Ca2+-induced PARP-1 activation and ANF expression are coupled events in cardiomyocytes

T-type voltage-gated channels, Na+/Ca2+-exchanger, and calpain-2 promote photoreceptor cell death in inherited retinal degeneration

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a group of untreatable and commonly blinding diseases characterized by progressive photoreceptor loss. IRD pathology has been linked to an excessive activation of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGC) leading to Na+- and Ca2+-influx, subsequent activation of voltage-gated Ca2+-channels (VGCC), and further Ca2+ influx. However, a connection between excessive Ca2+ influx and photoreceptor loss has yet to be proven.Here, we used whole-retina and single-cell RNA-sequencing to compare gene expression between the rd1 mouse model for IRD and wild-type (wt) mice. Differentially expressed genes indicated links to several Ca2+-signalling related pathways. To explore these, rd1 and wt organotypic retinal explant cultures were treated with the intracellular Ca2+-chelator BAPTA-AM or inhibitors of different Ca2+-permeable channels, including CNGC, L-type VGCC, T-type VGCC, Ca2+-release-activated channel (CRAC), and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). Moreover, we employed the novel compound NA-184 to selectively inhibit the Ca2+-dependent protease calpain-2. Effects on the retinal activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), sirtuin-type histone-deacetylase, calpains, as well as on activation of calpain-1, and - 2 were monitored, cell death was assessed via the TUNEL assay.While rd1 photoreceptor cell death was reduced by BAPTA-AM, Ca2+-channel blockers had divergent effects: While inhibition of T-type VGCC and NCX promoted survival, blocking CNGCs and CRACs did not. The treatment-related activity patterns of calpains and PARPs corresponded to the extent of cell death. Remarkably, sirtuin activity and calpain-1 activation were linked to photoreceptor protection, while calpain-2 activity was related to degeneration. In support of this finding, the calpain-2 inhibitor NA-184 protected rd1 photoreceptors.These results suggest that Ca2+ overload in rd1 photoreceptors may be triggered by T-type VGCCs and NCX. High Ca2+-levels likely suppress protective activity of calpain-1 and promote retinal degeneration via activation of calpain-2. Overall, our study details the complexity of Ca2+-signalling in photoreceptors and emphasizes the importance of targeting degenerative processes specifically to achieve a therapeutic benefit for IRDs. Video Abstract.

cGMP Signaling in Photoreceptor Degeneration

Photoreceptors in the retina are highly specialized neurons with photosensitive molecules in the outer segment that transform light into chemical and electrical signals, and these signals are ultimately relayed to the visual cortex in the brain to form vision. Photoreceptors are composed of rods and cones. Rods are responsible for dim light vision, whereas cones are responsible for bright light, color vision, and visual acuity. Photoreceptors undergo progressive degeneration over time in many hereditary and age-related retinal diseases. Despite the remarkable heterogeneity of disease-causing genes, environmental factors, and pathogenesis, the progressive death of rod and cone photoreceptors ultimately leads to loss of vision/blindness. There are currently no treatments available for retinal degeneration. Cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) plays a pivotal role in phototransduction. cGMP governs the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels on the plasma membrane of the photoreceptor outer segments, thereby regulating membrane potential and signal transmission. By gating the CNG channels, cGMP regulates cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and signal transduction. As a second messenger, cGMP activates the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG), which regulates numerous targets/cellular events. The dysregulation of cGMP signaling is observed in varieties of photoreceptor/retinal degenerative diseases. Abnormally elevated cGMP signaling interferes with various cellular events, which ultimately leads to photoreceptor degeneration. In line with this, strategies to reduce cellular cGMP signaling result in photoreceptor protection in mouse models of retinal degeneration. The potential mechanisms underlying cGMP signaling-induced photoreceptor degeneration involve the activation of PKG and impaired Ca2+ homeostasis/Ca2+ overload, resulting from overactivation of the CNG channels, as well as the subsequent activation of the downstream cellular stress/death pathways. Thus, targeting the cellular cGMP/PKG signaling and the Ca2+-regulating pathways represents a significant strategy for photoreceptor protection in retinal degenerative diseases.

A Long-Lasting PARP1-Activation Mediates Signal-Induced Gene Expression

This overview presents recent evidence for a long-lasting PARP1 activation by a variety of signal transduction mechanisms, mediating signal-induced gene expression and chromatin remodeling. This mode of PARP1 activation has been reported in a variety of cell types, under physiological conditions. In this mechanism, PARP1 is not transiently activated by binding to DNA breaks. Moreover, damaged DNA interfered with this long-lasting PARP1 activation.

