Translational control of the antiapoptotic function of Ras

Medicinal chemistry approaches to target the MNK-eIF4E axis in cancer

Aberrant translation of proteins that promote cell proliferation is an essential factor that defines oncogenic processes and cancer. The process for ribosomal translation of proteins from mRNA requires an essential initiation step which is controlled by the protein eIF4E, which binds the RNA 5'-cap and forms the eIF4F complex that subsequently translates protein. Typically, eIF4E is activated by phosphorylation on Ser209 by MNK1 and MNK2 kinases. Substantial work has shown that eIF4E and MNK1/2 are dysregulated in many cancers and this axis has therefore become an active area of interest for developing new cancer therapeutics. This review summarizes and discusses recent work to develop small molecules that target different steps in the MNK-eIF4E axis as potential cancer therapeutics. The aim of this review is to cover the breadth of different molecular approaches being taken and the medicinal chemistry basis for their optimization and testing as new cancer therapeutics.

4EBP1 senses extracellular glucose deprivation and initiates cell death signaling in lung cancer

Nutrient-limiting conditions are common during cancer development. The coordination of cellular glucose levels and cell survival is a fundamental question in cell biology and has not been completely understood. 4EBP1 is known as a translational repressor to regulate cell proliferation and survival by controlling translation initiation, however, whether 4EBP1 could participate in tumor survival by other mechanism except for translational repression function, especially under glucose starvation conditions remains unknown. Here, we found that protein levels of 4EBP1 was up-regulated in the central region of the tumor which always suffered nutrient deprivation compared with the peripheral region. We further discovered that 4EBP1 was dephosphorylated by PTPMT1 under glucose starvation conditions, which prevented 4EBP1 from being targeted for ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation by HERC5. After that, 4EBP1 translocated to cytoplasm and interacted with STAT3 by competing with JAK and ERK, leading to the inactivation of STAT3 in the cytoplasm, resulting in apoptosis under glucose withdrawal conditions. Moreover, 4EBP1 knockdown increased the tumor volume and weight in xenograft models by inhibiting apoptosis in the central region of tumor. These findings highlight a novel mechanism for 4EBP1 as a new cellular glucose sensor in regulating cancer cell death under glucose deprivation conditions, which was different from its classical function as a translational repressor.

Engineering an autonomous VH domain to modulate intracellular pathways and to interrogate the eIF4F complex

An attractive approach to target intracellular macromolecular interfaces and to model putative drug interactions is to design small high-affinity proteins. Variable domains of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (VH domains) are ideal miniproteins, but their development has been restricted by poor intracellular stability and expression. Here we show that an autonomous and disufhide-free VH domain is suitable for intracellular studies and use it to construct a high-diversity phage display library. Using this library and affinity maturation techniques we identify VH domains with picomolar affinity against eIF4E, a protein commonly hyper-activated in cancer. We demonstrate that these molecules interact with eIF4E at the eIF4G binding site via a distinct structural pose. Intracellular overexpression of these miniproteins reduce cellular proliferation and expression of malignancy-related proteins in cancer cell lines. The linkage of high-diversity in vitro libraries with an intracellularly expressible miniprotein scaffold will facilitate the discovery of VH domains suitable for intracellular applications.

Approaches have been devised to increase the discovery rate of intrabodies but often these yield results that aren’t functional in cells. Here the authors engineer and optimise an autonomous and disulphide-free human VH domain for intracellular expression, and they identify several VH domain binders against eIF4E.

Phosphorylation of the mRNA cap-binding protein eIF4E and cancer

Dysregulated protein synthesis is frequently involved in oncogenesis and cancer progression. Translation initiation is thought to be the rate-limiting step in protein synthesis, and the mRNA 5' cap-binding protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a pivotal factor that initiates translation. The activities of eIF4E are regulated at multiple levels, one of which is through its phosphorylation at Serine 209 by the mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases (MNKs, including MNK1 and MNK2). Benefiting from novel mouse genetic tools and pharmacological MNK inhibitors, our understanding of a role for eIF4E phosphorylation in tumor biology and cancer therapy has greatly evolved in recent years. Importantly, recent studies have found that the level of eIF4E phosphorylation is frequently upregulated in a wide variety of human cancer types, and phosphorylation of eIF4E drives a number of important processes in cancer biology, including cell transformation, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and angiogenesis. The MNK-eIF4E axis is being assessed as a therapeutic target either alone or in combination with other therapies in different cancer models. As novel MNK inhibitors are being developed, experimental studies bring new hope to cure human cancers that are not responsive to traditional therapies. Herein we review recent progress on our understanding of a mechanistic role for phosphorylation of eIF4E in cancer biology and therapy.

Amplified in Breast Cancer Regulates Transcription and Translation in Breast Cancer Cells

Background

Control of mRNA translation is fundamentally altered in cancer. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) signaling regulates key translation mediators to modulate protein synthesis (e.g. eIF4E, 4E-BP1, mTOR, and S6K1). Importantly the Amplified in Breast Cancer (AIB1) oncogene regulates transcription and is also a downstream mediator of IGF-I signaling.

Materials and Methods

To determine if AIB1 also affects mRNA translation, we conducted gain and loss of AIB1 function experiments in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)⁺ (MCF-7L) and ERα^- (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435 and LCC6) breast cancer cells.

Results

AIB1 positively regulated IGF-I-induced mRNA translation in both ERα⁺ and ERα^- cells. Formation of the eIF4E-4E-BP1 translational complex was altered in the AIB1 ERα⁺ and ERα^- knockdown cells, leading to a reduction in the eIF4E/4E-BP1 and eIF4G/4E-BP1 ratios. In basal and IGF-I stimulated MCF-7 and LCC6 cells, knockdown of AIB1 decreased the integrity of the cap-binding complex, reduced global IGF-I stimulated polyribosomal mRNA recruitment with a concomitant decrease in ten of the thirteen genes tested in polysome-bound mRNAs mapping to proliferation, cell cycle, survival, transcription, translation and ribosome biogenesis ontologies. Specifically, knockdown of AIB1 decreased ribosome-bound mRNA and steady-state protein levels of the transcription factors ERα and E2F1 in addition to reduced ribosome-bound mRNA of the ribosome biogenesis factor BYSL in a cell-line specific manner to regulate mRNA translation.

Conclusion

The oncogenic transcription factor AIB1 has a novel role in the regulation of polyribosome recruitment and formation of the translational complex. Combinatorial therapies targeting IGF signaling and mRNA translation in AIB1 expressing breast cancers may have clinical benefit and warrants further investigation.

Convallaria keiskei as a novel therapeutic alternative for salivary gland cancer treatment by targeting myeloid cell leukemia-1

BACKGROUND

Various chemotherapeutic agents have been used largely for the treatment of salivary gland cancer. However, results are disappointing, and these agents can cause some serious side effects. Therefore, recent studies have focused on the possible roles of natural products to overcome these limitations.

METHODS

Salivary gland cancer cells treated with or without Convallaria keiskei (MECK) for 24 hours. Apoptotic changes were evaluated by live/dead assay, immunoblotting, and expression levels of caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma-2 family member.

