Protein turnover and proliferation. Failure of SV-3T3 cells to increase lysosomal proteinases, increase protein degradation and cease net protein accumulation

Resveratrol induces autophagy-dependent apoptosis in HL-60 cells

BACKGROUND

All known mechanisms of apoptosis induced by resveratrol act through cell cycle arrest and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. It is currently unknown whether resveratrol-induced apoptosis is associated with other physiological processes, such as autophagy.

METHODS

Apoptosis-related markers involved in the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, and autophagic markers were detected by using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assayed by flow cytometry. Pharmaceutical or genetic inhibition of autophagy involved were carried by 3- methyladenine or knockdown of autophagy-related (Atg) genes by siRNA. Differences between two values were tested by Student's unpaired t test.

RESULTS

We show that resveratrol-induced apoptosis occurs through both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis-related markers, such as an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved forms of caspase-8 and caspase-3, arise following resveratrol addition. Moreover, we find that resveratrol increases both the levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II and the number of autophagosomes, and further demonstrate that resveratrol-induced autophagy depends on the LKB1-AMPK-mTOR pathway. We next reveal that some apoptosis-related markers induced by resveratrol are further attenuated by the inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine or knockdown of autophagy-related (Atg) genes by siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that resveratrol induced apoptotic cell death of HL-60 cells depends on the autophagy activated through both the LKB1-AMPK and PI3K/AKT-regulated mTOR signaling pathways.

Autophagy suppresses isoprenaline-induced M2 macrophage polarization via the ROS/ERK and mTOR signaling pathway

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of autophagy on stress-induced M2 macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer and to determine whether the underlying mechanism was related to the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/ERK and mTOR pathway. In vitro, we found that the basal autophagy level in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages decreased with the incubation of tumor cell culture supernatant. Similarly, the polarization of RAW 264.7 to M2 macrophages was inhibited by the autophagy inducer rapamycin and increased by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or by siBeclin1. In addition, we found that not only was M2 molecule expression down-regulated but intracellular ROS generation was also blocked by autophagy induction. In vivo, we observed that mice that received an isoprenaline injection as a stress agent exhibited augmented implanted breast tumor growth, lung metastasis, intratumoral mRNA expression of M2 molecules and serum ROS generation. In contrast, the intratumoral expression of LC3-II and Beclin1 was decreased. In addition, we observed that isoprenaline induced the up-regulation of the intratumoral expression of phosphorylated mTOR, phosphorylated ERK1/2, phosphorylated Tyr705-STAT3 and HIF-1α, whereas rapamycin induced an opposite effect on the same molecules and could abolish the effects of isoprenaline. These results suggest that autophagy might suppress M2 macrophage polarization induced by isoprenaline via the ROS/ERK and mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for why high levels of stress hormones accelerate the progression of breast cancer, and autophagy may play a role in determining the outcomes of cancer therapy.

The role of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma: friend or foe

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosome-dependent catabolic process which degrades cell’s components in order to recycle substrates to exert optimally and adapt to tough circumstances. It is a critical cellular homeostatic mechanism with stress resistance, immunity, antiaging, and pro-tumor or anti-tumor effects. Among these, the role of autophagy in cancer is the most eye-catching that is not immutable but dynamic and highly complex. Basal autophagy acts as a tumor suppressor by maintaining genomic stability in normal cells. However, once a tumor is established, unbalanced autophagy will contribute to carcinoma cell survival under tumor microenvironment and in turn promote tumor growth and development. The dynamic role of autophagy can also apply on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is a highly malignant cancer with high morbidity and poor survival rate. Decline or overexpression of autophagic essential genes such as ATG7, ATG5 or Beclin 1 plays a key role in the occurrence and development of HCC but the exact mechanisms are still highly controversial. Signaling pathways or molecules involving in autophagy, for example PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, ERK/MAPK pathway, PERK pathway, p53, LncRNA PTENP1 (Long non-coding RNA PTENP1), microRNA-375 and so on, occupy an important position in the complex role of autophagy in HCC. Here, we discuss the dynamic role, the signaling pathways and the potential prognostic and therapy value of autophagy in HCC.