Inherited Retinal Degeneration: PARP-Dependent Activation of Calpain Requires CNG Channel Activity

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a group of blinding diseases, typically involving a progressive loss of photoreceptors. The IRD pathology is often based on an accumulation of cGMP in photoreceptors and associated with the excessive activation of calpain and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Inhibitors of calpain or PARP have shown promise in preventing photoreceptor cell death, yet the relationship between these enzymes remains unclear. To explore this further, organotypic retinal explant cultures derived from wild-type and IRD-mutant mice were treated with inhibitors specific for calpain, PARP, and voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs). The outcomes were assessed using in situ activity assays for calpain and PARP and immunostaining for activated calpain-2, poly (ADP-ribose), and cGMP, as well as the TUNEL assay for cell death detection. The IRD models included the Pde6b-mutant rd1 mouse and rd1*Cngb1^−/− double-mutant mice, which lack the beta subunit of the rod cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel and are partially protected from rd1 degeneration. We confirmed that an inhibition of either calpain or PARP reduces photoreceptor cell death in rd1 retina. However, while the activity of calpain was decreased by the inhibition of PARP, calpain inhibition did not alter the PARP activity. A combination treatment with calpain and PARP inhibitors did not synergistically reduce cell death. In the slow degeneration of rd1*Cngb1^−/− double mutant, VGCC inhibition delayed photoreceptor cell death, while PARP inhibition did not. Our results indicate that PARP acts upstream of calpain and that both are part of the same degenerative pathway in Pde6b-dependent photoreceptor degeneration. While PARP activation may be associated with CNG channel activity, calpain activation is linked to VGCC opening. Overall, our data highlights PARP as a target for therapeutic interventions in IRD-type diseases.

The role of cGMP-signalling and calcium-signalling in photoreceptor cell death: perspectives for therapy development

The second messengers, cGMP and Ca²⁺, have both been implicated in retinal degeneration; however, it is still unclear which of the two is most relevant for photoreceptor cell death. This problem is exacerbated by the close connections and crosstalk between cGMP-signalling and calcium (Ca²⁺)-signalling in photoreceptors. In this review, we summarize key aspects of cGMP-signalling and Ca²⁺-signalling relevant for hereditary photoreceptor degeneration. The topics covered include cGMP-signalling targets, the role of Ca²⁺ permeable channels, relation to energy metabolism, calpain-type proteases, and how the related metabolic processes may trigger and execute photoreceptor cell death. A focus is then put on cGMP-dependent mechanisms and how exceedingly high photoreceptor cGMP levels set in motion cascades of Ca²⁺-dependent and independent processes that eventually bring about photoreceptor cell death. Finally, an outlook is given into mutation-independent therapeutic approaches that exploit specific features of cGMP-signalling. Such approaches might be combined with suitable drug delivery systems for translation into clinical applications.

Signal-induced PARP1-Erk synergism mediates IEG expression

A recently disclosed Erk-induced PARP1 activation mechanism mediates the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) in response to a variety of extra- and intracellular signals implicated in memory acquisition, development and proliferation. Here, we review this mechanism, which is initiated by stimulation-induced binding of PARP1 to phosphorylated Erk translocated into the nucleus. This binding maintains long-lasting synergistic activity of these proteins, which offers a new pattern for targeted therapy.

PARP-1 inhibition protects the diabetic heart through activation of SIRT1-PGC-1α axis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) follows impaired glucose tolerance in obesity and is frequently associated with hypertension, causing adverse myocardial remodelling and leading to heart failure. The DNA bound protein PARP (poly ADP ribose) polymerase catalyses a post translational modification (polymerization of negatively charged ADP-ribose chains) of nuclear proteins. PARP-1 activation is NAD⁺ dependent and takes part in DNA repair and in chromatin remodelling and has a function in transcriptional regulation, intracellular trafficking and energy metabolism. PARP-1 is activated in diabetic cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that PARP-1 inhibition in diabetic mice may protect cardiomyocytes from inflammation and ROS production.