RESULTS

MECK significantly inhibited salivary gland cancer growth. At the molecular level, MECK dramatically reduced myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) in a translation-dependent manner and thereby induced apoptosis through Bax/Bid. Furthermore, we found that Mcl-1 could be a potential therapeutic target of MECK-induced apoptosis and its stability is regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling

CONCLUSION

MECK can be used as a safe and efficient therapeutic alternative for the treatment of salivary gland cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E761-E770, 2016.

Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E Is a Feed-Forward Translational Coactivator of Transforming Growth Factor β Early Protransforming Events in Breast Epithelial Cells

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is overexpressed early in breast cancers in association with disease progression and reduced survival. Much remains to be understood regarding the role of eIF4E in human cancer. We determined, using immortalized human breast epithelial cells, that elevated expression of eIF4E translationally activates the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway, promoting cell invasion, a loss of cell polarity, increased cell survival, and other hallmarks of early neoplasia. Overexpression of eIF4E is shown to facilitate the selective translation of integrin β1 mRNA, which drives the translationally controlled assembly of a TGF-β receptor signaling complex containing α3β1 integrins, β-catenin, TGF-β receptor I, E-cadherin, and phosphorylated Smad2/3. This receptor complex acutely sensitizes nonmalignant breast epithelial cells to activation by typically substimulatory levels of activated TGF-β. TGF-β can promote cellular differentiation or invasion and transformation. As a translational coactivator of TGF-β, eIF4E confers selective mRNA translation, reprogramming nonmalignant cells to an invasive phenotype by reducing the set point for stimulation by activated TGF-β. Overexpression of eIF4E may be a proinvasive facilitator of TGF-β activity.

eIF4E is an adverse prognostic marker of melanoma patient survival by increasing melanoma cell invasion

Human cutaneous melanoma is a devastating skin cancer because of its invasive nature and high metastatic potential. We used tissue microarray to study the role of human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in melanoma progression in 448 melanocytic lesions and found that high eIF4E expression was significantly increased in primary melanomas compared with dysplastic nevi (P<0.001), and further increased in metastatic melanomas (P<0.001). High eIF4E expression was associated with melanoma thickness (P=0.046), and poor overall and disease-specific 5-year survival of all, and primary melanoma patients, especially those with tumors ≥1 mm thick. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that eIF4E is an independent prognostic marker. eIF4E knockdown (KD) in melanoma cells resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis (sub-G1 populations) and decrease in cell proliferation, and also resulted in downregulation of mesenchymal markers and upregulation of E-cadherin. In addition, eIF4E KD led to a decrease in melanoma cell invasion, matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity, c-myc and BCL2 expression, and an increase in cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 expression and chemosensitivity. Taken together, our data suggest that the eIF4E may promote melanoma cell invasion and metastasis, and may also serve as a promising prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for melanoma.

The Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E) as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer

Cancer cells depend on cap-dependent translation more than normal tissue. This explains the emergence of proteins involved in the cap-dependent translation as targets for potential anticancer drugs. Cap-dependent translation starts when eIF4E binds to mRNA cap domain. This review will present eIF4E's structure and functions. It will also expose the use of eIF4E as a therapeutic target in cancer.

eIF4E-mediated translational control of cancer incidence

Mitogen activated translation initiation factor eIF4E mediates normal cell proliferation, yet induces tumorigenesis when deregulated and overexpressed. It remains unknown, how activated eIF4E directs such distinct biological outputs. Our experimental data provide evidence that distinct threshold levels of eIF4E govern its biological output in lactating mammary glands and that eIF4E overexpression in the context of cell population expansion can initiate malignant transformation by enabling cells to evade DNA damage checkpoints caused by hyperproliferative oncogenic stimuli. These findings point at the cellular level of eIF4E as an important sensor for normal or pro-neoplastic propagation of cells. Here, we describe a model that links the pro-neoplastic function of eIF4F to its ability to disable oncogene-activated tumor surveillance programs; and propose a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention based upon targeting aberrant eIF4E with safe doses of small-molecule antagonists to ensure the maintenance of eIF4E levels below the pro-neoplastic threshold. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Translation and Cancer.

Resistance to EGFR-TKI can be mediated through multiple signaling pathways converging upon cap-dependent translation in EGFR-wild type NSCLC

INTRODUCTION

For the majority of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), response to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is suboptimal. In models of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI, activation of Akt phosphorylation is frequently observed. Because Akt activation results in downstream initiation of cap-dependent protein translation, we hypothesized that a strategy of targeting cap-dependent translation in combination with erlotinib might enhance therapy.

METHODS

NSCLC cells that are wild type for EGFR were assayed for sensitivity to erlotinib. Serum-starved NSCLC cells were assayed for EGFR signaling and downstream pathway activation by immunoblot after stimulation with epidermal growth factor. EGFR signaling and signaling mediators of cap-dependent translation were assayed by immunoblot under serum-replete conditions 24 hours after treatment with erlotinib. Finally, combination treatment with erlotinib and two different cap-dependent translation inhibitors were done to assess the effect on cell viability.

RESULTS

EGFR signaling is coupled to activation of cap-dependent translation in EGFR wild-type cells. Erlotinib inhibits EGFR phosphorylation in EGFR-TKI resistant cells, however, results in activation of downstream signaling molecules including Akt and extracellular regulated kinase, ERK 1/2, resulting in maintenance of eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) activation. eIF4F cap-complex formation is maintained in erlotinib-resistant cells, but not in erlotinib-sensitive cells. Finally, using an antisense oligonucleotide against eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E and a small-molecule inhibitor to disrupt eIF4F formation, we show that cap-dependent translation inhibition can enhance sensitivity to erlotinib.

CONCLUSION

The results of these studies support further clinical development of translation inhibitors for treatment of NSCLC in combination with erlotinib.

Cap-dependent mRNA translation and the ubiquitin-proteasome system cooperate to promote ERBB2-dependent esophageal cancer phenotype

Pathological post-transcriptional control of the proteome composition is a central feature of malignancy. Two steps in this pathway, eIF4F-driven cap-dependent mRNA translation and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), are deregulated in most if not all cancers. We tested a hypothesis that eIF4F is aberrantly activated in human esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and requires elevated rates of protein turnover and proteolysis and thereby activated UPS for its pro-neoplastic function. Here, we show that 80% of tumors and cell lines featuring amplified ERBB2 display an aberrantly activated eIF4F. Direct genetic targeting of the eIF4F in ERBB2-amplified EAC cells with a constitutively active form of the eIF4F repressor 4E-BP1 decreased colony formation and proliferation and triggered apoptosis. In contrast, suppression of m-TOR-kinase activity towards 4E-BP1with rapamycin only modestly inhibited eIF4F-driven cap-dependent translation and EAC malignant phenotype; and promoted feedback activation of other cancer pathways. Our data show that co-treatment with 2 FDA-approved agents, the m-TOR inhibitor rapamycin and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, leads to strong synergistic growth-inhibitory effects. Moreover, direct targeting of eIF4F with constitutively active 4E-BP1 is significantly more potent in collaboration with bortezomib than rapamycin. These data support the hypothesis that a finely tuned balance between eIF4F-driven protein synthesis and proteasome-mediated protein degradation is required for the maintenance of ERBB2-mediated EAC malignant phenotype. Altogether, our study supports the development of pharmaceuticals to directly target eIF4F as most efficient strategy; and provides a clear rationale for the clinical evaluation of combination therapy with m-TOR inhibitors and bortezomib for EAC treatment.

