Role for cyclin A-dependent kinase in DNA replication in human S phase cell extracts

Lappaol F regulates the cell cycle by activating CDKN1C/p57 in human colorectal cancer cells

CONTEXT

Lappaol F (LAF), a natural lignan from Arctium lappa Linné (Asteraceae), inhibits tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism involves the suppression of the Yes-associated protein. However, the specific role of LAF in cell cycle regulation remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study determined the molecular mechanism by which LAF regulates cell cycle progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various colon cancer cell lines (SW480, HCT15, and HCT116) were treated with LAF (25, 50, and 75 μmol/L) for 48 h. The effects of LAF on cell proliferation and cell cycle were determined using sulforhodamine B and flow cytometry assays. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using quantitative proteomics. Bioinformatic analysis of DEPs was conducted via Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Expression levels of DEPs in the cell cycle pathway were analyzed using RT-qPCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

LAF suppressed the proliferation of SW480, HCT15, and HCT116 cells (IC₅₀ 47.1, 51.4, and 32.8 μmol/L, respectively) and induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase. A total of 6331 proteins were identified and quantified, of which 127 were differentially expressed between the LAF-treated and untreated groups. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that DEPs mainly participated in the cell cycle. CDKN1C/p57 showed the most significant differential expression, with the highest fold-change (3.155-fold). Knockdown of CDKN1C/p57 attenuated the S phase cell cycle arrest and proliferation inhibition induced by LAF.

CONCLUSION

LAF exerts antitumor effects via S phase arrest by activating CDKN1C/p57 in colorectal cancer cells.

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs): Regulation, homeostasis, and oxidative stress response

Ubiquitin signaling is a conserved, widespread, and dynamic process in which protein substrates are rapidly modified by ubiquitin to impact protein activity, localization, or stability. To regulate this process, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) counter the signal induced by ubiquitin conjugases and ligases by removing ubiquitin from these substrates. Many DUBs selectively regulate physiological pathways employing conserved mechanisms of ubiquitin bond cleavage. DUB activity is highly regulated in dynamic environments through protein-protein interaction, posttranslational modification, and relocalization. The largest family of DUBs, cysteine proteases, are also sensitive to regulation by oxidative stress, as reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly modify the catalytic cysteine required for their enzymatic activity. Current research has implicated DUB activity in human diseases, including various cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Due to their selectivity and functional roles, DUBs have become important targets for therapeutic development to treat these conditions. This review will discuss the main classes of DUBs and their regulatory mechanisms with a particular focus on DUB redox regulation and its physiological impact during oxidative stress.

Multiple Functions of Fubp1 in Cell Cycle Progression and Cell Survival

The discovery of novel and critical genes implicated in malignant development is a topic of high interest in cancer research. Intriguingly, a group of genes named “double-agent” genes were reported to have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions. To date, less than 100 “double-agent” genes have been documented. Fubp1 is a master transcriptional regulator of a subset of genes by interacting with a far upstream element (FUSE). Mounting evidence has collectively demonstrated both the oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles of Fubp1 and the debate regarding its roles in tumorigenesis has been around for several years. Therefore, the detailed molecular mechanisms of Fubp1 need to be determined in each context. In the present study, we showed that the Fubp1 protein level was enriched in the S phase and we identified that Fubp1 deficiency altered cell cycle progression, especially in the S phase, by downregulating the mRNA expression levels of Ccna genes encoding cyclin A. Although this Fubp1-cyclin A axis appears to exist in several types of tumors, Fubp1 showed heterogeneous expression patterns among various cancer tissues, suggesting it exhibits multiple and complicated functions in cancer development. In addition, we showed that Fubp1 deficiency confers survival advantages to cells against metabolic stress and anti-cancer drugs, suggesting that Fubp1 may play both positive and negative roles in malignant development.

DNA replication and mitotic entry: A brake model for cell cycle progression

Lemmens and Lindqvist discuss how DNA replication and mitosis are coordinated and propose a cell cycle model controlled by brakes.

The core function of the cell cycle is to duplicate the genome and divide the duplicated DNA into two daughter cells. These processes need to be carefully coordinated, as cell division before DNA replication is complete leads to genome instability and cell death. Recent observations show that DNA replication, far from being only a consequence of cell cycle progression, plays a key role in coordinating cell cycle activities. DNA replication, through checkpoint kinase signaling, restricts the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) that promote cell division. The S/G2 transition is therefore emerging as a crucial regulatory step to determine the timing of mitosis. Here we discuss recent observations that redefine the coupling between DNA replication and cell division and incorporate these insights into an updated cell cycle model for human cells. We propose a cell cycle model based on a single trigger and sequential releases of three molecular brakes that determine the kinetics of CDK activation.

The microRNAs miR-449a and miR-424 suppress osteosarcoma by targeting cyclin A2 expression

MicroRNAs of the miR-16 and miR-34 families have been reported to inhibit cell cycle progression, and their loss has been linked to oncogenic transformation. Utilizing a high-throughput, genome-wide screen for miRNAs and mRNAs that are differentially regulated in osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines, we report that miR-449a and miR-424, belonging to the miR-34 and miR-16 families, respectively, target the major S/G₂ phase cyclin, cyclin A2 (CCNA2), in a bipartite manner. We found that the 3'-UTR of CCNA2 is recognized by miR-449a, whereas the CCNA2 coding region is targeted by miR-424. Of note, we observed loss of both miR-449a and miR-424 in OS, resulting in derepression of CCNA2 and appearance of aggressive cancer phenotypes. Ectopic expression of miR-449a and miR-424 significantly decreased cyclin A2 levels and inhibited proliferation rate, migratory potential, and colony-forming ability of OS cells. To further probe the roles of miR-449a and miR-424 in OS, we developed an OS mouse model by intraosseous injection of U2OS cells into the tibia bone of NOD-scid mice, which indicated that miR-449a and miR-424 co-expression suppresses tumor growth. On the basis of this discovery, we analyzed the gene expression of human OS biopsy samples, revealing that miR-449a and miR-424 are both down-regulated, whereas cyclin A2 is significantly up-regulated in these OS samples. In summary, the findings in our study highlight that cyclin A2 repression by miRNAs of the miR-16 and miR-34 families is lost in aggressive OS.

