Iron chelation-induced senescence-like growth arrest in hepatocyte cell lines: association of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1)-mediated p27Kip1 expression

Unlocking the secrets of aging: Epigenetic reader BRD4 as the target to combatting aging-related diseases

BACKGROUND

Aging, a complex and profound journey, leads us through a labyrinth of physiological and pathological transformations, rendering us increasingly susceptible to aging-related diseases. Emerging investigations have unveiled the function of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) in manipulating the aging process and driving the emergence and progression of aging-related diseases.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to offer a comprehensive outline of BRD4's functions involved in the aging process, and potential mechanisms through which BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

BRD4 has a fundamental role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular senescence, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), senolysis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, which are involved in the aging process. Several studies have indicated that BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, aging-related pulmonary fibrosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Thus, the evidence from this review supports that BRD4 could be a promising target for managing various aging-related diseases, while further investigation is warranted to gain a thorough understanding of BRD4's role in these diseases.

Targeting Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress as a Strategy to Treat Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Mitochondria are one of the organelles undergoing rapid alteration during the senescence process. Senescent cells show an increase in mitochondrial size, which is attributed to the accumulation of defective mitochondria, which causes mitochondrial oxidative stress. Defective mitochondria are also targets of mitochondrial oxidative stress, and the vicious cycle between defective mitochondria and mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to the onset and development of aging and age-related diseases. Based on the findings, strategies to reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress have been suggested for the effective treatment of aging and age-related diseases. In this article, we discuss mitochondrial alterations and the consequent increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress. Then, the causal role of mitochondrial oxidative stress on aging is investigated by examining how aging and age-related diseases are exacerbated by induced stress. Furthermore, we assess the importance of targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress for the regulation of aging and suggest different therapeutic strategies to reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress. Therefore, this review will not only shed light on a new perspective on the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in aging but also provide effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of aging and age-related diseases through the regulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Phytotherapeutic targeting of the mitochondria in neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by degeneration or cellular atrophy within specific structures of the brain. Neurons are the major target of neurodegeneration. Neurons utilize 75-80% of the energy produced in the brain. This energy is either formed by utilizing the glucose provided by the cerebrovascular blood flow or by the in-house energy producers, mitochondria. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. But recently it has been noticed that neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with cerebrovascular diseases. Cerebral blood flow requires vasodilation which to an extent regulated by mitochondria. We hypothesize that when mitochondrial functioning is disrupted, it is not able to supply energy to the neurons. This disruption also affects cerebral blood flow, further reducing the possibilities of energy supply. Loss of sufficient energy leads to neuronal dysfunction, atrophy, and degeneration. In this chapter, we will discuss the metabolic modifications of mitochondria in aging-related neurological disorders and the potential of phytocompounds targeting them.

Selenoproteins and the senescence-associated epitranscriptome

Selenium is a naturally found trace element, which provides multiple benefits including antioxidant, anticancer, and antiaging, as well as boosting immunity. One unique feature of selenium is its incorporation as selenocysteine, a rare 21st amino acid, into selenoproteins. Twenty-five human selenoproteins have been discovered, and a majority of these serve as crucial antioxidant enzymes for redox homeostasis. Unlike other amino acids, incorporation of selenocysteine requires a distinctive UGA stop codon recoding mechanism. Although many studies correlating selenium, selenoproteins, aging, and senescence have been performed, it has not yet been explored if the upstream events regulating selenoprotein synthesis play a role in senescence-associated pathologies. The epitranscriptomic writer alkylation repair homolog 8 (ALKBH8) is critical for selenoprotein production, and its deficiency can significantly decrease levels of selenoproteins that are essential for reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, and increase oxidative stress, one of the major drivers of cellular senescence. Here, we review the potential role of epitranscriptomic marks that govern selenocysteine utilization in regulating the senescence program.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in cell senescence and aging

Mitochondrial dysfunction and cell senescence are hallmarks of aging and are closely interconnected. Mitochondrial dysfunction, operationally defined as a decreased respiratory capacity per mitochondrion together with a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, typically accompanied by increased production of oxygen free radicals, is a cause and a consequence of cellular senescence and figures prominently in multiple feedback loops that induce and maintain the senescent phenotype. Here, we summarize pathways that cause mitochondrial dysfunction in senescence and aging and discuss the major consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction and how these consequences contribute to senescence and aging. We also highlight the potential of senescence-associated mitochondrial dysfunction as an antiaging and antisenescence intervention target, proposing the combination of multiple interventions converging onto mitochondrial dysfunction as novel, potent senolytics.

The Bright and the Dark Side of TGF-β Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Implications

Simple Summary

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a preeminent regulator of diverse cellular and physiological processes. Frequent dysregulation of TGF-β signaling has been implicated in cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, the autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-β have paradoxical implications. While acting as a potent tumor suppressor pathway in the early stages of malignancy, TGF-β diverts to a promoter of tumor progression in the late stages, reflecting its bright and dark natures, respectively. Within this context, targeting TGF-β represents a promising therapeutic option for HCC treatment. We discuss here the molecular properties of TGF-β signaling in HCC, attempting to provide an overview of its effects on tumor cells and the stroma. We also seek to evaluate the dysregulation mechanisms that mediate the functional switch of TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a pro-tumorigenic signal. Finally, we reconcile its biphasic nature with the therapeutic implications.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with genetic and nongenetic aberrations that impact multiple genes and pathways, including the frequently dysregulated transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The regulatory cytokine TGF-β and its signaling effectors govern a broad spectrum of spatiotemporally regulated molecular and cellular responses, yet paradoxically have dual and opposing roles in HCC progression. In the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β signaling enforces profound tumor-suppressive effects, primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, as the tumor advances in malignant progression, TGF-β functionally switches to a pro-tumorigenic signal, eliciting aggressive tumor traits, such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune evasion of cancer cells. On this account, the inhibition of TGF-β signaling is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC. In this review, we evaluate the functions and mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and relate its complex and pleiotropic biology to HCC pathophysiology, attempting to provide a detailed perspective on the molecular determinants underlying its functional diversion. We also address the therapeutic implications of the dichotomous nature of TGF-β signaling and highlight the rationale for targeting this pathway for HCC treatment, alone or in combination with other agents.

Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism as a Strategy to Treat Senescence

Mitochondria are one of organelles that undergo significant changes associated with senescence. An increase in mitochondrial size is observed in senescent cells, and this increase is ascribed to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria that generate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such dysfunctional mitochondria are prime targets for ROS-induced damage, which leads to the deterioration of oxidative phosphorylation and increased dependence on glycolysis as an energy source. Based on findings indicating that senescent cells exhibit mitochondrial metabolic alterations, a strategy to induce mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming has been proposed to treat aging and age-related diseases. In this review, we discuss senescence-related mitochondrial changes and consequent mitochondrial metabolic alterations. We assess the significance of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming for senescence regulation and propose the appropriate control of mitochondrial metabolism to ameliorate senescence. Learning how to regulate mitochondrial metabolism will provide knowledge for the control of aging and age-related pathologies. Further research focusing on mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming will be an important guide for the development of anti-aging therapies, and will provide novel strategies for anti-aging interventions.