Translational control of cell fate: from integration of environmental signals to breaching anticancer defense

Despite their genetic diversity, different cancers manifest common features at the protein pathway level. They share a core group of perturbed pathways that converge upon a few regulatory hubs linking the cellular signaling network with the basic metabolic machinery. Available evidence indicates that one such hub is the eIF4F-mediated cap-dependent mRNA translation initiation apparatus, whose integrity is required for physiological control of growth, proliferation and viability. However, when hyperactivated by upstream oncogenic signaling, eIF4F selectively stimulates the translation of a group of mRNAs required for cancer genesis and progression. Here, we describe a model that links the pro-neoplastic function of eIF4F to its ability to disable oncogene-activated tumor surveillance programs and propose a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer based upon targeting aberrant eIF4F with small-molecule antagonists.

Niacin protects against UVB radiation-induced apoptosis in cultured human skin keratinocytes

Niacin and its related derivatives have been shown to have effects on cellular activities. However, the molecular mechanism of its reduced immunosuppressive effects and photoprotective effects remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of the photoprotective effect of niacin in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). We found that niacin effectively suppressed the UV-induced cell death and cell apoptosis of HaCaT cells. Existing data have shown that AKT activation is involved in the cell survival process. Yet, the potential mechanism of niacin in protection against UV-induced skin damage has thus far not fully been eluvidated. We observed that niacin pretreatment enhances UV induced activation of AKT (Ser473 phosphorylation) as well as that of the downstream signal mTOR (S6 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation). The PI3K/AKT inhibitor, LY294002, and the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, largely neutralized the protective effects of niacin, suggesting that AKT and downstream signaling mTOR/S6 activation are necessary for the niacin-induced protective effects against UV-induced cell death and cell apoptosis. Collectively, our data suggest that niacin may be utilized to prevent UV-induced skin damage and provide a novel mechanism of its photoprotective effects against the UV radiation of sunlight by modulating both AKT and downstream mTOR signaling pathways.

The antidepressant sertraline inhibits translation initiation by curtailing mammalian target of rapamycin signaling

Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is a widely used antidepressant agent. Here, we show that sertraline also exhibits antiproliferative activity. Exposure to sertraline leads to a concentration-dependent decrease in protein synthesis. Moreover, polysome profile analysis of sertraline-treated cells shows a reduction in polysome content and a concomitant increase in 80S ribosomes. The inhibition in translation caused by sertraline is associated with decreased levels of the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F complex, altered localization of eIF4E, and increased eIF2alpha phosphorylation. The latter event leads to increased REDD1 expression, which in turn impinges on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by affecting TSC1/2 signaling. Sertraline also independently targets the mTOR signaling pathway downstream of Rheb. In the Emu-myc murine lymphoma model where carcinogenesis is driven by phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) inactivation, sertraline is able to enhance chemosensitivity to doxorubicin. Our results indicate that sertraline exerts antiproliferative activity by targeting the mTOR signaling pathway in a REDD1-dependent manner.

Translation initiation: a critical signalling node in cancer

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a master regulator of translation initiation that controls the recruitment of ribosomes to mRNA templates in response to intracellular and extracellular cues. Evidence suggests that mTOR and its direct downstream targets, S6K and eIF4E/4E-BP, play significant roles in oncogenesis, and that inhibiting this pathway holds promise as an anti-proliferative approach. Recent genome-wide analyses of mutations in human cancers indicate that transformed cells activate a handful of processes and signalling pathways that are major contributors to their phenotype. Here we review the current literature implicating mTOR and translation initiation downstream of many of these various signalling pathways and processes usurped in human cancers. This review highlights the widespread activation of mTOR/eIF4E following acquisition of oncogenic lesions and its implication in promoting the transformation phenotype and indicates that targeting the control of translation initiation makes logical sense as a broad-acting therapeutic approach.

Understanding and Targeting the Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E in Head and Neck Cancer

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E is elevated in about 30% of human malignancies including HNSCC where its levels correlate with poor prognosis. Here, we discuss the biochemical and molecular underpinnings of the oncogenic potential of eIF4E. Studies in human leukemia specimens, and later in a mouse model of prostate cancer, strongly suggest that cells with elevated eIF4E develop an oncogene dependency to it, making them more sensitive to targeting eIF4E than normal cells. We describe several strategies that have been suggested for eIF4E targeting in the clinic: the use of a small molecule antagonist of eIF4E (ribavirin), siRNA or antisense oligonucleotide strategies, suicide gene therapy, and the use of a tissue-targeting 4EBP fusion peptide. The first clinical trial targeting eIF4E indicates that ribavirin effectively targets eIF4E in poor prognosis leukemia patients and more importantly leads to striking clinical responses including complete and partial remissions. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these findings to HNSCC.

Current status and challenges associated with targeting mTOR for cancer therapy

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a critical role in the regulation of cellular growth, survival, and proliferation. Inappropriate activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling can promote a cellular environment that is favorable for transformation. In fact, dysregulation of this pathway, as a result of genetic mutations and amplifications, is implicated in a variety of human cancers. Therefore, mTOR has emerged as a key target for the treatment of cancer, particularly in the treatment of tumors that exhibit increased mTOR signaling as a result of genetic lesions. The immunosuppressant sirolimus (rapamycin) directly inhibits mTOR activity and suppresses the growth of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. As a result, a number of sirolimus derivatives have been developed as anti-cancer therapies, and these compounds are currently under investigation in phase I-III clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the use of sirolimus derivatives in clinical trials and address some of the challenges associated with targeting mTOR for the treatment of human cancer.

TRANSLATIONAL CONTROL IN T LYMPHOCYTES

Translational control is an important but relatively unappreciated mechanism that regulates levels of protein products. In addition to a global translational control that regulates the cell's response to external stimuli such as growth factors, cytokines, stress, and viral infections, selective translational control has recently been demonstrated to affect many genes related to growth and apoptotic processes. Translational infidelity has recently been suggested as a new mechanism of T cell dysregulation in SLE. This review discusses current data on translational control of T cell biology and the central aspect of translational control in the signalling pathway leading to T cell proliferation, apoptotic response, and cytokine production. The utility for global analysis by genomics to study translational control of T cell gene expression is also discussed.

