Caspase-dependent cleavage and inactivation of the Vav1 proto-oncogene product during apoptosis prevents IL-2 transcription

VAV3 in human cancers: Mechanism and clinical implication

Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are primarily involved in signal transmission between cell membrane receptors and intracellular mediators. Upon replacing GDP with GTP, GEFs can alter their conformation, resulting in their binding to downstream effectors, such as GTPases like Ras homologous (Rho). VAV GEF family are versatile proteins working as an adaptor mediator and GEF for Rho GTPase. They act as a phosphorylation-dependent molecular switcher, fluctuating between active (tyrosine phosphorylated) and inactive (non-phosphorylated) conformation in cell signaling. Accumulating data showed that VAV3 is implicated in cancer progression. The higher levels of VAV3 in human cancers proposed that it may have an oncogenic role in cancer progression. Available studies demonstrated that VAV3 promoted cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), colony formation, cell cycle, survival, migration and invasion, and suppressed cell apoptosis. In addition, other studies indicated that VAV3 may have a prognostic value in cancer as well as it may act as a mediator in cancer chemoresistance. Here, we aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of VAV3 in cancer progression as well as to review its value as a prognostic biomarker and chemoresistance mediator in human cancers.

The Vav GEF Family: An Evolutionary and Functional Perspective

Vav proteins play roles as guanosine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases and signaling adaptors downstream of protein tyrosine kinases. The recent sequencing of the genomes of many species has revealed that this protein family originated in choanozoans, a group of unicellular organisms from which animal metazoans are believed to have originated from. Since then, the Vav family underwent expansions and reductions in its members during the evolutionary transitions that originated the agnates, chondrichthyes, some teleost fish, and some neoaves. Exotic members of the family harboring atypical structural domains can be also found in some invertebrate species. In this review, we will provide a phylogenetic perspective of the evolution of the Vav family. We will also pay attention to the structure, signaling properties, regulatory layers, and functions of Vav proteins in both invertebrate and vertebrate species.

Vav1 mutations identified in human cancers give rise to different oncogenic phenotypes

Vav1 is physiologically active as a GDP/GTP nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) in the hematopoietic system. Overexpression of Vav1 in multiple tumor types is known to enhance oncogenicity, yet whether or not Vav1 is a bona fide oncogene is still a matter of debate. Although mutations in Vav1 were recently identified in human cancers of various origins, the functional activities of these mutants are not known. We tested the transforming potential of three mutations identified in human lung adenocarcinoma: E59K, D517E, and L801P. Results from several assays indicative of transforming activities such as rate of proliferation, growth in agar, and generation of tumors in NOD/SCID mice clearly indicated that E59K and D517E are highly transforming but L801P at the SH3 domain is not. The acquired oncogenic activity of these mutants can be attributed to their enhanced activity as GEFs for Rho/Rac GTPases. Deciphering of the mechanisms leading to overactivity of the tested mutants revealed that the E59K mutation facilitates cleavage of a truncated protein that is uncontrollably active as a GEF, while D517E generates a highly stable overexpressed protein that is also more active as a GEF than wild-type Vav1. These findings support the classification of Vav1 as a bona fide oncogene in human cancer.

Vav family exchange factors: an integrated regulatory and functional view

The Vav family is a group of tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated signal transduction molecules hierarchically located downstream of protein tyrosine kinases. The main function of these proteins is to work as guanosine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for members of the Rho GTPase family. In addition, they can exhibit a variety of catalysis-independent roles in specific signaling contexts. Vav proteins play essential signaling roles for both the development and/or effector functions of a large variety of cell lineages, including those belonging to the immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. They also contribute to pathological states such as cancer, immune-related dysfunctions, and atherosclerosis. Here, I will provide an integrated view about the evolution, regulation, and effector properties of these signaling molecules. In addition, I will discuss the pros and cons for their potential consideration as therapeutic targets.

