Hyperosmolality causes growth arrest of murine kidney cells. Induction of GADD45 and GADD153 by osmosensing via stress-activated protein kinase 2

p38α and p38β regulate osmostress-induced apoptosis

Hyperosmotic shock induces cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation in Xenopus oocytes. Different signaling pathways engaged by osmostress converge on the mitochondria to trigger cell death. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) JNK1-1 and JNK1-2 are early activated by hyperosmotic shock and sustained activation of both isoforms accelerates the apoptotic program. Indeed, sustained activation of p38 accelerates osmostress-induced cell death, but the p38 isoforms involved are not well characterized. Here we study the expression and activation of Xenopus p38 isoforms in response to hyperosmotic stress. We find that p38α, p38β, and p38γ are early activated by hyperosmotic shock and sustained activation of p38α and p38β accelerates osmostress-induced apoptosis. Moreover, microinjection of cytochrome c in the oocytes induces caspase-3 activation and p38α and p38β phosphorylation suggesting that caspases and kinases are interlinked in a positive feedback loop to promote cell death. In summary, we present a more complete view of the mechanisms involved in osmostress-induced apoptosis.

Tissue-specific effects of temperature and salinity on the cell cycle and apoptosis in the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) evolved in warm, freshwater rivers, but possesses a broad physiological tolerance to a range of environmental conditions. Due to this hardiness and resilience, this species has been successfully introduced to regions widely outside of its native range. Here, we examine the impact of temperature and salinity variation on this species at the sub-lethal level. Specifically, Nile Tilapia were exposed to two temperatures (21 °C or 14 °C) and three salinities (0, 16, 34 ppt) for 1-h. Given their native habitat, the 21 °C / 0 ppt exposure was considered the control condition. Both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis represent sub-lethal but deleterious responses to environmental stress. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentage of cells in a given stage of the cell cycle as a metric of cell cycle arrest in spleen and liver. Percentage of apoptotic cells were also quantified. Spleen was more sensitive to cold stress, demonstrating an increase in cells in the G2/M phase after experimental treatment. Liver, however, was more sensitive to salinity stress, with a significant increase in cells stalled in G2/M phase at higher salinities, which is in keeping with the freshwater evolutionary history of the species. A modest apoptotic signal was observed in liver but not in spleen. Together, these findings demonstrate that even short, acute exposures to cold temperatures and elevated salinity can cause sub-lethal damage in a species that is otherwise tolerant of environmental stress at the whole organism level.

Salinity-responsive histone PTMs identified in the gills and gonads of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

BACKGROUND

Histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) are epigenetic marks that can be induced by environmental stress and elicit heritable patterns of gene expression. To investigate this process in an ecological context, we characterized the influence of salinity stress on histone PTMs within the gills, kidney, and testes of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). A total of 221 histone PTMs were quantified in each tissue sample and compared between freshwater-adapted fish exposed to salinity treatments that varied in intensity and duration.

RESULTS

Four salinity-responsive histone PTMs were identified in this study. When freshwater-adapted fish were exposed to seawater for two hours, the relative abundance of H1K16ub significantly increased in the gills. Long-term salinity stress elicited changes in both the gills and testes. When freshwater-adapted fish were exposed to a pulse of severe salinity stress, where salinity gradually increased from freshwater to a maximum of 82.5 g/kg, the relative abundance of H1S1ac significantly decreased in the gills. Under the same conditions, the relative abundance of both H3K14ac and H3K18ub decreased significantly in the testes of Mozambique tilapia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that salinity stress can alter histone PTMs in the gills and gonads of Mozambique tilapia, which, respectively, signify a potential for histone PTMs to be involved in salinity acclimation and adaptation in euryhaline fishes. These results thereby add to a growing body of evidence that epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in such processes.

Dynasore Protects Corneal Epithelial Cells Subjected to Hyperosmolar Stress in an In Vitro Model of Dry Eye Epitheliopathy

Epitheliopathy at the ocular surface is a defining sign of dry eye disease, a common disorder that affects 10% to 30% of the world's population. Hyperosmolarity of the tear film is one of the main drivers of pathology, with subsequent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the resulting unfolded protein response (UPR), and caspase-3 activation implicated in the pathway to programmed cell death. Dynasore, is a small molecule inhibitor of dynamin GTPases that has shown therapeutic effects in a variety of disease models involving oxidative stress. Recently we showed that dynasore protects corneal epithelial cells exposed to the oxidant tBHP, by selective reduction in expression of CHOP, a marker of the UPR PERK branch. Here we investigated the capacity of dynasore to protect corneal epithelial cells subjected to hyperosmotic stress (HOS). Similar to dynasore's capacity to protect against tBHP exposure, dynasore inhibits the cell death pathway triggered by HOS, protecting against ER stress and maintaining a homeostatic level of UPR activity. However, unlike with tBHP exposure, UPR activation due to HOS is independent of PERK and mostly driven by the UPR IRE1 branch. Our results demonstrate the role of the UPR in HOS-driven damage, and the potential of dynasore as a treatment to prevent dry eye epitheliopathy.

Osmotic Stress Interferes with DNA Damage Response and H2AX Phosphorylation in Human Keratinocytes

The human skin and in particular its outermost layer, the epidermis, protects the body from potentially harmful substances, radiation as well as excessive water loss. However, the interference between the various stress responses of the epidermal keratinocytes, which often occur simultaneously, is largely unknown. The focus of this study was to investigate the interference between osmotic stress and DNA damage response. In addition to revealing the already well-described regulation of diverse gene sets, for example, cellular processes such as transcription, translation, and metabolic pathways (e.g., the KEGG citrate cycle and Reactome G2/M checkpoints), gene expression analysis of osmotically stressed keratinocytes revealed an influence on the transcription of genes also related to UV-induced DNA damage response. A gene network regulating the H2AX phosphorylation was identified to be regulated by osmotic stress. To analyze and test the interference between osmotic stress and DNA damage response, which can be triggered by UV stress on the one hand and oxidative stress on the other, in more detail, primary human keratinocytes were cultured under osmotic stress conditions and subsequently exposed to UV light and H2O2, respectively. γH2AX measurements revealed lower γH2AX levels in cells previously cultured under osmotic stress conditions.

ERK1,2 Signalling Pathway along the Nephron and Its Role in Acid-base and Electrolytes Balance

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are intracellular molecules regulating a wide range of cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cytoskeleton remodeling and cytokine production. MAPK activity has been shown in normal kidney, and its over-activation has been demonstrated in several renal diseases. The extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK 1,2) signalling pathway is the first described MAPK signaling. Intensive investigations have demonstrated that it participates in the regulation of ureteric bud branching, a fundamental process in establishing final nephron number; in addition, it is also involved in the differentiation of the nephrogenic mesenchyme, indicating a key role in mammalian kidney embryonic development. In the present manuscript, we show that ERK1,2 signalling mediates several cellular functions also in mature kidney, describing its role along the nephron and demonstrating whether it contributes to the regulation of ion channels and transporters implicated in acid-base and electrolytes homeostasis.

