Interleukin-1beta activates protein kinase C zeta in renal mesangial cells. Potential role in prostaglandin E2 up-regulation

Ferulic acid improves cardiovascular and kidney structure and function in hypertensive rats

Ferulic acid is a simple phenolic acid commonly present in cereals. In this study, changes in heart and kidney structure and function were measured in young N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-treated Wistar rats and 10-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) alone and after chronic treatment with ferulic acid (FA; 50 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹; n = 6-10; *P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressures were increased after L-NAME treatment (control 125 ± 2 mm Hg, L-NAME 205 ± 6* mm Hg after 8 weeks) and in SHR (250 ± 2 mm Hg; WKY 149 ± 4 mm Hg). Hypertensive rats developed left ventricular hypertrophy, increased ventricular diastolic stiffness (κ; Wistar, 21.4 ± 1.6; L-NAME, 30.1 ± 0.9*; WKYs, 24.1 ± 0.9; SHR 29.5 ± 0.7) and fibrosis of heart and kidneys. Treatment with ferulic acid reduced systolic blood pressure (L-NAME + FA, 157 ± 4*; SHR + FA 214 ± 8* mm Hg), reduced left ventricular diastolic stiffness (L-NAME + FA, 25.2 ± 0.5*; SHR + FA 26.3 ± 0.5*) and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, ferric iron accumulation, and collagen deposition in left ventricles and kidneys. Ferulic acid improved both endothelium-dependent relaxation in isolated thoracic aortic rings and antioxidant status by increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the heart and kidneys. FA decreased plasma liver enzyme activities and plasma creatinine concentrations. Thus, FA improved the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys in hypertensive rats.

NADPH oxidase-mediated redox signaling: roles in cellular stress response, stress tolerance, and tissue repair

NADPH oxidase (Nox) has a dedicated function of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulating evidence suggests that Nox has an important role in signal transduction in cellular stress responses. We have reviewed the current evidence showing that the Nox system can be activated by a collection of chemical, physical, and biological cellular stresses. In many circumstances, Nox activation fits to the cellular stress response paradigm, in that (1) the response can be initiated by various forms of cellular stresses; (2) Nox-derived ROS may activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38) and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, which are the core of the cell stress-response signaling network; and (3) Nox is involved in the development of stress cross-tolerance. Activation of the cell survival pathway by Nox may promote cell adaptation to stresses, whereas Nox may also convey signals toward apoptosis in irreversibly injured cells. At later stage after injury, Nox is involved in tissue repair by modulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. We suggest that Nox may have an integral role in cell stress responses and the subsequent tissue repair process. Understanding Nox-mediated redox signaling mechanisms may be of prominent significance at the crossroads of directing cellular responses to stress, aiming at either enhancing the stress resistance (in such situations as preventing ischemia-reperfusion injuries and accelerating wound healing) or sensitizing the stress-induced cytotoxicity for proliferative diseases such as cancer. Therefore, an optimal outcome of interventions on Nox will only be achieved when this is dealt with in a timely and disease-and stage-specific manner.

Involvement of protein kinase Czeta in interleukin-1beta induction of ADAMTS-4 and type 2 nitric oxide synthase via NF-kappaB signaling in primary human osteoarthritic chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

Protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta), an atypical PKC, has been found to be transcriptionally up-regulated in human osteoarthritic (OA) articular cartilage. This study was undertaken to examine the role of PKCzeta in interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced NF-kappaB signaling in human OA chondrocytes, and ultimately to better understand its function in the regulation of downstream mediators of cartilage matrix degradation.

METHODS

Pharmacologic inhibitors or genetic knockdown techniques were used to investigate the role of PKCzeta. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate phosphorylation of PKCzeta and NF-kappaB. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and activity assays were used to evaluate ADAMTS-4 expression and aggrecanase activity, respectively. Quantitative PCR, biochemical identification, and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate type 2 nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and NO production.

RESULTS

Phosphorylation of PKCzeta and NF-kappaB was induced by IL-1beta treatment in a time-dependent manner, and was specifically inhibited by inhibitors of atypical PKCs. Inhibition of PKCzeta suppressed IL-1beta-induced up-regulation of ADAMTS-4 messenger RNA (mRNA) and aggrecanase activity. Inhibitors of atypical PKCs also inhibited IL-1beta-induced NO production and NOS2 mRNA expression, demonstrating a novel link between PKCzeta and NO production. Furthermore, small interfering RNA- or short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of PKCzeta mRNA resulted in significant repression of both ADAMTS-4 and NOS2 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that PKCzeta is involved in the regulation of IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB signaling in human OA chondrocytes, which in turn regulates downstream expression of ADAMTS-4 and NOS2. Therefore, inhibition of PKCzeta could potentially regulate the production of matrix-degrading enzymes as well as NO production and have a profound effect on disease progression in OA.

Protein kinase C-zeta mediates retinal degeneration in response to TNF

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) has been implicated in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) degeneration in glaucoma. Atypical protein kinase C (PKC) zeta is involved in cell protection against various stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential proapoptotic effects of intravitreal injections of TNF with or without PKCzeta specific inhibitor on the rat retina. TNF was injected in the vitreous of rat eyes alone or in combination with specific PKCzeta inhibitor. PKCzeta and NF-kappaB were studied by immunohistochemistry and western-blotting analysis on retina, and apoptosis quantified by the TUNEL assay. While low basal PKCzeta was observed in the control eyes, TNF induced intense expression of PKCzeta mostly in bipolar cells processes. PKCzeta staining became nuclear when TNF was coinjected with PKCzeta inhibitor. TNF alone did not induce apoptosis in the retina. Coinjection of the PKCzeta-specific inhibitor and TNF, however, induced apoptosis in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. The PKCzeta-specific inhibitor unmasks retinal cells to TNF cytotoxicity showing a link between the proapoptotic effects of TNF and the antiapoptotic PKCzeta signaling pathway.

Bidens pilosa suppresses interleukin-1beta-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression through the inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinases phosphorylation in normal human dermal fibroblasts

Bidens pilosa (BP) Linn. var. radiata is a plant used in traditional folk medicine. It is clinically effective in various diseases; the pathogenesis of most of these involves cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. To investigate the mechanism on which the clinical effectiveness of BP is based, we examined its effects on COX-2 expression and its major product, prostaglandin (PG)E(2), under conditions of inflammation. We induced inflammation in normal human dermal fibroblasts with interleukin (IL)-1beta and examined the effects of BP on COX-2 expression and PGE(2) production using Western blotting and competitive enzyme immunoassay, respectively. The functional involvements of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1/2, p38, and JNK in COX-2 expression were also examined by Western blotting. IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression was regulated by MAPK pathways, especially by p38. BP inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs, COX-2 expression, and subsequent PGE(2) production. The physiological activities and clinical effectiveness of BP observed under diverse conditions may be partly attributable to its ability to inhibit MAPK, mainly p38, activity, COX-2 expression, and subsequent PGE(2) production.

IL-1beta induces VEGF, independently of PGE2 induction, mainly through the PI3-K/mTOR pathway in renal mesangial cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could play a relevant role in angiogenesis associated with chronic allograft nephropathy. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) has a key role in inflammatory response. It induces prostaglandin (PG) E2, which is involved in VEGF release by some normal and tumor cells. In the present work, we studied the effect of IL-1beta on VEGF release by rat mesangial cells, the transduction signal, and whether or not PGE2 is involved in this effect. IL-1beta induced a time-dependent formation of VEGF (analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and PGE2 (analyzed by enzyme immunoassay). The latter correlated with microsomal-PGE-synthase (mPGES)-1 expression rather than with cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in terms of protein, determined by Western blotting. No effect of IL-1beta on COX-1, cytosolic PGES, or mPGES-2 expression was observed. Indomethacin exerted a nonsignificant effect on IL-1beta-induced VEGF, and exogenously added PGE2 exhibited a nonsignificant stimulatory effect on VEGF formation. SB 203580, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, weakly inhibited the induction of VEGF by IL-1beta in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas LY 294002, a phosphoinoside 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor, and rapamycin, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, strongly inhibited both IL-1beta- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced VEGF formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Rapamycin also decreased glomerular VEGF levels in the anti-Thy1.1 model of experimental glomerulonephritis. In conclusion, the PI3-K-mTOR pathway seems to be essential in cytokine-induced release of VEGF in mesangial cells.