Dynamin 2 potentiates invasive migration of pancreatic tumor cells through stabilization of the Rac1 GEF Vav1

The large GTPase Dynamin 2 (Dyn2) is markedly upregulated in pancreatic cancer, is a potent activator of metastatic migration, and is required for Rac1-mediated formation of lamellipodia. Here we demonstrate an unexpected mechanism of Dyn2 action in these contexts via direct binding to the Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Vav1. Surprisingly, disruption of the Dyn2-Vav1 interaction targets Vav1 to the lysosome for degradation via an interaction with the cytoplasmic chaperone Hsc70, resulting in a dramatic reduction of Vav1 protein stability. Importantly, a specific mutation in Vav1 near its Dyn2-binding C-terminal Src homology 3 (SH3) domain prevents Hsc70 binding, resulting in a stabilization of Vav1 levels. Dyn2 binding regulates the interaction of Vav1 with Hsc70 to control the stability and subsequent activity of this oncogenic GEF. These findings elucidate how Dyn2 activates Rac1, lamellipod protrusion, and invasive cellular migration and provide insight into how this specific Vav is ectopically expressed in pancreatic tumors.

Assessment of caspase mediated degradation of linker for activation of T cells (LAT) at a single cell level

Caspase/Granzyme B mediated protein degradation is involved in elimination of activated T cell receptor (TCR) signaling molecules during processes of thymocyte selection and maintenance of peripheral homeostasis of T cells. Key components of TCR signaling cassette including LAT undergo biological inactivation in response to pro-apoptotic or anergy inducing environmental stimuli. Although available Western immunoblotting-based techniques are appropriate for detection of protein degradation in bulk populations of target cells, quantitative assessment of this process at a single cell level requires a different approach. Here we report on a novel, flow cytometry-based method for assessment of LAT integrity. This method exploits a loss of an anti-LAT antibody epitope recognition following proteolytic degradation of C-terminal domain of the LAT. We show that the LAT degradation precedes phosphatidylserine translocation to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and thus may constitute an early marker of T cell apoptosis. When used in conjunction with multi-parameter flow cytometry, our method revealed that FoxP3(+)CD4(+)CD8(low) thymocytes i.e. precursors of thymus derived CD4(+) regulatory T cells, in contrast to Foxp3(-)CD4(+)CD8(low) thymocytes are resistant to LAT degradation in response to CD3ε crosslinking. This finding can be used as an additional marker for T regulatory cell lineage.

The distinct role of guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 in Bcl-2 transcription and apoptosis inhibition in Jurkat leukemia T cells

AIM

To investigate a novel function of proto-oncogene Vav1 in the apoptosis of human leukemia Jurkat cells.

METHODS

Jurkat cells, Jurkat-derived vav1-null cells (J.Vav1) and Vav1-reconstituted J.WT cells were treated with a Fas agonist antibody, IgM clone CH11. Apoptosis was determined using propidium iodide (PI) staining, Annexin-V staining, DNA fragmentation, cleavage of caspase 3/caspase 8, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Mitochondria transmembrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) was measured using DiOC(6)(3) staining. Transcription and expression of the Bcl-2 family of proteins were evaluated using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Bcl-2 promoter activity was analyzed using luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

Cells lacking Vav1 were more sensitive to Fas-mediated apoptosis than Jurkat and J.WT cells. J.Vav1 cells lost mitochondria transmembrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) more rapidly upon Fas induction. These phenotypes could be rescued by re-expression of Vav1 in J.Vav1 cells. The expression of Vav1 increased the transcription of pro-survival Bcl-2. The guanine nucleotide exchange activity of Vav1 was required for enhancing Bcl-2 promoter activity, and the Vav1 downstream substrate, small GTPase Rac2, was likely involved in the control of Bcl-2 expression.