Deferoxamine accelerates endothelial progenitor cell senescence and compromises angiogenesis

Senescence reduces the circulating number and angiogenic activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and is associated with aging-related vascular diseases. However, it is very time-consuming to obtain aged cells (~1 month of repeated replication) or animals (~2 years) for senescence studies. Here, we established an accelerated senescence model by treating EPCs with deferoxamine (DFO), an FDA-approved iron chelator. Four days of low-dose (3 μM) DFO induced senescent phenotypes in EPCs, including a senescent pattern of protein expression, impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, altered mitochondrial protein levels and compromised angiogenic activity. DFO-treated early EPCs from young and old donors (< 35 vs. > 70 years old) displayed similar senescent phenotypes, including elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and reduced relative telomere lengths, colony-forming units and adenosine triphosphate levels. To validate this accelerated senescence model in vivo, we intraperitoneally injected Sprague-Dawley rats with DFO for 4 weeks. Early EPCs from DFO-treated rats displayed profoundly senescent phenotypes compared to those from control rats. Additionally, in hind-limb ischemic mice, DFO pretreatment compromised EPC angiogenesis by reducing both blood perfusion and capillary density. DFO thus accelerates EPC senescence and appears to hasten model development for cellular senescence studies.

Outcomes of Deferoxamine Action on H2O2-Induced Growth Inhibition and Senescence Progression of Human Endometrial Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are broadly applied in regenerative therapy to replace cells that are lost or impaired during disease. The low survival rate of MSCs after transplantation is one of the major limitations heavily influencing the success of the therapy. Unfavorable microenvironments with inflammation and oxidative stress in the damaged regions contribute to MSCs loss. Most of the strategies developed to overcome this obstacle are aimed to prevent stress-induced apoptosis, with little attention paid to senescence-another common stress reaction of MSCs. Here, we proposed the strategy to prevent oxidative stress-induced senescence of human endometrial stem cells (hMESCs) based on deferoxamine (DFO) application. DFO prevented DNA damage and stress-induced senescence of hMESCs, as evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species, lipofuscin, cyclin D1, decreased SA-β-Gal activity, and improved mitochondrial function. Additionally, DFO caused accumulation of HIF-1α, which may contribute to the survival of H2O2-treated cells. Importantly, cells that escaped senescence due to DFO preconditioning preserved all the properties of the initial hMESCs. Therefore, once protecting cells from oxidative damage, DFO did not alter further hMESCs functioning. The data obtained may become the important prerequisite for development of a new strategy in regenerative therapy based on MSCs preconditioning using DFO.

Evaluating causality of cellular senescence in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that has important physiological functions. However, cellular senescence is also a hallmark of ageing and has been associated with several pathological conditions. A wide range of factors including genotoxic stress, mitogens and inflammatory cytokines can induce senescence. Phenotypically, senescent cells are characterised by short telomeres, an enlarged nuclear area and damaged genomic and mitochondrial DNA. Secretion of proinflammatory proteins, also known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, is a characteristic of senescent cells that is thought to be the main contributor to their disease-inducing properties. In the past decade, the role of cellular senescence in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression towards non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has garnered significant interest. Until recently, it was suggested that hepatocyte cellular senescence is a mere consequence of the metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory phenomena in fatty liver disease. However, recent work in rodents has suggested that senescence may be a causal factor in NAFLD development. Although causality is yet to be established in humans, current evidence suggests that targeting senescent cells has therapeutic potential for NAFLD. We aim to provide insights into the quality of the evidence supporting a causal role of cellular senescence in the development of NAFLD in rodents and humans. We will elaborate on key cellular and molecular features of senescence and discuss the efficacy and safety of novel senolytic drugs for the treatment or prevention of NAFLD.

The dichotomous role of TGF-β in controlling liver cancer cell survival and proliferation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of primary liver cancer and one of the most prevalent and life-threatening malignancies globally. One of the hallmarks in HCC is the sustained cell survival and proliferative signals, which are determined by the balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is an effective growth inhibitor of epithelial cells including hepatocytes, through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, cellular senescence, or autophagy. The antitumorigenic effects of TGF-β are bypassed during liver tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, along with malignant progression, TGF-β switches to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. This dichotomous nature of TGF-β is one of the barriers to therapeutic targeting in liver cancer. Thereafter, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is a prerequisite for discovering novel antitumor drugs that may specifically disable the growth-promoting branch of TGF-β signaling or restore its tumor-suppressive arm. This review summarizes how TGF-β inhibits or promotes liver cancer cell survival and proliferation, highlighting the functional switch mechanisms during the process.

Cell Senescence, Multiple Organelle Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an age-related disorder associated with long-term exposure to cardiovascular risk factors. The asymptomatic progression of atherosclerotic plaques leads to major cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including acute myocardial infarctions or cerebral ischemic strokes in some cases. Senescence, a biological process associated with progressive structural and functional deterioration of cells, tissues and organs, is intricately linked to age-related diseases. Cell senescence involves coordinated modifications in cellular compartments and has been demonstrated to contribute to different stages of atheroma development. Senescence-based therapeutic strategies are currently being pursued to treat and prevent CVD in humans in the near-future. In addition, distinct experimental settings allowed researchers to unravel potential approaches to regulate anti-apoptotic pathways, facilitate excessive senescent cell clearance and eventually reverse atherogenesis to improve cardiovascular function. However, a deeper knowledge is required to fully understand cellular senescence, to clarify senescence and atherogenesis intertwining, allowing researchers to establish more effective treatments and to reduce the cardiovascular disorders' burden. Here, we present an objective review of the key senescence-related alterations of the major intracellular organelles and analyze the role of relevant cell types for senescence and atherogenesis. In this context, we provide an updated analysis of therapeutic approaches, including clinically relevant experiments using senolytic drugs to counteract atherosclerosis.

Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence refers to a stress response aiming to preserve cellular and, therefore, organismal homeostasis. Importantly, deregulation of mitochondrial homeostatic mechanisms, manifested as impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism and dynamics, has emerged as a hallmark of cellular senescence. On the other hand, impaired mitostasis has been suggested to induce cellular senescence. This review aims to provide an overview of homeostatic mechanisms operating within mitochondria and a comprehensive insight into the interplay between cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Metabolic features and regulation in cell senescence

Organismal aging is accompanied by a host of progressive metabolic alterations and an accumulation of senescent cells, along with functional decline and the appearance of multiple diseases. This implies that the metabolic features of cell senescence may contribute to the organism’s metabolic changes and be closely linked to age-associated diseases, especially metabolic syndromes. However, there is no clear understanding of senescent metabolic characteristics. Here, we review key metabolic features and regulators of cellular senescence, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction and anabolic deregulation, and their link to other senescence phenotypes and aging. We further discuss the mechanistic involvement of the metabolic regulators mTOR, AMPK, and GSK3, proposing them as key metabolic switches for modulating senescence.

Comparative effects of transforming growth factor beta isoforms on redox metabolism in thyroid cells

INTRODUCTION

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) regulates thyroid function and growth. However, tumoral thyroid cells became resistant to this factor as they undifferentiated. Little is known about the effects of TGF-β isoforms. We compared the role of redox metabolism in the response to TGF-β isoforms between non tumoral and tumoral thyroid cells.

METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS

Differentiated rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) and human thyroid follicular carcinoma cells (WRO) were treated with the three isoforms of TGF-β. TGF-β isoforms stopped cell cycle at different steps; G1 for FRTL-5 and G2/M for WRO. The three isoforms decreased cell viability and increased ROS accumulation in both cell lines. These effects were more pronounced in FRTL-5 than in WRO, and the isoform β1 was more potent in ROS production than the other two. TGF-β isoforms decreased total glutathione, catalase expression and it activity in both cell lines. Only in FRTL-5 the lipid peroxidation was demonstrated. Moreover, TGF-β1 decreased glutathione peroxidase and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase mRNA expression and increased mitochondrial ROS in FRTL-5, but no in WRO. Pretreatment with selenium increased glutathione peroxidase activity and decreased ROS production in WRO treated with TGF-β isoforms. Furthermore, selenium partially reversed the effect of TGF-β isoforms on cell viability only in WRO cells. The knockdown of endogenous NOX4 significantly reduced the TGF-β1 effect on cell viability in WRO but no in FRTL-5.

CONCLUSION

TGF-β disrupted the redox balance and increased ROS accumulation in both cell lines. FRTL-5 cells showed reduced antioxidant capacity and had a greater sensitivity to TGF-β isoforms, while WRO cells were more resistant. This observation provides new insights into the potential role of TGF-β in the redox regulation of thyroid cells.

IFNγ induces oxidative stress, DNA damage and tumor cell senescence via TGFβ/SMAD signaling-dependent induction of Nox4 and suppression of ANT2

Cellular senescence provides a biological barrier against tumor progression, often associated with oncogene-induced replication and/or oxidative stress, cytokine production and DNA damage response (DDR), leading to persistent cell-cycle arrest. While cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) are important components of senescence-associated secretome and induce senescence in, for example, mouse pancreatic β-cancer cell model, their downstream signaling pathway(s) and links with oxidative stress and DDR are mechanistically unclear. Using human and mouse normal and cancer cell models, we now show that TNFα and IFNγ induce NADPH oxidases Nox4 and Nox1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), DDR signaling and premature senescence. Unlike mouse tumor cells that required concomitant presence of IFNγ and TNFα, short exposure to IFNγ alone was sufficient to induce Nox4, Nox1 and DDR in human cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nox4 but not Nox1 decreased IFNγ-induced DDR. The expression of Nox4/Nox1 required Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling and the effect was mediated by downstream activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) secretion and consequent autocrine/paracrine activation of the TGFβ/Smad pathway. Furthermore, the expression of adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (ANT2) was suppressed by IFNγ contributing to elevation of ROS and DNA damage. In contrast to mouse B16 cells, inability of TC-1 cells to respond to IFNγ/TNFα by DDR and senescence correlated with the lack of TGFβ and Nox4 response, supporting the role of ROS induced by NADPH oxidases in cytokine-induced senescence. Overall, our data reveal differences between cytokine effects in mouse and human cells, and mechanistically implicate the TGFβ/SMAD pathway, via induction of NADPH oxidases and suppression of ANT2, as key mediators of IFNγ/TNFα-evoked genotoxicity and cellular senescence.

PKCδ phosphorylation is an upstream event of GSK3 inactivation-mediated ROS generation in TGF-β1-induced senescence

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induces Mv1Lu cell senescence through inactivating glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), thereby inactivating complex IV and increasing intracellular ROS. In the present study, we identified protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) as an upstream regulator of GSK3 inactivation in this mechanism of TGF-β1-induced senescence. When Mv1Lu cells were exposed to TGF-β1, PKCδ phosphorylation simultaneously increased with GSK3 phosphorylation, and then AKT and ERK were phosphorylated. AKT phosphorylation and Smad signaling were independent of GSK3 phosphorylation, but ERK phosphorylation was downstream of GSK3 inactivation. TGF-β1-triggered GSK3 phosphorylation was blocked by inhibition of PKCδ, using its pharmacological inhibitor, Rottlerin, or overexpression of a dominant negative PKCδ mutant, but GSK3 inhibition with SB415286 did not alter PKCδ phosphorylation. Activation of PKCδ by PMA delayed cell growth and increased intracellular ROS level, but did not induce senescent phenotypes. In addition, overexpression of wild type or a constitutively active PKCδ mutant was enough to delay cell growth and decrease the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and complex IV activity, but weakly induce senescence. However, PMA treatment on Mv1Lu cells, which overexpress wild type and constitutively active PKCδ mutants, effectively induced senescence. These results indicate that PKCδ plays a key role in TGF-β1-induced senescence of Mv1Lu cells through the phosphorylation of GSK3, thereby triggering mitochondrial complex IV dysfunction and intracellular ROS generation.

Pathophysiology of the diabetic kidney

Diabetes mellitus contributes greatly to morbidity, mortality, and overall health care costs. In major part, these outcomes derive from the high incidence of progressive kidney dysfunction in patients with diabetes making diabetic nephropathy a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism involved and of the early dysfunctions observed in the diabetic kidney may permit the development of new strategies to prevent diabetic nephropathy. Here we review the pathophysiological changes that occur in the kidney in response to hyperglycemia, including the cellular responses to high glucose and the responses in vascular, glomerular, podocyte, and tubular function. The molecular basis, characteristics, and consequences of the unique growth phenotypes observed in the diabetic kidney, including glomerular structures and tubular segments, are outlined. We delineate mechanisms of early diabetic glomerular hyperfiltration including primary vascular events as well as the primary role of tubular growth, hyperreabsorption, and tubuloglomerular communication as part of a "tubulocentric" concept of early diabetic kidney function. The latter also explains the "salt paradox" of the early diabetic kidney, that is, a unique and inverse relationship between glomerular filtration rate and dietary salt intake. The mechanisms and consequences of the intrarenal activation of the renin-angiotensin system and of diabetes-induced tubular glycogen accumulation are discussed. Moreover, we aim to link the changes that occur early in the diabetic kidney including the growth phenotype, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and formation of advanced glycation end products to mechanisms involved in progressive kidney disease.