Involvement of 4E-BP1 in the protection induced by HDLs on pancreatic beta-cells

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) protect pancreatic beta-cells against apoptosis. This property might relate to the increased risk to develop diabetes in patients with low HDL blood levels. However, the mechanisms by which HDLs protect beta-cells are poorly characterized. Here we used a transcriptomic approach to identify genes differentially modulated by HDLs in beta-cells subjected to apoptotic stimuli. The transcript encoding 4E-binding protein (4E-BP)1 was up-regulated by serum starvation, and HDLs blocked this increase. 4E-BP1 inhibits cap-dependent translation in its non- or hypophosphorylated state but it loses this ability when hyperphosphorylated. At the protein level, 4E-BP1 was also up-regulated in response to starvation and IL-1beta, and this was blunted by HDLs. Whereas an ectopic increase of 4E-BP1 expression induced beta-cell death, silencing 4E-BP1 increase with short hairpin RNAs inhibited the apoptotic-inducing capacities of starvation. HDLs can therefore protect beta-cells by blocking 4E-BP1 protein expression, but this is not the sole protective mechanism activated by HDLs. Indeed, HDLs blocked apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress with no associated decrease in total 4E-BP1 induction. Although, HDLs favored the phosphorylation, and hence the inactivation of 4E-BP1 in these conditions, this appeared not to be required for HDL protection. Our results indicate that HDLs can protect beta-cells through modulation of 4E-BP1 depending on the type of stress stimuli.

Parameters of protection against ultraviolet radiation-induced skin cell damage

Epidemiological and experimental evidence has supported the notion that solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of skin cell damage and skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer, one of the malignancies with the most rapidly increasing incidence, is suggested to be directly related to the total exposure to solar UV light. Over the past few years, the mechanisms of cellular responses to UV radiation have received unprecedented attention. Understanding how skin cells respond to UV radiation will undoubtedly help decipher what goes wrong in a variety of clinical skin disorders including skin cancer and will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In the past decade, studies have established that UV radiation induces multifarious signal transduction pathways, some of which lead to apoptotic cell death, while others protect against this process. In this review, we summarize some of the most recent progresses regarding the involvement of multiple signal pathways in UV radiation-induced apoptosis in skin cells, especially in keratinocytes. These pathways include pro-apoptosis components such as MAPK, AMPK, and p53 as well as pro-survival components, namely, AKT and mTORC complexes.

Preventing the unfolded protein response via aberrant activation of 4E-binding protein 1 by versipelostatin

We recently isolated a macrocyclic compound, versipelostatin (VST), that exerts in vivo antitumor activity. VST shows unique, selective cytotoxicity to glucose-deprived tumor cells by preventing the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here we show that eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), a negative regulator of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-mediated protein translation, plays a role in the UPR-inhibitory action of VST. Indeed, 4E-BP1 is aberrantly activated by VST. This activation occurs specifically during glucose deprivation and results in profound translation repression and prevents induction of the typical UPR markers glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78 and activating transcription factor (ATF) 4. Our overexpression and knockdown experiments showed that 4E-BP1 can regulate GRP78 and ATF4 expression. These mechanisms appear to be specific for VST. By contrast, rapamycin, which activates 4E-BP1 regardless of cellular glucose availability, has only marginal effects on the expression of GRP78 and ATF4. Our present findings demonstrate that aberrant 4E-BP1 activation can contribute to UPR preventing by VST, possibly through a mechanism that does not operate in rapamycin-treated cells.

Therapeutic suppression of translation initiation modulates chemosensitivity in a mouse lymphoma model

Disablement of cell death programs in cancer cells contributes to drug resistance and in some cases has been associated with altered translational control. As eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) cooperates with c-Myc during lymphomagenesis, induces drug resistance, and is a genetic modifier of the rapamycin response, we have investigated the effect of dysregulation of the ribosome recruitment phase of translation initiation on tumor progression and chemosensitivity. eIF4E is a subunit of eIF4F, a complex that stimulates ribosome recruitment during translation initiation by delivering the DEAD-box RNA helicase eIF4A to the 5' end of mRNAs. eIF4A is thought to prepare a ribosome landing pad on mRNA templates for incoming 40S ribosomes (and associated factors). Using small molecule screening, we found that cyclopenta[b]benzofuran flavaglines, a class of natural products, modulate eIF4A activity and inhibit translation initiation. One member of this class of compounds, silvestrol, was able to enhance chemosensitivity in a mouse lymphoma model in which carcinogenesis is driven by phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inactivation or elevated eIF4E levels. These results establish that targeting translation initiation can restore drug sensitivity in vivo and provide an approach to modulating chemosensitivity.

Tumorigenic activity and therapeutic inhibition of Rheb GTPase

The AKT-mTOR pathway harbors several known and putative oncogenes and tumor suppressors. In a phenotypic screen for lymphomagenesis, we tested candidate genes acting upstream of and downstream from mTOR in vivo. We find that Rheb, a proximal activator of mTORC1, can produce rapid development of aggressive and drug-resistant lymphomas. Rheb causes mTORC1-dependent effects on apoptosis, senescence, and treatment responses that resemble those of Akt. Moreover, Rheb activity toward mTORC1 requires farnesylation and is readily blocked by a pharmacological inhibitor of farnesyltransferase (FTI). In Pten-deficient tumor cells, inhibition of Rheb by FTI is responsible for the drug's anti-tumor effects, such that a farnesylation-independent mutant of Rheb renders these tumors resistant to FTI therapy. Notably, RHEB is highly expressed in some human lymphomas, resulting in mTORC1 activation and increased sensitivity to rapamycin and FTI. Downstream from mTOR, we examined translation initiation factors that have been implicated in transformation in vitro. Of these, only eIF4E was able to enhance lymphomagenesis in vivo. In summary, the Rheb GTPase is an oncogenic activity upstream of mTORC1 and eIF4E and a direct therapeutic target of farnesyltransferase inhibitors in cancer.

The eIF4E RNA regulon promotes the Akt signaling pathway

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) promotes cellular proliferation and can rescue cells from apoptotic stimuli such as serum starvation. However, the mechanisms underlying apoptotic rescue are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that eIF4E overexpression leads to enhanced survival signaling through Akt and that eIF4E requires Akt1 to rescue serum-deprived fibroblasts. Furthermore, a mutant form of eIF4E (W73A), which is messenger RNA (mRNA) export competent but does not promote translation, rescues cells as readily as wild-type eIF4E. We show that eIF4E mediates Akt activation via up-regulation of Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBS1), a phosphoinositide-3 kinase–Akt pathway upstream activator. Additionally, eIF4E coordinately up-regulates the expression of downstream effectors of the Akt pathway, thereby amplifying Akt signaling effects. A negative regulator of eIF4E, the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML), suppresses Akt activation and apoptotic rescue. These PML activities likely arise, at least in part, through its inhibition of eIF4E-mediated NBS1 mRNA export. In summary, eIF4E coordinately regulates gene expression to potentiate Akt activation, an activity required for apoptotic rescue.