RNAi‑mediated downregulation of asparaginase‑like protein 1 inhibits growth and promotes apoptosis of human cervical cancer line SiHa

Asparaginase like 1 (ASRGL1) protein belongs to the N-terminal nucleophile group, cleaving the isoaspartyl-dipeptides and L-asparagine by adding water. It tends to be overexpressed in cancerous tumors including ovarian cancer and breast tumors. The present study assessed the potential ability of ASRGL1 as a molecular target in gene-based cervical cancer treatment. The protein expression level of ASRGL1 was determined in paraffin-embedded tumor specimen by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, in order to assess the activity of ASRGL1 during the process of cervical cancer cell multiplication, ASRGL1-short hairpin (sh) RNA-expressing lentivirus was established, which was used to infect SiHa cells. The Cellomics ArrayScan VT1 Reader identified the influence of downregulation on SiHa caused by RNA interference-intervened ASRGL1. Flow cytometric analysis was also performed to evaluate the influence. The cyclin dependent kinase (CDK2), cyclin A2, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression levels were assessed by western blot analysis. ASRGL1 was observed to be overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues when compared with the adjacent normal tissues. The knockdown of ASRGL1 in SiHa by ASRGL1-shRNA lentivirus infection significantly inhibited cell growth and enhanced cellular apoptosis; the cells were also captured during the S phase. The knockdown of ASRGL1 expression led to the increased expression of Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2, CDK2 and cyclin A2. In conclusion, ASRGL1 was closely associated with growth and apoptosis in cervical cancer. Therefore, ASRGL1 may be a novel, potentially effective anti-cervical cancer therapy.

Overexpression of non‑SMC condensin I complex subunit G serves as a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma

The non-SMC condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG) that organizes the coiling topology of individual chromatids, represents an overexpressed antigen in various types of cancer, and also contributes to restructuring chromatin into rod-shaped mitotic chromosomes and ensuring the segregation of sister chromatid during cell division. In this study, we investigated the association between NCAPG expression and the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to further explore the potential of NCAPG as a therapeutic target. The expression of NCAPG was detected in human HCC cell lines and tumor samples. The effects of NCAPG on the cell cycle, apoptosis and metastasis were investigated by various assays. NCAPG was found to be overexpressed in HCC compared with the adjacent normal tissue (P<0.001), and high levels of NCAPG expression were found to significantly correlate with recurrence, the time of recurrence, metastasis, differentiation and TNM stage. Furthermore, an elevated expression of NCAPG was associated with a poor overall survival (P<0.05). In addition, in vitro experiments further confirmed the ex vivo data; i.e., the knockdown of NCAPG expression reduced HCC cell viability, but induced apoptosis and arrested the cells at the S phase of the cell cycle. The knockdown of NCAPG expression also inhibited tumor cell migration and the cell invasive capacity in vitro. At the protein level, the knockdown of NCAPG expression upregulated Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and E-cadherin, but downregulated cyclin A1, CDK2, Bcl-2, N-cadherin and HOXB9 expression, suggesting that the knockdown of NCAPG expression suppressed tumor cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition. On the whole, this study demonstrates that NCAPG plays an important role in the development and progression of HCC, and that it may be a novel therapeutic target for patients with HCC.

Elevated cyclin A associated kinase activity promotes sensitivity of metastatic human cancer cells to DNA antimetabolite drug

Drug resistance is a major obstacle in successful systemic therapy of metastatic cancer. We analyzed the involvement of cell cycle regulatory proteins in eliciting response to N (phosphonoacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA), an inhibitor of de novo pyrimidine synthesis, in two metastatic variants of human cancer cell line MDA-MB-435 isolated from lung (L-2) and brain (Br-1) in nude mouse, respectively. L-2 and Br-l cells markedly differed in their sensitivity to PALA. While both cell types displayed an initial S phase delay/arrest, Br-l cells proliferated but most L-2 cells underwent apoptosis. There was distinct elevation in cyclin A, and phosphorylated Rb proteins concomitant with decreased expression of bcl-2 protein in the PALA treated L-2 cells undergoing apoptosis. Markedly elevated cyclin A associated and cdk2 kinase activities together with increased E2F1-DNA binding were detected in these L-2 cells. Induced ectopic cyclin A expression sensitized Br-l cells to PALA by activating an apoptotic pathway. Our findings demonstrate that elevated expression of cyclin A and associated kinase can activate an apoptotic pathway in cells exposed to DNA antimetabolites. Abrogation of this pathway can lead to resistance against these drugs in metastatic variants of human carcinoma cells.

Regulatory pathways coordinating cell cycle progression in early Xenopus development

The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, is used extensively as a model organism for studying both cell development and cell cycle regulation. For over 20 years now, this model organism has contributed to answering fundamental questions concerning the mechanisms that underlie cell cycle transitions--the cellular components that synthesize, modify, repair, and degrade nucleic acids and proteins, the signaling pathways that allow cells to communicate, and the regulatory pathways that lead to selective expression of subsets of genes. In addition, the remarkable simplicity of the Xenopus early cell cycle allows for tractable manipulation and dissection of the basic components driving each transition. In this organism, early cell divisions are characterized by rapid cycles alternating phases of DNA synthesis and division. The post-blastula stages incorporate gap phases, lengthening progression, and allowing more time for DNA repair. Various cyclin/Cdk complexes are differentially expressed during the early cycles with orderly progression being driven by both the combined action of cyclin synthesis and degradation and the appropriate selection of specific substrates by their Cdk components. Like other multicellular organisms, chief developmental events in early Xenopus embryogenesis coincide with profound remodeling of the cell cycle, suggesting that cell proliferation and differentiation events are linked and coordinated through crosstalk mechanisms acting on signaling pathways involving the expression of cell cycle control genes.

Substrate degradation by the anaphase promoting complex occurs during mitotic slippage

Microtubule targeting drugs are successful in chemotherapy because they indefinitely activate the spindle assembly checkpoint. The spindle assembly checkpoint monitors proper attachment of all kinetochores to microtubules and tension between the kinetochores of sister chromatids to prevent premature anaphase entry. To this end, the activated spindle assembly checkpoint suppresses the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC). In the continued presence of conditions that activate the spindle assembly checkpoint, cells eventually escape from mitosis by "slippage". It has not been directly tested whether APC activation accompanies slippage. Using cells blocked in mitosis with the microtubule assembly inhibitor nocodazole, we show that mitotic APC substrates are degraded upon mitotic slippage. To confirm that APC is normally activated upon mitotic slippage we have found that knockdown of Cdc20 and Cdh1, two mitotic activators of APC, prevents the degradation of APC substrates during mitotic slippage. We provide the first direct demonstration that despite conditions that activate the spindle checkpoint, APC is indeed activated upon mitotic slippage of cells to interphase cells. Activation of the spindle checkpoint by microtubule targeting drugs used in chemotherapy may not indefinitely prevent APC activation.