CONCLUSION

Vav1 protects Jurkat cells from Fas-mediated apoptosis by promoting Bcl-2 transcription through its GEF activity.

hnRNP-K is a nuclear target of TCR-activated ERK and required for T-cell late activation

Sustained extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-signaling plays a critical role in T-cell-mediated IL-2 production. Although many downstream targets are known for ERK, details remain unknown about which molecules play functional roles in IL-2 production. Here, we addressed this question using proteomic analysis of nuclear proteins from TCR-activated T cells and identified hnRNP-K as one of the ERK targets essential for IL-2 production. hnRNP-K was previously shown by others to be a direct substrate of ERK and form complexes with multiple signaling proteins as well as DNA and RNA. Our data showed a clear ERK-dependent increase in one form of hnRNP-K after TCR stimulation. Small interfering RNA-mediated gene knockdown of hnRNP-K expression abrogated IL-2 production by T cells. Moreover, reduction of hnRNP-K expression caused a notable increase in proteolysis of Vav1, a binding target of hnRNP-K. Since Vav1 is an essential molecule for T-cell activation, the data suggest that ERK signaling is required for T-cell activation partly by inhibiting activation-induced proteolysis of Vav1.

Targeted cleavage of signaling proteins by caspase 3 inhibits T cell receptor signaling in anergic T cells

T cell receptor (TCR) engagement in the absence of costimulation induces the calcium-dependent upregulation of a program of gene expression that leads to the establishment of T cell anergy. Casp3 is one of the genes activated during anergy induction. Here we show that caspase 3 is required for the induction of T cell unresponsiveness. Suboptimal T cell stimulation induced caspase 3 activation, which did not result in cell death. Furthermore, caspase 3-deficient T cells showed impaired responses to anergizing stimuli. In anergic T cells, activated caspase 3 associated to the plasma membrane, where it cleaved and inactivated proteins such as the Grb2-related adaptor downstream of shc (GADS) and the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor Vav1, causing a blockade in TCR signaling. Our results identify a role for caspase 3 in nonapoptotic T cells and support that caspase 3-dependent proteolytic inactivation of signaling proteins is essential to maintain T cell tolerance.

Control of HIPK2 stability by ubiquitin ligase Siah-1 and checkpoint kinases ATM and ATR

The tumour suppressor HIPK2 is an important regulator of cell death induced by DNA damage, but how its activity is regulated remains largely unclear. Here we demonstrate that HIPK2 is an unstable protein that colocalizes and interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase Siah-1 in unstressed cells. Siah-1 knockdown increases HIPK2 stability and steady-state levels, whereas Siah-1 expression facilitates HIPK2 polyubiquitination, degradation and thereby inactivation. During recovery from sublethal DNA damage, HIPK2, which is stabilized on DNA damage, is degraded through a Siah-1-dependent, p53-controlled pathway. Downregulation of Siah-1 inhibits HIPK2 degradation and recovery from damage, driving the cells into apoptosis. We have also demonstrated that DNA damage triggers disruption of the HIPK2-Siah-1 complex, resulting in HIPK2 stabilization and activation. Disruption of the HIPK2-Siah-1 complex is mediated by the ATM/ATR pathway and involves ATM/ATR-dependent phosphorylation of Siah-1 at Ser 19. Our results provide a molecular framework for HIPK2 regulation in unstressed and damaged cells.

FLASH links the CD95 signaling pathway to the cell nucleus and nuclear bodies

Caspase-8-binding protein FLICE-associated huge protein (FLASH) has been proposed to regulate death receptor CD95-induced apoptosis through facilitating caspase-8 activation at the death-inducing signaling complex. Here, we found that FLASH interacts with the PML nuclear body component Sp100 and predominantly resides in the nucleus and nuclear bodies (NBs). In response to CD95 activation, FLASH leaves the NBs and translocates into the cytoplasm where it accumulates at mitochondria. The nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation of FLASH requires CD95-induced caspase activation and is facilitated by the Crm1-dependent nuclear export pathway. Downregulation of FLASH by RNA interference or inhibition of its nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling reduced CD95-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we show that the adenoviral anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member E1B19K traps FLASH and procaspase-8 in a ternary complex at mitochondria, thereby blocking CD95-induced caspase-8 activation. Knock-down of Sp100 potentiated CD95-activated apoptosis through enhancing nucleo-cytoplasmic FLASH translocation. In summary, our findings suggest that CD95 signals via a previously unrecognized nuclear pathway mediated by nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation of FLASH.

