCL3L1), a member of the CC chemokine family, appears to protect neuronal cultures through its ability to attenuate gp120-induced neuronal death. We found that (i) both pCREB levels and Bcl-2 expression are up-regulated in neuronal culture following treatment with CCL3L1 plus gp120; (ii) CCL3L1 induces cell survival via phosphorylation of CREB by way of the PKA and CaMKI/CaMKIV cell signaling pathways; (iii) transcription of the cell survival gene bcl-2 is induced by pCREB; and (iv) CCL3L1 protects cultured neurons against CCR5-mediated excitotoxicity induced by gp120. Thus, the CCL3L1/bcl-2-regulated anti-apoptotic pathway significantly contributes to reduction of HIV-1/gp120-induced neuronal apoptosis, and therefore, CCL3L1 should be further investigated as a potential chemokine to protect against neuronal injury in gp120-related neuronal toxicity.

E2F - at the crossroads of life and death

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor, pRb, restricts cell-cycle progression mainly by regulating members of the E2F-transcription-factor family. The Rb pathway is often inactivated in human tumors, resulting in deregulated-E2F activity that promotes proliferation or cell death, depending on the cellular context. Specifically, the outcome of deregulated-E2F activity is determined by integration of signals coming from the cellular DNA and the external environment. Alterations in cell proliferation and cell-death pathways are key features of transformed cells and, therefore, an understanding of the variables that determine the outcome of E2F activation is pivotal for cancer research and treatment. In this review, we discuss recent studies that have elucidated some of the signals affecting E2F activity and that have revealed additional E2F targets and functions, thereby enriching the understanding of this versatile transcription-factor family.

E2F1 regulates the base excision repair gene XRCC1 and promotes DNA repair

The E2F1 transcription factor activates S-phase-promoting genes, mediates apoptosis, and stimulates DNA repair through incompletely understood mechanisms. XRCC1 (x-ray repair cross-complementing group 1) protein is important for efficient single strand break/base excision repair. Although both damage and proliferative signals increase XRCC1 levels, the mechanisms regulating XRCC1 transcription remain unclear. To study these upstream mechanisms, the XRCC1 promoter was cloned into a luciferase reporter. Ectopic expression of wild-type E2F1, but not an inactive mutant E2F1(132E), activated the XRCC1 promoter-luciferase reporter, and deletion of predicted E2F1 binding sites in the promoter attenuated E2F1-induced activation. Endogenous XRCC1 expression increased in cells conditionally expressing wild-type, but not mutant E2F1, and methyl methanesulfonate-induced DNA damage stimulated XRCC1 expression in E2F1(+/+) but not E2F1(-/-) mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). Additionally, E2F1(-/-) MEFs displayed attenuated DNA repair after methyl methanesulfonate-induced damage compared with E2F1(+/+) MEFs. Moreover, Chinese hamster ovary cells with mutant XRCC1 (EM9) were more sensitive to E2F1-induced apoptosis compared with Chinese hamster ovary cells with wild-type XRCC1 (AA8). These results provide new mechanistic insight into the role of the E2F pathway in maintaining genomic stability.

A molecular chaperone inducer protects neurons from ER stress

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is a defense system for dealing with the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER lumen. Recent reports have shown that ER stress is involved in the pathology of some neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral ischemia. In a screen for compounds that induce the ER-mediated chaperone BiP (immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein)/GRP78 (78 kDa glucose-regulated protein), we identified BiP inducer X (BIX). BIX preferentially induced BiP with slight inductions of GRP94 (94 kDa glucose-regulated protein), calreticulin, and C/EBP homologous protein. The induction of BiP mRNA by BIX was mediated by activation of ER stress response elements upstream of the BiP gene, through the ATF6 (activating transcription factor 6) pathway. Pretreatment of neuroblastoma cells with BIX reduced cell death induced by ER stress. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment with BIX reduced the area of infarction due to focal cerebral ischemia in mice. In the penumbra of BIX-treated mice, ER stress-induced apoptosis was suppressed, leading to a reduction in the number of apoptotic cells. Considering these results together, it appears that BIX induces BiP to prevent neuronal death by ER stress, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic agent for cerebral diseases caused by ER stress.