SP600125 suppresses Cdk1 and induces endoreplication directly from G2 phase, independent of JNK inhibition

Cell cycle controls ensure that DNA replication (S phase) follows mitosis resulting in two precise copies of the genome. A failure of the control mechanisms can result in multiple rounds of DNA replication without cell division. In endoreplication, cells with replicated genomes bypass mitosis, then replicate their DNA again, resulting in polyploidy. Endoreplication from G2 phase lacks all hallmarks of mitosis. Using synchronized cells, we show that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, SP600125, prevents the entry of cells into mitosis and leads to endoreplication of DNA from G2 phase. We show that cells proceed from G2 phase to replicate their DNA in the absence of mitosis. This effect of SP600125 is independent of its suppression of JNK activity. Instead, the inhibitory effect of SP600125 on mitotic entry predominantly occurs upstream of Aurora A kinase and Polo-like kinase 1, resulting in a failure to remove the inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdk1. Importantly, our results directly show that the inhibition of Cdk1 activity and the persistence of Cdk2 activity in G2 cells induces endoreplication without mitosis. Furthermore, endoreplication from G2 phase is independent of p53 control.

DNA damage triggers p21WAF1-dependent Emi1 down-regulation that maintains G2 arrest

Several regulatory proteins control cell cycle progression. These include Emi1, an anaphase-promoting complex (APC) inhibitor whose destruction controls progression through mitosis to G1, and p21(WAF1), a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor activated by DNA damage. We have analyzed the role of p21(WAF1) in G2-M phase checkpoint control and in prevention of polyploidy after DNA damage. After DNA damage, p21(+/+) cells stably arrest in G2, whereas p21(-/-) cells ultimately progress into mitosis. We report that p21 down-regulates Emi1 in cells arrested in G2 by DNA damage. This down-regulation contributes to APC activation and results in the degradation of key mitotic proteins including cyclins A2 and B1 in p21(+/+) cells. Inactivation of APC in irradiated p21(+/+) cells can overcome the G2 arrest. siRNA-mediated Emi1 down-regulation prevents irradiated p21(-/-) cells from entering mitosis, whereas concomitant down-regulation of APC activity counteracts this effect. Our results demonstrate that Emi1 down-regulation and APC activation leads to stable p21-dependent G2 arrest after DNA damage. This is the first demonstration that Emi1 regulation plays a role in the G2 DNA damage checkpoint. Further, our work identifies a new p21-dependent mechanism to maintain G2 arrest after DNA damage.

The Xenopus cell cycle: an overview

Oocytes, eggs and embryos from the frog Xenopus laevis have been an important model system for studying cell-cycle regulation for several decades. First, progression through meiosis in the oocyte has been extensively investigated. Oocyte maturation has been shown to involve complex networks of signal transduction pathways, culminating in the cyclic activation and inactivation of Maturation Promoting Factor (MPF), composed of cyclin B and cdc2. After fertilisation, the early embryo undergoes rapid simplified cell cycles which have been recapitulated in cell-free extracts of Xenopus eggs. Experimental manipulation of these extracts has given a wealth of biochemical information about the cell cycle, particularly concerning DNA replication and mitosis. Finally, cells of older embryos adopt a more somatic-type cell cycle and have been used to study the balance between cell cycle and differentiation during development.

Identification of an hexapeptide that binds to a surface pocket in cyclin A and inhibits the catalytic activity of the complex cyclin-dependent kinase 2-cyclin A

The protein-protein complexes formed between different cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are central to cell cycle regulation. These complexes represent interesting points of chemical intervention for the development of antineoplastic molecules. Here we describe the identification of an all d-amino acid hexapeptide, termed NBI1, that inhibits the kinase activity of the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cdk2)-cyclin A complex through selective binding to cyclin A. The mechanism of inhibition is non-competitive for ATP and non-competitive for protein substrates. In contrast to the existing CDKs peptide inhibitors, the hexapeptide NBI1 interferes with the formation of the cdk2-cyclin A complex. Furthermore, a cell-permeable derivative of NBI1 induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of tumor cell lines. Thus, the NBI1-binding site on cyclin A may represent a new target site for the selective inhibition of activity cdk2-cyclin A complex.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen recruits cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Xic1 to DNA and couples its proteolysis to DNA polymerase switching

The Xenopus cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p27(Xic1) (Xic1), binds to CDK2-cyclins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), inhibits DNA synthesis in Xenopus extracts, and is targeted for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Previous studies suggest that Xic1 ubiquitination and degradation are coupled to the initiation of DNA replication, but the precise timing and molecular mechanism of Xic1 proteolysis has not been determined. Here we demonstrate that Xic1 proteolysis is temporally restricted to late replication initiation following the requirements for DNA polymerase alpha-primase, replication factor C, and PCNA. Our studies also indicate that Xic1 degradation is absolutely dependent upon the binding of Xic1 to PCNA in both Xenopus egg and gastrulation stage extracts. Additionally, extracts depleted of PCNA do not support Xic1 proteolysis. Importantly, while the addition of recombinant wild-type PCNA alone restores Xic1 degradation, the addition of a PCNA mutant defective for trimer formation does not restore Xic1 proteolysis in PCNA-depleted extracts, suggesting Xic1 proteolysis requires both PCNA binding to Xic1 and the ability of PCNA to be loaded onto primed DNA by replication factor C. Taken together, our studies suggest that Xic1 is targeted for ubiquitination and degradation during DNA polymerase switching through its interaction with PCNA at a site of initiation.

Distinct pools of proliferating cell nuclear antigen associated to DNA replication sites interact with the p125 subunit of DNA polymerase δ or DNA ligase I

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays an essential role in DNA replication, repair, and cell cycle control. PCNA is a homotrimeric ring that, when encircling DNA, is not easily extractable. Consequently, the dynamics of protein-protein interactions established by PCNA at DNA replication sites is not well understood. We have used DNase I to release DNA-bound PCNA together with replication proteins including the p125-catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase delta (p125-pol delta), DNA ligase I, cyclin A, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Interaction with these proteins was investigated by immunoprecipitation with antibodies binding near the interdomain connector loop or to the C-terminal domain of PCNA, respectively, or with antibodies to p125-pol delta or DNA ligase I. PCNA interaction with p125-pol delta or DNA ligase I was detected only by the latter antibodies, and found to be mutually exclusive. In contrast, antibodies to PCNA co-immunoprecipitated only CDK2. A GST-p21(waf1/cip1) C-terminal peptide displaced p125-pol delta and DNA ligase I, but not CDK2, from PCNA. These results suggest that PCNA trimers bound to DNA during the S phase are organized as distinct pools able to bind selectively different partners. Among them, p125-pol delta and DNA ligase I interact with PCNA in a mutually exclusive manner.