Proteolysis of HIP during apoptosis occurs within a region similar to the BID loop

BID is an essential component of many apoptotic pathways. Cytosolic proteases cleave BID within an extended loop region, generating an active truncated fragment which synergizes with BAX and BAK to induce release of apoptogenic factors from mitochondria. To determine whether other proteins are cleaved in a similar manner as BID, we performed a database search for proteins which possess sequence similarity with the BID loop region. One of the proteins identified was the Hsc70-interacting protein (HIP). We analyzed the cleavage pattern of HIP using two known activators of BID: granzyme B and caspase-8. In in vitro cleavage assays using recombinant proteins, human and rat HIP were cleaved by granzyme B. Furthermore, the granzyme B-mediated cleavage site was mapped to the BID loop-like region of HIP by site-directed mutagenesis. This region was also the target for caspase-8-mediated cleavage in rat HIP. However, human HIP was not proteolyzed by caspase-8, which probably reflects sequence differences between human and rat HIP proteins at the P(1)' position of the caspase-8 recognition sequence. To determine whether HIP is cleaved during apoptosis, human Jurkat T cells were exposed to granzyme B and perforin. The results of these studies suggest that granzyme B-mediated loss of HIP expression occurs in vivo, and in a coordinate fashion with loss of BID, pro-caspase-8 and pro-caspase-3. These data implicate the Hsp70 co-chaperone HIP in the proteolytic cascade of some apoptotic pathways.

The NS5A protein of the hepatitis C virus genotype 1a is cleaved by caspases to produce C-terminal-truncated forms of the protein that reside mainly in the cytosol

The nonstructural 5A (NS5A) protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a multifunctional protein that is implicated in viral replication and pathogenesis. We report here that NS5A of HCV-1a is cleaved at multiple sites by caspase proteases in transfected cells. Two cleavage sites at positions Asp154 and 248DXXD251 were mapped. Cleavage at Asp154 has been previously recognized as one of the caspase cleavage sites for the NS5A protein of HCV genotype 1b (1, 2) and results in the production of a 17-kDa fragment. The sequence 248DXXD251 is a novel caspase recognition motif for NS5A and is responsible for the production of a 31-kDa fragment. Furthermore, we show that Arg217 is implicated in the production of the previously described 24-kDa product, whose accumulation is affected by both calpain and caspase inhibitors. We also showed that caspase-mediated cleavage occurs in the absence of exogenous proapoptotic stimuli and is not related to the accumulation of the protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Interestingly, our data indicate that NS5A is targeted by at least two different caspases and suggest that caspase 6 is implicated in the production of the 17-kDa fragment. Most importantly, we report that, all the detectable NS5A fragments following caspase-mediated cleavage are C-terminal-truncated forms of NS5A and are mainly localized in the cytosol. Thus, in sharp contrast to the current view we found no evidence supporting a role for caspase-mediated cleavage in the transport of the NS5A protein to the nucleus, which could lead to transcriptional activation.

Essential role for caspase 8 in T-cell homeostasis and T-cell-mediated immunity

Defects in death receptor-mediated apoptosis have been linked to cancer and autoimmune disease in humans. The in vivo role of caspase 8, a component of this pathway, has eluded analysis in postnatal tissues because of the lack of an appropriate animal model. Targeted disruption of caspase 8 is lethal in utero. We generated mice with a targeted caspase 8 mutation that is restricted to the T-cell lineage. Despite normal thymocyte development in the absence of caspase 8, we observed a marked decrease in the number of peripheral T-cells and impaired T-cell response ex vivo to activation stimuli. caspase 8 ablation protected thymocytes and activated T-cells from CD95 ligand but not anti-CD3-induced apoptosis, or apoptosis activated by agents that are known to act through the mitochondria. caspase 8 mutant mice were unable to mount an immune response to viral infection, indicating that caspase 8 deletion in T-cells leads to immunodeficiency. These findings identify an essential, cell-stage-specific role for caspase 8 in T-cell homeostasis and T-cell-mediated immunity. This is consistent with the recent identification of caspase 8 mutations in human immunodeficiency.