METHODS

Obese Leptin resistant (db/db) mice suffering from DM2, were treated with angiotensin II (AT) for 4 weeks to enhance the development of cardiomyopathy. Mice were concomitantly treated with the PARP-1 inhibitor INO1001. Neonatal cardiomyocytes exposed to high levels of glucose (33 mM) with or without AT were treated with INO1001. or with SIRT inhibitor (EX-527) in the presence of INO1001 were tested in-vitro.

RESULTS

The in-vivo tests show that hearts from AT treated DM2 mice exhibited cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and an increase in the inflammatory marker TNFα. DM2 mice had an increased oxidative stress, concomitant with elevated PARP-1 activity and reduced Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) expression. PARP-1 inhibition led to increased SIRT1 and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) levels, attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. In-vitro experiments demonstrated that inhibition of PARP-1 in cardiomyocytes exposed to high levels of glucose and AT led to a significant reduction in ROS (P < 0.01), which was abolished in the presence of the SIRT1 inhibitor together with increased protein expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α.

CONCLUSION

PARP1 inhibitor INO1001 attenuated cardiomyopathic features in diabetic mice through the activation of SIRT1 and its downstream antioxidant defence mechanisms. The results of this study suggest a pivotal role of PARP-1 inhibition in treating diabetic and AT-induced cardiomyopathy.

Regulation of diabetic cardiomyopathy by caloric restriction is mediated by intracellular signaling pathways involving 'SIRT1 and PGC-1α'

Background

Metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are all linked to diabetic cardiomyopathy that lead to heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is initially characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, followed by mitochondrial dysfunction and fibrosis, both of which are aggravated by angiotensin. Caloric restriction (CR) is cardioprotective in animal models of heart disease through its catabolic activity and activation of the expression of adaptive genes. We hypothesized that in the diabetic heart; this effect involves antioxidant defenses and is mediated by SIRT1 and the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator).

Methods

Obese Leptin resistant (db/db) mice characterized by DM2 were treated with angiotensin II (AT) for 4 weeks to enhance the development of cardiomyopathy. Mice were concomitantly either on a CR diet or fed ad libitum. Cardiomyocytes were exposed to high levels of glucose and were treated with EX-527 (SIRT1 inhibitor). Cardiac structure and function, gene and protein expression and oxidative stress parameters were analyzed.

Results

AT treated db/db mice developed cardiomyopathy manifested by elevated levels of serum glucose, cholesterol and cardiac hypertrophy. Leukocyte infiltration, fibrosis and an increase in an inflammatory marker (TNFα) and natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP) gene expression were also observed. Oxidative stress was manifested by low SOD and PGC-1α levels and an increase in ROS and MDA. DM2 resulted in ERK1/2 activation. CR attenuated all these deleterious perturbations and prevented the development of cardiomyopathy. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was reduced in CR mice (p = 0.008). Concomitantly CR prevented the reduction in SIRT activity and PGC-1α (p < 0.04). Inhibition of SIRT1 activity in cardiomyocytes led to a marked reduction in both SIRT1 and PGC-1α. ROS levels were significantly (p < 0.03) increased by glucose and SIRT1 inhibition.

Conclusion

In the current study we present evidence of the cardioprotective effects of CR operating through SIRT1 and PGC-1 α, thereby decreasing oxidative stress, fibrosis and inflammation. Our results suggest that increasing SIRT1 and PGC-1α levels offer new therapeutic approaches for the protection of the diabetic heart.

PARP1-Erk synergism in proliferating cells

A synergism between PARP1 and phosphorylated Erk mediating IEG (immediate early gene) expression has been recently reported in cerebral neurons and cardiomyocytes. Stimulation induced PARP-Erk synergism was required for IEG expression underlying synaptic plasticity and long-term memory acquisition during learning. It was similarly required for cardiomyocytes development. Here, we identified this mechanism in Erk-induced gene expression promoting proliferation. This mechanism can be targeted in malignant cells.

Poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase as therapeutic target: lessons learned from its inhibitors

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases are a family of DNA-dependent nuclear enzymes catalyzing the transfer of ADP-ribose moieties from cellular nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide to a variety of target proteins. Although they have been considered as resident nuclear elements of the DNA repair machinery, recent works revealed a more intricate physiologic role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases with numerous extranuclear activities. Indeed, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases participate in fundamental cellular processes like chromatin remodelling, transcription or regulation of the cell-cycle. These new insight into the physiologic roles of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases widens the range of human pathologies in which pharmacologic inhibition of these enzymes might have a therapeutic potential. Here, we overview our current knowledge on extranuclear functions of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases with a particular focus on the mitochondrial ones and discuss potential fields of future clinical applications.