Phosphorylation of the PCNA binding domain of the large subunit of replication factor C on Thr506 by cyclin-dependent kinases regulates binding to PCNA

Replication factor C (RF-C) complex binds to DNA primers and loads PCNA onto DNA, thereby increasing the processivity of DNA polymerases. We have previously identified a distinct region, domain B, in the large subunit of human RF-C (RF-Cp145) which binds to PCNA. We show here that the functional interaction of RF-Cp145 with PCNA is regulated by cdk-cyclin kinases. Phosphorylation of either RF-Cp145 as a part of the RF-C complex or RF-Cp145 domain B by cdk-cyclin kinases inhibits their ability to bind PCNA. A cdk-cyclin phosphorylation site, Thr506 in RF-Cp145, identified by mass spectrometry, is also phosphorylated in vivo. A Thr506-->Ala RF-Cp145 domain B mutant is a poor in vitro substrate for cdk-cyclin kinase and, consequently, the ability of this mutant to bind PCNA was not suppressed by phosphorylation. By generating an antibody directed against phospho-Thr506 in RF-Cp145, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of endogenous RF-Cp145 at Thr506 is mediated by CDKs since it is abolished by treatment of cells with the cdk-cyclin inhibitor roscovitine. We have thus mapped an in vivo cdk-cyclin phosphorylation site within the PCNA binding domain of RF-Cp145.

Differential prognostic impact of the cyclins E and B in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with lymph node-negative breast cancer

Searching for new prognostic factors, we investigated the influence of cyclin expression on breast cancer prognosis. A total of 273 archival tumor specimens from patients with pT1/pT2 N0 breast cancers treated by surgery and local irradiation were immunostained for cyclins E, A and B. Outcome was evaluated as metastasis-free (MFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) over a median observation period of 99 months. In postmenopausal women, DSS was significantly predicted by cyclin E, and in premenopausal patients by cyclin B. No statistical significance was found for cyclin A. When the prognostic impact of cyclins was compared to that of standard prognostic indicators in a multivariate analysis, both cyclin E and cyclin B were selected as independent predictors of survival in postmenopausal and premenopausal patients, respectively. After inclusion of Ki-67 in the model, cyclin E lost its significance, whereas cyclin B remained the only independent prognostic factor with a hazard ratio of 4.5 (p = 0.026) for tumor-related death. Assessment of cyclin expression may, therefore, refine current prognostic models if considered in relation to menopausal status. The prognostic relevance of cyclins is likely attributable to an influence on proliferation, cell survival and genetic instability. Awareness of the molecular mechanisms leading to deregulated cyclin expression may guide decisions for risk-adapted therapy regimens.

C-terminal deletion mutant p21(WAF1/CIP1) enhances E2F-1-mediated apoptosis in colon adenocarcinoma cells

The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of combination gene therapy using adenoviral vectors expressing gene products shown to possess apoptotic activity: E2F-1 (Ad-E2F-1) and a C-terminal deletion mutant of p21(WAF1/cIP1) (Ad-p21(-PCNA)), on growth inhibition and apoptosis of human colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Marked E2F-1 and p21(-PCNA) overexpression in response to adenovirus infection was evident by Western blot analysis. IC(25) concentrations of each virus were used for each treatment in vitro to detect cooperative effects on cell death. Coexpression of E2F-1 and p21(-PCNA) resulted in an additive effect on cell death compared to infection with either virus alone. Cell cycle analysis, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and analysis of cell morphology also revealed that coinfection with both Ad-E2F-1 and Ad-p21(-PCNA) enhanced cellular apoptosis compared to either virus alone. Interestingly, E2F-1 protein expression was markedly enhanced in the E2F-1/p21(-PCNA) adenovirus combination compared to Ad-E2F-1 infection alone. However, these same effects were not evident in cells coinfected with Ad-E2F-1 and an adenovirus expressing wild-type human p21(WAF1/CIP1) (Ad-p21(WT)). The increase in E2F-1 expression with coexpression of E2F-1 and p21(-PCNA) was not a result of increased E2F-1 protein stability, but was related to increased transcriptional activity from the CMV promoter. Cell cycle analysis revealed G1 arrest 72 hours following single-gene therapy with either the wild-type or mutant p21, whereas increased accumulation of cells in G2/M phase was demonstrated in the E2F-1-overexpressing cells. In the combined therapies, E2F-1/p21(-PCNA) treatment still resulted in G1 arrest, but E2F-1 was able to counteract the G1 arrest when coinfected with p21(WT). These results provide further evidence of the importance of the p21:PCNA-binding domain in mediating the complex cell cycle interaction between E2F-1 and p21. Simultaneous intratumoral injection of Ad-E2F-1 and Ad-p21(-PCNA) dramatically reduced tumor burden of SW620 xenografts compared to either treatment alone in our in vivo model but not in HT-29 colon cancer xenografts. When combined with Ad-p21(-PCNA), E2F-1 adenovirus therapy resulted in approximately 95% decrease in tumor volume of SW620 tumor xenografts compared with controls (P<.05). In conclusion, although simultaneous delivery of E2F-1 and p21(-PCNA) transgenes results in increased E2F-1 expression and enhanced apoptosis of both SW620 and HT-29 colon cancer cells in vitro, this combination was only effective in the treatment of SW620 metastatic colon cancer in vivo. This may represent a potentially useful combination gene therapy strategy for metastatic colon cancer.