Protein kinase Czeta is up-regulated in osteoarthritic cartilage and is required for activation of NF-kappaB by tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 in articular chondrocytes

Protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) is an intracellular serine/threonine protein kinase that has been implicated in the signaling pathways for certain inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), in some cell types. A study of gene expression in articular chondrocytes from osteoarthritis (OA) patients revealed that PKCzeta is transcriptionally up-regulated in human OA articular cartilage clinical samples. This finding led to the hypothesis that PKCzeta may be an important signaling component of cytokine-mediated cartilage matrix destruction in articular chondrocytes, believed to be an underlying factor in the pathophysiology of OA. IL-1 treatment of chondrocytes in culture resulted in rapidly increased phosphorylation of PKCzeta, implicating PKCzeta activation in the signaling pathway. Chondrocyte cell-based assays were used to evaluate the contribution of PKCzeta activity in NF-kappaB activation and extracellular matrix degradation mediated by IL-1, TNF, or sphingomyelinase. In primary chondrocytes, IL-1 and TNF-alpha caused an increase in NF-kappaB activity resulting in induction of aggrecanase-1 and aggrecanase-2 expression, with consequent increased proteoglycan degradation. This effect was blocked by the pan-specific PKC inhibitors RO 31-8220 and bisindolylmaleimide I, partially blocked by Gö 6976, and was unaffected by the PKCzeta-sparing inhibitor calphostin C. A cell-permeable PKCzeta pseudosubstrate peptide inhibitor was capable of blocking TNFand IL-1-mediated NF-kappaB activation and proteoglycan degradation in chondrocyte pellet cultures. In addition, overexpression of a dominant negative PKCzeta protein effectively prevented cytokine-mediated NF-kappaB activation in primary chondrocytes. These data implicate PKCzeta as a necessary component of the IL-1 and TNF signaling pathways in chondrocytes that result in catabolic destruction of extracellular matrix proteins in osteoarthritic cartilage.

Regulation of IL-1-induced selective IL-6 release from human mast cells and inhibition by quercetin

Mast cells are involved in allergic reactions, but also in innate immunity and inflammation. Crosslinkage of mast cell Fc immunoglobulin E receptors (FcvarepsilonRI) by multivalent antigen triggers secretion of granule-stored mediators, as well as de novo synthesis of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6. We showed recently that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 stimulates human leukemic mast cells (HMC-1) and human umbilical cord blood-derived cultured mast cells (hCBMCs) to release newly synthesized IL-6 without tryptase in the absence of degranulation. Here, we investigated several signal-transduction pathways activated by IL-1 leading to IL-6 production by HMC-1 and hCBMCs. We also investigated the effect of the flavonol quercetin that was recently shown to strongly inhibit IL-6 secretion in response to allergic stimulation from hCBMCs.IL-1 stimulated p38, but did not activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); it also did not activate protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes alpha, beta, mu and zeta, except for PKC-theta, which was phosphorylated. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the PKC inhibitors Calphostin C and Gö6976 completely inhibited IL-1-induced IL-6 production. Quercetin 1-100 microM inhibited IL-1-induced IL-6 secretion, p38 and PKC-theta phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that IL-1-stimulated IL-6 production from human mast cells is regulated by biochemical pathways distinct from IgE-induced degranulation and that quercetin can block both IL-6 secretion and two key signal transduction steps involved.

Role of atypical protein kinase C isozymes and NF-κB in IL-1β-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human myometrial smooth muscle cells

Increased myometrial expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) at term results from elevated local levels of inflammatory cytokines, and its inhibition provides a potential route for intervention in human pre-term labor. We have identified a role for atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in IL-1beta-induced Cox-2 expression in human myometrial smooth muscle cells (HMSMC). The PKC inhibitor GF109203X (10 microM) inhibited IL-1beta-induced Cox-2 protein and RNA expression, which were also reduced by MAPK and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitors. GF109203X did not affect MAPK activities, and neither did it replicate the effect of p38 MAPK inhibition on Cox-2 mRNA stability, suggesting that PKC operates through an independent mechanism. The effect of GF109203X remained intact after depletion of conventional and novel PKC isozymes by phorbol ester pre-treatment. In contrast LY379196 (10 microM), which at micromolar concentrations inhibits all but atypical PKCs, did not affect Cox-2 expression. A peptide corresponding to the pseudosubstrate sequence of atypical PKCs blocked Cox-2 protein expression, whereas the sequence from conventional PKCs was ineffective. GF109203X did not affect NF-kappaB binding to nuclear proteins, but strongly reduced NF-kappaB-dependent transcription in luciferase reporter assays. Our findings indicate that IL-1beta-induced Cox-2 expression in HMSMC in culture requires p38-MAPK-mediated mRNA stabilization and an independent activation of Cox-2 transcription which is dependent on the action of atypical PKCs, probably through direct stimulation of the transactivating activity of NF-kappaB.

The LIM protein Ajuba influences interleukin-1-induced NF-kappaB activation by affecting the assembly and activity of the protein kinase Czeta/p62/TRAF6 signaling complex

The Zyxin/Ajuba family of cytosolic LIM domain-containing proteins has the potential to shuttle from sites of cell adhesion into the nucleus and thus can be candidate transducers of environmental signals. To understand Ajuba's role in signal transduction pathways, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen with the LIM domain region of Ajuba. We identified the atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) scaffold protein p62 as an Ajuba binding partner. A prominent function of p62 is the regulation of NF-kappaB activation in response to interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor signaling through the formation of an aPKC/p62/TRAF6 multiprotein signaling complex. In addition to p62, we found that Ajuba also interacted with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and PKCzeta. Ajuba recruits TRAF6 to p62 and in vitro activates PKCzeta activity and is a substrate of PKCzeta. Ajuba null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and lungs were defective in NF-kappaB activation following IL-1 stimulation, and in lung IKK activity was inhibited. Overexpression of Ajuba in primary MEFs enhances NF-kappaB activity following IL-1 stimulation. We propose that Ajuba is a new cytosolic component of the IL-1 signaling pathway modulating IL-1-induced NF-kappaB activation by influencing the assembly and activity of the aPKC/p62/TRAF6 multiprotein signaling complex.

9HODE stimulates cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis in human mesangial cells via PPARgamma

Plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) levels are elevated in patients with renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. We examined effects of OX-LDL on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production by using normal human mesangial cells. Furthermore, we examined possible involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). Mesangial cell proliferation with OX-LDL, 9-hydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid (9HODE), and 13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid (13HODE), the major components of OX-LDL, were determined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) or 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) incorporation. The effect of OX-LDL on mesangial cell proliferation with PD98059 pretreatment was determined by BrdU incorporation. Type IV collagen, fibronectin, and PPARgamma expression with OX-LDL or 9HODE or 13HODE was determined by Western blotting. Type IV collagen expression with antisense oligonucleotide against PPARgamma pretreatment was also determined by Western blotting. The effect of PD98059 pretreatment on PPARgamma expression was determined by Western blotting. In mesangial cells exposed to isolated OX-LDL from human plasma, BrdU incorporation was increased, and this increase was deleted by PD98059. Type IV collagen expression was significantly increased by OX-LDL. 9HODE and 13HODE increased BrdU and MTT incorporation into mesangial cells and also increased expressions of Type IV collagen and fibronection, the major components of ECM. PPARgamma expression in mesangial cells was stimulated by 9HODE. The reduction of PPARgamma synthesis by pretreatment of antisense oligonucleotide against PPARgamma remarkably attenuated Type IV collagen synthesis induced by 9HODE. PPARgamma expression induced by 9HODE was also reduced by PD98059 pretreatment. These findings demonstrate that 9HODE, the major component of OX-LDL, stimulates cell proliferation and ECM production of human mesangial cells. In addition, the stimulatory effects are, at least in part, mediated by PPARgamma, which may exist in downstream of ERK1/2 pathway.