Time-resolved Analysis of Proteome Dynamics by Tandem Mass Tags and Stable Isotope Labeling in Cell Culture (TMT-SILAC) Hyperplexing

Recent advances in mass spectrometry have enabled system-wide analyses of protein turnover. By globally quantifying the kinetics of protein clearance and synthesis, these methodologies can provide important insights into the regulation of the proteome under varying cellular and environmental conditions. To facilitate such analyses, we have employed a methodology that combines metabolic isotopic labeling (Stable Isotope Labeling in Cell Culture - SILAC) with isobaric tagging (Tandem Mass Tags - TMT) for analysis of multiplexed samples. The fractional labeling of multiple time-points can be measured in a single mass spectrometry run, providing temporally resolved measurements of protein turnover kinetics. To demonstrate the feasibility of the approach, we simultaneously measured the kinetics of protein clearance and accumulation for more than 3000 proteins in dividing and quiescent human fibroblasts and verified the accuracy of the measurements by comparison to established non-multiplexed approaches. The results indicate that upon reaching quiescence, fibroblasts compensate for lack of cellular growth by globally downregulating protein synthesis and upregulating protein degradation. The described methodology significantly reduces the cost and complexity of temporally-resolved dynamic proteomic experiments and improves the precision of proteome-wide turnover data.

The RNA-binding protein Musashi-1 regulates proteasome subunit expression in breast cancer- and glioma-initiating cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells, similar to normal tissue stem cells, rely on developmental pathways, such as the Notch pathway, to maintain their stem cell state. One of the regulators of the Notch pathway is Musashi-1, a mRNA-binding protein. Musashi-1 promotes Notch signaling by binding to the mRNA of Numb, the negative regulator of Notch signaling, thus preventing its translation. CSCs have also been shown to downregulate their 26S proteasome activity in several types of solid tumors, thus making them resistant to proteasome-inhibitors used as anticancer agents in the clinic. Interestingly, the Notch pathway can be inhibited by proteasomal degradation of the Notch intracellular domain (Notch-ICD); therefore, downregulation of the 26S proteasome activity can lead to stabilization of Notch-ICD. Here, we present evidence that the downregulation of the 26S proteasome in CSCs constitutes another level of control by which Musashi-1 promotes signaling through the Notch pathway and maintenance of the stem cell phenotype of this subpopulation of cancer cells. We demonstrate that Musashi-1 mediates the downregulation of the 26S proteasome by binding to the mRNA of NF-YA, the transcriptional factor regulating 26S proteasome subunit expression, thus providing an additional route by which the degradation of Notch-ICD is prevented, and Notch signaling is sustained.

Autophagic cell death induced by resveratrol depends on the Ca(2+)/AMPK/mTOR pathway in A549 cells

Resveratrol has many biological effects, including anti-tumor, antiviral activities, and vascular protection. Recent studies have suggested that resveratrol exert its antitumor effects through induction of autophagy by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we investigated the involvement of autophagy in resveratrol-induced cell death and its potential molecular mechanisms in A549 human lung adnocarcinoma cells. Resveratrol-induced growth inhibition and cell death was assessed by MTT and clonogenic assays. Activation of autophagy was characterized by monodansylcadaverine, transmission electron microscopy, and expression of autophagy marker protein LC3. Western blot analysis was used to study the cell signals involved in the mechanisms of autophagic death. Intracellular free calcium was detected with Fura2-AM staining. Our results indicated that resveratrol induced A549 cell death was mediated by autophagy. 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy, suppressed resveratrol-induced autophagic cell death, and knockdown of autophagy-related genes Atg5 and Beclin-1 with siRNAs reversed RSV-induced cell death. Intracellular free calcium accumulated immediately following resveratrol addition, which led to the activation of phospho-AMPK and phospho-Raptor, and a reduction in the amount of phospho-p70S6K. These effects could be reversed by the AMPK inhibitor compound C, and the calcium ion-chelating agent EGTA. In conclusion, we demonstrate that resveratrol-induced A549 cell death was mediated by the process of autophagic cell death via Ca(2+)/AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.

Destination 'lysosome': a target organelle for tumour cell killing?

