Adenovirus-mediated transfer of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha identifies a dominant antiproliferative role for this isoform in hepatocytes

Cell senescence in liver diseases: pathological mechanism and theranostic opportunity

The liver is not oblivious to the passage of time, as ageing is a major risk factor for the development of acute and chronic liver diseases. Ageing produces alterations in all hepatic cells, affecting their phenotype and function and worsening the prognosis of liver disease. The ageing process also implies the accumulation of a cellular state characterized by a persistent proliferation arrest and a specific secretory phenotype named cellular senescence. Indeed, senescent cells have key roles in many physiological processes; however, their accumulation owing to ageing or pathological conditions contributes to the damage occurring in chronic diseases. The aim of this Review is to provide an updated description of the pathophysiological events in which hepatic senescent cells are involved and their role in liver disease progression. Finally, we discuss novel geroscience therapies that could be applied to prevent or improve liver diseases and age-mediated hepatic deregulations.

Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A Disrupts Mouse Fetal Liver Maturation in a Sex-Specific Manner

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. Developmental exposure to BPA is known to be associated with liver dysfunction and diseases, such as hepatic steatosis, liver tumors, metabolic syndrome, and altered hepatic gene expression, and DNA methylation profiles. However, the effects of BPA on rodent liver development are unknown. The present study was undertaken to address this important question using the mouse as an experimental model. Pregnant mice were exposed to BPA via diet from embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) to E18.5. At E18.5, fetal livers were collected, and analyzed for changes in the expression of key hepatocyte maturation markers. We found the following significant alterations in BPA-exposed female but not male fetal livers: (a) levels of the mature hepatocyte markers, albumin and glycogen synthase proteins, were decreased (-65% and -40%, respectively); (b) levels of the immature hepatocyte marker, α-fetoprotein, were increased (+43%); (c) the level of C/EBP-α protein, the master transcription factor essential for hepatocyte maturation, was down-regulated (-50%); and (d) the level of PCNA protein (marker of proliferation) was elevated (+40%), while that of caspase-3 protein and activity (markers of apoptosis) was reduced (-40% and -55%, respectively), suggestive of a perturbed balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis in BPA-exposed female fetuses. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that prenatal exposure to BPA disrupts the mouse fetal liver maturation in a sex-specific manner, and suggest a fetal origin for BPA-induced hepatic dysfunction and diseases.

Role of transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha in human fetal liver cell types in vitro

AIM

The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) has been shown to play an important role in liver development, cell proliferation and differentiation. It is, however, largely unknown if C/EBPα regulates cell differentiation and proliferation differently in the diverse cell types of the human liver. We investigated the role of C/EBPα in primary human fetal liver cells and liver cell subpopulations in vitro using a 3-D perfusion bioreactor as an advanced in vivo-like human organ culture model.

METHODS

Human fetal liver cells were investigated in vitro. C/EBPα gene expression was knocked down using siRNA or overexpressed by plasmid transfection. Cell type-specific gene expression was studied, cell populations and their proliferation were investigated, and metabolic parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

When C/EBPα gene expression was knocked down, we observed a significantly reduced expression of typical endothelial, hematopoietic and mesenchymal genes such as CD31, vWF, CD90, CD45 and α-smooth muscle actin in fetal cells. The intracellular expression of hepatic proteins and genes for liver-specific serum proteins α-fetoprotein and albumin were reduced, their protein secretion was increased. Fetal endothelial cell numbers were reduced and hepatoblast numbers were increased. C/EBPα overexpression in fetal cells resulted in increased endothelial numbers, but did not affect mesenchymal cell types or hepatoblasts.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the effects of C/EBPα are specific for the different human fetal liver cell types, using an advanced 3-D perfusion bioreactor as a human in vivo-like model.

Promotion of liver and lung tumorigenesis in DEN-treated cytoglobin-deficient mice

Cytoglobin (Cygb) is a recently discovered vertebrate globin with molecular characteristics that are similar to myoglobin. To study the biological function of Cygb in vivo, we generated Cygb knockout mice and investigated their susceptibility to N,N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced tumorigenesis. Four-week-old male mice were administered DEN in drinking water at a dose of 25 ppm for 25 weeks or 0.05 ppm for 36 weeks. Cygb deficiency promoted the DEN-induced development of liver and lung tumors. All Cygb(+/-) and Cygb(-/-) mice treated with 25-ppm DEN exhibited liver tumors, compared with 44.4% of their wild-type counterparts. Lung tumors were present only in Cygb-deficient mice. More than 40% of Cygb(-/-) mice developed liver and lung tumors at the nontoxic dose of DEN (0.05 ppm), which did not induce tumors in wild-type mice. Cygb loss was associated with increased cancer cell proliferation, elevated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt activation, overexpression of IL-1β, IL-6, Tnfα, and Tgfβ3 mRNAs, and hepatic collagen accumulation. Cygb-deficient mice also exhibited increased nitrotyrosine formation and dysregulated expression of cancer-related genes (cyclin D2, p53, Pak1, Src, Cdkn2a, and Cebpa). These results suggest that Cygb deficiency induces susceptibility to cancer development in the liver and lungs of mice exposed to DEN. Thus, globins such as Cygb will shed new light on the biological features of organ carcinogenesis.

Induction of a mature hepatocyte phenotype in adult liver derived progenitor cells by ectopic expression of transcription factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS

By ectopic expression of a distinct combination of transcription factors we aimed to induce a mature hepatocyte phenotype in an adult liver derived progenitor cell population (ALDPC).

METHODS

The open reading frames encoding murine Foxa2, Hnf4α and C/ebpα were cloned into lentivirus vectors and sequentially expressed in target cells. After seven days of culture, cells were analysed for expression of liver specific genes, and functional assays were performed. Fresh primary hepatocytes, twenty four hours in culture, served as positive controls.

RESULTS

Untransduced ALDPC under established differentiation conditions exhibited moderate signs of maturation, in particular in comparison with fresh hepatocyte controls. In transcription factor transduced cells, fifteen mRNA´s coding for secreted proteins, cytochrome p450 isoenzymes, liver metabolic enzymes were detected by RT-qPCR at levels close to controls. Albumin secretion increased incrementally in single (Foxa2), double (Foxa2, Hnf4α) and triple-transduced cells (Foxa2, Hnf4α, C/ebpα) and reached levels observed in primary hepatocytes. Glycogen storage as determined by PAS staining was detectable in double and triple transduced cells, comparable to controls. Ureagenesis was also induced in triple transduced cells, but at lower levels compared to primary hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequential expression of Foxa2, Hnf4α and C/ebpα induces a mature hepatocyte phenotype in an expandable liver derived progenitor cell line.