Dissecting eIF4E action in tumorigenesis

Genetically engineered mouse models are powerful tools for studying cancer genes and validating targets for cancer therapy. We previously used a mouse lymphoma model to demonstrate that the translation initiation factor eIF4E is a potent oncogene in vivo. Using the same model, we now show that the oncogenic activity of eIF4E correlates with its ability to activate translation and become phosphorylated on Ser 209. Furthermore, constitutively activated MNK1, an eIF4E Ser 209 kinase, promotes tumorigenesis in a manner similar to eIF4E, and a dominant-negative MNK mutant inhibits the in vivo proliferation of tumor cells driven by mutations that deregulate translation. Phosphorylated eIF4E promotes tumorigenesis primarily by suppressing apoptosis and, accordingly, the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 is one target of both phospho-eIF4E and MNK1 that contributes to tumor formation. Our results provide insight into how eIF4E contributes to tumorigenesis and pinpoint a level of translational control that may be suitable for therapeutic intervention.

The biology behind mTOR inhibition in sarcoma

Dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been found in many human tumors and implicated in the promotion of cancer cell growth and survival. Hence, the mTOR pathway is considered an important target for anticancer drug development. Currently, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and its derivatives CCI-779, RAD001, and AP23573 are being evaluated in cancer clinical trials. To date, clinical results have shown good tolerability of treatment with mTOR inhibitors in most reports and varying effectiveness of mTOR inhibitors in a variety of tumors in a subset of patients. For the targeted treatment of sarcomas, AP23573 has shown promising clinical efficacy and low toxicity profiles in patients. Further studies should define the optimal dose/schedule, patient selection, and combination strategies with other biological agents, especially those targeting signaling pathways crucial for cell survival. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.

Proapoptotic role of novel gene-expression factors

The mechanisms that control cellular proliferation, as well as those related with programmed cell death or apoptosis, require precise regulation systems to prevent diseases such as cancer. Events related to cellular proliferation as well as those associated with apoptosis involve the regulation of gene expression carried out by three basic genetic expression regulation mechanisms: transcription, splicing of the primary transcript for mature mRNA formation, and RNA translation, a ribosomal machinery-dependent process for protein synthesis. While development of each one of these processes requires energy for recognition and assembly of a number of molecular complexes, it has been reported that an increased expression of several members of these protein complexes promotes apoptosis in distinct cell types. The question of how these factors interact with other proteins in order to incorporate themselves into the different transduction cascades and stimulate the development of programmed cell death, although nowadays actively studied, is still waiting for a clear-cut answer. This review focuses on the interactions established between different families of transcription, elongation, translation and splicing factors associated to the progression of apoptosis.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate, a cancer chemopreventive constituent of cruciferous vegetables, inhibits cap-dependent translation by regulating the level and phosphorylation of 4E-BP1

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a constituent of many edible cruciferous vegetables, exerts significant protection against chemically induced cancer in animal models and inhibits growth of cancer cells in culture and in vivo by causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. In this study, we report a novel response to PEITC involving the regulation of translation initiation at pharmacologically achievable concentrations. Treatment of human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells and human prostate cancer PC-3 cells, but not a normal prostate epithelial cell line (PrEC), with PEITC caused an increase in expression of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein (4E-BP1) and inhibition of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. Results from pull-down assay using 7-methyl-GTP Sepharose 4B beads indicated that PEITC treatment reduced cap-bound eIF4E, confirming that increased 4E-BP1 expression and inhibition of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation indeed reduced the availability of eIF4E for translation initiation. Accordingly, results from in vivo translation using luciferase reporter assay indicated that PEITC treatment inhibited cap-dependent translation, in particular the translation of mRNA with secondary structure (stem-loop structure). Ectopic expression of eIF4E prevented PEITC-induced translation inhibition and conferred significant protection against PEITC-induced apoptosis. These results indicate that PEITC modulates availability of eIF4E for translation initiation leading to inhibition of cap-dependent translation. The present study also suggests that inhibition of cap-dependent translation may be an important mechanism in PEITC-induced apoptosis.

Small-molecule inhibition of the interaction between the translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF4G

Assembly of the eIF4E/eIF4G complex has a central role in the regulation of gene expression at the level of translation initiation. This complex is regulated by the 4E-BPs, which compete with eIF4G for binding to eIF4E and which have tumor-suppressor activity. To pharmacologically mimic 4E-BP function we developed a high-throughput screening assay for identifying small-molecule inhibitors of the eIF4E/eIF4G interaction. The most potent compound identified, 4EGI-1, binds eIF4E, disrupts eIF4E/eIF4G association, and inhibits cap-dependent translation but not initiation factor-independent translation. While 4EGI-1 displaces eIF4G from eIF4E, it effectively enhances 4E-BP1 association both in vitro and in cells. 4EGI-1 inhibits cellular expression of oncogenic proteins encoded by weak mRNAs, exhibits activity against multiple cancer cell lines, and appears to have a preferential effect on transformed versus nontransformed cells. The identification of this compound provides a new tool for studying translational control and establishes a possible new strategy for cancer therapy.

Parkin modulates gene expression in control and ceramide-treated PC12 cells

Mutations in the parkin gene cause autosomal-recessive early-onset parkinsonism as a result of the degeneration of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. In cell culture models, parkin expression has been shown to protect against cell death mediated by the sphingolipid ceramide. To determine whether the antiapoptotic effect of parkin involves changes in gene expression, we used Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays to analyse gene expression in stably transfected PC12 cells which conditionally overexpress parkin, that were treated or not with C2-ceramide. Overexpression of parkin and ceramide treatment both modulated gene expression. A number of the genes upregulated in the presence of ceramide, and modulated by parkin, were associated with apoptosis or cellular stress reactions. We validated the upregulation of four such genes (CHK, EIF4EBP1, GADD45A and PTPN-5) by real-time PCR after 3, 6, 9 and 12 h of ceramide treatment in cells that overexpressed parkin or not. All were upregulated 2 to 11-fold, 3 and 6 h after application of ceramide. Parkin overexpression reduced the upregulation of EIF4EBP1, GADD45A and PTPN-5, but only at 6 h. These results suggest that, in this assay, the cytoprotective effect of parkin might result not only from its E3-ligase activity, but also from direct or indirect modulation of gene expression in a time-dependent manner.