Regulation of p53 in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) in response to salinity stress

The freshwater red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is found not only in freshwater but also in coastal saline habitats. Hyperosmotic salinity can induce cell damage. p53, regarded as the guardian of the genome, is very important and versatile in response to the change of environment. In this study, the role of p53 in T. s. elegans under environmental salinity change will be explored. The results indicated that amino acid sequence of p53 showed high similarity to p53 of other species. In addition, the expression of p53 showed differences in various tissues under normal condition. Under salinity stress, the mRNA levels of p53 in the liver increased significantly at 48 h with 15‰ group (15 practical salinity units-exposed group). In the heart, p53 mRNA levels increased at 6 h in 5‰ (5 practical salinity units) and 15‰ groups. Furthermore, the changes of p21 mRNA expression levels in liver and heart were similar to p53, while cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase4 (CDK4) and cyclin-dependent kinase6 (CDK6) showed opposite changes to p53. Moreover, Bax and caspase 3 mRNA expression levels were similar to p53, respectively, while Bcl-2 showed opposite changes. The positive cells of apoptosis were found in the liver of 15‰ at 48 h and 30 d of chronic stress. Taken together, these results indicated that the T. s. elegans may protect itself by regulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis of damaged cells under salinity stress, which played an important role for T. s. elegans in salinity adaptation.

Epi-reevesioside F inhibits Na+/K+-ATPase, causing cytosolic acidification, Bak activation and apoptosis in glioblastoma

Epi-reevesioside F, a new cardiac glycoside isolated from the root of Reevesia formosana, displayed potent activity against glioblastoma cells. Epi-reevesioside F was more potent than ouabain with IC₅₀ values of 27.3±1.7 vs. 48.7±1.8 nM (P < 0.001) and 45.0±3.4 vs. 81.3±4.3 nM (P < 0.001) in glioblastoma T98 and U87 cells, respectively. However, both Epi-reevesioside F and ouabain were ineffective in A172 cells, a glioblastoma cell line with low Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α3 subunit expression. Epi-reevesioside F induced cell cycle arrest at S and G2 phases and apoptosis. It also induced an increase of intracellular concentration of Na⁺ but not Ca²⁺, cleavage and exposure of N-terminus of Bak, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibition of Akt activity and induction of caspase cascades. Potassium supplements significantly inhibited Epi-reevesioside F-induced effects. Notably, Epi-reevesioside F caused cytosolic acidification that was highly correlated with the anti-proliferative activity. In summary, the data suggest that Epi-reevesioside F inhibits Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, leading to overload of intracellular Na⁺ and cytosolic acidification, Bak activation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The PI3-kinase/Akt pathway is inhibited and caspase-dependent apoptosis is ultimately triggered in Epi-reevesioside F-treated glioblastoma cells.

Rhododenol and raspberry ketone impair the normal proliferation of melanocytes through reactive oxygen species-dependent activation of GADD45

Rhododenol or rhododendrol (RD, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol) occurs naturally in many plants along with raspberry ketone (RK, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone), a ketone derivative, which include Nikko maple tree (Acer nikoense) and white birch (Betula platyphylla). De-pigmenting activity of RD was discovered and it was used as a brightening ingredient for the skin whitening cosmetics. Recently, cosmetics containing RD were withdrawn from the market because a number of consumers developed leukoderma, inflammation and erythema on their face, neck and hands. Here, we explored the mechanism underlying the toxicity of RD and RK against melanocytes using B16F10 murine melanoma cells and human primary epidermal melanocytes. Treatment with RD or RK resulted in the decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner which appeared from cell growth arrest. Consistently, ROS generation was significantly increased by RD or RK as determined by DCF-enhanced fluorescence. An antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase was depleted as well. In line with ROS generation, oxidative damages and the arrest of normal cell proliferation, GADD genes (Growth Arrest and DNA Damage) that include GADD45 and GADD153, were significantly up-regulated. Prevention of ROS generation with an anti-oxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly rescued RD and RK-suppressed melanocyte proliferation. Consistently, up-regulation of GADD45 and GADD153 was significantly attenuated by NAC, suggesting that increased ROS and the resultant growth arrest of melanocytes may contribute to RD and RK-induced leukoderma.

Efficient intracellular delivery of native proteins

Modulation of protein function is used to intervene in cellular processes but is often done indirectly by means of introducing DNA or mRNA encoding the effector protein. Thus far, direct intracellular delivery of proteins has remained challenging. We developed a method termed iTOP, for induced transduction by osmocytosis and propanebetaine, in which a combination of NaCl hypertonicity-induced macropinocytosis and a transduction compound (propanebetaine) induces the highly efficient transduction of proteins into a wide variety of primary cells. We demonstrate that iTOP is a useful tool in systems in which transient cell manipulation drives permanent cellular changes. As an example, we demonstrate that iTOP can mediate the delivery of recombinant Cas9 protein and short guide RNA, driving efficient gene targeting in a non-integrative manner.

Epithelial sodium channel abundance is decreased by an unfolded protein response induced by hyperosmolality

Large shifts of osmolality occur in the kidney medulla as part of the urine concentrating mechanism. Hyperosmotic stress profoundly challenges cellular homeostasis and induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Here, we examined the unfolded protein response (UPR) in hyperosmotically-challenged principal cells of the kidney collecting duct (CD) and show its relevance in controlling epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) abundance, responsible for the final adjustment of Na(+) excretion. Dehydration increases medullary but not cortical osmolality. Q-PCR analysis of microdissected CD of water-deprived mice revealed increased aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression in outer medullary and cortical CD while ENaC abundance decreased in outer medullary but not cortical CD. Immunoblotting, Q-PCR and immunofluorescence revealed that hyperosmolality induced a transient ER stress-like response both ex vivo and in cultured CD principal cells and increased activity of the canonical UPR mediators PERK and ATF6. Both hyperosmolality and chemical induction of ER stress decreased ENaC expression in vitro. ENaC depletion by either stimulus was abolished by transcriptional inhibition and by the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyric acid and was partly abrogated by either PERK or ATF6 silencing. Our data suggest that induction of the UPR by hyperosmolality may help preserve body fluid homeostasis under conditions of dehydration by uncoupling AQP2 and ENaC abundance in outer medullary CD.