C/EBPalpha expression is partially regulated by C/EBPbeta in response to DNA damage and C/EBPalpha-deficient fibroblasts display an impaired G1 checkpoint

We observed that C/EBPα is highly inducible in primary fibroblasts by DNA damaging agents that induce strand breaks, alkylate and crosslink DNA as well as those that produce bulky DNA lesions. Fibroblasts deficient in C/EBPα (C/EBPα^-/-) display an impaired G₁ checkpoint as evidenced by inappropriate entry into S-phase in response to DNA damage and these cells also display an enhanced G₁ to S transition in response to mitogens. The induction of C/EBPα by DNA damage in fibroblasts does not require p53. EMSA analysis of nuclear extracts prepared from UVB- and MNNG-treated fibroblasts revealed increased binding of C/EBPβ to a C/EBP consensus sequence and ChIP analysis revealed increased C/EBPβ binding to the C/EBPα promoter. To determine whether C/EBPβ has a role in the regulation of C/EBPα we treated C/EBPβ^-/- fibroblasts with UVB or MNNG. We observed C/EBPα induction was impaired in both UVB- and MNNG- treated C/EBPβ^-/- fibroblasts. Our study reveals a novel role for C/EBPβ in the regulation of C/EBPα in response to DNA damage and provides definitive genetic evidence that C/EBPα has a critical role in the DNA damage G₁ checkpoint.

C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta regulate haptoglobin gene expression during rat liver development and the acute-phase response

The participation of C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta in the transcriptional regulation of the haptoglobin (Hp) gene throughout liver development and the acute-phase (AP) response was examined. Western immunoblot analysis revealed that the relative concentrations of C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta increased during differentiation in two nuclear protein fractions - the nuclear extract and nuclear matrix. The AP reaction was accompanied by a decrease of the relative concentration of C/EBP alpha and an increase of C/EBP beta during development in both protein fractions. Using Western analysis after DNA-affinity chromatography it was observed that a 45 kDa C/EBP alpha isoform displayed a binding affinity towards the Hp gene hormone responsive element (HRE) in both pre- and postnatal livers. In the course of the AP response DNA binding of the 45 kDa isoform was detected only in the adult, when its binding affinity decreased. The 35 kDa C/EBP beta isoform exhibited a binding affinity towards the Hp HRE after the second week from birth, whereas the AP response promoted an enhanced binding of 35 kDa isoform after the first postnatal week. These results indicate that Hp gene transcription is regulated by C/EBP alpha during normal liver development, whereas C/EBP beta is involved in the AP regulation during the later phase of differentiation and in the adult.

CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein α Knock-in Mice Exhibit Early Liver Glycogen Storage and Reduced Susceptibility to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) is vital for establishing normal hepatic energy homeostasis and moderating hepatocellular growth. CEBPA loss-of-function mutations identified in acute myeloid leukemia patients support a tumor suppressor role for C/EBPalpha. Recent work showed reductions of C/EBPalpha levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma with the reductions correlating to tumor size and progression. We investigated the potential of reactivating c/ebpalpha expression during hepatic carcinogenesis to prevent tumor cell growth. We have developed a c/ebpalpha knock-in mouse in which a single-copy c/ebpalpha is regulated by one allele of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene promoter. The knock-in mice are physically indistinguishable from wild-type (WT) controls. However, knock-in animals were found to deposit fetal hepatic glycogen earlier than WT animals. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed early c/ebpalpha expression and early glycogen synthase gene activation in knock-in fetuses. We then used diethylnitrosamine to induce hepatocellular carcinoma in our animals. Diethylnitrosamine produced half the number of hepatocellular nodules in knock-in mice as in WT mice. Immunohistochemistry showed reduced C/EBPalpha content in WT nodules whereas knock-in nodules stained strongly for C/EBPalpha. The p21 protein was examined because it mediates a C/EBPalpha growth arrest pathway. Nuclear p21 was absent in WT nodules whereas cytoplasmic p21 was abundant; knock-in nodules were positive for nuclear p21. Interestingly, only C/EBPalpha-positive nodules were positive for nuclear p21, suggesting that C/EBPalpha may be required to direct p21 to the cell nucleus to inhibit growth. Our data establish that controlled C/EBPalpha production can inhibit liver tumor growth in vivo.

C/EBPbeta contributes to hepatocyte growth factor-induced replication of rodent hepatocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatocyte replication can be induced in vivo by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which might be used for gene therapy or to promote liver regeneration. However, the biochemical steps critical for this process are not clear. C/EBPbeta and C/EBPalpha are liver-enriched transcription factors that induce and inhibit hepatocyte replication, respectively. Because of their role in hepatocyte replication, this study examined the effect of HGF upon C/EBP proteins in vivo.

METHODS

Rats were treated with HGF, and the effect upon C/EBPs was evaluated in liver extracts. Normal or C/EBPbeta-deficient mice were treated with HGF, and the effect upon hepatocyte replication was determined.

RESULTS

HGF had no effect in rat liver upon C/EBPalpha or C/EBPbeta mRNA, nuclear protein, or nuclear DNA binding activity. However, HGF increased phosphorylated p90-RSK and ERK to 18- and 3-fold normal, respectively. These kinases phosphorylate C/EBPbeta and increase its transcriptional activity. The percentage of hepatocytes that replicated in C/EBPbeta-deficient mice after HGF administration was only 1.1%, which was lower than the value of 6.6% for hepatocytes from HGF-treated normal mice (P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

C/EBPbeta contributes to the induction of hepatocyte replication in response to HGF in rodents, which is likely due to post-translational modifications.

C/EBPalpha is a DNA damage-inducible p53-regulated mediator of the G1 checkpoint in keratinocytes

The basic leucine zipper transcription factor, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha), is abundantly expressed in keratinocytes of the skin; however, its function in skin is poorly characterized. UVB radiation is responsible for the majority of human skin cancers. In response to UVB-induced DNA damage, keratinocytes activate cell cycle checkpoints that arrest cell cycle progression and prevent replication of damaged DNA, allowing time for DNA repair. We report here that UVB radiation is a potent inducer of C/EBPalpha in human and mouse keratinocytes, as well as in mouse skin in vivo. UVB irradiation of keratinocytes resulted in the transcriptional up-regulation of C/EBPalpha mRNA, producing a >70-fold increase in C/EBPalpha protein levels. N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, etoposide, and bleomycin also induced C/EBPalpha. UVB-induced C/EBPalpha was accompanied by an increase in p53 protein and caffeine, an inhibitor of ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated kinase, and ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related kinase inhibited UVB-induced increases in both C/EBPalpha and p53. UVB irradiation of p53-null or mutant p53-containing keratinocytes failed to induce C/EBPalpha. UVB irradiation of C/EBPalpha knockdown keratinocytes displayed a greatly diminished DNA damage G(1) checkpoint, and this was associated with increased sensitivity to UVB-induced apoptosis. Our results uncover a novel role for C/EBPalpha as a p53-regulated DNA damage-inducible gene that has a critical function in the DNA damage G(1) checkpoint response in keratinocytes.

