Growth hormone regulates ternary complex factors and serum response factor associated with the c-fos serum response element

Regulation of gene expression by growth hormone

Growth hormone (GH) plays a pivotal role in many physiological processes in humans, and in other mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrate species, through actions on somatic growth, tissue development and repair, and intermediary metabolism. This review will focus on mechanisms of GH actions on gene expression, primarily from the perspective of the genes that encode proteins stimulated by GH to regulate somatic growth, especially insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), but also others that are induced or repressed by GH. Topics to be discussed will include a brief overview of GH-mediated signal transduction pathways and how these cascades alter the functions of responsive transcription factors, with a specific focus on STAT5B, a key member of the signal transducers and activators of transcription family, characterization of essential GH-regulated genes, and elucidation of mechanisms of their regulation from biochemical, genetic, and genomic perspectives.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling in tenocytes is required for adult tendon growth

Tenocytes serve to synthesize and maintain collagen fibrils and other extracellular matrix proteins in tendon. Despite the high prevalence of tendon injury, the underlying biologic mechanisms of postnatal tendon growth and repair are not well understood. IGF1 plays an important role in the growth and remodeling of numerous tissues but less is known about IGF1 in tendon. We hypothesized that IGF1 signaling is required for proper tendon growth in response to mechanical loading through regulation of collagen synthesis and cell proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we conditionally deleted the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in scleraxis (Scx)-expressing tenocytes using a tamoxifen-inducible Cre-recombinase system and caused tendon growth in adult mice via mechanical overload of the plantaris tendon. Compared with control Scx-expressing IGF1R-positive (Scx:IGF1R⁺) mice, in which IGF1R is present in tenocytes, mice that lacked IGF1R in their tenocytes [Scx-expressing IGF1R-negative (Scx:IGF1R^Δ) mice] demonstrated reduced cell proliferation and smaller tendons in response to mechanical loading. Additionally, we identified that both the PI3K/protein kinase B and ERK pathways are activated downstream of IGF1 and interact in a coordinated manner to regulate cell proliferation and protein synthesis. These studies indicate that IGF1 signaling is required for proper postnatal tendon growth and support the potential use of IGF1 in the treatment of tendon disorders.-Disser, N. P., Sugg, K. B., Talarek, J. R., Sarver, D. C., Rourke, B. J., Mendias, C. L. Insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling in tenocytes is required for adult tendon growth.

Growth hormone signaling pathways

Over 20years ago, our laboratory showed that growth hormone (GH) signals through the GH receptor-associated tyrosine kinase JAK2. We showed that GH binding to its membrane-bound receptor enhances binding of JAK2 to the GHR, activates JAK2, and stimulates tyrosyl phosphorylation of both JAK2 and GHR. The activated JAK2/GHR complex recruits a variety of signaling proteins, thereby initiating multiple signaling pathways and cellular responses. These proteins and pathways include: 1) Stat transcription factors implicated in the expression of multiple genes, including the gene encoding insulin-like growth factor 1; 2) Shc adapter proteins that lead to activation of the grb2-SOS-Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK1,2 pathway; 3) insulin receptor substrate proteins implicated in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and Akt pathway; 4) signal regulatory protein α, a transmembrane scaffold protein that recruits proteins including the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2; and 5) SH2B1, a scaffold protein that can activate JAK2 and enhance GH regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Our recent work has focused on the function of SH2B1. We have shown that SH2B1β is recruited to and phosphorylated by JAK2 in response to GH. SH2B1 localizes to the plasma membrane, cytoplasm and focal adhesions; it also cycles through the nucleus. SH2B1 regulates the actin cytoskeleton and promotes GH-dependent motility of RAW264.7 macrophages. Mutations in SH2B1 have been found in humans exhibiting severe early-onset childhood obesity and insulin resistance. These mutations impair SH2B1 enhancement of GH-induced macrophage motility. As SH2B1 is expressed ubiquitously and is also recruited to a variety of receptor tyrosine kinases, our results raise the possibility that effects of SH2B1 on the actin cytoskeleton in various cell types, including neurons, may play a role in regulating body weight.

Impaired phosphorylation of JAK2-STAT5b signaling in fibroblasts from uremic children

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children is characterized by severe growth failure. The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) axis in uremic animals shows a post-receptor impaired phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) proteins. The objective of our study was to characterize the intracellular phosphorylation of JAK-STAT signaling in fibroblasts from children with CKD on chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD).

METHODS

Serum GH-binding protein (GHBP), IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were measured in 15 prepubertal CKD stage-5 children on PD. Cytoplasmic JAK2, cytoplasmic/nuclear STAT5b and nuclear IGFBP3, acid-labile subunit (ALS) and IGF-1 mRNA expression were quantified in fibroblasts obtained from skin biopsies before and after stimulation with 200 ng/ml recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Phosphorylation activity at both the cytoplasmic and nuclear level was expressed as the ratio phosphorylated (p)/total (t) abundance of the product (p/t) at 30 and 60 min. Fifteen healthy children were recruited as the control group. Values were expressed in arbitrary units (AU) and normalized for comparison. Significance was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Thirty minutes after rhGH stimulus, the cytoplasmic (p/t) JAK2 ratio was significantly lower in patients than in controls [median and interquartile range (IQR): 7.4 (4.56) vs. 20.5 (50.06) AU]. At 60 min after rhGH stimulation, median JAK2 phosphorylation activity was still significantly lower in the patients [7.14 (IQR 3.8) vs. 10.2 (IQR 29.8) AU; p < 0.05]. The increase in the cytoplasmic (p/t) STAT5b/β-actin ratio was lower at both measurement points in the patients compared to the controls, without reaching statistical significance between groups. Median IGFBP3 mRNA abundance was significantly decreased in fibroblasts from uremic patients 24 h after rhGH stimulation compared to the healthy controls [1.27 (IQR 0.83) vs. 2.37 (IQR 0.80) AU]. Median ALS and IGF-1 mRNA expression changed in response to rhGH stimuli at 24 and 48 h.

CONCLUSION

In this study, children with CKD undergoing PD therapy showed an impaired phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT5b signaling in fibroblasts after GH stimulation, as well as impaired IGFBP3 mRNA abundance. Both impairments may be partially responsible for the observed resistance to the growth-promoting actions of GH in chronic kidney failure.

LSD1 modulates stress-evoked transcription of immediate early genes and emotional behavior

Behavioral changes in response to stressful stimuli can be controlled via adaptive epigenetic changes in neuronal gene expression. Here we indicate a role for the transcriptional corepressor Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) and its dominant-negative splicing isoform neuroLSD1, in the modulation of emotional behavior. In mouse hippocampus, we show that LSD1 and neuroLSD1 can interact with transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) and set the chromatin state of SRF-targeted genes early growth response 1 (egr1) and c-fos Deletion or reduction of neuro LSD1 in mutant mice translates into decreased levels of activating histone marks at egr1 and c-fos promoters, dampening their psychosocial stress-induced transcription and resulting in low anxiety-like behavior. Administration of suberoylanilide hydroxamine to neuroLSD1(KO)mice reactivates egr1 and c-fos transcription and restores the behavioral phenotype. These findings indicate that LSD1 is a molecular transducer of stressful stimuli as well as a stress-response modifier. Indeed, LSD1 expression itself is increased acutely at both the transcriptional and splicing levels by psychosocial stress, suggesting that LSD1 is involved in the adaptive response to stress.