E2F1 death pathways as targets for cancer therapy

Defects in apoptotic programs contribute to a number of human diseases, ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to malignancy, and treatment failure. The genetic basis for apoptosis implies that cell death can be disrupted by mutations, raising the intriguing possibility that cell numbers can be regulated by factors that influence cell survival. It is well documented that the E2F1 transcription factor is a key regulator of apoptotic programs. E2F1-induced cell death occurs via multiple pathways, some of which involve the tumour suppressor p53, and autonomous of p53. This has led to the opinion that E2F1 functions as a tumour surveillance factor, detecting aberrant proliferation and engaging apoptotic pathways to protect the organism from developing tumours. Frequently, novel players are discovered that expand the interpretation of apoptosis control by E2F1. This information will help to produce new strategies to exploit E2F1-induced apoptosis for therapeutic benefit.

ASPP: a new family of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes

The apoptosis stimulating proteins of p53 (ASPP) family consists of three members, ASPP1, ASPP2 and iASPP. They bind to proteins that are key players in controlling apoptosis (p53, Bcl-2 and RelA/p65) and cell growth (APCL, PP1). So far, the best-known function of the ASPP family members is their ability to regulate the apoptotic function of p53 and its family members, p63 and p73. Biochemical and genetic evidence has shown that ASPP1 and ASPP2 activate, whereas iASPP inhibits, the apoptotic but not the cell-cycle arrest function of p53. The p53 tumour suppressor gene, one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancer, is capable of suppressing tumour growth through its ability to induce apoptosis or cell-cycle arrest. Thus, the ASPP family of proteins helps to determine how cells choose to die and may therefore be a novel target for cancer therapy.

The p53 pathway promotes efficient mitochondrial DNA base excision repair in colorectal cancer cells

The tumor suppressor p53 plays a central role in the DNA damage response. p53 enhances base excision repair (BER), in part, through direct interaction with the repair complex. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is repaired by a mtBER pathway. Many colorectal cancers harbor mtDNA mutations that are associated with poor prognosis. In addition to modulating the apoptotic response, mitochondria-localized p53 also stimulates mtBER. However, the mechanisms by which p53 enhances colorectal cancer mtBER after stress remain unclear. To explore this, we used colorectal cancer cells isogenic for p53 (HCT116p53+/+ and HCT116p53-/-). p53+/+ cells more efficiently repaired H(2)O(2) damaged DNA in vivo as measured by semiquantitative mtDNA displacement loop PCR. Mitochondrial extracts from p53+/+ cells more efficiently stimulated (32)P-dCTP incorporation into a uracil-oligonucleotide. Recombinant p53 complemented p53-/- mitochondrial extract repair of uracil or 8-oxo-G-containing oligonucleotides. As a measure of DNA glycosylase activity, p53+/+ mitochondrial extracts more efficiently incised uracil or 8-oxo-G oligonucleotides, although recombinant p53 could not stimulate oligonucleotide incision. p53 did not influence mitochondrial apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activity measured by incision of a tetrahydrofuran-oligonucleotide. p53+/+ mitochondrial extracts had higher DNA polymerase-gamma activity measured by (32)P-dCTP incorporation into a single-nucleotide gap oligonucleotide, and recombinant p53 complemented p53-/- mitochondrial extract DNA polymerase-gamma activity. mtDNA ligase activity was not affected by p53 status. p53 protein was detected in an inner mitochondrial membrane subfraction containing components of the mtBER complex. Our data suggest that an intact p53 pathway stimulates specific mtBER steps and provides mechanistic insight into the development of mtDNA mutations in colorectal cancer.

DNA-binding independent cell death from a minimal proapoptotic region of E2F-1

The ability to induce cell cycle progression while evading cell death is a defining characteristic of cancer. Deregulation of E2F is a common event in most human cancers. Paradoxically, this can lead to both cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Although the way in which E2F causes cell cycle progression is well characterized, the pathways by which E2F induces cell death are less well defined. Many of the known mechanisms through which E2F induces apoptosis occur through regulation of E2F target genes. However, mutants of E2F-1 that lack the transactivation domain are still able to induce cell death. To further investigate this activity, we refined a transactivation independent mutant to identify a minimal apoptotic domain. This revealed that only 75 amino acids from within the DNA-binding domain of E2F-1 is sufficient for cell death and that this activity is also present in the DNA-binding domains of E2F-2 and E2F-3. However, analysis of this domain from E2F-1 revealed it does not bind DNA and is consequently unable to transactivate, repress or de-repress E2F target genes. This provocative observation therefore defines a potential new mechanism of death from E2F and opens up new opportunities for inducing cell death in tumours for therapeutic gain.