Liver-enriched transcription factors in liver function and development. Part II: the C/EBPs and D site-binding protein in cell cycle control, carcinogenesis, circadian gene regulation, liver regeneration, apoptosis, and liver-specific gene regulation

In the first part of our review (see Pharmacol Rev 2002;54:129-158), we discussed the basic principles of gene transcription and the complex interactions within the network of hepatocyte nuclear factors, coactivators, ligands, and corepressors in targeted liver-specific gene expression. Now we summarize the role of basic region/leucine zipper protein family members and particularly the albumin D site-binding protein (DBP) and the CAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) for their importance in liver-specific gene expression and their role in liver function and development. Specifically, regulatory networks and molecular interactions were examined in detail, and the experimental findings summarized in this review point to pivotal roles of DBP and C/EBPs in cell cycle control, carcinogenesis, circadian gene regulation, liver regeneration, apoptosis, and liver-specific gene regulation. These regulatory proteins are therefore of great importance in liver physiology, liver disease, and liver development. Furthermore, interpretation of the vast data generated by novel genomic platform technologies requires a thorough understanding of regulatory networks and particularly the hierarchies that govern transcription and translation of proteins as well as intracellular protein modifications. Thus, this review aims to stimulate discussions on directions of future research and particularly the identification of molecular targets for pharmacological intervention of liver disease.

Dominant-negative C/EBP disrupts mitotic clonal expansion and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

Hormonal induction of growth-arrested 3T3-L1 preadipocytes rapidly activates expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) beta. Acquisition of DNA-binding activity by C/EBPbeta, however, is delayed until the cells synchronously enter the S phase of mitotic clonal expansion (MCE). After MCE, C/EBPbeta activates expression of C/EBPalpha and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, which then transcriptionally activate genes that give rise to the adipocyte phenotype. A-C/EBP, which possesses a leucine zipper but lacks functional DNA-binding and transactivation domains, forms stable inactive heterodimers with C/EBPbeta in vitro. Infection of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with an adenovirus A-C/EBP expression vector interferes with C/EBPbeta function after induction of differentiation. A-C/EBP inhibited events associated with hormone-induced entry of S-phase of the cell cycle, including the turnover of p27/Kip1, a key cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, expression of cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinase 2, DNA replication, MCE, and, subsequently, adipogenesis. Although A-C/EBP blocked cell proliferation associated with MCE, it did not inhibit normal proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Immunofluorescent staining of C/EBPbeta revealed that A-C/EBP prevented the normal punctate nuclear staining of centromeres, an indicator of C/EBPbeta binding to C/EBP regulatory elements in centromeric satellite DNA. The inhibitory effects of A-C/EBP appear to be due primarily to interference with nuclear import of C/EBPbeta caused by obscuring its nuclear localization signal. These findings show that both MCE and adipogenesis are dependent on C/EBPbeta.

Lithium stabilizes the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) through a glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-independent pathway involving direct inhibition of proteasomal activity

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha), a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, is involved in mitotic growth arrest and differentiation. Given that numerous proteins involved in cell cycle regulation are degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system, we examined whether the C/EBPalpha protein is degraded via a proteasomal mechanism. In cycloheximide-treated BALB/MK2 keratinocytes we found that C/EBPalpha is a short-lived protein with a half-life of approximately 1 h. Treatment with proteasome inhibitors, MG-132 or lactacystin, blocked the degradation of the C/EBPalpha protein. Higher molecular weight species of ubiquitinated C/EBPalpha were detected in BALB/MK2, and in vitro studies confirmed that C/EBPalpha is degraded by the proteasome in an ATP- and ubiquitin-dependent manner. GSK3 is a known C/EBPalpha kinase and treatment of keratinocytes with LiCl, an inhibitor of GSK3 resulted in: (i) a 5-fold increase in C/EBPalpha protein levels, (ii) increased electrophoretic mobility of C/EBPalpha, and (iii) no increase in C/EBPalpha mRNA levels suggesting that GSK3-mediated phosphorylation of C/EBPalpha may target it for proteasomal degradation. However, a mutant C/EBPalpha containing T to A mutations in the GSK3 phosphorylation sites (T222A and T226A) retained its response to LiCl, and additional pharmacological inhibitors of GSK3 did not alter C/EBPalpha levels indicating the effects of LiCl on C/EBPalpha are GSK3-independent. LiCl treatment of BALB/MK2 cells inhibited C/EBPalpha degradation and produced a 6-fold increase in the half-life of C/EBPalpha protein. In vitro studies revealed that LiCl inhibited proteasome activity and the ensuing degradation of C/EBPalpha. These results demonstrate C/EBPalpha is degraded via a ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal pathway, and LiCl stabilizes C/EBPalpha through a GSK3-independent pathway involving direct inhibition of proteasome activity.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 expression induces hepatocyte resistance to cell death from oxidative stress

Increased expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) occurs in alcoholic liver disease, and leads to the hepatocellular generation of toxic reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Oxidative stress created by CYP2E1 overexpression may promote liver cell injury by sensitizing hepatocytes to oxidant-induced damage from Kupffer cell-produced ROI or cytokines. To determine the effect of CYP2E1 expression on the hepatocellular response to injury, stably transfected hepatocytes expressing increased (S-CYP15) and decreased (AN-CYP10) levels of CYP2E1 were generated from the rat hepatocyte line RALA255-10G. S-CYP15 cells had increased levels of CYP2E1 as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis, immunoblotting, catalytic activity, and increased cell sensitivity to death from acetaminophen. Death in S-CYP15 cells was significantly decreased relative to that in AN-CYP10 cells following treatment with hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide generator menadione. S-CYP15 cells underwent apoptosis in response to these ROI, whereas AN-CYP10 cells died by necrosis. This differential sensitivity to ROI-induced cell death was partly explained by markedly decreased levels of glutathione (GSH) in AN-CYP10 cells. However, chemically induced GSH depletion triggered cell death in S-CYP15 but not AN-CYP10 cells. Increased expression of CYP2E1 conferred hepatocyte resistance to ROI-induced cytotoxicity, which was mediated in part by GSH. However, CYP2E1 overexpression left cells vulnerable to death from GSH depletion.

C/EBPalpha triggers proteasome-dependent degradation of cdk4 during growth arrest

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) causes growth arrest via direct interaction with the cyclin-dependent kinases cdk2 and cdk4. In this paper, we present evidence showing that C/EBPalpha enhances a proteasome-dependent degradation of cdk4 during growth arrest in liver of newborn mice and in cultured cells. Overexpression of C/EBPalpha in several biological systems leads to a reduction of cdk4 protein levels, but not mRNA levels. Experiments with several tissue culture models reveal that C/EBPalpha enhances the formation of cdk4-ubiquitin conjugates and induces degradation of cdk4 through a proteasome-dependent pathway. As a result, the half-life of cdk4 is shorter and protein levels of cdk4 are reduced in cells expressing C/EBPalpha. Gel filtration analysis of cdk4 complexes shows that a chaperone complex cdk4-cdc37-Hsp90, which protects cdk4 from degradation, is abundant in proliferating livers that lack C/EBPalpha, but this complex is weak or undetectable in livers expressing C/EBPalpha. Our studies show that C/EBPalpha disrupts the cdk4-cdc37-Hsp90 complex via direct interaction with cdk4 and reduces protein levels of cdk4 by increasing proteasome-dependent degradation of cdk4.