Iron-dependent cell death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells exposed to sorafenib

The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is currently the treatment of reference for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our report, we examined the cytotoxic effects of sorafenib on HCC cells. We report that the depletion of the intracellular iron stores achieved by using the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFX) strikingly protects HCC cells from the cytotoxic effects of sorafenib. The protective effect of the depletion of intracellular iron stores could not be explained by an interference with conventional forms of programmed cell death, such as apoptosis or autophagic cell death. We also found that DFX did not prevent sorafenib from reaching its intracellular target kinases. Instead, the depletion of intracellular iron stores prevented sorafenib from inducing oxidative stress in HCC cells. We examined the possibility that sorafenib might exert a cytotoxic effect that resembles ferroptosis, a form of cell death in which iron-dependent oxidative mechanisms play a pivotal role. In agreement with this possibility, we found that pharmacological inhibitors (ferrostatin-1) and genetic procedures (RNA interference against IREB-2) previously reported to modulate ferroptosis, readily block the cytotoxic effects of sorafenib in HCC cells. Collectively, our findings identify ferroptosis as an effective mechanism for the induction of cell death in HCC. Ferroptosis could potentially become a goal for the medical treatment of HCC, thus opening new avenues for the optimization of the use of sorafenib in these tumors.

Dp44mT targets the AKT, TGF-β and ERK pathways via the metastasis suppressor NDRG1 in normal prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Effective treatment of prostate cancer should be based on targeting interactions between tumour cell signalling pathways and key converging downstream effectors. Here, we determined how the tumourigenic phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), tumour-suppressive phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathways are integrated via the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1). Moreover, we assessed how the novel anti-tumour agent, Dp44mT, may target these integrated pathways by increasing NDRG1 expression.

METHODS

Protein expression in Dp44mT-treated normal human prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer cells (PC-3, DU145) was assessed by western blotting. The role of NDRG1 was examined by transfection using an NDRG1 overexpression vector or shRNA.

RESULTS

Dp44mT increased levels of tumour-suppressive PTEN, and decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and SMAD2L, which are regulated by oncogenic Ras/MAPK signalling. Importantly, the effects of Dp44mT on NDRG1 and p-SMAD2L expression were more marked in prostate cancer cells than normal prostate epithelial cells. This may partly explain the anti-tumour selectivity of these agents. Silencing NDRG1 expression increased phosphorylation of tumourigenic AKT, ERK1/2 and SMAD2L and decreased PTEN levels, whereas NDRG1 overexpression induced the opposite effect. Furthermore, NDRG1 silencing significantly reduced the ability of Dp44mT to suppress p-SMAD2L and p-ERK1/2 levels.

CONCLUSION

NDRG1 has an important role in mediating the tumour-suppressive effects of Dp44mT in prostate cancer via selective targeting of the PI3K/AKT, TGF-β and ERK pathways.

Prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor by periodontal fibroblasts

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Pharmacological inhibitors of prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) can induce a proangiogenic response that favors wound healing and bone regeneration. However, the response of periodontal cells to PHD inhibitors is unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To determine the effects of PHD inhibitors on periodontal cells, we exposed human fibroblasts from the gingiva and the periodontal ligament to dimethyloxallyl glycine, desferrioxamine, l-mimosine and CoCl(2). Viability, proliferation, and protein synthesis were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), [(3)H]thymidine, and [(3)H]leucine incorporation, respectively. The levels of Ki67, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), p27, phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphorylated p38 were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA levels were measured by quantitative PCR. Protein levels of VEGF and interleukin (IL)-6 were evaluated by immunoassays.

RESULTS

We found that PHD inhibitors, while leaving cell viability unchanged, reduced proliferation and protein synthesis. This was paralleled by decreased Ki67 levels and increased p27 levels, suggesting that PHD inhibitors provoke growth arrest. Independently from this response, PHD inhibitors stabilized HIF-1α and increased the production of VEGF. This increase of VEGF was observed in the presence of proinflammatory IL-1 and pharmacological inhibitors of JNK and p38 signaling. Moreover, PHD inhibitors did not modulate expression of IL-6 and the phosphorylation of JNK and p38.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that PHD inhibitors enhance the production of VEGF in periodontal fibroblasts, even in the presence of proinflammatory IL-1. The data further suggest that PHD inhibitors do not provoke a significant proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory response in this in vitro setting.

The proximal tubule in the pathophysiology of the diabetic kidney

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in the early changes of the diabetic kidney may permit the development of new strategies to prevent diabetic nephropathy. This review focuses on the proximal tubule in the early diabetic kidney, particularly on its exposure and response to high glucose levels, albuminuria, and other factors in the diabetic glomerular filtrate, the hyperreabsorption of glucose, the unique molecular signature of the tubular growth phenotype, including aspects of senescence, and the resulting cellular and functional consequences. The latter includes the local release of proinflammatory chemokines and changes in proximal tubular salt and fluid reabsorption, which form the basis for the strong tubular control of glomerular filtration in the early diabetic kidney, including glomerular hyperfiltration and odd responses like the salt paradox. Importantly, these early proximal tubular changes can set the stage for oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and thereby for the progression of diabetic renal disease.

Transition of kidney tubule cells to a senescent phenotype in early experimental diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy is the commonest cause of end-stage renal disease. Inordinate kidney growth and glomerular hyperfiltration at the very early stages of diabetes are putative antecedents to this disease. The kidney is the only organ that grows larger with the onset of diabetes mellitus, yet there remains confusion about the mechanism and significance of this growth. Here we show that kidney proximal tubule cells in culture transition to senescence in response to oxidative stress. We further determine the temporal expression of G(1) phase cell cycle components in rat kidney cortex at days 4 and 10 of streptozotocin diabetes to evaluate changes in this growth response. In diabetic rats we observe increases in kidney weight-to-body weight ratios correlating with increases in expression of the growth-related proteins in the kidney at day 4 after induction of diabetes. However, at day 10 we find a decrease in this profile in diabetic animals coincident with increased cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor expressions. We observe no change in caspase-3 expression in the diabetic kidneys at these early time points; however, diabetic animals demonstrate reduced kidney connexin 43 and increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expressions and increased senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity in cortical tubules. In summary, diabetic kidneys exhibit an early temporal induction of growth phase components followed by their suppression concurrent with the induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and markers of senescence. These data delineate a phenotypic change in cortical tubules early in the pathogenesis of diabetes that may contribute to further downstream complications of the disease.