Transactivation of murine cyclin A by polyomavirus large and small T antigens

Polyomavirus large and small T antigens cooperate in the induction of S phase in serum-deprived Swiss 3T3 cells. While the large T antigen is able to induce S phase-specific enzymes, we have recently shown that both T antigens contribute to the production of the cyclins E and A and that the small T antigen is essential for the induction of cyclin A-dependent cdk2 activity (S. Schüchner and E. Wintersberger, J. Virol. 73:9266-9273, 1999). Here we present our attempts to elucidate the mechanisms by which the large and the small T antigens transactivate the murine cyclin A gene. Using Swiss 3T3 cells carrying the T antigens and various mutants thereof under the hormone-inducible mouse mammary tumor virus promoter, as well as transient-cotransfection experiments with the T antigens and cyclin A promoter-luciferase reporter constructs, we found the following. The large T antigen activates the cyclin A promoter via two transcription factor binding sites, a cyclic AMP responsive element (CRE), and the major negative regulatory site called CDE-CHR. While an intact binding site for pocket proteins is required for the function of this T antigen at the CDE-CHR, its activity at the CRE is largely independent thereof. In contrast, an intact J domain and an intact zinc finger are required at both sites. The small T antigen also appears to have an influence on the cyclin A promoter through the CRE as well as the CDE-CHR. For this an interaction with protein phosphatase 2A is essential; mutation of the J domain does not totally eliminate but greatly reduces the transactivating ability.

Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein signals through inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity to disrupt PCNA function in S phase

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) is a negative regulator of the cell cycle that inhibits both G(1) and S-phase progression. While RB-mediated G(1) inhibition has been extensively studied, the mechanism utilized for S-phase inhibition is unknown. To delineate the mechanism through which RB inhibits DNA replication, we generated cells which inducibly express a constitutively active allele of RB (PSM-RB). We show that RB-mediated S-phase inhibition does not inhibit the chromatin binding function of MCM2 or RPA, suggesting that RB does not regulate the prereplication complex or disrupt early initiation events. However, activation of RB in S-phase cells disrupts the chromatin tethering of PCNA, a requisite component of the DNA replication machinery. The action of RB was S phase specific and did not inhibit the DNA damage-mediated association of PCNA with chromatin. We also show that RB-mediated PCNA inhibition was dependent on downregulation of CDK2 activity, which was achieved through the downregulation of cyclin A. Importantly, restoration of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2)-cyclin A and thus PCNA activity partially restored S-phase progression in the presence of active RB. Therefore, the data presented identify RB-mediated regulation of PCNA activity via CDK2 attenuation as a mechanism through which RB regulates S-phase progression. Together, these findings identify a novel pathway of RB-mediated replication inhibition.

In vivo accumulation of cyclin A and cellular replication factors in autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice-associated replication bodies

Autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM) DNA replication is strictly dependent on cellular factors expressed during the S phase of the cell cycle. Here we report that MVM DNA replication proceeds in specific nuclear structures termed autonomous parvovirus-associated replication bodies, where components of the basic cellular replication machinery accumulate. The presence of DNA polymerases alpha and delta in these bodies suggests that MVM utilizes partially preformed cellular replication complexes for its replication. The recruitment of cyclin A points to a role for this cell cycle factor in MVM DNA replication beyond its involvement in activating the conversion of virion single-stranded DNA to the duplex replicative form.

The large subunit of replication factor C promotes cell survival after DNA damage in an LxCxE motif- and Rb-dependent manner

Retinoblastoma (Rb) protein promotes cell survival after DNA damage. We show here that the LxCxE binding site in Rb mediates both cell survival and cell-cycle arrest after DNA damage. Replication factor C (RF-C) complex plays an important role in DNA replication. We describe a novel function of the large subunit of RF-C in promoting cell survival after DNA damage. RF-Cp145 contains an LxCxE motif, and mutation of this motif abolishes the protective effect of RF-Cp145. The inability of wild-type RF-Cp145 to promote cell survival in Rb-null cells is rescued by Rb but not by Rb mutants defective in binding LxCxE proteins. RF-C thus enhances cell survival after DNA damage in an Rb-dependent manner.

Cdk2 associates with MAP kinase in vivo and its nuclear translocation is dependent on MAP kinase activation in IL-2-dependent Kit 225 T lymphocytes

Cell proliferation is controlled by cdk2 which in association with cyclin E and A regulates G1/S transition and S phase progression. cdk2 activation is dependent on its localization in the nucleus where regulatory mediators are found. We report that activation of cdk2 is associated with the formation of cdk2/MAP Kinase complexes. cdk2 associates with both inactive and activated MAP Kinase. Prevention of MAP Kinase activation by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 inhibits both activation and nuclear localization of cdk2 and S phase entry. These findings indicate that the nuclear translocation of cdk2 is associated with the formation of molecular complexes containing active MAP Kinase and is dependent on MAP Kinase activation. Oncogene (2000) 19, 4184 - 4189

A direct interaction between proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cdk2 targets PCNA-interacting proteins for phosphorylation

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen is best known as a DNA polymerase accessory protein but has more recently also been shown to have different functions in important cellular processes such as DNA replication, DNA repair, and cell cycle control. PCNA has been found in quaternary complexes with the cyclin kinase inhibitor p21 and several pairs of cyclin-dependent protein kinases and their regulatory partner, the cyclins. Here we show a direct interaction between PCNA and Cdk2. This interaction involves the regions of the PCNA trimer close to the C termini. We found that PCNA and Cdk2 form a complex together with cyclin A. This ternary PCNA-Cdk2-cyclin A complex was able to phosphorylate the PCNA binding region of the large subunit of replication factor C as well as DNA ligase I. Furthermore, PCNA appears to be a connector between Cdk2 and DNA ligase I and to stimulate phosphorylation of DNA ligase I. Based on our results, we propose the model that PCNA brings Cdk2 to proteins involved in DNA replication and possibly might act as an "adaptor" for Cdk2-cyclin A to PCNA-binding DNA replication proteins.

Cyclin A activates the DNA polymerase delta -dependent elongation machinery in vitro: A parvovirus DNA replication model

Replication of the single-stranded linear DNA genome of parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM) starts with complementary strand synthesis from the 3'-terminal snap-back telomere, which serves as a primer for the formation of double-stranded replicative form (RF) DNA. This DNA elongation reaction, designated conversion, is exclusively dependent on cellular factors. In cell extracts, we found that complementary strand synthesis was inhibited by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1) and rescued by the addition of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, arguing for the involvement of DNA polymerase (Pol) delta in the conversion reaction. In vivo time course analyses using synchronized MVM-infected A9 cells allowed initial detection of MVM RF DNA at the G(1)/S phase transition, coinciding with the onset of cyclin A expression and cyclin A-associated kinase activity. Under in vitro conditions, formation of RF DNA was efficiently supported by A9 S cell extracts, but only marginally by G(1) cell extracts. Addition of recombinant cyclin A stimulated DNA conversion in G(1) cell extracts, and correlated with a concomitant increase in cyclin A-associated kinase activity. Conversely, a specific antibody neutralizing cyclin A-dependent kinase activity, abolished the capacity of S cell extracts for DNA conversion. We found no evidence for the involvement of cyclin E in the regulation of the conversion reaction. We conclude that cyclin A is necessary for activation of complementary strand synthesis, which we propose as a model reaction to study the cell cycle regulation of the Pol delta-dependent elongation machinery.