Involvement of protein kinase C-epsilon in inositol hexakisphosphate-induced exocytosis in mouse pancreatic beta-cells

Inositolhexakisphosphate (InsP6) plays a pivotal role in the pancreatic beta-cell stimulus-secretion coupling. We have used capacitance measurements to study the effects of InsP6 on Ca2+-dependent exocytosis in single mouse pancreatic beta-cells. In the presence of inhibitors of the protein phosphatase calcineurin to block endocytosis, intracellular application of InsP6 produced a dose-dependent stimulation of exocytosis, and half-maximal effect was observed at 22 microM. The stimulatory effect of InsP6 was dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Antisense oligonucleotides directed against specific PKC isoforms (alpha, beta II, delta, epsilon, xi) revealed the involvement of PKC-epsilon in InsP6-induced exocytosis. Furthermore, expression of dominant negative PKC-epsilon abolished InsP6-evoked exocytosis, whereas expression of wild-type PKC-epsilon led to a significant stimulation of InsP6-induced exocytosis. These data demonstrate that PKC-epsilon is involved in InsP6-induced exocytosis in pancreatic beta-cells.

Role of protein kinase C in BSA-AGE-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages

In the present study, the roles of protein kinase C (PKC) in BSA-derived advanced glycosylation end products (BSA-AGEs)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were investigated. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with BSA-AGEs caused dose- and time-dependent increases in NO release and iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 cells, whereas BSA alone had no effect on iNOS induction. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (genistein), the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C inhibitor (U-73122), the phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C inhibitor (D-609), and the PKC inhibitors (staurosporine, Ro 31-8220, and Go 6976) all inhibited BSA-AGE-induced NO release and iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Stimulation of RAW 264.7 cells with BSA-AGEs resulted in the formation of inositol monophosphate; the response was attenuated by U-73122 and genistein. BSA-AGEs stimulated PKC-alpha, -betaI, -delta, and -eta but not -zeta translocation from the cytosol to the membrane. However, incubation of RAW 264.7 cells with BSA-AGEs increased phosphorylation of PKC-zeta at threonine-410, which reflects activation of PKC-zeta, indicating the possible involvement of these PKC isoforms in AGE-mediated effects. Pretreatment of RAW 264.7 cells with U-73122, D-609, and genistein reduced the AGE-stimulated translocation of PKC-alpha, -betaI, -delta, and -eta and activation of PKC-zeta. Taken together, these data suggest that BSA-AGEs might activate PKC and subsequently induce iNOS expression and NO release.

Protein kinase C alpha and zeta regulate nitric oxide-induced NF-kappa B activation that mediates cyclooxygenase-2 expression and apoptosis but not dedifferentiation in articular chondrocytes

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates differentiation, survival, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in articular chondrocytes. NO-induced apoptosis and dedifferentiation are mediated by p38 kinase activity and p38 kinase-independent and -dependent inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC)alpha and zeta. Because p38 kinase also activates NF-kappa B, we investigated the functional relationship between PKC and NF-kappa B signaling and the role of NF-kappa B in apoptosis, dedifferentiation, and COX-2 expression. We found that NO-stimulated NF-kappa B activation was inhibited by ectopic PKC alpha and zeta expression, whereas NO-stimulated inhibition of PKC alpha and zeta activity was not affected by NF-kappa B inhibition. Inhibition of NO-induced NF-kappa B activity did not affect inhibition of type II collagen expression but did abrogate COX-2 expression and apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicate that NO-induced inhibition of PKC alpha and zeta activity is required for the NF-kappa B activity that regulates apoptosis and COX-2 expression but not dedifferentiation in articular chondrocytes.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulates fractalkine production by mesangial cells and regulates monocyte transmigration: down-regulation by cAMP

BACKGROUND

Fractalkine is a CX3C chemokine for mononuclear cells that has been implicated in the recruitment and accumulation of monocytes seen in glomerular diseases. We investigated the mechanisms by which tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha stimulates mesangial cell (MC) fractalkine expression, and the effects of MC-derived fractalkine on monocyte transmigration.

METHODS

Cultured rat MCs were incubated with TNF-alpha, with or without pretreatment with pharmacologic inhibitors of protein kinases or transcriptional factors downstream to TNF-alpha. Fractalkine mRNA and protein were analyzed by Northern and Western blotting. Translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB was evaluated by immunocytochemical staining. Monocyte transmigration was determined by in vitro chemotaxis assay.

RESULTS

TNF-alpha stimulated MC fractalkine mRNA as well as cell-bound and soluble protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The soluble fractalkine was shed from the cell-bound form via metalloproteinase-dependent cleavage, and mediated in part TNF-alpha-induced monocyte transmigration in vitro. The incubation of MCs with calphostin C [a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC)] or PD98059 [a selective inhibitor of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase] attenuated TNF-alpha-stimulated fractalkine mRNA and protein expression. Coincubation of MCs with calphostin C and PD98059 resulted in a synergistic inhibition of TNF-alpha-stimulated fractalkine mRNA and protein expression. Incubation of MCs with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for four hours resulted in an increase in fractalkine mRNA expression that could be suppressed by calphostin C or depletion of PKC by pretreatment with PMA for 24 hours. Further, activation of PKC-depleted MCs with TNF-alpha stimulated fractalkine mRNA expression that could be blocked by calphostin C. PD 98059, but not calphostin C, inhibited TNF-alpha-activated phospho-p42/44 MAPK and phospho-c-Jun levels, whereas only calphostin C inhibited TNF-alpha-activated phosphorylation of PKCzeta/iota. The incubation of MCs with MG132, a NF-kappaB inhibitor, abolished TNF-alpha-induced degradation of inhibitory protein of NF-kappaB (I-kappaB)alpha, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, and fractalkine expression, without affecting phospho-c-Jun levels. In contrast, curcumin, an activating protein (AP)-1 inhibitor, attenuated TNF-alpha-stimulated phospho-c-Jun levels and fractalkine expression without discernible effects on TNF-alpha-induced degradation of I-kappaBalpha or NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. Neither PD 98059 nor calphostin C affected TNF-alpha-induced degradation of I-kappaBalpha or NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. Additional experiments examining the role of cAMP on MC fractalkine expression showed that the incubation of MCs with TNF-alpha and either db-cAMP or forskolin attenuated TNF-alpha-stimulated fractalkine mRNA and protein expression, preceded by attenuation of TNF-alpha-activated phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK, and c-Jun, but not phosphorylation of PKCzeta/iota or nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB.

CONCLUSION

The present data indicate that TNF-alpha activation of PKCzeta/iota, p42/44 MAPK, c-Jun/AP-1, and p65/NF-kappaB are involved in TNF-alpha-stimulated MC fractalkine expression, with the soluble fractalkine mediating in part the TNF-alpha-induced monocyte transmigration in vitro. Uncoupling of p42/44 MAPK or c-Jun/AP-1 signals may contribute to cAMP inhibition of MC fractalkine expression activated by TNF-alpha.