Lysosomes and lysosome-related organelles constitute a system of acid compartments that interconnect the inside of the cell with the extracellular environment via endocytosis, phagocytosis and exocytosis. In recent decades it has been recognized that lysosomes are not just wastebaskets for disposal of unused cellular constituents, but that they are involved in several cellular processes such as post-translational maturation of proteins, degradation of receptors and extracellular release of active enzymes. By complementing the autophagic process, lysosomes actively contribute to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Proteolysis by lysosomal cathepsins has been shown to mediate the death signal of cytotoxic drugs and cytokines, as well as the activation of pro-survival factors. Secreted lysosomal cathepsins have been shown to degrade protein components of the extracellular matrix, thus contributing actively to its re-modelling in physiological and pathological processes. The malfunction of lysosomes can, therefore, impact on cell behaviour and fate. Here we review the role of lysosomal hydrolases in several aspects of the malignant phenotype including loss of cell growth control, altered regulation of cell death, acquisition of chemoresistance and of metastatic potential. Based on these observations, the lysosome is proposed as a potential target organelle for the chemotherapy of tumours. We will also present some recent data concerning the technologies for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs to the endosomal-lysosomal compartment and the strategies to improve their efficacy.

Autophagy as a cell death and tumor suppressor mechanism

Autophagy is characterized by sequestration of bulk cytoplasm and organelles in double or multimembrane autophagic vesicles, and their delivery to and subsequent degradation by the cell's own lysosomal system. Autophagy has multiple physiological functions in multicellular organisms, including protein degradation and organelle turnover. Genes and proteins that constitute the basic machinery of the autophagic process were first identified in the yeast system and some of their mammalian orthologues have been characterized as well. Increasing lines of evidence indicate that these molecular mechanisms may be recruited by an alternative, caspase-independent form of programmed cell death, named autophagic type II cell death. In some settings, autophagy and apoptosis seem to be interconnected positively or negatively, introducing the concept of 'molecular switches' between them. Additionally, mitochondria may be central organelles integrating the two types of cell death. Malignant transformation is frequently associated with suppression of autophagy. The recent implication of tumor suppressors like Beclin 1, DAP-kinase and PTEN in autophagic pathways indicates a causative role for autophagy deficiencies in cancer formation. Autophagic cell death induction by some anticancer agents underlines the potential utility of its induction as a new cancer treatment modality.

Glucose regulates protein catabolism in ras-transformed fibroblasts through a lysosomal-dependent proteolytic pathway

Transformed cells are exposed to heterogeneous microenvironments, including low D-glucose (Glc) concentrations inside tumours. The regulation of protein turnover is commonly impaired in many types of transformed cells, but the role of Glc in this regulation is unknown. In the present study we demonstrate that Glc controls protein turnover in ras-transformed fibroblasts (KBALB). The regulation by Glc of protein breakdown was correlated with modifications in the levels of lysosomal cathepsins B, L and D, while autophagic sequestration and non-lysosomal proteolytic systems (m- and mu-calpains and the zeta-subunit of the proteasome) remained unaffected. Lactacystin, a selective inhibitor of the proteasome, depressed proteolysis, but did not prevent its regulation by Glc. The sole inhibition of the cysteine endopeptidases (cathepsins B and L, and calpains) by E-64d [(2S,3S)-trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido-3-methylbutane ethyl ester] was also not sufficient to alter the effect of Glc on proteolysis. The Glc-dependent increase in proteolysis was, however, prevented after optimal inhibition of lysosomal cysteine and aspartic endopeptidases by methylamine. We conclude that, in transformed cells, Glc plays a critical role in the regulation of protein turnover and that the lysosomal proteolytic capacity is mainly responsible for the control of intracellular proteolysis by Glc.