Increased cytochrome P-450 2E1 expression sensitizes hepatocytes to c-Jun-mediated cell death from TNF-alpha

The mechanisms underlying hepatocyte sensitization to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-mediated cell death remain unclear. Increases in hepatocellular oxidant stress such as those that occur with hepatic overexpression of cytochrome P-450 2E1 (CYP2E1) may promote TNF-alpha death. TNF-alpha treatment of hepatocyte cell lines with differential CYP2E1 expression demonstrated that overexpression of CYP2E1 converted the hepatocyte TNF-alpha response from proliferation to apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Death occurred despite the presence of increased levels of nuclear factor-kappaB transcriptional activity and was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion. CYP2E1-overexpressing hepatocytes had increased basal and TNF-alpha-induced levels of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, as well as prolonged JNK activation after TNF-alpha stimulation. Sensitization to TNF-alpha-induced cell death by CYP2E1 overexpression was inhibited by antioxidants or adenoviral expression of a dominant-negative c-Jun. Increased CYP2E1 expression sensitized hepatocytes to TNF-alpha toxicity mediated by c-Jun and overwhelming oxidative stress. The chronic increase in intracellular oxidant stress created by CYP2E1 overexpression may serve as a mechanism by which hepatocytes are sensitized to TNF-alpha toxicity in liver disease.

C/EBPalpha arrests cell proliferation through direct inhibition of Cdk2 and Cdk4

The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) is a strong inhibitor of cell proliferation. We found that C/EBPalpha directly interacts with cdk2 and cdk4 and arrests cell proliferation by inhibiting these kinases. We mapped a short growth inhibitory region of C/EBPalpha between amino acids 175 and 187. This portion of C/EBPalpha is responsible for direct inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases and causes growth arrest in cultured cells. C/EBPalpha inhibits cdk2 activity by blocking the association of cdk2 with cyclins. Importantly, the activities of cdk4 and cdk2 are increased in C/EBPalpha knockout livers, leading to increased proliferation. Our data demonstrate that the liver-specific transcription factor C/EBPalpha brings about growth arrest through direct inhibition of cdk2 and cdk4.

Contribution of cyclooxygenase 2 to liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

Partial hepatectomy (PH) triggers a rapid regenerative response in the remaining tissue to reinstate the organ function and the cell numbers. Among the molecules that change in the course of regeneration is an accumulation of prostaglandin E2 in the sera of rats with PH. Analysis of the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes in the remnant liver showed the preferential expression of COX-2 in hepatocytes. Cultured regenerating hepatocytes expressed significant levels of COX-2, a process that was not observed in the sham counterparts. Maximal expression of COX-2 was detected 16 h after PH with increased levels present even at 96 h. Pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 activity with NS398 shunted the up-regulation of cell proliferation after PH, which suggests a positive interaction of prostaglandins with the progression of the cell cycle. Similar results were obtained after PH of mice lacking the COX-2 gene. The expression of COX-2 in regenerating liver was concomitant with a decrease in CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP-a) level and an increase in the expression of C/EBP-b and C/EBP-d. These results suggest a contribution of the enhanced synthesis of prostaglandins to liver regeneration observed after PH.

Expression and induction of a large set of drug-metabolizing enzymes by the highly differentiated human hepatoma cell line BC2

The BC2 cell line derived from the human hepatocarcinoma, HGB, undergoes a spontaneous sharp differentiation process in culture as it becomes confluent, remains stably differentiated for several weeks, and may return to proliferation thereafter under appropriate density conditions. The relevance of the line as an hepatic model has been evaluated. Cells synthesize a large number of plasma proteins, and rates of glycogen and urea synthesis increase with time of confluency and become sensitive to insulin, reflecting the process of differentiation. Differentiated BC2 cells express the most relevant cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isozyme activities (CYP1A1/2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2E1, and 3A4) and conjugating enzymes (glutathione S-transferase and UDP-glucuronyltransferase) and also respond to model inducers. Methylcholanthrene induced an increase in CYP1A1/2 enzyme activity (eightfold), phenobarbital induced CYP2B6 activity (1.7-fold), and dexamethasone induced CYP3A4 activity (fivefold). In parallel, expression of the most relevant liver-enriched transcription factors, HNF-4, HNF-1, C/EBP-alpha and C/EBP-beta mRNAs, was significantly increased in differentiated cultures. This increase was largest in HNF-1 and HNF-4, which supports the idea that a redifferentiation process towards the hepatic phenotype takes place. BC2 is an hepatic cell line that is able to express most hepatic functions, especially the drug-biotransformation function, far more efficiently than any previously described human hepatoma cell line.

Mitochondrial adaptations to obesity-related oxidant stress

It is not known why viable hepatocytes in fatty livers are vulnerable to necrosis, but associated mitochondrial alterations suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may be increased. Although the mechanisms for ROS-mediated lethality are not well understood, increased mitochondrial ROS generation often precedes cell death, and hence, might promote hepatocyte necrosis. The aim of this study is to determine if liver mitochondria from obese mice with fatty hepatocytes actually produce increased ROS. Secondary objectives are to identify potential mechanisms for ROS increases and to evaluate whether ROS increase uncoupling protein (UCP)-2, a mitochondrial protein that promotes ATP depletion and necrosis. Compared to mitochondria from normal livers, fatty liver mitochondria have a 50% reduction in cytochrome c content and produce superoxide anion at a greater rate. They also contain 25% more GSH and demonstrate 70% greater manganese superoxide dismutase activity and a 35% reduction in glutathione peroxidase activity. Mitochondrial generation of H(2)O(2) is increased by 200% and the activities of enzymes that detoxify H(2)O(2) in other cellular compartments are abnormal. Cytosolic glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities are 42 and 153% of control values, respectively. These changes in the production and detoxification of mitochondrial ROS are associated with a 300% increase in the mitochondrial content of UCP-2, although the content of beta-1 ATP synthase, a constitutive mitochondrial membrane protein, is unaffected. Supporting the possibility that mitochondrial ROS induce UCP-2 in fatty hepatocytes, a mitochondrial redox cycling agent that increases mitochondrial ROS production upregulates UCP-2 mRNAs in primary cultures of normal rat hepatocytes by 300%. Thus, ROS production is increased in fatty liver mitochondria. This may result from chronic apoptotic stress and provoke adaptations, including increases in UCP-2, that potentiate necrosis.