FGF19 signaling cascade suppresses APOA gene expression

OBJECTIVE

Lipoprotein(a) is a highly atherogenic lipoprotein, whose metabolism is poorly understood. Currently no safe drugs exists that lower elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations. We therefore focused on molecular mechanisms that influence apolipoprotein(a) (APOA) biosynthesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Transgenic human APOA mice (tg-APO mice) were injected with 1 mg/kg of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). This led to a significant reduction of plasma APOA and hepatic expression of APOA. Incubation of primary hepatocytes of tg-APOA mice with FGF19 induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and, in turn, downregulated APOA expression. Repression of APOA by FGF19 was abrogated by specific ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibitors. The FGF19 effect on APOA was attenuated by transfection of primary hepatocytes with siRNA against the FGF19 receptor 4 (FGFR4). Using promoter reporter assays, mutation analysis, gel shift, and chromatin immune-precipitation assays, an Ets-1 binding element was identified at -1630/-1615bp region in the human APOA promoter. This element functions as an Elk-1 binding site that mediates repression of APOA transcription by FGF19.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide mechanistic insights into the transcriptional regulation of human APOA by FGF19. Further studies in the human system are required to substantiate our findings and to design therapeutics for hyper lipoprotein(a).

p300-Dependent ATF5 acetylation is essential for Egr-1 gene activation and cell proliferation and survival

ATF5 has been shown to be a critical regulator of cell proliferation and survival; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We demonstrate here that ATF5 interacts with the transcriptional coactivator p300, which acetylates ATF5 at lysine-29 (K29), which in turn enhances the interaction between ATF5 and p300 and binding of the ATF5/p300 complex to the ATF5 response element (ARE) region of the Egr-1 promoter. ARE-bound ATF5/p300 acetylates lysine-14 (K14) of nucleosomal histone H3 at both the ARE and serum response element (SRE) of the Egr-1 promoter, which facilitates binding of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-phosphorylated Elk-1 to the SRE, activating the Egr-1 promoter. Interference of p300-dependent acetylation of ATF5 or nucleosomal histone H3 or blockade of ERK-dependent Elk-1 phosphorylation abrogates ATF5-dependent Egr-1 activation and cell proliferation and survival. These findings assign a central role for the ATF5/p300 complex in ATF5 function and suggest that coordinated actions by ATF5, p300, Elk-1, and ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are essential for ATF5-dependent Egr-1 activation and cell proliferation and survival.

LMO7 mediates cell-specific activation of the Rho-myocardin-related transcription factor-serum response factor pathway and plays an important role in breast cancer cell migration

Serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that regulates cell-specific functions such as muscle development and breast cancer metastasis. The myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs), which are transcriptional coactivators mediating cell-specific functions of SRF, are also ubiquitously expressed. How MRTFs and SRF drive cell-specific transcription is still not fully understood. Here we show that LIM domain only 7 (LMO7) is a cell-specific regulator of MRTFs and plays an important role in breast cancer cell migration. LMO7 activates MRTFs by relieving actin-mediated inhibition in a manner that requires, and is synergistic with, Rho GTPase. Whereas Rho is required for LMO7 to activate full-length MRTFs that have three RPEL actin-binding motifs, the disruption of individual actin-RPEL interactions is sufficient to eliminate the Rho dependency and to allow the strong Rho-independent function of LMO7. Mechanistically, we show that LMO7 colocalizes with F-actin and reduces the G-actin/F-actin ratio via a Rho-independent mechanism. The knockdown of LMO7 in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells compromises both basal and Rho-stimulated MRTF activities and impairs the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We also show that LMO7 is upregulated in the stroma of invasive breast carcinoma in a manner that correlates with the increased expression of SRF target genes that regulate muscle and actin cytoskeleton functions. Together, this study reveals a novel cell-specific mechanism regulating Rho-MRTF-SRF signaling and breast cancer cell migration and identifies a role for actin-RPEL interactions in integrating Rho and cell-specific signals to achieve both the synergistic and Rho-dependent activation of MRTFs.

Genome-wide analysis reveals PADI4 cooperates with Elk-1 to activate c-Fos expression in breast cancer cells

Peptidylarginine deiminase IV (PADI4) catalyzes the conversion of positively charged arginine and methylarginine residues to neutrally charged citrulline, and this activity has been linked to the repression of a limited number of target genes. To broaden our knowledge of the regulatory potential of PADI4, we utilized chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with promoter tiling array (ChIP-chip) analysis to more comprehensively investigate the range of PADI4 target genes across the genome in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results showed that PADI4 is enriched in gene promoter regions near transcription start sites (TSSs); and, surprisingly, this pattern of binding is primarily associated with actively transcribed genes. Computational analysis found potential binding sites for Elk-1, a member of the ETS oncogene family, to be highly enriched around PADI4 binding sites; and coimmunoprecipitation analysis then confirmed that Elk-1 physically associates with PADI4. To better understand how PADI4 may facilitate gene transactivation, we then show that PADI4 interacts with Elk-1 at the c-Fos promoter and that, following Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) stimulation, PADI4 catalytic activity facilitates Elk-1 phosphorylation, histone H4 acetylation, and c-Fos transcriptional activation. These results define a novel role for PADI4 as a transcription factor co-activator.

GnRH induces the c-Fos gene via phosphorylation of SRF by the calcium/calmodulin kinase II pathway

Despite extensive studies on GnRH regulation of the gonadotropin subunit genes, very little is known about mechanism of induction of intermediary immediate early genes, such as c-Fos, that are direct targets of GnRH signaling and that upon induction, activate transcription of gonadotropin genes. Although c-Fos is induced by a variety of stimuli in other cell types, in the gonadotropes, only GnRH induces c-Fos and through it FSHβ. Thus, understanding the specificity of c-Fos induction by GnRH will provide insight into GnRH regulation of FSHβ gene expression. GnRH induction of c-Fos in LβT2 cells requires the serum response factor (SRF)-binding site, but not the Ets/ELK1 site. This is in contrast to c-Fos induction by growth factors in other cells, which activate c-Fos transcription via phosphorylation of ELK1 and require the ELK1-binding site. The SRF site alone is sufficient for induction by GnRH, whereas induction by 12-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) requires both the ELK1 and SRF sites. Although ELK1 site is not required, upon GnRH stimulation, ELK1 interacts with SRF and is recruited to the SRF site. GnRH phosphorylates ELK1 through ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, which correlates with the signaling pathways necessary for c-Fos and FSHβ induction. GnRH also causes phosphorylation of SRF through calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CamKII), which leads to increased binding to its site. CamKII activation is sufficient for phosphorylation of SRF and for induction of the c-Fos gene through the SRF site. Thus, GnRH uses a combination of growth factor signaling and the CamKII pathway to induce c-Fos to regulate FSHβ gene expression in gonadotrope cells.

C/EBPβ mediates growth hormone-regulated expression of multiple target genes

Regulation of c-Fos transcription by GH is mediated by CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ). This study examines the role of C/EBPβ in mediating GH activation of other early response genes, including Cyr61, Btg2, Socs3, Zfp36, and Socs1. C/EBPβ depletion using short hairpin RNA impaired responsiveness of these genes to GH, as seen for c-Fos. Rescue with wild-type C/EBPβ led to GH-dependent recruitment of the coactivator p300 to the c-Fos promoter. In contrast, rescue with C/EBPβ mutated at the ERK phosphorylation site at T188 failed to induce GH-dependent recruitment of p300, indicating that ERK-mediated phosphorylation of C/EBPβ at T188 is required for GH-induced recruitment of p300 to c-Fos. GH also induced the occupancy of phosphorylated C/EBPβ and p300 on Cyr61, Btg2, and Socs3 at predicted C/EBP-cAMP response element-binding protein motifs in their promoters. Consistent with a role for ERKs in GH-induced expression of these genes, treatment with U0126 to block ERK phosphorylation inhibited their GH-induced expression. In contrast, GH-dependent expression of Zfp36 and Socs1 was not inhibited by U0126. Thus, induction of multiple early response genes by GH in 3T3-F442A cells is mediated by C/EBPβ. A subset of these genes is regulated similarly to c-Fos, through a mechanism involving GH-stimulated ERK 1/2 activation, phosphorylation of C/EBPβ, and recruitment of p300. Overall, these studies suggest that C/EBPβ, like the signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins, regulates multiple genes in response to GH.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus Lana-1 is a major activator of the serum response element and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways via interactions with the Mediator complex

In cells infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways plays a crucial role early after virus infection as well as during reactivation. In order to systematically identify viral proteins activating MAPK pathways in KSHV-infected cells, a clone collection of KSHV open reading frames (ORFs) was screened for induction of the serum response element (SRE), as SRE is induced by MAPKs. The strongest induction of the SRE was found with ORF73 (latency-associated nuclear antigen 1, or Lana-1), although weaker activation was also found with the kaposin B isoform, ORF54 (dUTPase) and ORF74 (G-protein-coupled receptor). The bipartite SRE is bound by a ternary complex consisting of serum response factor (SRF) and ternary complex factor. Lana-1 bound directly to SRF, but also to the MED25 (ARC92/ACID-1), MED15 (PCQAP) and MED23 (Sur-2) subunits of the Mediator complex, a multi-subunit transcriptional co-activator complex for RNA polymerase II. Lana-1-induced SRE activation was inhibited by the dominant-negative N-terminal domain of the MED25 mediator subunit, suggesting that this subunit mediates Lana-1-induced SRE activation. In summary, these data suggest a model in which Lana-1 acts as an adaptor between the transcription factor SRF and the basal transcriptional machinery.

