Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induces protein kinase ceta-specific proliferative response in astrocytic tumor cells

Identification of novel LncRNA targeting Smad2/PKCα signal pathway to negatively regulate malignant progression of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly proliferative cancer with generally poor prognosis and accumulating evidence has highlighted the potential of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biological behaviors of glioma cells. This study focused on the identification of lncRNAs to identify targets for possible GBM prognosis. Microarray expression profiling found that 1,759 lncRNAs and 3,026 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were upregulated, and 1932s lncRNA and 2,979 mRNAs were downregulated in GBM. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification identified TCONS_00020456 (TCON) for further analysis. In situ hybridization, along with immunohistochemical and receiver operating characteristic analysis determined TCON (truncation value = 3.5) as highly sensitive and specific in GBM. Grade IV patients with glioma life span with different lncRNA staining scores were analyzed. TCON staining scores below 3.5 indicated poor prognosis (life span ranging from 0.25 to 7 months), even if the glioma was surgically removed. TCON decreased significantly in GBM, and showed a coexpressional relationship with Smad2 and protein kinase C α (PKCα). Overexpression of TCON reduced the proliferation on one hand and migration, invasion on the other. TCON also inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transformation and glioma progression in vivo, based on a nude mouse tumorigenicity assay. In addition, we predicted a potential binding site and intersection that microRNAs targeting Smad2, PKCα, and TCON through RACE pretest and bioinformatics analysis. Taken together, TCON, regarded as oncosuppressor, targeting the Smad2/PKCα axis plays a novel role in inhibiting the malignant progression of glioma. Moreover, it also demonstrates that the level of TCON can be used as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for GBM.

The interplay between intracellular progesterone receptor and PKC plays a key role in migration and invasion of human glioblastoma cells

Intracellular progesterone receptors (PRs) and protein kinases C (PKCs) are known regulators of cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Both PRs and PKCs are found overexpressed in grade IV human astrocytomas, also known as glioblastomas, which are the most frequent and aggressive brain tumors. In the present study, we investigated whether PR activation by PKC induces the migration and invasion of glioblastoma derived cell lines and if PKCα and δ isoforms are involved in PR activation. We observed that PKC activation with tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) increases the migration and invasion capacity of two human glioblastoma derived human cell lines (U251 MG and U87) and that the treatment with the PR receptor antagonist RU486 blocks these processes. Interestingly, the pharmacological inhibition of the isoenzymes PKCα and PKCδ also resulted in a blocked PR transcriptional activity. Also, TPA-dependent PR activation increases the expression of progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF), a known PR target gene. These results hint to an existing cross-talk between PKCs and PRs in regulating the infiltration process of human glioblastomas.

The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of apigenin on glioblastoma cells

OBJECTIVES

Glioblastoma (GBM) is highly proliferative, infiltrative, malignant and the most deadly form of brain tumour. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed, amplified and mutated in GBM and has been shown to play key and important roles in the proliferation, growth and survival of this tumour. The goal of our study was to investigate the antiproliferative, apoptotic and molecular effects of apigenin in GBM.

METHODS

Proliferation and viability tests were carried out using the trypan blue exclusion, MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Flow cytometry was used to examine the effects of apigenin on the cell cycle check-points. In addition, we determined the effects of apigenin on EGFR-mediated signalling pathways by Western blot analyses.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results showed that apigenin reduced cell viability and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner while increasing cytotoxicity in GBM cells. Treatment with apigenin-induced is poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and caused cell cycle arrest at the G2M checkpoint. Furthermore, our data revealed that apigenin inhibited EGFR-mediated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathways and attenuated the expression of Bcl-xL.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that apigenin has potent inhibitory effects on pathways involved in GBM proliferation and survival and could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for GBM.

miR-24-3p Suppresses Malignant Behavior of Lacrimal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma by Targeting PRKCH to Regulate p53/p21 Pathway