Role of caspases and NF-kappaB signaling in hydrogen peroxide- and superoxide-induced hepatocyte apoptosis

Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) have been implicated as mediators of hepatocyte death resulting from a variety of forms of liver injury. To delineate the mechanisms that underlie ROI-induced apoptosis, the roles of caspase activation and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling were determined in the rat hepatocyte cell line RALA255-10G after treatment with H(2)O(2) or the superoxide generator menadione. By 8 h, H(2)O(2) and menadione caused 26% and 33% cell death, respectively. Death from both ROI occurred by apoptosis as indicated by morphology under fluorescence microscopy, the induction of caspase activation and DNA fragmentation, and the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Despite the presence of caspase activation in both forms of apoptosis, caspase inhibition blocked H(2)O(2)- but not menadione-induced apoptosis. In contrast, inhibition of NF-kappaB activation decreased cell death from both ROI. Different ROI, therefore, induce distinct apoptotic pathways in RALA hepatocytes that are both caspase dependent and independent. In contrast to the known protective effect of NF-kappaB activation in tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced hepatocyte apoptosis, NF-kappaB promotes hepatocellular death from ROI in these cells.

Cloning and functional characterization of the 5'-flanking region of human methionine adenosyltransferase 1A gene

Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) is an essential cellular enzyme which catalyses the formation of S-adenosylmethionine, the principal methyl donor and precursor for polyamines. In mammals, two different genes, MAT1A and MAT2A, encode for liver-specific and non-liver-specific MAT respectively. We previously described a switch in the MAT expression from MAT1A to MAT2A in human liver cancer, which offered the cancerous cell a growth advantage. Loss of MAT1A expression was due to lack of gene transcription. To study regulation of the MAT1A gene, we have cloned and characterized a 1.9 kb 5'-flanking region of the human MAT1A gene. One transcriptional start site, located 25 nt downstream from a consensus TATA box, was identified by primer extension and RNase protection assays. The promoter contains several consensus binding sites for CAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and hepatocyte-enriched nuclear factor (HNF), transcriptional factors important in liver-specific gene expression. The human MAT1A promoter was able to efficiently drive luciferase expression in Chang cells, a human liver cell line, but not in HeLa cells. Sequential deletion analysis of the promoter revealed two DNA regions upstream of the translational start site, -705 to -839 bp and -1111 to -1483 bp, which are involved in positive and negative gene regulation, respectively. Specific protein binding to these regions was confirmed by electrophoretic-mobility-shift and DNase I footprinting assays. Similar to the situation with the rat MAT1A, glucocorticoid treatment also increased human MAT1A expression and promoter activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

E2F/p107 and E2F/p130 complexes are regulated by C/EBPalpha in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

We have previously found that loss of C/EBPalpha in hepatocytes of newborn livers leads to increased proliferation, to a reduction in p21 protein levels and to an induction of S phase-specific E2F/p107 complexes. In this paper, we investigated C/EBPalpha-dependent regulation of E2F complexes in a well-characterized cell line, 3T3-L1, and in stable transformants that conditionally express C/EBPalpha. C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta proteins are induced in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during differentiation with different kinetics and potentially may regulate E2F/Rb family complexes. In pre-differentiated cells, three E2F complexes are observed: cdk2/E2F/p107, E2F/p130 and E2F4. cdk2/E2F/p107 complexes are induced in nuclear extracts of 3T3-L1 cells during mitotic expansion, but are not detectable in nuclear extracts at later stages of 3T3-L1 differentiation. The reduction in E2F/p107 complexes is associated with elevation of C/EBPalpha, but is independent of C/EBPbeta expression. Bacterially expressed, purified His-C/EBPalpha is able to disrupt E2F/p107 complexes that are observed at earlier stages of 3T3-L1 differentiation. C/EBPbeta, however, does not disrupt E2F/p107 complexes. A short C/EBPalpha peptide with homology to E2F is sufficient to bring about the disruption of E2F/p107 complexes from 3T3-L1 cells in vitro. Induction of C/EBPalpha in stable 3T3-L1 clones revealed that C/EBPalpha causes disruption of p107/E2F complexes in these cells. In contrast, E2F/p130 complexes are induced in cells expressing C/EBPalpha. Our data suggest that induction of p130/E2F complexes by C/EBPalpha occurs via up-regulation of p21, which, in turn, leads to association with and inhibition of, cdk2 kinase activity. The reduction in cdk2 kinase activity correlates with alterations of p130 phosphorylation and with induction of p130/E2F complexes in 3T3-L1 stable clones. Our data suggest two pathways of C/EBPalpha-dependent regulation of E2F/Rb family complexes: disruption of S phase-specific E2F/p107 complexes and induction of E2F/p130 complexes.

C/EBPalpha regulates formation of S-phase-specific E2F-p107 complexes in livers of newborn mice

We previously showed that the rate of hepatocyte proliferation in livers from newborn C/EBPalpha knockout mice was increased. An examination of cell cycle-related proteins showed that the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21 level was reduced in the knockout animals compared to that in wild-type littermates. Here we show additional cell cycle-associated proteins that are affected by C/EBPalpha. We have observed that C/EBPalpha controls the composition of E2F complexes through interaction with the retinoblastoma (Rb)-like protein, p107, during prenatal liver development. S-phase-specific E2F complexes containing E2F, DP, cdk2, cyclin A, and p107 are observed in the developing liver. In wild-type animals these complexes disappear by day 18 of gestation and are no longer present in the newborn animals. In the C/EBPalpha mutant, the S-phase-specific complexes do not diminish and persist to birth. The elevation of levels of the S-phase-specific E2F-p107 complexes in C/EBPalpha knockout mice correlates with the increased expression of several E2F-dependent genes such as those that encode cyclin A, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and p107. The C/EBPalpha-mediated regulation of E2F binding is specific, since the deletion of another C/EBP family member, C/EBPbeta, does not change the pattern of E2F binding during prenatal liver development. The addition of bacterially expressed, purified His-C/EBPalpha to the E2F binding reaction resulted in the disruption of E2F complexes containing p107 in nuclear extracts from C/EBPalpha knockout mouse livers. Ectopic expression of C/EBPalpha in cultured cells also leads to a reduction of E2F complexes containing Rb family proteins. Coimmunoprecipitation analyses revealed an interaction of C/EBPalpha with p107 but none with cdk2, E2F1, or cyclin A. A region of C/EBPalpha that has sequence similarity to E2F is sufficient for the disruption of the E2F-p107 complexes. Despite its role as a DNA binding protein, C/EBPalpha brings about a change in E2F complex composition through a protein-protein interaction. The disruption of E2F-p107 complexes correlates with C/EBPalpha-mediated growth arrest of hepatocytes in newborn animals.