The translational regulator eIF3a: the tricky eIF3 subunit!

Regulation of gene expression is a fundamental step in cellular physiology as abnormalities in this process may lead to de-regulated growth and cancer. Translation of mRNA is mainly regulated at the rate-limiting initiation step, where many eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are involved. The largest and most complex initiation factor is eIF3 which plays a role in translational regulation, cell growth and cancer. The largest subunit of eIF3 is eIF3a, although it is not required for the general function of eIF3 in translation initiation. However, eIF3a may play a role as a regulator of a subset of mRNAs and has been demonstrated to regulate the expression of p27(kip1), tyrosinated α-tubulin and ribonucleotide reductase M2 subunit. These molecules have a pivotal role in the regulation of the cell cycle. Moreover, the eIF3a mRNA is ubiquitously expressed in all tissues at different levels and is found elevated in a number of cancer types. eIF3a can modulate the cell cycle and may be a translational regulator for proteins important for entrance into S phase. The expression of eIF3a is decreased in differentiated cells in culture and the suppression of eIF3a expression can reverse the malignant phenotype and change the sensitivity of cells to cell cycle modulators. However, the role of eIF3a in cancer is still unclear. In fact, some studies have identified eIF3a to be involved in cancer development, while other results indicate that it could provide protection against evolution into higher malignancy. Together, these findings highlight the "tricky" and interesting nature of eIF3a.

Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1-mediated lipogenesis is involved in cell senescence

Increased cell mass is one of the characteristics of senescent cells, but this event has not been clearly defined. When subcellular organellar mass was estimated with organelle-specific fluorescence dyes, we observed that most membranous organelles progressively increase in mass during cell senescence. This increase was accompanied by an increase in membrane lipids and augmented expression of lipogenic enzymes, such as fatty acid synthase (FAS), ATP citrate lyase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The mature form of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1 was also elevated. Increased expression of these lipogenic effectors was further observed in the liver tissues of aging Fischer 344 rats. Ectopic expression of mature form of SREBP-1 in both Chang cells and primary young human diploid fibroblasts was enough to induce senescence. Blocking lipogenesis with FAS inhibitors (cerulenin and C75) and via siRNA-mediated silencing of SREBP-1 and ATP citrate lyase significantly attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced senescence. Finally, old human diploid fibroblasts were effectively reversed to young-like cells by challenging with FAS inhibitors. Our results suggest that enhanced lipogenesis is not only a common event, but also critically involved in senescence via SREBP-1 induction, thereby contributing to the increase in organelle mass (as a part of cell mass), a novel indicator of senescence.

The TGF-beta, PI3K/Akt and PTEN pathways: established and proposed biochemical integration in prostate cancer

A key to the development of improved pharmacological treatment strategies for cancer is an understanding of the integration of biochemical pathways involved in both tumorigenesis and cancer suppression. Furthermore, genetic markers that may predict the outcome of targeted pharmacological intervention in an individual are central to patient-focused treatment regimens rather than the traditional 'one size fits all' approach. Prostate cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease in which a patient-tailored care program is a holy grail. This review will describe the evidence that demonstrates the integration of three established pathways: the tumour-suppressive TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) pathway, the tumorigenic PI3K/Akt (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) pathway and the tumour-suppressive PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10) pathway. It will discuss gene polymorphisms and somatic mutations in relevant genes and highlight novel pharmaceutical agents that target key points in these integrated pathways.

Pharmacological targeting of the integrated protein kinase B, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10, and transforming growth factor-beta pathways in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a highly heterogenous disease in which a patient-tailored care program is much desired. Central to this goal is the development of novel targeted pharmacological interventions. To develop these treatment strategies, an understanding of the integration of cellular pathways involved in both tumorigenesis and tumor suppression is crucial. Of further interest are the events elicited by drug treatments that exploit the underlying molecular pathology in cancer. This review briefly describes the evidence that suggests integration of three established pathways: the tumorigenic phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway, the tumor suppressive phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 pathway, and the tumor suppressive transforming growth factor-beta pathway. More importantly, we discuss novel pharmaceutical agents that target key points of integration in these three pathways. These new therapeutic strategies include the use of agents that target iron to inhibit proliferation via multiple mechanisms and suppression of AKT by cytosolic phospholipase A(2)-alpha inhibitors.

Enhanced glycogenesis is involved in cellular senescence via GSK3/GS modulation

Glycogen biogenesis and its response to physiological stimuli have often been implicated in age-related diseases. However, their direct relationships to cell senescence and aging have not been clearly elucidated. Here, we report the central involvement of enhanced glycogenesis in cellular senescence. Glycogen accumulation, glycogen synthase (GS) activation, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inactivation commonly occurred in diverse cellular senescence models, including the liver tissues of aging F344 rats. Subcytotoxic concentrations of GSK3 inhibitors (SB415286 and LiCl) were sufficient to induce cellular senescence with increased glycogenesis. Interestingly, the SB415286-induced glycogenesis was irreversible, as were increased levels of reactive oxygen species and gain of senescence phenotypes. Blocking GSK3 activity using siRNA or dominant negative mutant (GSK3beta-K85A) also effectively induced senescence phenotypes, and GS knock-down significantly attenuated the stress-induced senescence phenotypes. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate that augmented glycogenesis is not only common, but is also directly linked to cellular senescence and aging, suggesting GSK3 and GS as novel modulators of senescence, and providing new insight into the metabolic backgrounds of aging and aging-related pathogenesis.

Mitochondrial dysfunction by complex II inhibition delays overall cell cycle progression via reactive oxygen species production

Mitochondrial complex II defect has recently been implicated in cellular senescence and in the ageing process of which a critical phenotype is retardation and arrest of cellular growth. However, the underlying mechanisms of how complex II defect affects cellular growth, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of complex II inhibition using a subcytotoxic dose (400 microM) of 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA), a conventional complex II inhibitor, on cell cycle progression. TTFA (400 microM) directly decreased KCN-sensitive cellular respiration rate to 67% of control and disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential. In contrast to other respiratory inhibitors such as rotenone, antimycin A, and oligomycin, TTFA prolonged the duration of each phase of the cell cycle (G1, S, and G2/M) equally, thereby delaying overall cell cycle progression. This delay was accompanied by a biphasic increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and concurrent glutathione oxidation, in addition to a slight decrease in the cellular ATP level. Finally, the delay in cell cycle progression caused by TTFA was proved to be mainly due to ROS overproduction and subsequent oxidative stress, as evidenced by its reversal following pretreatment with antioxidants. Taken together, these results suggest that an overall delay in cell cycle progression due to complex II defects may contribute to ageing and degenerative diseases via inhibition of cellular growth and proliferation without arrest at any specific phase of the cell cycle.