Rapid turnover of mcl-1 couples translation to cell survival and apoptosis

Inhibition of translation plays a role in apoptosis induced by a variety of stimuli, but the mechanism by which it promotes apoptosis has not been established. We have investigated the hypothesis that selective degradation of anti-apoptotic regulatory protein(s) is responsible for apoptosis resulting from translation inhibition. Induction of apoptosis by cycloheximide was detected within 2-4 h and blocked by proteasome inhibitors, indicating that degradation of short-lived protein(s) was required. Caspase inhibition and overexpression of Bcl-x(L) blocked cycloheximide-induced apoptosis. In addition, cycloheximide induced rapid activation of Bak and Bax, which required proteasome activity. Mcl-1 was degraded by the proteasome with a half-life of approximately 30 min following inhibition of protein synthesis, preceding Bak/Bax activation and the onset of apoptosis. Overexpression of Mcl-1 blocked apoptosis induced by cycloheximide, whereas RNA interference knockdown of Mcl-1 induced apoptosis. Knockdown of Bim and Bak, downstream targets of Mcl-1, inhibited cycloheximide-induced apoptosis, as did knockdown of Bax. Apoptosis resulting from inhibition of translation thus involves the rapid degradation of Mcl-1, leading to activation of Bim, Bak, and Bax. Because of its rapid turnover, Mcl-1 may serve as a convergence point for signals that affect global translation, coupling translation to cell survival and the apoptotic machinery.

c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase 2alpha2 promotes the tumorigenicity of human glioblastoma cells

c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNK) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and have been implicated in the formation of several human tumors, especially gliomas. We have previously shown that a 55 kDa JNK isoform is constitutively active in 86% of human brain tumors and then showed that it is specifically a JNK2 isoform and likely to be either JNK2alpha2 or JNK2beta2. Notably, we found that only JNK2 isoforms possess intrinsic autophosphorylation activity and that JNK2alpha2 has the strongest activity. In the present study, we have further explored the contribution of JNK2 isoforms to brain tumor formation. Analysis of mRNA expression by reverse transcription-PCR revealed that JNK2alpha2 is expressed in 91% (10 of 11) of glioblastoma tumors, whereas JNK2beta2 is found in only 27% (3 of 11) of tumors. Both JNK2alpha2 and JNK2beta2 mRNAs are expressed in normal brain (3 of 3). Using an antibody specific for JNK2alpha isoforms, we verified that JNK2alpha2 protein is expressed in 88.2% (15 of 17) of glioblastomas, but, interestingly, no JNK2alpha2 protein was found in six normal brain samples. To evaluate biological function, we transfected U87MG cells with green fluorescent protein-tagged versions of JNK1alpha1, JNK2alpha2, and JNK2alpha2APF (a dominant-negative mutant), and derived cell lines with stable expression. Each cell line was evaluated for various tumorigenic variables including cellular growth, soft agar colony formation, and tumor formation in athymic nude mice. In each assay, JNK2alpha2 was found to be the most effective in promoting that phenotype. To identify effectors specifically affected by JNK2alpha2, we analyzed gene expression. Gene profiling showed several genes whose expression was specifically up-regulated by JNK2alpha2 but down-regulated by JNK2alpha2APF, among which eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) shows the greatest change. Because AKT acts on eIF4E, we also examined AKT activation. Unexpectedly, we found that JNK2alpha2 could specifically activate AKT. Our data provides evidence that JNK2alpha2 is the major active JNK isoform and is involved in the promotion of proliferation and growth of human glioblastoma tumors through specific activation of AKT and overexpression of eIF4E.

mTOR, translation initiation and cancer

Control of mRNA translation plays a fundamental role in many aspects of cell metabolism. It constitutes a critical step in the control of gene expression, and consequently cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. Translation is regulated in response to nutrient availability, hormones, mitogenic and growth factor stimulation and is coupled with cell cycle progression and cell growth. Signaling by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway profoundly affects mRNA translation through phosphorylation of downstream targets such as 4E-BP and S6K. Inhibitors of this pathway and thus cap-dependent translation are emerging as promising therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer.

When translation meets transformation: the mTOR story

There is currently a high level of interest in signalling through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). This reflects both its key role in many cell functions and its involvement in disease states such as cancers. The best understood targets for mTOR signalling are proteins involved in controlling the translational machinery, including the ribosomal protein S6 kinases and proteins that regulate the initiation and elongation phases of translation. Indeed, there is compelling evidence that at least one of these targets of mTOR (eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E) plays a key role in tumorigenesis. It is regulated through the mTOR-dependent phosphorylation of inhibitory proteins such as eIF4E-binding protein 1. Thus, targeting mTOR signalling may be an effective anticancer strategy, in at least a significant subset of tumours. Not all effects of mTOR are sensitive to the classical anti-mTOR drug rapamycin, and this compound also interferes with other processes besides eIF4E function. Developing new approaches to targeting mTOR for cancer therapy requires more detailed knowledge of signalling downstream of mTOR. Such advances are likely to come from further work to understand the regulation of mTOR targets such as components of the translational apparatus.

mTOR-independent translational control of the extrinsic cell death pathway by RalA

Oncogenic potential is associated with translational regulation, and the prevailing view is that oncogenes use mTOR-dependent pathways to up-regulate the synthesis of proteins critical for transformation. In this study, we show that RalA, a key mediator of Ras transformation, is also linked to the translational machinery. At least part of this linkage, however, is independent of mTOR and acts through RalBP1 to suppress cdc42-mediated activation of S6 kinase and the translation of the antiapoptotic protein FLIP(S). This action, rather than contributing to transformation, opens a latent tumor-suppressive mechanism that can be activated by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. These results show that the translational machinery is linked to tumor suppression as well as cell-proliferative pathways and that the reestablishment of cell death pathways by activation of the Ral oncogenic program provides a means for selective therapeutic targeting of Ral-driven malignancies.

Survival signaling by Notch1: mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent inhibition of p53

Notch signaling is believed to promote cell survival in general. However, the mechanism is not clearly understood. Here, we show that cells expressing intracellular domain of human Notch1 (NIC-1) are chemoresistant in a wild-type p53-dependent manner. NIC-1 inhibited p53 by inhibiting its activating phosphorylations at Ser(15), Ser(20), and Ser(392) as well as nuclear localization. In addition, we found that inhibition of p53 by NIC-1 mainly occurs through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) using phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) pathway as the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin treatment abrogated NIC-1 inhibition of p53 and reversed the chemoresistance. Consistent with this, rapamycin failed to reverse NIC-1-induced chemoresistance in cells expressing rapamycin-resistant mTOR. Further, ectopic expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), a translational regulator that acts downstream of mTOR, inhibited p53-induced apoptosis and conferred protection against p53-mediated cytotoxicity to similar extent as that of NIC-1 overexpression but was not reversed by rapamycin, which indicates that eIF4E is the major target of mTOR in Notch1-mediated survival signaling. Finally, we show that MCF7 (breast cancer) and MOLT4 (T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) cells having aberrant Notch1 signaling are chemoresistant, which can be reversed by both PI3K and mTOR inhibitors. These results establish that Notch1 signaling confers chemoresistance by inhibiting p53 pathway through mTOR-dependent PI3K-Akt/PKB pathway and imply that p53 status perhaps is an important determinant in combination therapeutic strategies, which use mTOR inhibitors and chemotherapy.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in scarless wound healing utilizing polymerase chain reaction- suppression subtractive hybridization

Wound healing in fetal skin is well known to proceed without scarring, whereas adult (postnatal) skin wound healing is accompanied by scar formation. To identify differentially expressed genes during fetal wound (FW) healing, we have used polymerase chain reaction-suppression subtractive hybridization. This technique allows for a comparative analysis across the entire transcriptome of FW vs. unwounded fetal control tissue, including even potentially novel sequences. Our subtractive hybridization protocol identified 15 clones that are overexpressed in healing FWs, and 20 clones that are underexpressed. These include genes with both known and unknown functions. We have confirmed the differential pattern of expression for four of these candidate genes: elongation factor 1 alpha, elongation initiation factor 4e, and two transcripts thus far known only as an expressed sequence tags. With this approach, we have also identified novel genes potentially involved in scarless wound healing.