MicroRNA (miRNA) may function as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism of miRNAs in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is unclear. Here, we provide evidence that miR-24-3p was downreglated and functions as a tumor suppressor in human lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma by suppressing proliferation and migration/invasion while promoting apoptosis. miR-24-3p down-regulated protein kinase C eta (PRKCH) by binding to its untranslated region (3’UTR). PRKCH increased the of the cell growth and migration/invasion in ACC cells and suppressed the expression of p53 and p21 in both mRNA and protein level. The overexpression of miR-24-3p decreased its malignant phenotype. Ectopic expression of PRKCH counteracted the suppression of malignancy induced by miR-24-3p, as well as ectopic expression of miR-24-3p rescued the suppression of PRKCH in the p53/p21 pathway. These results suggest that miR-24-3p promotes the p53/p21 pathway by down-regulating PRKCH expression in lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma cells.

PKCη is an anti-apoptotic kinase that predicts poor prognosis in breast and lung cancer

The successful treatment of cancer in a disseminated stage using chemotherapy is limited by the occurrence of drug resistance, often mediated by anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Thus the challenge is to pinpoint the underlying key factors and to develop therapies for their direct targeting. Protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes are promising candidates, as some PKCs were shown to be involved in regulation of apoptosis. Our studies and others have shown that PKCη is an anti-apoptotic kinase, able to confer protection on tumour cells against stress and chemotherapy. We have demonstrated that PKCη shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus and that upon DNA damage is tethered at the nuclear membrane. The C1b domain mediates translocation of PKCη to the nuclear envelope and, similar to the full-length protein, could also confer protection against cell death. Furthermore, its localization in cell and nuclear membranes in breast cancer biopsies of neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer patients was an indicator for poor survival and a predictor for the effectiveness of treatment. PKCη is also a novel biomarker for poor prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thus PKCη presents a potential target for therapy where inhibition of its activity and/or translocation to membranes could interfere with the resistance to chemotherapy.

PKCη promotes senescence induced by oxidative stress and chemotherapy

Senescence is characterized by permanent cell-cycle arrest despite continued viability and metabolic activity, in conjunction with the secretion of a complex mixture of extracellular proteins and soluble factors known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Cellular senescence has been shown to prevent the proliferation of potentially tumorigenic cells, and is thus generally considered a tumor suppressive process. However, some SASP components may act as pro-tumorigenic mediators on premalignant cells in the microenvironment. A limited number of studies indicated that protein kinase C (PKC) has a role in senescence, with different isoforms having opposing effects. It is therefore important to elucidate the functional role of specific PKCs in senescence. Here we show that PKCη, an epithelial specific and anti-apoptotic kinase, promotes senescence induced by oxidative stress and DNA damage. We further demonstrate that PKCη promotes senescence through its ability to upregulate the expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p21^Cip1 and p27^Kip1 and enhance transcription and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, we demonstrate that PKCη creates a positive loop for reinforcing senescence by increasing the transcription of both IL-6 and IL-6 receptor, whereas the expression of IL-8 is specifically suppressed by PKCη. Thus, the presence/absence of PKCη modulates major components of SASP. Furthermore, we show that the human polymorphic variant of PKCη, 374I, that exhibits higher kinase activity in comparison to WT-374V, is also more effective in IL-6 secretion, p21^Cip1 expression and the promotion of senescence, further supporting a role for PKCη in senescence. As there is now considerable interest in senescence activation/elimination to control tumor progression, it is first crucial to reveal the molecular regulators of senescence. This will improve our ability to develop new strategies to harness senescence as a potential cancer therapy in the future.