Synthesis, maturation and extracellular release of procathepsin D as influenced by cell proliferation or transformation

The relationship between cell growth and intra- and extracellular accumulation of cathepsin D (CD), a lysosomal endopeptidase involved in cell protein breakdown, was examined in cultures of normal and transformed BALB/c mouse 3T3 fibroblasts grown at various cell densities. In crowded cultures of normal 3T3 cells (doubling time, Td, 53 hr) intracellular CD activity was 2-fold higher than in sparse, rapidly-growing (Td, 27 hr) cultures. In uncrowded (Td, 18 hr) and crowded (Td, 32 hr) cultures of benzo[a]pyrene-transformed cells intracellular CD levels were one third and two thirds, respectively, of those measured in hyperconfluent 3T3 cultures. Regardless of cell density, SV-40-virus-transformed cells (Td, 12 hr) contained one third of CD levels found in hyperconfluent 3T3 cells. Both transformed cell lines released into the medium a higher proportion of CD, compared with their untransformed counterpart, yet the amount secreted was not sufficient to account for the reduced intracellular level of the enzyme. Serum withdrawal induced a marked increase of both intra- and extracellular levels of CD activity. In both normal and virally or chemically transformed 3T3 cells CD comprised a precursor (52 kDa) and processed mature polypeptides; the latter were mostly represented by a 48-kDa peptide, but a minor part was in a double-chain form (31 and 16 kDa respectively). The proportion of mature enzyme vs. precursor was much higher in confluent, slowly-growing cells than in fast-growing cells, whether normal or transformed. In the latter, conversion of mature 48-kDa peptide into the double-chain form occurred more efficiently.

Nutrition and malignant disease: implications for surgical practice

Malignant disease is often associated with weight loss and malnutrition. Nutritional support is frequently provided to patients with cancer in an attempt to improve nutritional status and reverse weight loss, with the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality rates. This review evaluates the effect of supplemental nutrition on morbidity and mortality in patients with malignancy undergoing treatment with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It also assesses the effect nutritional supplementation has on host defence mechanisms and how nutrients affect tumour cell growth. The evidence suggests that perioperative nutritional support, if given for at least 10 days, reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with biochemical evidence of severe malnutrition, manifest as a low serum albumin concentration and excessive weight loss. In contrast, there is no evidence that parenteral nutritional support benefits patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, in terms of either an increased tumour response rate or prolongation of survival. Current research on malignant disease is highlighting the role of specific nutrients (amino acids, essential fatty acids and polyribonucleotides) as key regulators of both anticancer host defence mechanisms and the control of nitrogen metabolism and tumour growth. Arginine, essential fatty acids and ribonucleotides have all been demonstrated to stimulate antitumour host defence mechanisms and some also modulate tumour cell metabolism. Dietary manipulation offers exciting possibilities for the innovative management of malignant disease.

Regulation of protein degradation in normal and transformed human bronchial epithelial cells in culture

Protein degradation rates are decreased in some transformed cells of mesenchymal origin. We have tested the generality of this phenomenon and evaluated the role of the lysosomes in this down-regulation. To this end we have compared the induction of lysosomal protein degradation among normal, transformed (BEAS-2B), and transformed tumorigenic (BZR, Calu-1) human bronchial epithelial cells in culture. Serum and/or nutrient deprivation, cell confluency, and Ca2+ were used to modulate lysosomal protein degradation. Protein degradation and synthesis were determined by the release or incorporation of [14C]valine in the cells. Autophagic degradation of cytoplasm by lysosomes was evaluated by ultrastructural morphometry. Basal protein degradation was lower (27%) in two of the transformed cell lines (BEAS-2B and BZR). Incorporation of [14C]valine label was raised approximately 4-fold in the transformed cells. Nutrient deprivation stimulated protein degradation equally (2-fold) in transformed and normal cells. Postconfluency increased (1.5-fold) basal protein degradation in Calu-1 cells and a marked enhancement (4-fold) of degradation occurred during nutrient deprivation. Culture of normal human bronchial epithelial cells in high Ca2+ caused phenotypic changes and increased (30%) the degradation of protein induced by nutrient deprivation. In Calu-1, high Ca2+ caused only phenotypic changes. The volume density (Vd) of autophagic vacuoles and dense bodies in the transformed cells was lower under basal conditions but increased markedly during nutrient deprivation. A marked accumulation of lysosomes also occurred in transformed cells during postconfluency. We conclude that cell transformation lowers basal protein degradation in some human epithelial cells. Lysosomal proteolysis of transformed cells is not down-regulated and can be markedly enhanced during nutritional deprivation by the autophagic degradation pathway.