Dysfunctional glucocorticoid receptor with a single point mutation ablates the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-dependent growth suppression response in a steroid-resistant rat hepatoma cell variant

We used glucocorticoid-resistant and -sensitive hepatoma cell variants to characterize the mechanism of hepatoma cell resistance to the growth inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids. BDS1 hepatoma cells express transcriptionally active glucocorticoid receptors and undergo a stringent G1 cell cycle arrest in response to glucocorticoids that is dependent on the induced expression of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) transcription factor. In contrast, EDR1 hepatoma cells, which express normal levels of glucocorticoid receptors, fail to growth arrest or express C/EBPalpha when treated with glucocorticoids. Ectopic expression of wild-type rat glucocorticoid receptors into EDR1 cells restored the growth suppression response, suggesting a defect in the EDR1 receptor. DNA sequence analysis revealed a single point mutation causing a cysteine-to-tyrosine substitution at amino acid position 457 (C457Y-GR) in the zinc finger region of the glucocorticoid receptor that mediates both receptor-DNA and receptor-protein interactions. Glucocorticoid activation of the alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) promoter, a liver acute-phase response gene, requires receptor-DNA binding as well as an interaction with C/EBPalpha. In contrast to the wild-type glucocorticoid receptor, ectopic expression of C/EBPalpha in EDR1 cells, or coexpression of C/EBPalpha along with the C457Y-GR into receptor-deficient EDR3 cells was required to partially restore glucocorticoid responsiveness of the AGP promoter by the EDR1 glucocorticoid receptor. Constitutive expression of the wild-type glucocorticoid receptor, but not the C457Y-GR mutant, was sufficient to restore the glucocorticoid growth suppression response to receptor-deficient EDR3 cells. Thus, we have identified a glucocorticoid-resistant hepatoma cell variant with a single point mutation in the zinc finger region of the glucocorticoid receptor gene that ablates the glucocorticoid growth suppression response and attenuates transcriptional activation of the AGP promoter.

The C/EBP family of transcription factors in the liver and other organs

Members of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors are pivotal regulators of liver functions such as nutrient metabolism and its control by hormones, acute-phase response and liver regeneration. Recent progress in clarification of regulatory mechanisms for the C/EBP family members gives insight into understanding the liver functions at the molecular level.

Roles of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins in regulation of liver regenerative growth

The expressions and activities of several CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) isoforms fluctuate in the regenerating liver. The physiological implications of these variations in C/EBP function remain poorly characterized in the setting of regeneration. However, lessons learned in various hepatocyte cell lines and by studying primary hepatocytes from transgenic C/EBPalpha-deficient mice suggest that the C/EBP isoforms are likely to influence proliferation, differentiated gene expression, and survival in mature, adult hepatocytes. In addition, these factors are potentially important modulators of liver nonparenchymal cell genes, including those that encode matrix molecules and growth factors that are required for successful liver regeneration. The possibility that members of the C/EBP family of transcription factors actively participate in many aspects of the regenerative response to liver injury is strengthened by growing evidence that many hepatocyte mitogens and co-mitogens regulate C/EBP activity. Furthermore, the C/EBPs themselves appear to regulate the expression of some of these growth regulators.

NF-kappaB inactivation converts a hepatocyte cell line TNF-alpha response from proliferation to apoptosis

Toxins convert the hepatocellular response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulation from proliferation to cell death, suggesting that hepatotoxins somehow sensitize hepatocytes to TNF-alpha toxicity. Because nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation confers resistance to TNF-alpha cytotoxicity in nonhepatic cells, the possibility that toxin-induced sensitization to TNF-alpha killing results from inhibition of NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression was examined in the RALA rat hepatocyte cell line sensitized to TNF-alpha cytotoxicity by actinomycin D (ActD). ActD did not affect TNF-alpha-induced hepatocyte NF-kappaB activation but decreased NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression. Expression of an IkappaB superrepressor rendered RALA hepatocytes sensitive to TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in the absence of ActD. Apoptosis was blocked by caspase inhibitors, and TNF-alpha treatment led to activation of caspase-2, caspase-3, and caspase-8 only when NF-kappaB activation was blocked. Although apoptosis was blocked by the NF-kappaB-dependent factor nitric oxide (NO), inhibition of endogenous NO production did not sensitize cells to TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity. Thus NF-kappaB activation is the critical intracellular signal that determines whether TNF-alpha stimulates hepatocyte proliferation or apoptosis. Although exogenous NO blocks RALA hepatocyte TNF-alpha cytotoxicity, endogenous production of NO is not the mechanism by which NF-kappaB activation inhibits this death pathway.

CCAAT enhancer- binding protein beta is required for normal hepatocyte proliferation in mice after partial hepatectomy

After two-thirds hepatectomy, normally quiescent liver cells are stimulated to reenter the cell cycle and proliferate to restore the original liver mass. The level of bZIP transcription factor CCAAT enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) increases in the liver during the period of cell proliferation. The significance of this change in C/EBP expression is not understood. To determine the role of C/EBPbeta in the regenerating liver, we examined the regenerative response after partial hepatectomy in mice that contain a targeted disruption of the C/EBPbeta gene. Posthepatectomy, hepatocyte DNA synthesis was decreased to 25% of normal in C/EBPbeta -/- mice. The reduced regenerative response was associated with a prolonged period of hypoglycemia that was independent of expression of C/EBPalpha protein and gluconeogenic genes. C/EBPbeta -/- livers showed reduced expression of immediate-early growth-control genes including the Egr-1 transcription factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase protein tyrosine phosphatase (MKP-1), and HRS, a delayed-early gene that encodes an mRNA splicing protein. Cyclin B and E gene expression were dramatically reduced in C/EBPbeta -/- livers whereas cyclin D1 expression was normal. The abnormalities in immediate-early gene expression in C/EBPbeta -/- livers were distinct from those seen in IL-6 -/- livers. These data link C/EBPbeta to the activation of metabolic and growth response pathways in the regenerating liver and demonstrate that C/EBPbeta is required for a normal proliferative response.

Regenerating livers of old rats contain high levels of C/EBPalpha that correlate with altered expression of cell cycle associated proteins

The nuclear transcription factor, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) is expressed at high levels in the liver and inhibits growth in cultured cells. We have tested the correlation between C/EBPalpha levels, cell cycle proteins and hepatocyte proliferation in old and young animals as an in vivo model system in which the proliferative response to partial hepatectomy (PH) has been shown to be reduced and delayed in old animals. Here we present evidence that the expression of C/EBPalpha in old rats (24 months) differs from its expression in young animals (6-10 months) during liver regeneration. Induction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker of DNA synthesis, occurs at 24 h after PH in young rats but is delayed and reduced in old animals. Induction of the mitotic-specific protein, cdc2 p34, is 3-4-fold less in regenerating liver of old rats than in the liver of young animals, confirming the reduced proliferative response in old animals. In young rats, the normal regenerative response involves a reduction of 3-4-fold in the levels of C/EBPalpha protein at 3-24 h. In old animals, C/EBPalpha is not reduced within 24 h after PH, but a decrease of C/EBPalpha protein levels can be detected at 72 h after PH. Induction of C/EBPbeta, another member of the C/EBP family, is delayed in old animals. Changes in the expression of C/EBP proteins are accompanied by alteration of the CDK inhibitor, p21, which is also decreased in young rats after PH, but in old animals remains unchanged. High levels of p21 protein in older animals correlate with the lack of cdk2 activation. We suggest that the failure to reduce the amount of C/EBPalpha and p21 is a critical event in the dysregulation of hepatocyte proliferation in old animals following PH.