Many cuts to ruin: a comprehensive update of caspase substrates

Apoptotic cell death is executed by the caspase-mediated cleavage of various vital proteins. Elucidating the consequences of this endoproteolytic cleavage is crucial for our understanding of cell death and other biological processes. Many caspase substrates are just cleaved as bystanders, because they happen to contain a caspase cleavage site in their sequence. Several targets, however, have a discrete function in propagation of the cell death process. Many structural and regulatory proteins are inactivated by caspases, while other substrates can be activated. In most cases, the consequences of this gain-of-function are poorly understood. Caspase substrates can regulate the key morphological changes in apoptosis. Several caspase substrates also act as transducers and amplifiers that determine the apoptotic threshold and cell fate. This review summarizes the known caspase substrates comprising a bewildering list of more than 280 different proteins. We highlight some recent aspects inferred by the cleavage of certain proteins in apoptosis. We also discuss emerging themes of caspase cleavage in other forms of cell death and, in particular, in apparently unrelated processes, such as cell cycle regulation and cellular differentiation.

Apoptosis-independent functions of killer caspases

Caspases are well known for their role in the execution of the apoptotic program by cleaving specific target proteins, leading to the dismantling of the cell, as well as for mediating cytokine maturation. Recent work has highlighted novel non-apoptotic activities of apoptotic caspases. These reports indicate that caspases are much more versatile enzymes than we originally expected. In addition to regulating cell survival and cytokine maturation, caspases may be involved in regulating cell differentiation, cell proliferation, spreading and receptor internalization.

Functional genomics of osteoarthritis

Functional genomics is a challenging new way to address a complex disease like osteoarthritis on a molecular level. Despite osteoarthritis being ultimately a biochemical problem, mainly characterized by an imbalanced cartilage matrix turnover, a deeper understanding of molecular events within the tissue cells (i.e., the chondrocytes) will provide not only a better understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms but also new diagnostic markers and cellular targets for therapeutic intervention. This innovative technology represents a challenging approach complementing (not replacing) classical research in previously described and new disease-relevant genes: large-scale functional genomics will open up new areas of so far unrecognized molecular networks. This will include as yet unidentified players in the anabolic-catabolic balance of matrix turnover of articular cartilage as well as disease-relevant intracellular signaling cascades so far hardly investigated in articular chondrocytes. However, care must be taken not to over or misinterpret results and some major challenges must be overcome in order to properly utilize the potential of this technology in the field of osteoarthritis.

Transcriptional mechanisms underlying lymphocyte tolerance

In lymphocytes, integration of Ca2+ and other signaling pathways results in productive activation, while unopposed Ca2+ signaling leads to tolerance or anergy. We show that the Ca2+-regulated transcription factor NFAT has an integral role in both aspects of lymphocyte function. Ca2+/calcineurin signaling induces a limited set of anergy-associated genes, distinct from genes induced in the productive immune response; these genes are upregulated in vivo in tolerant T cells and are largely NFAT dependent. T cells lacking NFAT1 are resistant to anergy induction; conversely, NFAT1 induces T cell anergy if prevented from interacting with its transcriptional partner AP-1 (Fos/Jun). Thus, in the absence of AP-1, NFAT imposes a genetic program of lymphocyte anergy that counters the program of productive activation mediated by the cooperative NFAT:AP-1 complex.

