Overexpression of the FosB2 gene in thymocytes causes aberrant development of T cells and thymic epithelial cells

EWS-FLI1 and Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Reciprocally Regulate Extracellular-Matrix Proteins in Ewing sarcoma Cells

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides and the target of multiple chemotherapy drugs, including gemcitabine. We previously identified that inhibition of RNR in Ewing sarcoma tumors upregulates the expression levels of multiple members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor family, including c-Jun and c-Fos, and downregulates the expression of c-Myc. However, the broader functions and downstream targets of AP-1, which are highly context- and cell-dependent, are unknown in Ewing sarcoma tumors. Consequently, in this work, we used genetically defined models, transcriptome profiling, and gene-set -enrichment analysis to identify that AP-1 and EWS-FLI1, the driver oncogene in most Ewing sarcoma tumors, reciprocally regulate the expression of multiple extracellular-matrix proteins, including fibronectins, integrins, and collagens. AP-1 expression in Ewing sarcoma cells also drives, concurrent with these perturbations in gene and protein expression, changes in cell morphology and phenotype. We also identified that EWS-FLI1 dysregulates the expression of multiple AP-1 proteins, aligning with previous reports demonstrating genetic and physical interactions between EWS-FLI1 and AP-1. Overall, these results provide novel insights into the distinct, EWS-FLI1-dependent features of Ewing sarcoma tumors and identify a novel, reciprocal regulation of extracellular-matrix components by EWS-FLI1 and AP-1.

AP-1 Transcription Factors as Regulators of Immune Responses in Cancer

Immune check point blockade therapy has revolutionized the standard of cancer treatment and is credited with producing remarkable tumor remissions and increase in overall survival. This unprecedented clinical success however is feasible for a limited number of cancer patients due to resistance occurring before or during a course of immunotherapy, which is often associated with activation of oncogenic signaling pathways, co-inhibitory checkpoints upregulation or expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenviroment (TME). Targeted therapy aiming to inactivate a signaling pathway such as the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) has recently received a lot of attention due to emerging data from preclinical studies indicating synergy with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The dimeric transcription factor complex Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) is a group of proteins involved in a wide array of cell processes and a critical regulator of nuclear gene expression during T-cell activation. It is also one of the downstream targets of the MAPK signaling cascade. In this review, we will attempt to unravel the roles of AP-1 in the regulation of anti-tumor immune responses, with a focus on the regulation of immune checkpoints and Tregs, seeking to extract useful insights for more efficacious immunotherapy.

AP1 transcription factors in epidermal differentiation and skin cancer

AP1 (jun/fos) transcription factors (c-jun, junB, junD, c-fos, FosB, Fra-1, and Fra-2) are key regulators of epidermal keratinocyte survival and differentiation and important drivers of cancer development. Understanding the role of these factors in epidermis is complicated by the fact that each protein is expressed, at different levels, in multiple cells layers in differentiating epidermis, and because AP1 transcription factors regulate competing processes (i.e., proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation). Various in vivo genetic approaches have been used to study these proteins including targeted and conditional knockdown, overexpression, and expression of dominant-negative inactivating AP1 transcription factors in epidermis. Taken together, these studies suggest that individual AP1 transcription factors have different functions in the epidermis and in cancer development and that altering AP1 transcription factor function in the basal versus suprabasal layers differentially influences the epidermal differentiation response and disease and cancer development.

Protein kinase C isoforms zeta and iota mediate collagenase expression and cartilage destruction via STAT3- and ERK-dependent c-fos induction

The protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway is a major regulator of cellular functions and is implicated in pathologies involving extracellular matrix remodeling. Inflammatory joint disease is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix catabolism, and here we assess the role of PKC in the induction of the collagenases, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-13, in human chondrocytes by the potent cytokine stimulus interleukin-1 (IL-1) in combination with oncostatin M (OSM). IL-1 + OSM-stimulated collagenolysis and gelatinase activity were ameliorated by pharmacological PKC inhibition in bovine cartilage, as was collagenase gene induction in human chondrocytes. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of PKC gene expression showed that both novel (nPKC delta, nPKC eta) and atypical (aPKC zeta, aPKC iota) isoforms were involved in collagenase induction by IL-1. However, MMP1 and MMP13 induction by IL-1 + OSM was inhibited only by aPKC silencing, suggesting that only atypical isoforms play a significant role in complex inflammatory milieus. Silencing of either aPKC led to diminished IL-1 + OSM-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 phosphorylation, and c-fos expression. STAT3 gene silencing or ERK pathway inhibition also resulted in loss of IL-1 + OSM-stimulated c-fos and collagenase expression. Silencing of c-fos and c-jun expression was sufficient to abrogate IL-1 + OSM-stimulated collagenase gene induction, and overexpression of both c-fos and c-jun was sufficient to drive transcription from the MMP1 promoter in the absence of a stimulus. Our data identify atypical PKC isozymes as STAT and ERK activators that mediate c-fos and collagenase expression during IL-1 + OSM synergy in human chondrocytes. aPKCs may constitute potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory joint diseases involving increased collagenase expression.