Enhanced neurogenesis from neural progenitor cells with G1/S-phase cell cycle arrest is mediated by transforming growth factor beta1

We have previously demonstrated that a G1/S-phase cell cycle blocker, deferoxamine (DFO), increased the number of new neurons from rat neurosphere cultures, which correlated with prolonged expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor p27(kip1) [H. J. Kim et al. (2006)Brain Research, 1092, 1-15]. The present study focuses on neuronal differentiation mechanisms following treatment of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) with a G1/S-phase cell cycle blocker. The addition of DFO (0.5 mm) or aphidicolin (Aph) (1.5 microm) to neurospheres for 8 h, followed by 3 days of differentiation, resulted in an increased number of neurons and neurite outgrowth. DFO induced enhanced expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and cdk5 at 24 h after differentiation, whereas Aph only increased TGF-beta1 expression. DFO-induced neurogenesis and neurite outgrowth were attenuated by administration of a cdk5 inhibitor, roscovitine, suggesting that the neurogenic mechanisms differ between DFO and Aph. TGF-beta1 (10 ng/mL) did not increase neurite outgrowth but rather the number of beta-tubulin III-positive cells, which was accompanied by enhanced p27(kip1) mRNA expression. In addition, TGF-beta receptor type II expression was observed in nestin-positive NPCs. Results indicated that DFO-induced TGF-beta1 signaling activated smad3 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In contrast, TGF-beta1 signaling inhibition, via a TGF-beta receptor type I inhibitor (SB-505124), resulted in decreased DFO-induced neurogenesis, in conjunction with decreased p27(kip1) protein expression and smad3 translocation to the nucleus. These results suggest that cell cycle arrest during G1/S-phase induces TGF-beta1 expression. This, in turn, prompts enhanced neuronal differentiation via smad3 translocation to the nucleus and subsequent p27(kip1) activation in NPCs.

Ultraviolet light exposure triggers nuclear accumulation of p21(WAF1) and accelerated senescence in human normal and nucleotide excision repair-deficient fibroblast strains

Induction of the p21(WAF1) protein (hereafter called p21) following genotoxic stress is known to inhibit proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-dependent DNA repair, downregulate apoptosis, and trigger a sustained growth-arrested phenotype called accelerated senescence. Studies with immortalized human and murine cell lines have revealed that exposure to ultraviolet light (UVC; 254 nm) results in the degradation of p21 to facilitate DNA repair and promote cell survival, or may lead to apoptotic cell death. The objective of the present study was to determine whether exposure of non-transformed human fibroblast strains to relatively low fluences of UVC (i.e., fluences typically used in the clonogenic survival assay) might induce sustained nuclear accumulation of p21, leading to accelerated senescence. We have evaluated the responses of normal human fibroblast (NHF) strains and nucleotide excision repair (NER)-deficient fibroblast strains representing xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) complementation groups A and G and Cockayne syndrome (CS) complementation groups A and B. We report that exposure of NHFs to < or =15 J/m(2) of UVC, and NER-deficient fibroblasts to < or =5 J/m(2) of UVC, results in sustained nuclear accumulation of p21 and growth arrest through accelerated senescence. With each fibroblast strain examined, exposure to UVC fluences that resulted in approximately 90% loss of clonogenic potential triggered significant (>60%) accelerated senescence, but only marginal (<5%) apoptosis. We conclude that nuclear accumulation of p21 accompanied by accelerated senescence may be an integral component of the response of human fibroblasts to UVC-induced DNA damage, irrespective of their DNA repair capabilities.

Iron chelators ICL670 and 311 inhibit HIV-1 transcription

HIV-1 replication is induced by an excess of iron and iron chelation by desferrioxamine (DFO) inhibits viral replication by reducing proliferation of infected cells. Treatment of cells with DFO and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (311) inhibit expression of proteins that regulate cell-cycle progression, including cycle-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Our recent studies showed that CDK2 participates in HIV-1 transcription and viral replication suggesting that inhibition of CDK2 by iron chelators might also affect HIV-1 transcription. Here we evaluated the effect of a clinically approved orally effective iron chelator, 4-[3,5-bis-(hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]-benzoic acid (ICL670) and 311 on HIV-1 transcription. Both ICL670 and 311 inhibited Tat-induced HIV-1 transcription in CEM-T cells, 293T and HeLa cells. Neither ICL670 nor 311 induced cytotoxicity at concentrations that inhibited HIV-1 transcription. The chelators decreased cellular activity of CDK2 and reduced HIV-1 Tat phosphorylation by CDK2. Neither ICL670A or 311 decreased CDK9 protein level but significantly reduced association of CDK9 with cyclin T1 and reduced phosphorylation of Ser-2 residues of RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain. In conclusion, our findings add to the evidence that iron chelators can inhibit HIV-1 transcription by deregulating CDK2 and CDK9. Further consideration should be given to the development of iron chelators for future anti-retroviral therapeutics.

Inhibition of Angiogenesis and Tumor Metastasis by Targeting a Matrix Immobilized Cryptic Extracellular Matrix Epitope in Laminin

Angiogenesis and tumor metastasis depend on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and subsequent cellular interactions with these modified proteins. An in-depth understanding of how both endothelial and tumor cells use matrix-immobilized cryptic ECM epitopes to regulate invasive cell behavior may lead to the development of novel strategies for the treatment of human tumors. However, little is known concerning the existence and the functional significance of cryptic laminin epitopes in regulating angiogenesis and tumor cell metastasis. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a synthetic peptide that binds to a cryptic epitope in laminin. The STQ peptide selectively bound denatured and proteolyzed laminin but showed little interaction with native laminin. The cryptic laminin epitope recognized by this peptide was selectively exposed within malignant melanoma in vivo, whereas little if any was detected in normal mouse skin. Moreover, the STQ peptide selectively inhibited endothelial and tumor cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation in vitro and inhibited angiogenesis, tumor growth, and experimental metastasis in vivo. This inhibitory activity was associated with a selective up-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P27(KIP1) and induction of cellular senescence. These novel findings suggest the existence of functionally relevant cryptic laminin epitopes in vivo and that selective targeting of these laminin epitopes may represent an effective new strategy for the treatment of malignant tumors by affecting both the endothelial and tumor cell compartments.