A molecular circuit composed of CPEB-1 and c-Jun controls growth hormone-mediated synaptic plasticity in the mouse hippocampus

Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB-1) resides at postsynaptic sites in hippocampal neurons in which it controls polyadenylation-induced translation. CPEB-1 knock-out (KO) mice display defects in some forms of synaptic plasticity and hippocampal-dependent memories. To identify CPEB-1-regulated mRNAs, we used proteomics to compare polypeptides in wild-type (WT) and CPEB-1 KO hippocampus. Growth hormone (GH) was reduced in the KO hippocampus, as were the GH signaling molecules phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3. GH mRNA and pre-mRNA were reduced in the KO hippocampus, suggesting that CPEB-1 controls GH transcription. The transcription factor c-Jun, which binds the GH promoter, was also reduced in the KO hippocampus, as was its ability to coimmunoprecipitate chromatin containing the GH promoter. CPEB-1 binds c-Jun 3' untranslated region CPEs in vitro and coimmunoprecipitates c-Jun RNA in vivo. GH induces long-term potentiation (LTP) when applied to hippocampal slices from WT and CPEB-1 KO mice, but the magnitude of LTP induced by GH in KO mice is reduced. Pretreatment with GH did not reverse the LTP deficit observed in KO mice after theta-burst stimulation (TBS). Cordycepin, an inhibitor of polyadenylation, disrupted LTP induced by either GH application or TBS. Finally, GH application to hippocampal slices induced JAK2 phosphorylation in WT but not KO animals. These results indicate that CPEB-1 control of c-Jun mRNA translation regulates GH gene expression and resulting downstream signaling events (e.g., synaptic plasticity) in the mouse hippocampus.

Neuroendocrine hormones such as growth hormone and prolactin are integral members of the immunological cytokine network

Neuroendocrine hormones such as growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) have been demonstrated to accelerate the recovery of the immune response after chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation and to enhance the restoration of immunity in individuals infected with HIV and in normal individuals with compromised immune systems associated with aging. As the mechanism of action of these hormones has been elucidated, it has become clear that they are integral members of the immunological cytokine/chemokine network and share regulatory mechanisms with a wide variety of cytokines and chemokines. The members of this cytokine network induce and can be regulated by members of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family of intracellular proteins. In order to take advantage of the potential beneficial effects of hormones such as GH or PRL, it is essential to take into consideration the overall cytokine network and the regulatory effects of SOCS proteins.

Multiple mechanisms of growth hormone-regulated gene transcription

Diverse physiological actions of growth hormone (GH) are mediated by changes in gene transcription. Transcription can be regulated at several levels, including post-translational modification of transcription factors, and formation of multiprotein complexes involving transcription factors, co-regulators and additional nuclear proteins; these serve as targets for regulation by hormones and signaling pathways. Evidence that GH regulates transcription at multiple levels is exemplified by analysis of the proto-oncogene c-fos. Among the GH-regulated transcription factors on c-fos, C/EBPbeta appears to be key, since depletion of C/EBPbeta by RNA interference blocks the stimulation of c-fos by GH. The phosphorylation state of C/EBPbeta and its ability to activate transcription are regulated by GH through MAPK and PI3K/Akt-mediated signaling cascades. The acetylation of C/EBPbeta also contributes to its ability to activate c-fos transcription. These and other post-translational modifications of C/EBPbeta appear to be integrated for regulation of transcription by GH. The formation of nuclear proteins into complexes associated with DNA-bound transcription factors is also regulated by GH. Both C/EBPbeta and the co-activator p300 are recruited to c-fos in response to GH, altering c-fos promoter activation. In addition, GH rapidly induces spatio-temporal re-localization of C/EBPbeta within the nucleus. Thus, GH-regulated gene transcription mediated by C/EBPbeta reflects the integration of diverse mechanisms including post-translational modifications, modulation of protein complexes associated with DNA and re-localization of gene regulatory proteins. Similar integration involving other transcription factors, including Stats, appears to be a feature of regulation by GH of other gene targets.

ERK1/2 regulates ANG II-dependent cell proliferation via cytoplasmic activation of RSK2 and nuclear activation of elk1

In a concurrently submitted article, we show that ANG II-induced ERK1/2 activation is mediated by both c-Src/Yes/Fyn and heterotrimeric G protein/PKCζ-dependent signaling. Furthermore, we show that heterotrimeric G protein/PKCζ-activated ERK1/2 is destined for the nucleus while ERK1/2 activated by c-Src/Yes/Fyn-dependent signaling remains in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, both mechanisms of activation are required for maximum ANG II-induced cell proliferation. In this study, we sought to determine the mechanisms by which ERK1/2 facilitate cell proliferation via these distinct nuclear and cytoplasmic events, using cells that were lacking either c-Src/Yes/Fyn or heterotrimeric G protein/PKCζ-dependent ERK1/2 activation. A loss of c-Src/Yes/Fyn blocked ANG II-dependent RSK2 activation, RSK2 nuclear translocation, serum-response factor (SRF) phosphorylation, a portion of c-fos transcriptional activity and c-Fos phosphorylation. Blocking ANG II-induced heterotrimeric G protein/PKCζ activity resulted in a loss of ERK1/2 nuclear translocation, elk1 phosphorylation, and the remaining portion of c-fos transcriptional activity not dependent on c-Src/Yes/Fyn. Inhibition of RSK with the potent and selective inhibitor, SL0101, attenuated ANG II-induced cell proliferation, and, in combination with a PKCζ pseudosubstrate, completely attenuated cell proliferation. Thus we conclude that ERK1/2 mediate ANG II-dependent cell proliferation via distinct cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling events, which are in turn governed by c-Src/Yes/Fyn and heterotrimeric G protein/PKCζ-dependent signaling, respectively.

Profiles of Growth Hormone (GH)-regulated Genes Reveal Time-dependent Responses and Identify a Mechanism for Regulation of Activating Transcription Factor 3 By GH

In examination of mechanisms regulating metabolic responses to growth hormone (GH), microarray analysis identified 561 probe sets showing time-dependent patterns of expression in GH-treated 3T3-F442A adipocytes. Biological functions significantly over-represented among GH-regulated genes include regulators of transcription at early times, and lipid biosynthesis, cholesterol biosynthesis, and mediators of immune responses at later times (48 h). One novel GH-induced gene encodes activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Atf3 mRNA expression and promoter activity were stimulated by GH. Genes for ATF3 and growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 45 gamma (GADD45gamma) showed similar time-dependent patterns of responses to GH, suggesting similar regulatory mechanisms. A conserved sequence in the promoters of the Atf3 and Gadd45gamma genes contains a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) site previously observed in the Gadd45gamma promoter, suggesting a novel corresponding C/EBP site in the Atf3 promoter. C/EBPbeta was found to bind to the predicted Atf3 C/EBP site, and C/EBPbeta enhanced the activation of the wild-type Atf3 promoter. Mutation of the predicted Atf3 C/EBP site disrupted Atf3 promoter activation not only by C/EBPbeta but also by GH. These findings suggest that GH regulates transcription of Atf3 through a mechanism utilizing factors, such as C/EBPbeta, which bind to a novel C/EBP site.

Merlin inhibits growth hormone-regulated Raf–ERKs pathways by binding to Grb2 protein

Numerous studies have suggested that the NF2 protein merlin is involved in the regulation of abnormal cell growth and proliferation. In this study, to better understand the merlin's mechanisms that contribute to the inhibition of tumorigenesis, we examined the potential action of merlin on the cell proliferative signaling pathways in response to growth hormone (GH). Merlin effectively attenuated the GH-induced serum response element (SRE) and Elk-1-mediated transcriptional activation, as well as the endogenous SRE-regulated gene c-fos expression in NIH3T3 cells. In addition, merlin prevented the Raf-1 complex activation process, which resulted in the suppression of MAP kinase/ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERKs), and Elk-1 phosphorylation, which are the downstream signals of Raf-1. Moreover, it was shown that merlin interacted with endogenous growth factor receptor bound 2 (Grb2) protein and inhibited its expression. These results suggest that merlin contributes, via its protein-to-protein interaction with Grb2 and consequent inhibition of the MAPK pathways, to the regulation of the abnormal cell proliferation, and this provides a further mechanism underlying the tumor suppressor function of merlin.