B-cell receptor activation induces BIC/miR-155 expression through a conserved AP-1 element

microRNA-155 is an oncogenic microRNA that has been shown to be critical for B-cell maturation and immunoglobulin production in response to antigen. In line with its function in B-cell activation, miR-155, and its primary transcript, B-cell integration cluster (BIC), is induced by B-cell receptor (BCR) cross-linking. Using pharmacological inhibitors in the human B-cell line, Ramos, we show that activation of BIC and miR-155 expression by BCR signaling occurs through the extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways but not the p38 pathway. BCR activation results in the induction of c-Fos, FosB, and JunB, and expression of these are suppressed by ERK and JNK inhibitors. Reporter analysis established a key role for a conserved AP-1 site approximately 40 bp upstream from the site of initiation but not an upstream NF-kappaB site or a putative c-Ets located at the site of initiation. Lastly, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated the recruitment of FosB and JunB to the miR-155 promoter following BCR activation. These results identify key determinants of BCR-mediated signaling that lead to the induction of BIC/miR-155.

Direct manipulation of activator protein-1 controls thymocyte proliferation in vitro

B cell activating transcription factor (BATF) belongs to the activator protein-1 (AP-1) superfamily of basic leucine zipper transcription factors and forms heterodimers with Jun that possess minimal transcriptional activity. Mice carrying a p56(lck)HA-BATF transgene were created to observe the effects of constitutive expression of this well-characterized AP-1 inhibitor on T cell proliferation. Consistent with the role of AP-1 in promoting the proliferation of many cell types, BATF-transgenic thymocytes proliferate poorly in vitro when stimulated with anti-CD3epsilon and anti-CD28 antibodies or with Concanavalin A. However, when BATF-transgenic thymocytes were stimulated using a standard treatment of PMA and ionomycin, proliferation is normal. The responsiveness to PMA and ionomycin can be attributed to the dramatic disappearance of the hemagglutinin antigen (HA)-tagged BATF protein which is a PKC-dependent process caused by the down-regulation of the p56(lck) proximal promoter coupled with the rapid turnover of the HA-BATF protein. These studies describe conditions of T cell stimulation that negatively influence transcription of the widely used p56(lck) proximal promoter expression cassette. In addition, the unique circumstances of this regulation were exploited to demonstrate that inhibition of AP-1 activity by BATF exerts a direct, and reversible, effect on T cell proliferation in vitro.

Fos/AP-1 proteins in bone and the immune system

The skeleton and the immune system share a variety of different cytokines and transcription factors, thereby mutually influencing each other. These interactions are not confined to the bone marrow cavity where bone cells and hematopoietic cells exist in proximity but also occur at locations that are target sites for inflammatory bone diseases. The newly established research area termed 'osteoimmunology' attempts to unravel these skeletal/immunological relationships. Studies towards a molecular understanding of inflammatory bone diseases from an immunological as well as a bone-centered perspective have been very successful and led to the identification of several signaling pathways that are causally involved in inflammatory bone loss. Induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB ligand (RANKL) signals by activated T cells and subsequent activation of the key transcription factors Fos/activator protein-1 (AP-1), NF-kappaB, and NF for activation of T cells c1 (NFATc1) are in the center of the signaling networks leading to osteoclast-mediated bone loss. Conversely, nature has employed the interferon system to antagonize excessive osteoclast differentiation, although this counteracting activity appears to be overruled under pathological conditions. Here, we focus on Fos/AP-1 functions in osteoimmunology, because this osteoclastogenic transcription factor plays a central role in inflammatory bone loss by regulating genes like NFATc1 as well as the interferon system. We also attempt to put potential therapeutic strategies for inflammatory bone diseases in perspective.