Involvement of nuclear factor-kappaB in lipoteichoic acid-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages

We have investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression caused by Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid in RAW 264.7 macrophages. A phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor (D-609) and a phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) inhibitor (U-73122) attenuated lipoteichoic acid-induced COX-2 expression, while a phosphatidate phosphohydrolase inhibitor (propranolol) had no effect. Two PKC inhibitors (Go 6976 and Ro 31-8220) and the NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), also attenuated lipoteichoic acid-induced COX-2 expression. Lipoteichoic acid resulted in a decrease in PKC activity in the cytosol and an increase in PKC activity in membranes. The lipoteichoic acid-induced translocation of p65 NF-kappaB from the cytosol to the nucleus was inhibited by D-609, U-73122, Go 6976, Ro 31-8220, and PDTC, but not by propranolol. The results suggested that lipoteichoic acid might have activated PC-PLC and PI-PLC to induce PKC activation, which in turn initiated NF-kappaB activation, and finally induced COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Interleukin-1beta stimulates human renal fibroblast proliferation and matrix protein production by means of a transforming growth factor-beta-dependent mechanism

One of the hallmarks of progressive renal disease is the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. This is frequently preceded by macrophage infiltration, raising the possibility that macrophages relay fibrogenic signals to resident tubulointerstitial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the potentially fibrogenic role of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), a macrophage-derived inflammatory cytokine, on cortical fibroblasts (CFs). Primary cultures of human renal CFs were established and incubated for 24 hours in the presence or absence of IL-1beta. We found that IL-1beta significantly stimulated DNA synthesis (356.7% +/- 39% of control, P <.003), fibronectin secretion (261.8 +/- 11% of control, P <.005), collagen type 1 production, (release of procollagen type 1 C-terminal-peptide, 152.4% +/- 26% of control, P <.005), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) secretion (211% +/- 37% of control, P <.01), and nitric oxide (NO) production (342.8% +/- 69% of control, P <.002). TGF-beta (1 ng/mL) and the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 25 nmol/L) produced fibrogenic effects similar to those of IL-1beta. Neither a NO synthase inhibitor (N(G)-methyl-l-arginine, 1 mmol/L) nor a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (bis-indolylmaleimide 1, 1 micromol/L) altered the enhanced level of fibronectin secretion or DNA synthesis seen in response to IL-1beta treatment. However, addition of a TGF-beta-neutralizing antibody significantly reduced IL-1beta-induced fibronectin secretion (IL-1beta + IgG, 262% +/- 72% vs IL-1beta + alphaTGF-beta 156% +/- 14%, P <.02), collagen type 1 production (IL-1beta + IgG, 176% +/- 28% vs IL-1beta + alphaTGF-beta, 120% +/- 14%, P <.005) and abrogated IL-1beta-induced DNA synthesis (245% +/- 49% vs 105% +/- 21%, P <.005). IL-1beta significantly stimulated CF DNA synthesis and production of fibronectin, collagen type 1, TGFbeta, and NO. The fibrogenic and proliferative action of IL-1beta on CF appears not to involve activation of PKC or production of NO but is at least partly TGFbeta-dependent.

Regulation of COX-2 expression in human intestinal myofibroblasts: mechanisms of IL-1-mediated induction

Elevated mucosal interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels are frequently seen during acute and chronic intestinal inflammation, and IL-1 neutralization lessens the severity of inflammation. One major effect of IL-1 is the increased release of eicosanoid mediators via induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). One site of COX-2-derived prostaglandin synthesis during acute and chronic intestinal inflammation is the intestinal myofibroblast. COX-2 expression has also been documented in these cells in colonic neoplasms. Thus an understanding of the regulation of COX-2 expression in human intestinal myofibroblasts is important. As an initial step toward this goal we have characterized IL-1alpha signaling pathways that induce COX-2 expression in cultured human intestinal myofibroblasts. IL-1 treatment resulted in a dramatic transcriptional induction of COX-2 gene expression. Activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38, and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways was each necessary for optimal COX-2 induction. In contrast to what occurs in other cell types, including other myofibroblasts such as renal mesangial cells, PKC inhibition did not prevent IL-1-induced NF-kappaB or mitogen activated protein kinase/ stress-activated protein kinase activation, suggesting a novel role for PKC isoforms during this process. The stimulatory effects of PKC, NF-kappaB, ERK-1/2, and presumably c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase activation were exerted at the transcriptional level, whereas p38 activation resulted in increased stability of the COX-2 message. We conclude that, in intestinal myofibroblasts, IL-1-mediated induction of COX-2 expression is a complex process that requires input from multiple signaling pathways. Each parallel pathway acts in relative autonomy, the sum of their actions culminating in a dramatic increase in COX-2 transcription and message stability.

Induction of cyclooxygenase-2 protein by lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus in human pulmonary epithelial cells: involvement of a nuclear factor-kappa B-dependent pathway

1. This study investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression caused by lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a cell wall component of the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, in human pulmonary epithelial cell line (A549). 2. LTA caused dose- and time-dependent increases in COX-2 expression and COX activity, and a dose-dependent increase in PGE(2) release in A549 cells. The LTA-induced increases in COX-2 expression and COX activity were markedly inhibited by dexamethasone, actinomycin D or cyclohexamide, but not by polymyxin B, which binds and inactivates endotoxin. 3. The phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor (D-609) and the phosphatidate phosphohydrolase inhibitor (propranolol) reduced the LTA-induced increases in COX-2 expression and COX activity, while phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C inhibitor (U-73122) had no effect. The PKC inhibitors (Go 6976, Ro 31-8220 and GF 109203X) and NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), also attenuated the LTA-induced increases in COX-2 expression and COX activity. 4. Treatment of A549 cells with LTA caused an increase in PKC activity in the plasma membrane; this stimulatory effect was inhibited by D-609, propranolol, or Go 6976, but not by U-73122. 5. Exposure of A549 cells to LTA caused a translocation of p65 NF-kappaB from the cytosol to the nucleus and a degradation of IkappaB-alpha in the cytosol. Treatment of A549 cells with LTA caused NF-kappaB activation by detecting the formation of NF-kappaB-specific DNA-protein complex in the nucleus; this effect was inhibited by dexamethasone, D-609, propranolol, Go 6976, Ro 31-8220, or PDTC. 6. These results suggest that LTA might activate PC-PLC and phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase D to induce PKC activation, which in turn initiates NF-kappaB activation, and finally induces COX-2 expression and PGE(2) release in human pulmonary epithelial cell line.

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) action in porcine thyroid cells involves the ceramide signalling pathway

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) is often associated with thyroidal autoimmune diseases. This cytokine has been largely described to trigger an important biological signalling pathway: the sphingomyelin/ceramide pathway. In this report we show that IL-1beta induces ceramide formation and sphingomyelin degradation in porcine thyroid cells via the activation of a neutral sphingomyelinase. Among the potential targets of IL-1beta and ceramides action, we have investigated the role of an atypical protein kinase C (PKC), the PKC zeta. We show that both IL-1beta and ceramides lead to an increase of PKCzeta activity. All these results suggest an important role for ceramides and IL-1beta in regulation of thyroid function, leading to cell survival or to apoptosis.