Intestinal maturation in mice lacking CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EPBalpha)

In rodents, there is a surge of intestinal expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) in the late fetal phase just before morphological maturation and the onset of expression of numerous epithelial genes. To investigate directly the hypothesis that C/EBPalpha plays a causal role in the latter phenomena, we have assessed both structural and functional maturation in neonatal intestine from C/EBPalpha-null mice and their littermates. No effects of C/EBPalpha genotype were observed on mucosal architecture or on the size of the proliferative zone in the intestinal crypts. Likewise, the mRNA levels for the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), intestinal and liver fatty acid-binding proteins, and apolipoprotein A-IV in newborn intestine were similar in all genotypes. Paradoxically, Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT1), lactase phlorizin-hydrolase and apolipoprotein B mRNAs were more abundant in the C/EBPalpha-deficient animals. In wild-type intestines, C/EBPbeta and C/EBPdelta mRNAs were detectable throughout the late fetal period and increased toward term in parallel with C/EBPalpha mRNA. In newborn intestine, there was no compensatory up-regulation of these isoforms in the C/EBPalpha-deficient mice. We conclude that C/EBPalpha has no essential role in morphological maturation of the intestine, the pattern of proliferation of the epithelium, or the onset of expression of this cluster of epithelial mRNAs. However, since other C/EBP isoforms are present in the developing intestine, it is possible that there is a generic requirement for a member of the C/EBP family.

Maturation-dependent gene expression in a conditionally transformed liver progenitor cell line

We have isolated a conditionally transformed liver progenitor cell line with phenotypic similarities to both hepatoblasts (bipotent embryonic liver cells that give rise to hepatocytes and intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells) and liver epithelial cells (primitive hepatic cells isolated from adult livers capable of generating both hepatocytic and biliary lineages). Cell line L2039 was derived from E14 fetal mouse liver after transformation with temperature-sensitive SV-40 large T antigen. At 33 degrees C, these cells have an epithelial morphology with a high nucleocytoplasmic ratio and express both hepatocytic and biliary genes, including albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, glutamine synthetase, insulinlike growth factor II receptor, fibronectin and laminin, and cytokeratins 8 and 19, a set of markers characteristic for hepatoblasts. The presence of cytokeratin 14, vimentin, and several oval-cell antigens link cell line L2039 to nonparenchymal liver epithelial cell populations thought to contain progenitor cells. Serum-free, hormonally defined media conditions and extracellular matrix requirements were determined for growth and differentiation of this cell line. During culture on type IV collagen at 39 degrees C, L2039 cells cease dividing and demonstrate hepatocytic differentiation with the assumption of a hepatocytelike morphology and glucocorticoid-dependent regulation of liver-specific genes, including albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and liver-enriched transcription factors. The number of albumin-positive cells increases during culture at 39 degrees C, indicating that L2039 cells convert from a prehepatocytic to a hepatocytic phenotype. Under conditions specific for hepatocytic differentiation, C/EBPs were expressed and differentially regulated, with C/EBPbeta and C/EBPdelta upregulated early and C/EBPalpha only slightly expressed after 7 d, indicating that C/EBPalpha may not be a crucial factor in commitment to the hepatocytic phenotype.

Lack of C/EBP alpha gene expression results in increased DNA synthesis and an increased frequency of immortalization of freshly isolated mice [correction of rat] hepatocytes

The CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha) binds to specific promoter sequences and directs transcription of many genes expressed in the liver. Overexpression of C/EBP alpha in established cell lines inhibits cell proliferation. Primary hepatocytes from newborn C/EBP alpha(-/-) mice and normal littermates were used to determine whether the absence of C/EBP alpha increased proliferation and/or transformation of these cells in vitro. DNA synthesis, as measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation 24 hours postharvest, was fourfold higher in cells from C/EBP alpha(-/-) pups. Established cell lines were derived from 7 of 8 hepatocyte cultures initiated from null mutants, 4 of 23 cultures from heterozygotes, and 0 of 12 cultures from wild-type animals. C/EBP alpha(-/-) cultures had epithelial morphology, showed bile canaliculi, and expressed albumin messenger RNA (mRNA). When cultured on Matrigel, which promotes differentiation, cell lines derived from C/EBP alpha(-/-) mice formed cords and increased albumin mRNA expression by 1.7- to 3.8-fold. C/EBP alpha(-/-) cell lines exhibited rapid growth and rapid accumulation of chromosomal abnormalities, and were capable of forming nodules when inoculated into the abdominal subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. Our data show that C/EBP alpha is an important regulator of hepatocyte proliferation and participates in the maintenance of the nontransformed hepatic phenotype in vitro.

Cell-specific regulation of transcription of the malic enzyme gene: characterization of cis-acting elements that modulate nuclear T3 receptor activity

Stimulation of malic enzyme transcription by triiodothyronine (T3) is robust (> 60-fold) in chick embryo hepatocytes, weak (5-fold) in chick embryo fibroblasts that stably overexpress the nuclear T3 receptor-alpha, and still weaker (1-fold) in chick embryo fibroblasts which contain nuclear T3 receptor levels that are similar to those of chick embryo hepatocytes. Using DNase I hypersensitivity, functional transfection, and in vitro DNA-binding analyses, four cis-acting elements were identified in the malic enzyme 5'-flanking DNA that conferred differences in nuclear T3 receptor activity between chick embryo hepatocytes and chick embryo fibroblasts. These cell-specific regulatory elements are located at -3895/-3890, -3761/-3744, -3703/-3686, and -3474/-2715 bp and overlap with DNase I hypersensitive sites that are observed in chromatin of chick embryo hepatocytes. Each element enhances T3 responsiveness of the malic enzyme promoter in chick embryo hepatocytes but has no effect on T3 responsiveness in chick embryo fibroblasts. Three of the cell-specific regulatory elements flank a previously identified DNA fragment (-3889 to -3769 bp; Hodnett et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 334, 309-324, 1996) that contains one major and four minor T3 response elements. The cell-specific regulatory element at -3703/-3686 bp binds to the liver-enriched factor, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha, whereas cell-specific regulatory elements at -3895/-3890 and -3761/-3744 bp bind proteins of unknown identity. While the cell-specific regulatory element at -3761/-3744 bp contains sequences that resemble binding sites for CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein, activator protein-1, cyclic AMP response element binding protein, and NF-1, none of these proteins appear to bind to this DNA fragment. These data suggest that cell-specific differences in T3 responsiveness of the malic enzyme gene are mediated in large part by nonreceptor proteins that augment the transcriptional activity of the nuclear T3 receptor in hepatocytes.