Glioma-associated endothelial cells show evidence of replicative senescence

The innately programmed process of replicative senescence has been studied extensively with respect to cancer, but primarily from the perspective of tumor cells overcoming this stringent innate barrier and acquiring the capacity for unlimited proliferation. In this study, we focus on the potential role of replicative senescence affecting the non-transformed endothelial cells of the blood vessels within the tumor microenvironment. Based on the well-documented aberrant structural and functional features of blood vessels within solid tumors, we hypothesized that tumor-derived factors may lead to premature replicative senescence in tumor-associated brain endothelial cells (TuBEC). We show here that glioma tissue, but not normal brain tissue, contains cells that express the signature of replicative senescence, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal), on CD31-positive endothelial cells. Primary cultures of human TuBEC stain for SA-beta-gal and exhibit characteristics of replicative senescence, including increased levels of the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27, increased resistance to cytotoxic drugs, increased growth factor production, and inability to proliferate. These data provide the first demonstration that tumor-derived brain endothelial cells may have reached an end-stage of differentiation known as replicative senescence and underscore the need for anti-angiogenic therapies to target this unique tumor-associated endothelial cell population.

hPEBP4 resists TRAIL-induced apoptosis of human prostate cancer cells by activating Akt and deactivating ERK1/2 pathways

The treatment options available for prostate cancer are limited because of its resistance to therapeutic agents. Thus, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the resistance of prostate cancer will facilitate the discovery of more efficient treatment protocols. Human phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 4 (hPEBP4) is recently identified by us as an anti-apoptotic molecule and a potential candidate target for breast cancer treatment. Here we found the expression levels of hPEBP4 were positively correlated with the severity of clinical prostate cancer. Furthermore, hPEBP4 was not expressed in TRAIL-sensitive DU145 prostate cancer cells, but was highly expressed in TRAIL-resistant LNCaP cells, which show highly activated Akt. Interestingly, hPEBP4 overexpression in TRAIL-sensitive DU145 cells promoted Akt activation but inhibited ERK1/2 activation. The hPEBP4-overexpressing DU145 cells became resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis consequently, which could be reversed by PI3K inhibitors. In contrast, silencing of hPEBP4 in TRAIL-resistant LNCaP cells inhibited Akt activation but increased ERK1/2 activation, resulting in their sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis that was restored by the MEK1 inhibitor. Therefore, hPEBP4 expression in prostate cancer can activate Akt and deactivate ERK1/2 signaling, leading to TRAIL resistance. We also demonstrated that hPEBP4-mediated resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis occurred downstream of caspase-8 and at the level of BID cleavage via the regulation of Akt and ERK pathways, and that hPEBP4-regulated ERK deactivation was upstream of Akt activation in prostate cancer cells. Considering that hPEBP4 confers cellular resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and is abundantly expressed in poorly differentiated prostate cancer, silencing of hPEBP4 suggests a promising approach for prostate cancer treatment.

Polynucleotide phosphorylase: an evolutionary conserved gene with an expanding repertoire of functions

RNA metabolism plays a seminal role in regulating diverse physiological processes. Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) is an evolutionary conserved 3',5' exoribonuclease, which plays a central role in RNA processing in bacteria and plants. Human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPase old-35) was cloned using an inventive strategy designed to identify genes regulating the fundamental physiological processes of differentiation and senescence. Although hPNPase old-35 structurally and biochemically resembles PNPase of other species, targeted overexpression and inhibition studies reveal that hPNPase old-35 has evolved to serve more specialized functions in humans. The present review provides a global perspective on the structure and function of PNPase and then focuses on hPNPase old-35 in the contexts of differentiation and senescence.

The possible role of EWS-Fli1 in evasion of senescence in Ewing family tumors

The chromosomal translocation t(11;22) yields the EWS-Fli1 fusion gene and is associated with oncogenesis of Ewing family tumors (EFT). In this study, using the RNA interference method, we show that EWS-Fli1-targeting small interfering RNAs (siRNA) depleted EWS-Fli1 protein and caused growth inhibition in EFT cells with the accumulation of p27 protein and the down-regulation of Skp2 protein in dose-dependent, time-dependent, and sequence-specific manners. Depletion of EWS-Fli1 subacutely elicited a senescence-like phenotype, but not apoptosis, in EFT cells. Furthermore, not only the knockdown of p27, but also the forced expression of Skp2, reduced the expression levels of p27 protein and partially rescued senescence-like phenotype caused by EWS-Fli1-targeting siRNAs. The accumulation of p27 protein in EWS-Fli1-depleted cells inhibited cdk2 kinase activity and was related to the stability of p27 protein, which resulted from a decrease in Skp2 protein. Immunohistochemical analysis of p27 and Skp2 proteins in EFT samples revealed that there was an inverse relationship between the expression profiles of p27 and Skp2 proteins. These findings indicate an important role of EWS-Fli1 in the prevention of senescence, leading to the unlimited growth and oncogenesis of EFT cells through a decrease in the stability of p27 protein due to increased action of Skp2-mediated 26S proteasome degradation.

Prometheus' challenge: molecular, cellular and systemic aspects of liver regeneration

The fascinating aspect of the liver is the capacity to regenerate after injury or resection. A variety of genes, cytokines, growth factors, and cells are involved in liver regeneration. The exact mechanism of regeneration and the interaction between cells and cytokines are not fully understood. There seems to exist a sequence of stages that result in liver regeneration, while at the same time inhibitors control the size of the regenerated liver. It has been proven that hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor, epidermal growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukins -1 and -6 are the main growth and promoter factors secreted after hepatic injury, partial hepatectomy and after a sequence of different and complex reactions to activate transcription factors, mainly nuclear factor kappaB and signal transduction and activator of transcription-3, affects specific genes to promote liver regeneration. Unraveling the complex processes of liver regeneration may provide novel strategies in the management of patients with end-stage liver disease. In particular, inducing liver regeneration should reduce morbidity for the donor and increase faster recovery for the liver transplantation recipient.

Formation of elongated giant mitochondria in DFO-induced cellular senescence: Involvement of enhanced fusion process through modulation of Fis1

Enlarged or giant mitochondria have often been documented in aged tissues although their role and underlying mechanism remain unclear. We report here how highly elongated giant mitochondria are formed in and related to the senescent arrest. The mitochondrial morphology was progressively changed to a highly elongated form during deferoxamine (DFO)-induced senescent arrest of Chang cells, accompanied by increase of intracellular ROS level and decrease of mtDNA content. Interestingly, under exposure to subcytotoxic doses of H2O2 (200 microM), about 65% of Chang cells harbored elongated mitochondria with senescent phenotypes whereas ethidium bromide (EtBr) (50 ng/ml) only reformed the cristae structure. Elongated giant mitochondria were also observed in TGF beta1- or H2O2-induced senescent Mv1Lu cells and in old human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). In all senescent progresses employed in this study Fis1 protein, a mitochondrial fission modulator, was commonly downexpressed. Overexpression of YFP-Fis1 reversed both mitochondrial elongation and appearance of senescent phenotypes induced by DFO, implying its critical involvement in the arrest. Finally, we found that direct induction of mitochondrial elongation by blocking mitochondrial fission process with Fis1-DeltaTM or Drp1-K38A was sufficient to develop senescent phenotypes with increased ROS production. These data suggest that mitochondrial elongation may play an important role as a mediator in stress-induced premature senescence.