Protein kinase C-alpha and -beta play antagonistic roles in the differentiation process of THP-1 cells

The roles of protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes in the differentiation process of THP-1 cells are investigated. Inhibition of PKC by RO 31-8220 reduces the phagocytosis of latex particles and the release of superoxide, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The proliferation of THP-1 cells is slightly enhanced by RO 31-8220. Stable transfection of THP-1 cells with asPKC-alpha, and incubation of THP-1 cells with antisense (as) PKC-alpha oligodeoxynucleotides reduces PKC-alpha levels and PKC activity. asPKC-alpha-transfected THP-1 cells show a decreased phagocytosis and a decreased release of superoxide, PGE(2) and TNF-alpha. The proliferation of asPKC-alpha-transfected THP-1 cells is enhanced. Stable transfection of THP-1 cells with asPKC-beta, and incubation of THP-1 cells with asPKC-beta oligodeoxynucleotides, reduces PKC-beta levels and PKC activity. asPKC-beta-transfected THP-1 cells show a decreased phagocytosis, a decreased TNF-alpha release, and a decreased proliferation. However, no difference is measured in the release of superoxide and PGE(2). These results suggest that: (1) PKC-alpha but not PKC-beta is involved in the release of superoxide and PGE(2); (2) TNF-alpha release and the phagocytosis of latex particles are mediated by PKC-alpha, PKC-beta, and other PKC isoenzymes; and (3) PKC-alpha and PKC-beta play antagonistic roles in the differentiation process of THP-1 cells. PKC-alpha promotes the differentiation process of THP-1 cells, PKC-beta retards the differentiation of THP-1 cells into macrophage-like cells.

The atypical PKC-interacting protein p62 channels NF-kappaB activation by the IL-1-TRAF6 pathway

The atypical protein kinase C (aPKC)-interacting protein, p62, has previously been shown to interact with RIP, linking these kinases to NF-kappaB activation by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). The aPKCs have been implicated in the activation of IKKbeta in TNFalpha-stimulated cells and have been shown to be activated in response to interleukin-1 (IL-1). Here we demonstrate that the inhibition of the aPKCs or the down-regulation of p62 severely abrogates NF-kappaB activation by IL-1 and TRAF6, suggesting that both proteins are critical intermediaries in this pathway. Consistent with this we show that p62 selectively interacts with the TRAF domain of TRAF6 but not that of TRAF5 or TRAF2 in co-transfection experiments. The binding of endogenous p62 to TRAF6 is stimulus dependent, reinforcing the notion that this is a physiologically relevant interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the N-terminal domain of TRAF6, which is required for signaling, interacts with zetaPKC in a dimerization-dependent manner. Together, these results indicate that p62 is an important intermediary not only in TNFalpha but also in IL-1 signaling to NF-kappaB through the specific adapters RIP and TRAF6.

Calphostin C induces AP1 synthesis and AP1-dependent c-jun transactivation in normal human chondrocytes independent of protein kinase C-alpha inhibition: possible role for c-jun N-terminal kinase

Activator protein-1 (AP1) regulates the promoter activity of a large number of genes associated with developmental, proliferative, inflammatory, and homeostatic processes in human connective tissue cells. Some of these genes (e.g., cyclooxygenase-2) are regulated by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, calphostin C (CalC). We examined whether CalC could indeed induce AP1 and AP1 gene transactivation (c-jun) in human chondrocytes. Exploratory studies confirmed the anti-PKC effects of CalC, as equal molar concentrations of CalC blocked the PMA-induced translocation of PKC-alpha from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction. CalC induction of AP1, as judged by gel-shift analysis, using a consensus AP1 oligonucleotide, was biphasic with an initial increase (maximum 4 h), followed by a decline, reaching its nadir after 16 h, and finally a major upregulation phase at 24 h. Maximum induction of AP-1 was reached at a concentration of 250 nmol/L of CalC. CalC did not block PMA-induced AP1 synthesis. Gel-shift analysis in the presence of specific antibodies to c-Jun, JunB, JunD, c-Fos, and CREB/ATF showed that the AP1 complexes were probably c-Jun/c-Jun, c-Fos/c-Jun, c-Fos/JunB, or c-Jun/JunB dimers. Northern blot analysis confirmed that c-jun, junB, and c-Fos were the principal proto-oncogenes induced by CalC. To confirm that c-jun induction occurs at the transcriptional level and to examine the role of the AP1 site present in the c-jun promoter in the induction of c-jun by CalC, we performed transient transfections of c-jun promoter-CAT constructs harboring either wild-type (WT) AP1 regulatory element sites or mutant AP1 sites. CalC (250 nmol/L) induced a marked increase in CAT activity (i.e., promoter activation) with WT AP1 c-jun promoter-CAT plasmids, but the response was completely abrogated when using constructs where the AP1 site was mutated. PMA produced similar results, but the induction of the WT AP1 c-jun promoter-CAT plasmid was smaller. CalC (250 nmol/L) inhibited MAPK (p42/44) activity while stimulating c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity in a time-frame coincident with the activation of AP1. We conclude that CalC induces signaling pathways that activate AP1 and transactivate genes harboring AP1 enhancer sites independent of PKC-alpha.

Expression and activation of protein kinase C-zeta in eosinophils after allergen challenge

Protein kinase (PK) C is an increasingly diverse family of enzymes that has been implicated in a range of cellular functions within the eosinophil. Using isoform-specific polyclonal antibodies, we have explored the expression of PKC isoforms in circulating eosinophils. Initial studies demonstrated the presence of the alpha, betaI, betaII, and zeta and the low-level expression of the delta, epsilon, iota, and micro isoforms but no detectable expression of the gamma, eta, and theta isoforms in both normal and asthmatic subjects. There was no difference in the total protein expression between these two groups. Subsequent studies examined the expression and activation of PKC isoforms in circulating eosinophils from asthmatic patients before and 24 h after a late asthmatic response to an inhaled allergen. Cellular fractionation showed PKC-alpha and PKC-betaII to be mainly located in the cytosol, whereas PKC-betaI was constitutively more expressed in the membrane. No changes in expression or subcellular localization of these isoforms were seen after allergen challenge. In contrast, PKC-zeta expression was increased after allergen challenge, and we demonstrated a significant PKC-zeta translocation to the membrane, in keeping with activation of the enzyme. Our results suggest that 24 h after allergen exposure of asthmatic patients, there is increased expression and activation of eosinophil PKC-zeta that correlates with late asthmatic responses recorded between 4 and 10 h postallergen challenge.

Inactivation of the inhibitory kappaB protein kinase/nuclear factor kappaB pathway by Par-4 expression potentiates tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis

Par-4 is a novel protein identified in cells undergoing apoptosis. The ability of Par-4 to promote apoptotic cell death is dependent on the binding and inactivation of the atypical protein kinases C (PKCs). This subfamily of kinases has been reported to control nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) through the regulation of the IkappaB kinase activity. NF-kappaB activation by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) provides a survival signal that impairs the TNFalpha-induced apoptotic response. We show here that expression of Par-4 inhibits the TNFalpha-induced nuclear translocation of p65 as well as the kappaB-dependent promoter activity. Interestingly, Par-4 expression blocks inhibitory kappaB protein (IkappaB) kinase activity, which leads to the inhibition of IkappaB phosphorylation and degradation, in a manner that is dependent on its ability to inhibit lambda/iotaPKC. Of potential functional relevance, the expression of Par-4 allows TNFalpha to induce apoptosis in NIH-3T3 cells. In addition, the down-regulation of Par-4 levels by oncogenic Ras sensitizes cells to TNFalpha-induced NF-kappaB activation.

The central role of nuclear factor-kappa B in mesangial cell activation

BACKGROUND

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is a family of transcription factors that is recognized by the kappa B enhancer element. Numerous proinflammatory genes have binding sites for NF-kappa B, and the products of these genes are an integral part of cellular activation and inflammatory response systems. Because there is a close relationship between NF-kappa B and mediators of cell activation, it is possible that a disruption of NF-kappa B-activating pathways may effectively influence mesangial cell activation.