Protein turnover in 3T3 cells transformed with the oncogene c-H-ras1

We have examined protein turnover, growth, DNA synthesis and proliferation in three independent clones of 3T3-NR6 cells transformed with the oncogene c-H-ras1. We find that, firstly, the half-maximum concentration of serum and insulin regulating protein turnover in ras-transformed cells is significantly reduced from 0.5 to 0.3% for serum and from 4 nM to 0.5 nM for insulin, and, secondly, ras-transformed cells consistently have lower rates of protein degradation. The catabolic effect of conditioned medium or serum withdrawal is attenuated in transformed lines by maintaining lower basal rates of protein breakdown and higher basal rates of DNA and protein synthesis. Serum stimulation of growth in transformed cells is achieved in the short term by lower rates of protein breakdown rather than higher rates of protein synthesis: rates of protein synthesis become significantly higher 24 h after serum stimulation. Therefore transformed cells have higher rates of proliferation and grow to higher densities, but display characteristics common to normal cells because rates of protein synthesis decrease and protein degradation increase as a function of cell density. We conclude that higher basal rates of protein synthesis and growth with retention of the normal proliferative response to serum result from the pleiotropic nature of ras transformation, whereas lower rates of protein degradation and increased sensitivity to serum and insulin imply a direct regulatory role for ras.

Protein turnover, growth and proliferation in CHO cells. Variation within and between mutant classes for salvage pathway enzymes

We have examined the clonal variation in rates of amino acid transport, protein synthesis, protein degradation, growth and proliferation for CHO cells with mutations in the purine and pyrimidine salvage pathways. First we compared three clonal cell lines, each with a different mutation, with the heterozygous parental line AT3-2. Overall, the correlation between rates of protein turnover, growth and proliferation was excellent. The slower growth and proliferation of one mutant, AB3 (TK-, APRT-), is explained by a low intrinsic rate of protein synthesis coupled with a smaller response in rates of amino acid transport, protein synthesis and protein degradation to insulin, serum and dexamethasone. Secondly, we compared seven aza-adenine-resistant and 14 thioguanine-resistant mutants of AT3-2 and found significant differences in control and insulin-stimulated rates of protein turnover both within and between mutant populations. A significant difference between the populations was unexpected because each individual cell line was cloned from a spontaneous pre-existing mutation in AT3-2, and each population should have the same average rate. Remarkably, all 24 mutants had lower rates of protein synthesis than AT3-2. We cannot explain the data solely in terms of mutations in the salvage pathways. Rather, we propose that the mutant survivors have randomly down-regulated the intrinsically fixed growth factor-regulated pathways of protein turnover, resulting in a broad spectrum of lower metabolic rates.

Stimulation of protein synthesis in human tumours by parenteral nutrition: evidence for modulation of tumour growth

Eighteen patients with localized colorectal carcinoma were randomized to receive intravenous nutrition or to be fasted during the 24 h before surgery. Protein synthesis, an index of tumour growth, was then measured by the incorporation of [13C]leucine into tumour protein immediately before surgery. The mean (s.e.m.) rate of tumour protein synthesis in patients receiving nutrition (42.7(3.5) per cent per day) was 89 per cent higher than the rate in the fasted group (22.6(1.9) per cent per day) (P = 0.002). As tumours consist of a variety of different cell types, in vitro rates of protein synthesis were measured in malignant cells isolated from colorectal tumours and cultured with autologous serum obtained from the patient in either the fasted or the fed state. There was a mean increase of 81 per cent in protein synthesis when fed rather than fasted serum was used (P less than 0.02), indicating that the malignant cells themselves respond to nutrient supply. This increase in tumour protein synthesis provides the first evidence in vivo that the exogenous supply of nutrients can modulate the rate of growth of a human tumour.