Bcl-2 maintains the mitochondrial membrane potential, but fails to affect production of reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress, in sodium palmitate-induced β-cell death

BACKGROUND

Sodium palmitate causes apoptosis of β-cells, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 has been shown to counteract this event. However, the exact mechanisms that underlie palmitate-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and through which pathway Bcl-2 executes the protective effect are still unclear.

METHODS

A stable Bcl-2-overexpressing RINm5F cell clone (BMG) and its negative control (B45) were exposed to palmitate for up to 8 h, and cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and NF-κB activation were studied in time course experiments.

RESULTS

Palmitate exposure for 8 h resulted in increased cell death rates, and this event was partially counteracted by Bcl-2. Bcl-2 overexpression promoted in parallel also a delayed induction of GADD153/CHOP and a weaker phosphorylation of BimEL in palmitate-exposed cells. At earlier time points (2-4 h) palmitate exposure resulted in increased generation of ROS, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and a modest increase in the phosphorylation of eIF2α and IRE1α. BMG cells produced similar amounts of ROS and displayed the same eIF2α and IRE1α phosphorylation rates as B45 cells. However, the palmitate-induced dissipation of Δψm was partially counteracted by Bcl-2. In addition, basal NF-κB activity was increased in BMG cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that Bcl-2 counteracts palmitate-induced β-cell death by maintaining mitochondrial membrane integrity and augmenting NF-κB activity, but not by affecting ROS production and ER stress.

Phytochrome B-mediated activation of lipoxygenase modulates an excess red light-induced defence response in Arabidopsis

Lipoxygenase (LOX), a non-haem-iron-containing dioxygenase, is activated under various biotic or abiotic stresses to trigger a series resistance response, but the molecular mechanism of LOX activation remains unclear. This work investigated the activation of LOX during the plant defence response induced by excess red light (RL). In conditions of RL-induced defence, Arabidopsis LOX activity and transcription levels of LOX2, LOX3, and LOX4 were both upregulated. Under RL, phytochrome B promoted the degradation of phytochrome-interacting factor 3 (PIF3), a factor that inhibited the expression levels of LOXs, and thus the transcription levels of LOX2, LOX3, and LOX4 were increased. Upon pathogen infection, the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MPK3) and MPK6 was increased in plants pre-treated with RL. Moreover, experiments with the inhibitor PD98059 and mutants mpk3 and mpk6-2 demonstrated that MPK3 and MPK6 were both responsible for LOX activation. Further results showed that, in response to RL, an increase in cytoplasmic calcium concentration and upregulation of calmodulin 3 (CaM3) transcript level occurred upstream of MPK3 and MPK6 activation. Collectively, these results suggested that activation of LOX both at the transcript level and in terms of activity modulates the defence response induced by RL, providing a new insight into the mechanistic study of LOX during plant defences.

High glucose-induced hyperosmolarity impacts proliferation, cytoskeleton remodeling and migration of human induced pluripotent stem cells via aquaporin-1

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Hyperglycemia leads to adaptive cell responses in part due to hyperosmolarity. In endothelial and epithelial cells, hyperosmolarity induces aquaporin-1 (AQP1) which plays a role in cytoskeletal remodeling, cell proliferation and migration. Whether such impairments also occur in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) is not known. We therefore investigated whether high glucose-induced hyperosmolarity impacts proliferation, migration, expression of pluripotency markers and actin skeleton remodeling in iPS cells in an AQP1-dependent manner.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human iPS cells were generated from skin fibroblasts by lentiviral transduction of four reprogramming factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc). After reprogramming, iPS cells were characterized by their adaptive responses to high glucose-induced hyperosmolarity by incubation with 5.5mmol/L glucose, high glucose (HG) at 30.5mM, or with the hyperosmolar control mannitol (HM). Exposure to either HG or HM increased the expression of AQP1. AQP1 co-immunoprecipitated with β-catenin. HG and HM induced the expression of β-catenin. Under these conditions, iPS cells showed increased ratios of F-actin to G-actin and formed increased tubing networks. Inhibition of AQP1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) reverted the inducing effects of HG and HM.

CONCLUSIONS

High glucose enhances human iPS cell proliferation and cytoskeletal remodeling due to hyperosmolarity-induced upregulation of AQP1.

ABCC1 is related to the protection of the distal nephron against hyperosmolality and high sodium environment: possible implications for cancer chemotherapy

Aims

Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage. ABCC1 protein transports GSH. Although this protein is largely studied in cancer, due to multidrug resistance phenotype, its role in the tubular cells of the kidney is unknown. The goal of this study was to find out whether ABCC1 has a role in protecting cells from the distal nephron against the stress caused by high medullar osmolality.

Main Methods

MA104 cells were treated with high concentrations of sodium chloride, urea, or both to raise the osmolality of the culture medium. Cell viability was accessed by MTT and trypan blue assays. ABCC1 expression and extrusion of carboxi-fluorescein (CF), a fluorescent ABCC1 substrate, were measured by flow cytometry.

Key Findings

Incubation of MA104 cells in a high sodium concentration medium resulted in changes in cell granularity and altered expression and activity of ABCC1. Urea did not alter ABCC1 expression or activity, but reversed the observed NaCl effects. High sodium concentrations also had a negative effect on cell viability and urea also protected cells against this effect.

Significance

Our findings demonstrate that ABCC1 plays a significant role in the protection of kidney epithelial cells against the stress caused by high sodium environment present in renal medulla.

Mitogen activated protein kinase 14-1 regulates serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 during seawater acclimation in Atlantic killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus

The Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) is an environmental sentinel organism used extensively for studies of environmental toxicants and osmoregulation. Previous research in our laboratory has shown that acute acclimation to seawater is mediated by an increase in SGK1. SGK1 promotes the trafficking of CFTR chloride channels from intracellular vesicles to the plasma membrane of the gill within the first hour in seawater resulting in increased chloride secretion. Although we have shown that the increase in gill SGK1 does not require activation of the glucocorticoid receptor, the mechanisms that mediate the rise SGK1 during acute acclimation is unknown. To test the hypothesis that mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK14) is responsible for the rise in SGK1 we identified the coding sequence of killifish MAPK14-1 and designed a translational blocking vivo-morpholino targeting MAPK14-1. Injection of the MAPK14-1 vivo-morpholino resulted in a 30% reduction of MAPK14-1 and a 45% reduction in phosphorylated-MAPK14-1 protein in the gill of killifish transitioned from freshwater to seawater. Knock down of phosphorlyated-MAPK14-1 completely blocked the rise in SGK1 mRNA and protein in the killifish gill, providing the first direct and in vivo evidence that MAPK14-1 is necessary for acute seawater acclimation.