METHODS

We reviewed available studies related to both NF-kappa B and mesangial cells in order to provide evidence for the role of NF-kappa B in mesangial cell activation.

RESULTS

Studies reported by this laboratory and others showed that various experimental maneuvers that modulate NF-kappa B activation result in a parallel modulation of proinflammatory molecule production in cultured mesangial cells. Likewise, the ability of the inhibitors of NF-kappa B activation to down-regulate the inflammatory response in animal models of renal disease has been recently demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest a pivotal role of NF-kappa B in mesangial cell activation and designate it as an obvious target for the modulation of this activation. Studies are necessary to characterize the role of NF-kappa B in human renal injury.

Regulation of NF-kappaB RelA phosphorylation and transcriptional activity by p21(ras) and protein kinase Czeta in primary endothelial cells

The activity of the transcription factor NF-kappaB is thought to be regulated mainly through cytoplasmic retention by IkappaB molecules. Here we present evidence of a second mechanism of regulation acting on NF-kappaB after release from IkappaB. In endothelial cells this mechanism involves phosphorylation of the RelA subunit of NF-kappaB through a pathway involving activation of protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) and p21(ras). We show that transcriptional activity of RelA is dependent on phosphorylation of the N-terminal Rel homology domain but not the C-terminal transactivation domain. Inhibition of phosphorylation by dominant negative mutants of PKCzeta or p21(ras) results in loss of RelA transcriptional activity without interfering with DNA binding. Raf/MEK, small GTPases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and stress-activated protein kinase pathways are not involved in this mechanism of regulation.

Release of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored carboxypeptidase M by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C upregulates enzyme synthesis

Carboxypeptidase M (CPM), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein, remained at a constant level in confluent Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells but was continually released into the medium in soluble form. The released CPM contained ethanolamine, indicating liberation by a phospholipase. Treatment of MDCK cells with 0.01 U/ml phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C for 6 h led to a 5.5-fold increase in soluble CPM, yet the activity in cells remained constant, resulting in a 30% increase in total activity. The increase was due to new protein synthesis as evidenced by inhibition with 0.2 microM cycloheximide and a 63% increase in [35S]methionine incorporation into newly synthesized CPM. MDCK cells treated with 1-alkyl-2-acyl-glycerol, the diglyceride component of mammalian glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors, exhibited a 36% increase in CPM activity, but diacylglycerols or phorbol esters were ineffective. Thus, release of GPI-anchored CPM can generate a diglyceride signal to replenish and maintain constant levels on the cell surface.

Role of the protein kinase C lambda/iota isoform in nuclear factor-kappaB activation by interleukin-1beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha: cell type specificities

It has previously been reported that distinct signaling pathways can lead to nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation following stimulation of different cell types with inflammatory cytokines. As the role of atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in NF-kappaB activation remains a matter of controversy, we investigated whether this role might be cell type-dependent. Immunoblots detected atypical PKC expression in all the analyzed cell lines. The PKC inhibitor calphostin C inhibited NF-kappaB activation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or interleukin (IL)-1beta in Jurkat or NIH3T3 cells but not in MCF7 A/Z cells. Cell transfections with a PKC lambda/iota dominant negative mutant abolished TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB-dependent transcription in NIH3T3 and Jurkat cells but not in MCF7 A/Z cells. Similarly, the same mutant blocked NF-kappaB-dependent transactivation after IL-1beta stimulation of NIH3T3 cells, but was ineffective after IL-1beta treatment of MCF7 A/Z cells. In MCF7 A/Z cells, however, the PKC lambda/iota dominant negative mutant could abolish transactivation of an AP-1-dependent reporter plasmid after stimulation with TNF-alpha but not with IL-1beta. These data thus confirm that transduction pathways for NF-kappaB activation after cell stimulation with TNF-alpha or IL-1beta are cell-type specific and that atypical PKC isoforms participate in this pathway in NIH3T3 and Jurkat cells.

Activation of IkappaB kinase beta by protein kinase C isoforms

The atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes (lambda/iotaPKC and zetaPKC) have been shown to be critically involved in important cell functions such as proliferation and survival. Previous studies have demonstrated that the atypical PKCs are stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and are required for the activation of NF-kappaB by this cytokine through a mechanism that most probably involves the phosphorylation of IkappaB. The inability of these PKC isotypes to directly phosphorylate IkappaB led to the hypothesis that zetaPKC may use a putative IkappaB kinase to functionally inactivate IkappaB. Recently several groups have molecularly characterized and cloned two IkappaB kinases (IKKalpha and IKKbeta) which phosphorylate the residues in the IkappaB molecule that serve to target it for ubiquitination and degradation. In this study we have addressed the possibility that different PKCs may control NF-kappaB through the activation of the IKKs. We report here that alphaPKC as well as the atypical PKCs bind to the IKKs in vitro and in vivo. In addition, overexpression of zetaPKC positively modulates IKKbeta activity but not that of IKKalpha, whereas the transfection of a zetaPKC dominant negative mutant severely impairs the activation of IKKbeta but not IKKalpha in TNF-alpha-stimulated cells. We also show that cell stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate activates IKKbeta, which is entirely dependent on the activity of alphaPKC but not that of the atypical isoforms. In contrast, the inhibition of alphaPKC does not affect the activation of IKKbeta by TNF-alpha. Interestingly, recombinant active zetaPKC and alphaPKC are able to stimulate in vitro the activity of IKKbeta but not that of IKKalpha. In addition, evidence is presented here that recombinant zetaPKC directly phosphorylates IKKbeta in vitro, involving Ser177 and Ser181. Collectively, these results demonstrate a critical role for the PKC isoforms in the NF-kappaB pathway at the level of IKKbeta activation and IkappaB degradation.

Resistance to TNF-alpha cytotoxicity can be achieved through different signaling pathways in rat mesangial cells

We reported previously that Ro-318220 blocked expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and subsequently caused apopotosis in mesangial cells (Y.-L. Guo, B. Kang, and J. R. Williamson. J. Biol. Chem. 273: 10362-10366, 1998). These data support our hypothesis that a TNF-alpha-inducible phosphatase may be responsible for preventing sustained activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and consequent cell death in these cells (Y.-L. Guo, K. Baysal, B. Kang, L.-J. Yang, and J. R. Williamson. J. Biol. Chem. 273: 4027-4034, 1998). In this study, we investigated the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulation of MKP-1 expression in mesangial cells together with effects on viability. Although originally characterized as a PKC inhibitor, Ro-318220 inhibited TNF-alpha-induced MKP-1 expression through a mechanism other than blocking the PKC pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of the PKC pathway neither significantly affected TNF-alpha-induced MKP-1 expression nor made cells susceptible to toxic effect of TNF-alpha. Thus PKC activation is not essential for cells to achieve the resistance to TNF-alpha cytotoxicity displayed by normal mesangial cells. However, activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) dramatically increased cellular resistance to the apoptotic effect of TNF-alpha. Coincidentally, PMA stimulated MKP-1 expression and suppressed JNK activation. Therefore, PMA-induced MKP-1 expression may contribute to the protective effect of PMA. These results provide a mechanistic explanation for previous documentation that PKC activation can rescue some cells from apopotosis.