Placental growth factor induces FosB and c-Fos gene expression via Flt-1 receptors

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family that binds specifically to Flt-1. The biological roles of PlGF and Flt-1 have not yet been defined and the signalling mechanisms mediating cellular actions of PlGF remain poorly understood. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, VEGF and PlGF induced expression of both full-length FosB mRNA and an alternatively spliced variant, DeltaFosB, with similar efficacy and kinetics. In contrast, PlGF induced c-Fos expression less strongly than VEGF, and whereas VEGF strongly upregulated tissue factor mRNA, PlGF had a negligible effect. PlGF induced c-Fos expression in porcine aortic endothelial cells specifically expressing Flt-1, and FosB expression in the monocytic RAW 264.7 cell line expressing endogenous Flt-1. These findings show for the first time that VEGF and PlGF induce mRNA expression of the transcription factors FosB and c-Fos, and suggest that these factors may play a role in the biological responses mediated by PlGF and Flt-1.

BATF transgenic mice reveal a role for activator protein-1 in NKT cell development

The importance of regulated AP-1 activity during T cell development was assessed using transgenic mice overexpressing BATF, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor and an AP-1 inhibitor. BATF transgenic animals possess normal thymic cellularity and all major T cell subsets, but show impaired thymocyte proliferation in vitro and no induction of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 expression. Since NKT cells are largely responsible for cytokine production in the thymus, this population was examined by detection of the V alpha 14-J alpha 281 TCR, flow cytometry of NK1.1(+) TCR beta(+) cells, and analysis of cytokine production by heat-stable Ag(low) thymocytes and peripheral NKT cells stimulated in vivo. Results show a severe under-representation of NKT cells in BATF transgenic animals, providing the first evidence that the precise control of AP-1-mediated transcription is critical for the proper emergence of thymus-derived NKT cells in the mouse.

Role and regulation of activator protein-1 in toxicant-induced responses of the lung

Aberrant cell proliferation and differentiation after toxic injury to airway epithelium can lead to the development of various lung diseases including cancer. The activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, composed of mainly Jun-Jun and Jun-Fos protein dimers, acts as an environmental biosensor to various external toxic stimuli and regulates gene expression involved in various biological processes. Gene disruption studies indicate that the AP-1 family members c-jun, junB, and fra1 are essential for embryonic development, whereas junD, c-fos, and fosB are required for normal postnatal growth. However, broad or target-specific transgenic overexpression of the some of these proteins gives very distinct phenotype(s), including tumor formation. This implies that, although they are required for normal cellular processes, their abnormal activation after toxic injury can lead to the pathogenesis of the lung disease. Consistent with this view, various environmental toxicants and carcinogens differentially regulate Jun and Fos expression in cells of the lung both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, Jun and Fos proteins distinctly bind to the promoter regions of a wide variety of genes to differentially regulate their expression in epithelial injury, repair, and differentiation. Importantly, lung tumors induced by various carcinogens display a sustained expression of certain AP-1 family members. Therefore a better understanding of the mechanisms of regulation and functional role(s), as well as identification of target genes of members of the AP-1 family in airway epithelial cells, will provide additional insight into toxicant-induced lung diseases. These studies might offer a unique opportunity to use AP-1 family members and transactivation as potential diagnostic markers or drug targets for early detection and/or prevention of various lung diseases.

Synergistic induction of matrix metalloproteinase 1 by interleukin-1alpha and oncostatin M in human chondrocytes involves signal transducer and activator of transcription and activator protein 1 transcription factors via a novel mechanism

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and oncostatin M (OSM) synergistic regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) in human chondrocytes.

METHODS

Using an immortalized human chondrocyte cell line (T/C28a4), we investigated regulation of the MMP-1 gene. Northern blotting and flow cytometric analysis were used to assess changes in receptor, MMP-1, and c-fos expression. Transient transfections using MMP-1 promoter/luciferase constructs, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and site-directed mutagenesis were used to investigate MMP-1 promoter activation.

RESULTS

We found no alteration in the expression of receptors used by these cytokines after stimulation with IL-1alpha/OSM. Using MMP-1 promoter/luciferase reporter constructs, we found that the proximal (-517/+63) region of the MMP-1 promoter was sufficient to support a synergistic activation. A role for activated signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT-3) was demonstrated, although no binding of STAT-3 to the MMP-1 promoter was found. However, constitutive binding of activator protein 1 (AP-1) was detected, and changes in c-fos expression could modulate promoter activity.

CONCLUSION

Since no changes in receptor expression were observed, receptor modulation cannot account for the IL-1alpha/OSM synergy observed. Instead, the interplay of various intracellular signaling pathways is a more likely explanation. STAT activation is required, but STAT proteins do not interact directly with the MMP-1 promoter. We propose that activated STATs stimulate c-fos expression, and changes in expression of the AP-1 components regulate MMP-1 expression. We highlight a new mechanism for MMP-1 regulation in human chondrocytes that could provide potential new therapeutic targets.