Rho GTPase signalling pathways in the morphological changes associated with apoptosis

The killing and removal of superfluous cells is an important step during embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, wound repair and the resolution of inflammation. A specific sequence of biochemical events leads to a form of cell death termed apoptosis, and ultimately to the disassembly of the dead cell for phagocytosis. Dynamic rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton are central to the morphological changes observed both in apoptosis and phagocytosis. Recent research has highlighted the importance of Rho GTPase signalling pathways to these changes in cellular architecture. In this review, we will discuss how these signal transduction pathways affect the structure of the actin cytoskeleton and allow for the efficient clearance of apoptotic cells.

Heme oxygenase-1 protects pancreatic beta cells from apoptosis caused by various stimuli

BACKGROUND

Several problems can occur after allogeneic islet transplantation: primary nonfunction, rejection, and the recurrence of autoimmune disease, which involve attack by the recipient's cytokines, T cells, natural killer cells, and monocytes on the donor's beta cells, which leads to beta-cell destruction. Recent studies have revealed that loss of transplanted islets is caused mainly by apoptosis. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is one of the antiapoptotic genes up-regulated under stress conditions. The aim of this work was to investigate any mechanisms of HO-1-mediated protection of beta cells from apoptosis.

METHODS

Apoptosis was assessed by comparison of viable transfected cells with and without apoptotic stimuli, and with and without HO-1 overexpression. Activation and function of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase were determined using the specific inhibitor SB203580.

RESULTS

We have shown that HO-1 mediates antiapoptotic effects in beta cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells after stimulation with tumor necrosis factor a decreased from 75% without HO-1 to 5% when HO-1 was overexpressed. Our data indicate that HO-1 acts as a signal terminator of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis by modulation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Profound cell stress that occurs in islets after transplantation, as well as at the onset of diabetes, results in beta-cell loss through apoptosis. Protection of beta cells by HO-1 improves their survival in vitro after various proapoptotic stimuli, suggesting that HO-1 suppresses one or several signaling pathways leading to apoptosis. We hypothesize that our in vitro findings can be extrapolated to the in vivo situation, and we propose that expression of HO-1 in islets may illuminate a valuable new approach to improving diabetes treatment.

Caspase-dependent cleavage of the hematopoietic specific adaptor protein Gads alters signalling from the T cell receptor

Gads is a SH2 and SH3 domain-containing, hematopoietic-specific adaptor protein that functions in signalling from the T cell receptor. Gads acts by linking SLP-76, bound by the carboxy-terminal Gads SH3 domain, to tyrosine phosphorylated LAT which contains binding sites for the Gads SH2 domain. Gads is distinguished from Grb2 and the closely related Grap protein by the presence of a 120 amino acid unique region between the SH2 domain and the carboxy terminal SH3 domain. Here we demonstrate that the unique region of Gads contains a capase cleavage site. Induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes results in detectable Gads cleavage by 60 min. Gads cleavage is blocked in vivo by treating cells with a caspase 3 inhibitor. A putative caspase 3 cleavage site was identified within the unique region and mutation of this site prevented Gads cleavage in vitro, and in vivo. The Gads cleavage products retained the predicted binding specificity for SLP-76 and LAT. Expression of the Gads cleavage products in Jurkat T cells inhibited NFAT activation following TCR cross linking. These findings indicate that cleavage of Gads in vivo could function to alter signalling downstream of the T cell receptor by disrupting cross talk between SLP-76 and LAT.

Interferon-γ–induced apoptotic responses of Fanconi anemia group C hematopoietic progenitor cells involve caspase 8–dependent activation of caspase 3 family members

Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) from mice nullizygous at the Fanconi anemia (FA) group C locus and children with Fanconi anemia group C (FA-C) are hypersensitive to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α. This hypersensitivity results, in part, from the capacity of these cytokines to prime the fas pathway. Because fas-mediated programmed cell death in many cells involves sequential activation of specific caspases, we tested the hypothesis that programmed cell death in FA HPC involves the ordered activation of specific caspase molecules. Lysates from lymphoblasts treated with both agonistic anti-fas antibody and IFN-γ contained activated caspase 3 family members (caspases 3, 6, and 7), as well as caspase 8, whereas activation of caspases 1, 2, 4, 9, and 10 was not detected. The apoptotic effects of fas agonists in IFN-γ-treated human and murine FA-C cells were blocked when pretreated with inhibitors (ac-DEVD-cho, CP-DEVD-cho, Z-DEVD-FMK) of the caspase 3 protease. Inhibitors (ac-YVAD-cho, CP-YVAD-cho, Z-YVAD-FMK) of caspase 1 did not block apoptosis or caspase 3 activation. Treatment of FA cells with the fluoromethyl ketone tetrapeptide caspase 8 inhibitor (ac-IETD-FMK) did suppress caspase 3 activation. A 4-fold greater fraction of IFN-induced FA-C cells expressed caspase 3 than FA-C cells complemented by retroviral-mediated transfer of FANCC. Therefore fas-induced apoptosis in Fanconi anemia cells of the C type involves the activation of caspase 8, which controls activation of caspase 3 family members and one direct or indirect function of the FANCC protein is to suppress apoptotic responses to IFN-γ upstream of caspase 3 activation.

Interferon-γ–induced apoptotic responses of Fanconi anemia group C hematopoietic progenitor cells involve caspase 8–dependent activation of caspase 3 family members

Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) from mice nullizygous at the Fanconi anemia (FA) group C locus and children with Fanconi anemia group C (FA-C) are hypersensitive to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α. This hypersensitivity results, in part, from the capacity of these cytokines to prime the fas pathway. Because fas-mediated programmed cell death in many cells involves sequential activation of specific caspases, we tested the hypothesis that programmed cell death in FA HPC involves the ordered activation of specific caspase molecules. Lysates from lymphoblasts treated with both agonistic anti-fas antibody and IFN-γ contained activated caspase 3 family members (caspases 3, 6, and 7), as well as caspase 8, whereas activation of caspases 1, 2, 4, 9, and 10 was not detected. The apoptotic effects of fas agonists in IFN-γ-treated human and murine FA-C cells were blocked when pretreated with inhibitors (ac-DEVD-cho, CP-DEVD-cho, Z-DEVD-FMK) of the caspase 3 protease. Inhibitors (ac-YVAD-cho, CP-YVAD-cho, Z-YVAD-FMK) of caspase 1 did not block apoptosis or caspase 3 activation. Treatment of FA cells with the fluoromethyl ketone tetrapeptide caspase 8 inhibitor (ac-IETD-FMK) did suppress caspase 3 activation. A 4-fold greater fraction of IFN-induced FA-C cells expressed caspase 3 than FA-C cells complemented by retroviral-mediated transfer of FANCC. Therefore fas-induced apoptosis in Fanconi anemia cells of the C type involves the activation of caspase 8, which controls activation of caspase 3 family members and one direct or indirect function of the FANCC protein is to suppress apoptotic responses to IFN-γ upstream of caspase 3 activation.

Enhancement of T cell receptor signaling by a mild oxidative shift in the intracellular thiol pool

Exposure of T cells to the macrophage products hydrogen peroxide (HP) or L-lactate (LAC) was previously shown to enhance IL-2 production and to modulate glutathione (GSH) status. We now found that 50 microM HP and 30 mM LAC enhanced strongly the transcription from the IL-2 promoter in Jurkat T cells after stimulation with anti-CD28 together with or without anti-CD3 but not with anti-CD3 Abs alone. Therefore, we used anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28-stimulated cells to investigate the effect of the GSH reductase inhibitor 1, 3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) on the signal cascade. BCNU enhanced the transcription to a similar extent as HP or LAC. Lowering the intracellular GSH/GSH disulfide ratio by BCNU, HP, or NO resulted in all cases in the fulminant enhancement of Jun-N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Jun-N-terminal kinase and NF-kappaB activation was enhanced through pathways involving Rac, Vav1, PKCTheta, p56(lck), p59(fyn), and IkappaB kinases. In a cell-free system, the autophosphorylation of rFyn was stimulated by GSH disulfide but not by HP. These findings suggest that the oxidation of the cellular thiol pool may play a role as an amplifying mechanism for TCR/CD3 signals in immune responses.