Xeroderma Pigmentosa Group A (XPA), Nucleotide Excision Repair and Regulation by ATR in Response to Ultraviolet Irradiation

The sensitivity of Xeroderma pigmentosa (XP) patients to sunlight has spurred the discovery and genetic and biochemical analysis of the eight XP gene products (XPA-XPG plus XPV) responsible for this disorder. These studies also have served to elucidate the nucleotide excision repair (NER) process, especially the critical role played by the XPA protein. More recent studies have shown that NER also involves numerous other proteins normally employed in DNA metabolism and cell cycle regulation. Central among these is ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR), a protein kinase involved in intracellular signaling in response to DNA damage, especially DNA damage-induced replicative stresses. This review summarizes recent findings on the interplay between ATR as a DNA damage signaling kinase and as a novel ligand for intrinsic cell death proteins to delay damage-induced apoptosis, and on ATR's regulation of XPA and the NER process for repair of UV-induced DNA adducts. ATR's regulatory role in the cytosolic-to-nuclear translocation of XPA will be discussed. In addition, recent findings elucidating a non-NER role for XPA in DNA metabolism and genome stabilization at ds-ssDNA junctions, as exemplified in prematurely aging progeroid cells, also will be reviewed.

A PARP1-ERK2 synergism is required for the induction of LTP

Unexpectedly, a post-translational modification of DNA-binding proteins, initiating the cell response to single-strand DNA damage, was also required for long-term memory acquisition in a variety of learning paradigms. Our findings disclose a molecular mechanism based on PARP1-Erk synergism, which may underlie this phenomenon. A stimulation induced PARP1 binding to phosphorylated Erk2 in the chromatin of cerebral neurons caused Erk-induced PARP1 activation, rendering transcription factors and promoters of immediate early genes (IEG) accessible to PARP1-bound phosphorylated Erk2. Thus, Erk-induced PARP1 activation mediated IEG expression implicated in long-term memory. PARP1 inhibition, silencing, or genetic deletion abrogated stimulation-induced Erk-recruitment to IEG promoters, gene expression and LTP generation in hippocampal CA3-CA1-connections. Moreover, a predominant binding of PARP1 to single-strand DNA breaks, occluding its Erk binding sites, suppressed IEG expression and prevented the generation of LTP. These findings outline a PARP1-dependent mechanism required for LTP generation, which may be implicated in long-term memory acquisition and in its deterioration in senescence.

Thrombin or Ca(++)-ionophore-mediated fall in endothelial ATP levels independent of poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase activity and NAD levels--comparison with the effects of hydrogen peroxide

To test the hypothesis that a fall in cellular ATP following stimulation of endothelial cells with thrombin is secondary to a decrease in NAD levels caused by poly(ADP-Ribose)polymerase (PARP), we measured the levels of NAD and ATP in endothelial cells after treatment with thrombin, the Ca(++)-ionophore A23187, or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and compared the effects of inhibitors of PARP, NAD synthesis, and ADP-ribose breakdown on these responses. Neither thrombin nor A23187 caused a reduction in endothelial NAD levels and A23187 affected ATP levels independently of NAD levels or PARP activity. H2O2 induced lowering of NAD caused modest lowering of ATP but marked additional ATP-lowering, independent of PARP and NAD, was also demonstrated. We conclude that in endothelial cells ATP levels are largely independent of NAD and PARP, which do not play a role in thrombin or Ca(++)-ionophore-mediated lowering of ATP. H2O2 caused ATP lowering through a similar mechanism as thrombin and A23187 but, additionally, caused a further ATP lowering through its intense stimulation of PARP and marked lowering of NAD.