Troglitazone inhibits tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) has been implicated in the differentiation and growth inhibition of cancer cells. We examined the effects of PPARgamma activation by troglitazone on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. We also studied relationships between PPARgamma activation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Human HCC cell lines Huh7 and Hep3B were cultured in the presence or absence of troglitazone. Cell growth was determined via WST-1 assay, proliferation by cell cycle analysis and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) Western blotting, and apoptosis by flow cytometry and TUNEL. Tumor growth after subcutaneous implantation of Huh7 cells in nude mice was monitored, and the effects of treatment with troglitazone were determined. In resected HCCs, PPARgamma expression was less compared with the histologically normal surrounding liver. In cultures of Hep3B and Huh7 cells, basal expression of PPARgamma was relatively low, but troglitazone caused dose-dependent induction of PPARgamma expression. Cell cycle analysis revealed a decreased proportion of cells in S phase, with arrest at G0/G1. Concomitant downregulation of PCNA and an increase in TUNEL staining, cells were consistent with decreased proliferation and induction of apoptosis by troglitazaone. Troglitazone-mediated PPARgamma activation also suppressed COX-2 expression and induced p27 in HCC cells. Administration of troglitazone to Huh7 tumor-bearing mice significantly reduced tumor growth and caused tumor regression. In conclusion, collectively, these results indicate that PPARgamma could be a regulator of cell survival and growth in HCC. PPARgamma therefore represents a putative molecular target for chemopreventive therapy or inhibition of liver cancer growth.

Defining the domains of human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPaseOLD-35) mediating cellular senescence

To fully comprehend cellular senescence, identification of relevant genes involved in this process is mandatory. Human polynucleotide phosphorylase (hPNPase(OLD-35)), an evolutionarily conserved 3', 5' exoribonuclease mediating mRNA degradation, was first identified as a predominantly mitochondrial protein overexpressed during terminal differentiation and senescence. Overexpression of hPNPase(OLD-35) in human melanoma cells and melanocytes induces distinctive changes associated with senescence, potentially mediated by direct degradation of c-myc mRNA by this enzyme. hPNPase(OLD-35) contains two RNase PH (RPH) domains, one PNPase domain, and two RNA binding domains. Using deletion mutation analysis in combination with biochemical and molecular analyses we now demonstrate that the presence of either one of the two RPH domains conferred similar functional activity as the full-length protein, whereas a deletion mutant containing only the RNA binding domains was devoid of activity. Moreover, either one of the two RPH domains induced the morphological, biochemical, and gene expression changes associated with senescence, including degradation of c-myc mRNA. Subcellular distribution confirmed hPNPase(OLD-35) to be localized both in mitochondria and the cytoplasm. The present study elucidates how a predominantly mitochondrial protein, via its localization in both mitochondria and cytoplasm, is able to target a specific cytoplasmic mRNA, c-myc, for degradation and through this process induce cellular senescence.

Chloramphenicol-induced mitochondrial stress increases p21 expression and prevents cell apoptosis through a p21-dependent pathway

Pretreatment of HepG2 and H1299 cells with chloramphenicol rendered the cells resistant to mitomycin-induced apoptosis. Both mitomycin-induced caspase 3 activity and PARP activation were also inhibited. The mitochondrial DNA-encoded Cox I protein, but not nuclear-encoded proteins, was down-regulated in chloramphenicol-treated cells. Cellular levels of the p21(waf1/cip1) protein and p21(waf1/cip1) mRNA were increased through a p53-independent pathway, possibly because of the stabilization of p21(waf1/cip1) mRNA in chloramphenicol-treated cells. The p21(waf1/cip1) was redistributed from the perinuclear region to the cytoplasm and co-localized with mitochondrial marker protein. Several morphological changes and activation of the senescence-associated biomarker, SA beta-galactosidase, were observed in these cells. Both p21(waf1/cip1) antisense and small interfering RNA could restore apoptotic-associated caspase 3 activity, PARP activation, and sensitivity to mitomycin-induced apoptosis. Similar effects were seen with other antibiotics that inhibit mitochondrial translation, including minocycline, doxycycline, and clindamycin. These findings suggested that mitochondrial stress causes resistance to apoptosis through a p21-dependent pathway.

TGF β1 induces prolonged mitochondrial ROS generation through decreased complex IV activity with senescent arrest in Mv1Lu cells

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta1) is a well-characterized cytokine that suppresses epithelial cell growth. We report here that TGF beta1 arrested lung epithelial Mv1Lu cells at G1 phase of the cell cycle with acquisition of senescent phenotypes in the presence of 10% serum, whereas it gradually induced apoptosis with lower concentrations of serum. The senescent arrest was accompanied by prolonged generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and persistent disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim). We demonstrated that the sustained ROS overproduction was derived from mitochondrial respiratory defect via decreased complex IV activity and was involved in the arrest. Moreover, we verified that hepatocyte growth factor released Mv1Lu cells from the arrest by protecting mitochondrial respiration, thereby preventing both the DeltaPsim disruption and the ROS generation. Our present results suggest the TGF beta1-induced senescent arrest as another plausible mechanism to suppress cellular growth in vivo and provide a new biochemical association between the mitochondrial functional defects and the cytokine-induced senescent arrest, emphasizing the importance of maintenance of mitochondrial function in cellular protection from the arrest.

Mitochondrial dysfunction via disruption of complex II activity during iron chelation-induced senescence-like growth arrest of Chang cells

When cells are deprived of iron, their growth is invariably inhibited. However, the mechanism involved remains largely unclear. Recently, we have reported that subcytotoxic concentration of deferoxamine mesylate (DFO), an iron chelator, specifically inhibited transition of Chang cell, a normal hepatocyte cell line, from G1 to S phase, which was accompanied by irreversible appearance of senescent biomarkers. To investigate factors responsible for the irreversible arrest, we examined mitochondrial activities because they require several irons for their proper structure and function. After exposure to 1 M DFO, total cellular ATP level was irreversibly decreased with concurrent disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), implying that it might be one of the crucial factors involved in the arrest. DFO did not directly inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory activities in vitro. Among the respiratory activities, complex II activity was specifically inhibited through a down-regulation of the expression of its iron-sulfur subunit. We also observed that mitochondrial morphology was drastically changed to highly elongated form. Our results suggest that mitochondrial function is sensitive to cellular iron level and iron deprivation might be involved in inducing the senescent arrest. In addition, complex II, which is a part of both oxidative phosphorylation and the Krebs cycle, could be one of the critical factors that regulate mitochondrial function by responding to iron levels.