Evidence for a special relationship between proteolysis and single cell necrosis

A high rate of single cell necrosis is a common phenomenon in neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions, accounting for growth rates that are significantly less than the cell birth rate. We present data relating the process of protein turnover to single cell necrosis. Cells were labeled with 3H-leucine and 14C-thymidine; the loss of radioactivity from the cell protein and DNA was then measured for 3-6 days. Preliminary experiments showed that cell necrosis by freeze-thawing cells did not significantly contribute to the degradation of cell proteins. Similar results were observed with dying 3T3-SV40 cells at high density. L-cells, however, showed a progressive increase in cell loss as higher cell densities were attained on the monolayer. Although proteolysis remained constant in the culture, analysis of the cells recovered from the high density monolayers showed little loss of labeled protein after adjustment for loss of label in the DNA. Three possible explanations are proposed: DNA turns over with cell protein (unlikely), single cell necrosis involves a special mechanism that facilitates reutilization of amino acids, or single cell necrosis includes only cells that are selectively involved in protein turnover. A unique relationship between single cell necrosis and proteolysis is suggested.

Amino acid control of protein degradation in normal and leukemic human lymphocytes

Lymphocytes from normal human subjects and from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were found to degrade their endogenous protein at similar rates (2.5-3.0%/h) when incubated in an amino acid-free buffer. Protein degradation was inhibited 20-35% by inhibitors of autophagic sequestration (amino acids, 3-methyladenine) and by inhibitors of intra-lysosomal proteolysis (leupeptin, propylamine), the extent of inhibition being similar in normal and leukemic lymphocytes. The inhibitor effects, together with the electronmicroscopic demonstration of autophagosomes in the lymphocyte cytoplasm, is taken as evidence for the existence of an autophagic-lysosomal pathway in human lymphocytes, potentially responsible for as much as one-third of their overall protein degradation.

The role of increased proteolysis in the atrophy and arrest of proliferation in serum-deprived fibroblasts

When cultured fibroblasts are deprived of serum, the degradation of long-lived proteins and RNA increases, the cells stop proliferating, and they decrease in size. To determine the role of the increased protein catabolism in these responses, we studied the effects of inhibitors of intralysosomal proteolysis in Balb/c 3T3 cells. When these cells were placed in serum-deficient medium (0.5% serum), the rate of degradation of long-lived proteins increased about twofold within 30 min. This increase was reduced by 50-70% with inhibitors of lysosomal thiol proteases (Ep475 and leupeptin) or agents that raise intralysosomal pH (chloroquine and NH4Cl). By contrast, these compounds had little or no effect on protein degradation in cells growing in 10% serum. Thus, in accord with prior studies, lysosomes appear to be the site of the increased proteolysis after serum deprivation. When 3T3 cells were deprived of serum for 24-48 hours, the rate of protein synthesis and the content of protein and RNA and cell volume decreased two- to fourfold. The protease inhibitor, Ep475, reduced this decrease in the rate of protein synthesis and the loss of cell protein and RNA. Cells deprived of serum and treated with Ep475 for 24-48 hours had about twice the rate of protein synthesis and two- to fourfold higher levels of protein and RNA than control cells deprived of serum. The Ep475-treated cells were also about 30% larger than the untreated cells. Thus, the protease-inhibitor prevented much of the atrophy induced by serum deprivation. The serum-deprived fibroblasts also stopped proliferating and accumulated in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The cells treated with Ep475 accumulated in G1 in a manner identical to untreated serum-deprived cells. Other agents which inhibited protein breakdown in serum-deprived cells also did not prevent the arrest of cell proliferation. Thus the enhancement of proteolysis during serum deprivation appears necessary for the decrease in size and protein synthesis, but probably not for the cessation of cell proliferation. When cells deprived of serum in the presence or absence of Ep475 were stimulated to proliferate by the readdition of serum, the larger Ep475-treated cells began DNA synthesis 1-2 hours later than the smaller untreated cells. Thus, after treatment with Ep475, the rate of cell cycle transit following serum stimulation was not proportional to the cell's size, protein, or RNA content, or rate of protein synthesis.