The unique protein kinase Cη: implications for breast cancer (review)

Deregulation of key signal transduction pathways that govern important cellular processes leads to cancer. The development of effective therapeutics for cancer warrants a comprehensive understanding of the signaling pathways that are deregulated in cancer. The protein kinase C (PKC) family has served as an attractive target for cancer therapy for decades owing to its crucial roles in several cellular processes. PKCη is a novel member of the PKC family that plays critical roles in various cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, differentiation and cell death. The regulation of PKCη appears to be unique compared to other PKC isozymes, and there are conflicting reports regarding its role in cancer. This review focuses on the unique aspects of PKCη in terms of its structure, regulation and subcellular distribution and speculates on how these features could account for its distinct functions. We have also discussed the functional implications of PKCη in cancer with particular emphasis on breast cancer.

Silencing of PKCη induces cycle arrest of EBV(+) B lymphoma cells by upregulating expression of p38-MAPK/TAp73/GADD45α and increases susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agents

PKCη is involved in proliferation, differentiation, and drug resistance. However, PKCη function in EBV(+) B lymphoma remains poorly understood. Gene silencing of PKCη through siRNA knockdown inhibited cellular proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M phases, and sensitized cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Upon PKCη knockdown, expression levels of p21, GADD45α, and TAp73 were all increased, whereas expression levels of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin E, cyclin B1, and cdc2 were all downregulated. PKCη silencing also activated p38-MAPK, which in turn contributed to the expression of cell cycle arrest-related molecules. These results suggest that siRNA-mediated silencing of PKCη can be a potent tool to complement existing chemotherapy regimens for treating EBV(+) B lymphoma.

Upregulation of PKCη by PKCε and PDK1 involves two distinct mechanisms and promotes breast cancer cell survival

BACKGROUND

Protein kinase C (PKC) serves as the receptor for tumor-promoting phorbol esters, which are potent activators of conventional (c) and novel (n) PKCs. We recently showed that these activators induced selective upregulation of PKCη in breast cancer cells. The objective of this study is to understand unique regulation of PKCη and its importance in breast cancer.

METHODS

The levels of PKC isozymes were monitored in breast cancer cells following treatment with inhibitors of kinases, proteasome and proteases by Western blotting. PKCε was introduced by adenoviral delivery. PKCη and PDK1 were depleted by siRNA silencing. Cell growth was determined by the MTT or clonal assay.

RESULTS

The general PKC inhibitors Gö 6983 and bisindolylmaleimide but not cPKC inhibitor Gö 6976 led to substantial PKCη downregulation, which was partly rescued by the introduction of nPKCε. Inhibition of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) by Ly294002 or knockdown of PDK1 also led to downregulation of basal PKCη but had no effect on PKC activator-induced upregulation of PKCη. Proteasome inhibitors blocked PKCη downregulation triggered by PDK1 inhibition/depletion but not by Gö 6983. PKCη level increased in malignant but not in non-tumorigenic or pre-malignant cells in the progressive MCF-10A series associated with activated PDK1, and knockdown of PKCη inhibited breast cancer cell growth and clonogenic survival.

CONCLUSION

Upregulation of PKCη contributes to breast cancer cell growth and targeting either PKCε or PDK1 triggers PKCη downregulation but involves two distinct mechanisms.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The status of PKCη may serve as a potential biomarker for breast cancer malignancy.

Protein kinase Cη is targeted to lipid droplets

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of kinases that regulate numerous cellular functions. They are classified into three subfamilies, i.e., conventional PKCs, novel PKCs, and atypical PKCs, that have different domain structures. Generally, PKCs exist as a soluble protein in the cytosol in resting cells and they are recruited to target membranes upon stimulation. In the present study, we found that PKCη tagged with EGFP distributed in lipid droplets (LD) and induced a significant reduction in LD size. Two other novel PKCs, PKCδ and PKCε, also showed some concentration around LDs, but it was less distinct and less frequent than that of PKCη. Conventional and atypical PKCs (α, βII, γ, and ζ) did not show any preferential distribution around LDs. 1,2-Diacylglycerol, which can activate novel PKCs without an increase of Ca(2+) concentration, is the immediate precursor of triacylglycerol and exists in LDs. The present results suggest that PKCη modifies lipid metabolism by phosphorylating unidentified targets in LDs.