Balancing functions of annexin A6 maintain equilibrium between hypertrophy and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a major risk factor associated with heart failure, a state concomitant with increased cell death. However, the mechanism governing progression of hypertrophy to apoptosis at the single-cell level remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate annexin A6 (Anxa6), a calcium (Ca(2+))-dependent phospholipid-binding protein critically regulates the transition of chronic hypertrophied cardiomyocytes to apoptosis. Treatment of the H9c2(2-1) cardiomyocytes with hypertrophic agonists upregulates and relocalizes Anxa6 with increased cytosolic punctate appearance. Live cell imaging revealed that chronic exposure to hypertrophic agonists such as phenylephrine (PE) compromises the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and morphological dynamics. Such chronic hypertrophic induction also activated the caspases 9 and 3 and induced cleavage of the poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (Parp1), which are the typical downstream events in the mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis. An increased rate of apoptosis was evident in the hypertrophied cardiomyocytes after 48-72 h of treatment with the hypertrophic agonists. Anxa6 was progressively associated with the mitochondrial fraction under chronic hypertrophic stimulation, and Anxa6 knockdown severely abrogated mitochondrial network and dynamics. Ectopically expressed Anxa6 protected the mitochondrial morphology and dynamics under PE treatment, and also increased the cellular susceptibility to apoptosis. Biochemical analysis showed that Anxa6 interacts with Parp1 and its 89 kDa cleaved product in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner through the N-terminal residues (1-28). Furthermore, expression of Anxa6(S13E), a mutant dominant negative with respect to Parp1 binding, served as an enhancer of mitochondrial dynamics, even under chronic PE treatment. Chemical inhibition of Parp1 activity released the cellular vulnerability to apoptosis in Anxa6-expressing stable cell lines, thereby shifting the equilibrium away from cell death. Taken together, the present study depicts a dual regulatory function of Anxa6 that is crucial for balancing hypertrophy with apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.

Ca²⁺ signal-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through activation of myocardin

Hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes in response to pressure overload is an important stage during the development of many cardiac diseases. Ca(2+) overload as well as subsequent activation of Ca(2+) signaling pathways has been reported to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Myocardin, a transcription cofactor of serum response factor (SRF), is a key transducer of hypertrophic signals. However, the direct role of myocardin in Ca(2+) signal-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy has not been explained clearly. In the present study, we discovered that embryonic rat heart-derived H9c2 cells responded to the stimulation of calcium ionophore A23187 with a cell surface area enlargement and an increased expression of cardiac hypertrophy marker genes. Increased Ca(2+) also induces an organization of sarcomeres in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, as revealed by α-actinin staining. Increased Ca(2+) could upregulate the expression of myocardin. Knockdown of myocardin by shRNA attenuates hypertrophic responses triggered by increased intracellular Ca(2+), suggesting that Ca(2+) signals induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy partly through activation of myocardin. Furthermore, A23187 treatment directly activates myocardin promoter, chelation of Ca(2+) by EGTA inhibits this activation and knockdown of myocardin expression using shRNA also abrogates A23187-induced ANF and SK-α-actin promoter activity. CSA (calcineurin inhibitor) and KN93 (CaMKII inhibitor) inhibit A23187-induced the increase in myocardin expression. These results suggest that myocardin plays a critical role in Ca(2+) signal-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which may serve as a novel mechanism that is important for cardiac hypertrophy.

AG-690/11026014, a novel PARP-1 inhibitor, protects cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced hypertrophy

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) enzyme, as a sensor of DNA damage, could convert nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) into long poly(ADP-ribose) chains and regulate many cellular processes, including DNA repair, gene transcription, cell survival and chromatin remodeling. However, excessive activation of PARP-1 depletes its substrate NAD and leads to cell death. Mounting evidences have shown that PARP-1 overactivation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. In present study, a novel PARP-1 inhibitor AG-690/11026014 (6014) was identified based on virtual screening and validated by bioassay. Our results further showed that 6014 prevented the cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced hypertrophy, accompanying attenuation of the mRNA and protein expressions of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and reduce in the cell surface area. Additionally, 6014 reversed the depletion ofcellular NAD and SIRT6 deacetylase activity induced by AngII in cardiomyocytes. These observations suggest that anti-hypertrophic effect of 6014 might be partially attributed to the rescue of NAD depletion and subsequent restoring of SIRT6 activity by inhibition of PARP-1. Moreover, 6014 attenuated the generation of oxidative stress via suppression of NADPH oxidase 2 and 4, which might probably contribute to the inhibition of PARP-1.