Interleukin-1-induced nuclear factor-kappaB-IkappaBalpha autoregulatory feedback loop in hepatocytes. A role for protein kinase calpha in post-transcriptional regulation of ikappabalpha resynthesis

The IkappaB inhibitors regulate the activity of the potent transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Following signal-induced IkappaB proteolysis, NF-kappaB translocates into the nucleus to activate transcription of target genes, including IkappaBalpha itself, initiating the "NF-kappaB-IkappaBalpha autoregulatory feedback loop." Upon IkappaBalpha resynthesis, NF-kappaB is subsequently inactivated and redistributed back into the cytoplasm. We have previously reported a robust NF-kappaB-IkappaBalpha autoregulatory feedback loop in HepG2 hepatocytes. Sixty minutes after tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) stimulation, IkappaBalpha is resynthesized to approximately 2-fold greater level than in control cells and completely inhibits NF-kappaB binding. Here we investigate the mechanism for IkappaBalpha resynthesis comparing the effect of stimulation of TNF-alpha with that of interleukin-1 (IL-1alpha). Although either TNF-alpha or IL-1alpha stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC)-down-regulated cells equivalently induces NF-kappaB translocation, the kinetics of IkappaBalpha resynthesis is slowed. Moreover, pretreatment with selective calcium-dependent PKC inhibitors selectively slowed the kinetics of the IL-1alpha-induced overshoot without affecting that produced by TNF-alpha. Down-regulation of PKCalpha by antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides and expression vectors selectively blocked the IL-1alpha-induced IkappaBalpha overshoot. In the absence of PKCalpha, although IL-1alpha induced similar amounts of IkappaBalpha transcription and changes in steady-state mRNA, a greater component of IkappaBalpha mRNA was retained in the nucleus. These data indicate a selective role for PKCalpha in IL-1alpha-induced IkappaBalpha resynthesis, which is mediated, at least in part, by post-transcriptional control of mRNA export.

Distinct PKC isoforms mediate the activation of cPLA2 and adenylyl cyclase by phorbol ester in RAW264.7 macrophages

The modulatory effects of protein kinase C (PKC) on the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and adenylyl cyclase (AC) have recently been described. Since the signalling cascades associated with these events play critical roles in various functions of macrophages, we set out to investigate the crosstalk between PKC and the cPLA2 and AC pathways in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages and to determine the involvement of individual PKC isoforms. The cPLA2 and AC pathways were studied by measuring the potentiation by the phorbol ester PMA of ionomycin-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostagladin E1 (PGE1)-stimulated cyclic AMP production, respectively. PMA at 1 microM caused a significant increase in AA release both in the presence (371%) and absence (67%) of ionomycin induction, while exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to PMA increased PGE1 stimulation of cyclic AMP levels by 208%. Treatment of cells with staurosporine and Ro 31-8220 inhibited the PMA-induced potentiation of both AA release and cyclic AMP accumulation, while Go 6976 (an inhibitor of classical PKC isoforms) and LY 379196 (a specific inhibitor of PKCbeta) inhibited the AA response but failed to affect the enhancement of the cyclic AMP response by PMA. Long term pretreatment of cells with PMA abolished the subsequent effect of PMA in potentiating AA release, but only inhibited the cyclic AMP response by 42%. Neither PD 98059, an inhibitor of MEK, nor genistein, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, had any effect on the ability of PMA to potentiate AA or cyclic AMP production. The potentiation of AA release, but not of cyclic AMP formation, by PMA was sensitive to inhibition by wortmannin. This effect was unrelated to the inhibition of PKC activation as deduced from the translocation of PKC activity to the cell membrane. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of eight PKC isoforms (alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, epsilon, mu, lambda and xi) in RAW 264.7 cells and PMA was shown to induce the translocation of the alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, epsilon and mu isoforms from the cytosol to the cell membrane within 2 min. Pretreatment of cells with PMA for 2-24 h resulted in a time-dependent down-regulation of PKCalpha, betaI, betaII, and delta expression, while the levels of the other four PKC isozymes were unchanged after PMA treatment for 24 h. A decrease in the potentiation of AA release by PMA was observed, concomitant with the time-dependent down-regulation of PKC. These results indicate that PKCbeta has a crucial role in the mediation of cPLA2 activation by the phorbol ester PMA, whereas PMA utilizes PKC epsilon and/or mu to up-regulate AC activity.

Localization of atypical protein kinase C isoforms into lysosome-targeted endosomes through interaction with p62

An increasing number of independent studies indicate that the atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (aPKCs) are critically involved in the control of cell proliferation and survival. The aPKCs are targets of important lipid mediators such as ceramide and the products of the PI 3-kinase. In addition, the aPKCs have been shown to interact with Ras and with two novel proteins, LIP (lambda-interacting protein; a selective activator of lambda/iotaPKC) and the product of par-4 (a gene induced during apoptosis), which is an inhibitor of both lambda/iotaPKC and zetaPKC. LIP and Par-4 interact with the zinc finger domain of the aPKCs where the lipid mediators have been shown to bind. Here we report the identification of p62, a previously described phosphotyrosine-independent p56(lck) SH2-interacting protein, as a molecule that interacts potently with the V1 domain of lambda/iotaPKC and, albeit with lower affinity, with zetaPKC. We also show in this study that ectopically expressed p62 colocalizes perfectly with both lambda/iotaPKC and zetaPKC. Interestingly, the endogenous p62, like the ectopically expressed protein, displays a punctate vesicular pattern and clearly colocalizes with endogenous lambda/iotaPKC and endogenous zetaPKC. P62 colocalizes with Rab7 and partially with lamp-1 and limp-II as well as with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in activated cells, but not with Rab5 or the transferrin receptor. Of functional relevance, expression of dominant negative lambda/iotaPKC, but not of the wild-type enzyme, severely impairs the endocytic membrane transport of the EGF receptor with no effect on the transferrin receptor. These findings strongly suggest that the aPKCs are anchored by p62 in the lysosome-targeted endosomal compartment, which seems critical for the control of the growth factor receptor trafficking. This is particularly relevant in light of the role played by the aPKCs in mitogenic cell signaling events.

Role of the Rho GTPase in Bradykinin-Stimulated Nuclear Factor-κB Activation and IL-1β Gene Expression in Cultured Human Epithelial Cells

Recent evidence suggests a novel role of bradykinin (BK) in stimulating gene transcription. This study examined the effect of BK on nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and IL-1β synthesis in human epithelial cells. Stimulation of A549 cells and primary bronchial epithelial cells with BK rapidly activated NF-κB. BK also increased the level of secreted immunoreactive IL-1β in A549 culture supernatants, an effect that was blocked by actinomycin D and the B2 BK receptor antagonist HOE-140. The role of NF-κB activation in BK-induced IL-1β synthesis was demonstrated by the ability of BK to stimulate increased chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity in A549 cells transfected with a reporter plasmid containing three κB enhancers from the IL-1β gene, while deletion of the κB enhancer sequences eliminated BK-stimulated CAT activity. C3 transferase exoenzyme, an inhibitor of Rho, abolished BK-induced NF-κB activation at 10 μg/ml and significantly inhibited BK-stimulated IL-1β synthesis at 5 μg/ml. A dominant-negative form of RhoA (T19N) inhibited BK-stimulated reporter gene expression in a dose-dependent and κB-dependent manner. Cotransfection of A549 cells with an expression vector encoding a constitutively active form of RhoA (Q63L) along with the IL-1β promoter-CAT reporter plasmid resulted in a marked increase in NF-κB activity compared with transfection with the IL-1β promoter-CAT reporter plasmid alone. These results demonstrate that BK stimulates NF-κB activation and IL-1β synthesis in A549 cells, and that RhoA is both necessary and sufficient to mediate this effect.