Novel regulation of protein kinase C-η

Protein kinase C (PKC) is the receptor for tumor promoting phorbol esters, which are potent activators of conventional and novel PKCs, but persistent treatment with phorbol esters leads to downregulation of these PKCs. However, PKCη, a novel PKC isozyme, resists downregulation by tumor-promoting phorbol esters, but little is known about how PKCη level is regulated. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation play an important role in regulating activity and stability of PKCs. In the present study, we have investigated the molecular mechanism of PKCη regulation. Several PKC activators, including phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and indolactam V caused upregulation of PKCη, whereas the general PKC inhibitor Gö 6983, but not the conventional PKC inhibitor Gö 6976 led to the downregulation of PKCη. Upregulation of PKCη was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of PKCη. Silencing of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1, which phosphorylates PKCη at the activation loop, failed to prevent PKC activator-induced upregulation of PKCη. Knockdown of PKCε but not PKCα inhibited PKC activator-induced upregulation of PKCη. Thus, our results suggest that the regulation of PKCη is unique and PKCε is required for the PKC activator-induced upregulation of PKCη.

Localization of PKCη in cell membranes as a predictor for breast cancer response to treatment

BACKGROUND

Successful treatment of breast cancer is frequently limited by the resistance of tumors to chemotherapy. Recent studies suggested a role for protein kinase C (PKC) in the resistance to chemotherapy. Here we used retrospective analysis of breast cancer biopsies of neoadjuvantly treated patients to investigate the correlation of PKC expression with aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our cohort (n = 25) included patients with advanced and aggressive breast cancers, who underwent neoadjuvant therapy with the CAF regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, fluorouracil). Core biopsies (pre-chemotherapy) and surgical biopsies of primary tumors and lymph node metastases (post-chemotherapy) were scored for PKCeta (PKCh) and PKCepsilon (PKCe) expression in the cytoplasm, cell membrane, nuclear membrane, and the nucleus.

RESULTS

Our results showed increased expression of PKCh (not PKCe) in the cytoplasm and cell membranes of post-chemotherapy biopsies (p = 0.03). PKCh presence in cell membranes, indicating activation, was in correlation with poor survival (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

PKCh staining in cell and nuclear membranes is an indicator for poor survival and a predictor for the effectiveness of neoadjuvant treatment. Other avenues of treatment should be considered for these patients. PKCh presents a target for therapy where inhibition of its activity and/or translocation to membranes could interfere with the resistance to chemotherapy.

Both mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 and phosphatidylinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways regulate activation of E-twenty-six (ETS)-like transcription factor 1 (Elk-1) in U138 glioblastoma cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) have been shown to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma. In our study, the EGFR was stimulated with EGF in human U138 glioblastoma cells. We show that the activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 pathway phosphorylated the E twenty-six (ETS)-like transcription factor 1 (Elk-1) mainly at serine 383 residue. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, UO126 and ERK inhibitor II, FR180204 blocked the Elk-1 phosphorylation and activation. The phosphatidylinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway was also involved in the Elk-1 activation. Activation of the Elk-1 led to an increased survival and a proliferative response with the EGF stimulation in the U138 glioblastoma cells. Knocking-down the Elk-1 using an RNA interference technique caused a decrease in survival of the unstimulated U138 glioblastoma cells and also decreased the proliferative response to the EGF stimulation. The Elk-1 transcription factor was important for the survival and proliferation of U138 glioblastoma cells upon the stimulation of EGFR with EGF. The MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways regulated this response via activation of the Elk-1 transcription factor. The Elk-1 may be one of the convergence points for pathways located downstream of EGFR in glioblastoma cells. Utilization of the Elk-1 as a therapeutic target may lead to a novel strategy in treatment of glioblastoma.

STAT6 expression in glioblastoma promotes invasive growth

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive malignant primary brain tumor, characterized by rapid growth, diffuse infiltration of cells into both adjacent and remote brain regions, and a generalized resistance to currently available treatment modalities. Recent reports in the literature suggest that Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) play important roles in the regulation of GBM pathophysiology.