Repression of cap-dependent translation attenuates the transformed phenotype in non-small cell lung cancer both in vitro and in vivo

Aberrant hyperactivation of the cap-dependent protein synthesis apparatus has been documented in a wide range of solid tumors, including epithelial carcinomas, but causal linkage has only been established in breast carcinoma. In this report, we sought to determine if targeted disruption of deregulated cap-dependent translation abrogates tumorigenicity and enhances cell death in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC cell lines were stably transfected with either wild-type 4E-BP1 (HA-4E-BP1) or the dominant-active mutant 4E-BP1(A37/A46) (HA-TTAA). Transfected NSCLC cells with enhanced translational repression showed pronounced cell death following treatment with gemcitabine. In addition, transfected HA-TTAA and HA-4E-BP1wt proteins suppressed growth in a cloning efficiency assay. NSCLC cells transduced with HA-TTAA also show decreased tumorigenicity in xenograft models. Xenograft tumors expressing HA-TTAA were significantly smaller than control tumors. This work shows that hyperactivation of the translational machinery is necessary for maintenance of the malignant phenotype in NSCLC, identifies the molecular strategy used to activate translation, and supports the development of lung cancer therapies that directly target the cap-dependent translation initiation complex.

Farnesylthiosalicylic acid blocks mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in breast cancer cells

Estradiol (E2) stimulates proliferation of hormone-dependent breast cancer and exerts downstream effects on growth factors and their receptors. Key among the pathways' mediating growth factor action is the MAP kinase signaling cascade and the PI-3 kinase pathway with its downstream effector mTOR. We postulated that farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS), a novel anti-Ras drug, could effectively inhibit hormone-dependent breast cancer because Ras activates both the MAP kinase and the PI3 kinase pathways. Wild-type MCF-7 cells and a long-term estrogen-deprived subline (LTED) were used to examine the effect of FTS on cell growth and on several biochemical parameters. FTS inhibited growth of both cell lines by reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. These effects correlated best with blockade of phosphorylation of PHAS-I and p70 S6 kinase, 2 downstream effectors of mTOR. We observed only minimal inhibition of Akt, an effector upstream of mTOR. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a novel effect of FTS to inhibit mTOR signaling and also suggest that mTOR has a key role in breast cancer cell proliferation. Unexpectedly, only minimal inhibition of MAP kinase occurred in response to FTS at concentrations that markedly reduced cell growth. These later data provide support for the concept that FTS exerts its effects predominantly by blocking mTOR and to a lesser effect by inhibition of MAP kinase in breast cancer cells.

Exploiting the PI3K/AKT pathway for cancer drug discovery

Evolving studies with several different targeted therapeutic agents are demonstrating that patients with genomic alterations of the target, including amplification, translocation and mutation, are more likely to respond to the therapy. Recent studies indicate that numerous components of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway are targeted by amplification, mutation and translocation more frequently than any other pathway in cancer patients, with resultant activation of the pathway. This warrants exploiting the PI3K/AKT pathway for cancer drug discovery.

Sodium arsenite-induced inhibition of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) results in cytotoxicity and cell death

Exposure to arsenic (As) is a risk factor for the development of diabetes, vascular diseases and cancer. Several theories have been proposed to account for the mechanisms potentially responsible for As toxicity and carcinogenesis. Currently, we have investigated whether the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), the mRNA cap binding and rate limiting factor required for translation, is a target for As-induced cytotoxicity and cell death. We have also investigated the potential cellular mechanisms underlying the As-induced de-regulation of expression of eIF4E that are most likely responsible for the cytotoxicity and cell death induced by As. Exposure of four different human cell lines - HCT15 (colorectal adenocarcinoma), PLC/PR/5 (hepatocellular carcinoma), HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma) and Chang (likely derived from HeLa cells) to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) for time intervals up to 24 h resulted in a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and cell death. All the NaAsO2-treated cells exhibited significant inhibition of eIF4E gene (protein). The potential involvement of eIF4E gene expression in the NaAsO2-induced cytotoxicity and cell death was investigated by silencing the cellular expression of the eIF4E gene by employing a small interfering RNA (SiRNA) specifically targeting the eIF4E gene's expression. The SiRNA-mediated silencing of eIF4E gene expression also resulted in significant cytotoxicity and cell death suggesting that the toxicity noticed among the NaAsO2-treated cells was probably due to the chemically induced inhibition of eIF4E gene expression. The potential involvement of inhibition of eIF4E gene expression in the NaAsO2-induced cytotoxicity and cell death was further investigated by employing transgenic cell lines overexpressing the eIF4E gene. Overexpression of the eIF4E gene in the Chinese hamster ovary cell line was protective against the NaAsO2-induced cytotoxicity and cell death. Additional studies conducted to understand the potential mechanisms responsible for NaAsO2-induced inhibition of eIF4E gene expression demonstrated that exposure to NaAsO2 resulted in transcriptional down-regulation of the eIF4E gene only in HCT-15 and HeLa cells, while in the NaAsO2-treated and PLC/PR/5 and Chang cells, the eIF4E mRNA expression level was comparable to those of the corresponding control cells. Cellular levels of ubiquitin and the process of ubiquitination were significantly higher in the NaAsO2-treated cells compared with the control cells. Immunoprecipitation of lysates obtained from the NaAsO2-treated cells and the subsequent western blot analysis of the immunoprecipitated protein(s) using the eIF4E antibody detected the presence of eIF4E protein in the immunoprecipitate suggesting possible ubiquitination of eIF4E protein in the NaAsO2-treated cells. Pre-exposure of the NaAsO2-treated cells to proteasome inhibitors blocked the inhibition of eIF4E gene expression as well as the resulting cytotoxicity and cell death. Furthermore, exposure of cells to NaAsO2 resulted in a significant inhibition of expression of the cell cycle and growth regulating gene, cyclin D1. Whether or not the inhibition of cyclin D1 in the NaAsO2-treated cells is mediated through the inhibition of eIF4E was tested by silencing the expression of eIF4E gene in the cells. Transfection of cells with SiRNA specifically targeting eIF4E gene expression resulted in a significant inhibition of cyclin D1 gene suggesting that the observed inhibition of cyclin D1 gene in the NaAsO2-treated cells is most likely mediated through inhibition of eIF4E gene. Taken together, our results indicate that the exposure of cells to NaAsO2 resulted in cytotoxicity and cell death, at least in part, due to the inhibition of eIF4E gene expression leading to diminished cellular levels of critical genes such as cyclin D1.