Activation of c-fos by lipopolysaccharide in glial cells via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent activation of serum or cyclic AMP/calcium response element

Pathological conditions such as ischaemic stroke and inflammatory disorders cause c-fos activation in the brain. This activation contributes to the initiation of the brain's inflammatory response, orchestrated by activated glial cells. The inflammatory signalling cascades leading to c-fos activation in glial cells are not well characterized. Thus, we have attempted a detailed analysis of the cis-acting elements, transcription factors and upstream kinase pathways involved in the activation of c-fos by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in primary rat cortical glial cells. We found that (1) LPS-induced c-fos mRNA levels were sensitive to p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors but not to mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitors, (2) LPS activated both serum response element (SRE) and cyclic AMP/calcium response element (CRE)-driven luciferase reporters in transient transfection assays, (3) LPS induced the phosphorylation of Elk1 CRE-binding protein (CREB)/activated transcription factor-1 (ATF-1) and the activation of GAL4-Elk1 and GAL4-CREB chimeric proteins, and (4) mutation of both SRE and CRE elements was necessary and sufficient to completely abolish LPS induction of a rat c-fos proximal promoter-luciferase reporter. Thus, c-fos activation by LPS in glial cells occurs via the SRE or CRE in an independent manner, and involves the Elk1 or CREB/ATF-1 transcription factors. Elk1-mediated transactivation was dependent on p38 MAPK, suggesting a crucial role of these factors in mediating inflammatory responses in the CNS.

Acyclic retinoid inhibits human hepatoma cell growth by suppressing fibroblast growth factor-mediated signaling pathways

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common human malignancies. Its high mortality rate is mainly a result of high intrahepatic recurrence. The novel synthetic retinoid acyclic retinoid (ACR) has been reported to prevent the recurrence of human HCC after surgical resection of primary tumors, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects remain to be elucidated. In this study, we clarified the molecular targets of ACR.

METHODS

The inhibitory effects by ACR on growth were examined. Intracellular signaling induced by ACR was comprehensively studied by a reporter assay. Gene expression changes by ACR were examined using a microarray. From these results, a candidate signaling pathway modulated by ACR was determined and whether antagonizing this pathway reverses the effect was examined.

RESULTS

We show that ACR inhibits the growth of HCC cells through the down-regulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor 3 expression and FGF-mediated signaling, which in turn suppresses the activity of Rho and serum response factor-mediated transcription. Conversely, overexpression of the active form of FGF receptor 3 or the addition of FGF reverses the ACR-mediated inhibition of growth. In addition, silencing the FGF receptor 3 gene by RNA interference inhibits cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that ACR is a potent inhibitor of FGF signaling and that selective blocking of the FGF-mediated pathway could be a promising therapeutic approach for the management of patients with HCC.

Estrogen regulation of growth hormone action

GH plays a pivotal role in regulating body growth and development, which is modulated by sex steroids. A close interplay between estrogen and GH leads to attainment of gender-specific body composition during puberty. The physiological basis of the interaction is not well understood. Most previous studies have focused on the effects of estrogen on GH secretion. There is also strong evidence that estrogen modulates GH action independent of secretion. Oral but not transdermal administration of estrogen impairs the metabolic action of GH in the liver, causing a fall in IGF-I production and fat oxidation. This results in a loss of lean tissue and a gain of body fat in postmenopausal women and an impairment of GH effect in hypopituitary women on GH replacement. The negative metabolic sequelae are potentially important because of the widespread use of oral estrogen and estrogen-related compounds. Estrogen affects GH action at the level of receptor expression and signaling. More recently, estrogen has been shown to inhibit Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling by GH via the induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling-2, a protein inhibitor for cytokine signaling. This represents a novel paradigm of steroid regulation of cytokine receptors and is likely to have significance for a diverse range of cytokine function.

Discriminatory aptamer reveals serum response element transcription regulated by cytohesin-2

Cytohesins are a family of highly homologous guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that act on ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs). The small ARF-GEFs are involved in integrin signaling, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, and vesicle transport. Here, we selected and applied a specific inhibitor for ARF nucleotide-binding site opener (ARNO)/cytohesin-2, an RNA aptamer that clearly discriminates between cytohesin-1 and cytohesin-2. This reagent bound to an N-terminal segment of cytohesin-2 and did not inhibit ARF-GEF function in vitro. When transfected into HeLa cells, it persisted for at least 6 h without requiring stabilization. Its effect in vivo was to down-regulate gene expression mediated through the serum-response element and knockdown mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, indicating that cytohesin-2 acts by means of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. We conclude that the N-terminal coiled-coil and parts of the Sec7 domain of cytohesin-2 are required for serum-mediated transcriptional activation in nonimmune cells, whereas cytohesin-1 is not. Our results indicate that intramer technology can be used not only for assigning novel biological functions to proteins or protein domains but also to prove nonredundancy of highly homologous proteins.

Chromatin acetylation and remodeling at the Cis promoter during STAT5-induced transcription

The signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT5 plays a major role in cytokine-induced expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and survival. Although several STAT5 partners have been identified, the molecular events taking place at the promoter level upon STAT5 recruitment have not yet been characterized in great detail. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and accessibility assays, we characterized histone acetylation and chromatin remodeling events occurring during transcriptional activation of the endogenous murine Cis gene, a STAT5 target gene, in response to IL-3. We found that STAT5 binding in vivo is associated with low histone H3 and H4 acetylation levels in the proximity of the STAT5 binding sites. STAT5 recruitment also results in chromatin reorganization over that promoter region. These events (STAT5 binding, histone acetylation and chromatin remodeling) are not sufficient for transcriptional activation, which requires a non-histone protein deacetylase. These data reveal novel implications of STAT5 in chromatin regulation during cytokine-induced transcription, thus contributing to a better understanding of the mechanism of transcriptional activation by STAT5.

The G protein-coupled receptor GPR30 mediates c-fos up-regulation by 17beta-estradiol and phytoestrogens in breast cancer cells

A growing body of evidence concerning estrogen effects cannot be explained by the classic model of hormone action, which involves the binding to estrogen receptors (ERs) alpha and ERbeta and the interaction of the steroid-receptor complex with specific DNA sequences associated with target genes. Using c-fos proto-oncogene expression as an early molecular sensor of estrogen action in ERalpha-positive MCF7 and ER-negative SKBR3 breast cancer cells, we have discovered that 17beta-estradiol (E2), and the two major phytoestrogens, genistein and quercetin, stimulate c-fos expression through ERalpha as well as through an ER-independent manner via the G protein-coupled receptor homologue GPR30. The c-fos response is repressed in GPR30-expressing SKBR3 cells transfected with an antisense oligonucleotide against GPR30 and reconstituted in GPR30-deficient MDA-MB 231 and BT-20 breast cancer cells transfected with a GPR30 expression vector. GPR30-dependent activation of ERK1/2 by E2 and phytoestrogens occurs via a Gbetagamma-associated pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway that requires both Src-related and EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activities. The ability of E2 and phytoestrogens to regulate the expression of growth-related genes such as c-fos even in the absence of ER has interesting implications for understanding breast cancer progression.

Postreceptor resistance to exogenous growth hormone exists in the jejunal mucosa of parenterally fed rats

Our objective was to determine whether the intestinal mucosa is resistant to the mitogenic effects of exogenous growth hormone (GH) but sensitive to exogenous insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) during total parenteral nutrition (TPN) because of decreased GH receptor (GHR) binding or postreceptor responsiveness to GH. First, only continuous i.v. administration of IGF-I, but neither pulsatile subcutaneous nor continuous i.v. GH, stimulated jejunal mucosal hyperplasia; however, both GH and IGF-I increased serum IGF-I and promoted similar whole-body growth after 8 d of exclusive TPN and 6 d of growth factor treatment in rats. This suggests a tissue-specific resistance to GH action in the intestinal mucosa during TPN. Second, exogenous GH during TPN did not reduce GH-specific binding in jejunum, suggesting that the inability of GH to stimulate mucosal hyperplasia is not due to low levels of the GHR. Third, IGF-I, but not GH, induced acute expression of c-fos (P < 0.009) and c-jun (P = 0.053) mRNAs in jejunum based on Northern analysis and in situ hybridization histochemistry 60 min after a single i.v. bolus of GH or IGF-I. This suggests that IGF-I, but not GH, activates early postreceptor growth-related signaling pathways in jejunum. In summary, the lack of early c-fos and c-jun induction in response to GH in TPN rats indicates that the jejunal mucosa is resistant to exogenous GH between GHR activation and induction of immediate early genes. This may contribute to the inability of mucosal cells to respond to the trophic effects of GH.