Hypertonic stress regulates amino acid transport and cell cycle proteins in chick embryo hepatocytes

Hyperosmotic stress affects cell growth, decreasing cell volume and increasing the uptake of organic osmolytes. However, the sensitivity of embryonic cells to osmotic treatment remains to be established. We have analysed some aspects of cell-cycle control and amino-acid transport in hypertonic conditions during prenatal life. The effects of hyperosmotic stress on amino-acid uptake mediated by system A, (3)H-thymidine incorporation, and regulation of cell-cycle proteins were analysed in chick embryo hepatocytes. Hypertonic stress increased system A activity and caused cell-cycle delay. Effects on amino-acid transport involved p38 kinase activation and new carrier synthesis. Cyclin D1, cdk4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4) and PCNA (proliferating-cell nuclear antigen) levels decreased, whereas cyclin E, p21 and p53 levels were unchanged. Incorporation of (3)H-leucine indicated decreased synthesis of cyclin D1. In contrast, analysis of mRNA by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR) showed a net increase of cyclin D1 transcripts, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. The data show that chick embryo hepatocytes respond to hyperosmotic conditions by arresting cell growth to prevent DNA damage and increasing osmolyte uptake to regulate cell volume, indicating that the adaptive response to environmental stress exists during prenatal life.

Gadd45 proteins: relevance to aging, longevity and age-related pathologies

The Gadd45 proteins have been intensively studied, in view of their important role in key cellular processes. Indeed, the Gadd45 proteins stand at the crossroad of the cell fates by controlling the balance between cell (DNA) repair, eliminating (apoptosis) or preventing the expansion of potentially dangerous cells (cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence), and maintaining the stem cell pool. However, the biogerontological aspects have not thus far received sufficient attention. Here we analyzed the pathways and modes of action by which Gadd45 members are involved in aging, longevity and age-related diseases. Because of their pleiotropic action, a decreased inducibility of Gadd45 members may have far-reaching consequences including genome instability, accumulation of DNA damage, and disorders in cellular homeostasis - all of which may eventually contribute to the aging process and age-related disorders (promotion of tumorigenesis, immune disorders, insulin resistance and reduced responsiveness to stress). Most recently, the dGadd45 gene has been identified as a longevity regulator in Drosophila. Although further wide-scale research is warranted, it is becoming increasingly clear that Gadd45s are highly relevant to aging, age-related diseases (ARDs) and to the control of life span, suggesting them as potential therapeutic targets in ARDs and pro-longevity interventions.

Exogenously-added copper/zinc superoxide dismutase rescues damage of endothelial cells from lethal irradiation

The vascular endothelium is important for the early and late effects observed in lethally irradiated tissue and organs. We examined the effects of exogenously added superoxide dismutase on cell survival and angiogenesis in lethally irradiated human primary umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cell survival was significantly improved in superoxide dismutase-treated cells; the addition of superoxide dismutase to cells after irradiation was also effective for increased survival, as it was before irradiation. Moreover, treatment of cells with superoxide dismutase enhanced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 in human primary umbilical vein endothelial cells. The addition of superoxide dismutase to cells after irradiation attenuated the reduction of angiogenesis by irradiation, and inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinases signaling pathway abrogated the rescue effect of superoxide dismutase. Our results suggest that superoxide dismutase rescues human primary umbilical vein endothelial cells from endothelial dysfunction caused by irradiation via a pathway requiring activation of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2.

Osmoadaptation of Mammalian cells - an orchestrated network of protective genes

In mammals, the cells of the renal medulla are physiologically exposed to interstitial osmolalities several-fold higher that found in any other tissue. Nevertheless, these cells not only have the ability to survive in this harsh environment, but also to function normally, which is critical for maintenance of systemic electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. Over the last two decades, a substantial body of evidence has accumulated, indicating that sequential and well orchestrated genomic responses are required to provide tolerance to osmotic stress. This includes the enhanced expression and action of immediate-early genes, growth arrest and DNA damage inducible genes (GADDs), genes involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis, heat shock proteins, and ultimately that of genes involved in the intracellular accumulation of nonperturbing organic osmolytes. The present review summarizes the sequence of genomic responses conferring resistance against osmotic stress. In addition, the regulatory mechanisms mediating the coordinated genomic response to osmotic stress will be highlighted.

Aldo-keto reductase 1C15 as a quinone reductase in rat endothelial cell: its involvement in redox cycling of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone

9,10-Phenanthrenequinone (9,10-PQ), a redox-active quinone in diesel exhausts, triggers cellular apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in its redox cycling. This study found that induction of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP), a pro-apoptotic factor derived from endoplasmic reticulum stress, participates in the mechanism of rat endothelial cell damage. The 9,10-PQ-mediated CHOP induction was strengthened by a proteasome inhibitor (MG132) and the MG132-induced cell sensitization to the 9,10-PQ toxicity was abolished by a ROS inhibitor, suggesting that ROS generation and consequent proteasomal dysfunction are responsible for the CHOP up-regulation caused by 9,10-PQ. Aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C15 expressed in rat endothelial cells reduced 9,10-PQ into 9,10-dihydroxyphenanthrene concomitantly with superoxide anion formation, implying its participation in evoking the 9,10-PQ-redox cycling. The 9,10-PQ-induced damage was augmented by AKR1C15 over-expression. 9,10-PQ also provoked the AKR1C15 up-regulation, which sensitized against the quinone toxicity. These results suggest the presence of a negative feedback loop exacerbating the quinone toxicity in rat endothelial cells.

p38α Signaling Induces Anoikis and Lumen Formation During Mammary Morphogenesis

The stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) p38 can induce apoptosis, and its inhibition facilitates mammary tumorigenesis. We found that during mammary acinar morphogenesis in MCF-10A cells grown in three-dimensional culture, detachment of luminal cells from the basement membrane stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinases 3 and 6 (MKK3/6) and p38α signaling to promote anoikis. p38α signaling increased transcription of the death-promoting protein BimEL by phosphorylating the activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2) and increasing c-Jun protein abundance, leading to cell death by anoikis and acinar lumen formation. Inhibition of p38α or ATF-2 caused luminal filling reminiscent of that observed in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The mammary glands of MKK3/6 knockout mice (MKK3(-/-)/MKK6(+/- )) showed accelerated branching morphogenesis relative to those of wild-type mice, as well as ductal lumen occlusion due to reduced anoikis. This phenotype was recapitulated by systemic pharmacological inhibition of p38α and β (p38α/β) in wild-type mice. Moreover, the development of DCIS-like lesions showing marked ductal occlusion was accelerated in MMTV-Neu transgenic mice treated with inhibitors of p38α and p38β. We conclude that p38α is crucial for the development of hollow ducts during mammary gland development, a function that may be crucial to its ability to suppress breast cancer.