Salvianolic acid B protects cardiomyocytes from angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy via inhibition of PARP-1

Salvianolic acid B (SalB), one of the major bioactive components in Salviamiltiorrhiza, has plenty of cardioprotective effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of SalB on angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, and to find out whether or not this effect is attributed to inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), which plays a key role in cardiac hypertrophy. Our results showed that SalB prevented the cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced hypertrophy, associated with attenuation of the mRNA expressions of atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic peptide, and reduction in the cell surface area. SalB inhibited the activity of PARP-1. The inhibitory effect was comparable to that of the PARP-1 inhibitor 3-Aminobenzamide (3-AB). In addition, SalB reversed the depletion of cellular NAD(+) induced by AngII. Moreover, overexpression of PARP-1 attenuated the anti-hypertrophic effect of SalB. These observations suggested that SalB prevented the cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced hypertrophy, at least partially through inhibition of PARP-1. Moreover, SalB attenuated the generation of oxidative stress via suppression of NADPH oxidase 2 and 4, which might probably contribute to the inhibition of PARP-1. These present findings may shed new light on the understanding of the cardioprotective effect of SalB.

Poly(ADP-ribose) signaling in cell death

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a reversible protein modification carried out by the concerted actions of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) decomposing enzymes such as PAR glycohydrolase (PARG) and ADP-ribosyl hydrolase 3 (ARH3). Reversible PARylation is a pleiotropic regulator of various cellular functions but uncontrolled PARP activation may also lead to cell death. The cellular demise pathway mediated by PARylation in oxidatively stressed cells has been described almost thirty years ago. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have only begun to emerge relatively recently. PARylation has been implicated in necroptosis, autophagic cell death but its role in extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis appears to be less predominant and depends largely on the cellular model used. Currently, three major pathways have been made responsible for PARP-mediated necroptotic cell death: (1) compromised cellular energetics mainly due to depletion of NAD, the substrate of PARPs; (2) PAR mediated translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria to nucleus (parthanatos) and (3) a mostly elusive crosstalk between PARylation and cell death/survival kinases and phosphatases. Here we review how these PARP-mediated necroptotic pathways are intertwined, how PARylation may contribute to extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis and discuss recent developments on the role of PARylation in autophagy and autophagic cell death.

On PAR with PARP: cellular stress signaling through poly(ADP-ribose) and PARP-1

Cellular stress responses are mediated through a series of regulatory processes that occur at the genomic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. These responses require a complex network of sensors and effectors from multiple signaling pathways, including the abundant and ubiquitous nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). PARP-1 functions at the center of cellular stress responses, where it processes diverse signals and, in response, directs cells to specific fates (e.g., DNA repair vs. cell death) based on the type and strength of the stress stimulus. Many of PARP-1's functions in stress response pathways are mediated by its regulated synthesis of PAR, a negatively charged polymer, using NAD(+) as a donor of ADP-ribose units. Thus, PARP-1's functions are intimately tied to nuclear NAD(+) metabolism and the broader metabolic profile of the cell. Recent studies in cell and animal models have highlighted the roles of PARP-1 and PAR in the response to a wide variety of extrinsic and intrinsic stress signals, including those initiated by oxidative, nitrosative, genotoxic, oncogenic, thermal, inflammatory, and metabolic stresses. These responses underlie pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation-related diseases, and metabolic dysregulation. The development of PARP inhibitors is being pursued as a therapeutic approach to these conditions. In this review, we highlight the newest findings about PARP-1's role in stress responses in the context of the historical data.

Increased transcript level of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1) in human tricuspid compared with bicuspid aortic valves correlates with the stenosis severity

Oxidative stress may contribute to the hemodynamic progression of aortic valve stenosis, and is associated with activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1. The aim of the present study was to assess the transcriptional profile and the topological distribution of PARP-1 in human aortic valves, and its relation to the stenosis severity. Human stenotic aortic valves were obtained from 46 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery and used for mRNA extraction followed by quantitative real-time PCR to correlate the PARP-1 expression levels with the non invasive hemodynamic parameters quantifying the stenosis severity. Primary isolated valvular interstitial cells (VICs) were used to explore the effects of cytokines and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) on valvular PARP-1 expression. The thickened areas of stenotic valves with tricuspid morphology expressed significantly higher levels of PARP-1 mRNA compared with the corresponding part of bicuspid valves (0.501 vs 0.243, P=0.01). Furthermore, the quantitative gene expression levels of PARP-1 were inversely correlated with the aortic valve area (AVA) (r=-0.46, P=0.0469) and AVA indexed for body surface area (BSA) (r=-0.498; P=0.0298) only in tricuspid aortic valves. LTC(4) (1nM) significantly elevated the mRNA levels of PARP-1 by 2.38-fold in VICs. Taken together, these data suggest that valvular DNA-damage pathways may be associated with inflammation and the stenosis severity in tricuspid aortic valves.