Initiation factor modifications in the preapoptotic phase

Recent studies have identified several mechanistic links between the regulation of translation and the process of apoptosis. Rates of protein synthesis are controlled by a wide range of agents that induce cell death, and in many instances, the changes that occur to the translational machinery precede overt apoptosis and loss of cell viability. The two principal ways in which factors required for translational activity are modified prior to and during apoptosis involve (i) changes in protein phosphorylation and (ii) specific proteolytic cleavages. In this review, we summarise the principal targets for such regulation, with particular emphasis on polypeptide chain initiation factors eIF2 and eIF4G and the eIF4E-binding proteins. We indicate how the functions of these factors and of other proteins with which they interact may be altered as a result of activation of apoptosis and we discuss the potential significance of such changes for translational control and cell growth regulation.

mTOR-dependent Suppression of Protein Phosphatase 2A Is Critical for Phospholipase D Survival Signals in Human Breast Cancer Cells

A critical aspect of tumor progression is the generation of survival signals that overcome default apoptotic programs. Recent studies have revealed that elevated phospholipase D activity generates survival signals in breast and perhaps other human cancers. We report here that the elevated phospholipase D activity in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 suppresses the activity of the putative tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A in a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent manner. Increasing the phospholipase D activity in MCF7 cells also suppressed protein phosphatase 2A activity. Elevated phospholipase D activity suppressed association of protein phosphatase 2A with both ribosomal subunit S6-kinase and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1. Suppression of protein phosphatase 2A by SV40 small t-antigen has been reported to be critical for the transformation of human cells with SV40 early region genes. Consistent with a critical role for protein phosphatase 2A in phospholipase D survival signals, either SV40 small t-antigen or pharmacological suppression of protein phosphatase 2A restored survival signals lost by the suppression of either phospholipase D or mTOR. Blocking phospholipase D signals also led to reduced phosphorylation of the pro-apoptotic protein BAD at the protein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylation site at Ser-112. The ability of phospholipase D to suppress protein phosphatase 2A identifies a critical target of an emerging phospholipase D/mTOR survival pathway in the transformation of human cells.

Lovastatin inhibits the growth and survival pathway of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B in immortalized rat brain neuroblasts

We previously showed that lovastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, suppresses cell growth by inducing apoptosis in rat brain neuroblasts. Our aim was to study intracellular signalling induced by lovastatin in neuroblasts. Lovastatin significantly decreases the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Expression of p85 subunit and its association with phosphotyrosine-containing proteins are unaffected by lovastatin. Lovastatin decreases protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt phosphorylation, and its downstream effectors, p70S6K and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) regulatory protein 1, 4E-BP1, in a concentration-dependent manner, and reduces p70S6K expression. Lovastatin effects are fully prevented with mevalonate. Only the highest dose of PI3-K inhibitors that significantly reduce PI3-K kinase activity induces apoptosis in neuroblasts but to a lower degree than lovastatin. In summary, this work shows that treatment of brain neuroblasts with lovastatin leads to an inhibition of the main pathway that controls cell growth and survival, PI3-K/PKB and the subsequent blockade of downstream proteins implicated in the regulation of protein synthesis. This work suggests that inactivation of the antiapoptotic PI3-K appears insufficient to induce the degree of neuroblasts apoptosis provoked by lovastatin, which must necessarily involve other intracellular pathways. These findings might contribute to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of some statins effects in the central nervous system.

Synthesis and evaluation of potential inhibitors of eIF4E cap binding to 7-methyl GTP

Cap-dependent translation is initiated by the binding of eIF4E to capped mRNA (m(7)GpppN). We have prepared a small library of 7-methyl guanosine nucleoside and nucleotide analogs and evaluated their ability to inhibit eIF4E binding to 7-methyl GTP with a competitive eIF4E binding immunoassay. 5'-H-Phosphonate derivatives in which the 2'- and 3'-riboside hydroxyls were tethered together by an isopropylidene group were shown to be a new class of inhibitors of eIF4E binding to capped mRNA.

Mutational analysis of the DEAD-box RNA helicase eIF4AII characterizes its interaction with transformation suppressor Pdcd4 and eIF4GI

Eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4A unwinds secondary and tertiary structures in the 5'-untranslated region of mRNA, permitting translation initiation. Programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4) is a novel transformation suppressor and eIF4A-binding partner that inhibits eIF4A helicase activity and translation. To elucidate the regions of eIF4A that are functionally significant in binding to Pdcd4, we generated point mutations of eIF4A. Two-hybrid analysis revealed that five eIF4A mutants completely lost binding to Pdcd4 while four eIF4A mutants retained wild-type levels of binding. The residues that, when mutated, inactivated Pdcd4 binding specified ATP binding, ATP hydrolysis, or RNA binding. With the exception of the Q-motif mutant eIF4AP56L, the eIF4A mutants inactivated for Pdcd4 binding were inactivated for binding to eIF4G (GM, GC, or both) and for enhancing translation. Several eIF4A mutants showing wild-type level binding to Pdcd4 were also inactivated for binding to eIF4G and for enhancing translation. Thus, significant dissociation of eIF4A's Pdcd4- and eIF4G-binding regions appears to occur. Because three of the four eIF4A mutants that retained Pdcd4 binding also suppressed translation activity in a dominant-negative manner, the structure that defines the Pdcd4-binding domain of eIF4A may be necessary but is insufficient for translation. A structural homology model of eIF4A shows regions important for binding to Pdcd4 and/or eIF4G lying on the perimeters of the hinge area of eIF4A. A competition experiment revealed that Pdcd4 competes with C-terminal eIF4G for binding to eIF4A. In summary, the Pdcd4-binding domains on eIF4A impact both binding to eIF4G and translation initiation in cells.

The cowpox virus host range gene, CP77, affects phosphorylation of eIF2 alpha and vaccinia viral translation in apoptotic HeLa cells

Host restriction of vaccinia virus has been previously described in CHO and RK13 cells in which a cowpox virus CP77 gene rescues vaccinia virus growth at the viral protein translation level. Here we investigate the restrictive stage of vaccinia virus in HeLa cells using a vaccinia mutant virus (VV-hr) that contains a deletion of 18-kb genome sequences resulting in no growth in HeLa cells. Insertion of CP77 gene into VV-hr generated a recombinant virus (VV-36hr) that multiplied well in HeLa cells. Both viruses could enter cells, initiate viral DNA replication and intermediate gene transcription. However, translation of viral intermediate gene was only detected in cells infected with VV-36hr, indicating that CP77 relieves host restriction at the intermediate gene translation stage in HeLa cells. Caspase-2 and -3 activation was observed in HeLa cells infected with VV-hr coupled with dramatic morphological alterations and cleavage of the translation initiation factor eIF4G. Caspase activation was reduced in HeLa cells infected with VV-36hr, indicating that CP77 acts upstream of caspase activation. Enhanced phosphorylation of PKR and eIF2alpha was also observed in cells infected with VV-hr and was suppressed by CP77. Suppression of eIF4G cleavage with the caspase inhibitor ZVAD did not rescue virus translation, whereas expression of a mutant eIF2alpha protein with an alanine substitution of serine at amino acid position 51 (eIF2alphaS51A) partially restored viral translation and moderately increased virus growth in HeLa cells.