Hyperosmotic stress-induced corneal epithelial cell death through activation of Polo-like kinase 3 and c-Jun

PURPOSE

Hyperosmotic stress causes cell shrinkage, perturbs cell function, and damages DNA, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In the present study, the authors explore the mechanism involving hyperosmotic stress-induced activation of c-Jun/AP-1 through a novel Plk3 pathway in human corneal epithelial cells.

METHODS

Human primary corneal epithelial cells and cell line were cultured in a serum-free keratinocyte medium and DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% FBS in a 37°C incubator supplied with 5% CO(2), respectively. Western blot analysis was used to determine protein expression and phosphorylation levels. Protein kinase activities were measured by immunocomplex kinase assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and caspase-3 (DEVDase) activity.

RESULTS

It was found that hyperosmotic stress-induced increases in the phosphorylation of c-Jun, resulting in apoptosis through the activation of Plk3 in human corneal epithelial cells. Plk3 was activated by extracellular hyperosmotic stress to directly phosphorylate c-Jun in the serine 63 and 73 residues. Hyperosmotic stress-induced c-Jun phosphorylation was enhanced by overexpression of constitutively positive Plk3 mutants and suppressed by the knockdown of Plk3 mRNA with Plk3-specific siRNA. Further studies indicated that the phosphorylation of c-Jun by Plk3 was responsible for hyperosmotic stress-induced apoptosis, which was independent from activation of the JNK signaling pathway in human corneal epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results, for the first time, provide a novel and alternative signaling mechanism that involves hyperosmotic stress-induced activation of the Plk3 pathway in addition to JNK/p38 MAPK pathways to regulate the c-Jun/AP-1 transcriptional complex and human corneal epithelial cell fate.

Studies on the antiobesity effect of zinc-α2-glycoprotein in the ob/ob mouse

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of the lipid depletion by zinc-α(2)-glycoprotein (ZAG).

DESIGN

Studies were conducted in the ob/ob mouse, or on isolated adipocytes from these animals or their lean counterparts.

RESULTS

Treatment of these animals for 15 days with ZAG (100  μg, intravenously, daily) resulted in a reduction of body weight of 6.55  g compared with phosphate-buffered saline-treated controls, without a change in food or water intake, but with a 0.4 °C rise in rectal temperature. ZAG-treated mice had a 30% reduction in carcass fat mass and a twofold increase in weight of brown adipose tissue. Epididymal adipocytes from ZAG-treated mice showed an increased expression of ZAG and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and this was maintained for a further 3 days in the absence of ZAG. There was an increased lipolytic response to isoproterenol, which was retained for 3 days in vitro in the absence of ZAG. Expression of HSL was also increased in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, as was also adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). There was a rapid loss of labelled lipid from epididymal adipose tissue of ZAG-treated mice, but not from the other depots, reflecting the difference in sensitivity to lipolytic stimuli. The increased expression of HSL and ATGL may involve the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, as the active (phospho) form was upregulated in all adipose depots after ZAG administration, whereas in vitro studies showed induction of HSL and ATGL by ZAG to be attenuated by PD98059, an inhibitor of the ERK pathway.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that ZAG not only induces direct lipolysis, but also sensitizes adipose tissue to other lipolytic stimuli.

Functional genomics of physiological plasticity and local adaptation in killifish

Evolutionary solutions to the physiological challenges of life in highly variable habitats can span the continuum from evolution of a cosmopolitan plastic phenotype to the evolution of locally adapted phenotypes. Killifish (Fundulus sp.) have evolved both highly plastic and locally adapted phenotypes within different selective contexts, providing a comparative system in which to explore the genomic underpinnings of physiological plasticity and adaptive variation. Importantly, extensive variation exists among populations and species for tolerance to a variety of stressors, and we exploit this variation in comparative studies to yield insights into the genomic basis of evolved phenotypic variation. Notably, species of Fundulus occupy the continuum of osmotic habitats from freshwater to marine and populations within Fundulus heteroclitus span far greater variation in pollution tolerance than across all species of fish. Here, we explore how transcriptome regulation underpins extreme physiological plasticity on osmotic shock and how genomic and transcriptomic variation is associated with locally evolved pollution tolerance. We show that F. heteroclitus quickly acclimate to extreme osmotic shock by mounting a dramatic rapid transcriptomic response including an early crisis control phase followed by a tissue remodeling phase involving many regulatory pathways. We also show that convergent evolution of locally adapted pollution tolerance involves complex patterns of gene expression and genome sequence variation, which is confounded with body-weight dependence for some genes. Similarly, exploiting the natural phenotypic variation associated with other established and emerging model organisms is likely to greatly accelerate the pace of discovery of the genomic basis of phenotypic variation.

Salinity stress results in rapid cell cycle changes of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) gill epithelial cells

We have developed a technique for immunocytochemistry of fish gill cells that we used to quantify tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) mitochondria-rich cells (MRC) and other gill cells (non-MRC) within different cell cycle phases by laser scanning cytometry. Gill cells fixed on coverslips were triple stained with propidium iodide to distinguish G1 vs. G2 phases, Ser10-phosphorylated histone H3 antibody to label mitotic cells, and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase antibody to label MRC. These parameters were measured at 0 (control), 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, and 168 hr (1 week) following exposure of freshwater (FW) acclimated fish to 2/3 seawater (SW). MRC increased mitotic activity very rapidly peaking at 8 hr following SW exposure. This change in mitotic MRC is indicative of epithelial reorganization during SW acclimation. In contrast to MRC, the proportion of non-MRC (likely pavement cells (PVC)) in mitosis did not change significantly in response to SW exposure. Moreover, twice as many MRC were in mitosis compared with non-MRC, suggesting that MRC turn over faster than other cell types during SW acclimation. Following the mitosis peak, MRC accumulated in G2 phase over a period of 16-72 hr post-SW exposure. We also observed G2 arrest with similar kinetics following SW exposure in tilapia non-MRC (likely PVC). We interpret the G2 arrest that occurs after an initial wave of transient increase in MRC mitosis as a means for conserving energy for dealing with the osmotic stress imposed during the exposure of FW fish to SW.