Subnuclear localization of C/EBP beta is regulated by growth hormone and dependent on MAPK

Localization of transcription regulatory proteins in the nucleus is dynamically regulated, and may alter nucleoplasmic concentrations and/or assembly of multimolecular transcription regulatory complexes, which ultimately regulate gene expression. Since growth hormone (GH) regulates multiple transcription factors including C/EBP beta, the effect of GH on the subcellular localization of C/EBP beta was examined in 3T3-F442A preadipocytes. Indirect immunofluorescence shows that C/EBP beta is diffusely distributed in nuclei of quiescent cells. Within 5 min of GH treatment, the diffuse pattern dramatically becomes punctate. The relocalization of C/EBP beta coincides with DAPI staining of heterochromatin. Further, C/EBP beta and heterochromatin protein (HP)-1 alpha colocalize in the nucleus, consistent with localization of C/EBP beta to pericentromeric heterochromatin. In contrast, C/EBP delta exhibits a diffuse distribution in the nucleus that is not modified by GH treatment. C/EBP beta is rapidly and transiently phosphorylated on a conserved MAPK consensus site in response to GH (Piwien-Pilipuk, G., MacDougald, O. A., and Schwartz, J. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 44557-44565). Indirect immunofluorescence using antibodies specific for C/EBP beta phosphorylated on the conserved MAPK site shows that GH also rapidly induces a punctate pattern of staining for the phosphorylated C/EBP beta. In addition, phosphorylated C/EBP beta colocalizes to pericentromeric heterochromatin. The satellite DNA present in heterochromatin contains multiple C/EBP binding sites. DNA binding analysis shows that C/EBP beta, C/EBP delta, and C/EBP alpha (p42 and p30 forms) can bind to satellite DNA as homo- or heterocomplexes in vitro. Importantly, GH rapidly and transiently increases binding of endogenous C/EBP beta from 3T3-F442A cells to satellite DNA. Further, the GH-promoted nuclear relocalization of C/EBP beta to pericentromeric heterochromatin was prevented by the MEK inhibitor U0126. This observation suggests that GH-dependent MAPK activation plays a role in the regulation of nuclear relocalization of C/EBP beta. Nuclear redistribution introduces a new level of transcriptional regulation in GH action, since GH-mediated phosphorylation and nuclear redistribution of C/EBP beta may be coordinated to achieve spatial-temporal control of gene expression.

Merlin suppresses the SRE-dependent transcription by inhibiting the activation of Ras-ERK pathway

The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene encodes an intracellular membrane-associated protein called merlin or schwannomin, which is known to be a tumor suppressor. Numerous studies have suggested that merlin is involved in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation. Previously, merlin/schwannomin was reported to block Ras-induced cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth. Also, the N-terminus of merlin was found to suppress cell proliferation, although it appears to be less effective than full-length merlin. However, the inhibitory mechanism of merlin is unknown. In this report, merlin is shown to be effective at suppressing serum/Ras-induced and Elk-mediated SRE dependent transactivation, and serum-induced ERK phosphorylation in NIH3T3 cells. In addition, merlin inhibited serum-induced Elk phosphorylation, a downstream effector of ERKs. Also, the N-terminal deficient merlin mutant could not block serum-induced and Elk-mediated SRE dependent transactivation, although the C-terminal deficient merlin mutant could. These results suggest that merlin inhibits SRE dependent transactivation by repressing serum-induced ERK phosphorylation and its downstream effector, Elk phosphorylation. Also, the N-terminus of merlin may be important for its inhibitory effect. Our results show that merlin acts as a negative regulator of the SRE signaling pathway via the Ras-ERKs pathway.

Role for RhoB and PRK in the suppression of epithelial cell transformation by farnesyltransferase inhibitors

Recent genetic investigations have established that RhoB gain-of-function is sufficient to mediate the antitransforming effects of farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) in H-Ras-transformed fibroblast systems. In this study, we addressed the breadth and mechanism of RhoB action in epithelial cells transformed by oncoproteins which are themselves insensitive to FTI inactivation. Rat intestinal epithelial (RIE) cells transformed by activated K-Ras or Rac1 were highly sensitive to FTI-induced actin reorganization and growth inhibition, despite the inability of FTI to block prenylation of either K-Ras or Rac1. Ectopic expression of the geranylgeranylated RhoB isoform elicited in cells by FTI treatment phenocopied these effects. Analysis of RhoB effector domain mutants pointed to a role for PRK, a Rho effector kinase implicated in the physiological function of RhoB in intracellular receptor trafficking, and these findings were supported further by experiments in a fibroblast system. We propose that FTIs recruit the antioncogenic RhoB protein in the guise of RhoB-GG to interfere with signaling by pro-oncogenic Rho proteins, possibly by sequestering common exchange factors or effectors such as PRK that are important for cell transformation.

Identification of a JAK2-independent pathway regulating growth hormone (GH)-stimulated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. GH activation of Ral and phospholipase D is Src-dependent

We have demonstrated here that growth hormone (GH) stimulates the formation of the active GTP-bound form of both RalA and RalB in NIH-3T3 cells. Full activation of RalA and RalB by GH required the combined activity of c-Src and JAK2, both kinases activated by GH independent of the other. Activation of RalA and RalB by growth hormone did not require the activity of JAK2 per se. Ras was also activated by GH and was required for the GH-stimulated formation of GTP-bound RalA and RalB. Activation of RalA by GH subsequently resulted in increased phospholipase D activity and the formation of its metabolite, phosphatidic acid. GH-stimulated RalA-phospholipase D-dependent formation of phosphatidic acid was required for activation of p44/42 MAPK and subsequent Elk-1-mediated transcription stimulated by GH. Thus we report the identification of a JAK2-independent pathway regulating GH-stimulated p44/42 MAPK activity.

Dual regulation of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of C/EBPbeta modulate its transcriptional activation and DNA binding in response to growth hormone

The phosphorylation state of transcription factors is a critical determinant of their function. C/EBPbeta occurs in cells as the transcriptional activator liver-enriched activating protein (LAP) and in the truncated form liver-enriched inhibitory protein (LIP) that inhibits transcription. Analysis of C/EBPbeta phosphorylation by isoelectric focusing (IEF) shows that LAP is present in multiple forms, each with a different degree of phosphorylation in 3T3-F442A fibroblasts. Growth hormone (GH) treatment induces a new band near the negative pole, consistent with GH-promoted dephosphorylation of LAP. In addition, bands near the positive pole are rapidly and transiently induced, suggesting that GH also stimulates phosphorylation at some site(s) on LAP. C/EBPbeta contains a highly conserved MAPK consensus site that corresponds to Thr(188) in murine (m) LAP and Thr(37) in mLIP. Immunoblotting with antiphosphopeptide antibodies specific for Thr(188/37) of C/EBPbeta (anti-P-C/EBPbeta) shows that GH rapidly and transiently promotes phosphorylation of mLAP and mLIP on the MAPK site. MEK inhibitors prevent this GH-promoted phosphorylation of LAP and LIP, suggesting that such phosphorylation depends on GH-activated MAPK signaling. Mutation of Thr(235) to Ala in the homologous MAPK site of human (h) LAP (hLAPT235A) inhibits transcription mediated by the c-fos promoter in response to GH, indicating that phosphorylation at the MAPK site is required for LAP to be transcriptionally active in the context of GH-stimulated activation of the c-fos promoter. Complexes bound to the c-fos C/EBP site transiently contain C/EBPbeta phosphorylated at the MAPK site. As phosphorylation subsides, the binding of less transcriptionally active forms of LAP increases, consistent with the transient nature of c-fos stimulation by GH and other growth factors. Thus, both phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of C/EBPbeta, in response to a single physiological stimulus such as GH, coordinately modulate the ability of C/EBPbeta to activate transcription by modulating its DNA binding activity and its transactivation capacity.