AP-1 in mouse development and tumorigenesis

Genetically modified mice have provided important insights into the biological functions of the dimeric transcription factor complex AP-1. Extensive analyses of mice and cells with genetically modified Fos or Jun proteins provide novel insights into the physiological functions of AP-1 proteins. Using knock-out strategies it was found that some components, such as c-Fos, FosB and JunD are dispensable, whereas others, like c-Jun, JunB and Fra-1 are essential in embryonic development and/or in the adult organism. Besides the specific roles of AP-1 proteins in developmental processes, we are beginning to obtain a better molecular understanding of the cell-context dependent function of AP-1 in cell proliferation and apoptosis, in bone biology as well as in multistep tumorigenesis.

TCR-independent T cell development mediated by gain-of-oncogene function or loss-of-tumor-suppressor gene function

The mechanisms that govern differentiation of T cell precursors during intrathymic development bridge an interdisciplinary research field of immunology, oncology and developmental biology. Critical checkpoints controlling early thymic T cell development and homeostasis are set by the proper signaling function of the IL-7 receptor, c-Kit receptor, and the pre-T cell antigen receptor (pre-TCR). Given the intimate link between cell cycle control and differentiation in T cell development, proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors participate as physiological effectors downstream of these receptors not only to influence the cell cycle but also to determine differentiation and survival. Gain- or loss-of-function mutations of these downstream effectors uncouples partially or completely T cell precursors from these checkpoints, providing a selective advantage and enabling aberrant development. These effectors can be identified by provirus tagging in normal mice and more readily by complementation tagging in mice with a predefined block in T cell differentiation.

B-ATF functions as a negative regulator of AP-1 mediated transcription and blocks cellular transformation by Ras and Fos

B-ATF is a nuclear basic leucine zipper protein that belongs to the AP-1/ATF superfamily of transcription factors. Northern blot analysis reveals that the human B-ATF gene is expressed most highly in hematopoietic tissues. Interaction studies in vitro and in vivo show that the leucine zipper of B-ATF mediates dimerization with members of the Jun family of proteins. Chimeric proteins consisting of portions of B-ATF and the DNA binding domain of the yeast activator GAL4 do not stimulate reporter gene expression in mammalian cells, indicating that B-ATF does not contain a conventional transcription activation domain. Jun/B-ATF dimers display similar DNA binding profiles as Jun/Fos dimers, with a bias toward binding TRE (12-O-tetradecanolyphorbol-13-acetate-response element) over CRE (cyclic AMP-response element) DNA sites. B-ATF inhibits transcriptional activation of a reporter gene containing TRE sites in a dose-dependent manner, presumably by competing with Fos for Jun and forming transcriptionally inert Jun/B-ATF heterodimers. Stable expression of B-ATF in C3H10T1/2 cells does not reduce cell viability, but does result in a reduced cellular growth rate when compared to controls. This effect is dominant in the presence of the growth promoting effects of the H-Ras or the v-Fos oncoproteins, since expression of B-ATF restricts the efficiency of focus formation by these transforming agents. These findings demonstrate that B-ATF is a tissue-specific transcription factor with the potential to function as a dominant-negative to AP-1.

Specific regulation of fos family transcription factors in thymocytes at two developmental checkpoints

A central question in T cell development is what makes cortical thymocytes respond to stimulation in a qualitatively different way than any other thymocyte subset. Part of the answer is that AP-1 function changes drastically at two stages of T cell development. It undergoes striking down-regulation as thymocytes differentiate from immature, CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative (DN) TCR- thymocytes to CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) TCRlo cortical cells, and then returns in the cells that mature to TCRhigh, CD4(+)CD8(-) or CD4(-)CD8(+) single-positive (SP) thymocytes. At all three stages, the jun family mRNAs can be induced similarly. However, we demonstrate that DP cortical thymocytes are specifically impaired in c-fos and fosB mRNA induction, even when stimuli are used that optimize survival of the cells and a form of in vitro maturation. fra-2 expression is induction independent but much lower in DP cells than in the other subsets. Overall Fos family protein induction accordingly is severely decreased in DP cells. Defective c-Fos and FosB expression in cortical thymocytes is functionally significant, because antibody supershift experiments show that in activated immature and mature thymocytes, most detectable AP-1 DNA-binding complexes do contain c-Fos or FosB. Thus, defective c-Fos and FosB expression in cortical thymocytes qualitatively alters any AP-1 complexes they might express. The cortical thymocytes are not deficient in mRNA expression for any of the constitutive transcription factors that are known to be needed to drive c-Fos or FosB expression, so it is possible that the activity of these factors is developmentally regulated through a post-transcriptional mechanism.