Gene expression profiling identifies a role for CHOP during inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain

Mitochondrial dysfunction, in particular, interference in the respiratory chain, is often responsible for the toxicogenic effects of xenobiotics. In this study, changes in gene expression resulting from pharmacological inhibition of the respiratory chain were studied by DNA microarray analysis using cells treated with rotenone or antimycin A, which inhibit complexes I and III of the electron transport system, respectively. Forty-eight genes were either up- or down-regulated more than 3-fold. These included stress- and/or metabolic-related effector genes and several transcriptional regulators represented by CHOP-10. Further study using siRNA showed that among the four genes studied, up-regulation of three was dependent on CHOP-10. C/EBPbeta, a dimerizing partner of CHOP-10, was also involved in two of the three genes including Trib3, implying that CHOP-10, heterodimerizing with C/EBPbeta or another partner played a key role in the expression of a set of genes under stress. Although CHOP-10 and Trib3 were both ER-stress response genes, signal inducing Trib3 during mitochondrial stress was distinct from that during ER stress. Cytotoxicity caused by inhibition of the respiratory chain was attenuated by treatment with siRNA for CHOP-10. This study demonstrated the importance of CHOP-10 in coordinating individual gene expression in response to the mitochondrial stress.

Classification of fixed urological cells using Raman tweezers

In this paper we report on preliminary investigations into using Raman tweezers to classify urological cell lines. This builds on earlier work within the group, whereby Raman tweezer methodologies were developed, and the application of this technique to differentiate between live prostate cancer (CaP) and bladder cells lines (PC-3 and MGH-U1 respectively) was demonstrated.In this present study we analysed chemically fixed cells using two different fixative methods; SurePath (a commercial available liquid based cytology media) and 4% v/v formalin/PBS fixatives. The study has been expanded from our previous live cell study to include the androgen sensitive CaP cell line LNCaP, primary benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) cells as well as primary urethral cells. Raman light from the cells was collected using a 514.5 nm Ar-ion laser excitation source in back-scattering configuration mode.Principal component-linear discriminate analysis (PC-LDA) models of resulting cell spectra were generated and these were validated using a blind comparison. Sensitivities and specificities of > 72% and 90% respectively, for SurePath fixed cells, and > 93% and 98% respectively for 4% v/v formalin/PBS fixed cells was achieved. The higher prediction results for the formalin fixed cells can be attributed to a better signal-to-noise ratio for spectra obtained from these cells.Following on from this work, urological cell lines were exposed to urine for up to 12 hours to determine the effect of urine on the ability to classify these cells. Results indicate that urine has no detrimental effect on prediction results.

Prolonged apoptosis in mitochondria-rich cells of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) exposed to elevated salinity

The time-course of programmed cell death (apoptosis) during reorganization of gill epithelium in salinity-stressed tilapia was analyzed using a recently developed method based on laser scanning cytometry (LSC) of dissociated gill cells. Apoptosis in mitochondria-rich cells (MRC) was distinguished from that in other cell types using Na(+)/K(+) ATPase (NKA) as a cell-specific marker. Caspase 3/7 activity in MRC, assessed using LSC and microplate assays, increased significantly starting at 6 h of salinity stress and remained elevated for at least 5 days. This time-course of apoptosis in MRC during acute salinity stress was reflected in elevated apoptotic DNA fragmentation. In parallel to induction of apoptosis, MRC showed a pronounced shift to G2 phase of the cell cycle, which is indicative of G2/M cell cycle arrest, and an increase in NKA abundance per MRC. Unlike in MRC, apoptosis was not significantly increased in other gill cell types, although there was a small transient increase in DNA fragmentation at 6 h. G2 arrest was also observed. Overall, we interpret our data as evidence for a significant role of apoptosis in the extensive reorganization of MRC populations that takes place during salinity acclimation, perhaps similar to its well-established role during organismal development.

Gadd45-alpha and Gadd45-gamma utilize p38 and JNK signaling pathways to induce cell cycle G2/M arrest in Hep-G2 hepatoma cells

The Gadd45 family of proteins, which includes alpha, beta, and gamma isoforms, has recently been shown to play a role in the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint in response to DNA damage; however, the mechanisms by which Gadd45 proteins inhibit cell cycle control are not fully understood. Using immunohistochemical analysis, we found that protein expression of Gadd45gamma, but not Gadd45alpha, was down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. We thus investigated possible mechanisms by which Gadd45alpha and Gadd45gamma might differentially induce G2/M arrest in the human hepatoma Hep-G2 cell line. Flow cytometric analysis revealed significant G2/M arrest in cells transfected with either Gadd45alpha or Gadd45gamma. Importantly, we found that expression of either Gadd45alpha or Gadd45gamma activated the P38 and JNK kinase pathways to induce G2/M arrest. Taken together, these findings suggest that the induction of G2/M arrest by Gadd45alpha or Gadd45gamma involves activation of two distinct signaling pathways in Hep-G2 hepatoma cell lines.

Analysis of DNA breaks, DNA damage response, and apoptosis produced by high NaCl

We previously reported that, both in cell culture and in the renal inner medulla in vivo, elevating NaCl increased the number of DNA breaks, which persisted as long as NaCl remained high but were rapidly repaired when NaCl was lowered. Furthermore, those breaks did not induce the DNA repair protein gammaH2AX or cause activation of the MRN (Mre11, Rad50, Nbs1) complex. In contrast, others recently reported that high NaCl does induce gammaH2AX and MRN complex formation and concluded that these activities are associated with repair of the DNA (Sheen MR, Kim SW, Jung JY, Ahn JY, Rhee JG, Kwon HM, Woo SK. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 291: F1014-F1020, 2006). The purpose of the present studies was to resolve the disparity. The important difference is that HeLa cells, which were the main subject of the later report, are much less tolerant of high NaCl than are the mIMCD3 cells, which were our main subject. mIMCD3 cells survive levels of NaCl that kill HeLa cells by apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that in both cell types raising NaCl to a level that the cells survive (higher for mIMCD3 than HeLa) increases DNA breaks without inducing gammaH2AX or activating the MRN complex and that the DNA breaks persist as long as NaCl remains elevated, but are rapidly repaired when it is lowered. Importantly, in both cell types, raising NaCl further to cause apoptosis activates these DNA damage response proteins and greatly fragments DNA, associated with cell death. We conclude that gammaH2AX induction and MRN activation in response to high NaCl are associated with apoptosis, not DNA repair.