Growth hormone signal transduction

Multiple signaling pathways mediate the diverse effects of growth hormone (GH) on growth and metabolism. The interaction of GH with GH receptors (GHR) on target cells promotes the association of the cellular tyrosine kinase JAK2 with the GHR, initiating tyrosine phosphorylation of GHR and JAK2, and activation of multiple signaling cascades. GH-stimulated activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3K) cascades have been shown to regulate the transcription of GH-responsive genes. Cross-talk among these signaling cascades in regulating specific genes suggests that GH signaling to the nucleus involves a GH-regulated signaling network.

Genes induced by growth hormone in a model of adipogenic differentiation

A substantial number of GH regulated genes have been reported in mature hepatocytes, but genes involved in GH-initiated cell differentiation have not yet been identified. Here we have studied a well-characterised model of GH-dependent differentiation, adipogenesis of 3T3-F442A preadipocytes, to identify genes rapidly induced by GH. Using the suppression subtractive hybridisation technique, we have identified eight genes induced within 60 min of GH treatment, and verified these by northern analysis. Six were identifiable as Stat 2, Stat 3, thrombospondin-1, oncostatin M receptor beta chain, a DEAD box RNA helicase, and muscleblind, a developmental transcription factor. Bioinformatic approaches assigned one of the two remaining unknown genes as a novel 436 residue serine/threonine kinase. As each of the identified genes have important developmental roles, they may be important in initiating GH-induced adipogenesis.

Activation of Elk-1, an Ets transcription factor, by glucose and EGF treatment of insulinoma cells

Elk-1, a member of the ternary complex factor family of Ets domain proteins that bind serum response elements, is activated by phosphorylation in a cell-specific manner in response to growth factors and other agents. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether Elk-1 activation contributes to glucose-/depolarization-induced Ca(2+)-dependent induction of immediate early response genes in pancreatic islet beta-cells. The results of experiments in insulinoma (MIN6) cells demonstrated that Elk-1-binding sites (Ets elements) in the Egr-1 gene promoter contribute to transcriptional activation of the gene. Treatment with either epidermal growth factor (EGF), a known inducer of beta-cell hyperplasia, glucose, or KCl-induced depolarization resulted in Ser(383) phosphorylation and transcriptional activation of Elk-1 (4 +/- 0.3-, P = 0.003, 2.3 +/- 0.19-, P = 0.002, and 2.2 +/- 0.1- fold, P = 0.001 respectively). The depolarization response was inhibited by the Ca(2+) channel blocker verapamil and by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 (53 +/- 6 and 55 +/- 0.5%, respectively). EGF-induced activation of Elk-1 was also inhibited by PD98059 (60 +/- 5%). A dominant negative Ras produced partial inhibition (42%) of the depolarization-induced Elk-1 transcriptional activation. Transfection with a constitutively active Ca(2+)/calmodulin kinase IV plasmid also resulted in Elk-1 transcriptional activation. Experiments with p38, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and protein kinase A inhibitors indicated that these pathways are not involved. We conclude that Elk-1 activation contributes to glucose-/depolarization-induced Ca(2+)-dependent induction of immediate early growth response genes in pancreatic islet beta-cells. Furthermore, the results demonstrated a convergence of nutrient- and growth factor-mediated signaling pathways on Elk-1 activation through induction of Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK-1 and -2. The role of these pathways in the glucose-induced proliferation of islet beta-cells can now be assessed.

Angiotensin II-induced transcriptional activation of the cyclin D1 gene is mediated by Egr-1 in CHO-AT(1A) cells

Cyclin D1 protein expression is regulated by mitogenic stimuli and is a critical component in the regulation of G(1) to S phase progression of the cell cycle. Angiotensin II (Ang II) binds to specific G protein-coupled receptors and is mitogenic in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the rat vascular Ang II type 1A receptor (CHO-AT(1A)). We recently reported that in these cells, Ang II induced cyclin D1 promoter activation and protein expression in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-, SHP-2-, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK)-dependent manner (Guillemot, L., Levy, A., Zhao, Z. J., Béréziat, G., and Rothhut, B. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 26349-26358). In this report, transfection studies using a series of deleted cyclin D1 promoters revealed that two regions between base pairs (bp) -136 and -96 and between bp -29 and +139 of the human cyclin D1 promoter contained regulatory elements required for Ang II-mediated induction. Mutational analysis in the -136 to -96 bp region provided evidence that a Sp1/early growth response protein (Egr) motif was responsible for cyclin D1 promoter activation by Ang II. Gel shift and supershift studies showed that Ang II-induced Egr-1 binding involved de novo protein synthesis and correlated well with Egr-1 promoter activation. Both U0126 (an inhibitor of the MAPK/ERK kinase MEK) and wortmannin (an inhibitor of PI3K) abrogated Egr-1 endogenous expression and Egr-1 promoter activity induced by Ang II. Moreover, using a co-transfection approach, we found that Ang II induction of Egr-1 promoter activity was blocked by dominant-negative p21(ras), Raf-1, and tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 mutants. Identical effects were obtained when inhibitors and dominant negative mutants were tested on the -29 to +139 bp region of the cyclin D1 promoter. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Ang II-induced cyclin D1 up-regulation is mediated by the activation and specific interaction of Egr-1 with the -136 to -96 bp region of the cyclin D1 promoter and by activation of the -29 to +139 bp region, both in a p21(ras)/Raf-1/MEK/ERK-dependent manner, and also involves PI3K and SHP-2.

Functional components of basic fibroblast growth factor signaling that inhibit lung elastin gene expression

Previously, we have demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) decreases elastin gene transcription in confluent rat lung fibroblasts via the binding of a Fra-1-c-Jun heterodimer to an activator protein-1-cAMP response element in the distal region of the elastin promoter. In the present study, we show that bFGF activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, resulting in the translocation of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 into the nucleus followed by increased binding of Elk-1 to the serum response element of the c-Fos promoter, transient induction of c-Fos mRNA, and sustained induction of Fra-1 mRNA. The addition of PD-98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, abrogates the bFGF-dependent repression of elastin mRNA expression. Comparative analyses of confluent and subconfluent fibroblast cultures reveal significant differences in elastin mRNA levels and activator protein-1 protein factors involved in the regulation of elastin transcription. These findings suggest that bFGF modulates specific cellular events that are dependent on the state of the cell and provide a rationale for the differential responses that can be expected in development and injury or repair situations.

Activation of Raf/ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway is involved in GM-CSF-induced proliferation and survival but not in erythropoietin-induced differentiation of TF-1 cells

The involvement of MAPK pathways in differentiation, proliferation and survival was investigated by comparing Epo and GM-CSF signalling in human factor-dependent myeloerythroid TF-1 cells with abnormal Epo-R. GM-CSF withdrawal induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis accompanied by increased caspase-3 activity, DNA degradation and reduced expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl proteins. Readministration of GM-CSF but not Epo reversed these processes and induced proliferation. The GM-CSF promoted cell survival and proliferation correlated with MEK-1 dependent ERK1/2, Elk-1 and CREB phosphorylation and Egr-1, c-Fos expression as well as with increased STAT-5, AP-1, c-Myb and NF-kappaB DNA-binding. In contrast, Epo failed to activate the Raf-1/ERK1/2 MAPK pathway or to induce Egr-1 and/or c-Fos expression, while it induced erythroid differentiation in GM-CSF-deprived cells. In addition, the Epo-induced haemoglobin production was inhibited in the presence of GM-CSF. These results demonstrate that the activation of MAPK cascade is not necessary for Epo-induced haemoglobin production in TF-1 cells and suggest a negative cross-talk between the signalling of GM-CSF-stimulated cell proliferation and Epo-induced erythroid differentiation.

Growth hormone regulates phosphorylation and function of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta by modulating Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3

Growth hormone (GH) regulates transcription factors associated with c-fos, including C/EBPbeta. Two forms of C/EBPbeta, liver-activating protein (LAP) and liver inhibitory protein (LIP), are dephosphorylated in GH-treated 3T3-F442A fibroblasts. GH-induced dephosphorylation of LAP and LIP is reduced when cells are preincubated with phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. GH activates Akt and inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Lithium, a GSK-3 inhibitor, increases GH-dependent dephosphorylation of LAP and LIP. Both are in vitro substrates of GSK-3, suggesting that GSK-3 inactivation contributes to GH-promoted dephosphorylation of C/EBPbeta. Alkaline phosphatase increases binding of LAP homodimers and decreases binding of LIP homodimers to c-fos, suggesting that dephosphorylation of C/EBPbeta modifies their ability to bind DNA. Both alkaline phosphatase- and GH-mediated dephosphorylation comparably increase binding of endogenous LAP in 3T3-F442A cells. In cells overexpressing LAP and GSK-3, LAP binding decreases, suggesting that GSK-3-mediated phosphorylation interferes with LAP binding. Expression of constitutively active GSK-3 reduced GH-stimulated c-fos promoter activity. These studies indicate that PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 mediates signaling between GH receptor and the nucleus, promoting dephosphorylation of C/EBPbeta. Dephosphorylation increases binding of LAP complexes to the c-fos promoter and may contribute to the participation of C/EBPbeta in GH-stimulated c-fos expression.