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha regulates p21 protein and hepatocyte proliferation in newborn mice

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha) is expressed at high levels in quiescent hepatocytes and in differentiated adipocytes. In cultured cells, C/EBP alpha inhibits cell proliferation in part via stabilization of the p21 protein. The role of C/EBP alpha in regulating hepatocyte proliferation in vivo is presented herein. In C/EBP alpha knockout newborn mice, p21 protein levels are reduced in the liver, and the fraction of hepatocytes synthesizing DNA is increased. Greater than 30% of the hepatocytes in C/EBP alpha knockout animals continue to proliferate at day 17 of postnatal life when cell division in wild-type littermates is low (3%). p21 protein levels are relatively high in wild-type neonates but undetectable in C/EBP alpha knockout mice. The reduction of p21 protein in the highly proliferating livers that lack C/EBP alpha suggests that p21 is responsible for C/EBP alpha-mediated control of liver proliferation in newborn mice. During rat liver regeneration, the amounts of both C/EBP alpha and p21 proteins are decreased before DNA synthesis (6 to 12 h) and then return to presurgery levels at 48 h. Although C/EBP alpha controls p21 protein levels, p21 mRNA is not influenced by C/EBP alpha in liver. Using coimmunoprecipitation and a mammalian two-hybrid assay system, we have shown the interaction of C/EBP alpha and p21 proteins. Study of p21 stability in liver nuclear extracts showed that C/EBP alpha blocks proteolytic degradation of p21. Our data demonstrate that C/EBP alpha regulates hepatocyte proliferation in newborn mice and that in liver, the level of p21 protein is under posttranscriptional control, consistent with the hypothesis that protein-protein interaction with C/EBP alpha determines p21 levels.

Changes in expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha) and C/EBP beta in rat liver after partial hepatectomy but not after treatment with cyproterone acetate

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The proliferation rate of adult rat liver is normally very low. It is markedly enhanced during compensatory regeneration, e.g. after partial hepatectomy, or after administration of certain growth promoters, e.g. cyproterone acetate. These two types of liver cell proliferation appear to differ, since the expression of immediate early genes is induced during compensatory regeneration but not after cyproterone acetate treatment. The transcription factor C/EBP alpha, which has been associated with hepatocyte differentiation and growth arrest, is suppressed during compensatory regeneration. In contrast, C/EBP beta, associated with acute phase reaction, is increased during regeneration. We have investigated the effects of the liver growth promoter cyproterone acetate on the hepatic expression of C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta.

METHODS

Adult male rats received either cyproterone acetate treatment or were subjected to partial hepatectomy. Livers were obtained at different time intervals for measurement of C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta mRNA with solution hybridization/RNAse protection assay, and C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta content with immunoblotting.

RESULTS

The levels of both C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta mRNA and the corresponding immunoreactivities were unchanged 2-48 h after injection of cyproterone acetate. The levels of C/EBP alpha mRNA and immunoreactivity were significantly suppressed 10-18 h and 18-26 h after partial hepatectomy, respectively. The levels of C/EBP beta mRNA and immunoreactivity were enhanced during compensatory regeneration 2 h after partial hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver cell proliferation during regeneration, but not in response to cyproterone acetate treatment, is associated with changes in C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta expression. This further supports the notion that changes in expression of transcription factors during liver growth in vivo are dependent on the growth inducer.

Matrix induced re-differentiation of cultured rat hepatocytes and changes of CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins

Rat hepatocytes de-differentiate and proliferate when cultured on collagen-coated dishes in a chemically defined Hepatocyte Growth Medium in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor. The addition of biomatrix derived from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma stops this process and leads to re-differentiation of the cells. We monitored DNA binding activity and protein levels of CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Proteins (C/EBPs) during these events by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and western blot analysis. We used plasma protein gene expression as a marker for the proliferation and differentiation phases. During the initial proliferation phase the DNA binding activity of C/EBPs decreased about 5-10 fold, mainly due to reduction of C/EBP alpha protein to nearly undetectable levels. Addition of EHS-gel prevented the further loss of C/EBP alpha protein and established a new steady state level. Since C/EBP beta proteins were affected to a much lesser extent, the C/EBP alpha:C/EBP beta ratio was greater in the presence of EHS-gel. Transferrin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, and albumin mRNA expression increased substantially. Thus stabilized C/EBP alpha expression, an increased C/EBP alpha:C/EBP beta ratio, and increased expression of liver specific mRNAs all correlated with the transition of proliferative to differentiated cells.

Glucocorticoid-stimulated CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha expression is required for steroid-induced G1 cell cycle arrest of minimal-deviation rat hepatoma cells

By genetic correlation with the growth-suppressible phenotype and direct functional tests, we demonstrate that the glucocorticoid-stimulated expression of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha) transcription factor is required for the steroid-mediated G1 cell cycle arrest of minimal-deviation rat hepatoma cells. Comparison of C/EBP alpha transcript and active protein levels induced by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone in glucocorticoid growth-suppressible (BDS1), nonsuppressible receptor-positive (EDR1) and nonsuppressible receptor-deficient (EDR3) hepatoma cell proliferative variants revealed that the stimulation of C/EBP alpha expression is a rapid, glucocorticoid receptor-mediated response associated with the G1 cell cycle arrest. Consistent with the role of C/EBP alpha as a critical intermediate in the growth suppression response, maximal induction of transcription factor mRNA occurred within 2 h of dexamethasone treatment whereas maximal inhibition of [3H] thymidine incorporation was observed 24 h after steroid treatment. As a direct functional approach, ablation of C/EBP alpha protein expression and DNA-binding activity by transfection of an antisense C/EBP alpha expression vector blocked the dexamethasone-induced G1 cell cycle arrest of hepatoma cells but did not alter general glucocorticoid responsiveness. Transforming growth factor beta induced a G1 cell cycle arrest in C/EBP alpha antisense transfected cells, demonstrating the specific involvement of C/EBP alpha in the glucocorticoid growth suppression response. Constitutive expression of a conditionally activated form of C/EBP alpha caused a G1 cell cycle arrest of BDS1 hepatoma cells in the absence of glucocorticoids. In contrast, overexpression of C/EBP beta or C/EBP delta had no effect on hepatoma cell growth. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the steroid-induced expression of C/EBP alpha is necessary to mediate the glucocorticoid G1 cell cycle arrest of rat hepatoma cells and implicates a role for this transcription factor in the growth control of liver-derived epithelial tumor cells.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha promotes nuclear localization of cytokine-inducible CCAAT/enhancer binding protein isoforms in hepatocytes

Hepatocytes were cultured in the presence of recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha or mutated TNF alpha peptides that specifically activate either p55 or p75 TNF receptors to determine if TNF alpha can activate cytokine-inducible CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) isoforms by post-transcriptional mechanisms that are initiated by TNF receptors. Within 5-10 min after treatment with any of these agents, nuclear concentrations of C/EBP beta and C/EBP delta double and remain 2-4-fold greater than control cultures for 30 min (p < 0.01). Consistent with these results, gel mobility shift assays demonstrate 3-fold increased nuclear C/EBP beta- and C/EBP delta-DNA binding activity in TNF alpha-treated cells, and immunocytochemistry confirms rapid redistribution of these C/EBP isoforms into the nucleus. In contrast, mRNA and whole cell protein concentrations of C/EBP beta and delta are not altered by TNF alpha exposure, and nuclear concentrations of another C/EBP isoform, C/EBP alpha, are decreased by 80%. This novel evidence that TNF alpha initiates post-transcriptional activation of cytokine-inducible C/EBP isoforms identifies a mechanism that enables hepatocytes to respond immediately to inflammatory stress.