Histone octamer dissociation is not required for in vitro replication of simian virus 40 minichromosomes

Replication of chromosomal templates requires the passage of the replication machinery through nucleosomally organized DNA. To gain further insights into these processes we have used chromatin that was reconstituted with dimethyl suberimidate-cross-linked histone octamers as template in the SV40 in vitro replication system. By supercoiling analysis we found that cross-linked histone octamers were reconstituted with the same kinetic and efficiency as control octamers. Minichromosomes with cross-linked nucleosomes were completely replicated, although the efficiency of replication was lower compared with control chromatin. Analysis of the chromatin structure of the replicated DNA revealed that the cross-linked octamer is transferred to the daughter strands. Thus, our data imply that histone octamer dissociation is not a prerequisite for the passage of the replication machinery and the transfer of the parental nucleosomes.

Binding of polyomavirus small T antigen to protein phosphatase 2A is required for elimination of p27 and support of S-phase induction in concert with large T antigen

Although polyomavirus large T antigen readily transactivates S-phase-specific enzymes in serum-starved Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts, it is incapable by itself to efficiently drive such cells into S phase. We describe here that this inability correlates with a weak proficiency of the viral protein to induce the synthesis of cyclin A and cyclin E and to stimulate the respective cyclin/cdk activities. Polyomavirus small T antigen, which together with the large T protein supports S-phase induction, strongly contributes to the synthesis of cyclin A. In addition, small T antigen causes a dramatic induction of cyclin A- and, together with large T antigen, of cyclin E-specific protein kinase activity. This latter function of polyomavirus small T antigen correlates with its competence to provoke the elimination of the kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1). An interaction of the small T antigen with the protein phosphatase 2A is essential for this activity. Hence, the ability to drive quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells into S phase results from the capacity of large T antigen to transactivate DNA synthesis enzymes by its interaction with retinoblastoma-type proteins and from the potential of the large and the small T antigens together to stimulate cyclin A synthesis and cyclin A- and cyclin E-dependent protein kinase activity.

Human cyclin A is required for mitosis until mid prophase

We have used microinjection and time-lapse video microscopy to study the role of cyclin A in mitosis. We have injected purified, active cyclin A/cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) into synchronized cells at specific points in the cell cycle and assayed its effect on cell division. We find that cyclin A/CDK2 will drive G2 phase cells into mitosis within 30 min of microinjection, up to 4 h before control cells enter mitosis. Often this premature mitosis is abnormal; the chromosomes do not completely condense and daughter cells fuse. Remarkably, microinjecting cyclin A/CDK2 into S phase cells has no effect on progress through the following G2 phase or mitosis. In complementary experiments we have microinjected the amino terminus of p21(Cip1/Waf1/Sdi1) (p21N) into cells to inhibit cyclin A/CDK2 activity. We find that p21N will prevent S phase or G2 phase cells from entering mitosis, and will cause early prophase cells to return to interphase. These results suggest that cyclin A/CDK2 is a rate-limiting component required for entry into mitosis, and for progress through mitosis until late prophase. They also suggest that cyclin A/CDK2 may be the target of the recently described prophase checkpoint.

Cyclin A-dependent kinase activity affects chromatin binding of ORC, Cdc6, and MCM in egg extracts of Xenopus laevis

The initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotes requires the loading of the origin recognition complex (ORC), Cdc6, and minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins onto chromatin to form the preinitiation complex. In Xenopus egg extract, the proteins Orc1, Orc2, Cdc6, and Mcm4 are underphosphorylated in interphase and hyperphosphorylated in metaphase extract. We find that chromatin binding of ORC, Cdc6, and MCM proteins does not require cyclin-dependent kinase activities. High cyclin A-dependent kinase activity inhibits the binding and promotes the release of Xenopus ORC, Cdc6, and MCM from sperm chromatin, but has no effect on chromatin binding of control proteins. Cyclin A together with ORC, Cdc6 and MCM proteins is bound to sperm chromatin in DNA replicating pseudonuclei. In contrast, high cyclin E/cdk2 was not detected on chromatin, but was found soluble in the nucleoplasm. High cyclin E kinase activity allows the binding of Xenopus ORC and Cdc6, but not MCM, to sperm chromatin, even though the kinase does not phosphorylate MCM directly. We conclude that chromatin-bound cyclin A kinase controls DNA replication by protein phosphorylation and chromatin release of Cdc6 and MCM, whereas soluble cyclin E kinase prevents rereplication during the cell cycle by the inhibition of premature MCM chromatin association.

Growth inhibition by CDK-cyclin and PCNA binding domains of p21 occurs by distinct mechanisms and is regulated by ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

The CDK inhibitor, p21WAF1/Cip1 blocks cell cycle progression. In vitro, the N-terminus of p21 binds and inhibits CDK-cyclin kinase activity, whereas the C-terminus binds and inhibits PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) function. PCNA is essential for processivity of both DNA polymerase delta and epsilon. We have performed a detailed analysis of growth inhibition by the N- and C-terminal regions of p21, and determined whether the N- and C-terminal regions mediate this effect by different mechanisms. Expression of either the N- or the C-terminal region of p21 inhibits DNA synthesis and cell growth, but not as efficiently as full length p21. The effectiveness of the two p21 domains is dependent on their stability which is determined by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The stabilization of the N- and C-terminal region of p21 increases their effectiveness as inhibitors of DNA synthesis to levels comparable to full length p21. Inhibition of DNA synthesis by the N-terminal region of p21 involves suppression of E2F activity. In contrast, inhibition by the C-terminal region of p21 is not accompanied by suppression of E2F activity, but is mediated via PCNA binding. The C-terminal region of p21 therefore inhibits cell growth by a mechanism distinct from that of the N-terminal region containing the CDK-cyclin inhibitory domain.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel 2,6,9-trisubstituted purines acting as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors

Novel C-2, C-6, N-9 trisubstituted purines derived from the olomoucine/roscovitine lead structure were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit starfish oocyte CDK1/cyclin B, neuronal CDK5/p35 and erk1 kinases in purified extracts. Structure activity relationship studies showed that increased steric bulk at N-9 reduces the inhibitory potential whereas substitution of the aminoethanol C-2 side chain by various groups of different size (methyl, propyl, butyl, phenyl, benzyl) only slightly decreases the activity when compared to (R)-roscovitine. Optimal inhibitory activity against CDK5, CDK1 and CDK2, with IC50 values of 0.16, 0.45 and 0.65 microM, respectively, was obtained with compound 21 containing a (2R)-pyrrolidin-2-yl-methanol substituent at the C-2 and a 3-iodobenzylamino group at the C-6 of the purine. Compound 21 proved cytotoxic against human tumor HeLa cells (LD50-6.7 microM versus 42.7 microM for olomoucine, 24-h contact). Furthermore, unlike olomoucine, compound 21 was effective upon short exposure (LD50= 25.3 microM, 2-h contact). The available data suggest that the affinity for CDKs and the cytotoxic potential of the drugs are inter-related. However, no straightforward cell cycle phase specificity of the cytotoxic response to 21 was observed in synchronized HeLa cells. With the noticeable exception of pronounced lengthening of the S-phase transit by 21 applied during early-S in synchronized HeLa cells, and in striking contrast with earlier reports on studies using plant or echinoderm cells. olomoucilnc and compound 21 were unable to reversibly arrest cell cycle progression in asynchronous growing HeLa cells. Some irreversible hlock in GI and G2 phase occurred at high olomoucine concentration, correlated with induced cell death. Moreover, chmronic exposure to lethal doses of compound 21 resulted in massive nuclear fragmentation, evocative of mitotic catastrophe with minour amounts of apoptosis only. It was also found that olomoucine and compound 21 reversibly block the intracellular uptake of nuicleosides with high efficiency.

Growth inhibition by CDK-cyclin and PCNA binding domains of p21 occurs by distinct mechanisms and is regulated by ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

The CDK inhibitor, p21(WAF1/Cip1) blocks cell cycle progression. In vitro, the N-terminus of p21 binds and inhibits CDK-cyclin kinase activity, whereas the C-terminus binds and inhibits PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) function. PCNA is essential for processivity of both DNA polymerase delta and epsilon. We have performed a detailed analysis of growth inhibition by the N- and C-terminal regions of p21, and determined whether the N- and C-terminal regions mediate this effect by different mechanisms. Expression of either the N- or the C-terminal region of p21 inhibits DNA synthesis and cell growth, but not as efficiently as full length p21. The effectiveness of the two p21 domains is dependent on their stability which is determined by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The stabilization of the N- and C-terminal region of p21 increases their effectiveness as inhibitors of DNA synthesis to levels comparable to full length p21. Inhibition of DNA synthesis by the N-terminal region of p21 involves suppression of E2F activity. In contrast, inhibition by the C-terminal region of p21 is not accompanied by suppression of E2F activity, but is mediated via PCNA binding. The C-terminal region of p21 therefore inhibits cell growth by a mechanism distinct from that of the N-terminal region containing the CDK-cyclin inhibitory domain.

Human topoisomerase I promotes initiation of simian virus 40 DNA replication in vitro

Addition of purified human topoisomerase I (topo I) to simian virus 40 T antigen-driven in vitro DNA replication reactions performed with topo I-deficient extracts results in a greater than 10-fold stimulation of completed molecules as well as a more than 3-fold enhancement of overall DNA replication. To further characterize this stimulation, we first demonstrate that bovine topo I but not Escherichia coli topo I can also enhance DNA replication. By using several human topo I mutants, we show that a catalytically active form of topo I is required. To delineate whether topo I influences the initiation or the elongation step of replication, we performed delayed pulse, pulse-chase, and delayed pulse-chase experiments. The results illustrate that topo I cannot promote the completion of partially replicated molecules but is needed from the beginning of the reaction to initiate replication. Competitive inhibition experiments with the topo I binding T antigen fragment 1-246T and a catalytically inactive topo I mutant suggest that part of topo I's stimulation of replication is mediated through a direct interaction with T antigen. Collectively, our data indicate that topo I enhances the synthesis of fully replicated DNA molecules by forming essential interactions with T antigen and stimulating initiation.

Involvement of topoisomerases in the initiation of simian virus 40 minichromosome replication

Topoisomerases provide the unlinking activity necessary for replication fork movement during DNA replication. It is uncertain, however, whether topoisomerases are also required for the initiation of replication. To investigate this point, we have performed pulse-chase experiments with SV40 minichromosomes as template to distinguish between the initiation and the elongation of replication. Using an unfractionated cytosolic extract as a source of replication functions, we found that the addition of topoisomerases at the initiation step significantly increased the number of active chromatin templates, whereas addition of topoisomerases at the elongation step had only minor effects. Minichromosomes with an extended chromatin structure as well as protein-free DNA required less topoisomerase for effective replication initiation. We could exclude the possibility that topoisomerases enhance the origin binding of T antigen, the SV40 replication initiator, and propose instead that the arrangement of nucleosomes influences the diffusion of supercoils during initial DNA unwinding. Efficient initiation therefore requires a high local concentration of topoisomerases to relax the torsional stress.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors olomoucine and roscovitine arrest human fibroblasts in G1 phase by specific inhibition of CDK2 kinase activity

The specificity and the temporal location of cell cycle arrest induced by the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors olomoucine and roscovitine were investigated in normal human fibroblasts. Effects on the cell cycle were compared with those induced by the kinase inhibitor staurosporine, which arrests normal cells in early G1 phase by acting upstream of CDK2. Consistent with their in vitro activity, olomoucine and roscovitine, but not the related compound iso-olomoucine, induced a dose-dependent arrest in G1 phase. Following removal of CDK inhibitors, cells resumed cycle progression entering S phase with a kinetics faster than staurosporine-treated samples. Cellular levels of PCNA, cyclin D1, and cyclin E were not affected by the CDK inhibitors. In contrast, staurosporine significantly reduced the levels of these proteins, as determined by immunocytometry and Western blot analysis. Cyclin A was detectable only in some cells remaining in the G2 + M compartment of samples treated with CDK inhibitors, but not in samples treated with staurosporine. Significant reduction in the hyperphosphorylated forms of retinoblastoma protein was found in samples treated with CDK inhibitors, while only hypophosphorylated forms were observed in staurosporine-treated samples. Concomitantly, CDK2, but not CDK4, activity immunoprecipitated from cells treated with olomoucine or roscovitine was markedly inhibited. These results suggest that in normal cells, CDK2 kinase activity is the specific target of olomoucine and roscovitine.