Distinct proteolytic mechanisms in serum-sufficient and serum-restricted fibroblasts. Transformed 3T3 cells fail to regulate proteolysis in relation to culture density only during serum-sufficiency

Thymidine incorporation (reflecting cell division), degradation of long-half-life proteins and protein synthesis were compared in normal Swiss mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and their counterparts transformed by simian virus 40 at both high and low culture densities (no. of cells/cm2). Normal cells maintained faster proteolysis at high culture density than at low. Degradation was in all conditions enhanced by serum deprivation (1% serum). In serum-sufficient (10%) conditions, there was an inverse correlation between degradation and cell division, but in serum-restricted conditions proteolysis increased substantially as culture density was increased, without change in cell division. Protein synthesis generally changed in a converse sense to protein degradation. In serum-sufficient conditions, transformed 3T3 cells failed to regulate proteolysis in response to culture density. However, in serum-restricted conditions they can regulate proteolysis as do normal cells. Transformed 3T3 cells regulate protein synthesis and thymidine incorporation very poorly in response to culture density in both conditions studied. The failure of regulation of both protein synthesis and degradation may contribute to the exaggerated growth of transformed cells in serum-sufficient conditions. The retention by such cells of regulation of proteolysis during serum restriction may also aid their survival. Studies with several lysosomotropic agents indicated that lysosomes contribute to proteolysis in all conditions studied, but also that its regulation in serum restriction is distinct from that in serum sufficiency, and may involve primarily a non-lysosomal mechanism.

Control of protein degradation and growth phase in normal and neoplastic cells

Cells have to double their protein mass in order to divide. Whether this is achieved through increased synthesis (PS), decreased degradation (PD), or a combination of both is still debated. Likewise open are other basic questions: whether, beyond differences relating to growth phase (GP) or rate, reduced PD rates are a general characteristic of neoplastic versus normal cells, conferring to them a definite growth advantage; which mechanisms are operating the PD regulation, if any, during GP transitions, and which ones may be defective in neoplastic cells. Growing liver under conditions of regeneration or development is known to achieve a net protein accumulation thanks to increased PS, and particularly, to decreased PD rates, as compared with the adult, steady-state tissue; the level of lysosomal proteinase (LP) activities is reduced; in the regenerating liver this reduction has been located in cycling hepatocytes. AH-130 Yoshida ascites hepatoma cells effect the transition from log to stationary GP by concurrently reducing PS and accelerating PD (slow turnover protein pool); while PD is virtually not affected by lysosomal inhibitors (LI) in growing cells, the extra PD in resting cells is all inhibitable; there is no regulation of LP levels over this GP transition, which is due to depletion of oxygen and nutrients. GP transitions in normal 3T3 cells are also coupled with regulations of both PS and PD, the extra PD in quiescent cells being all suppressible by LI. Quiescence of 3T3 cells, due to depletion of growth factors, is associated with a marked elevation of some LP activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protein turnover and proliferation. Turnover kinetics associated with the elevation of 3T3-cell acid-proteinase activity and cessation of net protein gain

1. At least 95% of the total protein of A31-3T3 cell cultures undergoes turnover. 2. First-order exponential kinetics were used to provide a crude approximation of averaged protein synthesis, Ks, degradation, Kd, and net accumulation, Ka, as cells ceased growth at near-confluent density in unchanged Dulbecco's medium containing 10% serum. The values of the relationship Ka = Ks - Kd were : 5%/h = 6%/h - 1%/h in growing cells, and 0%/h = 3%/h - 3%/h in steady-state resting cells. 3. As determined by comparison of the progress of protein synthesis and net protein accumulation, the time course of increase in protein degradation coincided with the onset of an increase in lysosomal proteinase activity and decrease in thymidine incorporation after approx. 2 days of exponential growth. 4. After acute serum deprivation, rapid increases in protein degradation of less than 1%/h could be superimposed on the prevailing degradation rate in either growing or resting cells. The results indicate that two proteolytic mechanisms can be distinguished on the basis of the kinetics of their alterations. A slow mechanism changes in relation to proliferative status and lysosomal enzyme elevation. A prompt mechanism, previously described by others, changes before changes in cell-cycle distribution or lysosomal proteinase activity. 5. When the serum concentration of growing cultures was decreased to 1% or 0.25%, then cessation of growth was accompanied by a lower steady-state protein turnover rate of 2.0%/h or 1.5%/h respectively. When growth ceased under conditions of overcrowded cultures, or severe nutrient insufficiency, protein turnover did not attain a final steady state, but declined continually into the death of the culture.