E2F1-induced apoptosis: turning killers into therapeutics

The cellular transcription factor E2F1 is part of an anti-tumor safeguard mechanism: it engages cell-death pathways either alone or in cooperation with p53 to protect organisms from the development of tumors. E2F1 activates downstream factors, which in turn produce secondary changes in gene expression that trigger apoptosis. Although the mechanisms are incompletely understood, several studies have demonstrated that E2F1 is involved in many different aspects of programmed cell death depending on the cellular background. Here, these findings are highlighted in the context of the most recent follow-up studies that have used apoptotic E2F1 genes as new therapeutics or drug targets, thereby providing insight into the basic mechanisms of E2F1-induced apoptosis and its possible clinical implications.

Age dependent phosphorylation and deregulation of p53 in human vestibular schwannomas

Tumor-specific alterations at the p53 gene locus in 30 human vestibular schwannomas (VS) comprising 10 confirmed NF2 cases and 20 sporadic cases were analyzed. We found loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the first intron of the p53 gene locus in 54% of the informative cases. This is the first report showing LOH at the p53 gene locus in a significant number of human VS and both sporadic and NF2 cases show the LOH event. Increased levels of normal size p53 mRNA and p53 protein were found in all the tumors analyzed. Thus p53 appears to be deregulated in all the tumors suggesting that p53 alterations may be associated with tumor progression in VS. There was a negative significant correlation of patients' age and percentage of Ser 392 phosphorylated p53 protein. The tumor samples obtained from younger patients of 35 yr and below showed higher percentage of Ser 392 phosphorylated p53 protein compared to the tumors of older patients. The increased percentage of Ser 392 phosphorylated p53 protein indicates that it could be involved in the acceleration of tumor growth in the younger patients. Our results suggest that age dependent phosphorylation of p53 protein and deregulation of p53 gene has a role in the development of human vestibular schwannomas.

Accumulation of p53 in response to adenovirus early region 1A sensitizes human cells to tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis

Many tumor cells are resistant to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-induced apoptosis. Adenovirus early region 1A (AdE1A) sensitizes the otherwise resistant cells to TNFalpha. AdE1A also stabilizes the p53 protein. The present study demonstrates a correlation between AdE1A-induced sensitization and stabilization of p53 in TNFalpha-induced apoptosis since the N-terminal and CR2 regions, the binding sites for CBP/p300, Rb and 26S proteasome regulatory components, are required for both these actions of AdE1A. TNFalpha does not induce apoptosis and AdE1A fails to sensitize TNFalpha cytotoxicity in p53-negative cells. However, introduction of exogenous p53 overcomes the cellular resistance to TNFalpha toxicity and enhances AdE1A sensitization, demonstrating that AdE1A sensitizes TNFalpha-induced apoptosis by its stabilization of p53. A proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin, enhances TNFalpha cytotoxicity in p53-positive and -negative cells, suggesting that accumulation of cellular proteins other than p53 might also regulate the cellular response to TNFalpha signaling.

Control of ASPP2/(53BP2L) protein levels by proteasomal degradation modulates p53 apoptotic function

The p53 pathway is a central mediator of the apoptotic response. ASPP2/(53BP2L) (apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2, also known as 53BP2L) enhances apoptosis through selective stimulation of p53 transactivation of proapoptotic target genes. Although the Rb/E2F pathway regulates ASPP2/(53BP2L) transcription, the complex mechanisms controlling ASPP2/(53BP2L) levels and function remain unknown. We now report that proteasomal degradation modulates ASPP2/(53BP2L) protein levels and apoptotic function. Treatment of cells with proteasomal inhibitors, including the clinically utilized proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib, increases ASPP2/(53BP2L) protein but not RNA levels. Likewise, anthracycline-based chemotherapy, which has multiple mechanisms of action, including proteasomal inhibition, increases ASPP2/(53BP2L) protein but not RNA levels. Proteasomal inhibition or anthracycline treatment increases ASPP2/(53BP2L) protein stability and half-life. Furthermore, the central region of the ASPP2/(53BP2L) protein is ubiquitinated as would be expected for a proteasomal substrate. More importantly, small interfering RNA knockdown of ASPP2/(53BP2L) levels attenuated bortezomib-induced apoptosis, and this effect was greater in wild-type p53 cells. Because elevated levels of ASPP2/(53BP2L) are proapoptotic, these results described an important new molecular mechanism that modulates the p53-ASPP2/(53BP2L) apoptotic pathway.