Role of G1 phase cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases during cardiomyocyte hypertrophic growth in rats

Cell cycle regulatory molecules are implicated in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We have investigated protein expression of cyclins A, D1-3, and E and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 2, 4, 5, and 6 in left ventricular (LV) tissues during the development of LV hypertrophy in rats following aortic constriction (AC). Compared with their expression in sham-operated controls (SH), expression of cyclins D2 and D3 and of CDK4 and CDK6 increased significantly from day 3 to day 21 after AC concomitant with increased LV mass. However, no significant difference was observed for CDK2 or CDK5. Cyclins A, D1, and E were undetectable. In vitro kinase activities of CDK4 and CDK6 increased approximately 70% from day 7 to day 14 in AC myocytes compared with SH myocytes (P < 0.03). Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed a G0/G1 to G2/M phase progression in AC myocyte nuclei (22.0 +/- 1.1% in G2/M) by day 7 postoperation compared with progression in SH myocyte nuclei (14.0 +/- 0.8% in G2/M; P < 0.01). Thus an upregulation of certain cell cycle regulators is associated with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

In vitro chromatin remodelling by chromatin accessibility complex (CHRAC) at the SV40 origin of DNA replication

DNA replication is initiated by binding of initiation factors to the origin of replication. Nucleosomes are known to inhibit the access of the replication machinery to origin sequences. Recently, nucleosome remodelling factors have been identified that increase the accessibility of nucleosomal DNA to transcription regulators. To test whether the initiation of DNA replication from an origin covered by nucleosomes would also benefit from the action of nucleosome remodelling factors, we reconstituted SV40 DNA into chromatin in Drosophila embryo extracts. In the presence of T-antigen and ATP, a chromatin-associated cofactor allowed efficient replication from a nucleosomal origin in vitro. In search of the energy-dependent cofactor responsible we found that purified 'chromatin accessibility complex' (CHRAC) was able to alter the nucleosomal structure at the origin allowing the binding of T-antigen and efficient initiation of replication. These experiments provide evidence for the involvement of a nucleosome remodelling machine in structural changes at the SV40 origin of DNA replication in vitro.

Multiple roles of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen: DNA replication, repair and cell cycle control

The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the auxiliary protein of DNA polymerase delta and epsilon, is involved in DNA replication and repair. This protein forms a homotrimeric structure which, encircling DNA, loads the polymerase on the DNA template. A role for PCNA in the cell cycle control is recognised on the basis of the interaction with cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) and the cdk-inhibitor p21 waf1/cip1/sdi1 protein. Association with the growth-arrest and DNA-damage inducible proteins gadd45 and MyD118, further demonstrates the role of PCNA as a component of the cell cycle control apparatus.

Identification of DNA replication and cell cycle proteins that interact with PCNA

The identity of DNA replication proteins and cell cycle regulatory proteins which can be found in complexes involving PCNA were investigated by the use of PCNA immobilized on Sepharose 4B. A column containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) bound to Sepharose was used as a control. Fetal calf thymus extracts were chromatographed on PCNA-Sepharose and BSA-Sepharose. The columns were washed and then eluted with 0.5 M KCl. The salt eluates were examined for the presence of both DNA replication proteins (Pol alpha, delta, straightepsilon, PCNA, RFC, RFA, DNA ligase I, NDH II, Topo I and Topo II) and cell cycle proteins (Cyclins A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E, CDK2, CDK4, CDK5 and p21) by western blotting with specific antibodies. The DNA replication proteins which bound to PCNA-Sepharose included DNA polymerase delta and straightepsilon, PCNA, the 37 and 40 kDa subunits of RFC, the 70 kDa subunit of RPA, NDH II and topoisomerase I. No evidence for the binding of DNA polymerase alpha, DNA ligase I or topoisomerase II was obtained. Of the cell cycle proteins investigated, CDK2, CDK4 and CDK5 were bound. This study presents strong evidence that PCNA is a component of protein complexes containing DNA replication, repair and cell cycle regulatory proteins.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen: more than a clamp for DNA polymerases

DNA metabolic events such as replication, repair and recombination require the concerted action of several enzymes and cofactors. Nature has provided a set of proteins that support DNA polymerases in performing processive, accurate and rapid DNA synthesis. Two of them, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and its adapter protein replication factor C, cooperate to form a moving platform that was initially thought of only as an anchor point for DNA polymerases delta and epsilon. It now appears that proliferating cell nuclear antigen is also a communication point between a variety of important cellular processes including cell cycle control, DNA replication, nucleotide excision repair, post-replication mismatch repair, base excision repair and at least one apoptotic pathway. The dynamic movement of proliferating cell nuclear antigen on and off the DNA renders this protein an ideal communicator for a variety of proteins that are essential for DNA metabolic events in eukaryotic cells.

Association of cyclin A and cdk2 with SV40 DNA in replication initiation complexes is cell cycle dependent

The cell cycle is driven by the sequential activation of a family of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) in association with cyclins. In mammalian cells the timing of activation of cyclin A-associated kinase activity coincides with the onset of DNA synthesis in S-phase. Using in vitro replication of SV40 origin-containing DNA as a model system, we have analyzed the proteins associated with DNA during initiation of DNA replication in S-phase cell extracts. This analysis reveals that, in addition to replication initiation proteins, cyclin A and cdk2 are also specifically associated with DNA. The association of cyclin A and cdk2 with DNA during initiation is cell cycle regulated and occurs specifically in the presence of SV40 origin-containing plasmid and SV40 T antigen (the viral replication initiator protein). The interactions among proteins involved in initiation play an important role in DNA replication. We therefore investigated the ability of cyclin A and cdk2 to associate with replication initiation proteins. Under replication initiation conditions, cyclin A and cdk2 from S-phase extracts specifically associate with SV40 T antigen. Further, the interaction of cyclin A-cdk2 with SV40 T antigen is mediated via cyclin A, and purified recombinant cyclin A associates directly with SV40 T antigen. Taken together, our results suggest that cyclin A and cdk2 are components of the SV40 replication initiation complex, and that protein-protein interactions between cyclin A-cdk2 and T antigen may facilitate the association of cyclin A-cdk2 with the complex.