Vav family proteins couple to diverse cell surface receptors

Vav proteins are guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho family GTPases which activate pathways leading to actin cytoskeletal rearrangements and transcriptional alterations. Vav proteins contain several protein binding domains which can link cell surface receptors to downstream signaling proteins. Vav1 is expressed exclusively in hematopoietic cells and tyrosine phosphorylated in response to activation of multiple cell surface receptors. However, it is not known whether the recently identified isoforms Vav2 and Vav3, which are broadly expressed, can couple with similar classes of receptors, nor is it known whether all Vav isoforms possess identical functional activities. We expressed Vav1, Vav2, and Vav3 at equivalent levels to directly compare the responses of the Vav proteins to receptor activation. Although each Vav isoform was tyrosine phosphorylated upon activation of representative receptor tyrosine kinases, integrin, and lymphocyte antigen receptors, we found unique aspects of Vav protein coupling in each receptor pathway. Each Vav protein coprecipitated with activated epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors, and multiple phosphorylated tyrosine residues on the PDGF receptor were able to mediate Vav2 tyrosine phosphorylation. Integrin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav proteins was not detected in nonhematopoietic cells unless the protein tyrosine kinase Syk was also expressed, suggesting that integrin activation of Vav proteins may be restricted to cell types that express particular tyrosine kinases. In addition, we found that Vav1, but not Vav2 or Vav3, can efficiently cooperate with T-cell receptor signaling to enhance NFAT-dependent transcription, while Vav1 and Vav3, but not Vav2, can enhance NFkappaB-dependent transcription. Thus, although each Vav isoform can respond to similar cell surface receptors, there are isoform-specific differences in their activation of downstream signaling pathways.

Synergistic activation of NF-kappa B by functional cooperation between vav and PKCtheta in T lymphocytes

Here we identified PKCtheta as an activator of transcription factor NF-kappaB in T cells. PKCtheta-induced NF-kappaB activation was synergistically augmented by Vav. Several experimental approaches revealed that PKCtheta is located downstream from Vav in the control of the pathway leading to synergistic NF-kappaB activation. In addition to the synergistic activation cascade, Vav also triggered NF-kappaB activity on a separate route. CD3/CD28-induced activation of NF-kappaB was inhibited by dominant negative forms of Vav or PKCtheta, revealing their essential role in this activation pathway. The Vav/PKCtheta-mediated signals preferentially activated IkappaB kinase beta. Vav and PKCtheta were found to be constitutively associated in unstimulated T cells. Only the ligation of the costimulatory CD28 receptor, but not of the T cell receptor, resulted in the transient dissociation of the Vav-PKCtheta complex. In contrast, T cell receptor/CD28 costimulation resulted in faster dissociation and slower reassociation kinetics.

The most unkindest cut of all: on the multiple roles of mammalian caspases

The caspases, first discovered almost a decade ago, are intracellular cysteine proteases which have been shown to play an essential role in the initiation and execution phases of apoptotic cell death. Numerous strategies for the activation and inhibition of these 'killer' proteases have evolved, including the regulation of caspase expression and function at the transcriptional and post-translational level, as well as the expression of viral and cellular inhibitors of caspases. Emerging evidence in recent years has also implicated the caspases in various, nonapoptotic aspects of cellular physiology, such as cytokine processing during inflammation, differentiation of progenitor cells during erythropoiesis and lens fiber development, and proliferation of T lymphocytes, thus attesting to the pleiotropic functions of these proteases. The present review aims to discuss the multiple roles of the mammalian caspases with particular emphasis on their activation and regulation in cells of leukemic origin and the attendant possibilities of therapeutic intervention.