Estrogen receptor-mediated activation of the serum response element in MCF-7 cells through MAPK-dependent phosphorylation of Elk-1

17beta-Estradiol (E2) induces c-fos protooncogene expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and deletion analysis of the c-fos promoter showed that the serum response element (SRE) at -325 to -296 was E2-responsive. The mechanism of ligand-activated estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-dependent activation of gene expression through the SRE was determined by mutational analysis of the promoter, analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation by E2, and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) as a positive control. In addition, ERalpha-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and Chinese hamster ovary cells were used as reference cell lines. The results showed that transcriptional activation of the SRE by E2 was due to ERalpha activation of the MAPK pathway and increased binding of the serum response factor and Elk-1 to the SRE. Subsequent studies with dominant negative Elk-1, wild type, and variant GAL4-Elk-1 fusion proteins confirmed that phosphorylation of Elk-1 at serines 383 and 389 in the C-terminal region of Elk-1 is an important downstream target associated with activation of an SRE by E2. Both E2 (ERalpha-dependent) and growth factors (ERalpha-independent) activated the SRE in breast cancer cells via the Ras/MAPK pathway; however, in ER-negative CHO cells that do not express a receptor for TGF-alpha, only hormone-induced activation was observed in cells transfected with ERalpha.

Large isoform of hepatitis delta antigen activates serum response factor-associated transcription

Hepatitis delta virus infection sometimes causes severe and fulminant hepatitis as a coinfection or superinfection along with the hepatitis B virus. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of injury caused by hepatitis delta virus, we examined whether two isoforms of the hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) had any effect on five well defined intracellular signal transduction pathways: serum response factor (SRF)-, serum response element (SRE)-, nuclear factor kappaB-, activator protein 1-, and cyclic AMP response element-dependent pathways. Reporter assays revealed that large HDAg (LHDAg) activated the SRF- and SRE-dependent pathways. In contrast, small HDAg (SHDAg) did not activate any of five pathways. LHDAg enhanced the transcriptional ability of SRF without changing its DNA binding affinity in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In addition, LHDAg activated a rat SM22alpha promoter containing SRF binding site and a human c-fos promoter containing SRE. In conclusion, LHDAg, but not SHDAg, enhances SRF-associated transcriptions. Despite structural similarities between the two HDAgs, there are significant differences in their effects on intracellular signal transduction pathways. These results may provide clues that will aid in the clarification of functional differences between LHDAg and SHDAg and the pathogenesis of delta hepatitis.

Activation of serum response factor in the depolarization induction of Egr-1 transcription in pancreatic islet beta-cells

The results of the current studies define the major elements whereby glucose metabolism in islet beta-cells leads to transcriptional activation of an early response gene in insulinoma cell lines and in rat islets. Glucose stimulation (2-20 mm) resulted in a 4-fold increase in Egr-1 mRNA at 30 min, as did the depolarizing agents KCl and tolbutamide. This response was inhibited by diazoxide and EGTA, indicating that beta-cell depolarization and Ca(2+) influx, respectively, are essential. Pharmacological inhibition of the Egr-1 induction by H89 (48%) and calmidazolium (35%), but not by mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1 and 2 or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors, implied that protein kinase A and Ca(2+)/calmodulin pathways are involved. Deletion mapping of the Egr-1 promoter revealed that the proximal -198 base pairs containing two serum response elements (SREs) and one cAMP-response element retained the depolarization response. Depolarization resulted in phosphorylation of cAMP-response element-binding protein, yet partial inhibition by a dominant negative cAMP-response element-binding protein, along with a robust response of a cAMP-response element-mutated Egr-1 promoter suggested the presence of a second Ca(2+)-responsive element. Depolarization activation of 5XSRE-LUC and serum response factor (SRF)-GAL4 constructs, along with activation of SRF-GAL4 by co-transfection with constitutively active calmodulin kinase IV and protein kinase A, and binding of Ser(103)-phosphorylated SRF in nuclear extracts, indicated that the SRE.SRF complexes contribute to the Ca(2+)-mediated transcriptional regulation of Egr-1. The results of the current experiments demonstrate for the first time SRE-dependent transcription and the role of SRF, a transcription factor known to be a major component of growth responses, in glucose-mediated transcriptional regulation in insulinoma cells.

Phosphorylation of elk-1 by MEK/ERK pathway is necessary for c-fos gene activation during cardiac myocyte hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy is associated with specific alterations in myocardial gene expression; however, the exact mechanisms responsible for altered gene expression are poorly defined. The goal of this study was to investigate whether signaling kinases that are activated during cardiac hypertrophy directly modulate transcription factor activity and regulate gene expression. In an effort to understand this process, we focused our studies on the transcriptional activation of c-fos gene through the serum response element (SRE)/ternary complex factor (TCF) element, during phenylephrine-induced myocyte hypertrophy. In this study, we show that phosphorylated Elk-1, a TCF, binds to c-fos SRE and its binding to SRE is increased upon phenylephrine stimulation. Phenylephrine treatment activates phosphorylation of Elk-1 in the nucleus within five minutes and Elk-1-dependent transcriptional activation is abolished by inhibitors selective for MEK/ERK kinases. These studies implicate that phosphorylation of Elk-1 by ERK kinase pathway is important for early gene activation during phenylephrine-induced myocyte hypertrophy.

Regulators of growth hormone signaling

Growth hormone acts through binding to membrane receptors that belong to the cytokine receptor superfamily. Ligand binding induces receptor dimerization and activation of the receptor-associated kinase: JAK2; this results in phosphorylation of the kinase itself, of the receptor, and of many cellular proteins. Among these are the Stat proteins as well as adaptors leading to the activation of the Ras/MAP kinase pathway and of the PI-3 kinase pathway. Activation by growth hormone is very transient and several mechanisms are involved in this downregulation: internalization and degradation of the receptor and recruitment of phosphatases or of specific inhibitors of the JAK/Stat pathway, the SOCS proteins.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) and C/EBPdelta contribute to growth hormone-regulated transcription of c-fos

Using the c-fos enhancer as a model to analyze growth hormone (GH)-promoted gene expression, the roles of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) in GH-regulated transcription were investigated. In 3T3-F442A fibroblasts stably expressing the c-fos promoter mutated at the C/EBP binding site upstream of luciferase, c-fos promoter activity is stimulated by GH 6-7-fold; wild type c-fos promoter shows only a 2-fold induction by GH. This suggests that C/EBP restrains GH-stimulated expression of c-fos. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with nuclear extracts from 3T3-F442A cells indicate that GH rapidly (2-5 min) increases binding of C/EBPbeta and C/EBPdelta, to the c-fos C/EBP binding site. Both liver activating protein (LAP) and liver inhibitory protein (LIP), forms of C/EBPbeta, are detected in 3T3-F442A cells by immunoblotting. GH increases the binding of LAP/LAP and LAP/LIP dimers. Overexpression of LIP interferes with GH-promoted reporter expression in CHO cells expressing GH receptors, consistent with the possibility that LIP restrains GH-stimulated c-fos expression. Overexpression of LAP elevates basal luciferase activity but does not influence promoter activation by GH, while overexpressed C/EBPdelta elevates basal promoter activity and enhances the stimulation by GH. GH stimulates the expression of mRNA for C/EBPbeta and -delta and increases levels of C/EBPdelta. Although C/EBPbeta is not detectably altered, GH induces a shift to more rapidly migrating forms of LIP and LAP upon immunoblotting. Treatment of extracts from GH-treated cells with alkaline phosphatase causes a shift of the slower migrating form to the rapidly migrating form, consistent with GH promoting dephosphorylation of LIP and LAP. These studies implicate C/EBPbeta and -delta in GH-regulated gene expression. They also indicate that GH stimulates the binding of C/EBPbeta and -delta to the c-fos promoter and promotes the dephosphorylation of LIP and LAP. These events may contribute to the ability of C/EBPbeta and -delta to regulate GH-stimulated expression of c-fos.