Ginsenoside Rd prevents and rescues rat intestinal epithelial cells from irradiation-induced apoptosis

Panax ginseng has been shown to have a protective effect for irradiated animals or cells. Ginsenosides are the most active components isolated from ginseng, and ginsenoside Rd has been identified as one of the effective compounds responsible for the pharmaceutical actions of ginseng. In the present study, we studied the molecular mechanisms for the radio-protective action of ginsenoside Rd in rat intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells. Cells were irradiated with gamma-ray, and apoptosis was examined using Hoechst staining and Western blot analysis. Treatment with ginsenoside Rd before gamma-irradiation inhibited irradiation-induced apoptosis in IEC-6 cells. Administration of Rd after irradiation also inhibited apoptosis in these cells. Irradiation of IEC-6 cells resulted in inactivation of Akt phosphorylation that was abrogated by Rd. On the other hand, irradiation activated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but did not affect that of p38 MAPK. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation prevented the reduction of apoptosis by Rd following irradiation. Pretreatment with an inhibitor of the MEK pathway further decreased the number of apoptotic cells. Rd decreased the ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xL, the levels of cytochrome c, and the cleaved form of caspase-3 in irradiated IEC-6 cells. Our results suggest that ginsenoside Rd protects and rescues rat intestinal epithelial cells from irradiation-induced apoptosis through a pathway requiring activation of PI3K/Akt, inactivation of MEK, and also inhibition of a mitochondria/caspase pathway.

The effect of water deprivation on the tonicity responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) and TonEBP-regulated genes in the kidney of the Spinifex hopping mouse, Notomys alexis

In desert rodents, the production of concentrated urine is essential for survival in xeric environments in order to conserve water. Reabsorption of water in the kidney is dependent on large osmotic gradients in the renal medulla. This causes the renal cells to be bathed in a hypertonic extracellular fluid that can compromise cellular function. In response to hypertonicity, kidney cells accumulate compatible, non-ionic osmolytes that lower the ionic strength within the cells to isotonic levels by replacing intracellular ionic electrolytes. The tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes that encode proteins that catalyse the accumulation of compatible osmolytes. We investigated the expression of TonEBP mRNA and protein and compatible osmolyte genes in the Spinifex hopping mouse, Notomys alexis, an Australian desert rodent that produces a highly concentrated urine. TonEBP mRNA expression was unchanged after 3 days of water deprivation but was significantly increased after 7 and 14 days of water deprivation. Immunohistochemistry showed that during water deprivation TonEBP had translocated from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of cells in the renal medulla and papilla. In addition, 3, 7 and 14 days of water deprivation caused a significant increase in aldose reductase (AR), myo-inositol (SMIT), betaine/GABA (BGT-1) and taurine (TauT) transporter mRNA expression, which is indicative of an increase in TonEBP activity. In desert rodents, TonEBP regulation of gene transcription is probably an important mechanism to protect renal cells in the face of the large corticomedullary gradient that is required to concentrate urine and conserve water.

Suppression of Gadd45 alleviates the G2/M blockage and the enhanced phosphorylation of p53 and p38 in zinc supplemented normal human bronchial epithelial cells

An adequate zinc status is essential for optimal cellular functions and growth. Yet, excessive zinc supplementation can be cytotoxic and can impair cell growth. Gadd45 plays a vital role as cellular stress sensor in the modulation of cell signal transduction in response to stress. The present study was designed to determine the influence of zinc status on Gadd45 expression and cell cycle progression in zinc deficient and supplemented normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, and to decipher the molecular mechanism(s) exerted by the suppression of Gadd45 expression on cell growth and cell cycle progression in this cell type. Cells were cultured for one passage in different concentration of zinc: <0.4 muM (ZD) as severe zinc deficient; 4 muM as normal zinc level in culture medium; 16 microM (ZA) as normal human plasma zinc level; and 32 muM (ZS) as the high end of plasma zinc attainable by oral supplementation. Inhibition of cell growth, upregulation of Gadd45 mRNA and protein expression, and blockage of G2/M cell cycle progression were observed in ZS cells. In contrast, little or no changes in these parameters were seen in ZD cells. The siRNA-mediated knocking down of Gadd45 was found to relieve G2/M blockage in ZS cells, which indicated that the blockage was Gadd45 dependent. Moreover, the enhanced phosphorylation of p38 and p53 (ser15) in ZS cells was normalized after suppression of Gadd45 by siRNA, implicating that the enhanced phosphorylation of these proteins was Gadd45 dependent. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time that an elevated zinc status modulated signal transduction to produce a delay at G2/M during cell cycle progression in NHBE cells.

A heat-activated MAP kinase (HAMK) as a mediator of heat shock response in tobacco cells

A heat-activated MAP kinase (HAMK), immunologically related to the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) super-family of protein kinases, has been identified in BY2 cells of tobacco. The activation of HAMK at 37 degrees C was transient and detected within 2 min and reached a maximum level within 5 min. Ca(2+) chelators and channel blockers, and the known inhibitors of MEK, a MAP kinase kinase, prevented the heat activation of HAMK. This suggests that HAMK activation is part of a heat-triggered MAP kinase cascade that requires Ca(2+) influx. The heat shock protein HSP70 accumulated at 37 degrees C, but not when HAMK activation was prevented with the inhibitors of MEK or with Ca(2+) chelators or channel blockers. As previously shown for heat activation of HAMK, heat-induced accumulation of HSP70 requires membrane fluidization and reorganization of cytoskeleton. We concluded that heat-triggered HAMK cascade might play an essential role in the launching of heat shock response and hsp gene expression in tobacco cells.

Gene expression profiling in brain following acute systemic hypertonicity: novel genes possibly involved in osmoadaptation

In brain osmoprotective genes known to be involved in cellular osmoadaptation to hypertonicity, as well as the related transcription factor tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) are only expressed in some cell subsets. In the search for other genes possibly involved in osmoadaptation of brain cells we have analyzed, through microarray, the transcriptional profile of forebrain from rats subjected to 45 min, 90 min, and 6 h systemic hypertonicity. Microarray data were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Around 23 000 genes gave a reliable hybridization signal. The number of genes showing a higher expression increased from around 15 (45 min) up to nearly 200 (6 h). Among about 30 immediate early genes (IEGs) encoding transcription factors, only Atf3, Verge, and Klf4 showed a rapid increased expression. TonEBP-mRNA tissue level and TonEBP-mRNA labeling in neurons remained unchanged whereas TonEBP labeling was rapidly increased in neurons. Sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter-2 (SNAT2) encoded by gene Slc38a2 showed a delayed increased expression. The rapid tonicity-induced activation of Atf3, Verge, and Klf4 may regulate genes involved in osmoadaptation. Nfat5 encoding TonEBP is not an IEG and the early tonicity-induced expression of TonEBP in neurons may result from translational activation. Increased expression of sodium-dependent neutral amino-acid transporter 2 may lead to the cellular accumulation of amino acids for adaptation to hypertonicity.

GADD153 expression does not necessarily correlate with changes in culture behavior of hybridoma cells

Background

The acute sensitivity of some hybridoma cell lines to culture-related stresses severely limits their productivity. Recent developments in the characterization of the stress signals modulating the cellular phenotype revealed that the pro-apoptotic transcription factor Gadd153 could be used as a marker to facilitate the optimization of mammalian cell cultures. In this report, we analyzed the expression of Gadd153 in Sp2/0-Ag14 murine hybridoma cells grown in stationary batch culture and subjected to two different culture optimization paradigms: L-glutamine supplementation and ectopic expression of Bcl-xL, an anti-apoptotic gene.