Effect of TNF-alpha on SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation in cultured endothelial cells

Previously we have shown that hyperosmolarity increases Na(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter (SMIT) activity and mRNA levels in cultured endothelial cells. Because hyperosmolarity and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), activate similar signal transduction pathways, we examined the effect of TNF-alpha on SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation. In contrast to the effect of hyperosmolarity, TNF-alpha caused a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation. The effect of TNF-alpha on myo-inositol accumulation was found in large-vessel endothelial cells (derived from the aorta and pulmonary artery) and cerebral microvessel endothelial cells. In bovine aorta and bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells, TNF-alpha activated nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B. TNF-alpha also increased ceramide levels, and C2-ceramide mimicked the effect of TNF-alpha on SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation in bovine aorta endothelial cells. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, genistein, and 7-amino-1-chloro-3-tosylamido-2-hepatanone, compounds that can inhibit NF-kappa B activation, partially prevented the TNF-alpha-induced decrease in myo-inositol accumulation. The effect of TNF-alpha on myo-inositol accumulation was also partially prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C but not by staurosporine. These studies demonstrate that TNF-alpha causes a decrease in SMIT mRNA levels and myo-inositol accumulation in cultured endothelial cells, which may be related to the activation of NF-kappa B.

Nucleolin is a protein kinase C-zeta substrate. Connection between cell surface signaling and nucleus in PC12 cells

We have previously shown that protein kinase C (PKC)-zeta is activated and required for nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells (Wooten, M. W., Zhou, G., Seibenhener, M. L., and Coleman, E. S. (1994) Cell Growth & Diff. 5, 395-403; Coleman, E. S., and Wooten, M. W. (1994) J. Mol. Neurosci. 5, 39-57). Here we report the characterization and identification of a 106-kDa nuclear protein as a specific substrate of PKC-zeta. NGF treatment of PC12 cells resulted in translocation of PKC-zeta and coincident phosphorylation of a protein that was localized within the nucleoplasm of nuclei isolated from PC12 cells. Addition of PKC-zeta pseudosubstrate peptide in vitro or myristoylated peptide in vivo diminished phosphorylation of pp106 in a dose-dependent fashion. Likewise, addition of purified PKC-zeta, but neither PKC-alpha nor delta, to nuclear extracts resulted in an incremental increase in the phosphorylation of pp106. Expression of dominant-negative PKC-zeta inhibited NGF-induced phosphorylation of pp106, by comparison overexpression of PKC-zeta enhanced basal phosphorylation without a noticeable effect upon NGF-induced effects. Amino acid sequence analysis of four peptides derived from purified pp106 revealed that this protein was homologous to nucleolin. Using an in vitro reconstitution system, purified nucleolin was likewise shown to be phosphorylated by purified PKC-zeta. The staining intensity of both enzyme and substrate in the nucleus increased upon treatment with NGF. In vivo labeling with 32Pi and stimulation of PC12 cells with NGF followed by immunoprecipitation with anti-nucleolin antibody corroborated the in vitro approach documenting enhanced phosphorylation of nucleolin by NGF treatment. Taken together, the findings presented herein document that nucleolin is a target of PKC-zeta that serves to relay NGF signals from cell surface to nucleus in PC12 cells.

Endotoxin impairs agonist-induced calcium mobilization in rat mesangial cells

We hypothesized that endotoxin would impair agonist-induced calcium (Ca2+) mobilization in rat mesangial cells, owing to the induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and augmented nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. We measured basal and bradykinin-induced peak free cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations through microspectrofluorimetry with fura-2 in confluent mesangial cells, and assayed conditioned medium for nitrite accumulation. Prior to measurement, cells were incubated overnight in serum-supplemented medium, with or without endotoxin, 1-arginine, indomethacin, meclofenamate, or N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Endotoxin (1 mg/ml) decreased bradykinin-induced peak Ca2+ responses by 35 to 60% (p < 0.0001) and increased nitrite accumulation > 6-fold (p < 0.01). Arginine supplementation further (> 9-fold, p < 0.0001) increased nitrite accumulation without changing the effect on Ca2+. Inhibition of NOS abolished increments in nitrite concentration but had no effect on impaired Ca2+ responses. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, present during incubation with endotoxin, but not afterward, normalized bradykinin-stimulated calcium responses. Thrombin-stimulated Ca2+ responses were similarly affected. We conclude that neither NO nor prostaglandins act directly to impair agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization following endotoxin exposure; however, this effect may be an indirect effect of COX products, including reactive oxygen intermediates.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in interleukin 1 signaling. Physical interaction with the interleukin 1 receptor and requirement in NFkappaB and AP-1 activation

The signaling mechanisms utilized by the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) to activate the transcription factors NFkappaB and activator protein-1 (AP-1) are poorly defined. We present evidence here that IL-1 not only stimulates a dramatic increase in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity but also induces the physical interaction of its type I receptor with the p85 regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase. Furthermore, two PI 3-kinase-specific inhibitors, wortmannin and a dominant-negative mutant of the p85 subunit, inhibited IL-1-induced activation of both NFkappaB and AP-1. Transient transfection experiments indicated that whereas overexpression of PI 3-kinase may be sufficient to induce AP-1 and increase nuclear c-Fos protein levels, PI 3-kinase may need to cooperate with other IL-1-inducible signals to fully activate NFkappaB-dependent gene expression. In this regard, cotransfection studies suggested that PI 3-kinase may functionally interact with the recently-identified IL-1-receptor-associated kinase to activate NFkappaB. Our results thus indicate that PI 3-kinase is a novel signal transducer in IL-1 signaling and that it may differentially mediate the activation of NFkappaB and AP-1.

Interleukin-1-induced ether-linked diglycerides inhibit calcium-insensitive protein kinase C isotypes. Implications for growth senescence

It is hypothesized that inflammatory cytokines and vasoactive peptides stimulate distinct species of diglycerides that differentially regulate protein kinase C isotypes. In published data, we demonstrated that interleukin-1, in contrast to endothelin, selectively generates ether-linked diglyceride species (alkyl, acyl- and alkenyl, acylglycerols) in rat mesangial cells, a smooth muscle-like pericyte in the glomerulus. We now demonstrate both in intact cell and in cell-free preparations that these interleukin-1 receptor-generated ether-linked diglycerides inhibit immunoprecipitated protein kinase C delta and epsilon but not zeta activity. Neither interleukin-1 nor endothelin affect de novo protein expression of these protein kinase C isotypes. As down-regulation of calcium-insensitive protein kinase C isotypes has been linked to antimitogenic activity, we investigated growth arrest as a functional correlate for IL-1-generated ether-linked diglycerides. Cell-permeable ether-linked diglycerides mimic the effects of interleukin-1 to induce a growth-arrested state in both G-protein-linked receptor- and tyrosine kinase receptor-stimulated mesangial cells. This signaling mechanism implicates cytokine receptor-induced ether-linked diglycerides as second messengers that inhibit the bioactivity of calcium-insensitive protein kinase C isotypes resulting in growth arrest.

Positioning atypical protein kinase C isoforms in the UV-induced apoptotic signaling cascade

Recent studies have documented the involvement of the atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isoforms in important cellular functions such as cell proliferation and survival. Exposure of cells to a genotoxic stimulus that induces apoptosis, such as UV irradiation, leads to a profound inhibition of the atypical PKC activity in vivo. In this study, we addressed the relationship between this phenomenon and different proteins involved in the apoptotic response. We show that (i) the inhibition of the aPKC activity precedes UV-induced apoptosis; (ii) UV-induced aPKC inhibition and apoptosis are independent of p53; (iii) Bcl-2 proteins are potent modulators of aPKC activity; and (iv) the aPKCs are located upstream of the interleukin-converting enzyme-like protease system, which is required for the induction of apoptosis by both Par-4 (a selective aPKC inhibitor) and UV irradiation. We also demonstrate here that inhibition of aPKC activity leads to a decrease in mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity and simultaneously an increase in p38 activity. Both effects are critical for the induction of apoptosis in response to Par-4 expression and UV irradiation. Collectively, these results clarify the position of the aPKCs in the UV-induced apoptotic pathway and strongly suggest that MAP kinases play a role in this signaling cascade.