Transcriptional activation of c-fos protooncogene by 17beta-estradiol: mechanism of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated inhibition

17Beta-estradiol (E2) induced c-fos protooncogene mRNA levels in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and maximal induction was observed within 1 h after treatment. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inhibited the E2-induced response within 2 h. The molecular mechanism of this response was further investigated using pFC2-CAT, a construct containing a -1400 to +41 sequence from the human c-fos protooncogene linked to a bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. In MCF-7 cells transiently transfected with pFC2-CAT, 10 nM E2 induced an 8.5-fold increase of CAT activity, and cotreatment with 10 nM TCDD decreased this response by more than 45%. Alpha-Naphthoflavone, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist, blocked the inhibitory effects of TCDD; moreover, the inhibitory response was not observed in variant Ah-nonresponsive MCF-7 cells, suggesting that the AhR complex was required for estrogen receptor cross-talk. The E2-responsive sequence (-1220 to -1155) in the c-fos gene promoter contains two putative core pentanucleotide dioxin-responsive elements (DREs) at -1206 to -1202 and -1163 to -1159. In transient transfection assays using wild-type and core DRE mutant constructs, the downstream core DRE (at -1163 to -1159) was identified as a functional inhibitory DRE. The results of photo-induced cross-linking, gel mobility shift, and in vitro DNA footprinting assays showed that the AhR complex interacted with the core DRE that also overlapped the E2-responsive GC-rich site (-1168 to -1161), suggesting that the mechanism for AhR-mediated inhibitory effects may be due to quenching or masking at the Sp1-binding site.

Growth hormone-mediated regulation of insulin-like growth factor I promoter activity in C6 glioma cells

The molecular mechanisms by which GH regulates insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) gene expression remain obscure. One difficulty has been the lack of established GH-responsive cell lines that express the IGF-I gene. To develop such a cell line, we used rat C6 glioma cells which, as determined by RNase protection assay, express the IGF-I gene but not the GH receptor gene. To confer GH responsiveness, C6 cells were cotransfected with vectors that express the GH receptor (pRc/CMV WTrGHR) and Jak2 (pRc/CMV Jak2). GH responsiveness was demonstrated using luciferase reporter genes containing either the Sis-inducible element from the c-fos gene (pTK81-SIE-Luc) or 6 copies of the GH-responsive GAS-like element (GLE) from the rat spi2.1 gene (pSpi-GLE-Luc). The SIE is activated by binding of STAT1 and 3, whereas the GLE binds STAT5. In cells cotransfected with pRc/CMV WTrGHR, pRc/CMV Jak2, and either pTK81-SIE-Luc or pSpi GLE-Luc, treatment with 500 ng/ml GH for 24 h stimulated a 3.1- and 1.7-fold increase in luciferase activity, respectively. These data suggest that in C6 cells cotransfected with pRc/CMV WTrGHR and pRc/CMV Jak2, GH activates STAT1, 3, and 5. To determine whether GH-responsive IGF-I promoter activity could be demonstrated, C6 cells were cotransfected with pRc/CMV WTrGHR, pRc/ CMV Jak2, and an IGF-I-luciferase fusion gene that contained a fragment of the rat IGF-I gene that extended from -412 in the 5'-flanking region of exon 1 to the Met-22 in exon 3. GH stimulated a modest, but reproducible, 1.7-fold increase in luciferase activity in these cells, suggesting that a GH-responsive element is present in this region of the IGF-I gene. To better localize the GH-responsive element, cells were cotransfected with pRc/CMV WTrGHR, pRc/CMV Jak2 plus one of several IGF-I-luciferase fusion genes containing either fragments of one of the two promoters in the IGF-I gene or a fragment of intron 2 that includes a GH-responsive DNase I hypersensitivity site. For all constructs, treatment with GH for 24 h did not stimulate a significant increase in luciferase activity, suggesting that GH-responsive sequences are not located in these specific regions of the IGF-I gene or that GH-directed transcription of the IGF-I gene is mediated via several different regions of the IGF-I gene and the effect of any one of these regions in isolation was not sufficiently robust to be detected in this model system. In summary, transient expression of the GH receptor and Jak2 in C6 cells creates a GH-responsive system that activates STAT1, 3, and 5. Moreover, a fragment of the IGF-I gene that contains exons 1 and 2, a fragment of exon 3, and introns 1 and 2 is GH responsive using this model system.

Developmental regulation of insulin-like growth factor-I and growth hormone receptor gene expression

During development, the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene is expressed in a tissue specific manner; however, the molecular mechanisms governing its developmental regulation remain poorly defined. To examine the hypothesis that expression of the growth hormone (GH) receptor accounts, in part, for the tissue specific expression of the IGF-I gene during development, the developmental regulation of IGF-I and GH receptor gene expression in rat tissues was examined. The level of IGF-I and GH receptor mRNA was quantified in RNA prepared from rats between day 17 of gestation (E17) and 17 months of age (17M) using an RNase protection assay. Developmental regulation of IGF-I gene expression was tissue specific with four different patterns of expression seen. In liver, IGF-I mRNA levels increased markedly between E17 and postnatal day 45 (P45) and declined thereafter. In contrast, in brain, skeletal muscle and testis, IGF-I mRNA levels decreased between P5 and 4M but were relatively unchanged thereafter. In heart and kidney, a small increase in IGF-I mRNA levels was observed between the early postnatal period and 4 months, whereas in lung, minimal changes were observed during development. The changes in GH receptor mRNA levels were, in general, coordinate with the changes in IGF-I mRNA levels, except in skeletal muscle. Interestingly, quantification of GH receptor levels by Western blot analysis in skeletal muscle demonstrated changes coordinate with IGF-I mRNA levels. The levels of the proteins which mediate GH receptor signaling (STAT1, -3, and -5, and JAK2) were quantified by Western blot analysis. These proteins also are expressed in a tissue specific manner during development. In some cases, the pattern of expression was coordinate with IGF-I gene expression, whereas in others it was discordant. To further define molecular mechanisms for the developmental regulation of IGF-I gene expression, protein binding to IGFI-FP1, a protein binding site that is in the major promoter of the rat IGF-I gene and is important for basal promoter activity in vitro, was examined. Gel shift analyses using a 34-base pair oligonucleotide that contained IGFI-FP1 did not demonstrate changes in protein binding that paralleled those in IGF-I gene expression, suggesting that protein binding to IGFI-FP1 does not contribute to the developmental regulation of IGF-I gene expression, at least in brain and liver. In summary, the present studies demonstrate coordinate expression of the IGF-I gene and GH receptor during development and suggest that GH receptor expression contributes to the tissue specific expression of the IGF-I gene during development.

Basic fibroblast growth factor activates serum response factor gene expression by multiple distinct signaling mechanisms

Serum response factor (SRF) plays a central role in the transcriptional response of mammalian cells to a variety of extracellular signals. It is a key regulator of many cellular early response genes which are believed to be involved in cell growth and differentiation. The mechanism by which SRF activates transcription in response to mitogenic agents has been extensively studied; however, significantly less is known about regulation of the SRF gene itself. Previously, we identified distinct regulatory elements in the SRF promoter that play a role in activation, including a consensus ETS domain binding site, a consensus overlapping Sp/Egr-1 binding site, and two SRF binding sites. We further showed that serum induces SRF by a mechanism that requires an intact SRF binding site, also termed a CArG box. In the present study we demonstrate that in response to stimulation of cells by a purified growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), the SRF promoter is upregulated by a complex pathway that involves at least two independent mechanisms: a CArG box-independent mechanism that is mediated by an ETS binding site, and a novel CArG box-dependent mechanism that requires both an Sp factor binding site and the CArG motifs for maximal stimulation. Our analysis indicates that the CArG/Sp element activation mechanism is mediated by distinct signaling pathways. The CArG box-dependent component is targeted by a Rho-mediated pathway, and the Sp binding site-dependent component is targeted by a Ras-mediated pathway. Both SRF and bFGF have been implicated in playing an important role in mediating cardiogenesis during development. The implications of our findings for SRF expression during development are discussed.