Results

The expression of Gadd153 was found to increase in Sp2/0-Ag14 cells in a manner which coincided with the decline in cell viability. L-glutamine supplementation prolonged Sp2/0-Ag14 cell survival and greatly suppressed Gadd153 expression both at the mRNA and protein level. However, Gadd153 levels remained low after L-glutamine supplementation even as cell viability declined. Bcl-xL overexpression also extended Sp2/0-Ag14 cell viability, initially delayed the induction of Gadd153, but did not prevent the increase in Gadd153 protein levels during the later phase of the culture, when cell viability was declining. Interestingly, L-glutamine supplementation prevented Gadd153 up-regulation in cells ectopically expressing Bcl-xL, but had no effect on cell viability.

Conclusion

This study highlights important limitations to the use of Gadd153 as an indicator of cell stress in hybridoma cells.

Effect of ammonia, glutamine, and serum on calcineurin, p38MAPK-diP, GADD153/CHOP10, and CNTF in primary rat astrocyte cultures

Primary astrocyte cultures were subjected to different experimental schedules using several concentrations of ammonia (1, 3, and 5 mM ammonium chloride), serum (2.5%, 5%, and 12%), and glutamine (0.5, 1, and 3 mM) to analyze the involvement of calcineurin (CaN) in hyperammonemia and its relation with p38MAPK-diP and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). We demonstrated that exposure to ammonia affects CaN content, and confirmed the ammonia-induced reduction of CNTF expression; however, the involvement of CaN and p38MAPK-diP in CNTF reduction could not be confirmed. On the contrary, an inverse relationship between CaN and p38MAPK-diP contents was clearly demonstrated. GADD153/CHOP10 content was always higher under hyperammonemic conditions as well as under glutamine exposure, probably due to the osmotic stress provoked by glutamine accumulation, which was induced after exposure to ammonia. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant interactions of ammonia and serum for CaN, GADD153/CHOP10 and CNTF contents. The exposure to glutamine also induced changes in GADD153/CHOP10 and CaN; however, CNTF content was not affected. In conclusion, CaN content was affected by exposure to ammonia and glutamine; the serum content of the culture medium had a strong influence on the astroglial response to ammonium chloride, and glutamine exposure only reproduced some of the ammonia effects.

Cellular Response to Hyperosmotic Stresses

Cells in the renal inner medulla are normally exposed to extraordinarily high levels of NaCl and urea. The osmotic stress causes numerous perturbations because of the hypertonic effect of high NaCl and the direct denaturation of cellular macromolecules by high urea. High NaCl and urea elevate reactive oxygen species, cause cytoskeletal rearrangement, inhibit DNA replication and transcription, inhibit translation, depolarize mitochondria, and damage DNA and proteins. Nevertheless, cells can accommodate by changes that include accumulation of organic osmolytes and increased expression of heat shock proteins. Failure to accommodate results in cell death by apoptosis. Although the adapted cells survive and function, many of the original perturbations persist, and even contribute to signaling the adaptive responses. This review addresses both the perturbing effects of high NaCl and urea and the adaptive responses. We speculate on the sensors of osmolality and document the multiple pathways that signal activation of the transcription factor TonEBP/OREBP, which directs many aspects of adaptation. The facts that numerous cellular functions are altered by hyperosmolality and remain so, even after adaptation, indicate that both the effects of hyperosmolality and adaptation to it involve profound alterations of the state of the cells.

Hypoxia influences the cellular cross-talk of human dermal fibroblasts. A proteomic approach

The ability of cells to respond to changes in oxygen availability is critical for many physiological and pathological processes (i.e. development, aging, wound healing, hypertension, cancer). Changes in the protein profile of normal human dermal fibroblasts were investigated in vitro after 96 h in 5% CO(2) and 21% O(2) (pO(2) = 140 mm Hg) or 2% O(2) (pO(2) = 14 mm Hg), these parameters representing a mild chronic hypoxic exposure which fibroblasts may undergo in vivo. The proliferation rate and the protein content were not significantly modified by hypoxia, whereas proteome analysis demonstrated changes in the expression of 56 proteins. Protein identification was performed by mass spectrometry. Data demonstrate that human fibroblasts respond to mild hypoxia increasing the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1a) and of the 150-kDa oxygen-regulated protein. Other differentially expressed proteins appeared to be related to stress response, transcriptional control, metabolism, cytoskeleton, matrix remodelling and angiogenesis. Furthermore, some of them, like galectin 1, 40S ribosomal protein SA, N-myc-downstream regulated gene-1 protein, that have been described in the literature as possible cancer markers, significantly changed their expression also in normal hypoxic fibroblasts. Interestingly, a bovine fetuin was also identified that appeared significantly less internalised by hypoxic fibroblasts. In conclusion, results indicate that human dermal fibroblasts respond to an in vitro mild chronic hypoxic exposure by modifying a number of multifunctional proteins. Furthermore, data highlight the importance of stromal cells in modulating the intercellular cross-talk occurring in physiological and in pathologic conditions.

Severity of alcohol-induced painful peripheral neuropathy in female rats: role of estrogen and protein kinase (A and Cepsilon)

Small-fiber painful peripheral neuropathy, a complication of chronic ethanol ingestion, is more severe in women. In the present study, we have replicated this clinical finding in the rat and evaluated for a role of estrogen and second messenger signaling pathways. The alcohol diet (6.5% ethanol volume:volume in Lieber-DeCarli formula) induced hyperalgesia with more rapid onset and severity in females. Following ovariectomy, alcohol failed to induce hyperalgesia in female rats, well past its time to onset in gonad intact males and females. Estrogen replacement reinstated alcohol neuropathy in the female rat. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (Walsh inhibitor peptide, WIPTIDE) only attenuated alcohol-induced hyperalgesia in female rats. Inhibitors of protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon-I) and extracellular-signal related kinase (ERK) 1/2 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone (PD98059) and 1,4-diamino-2, 3-dicyano-1, 4-bis (2-aminophenylthio) butadiene (U0126)) attenuated hyperalgesia in males and females, however the degree of attenuation produced by PKCepsilon-I was much greater in females. In conclusion, estrogen plays an important role in the expression of pain associated with alcohol neuropathy in the female rat. In contrast to inflammatory hyperalgesia, in which only the contribution of PKCepsilon signaling is sexually dimorphic, in alcohol neuropathy PKA as well as PKCepsilon signaling is highly sexually dimorphic.