METHODS

STAT6 protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting in GBM cell lines and by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray (TMA) of glioma patient tissues. We utilized shRNA against STAT6 to investigate the effects of prolonged STAT6 depletion on the growth and invasion of two STAT6-positive GBM cell lines. Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring (3)H-Thymidine uptake over time. Invasion was measured using an in vitro transwell assay in which cells invade through a type IV collagen matrix toward a chemoattractant (Fetal Bovine Serum). Cells were then stained and counted. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were generated to show the correlation between STAT6 gene expression and patient survival in 343 glioma patients and in a subset of patients with only GBM. Gene expression microarray and clinical data were acquired from the Rembrandt 1 public data depository (https://caintegrator.nci.nih.gov/rembrandt/). Lastly, a genome-wide expression microarray analysis was performed to compare gene expression in wild-type GBM cells to expression in stable STAT6 knockdown clones.

RESULTS

STAT6 was expressed in 2 GBM cell lines, U-1242MG and U-87MG, and in normal astrocytes (NHA) but not in the U-251MG GBM cell line. In our TMA study, STAT6 immunostaining was visible in the majority of astrocytomas of all grades (I-IV) but not in normal brain tissue. In positive cells, STAT6 was localized exclusively in the nuclei over 95% of the time. STAT6-deficient GBM cells showed a reduction in (3)H-Thymidine uptake compared to the wild-type. There was some variation among the different shRNA- silenced clones, but all had a reduction in (3)H-Thymidine uptake ranging from 35%- 70% in U-1242MG and 40- 50% in U-87MG cells. Additionally, STAT6- depleted cells were less invasive than controls in our in vitro transmembrane invasion assay. Invasiveness was decreased by 25-40% and 30-75% in U-1242MG and U-87MG cells, respectively. The microarray analysis identified matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and urokinase Plasminogen activator (uPA) as potential STA6 target genes involved in the promotion of GBM cell invasion. In a Kaplan-Meier survival curve based on Rembrandt 1 gene expression microarray and clinical data, there was a significant difference in survival (P < 0.05) between glioma patients with up- and down-regulated STAT6. Decreased STAT6 expression correlated with longer survival times. In two subsets of patients with either grade IV tumors (GBM) or Grade II/III astrocytomas, there was a similar trend that however did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggest a role for STAT6 in enhancing cell proliferation and invasion in GBM, which may explain why up-regulation of STAT6 correlates with shorter survival times in glioma patients. This report thus identifies STAT6 as a new and potentially promising therapeutic target.

DNA damage targets PKCη to the nuclear membrane via its C1b domain

Translocation to cellular membranes is one of the hallmarks of PKC activation, occurring as a result of the generation of lipid secondary messengers in target membrane compartments. The activation-induced translocation of PKCs and binding to membranes is largely directed by their regulatory domains. We have previously reported that PKCη, a member of the novel subfamily and an epithelial specific isoform, is localized at the cytoplasm and ER/Golgi and is translocated to the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope upon short-term activation by PMA. Here we show that PKCη is shuttling between the cytoplasm and the nucleus and that upon etoposide induced DNA damage is tethered at the nuclear envelope. Although PKCη expression and its phosphorylation on the hydrophobic motif (Ser675) are increased by etoposide, this phosphorylation is not required for its accumulation at the nuclear envelope. Moreover, we demonstrate that the C1b domain is sufficient for translocation to the nuclear envelope. We further show that, similar to full-length PKCη, the C1b domain could also confer protection against etoposide-induced cell death. Our studies demonstrate translocation of PKCη to the nuclear envelope, and suggest that its spatial regulation could be important for its cellular functions including effects on cell death.

Transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by heat shock protein 90 via Toll-like receptor 4 contributes to the migration of glioblastoma cells

Extracellular heat shock protein HSP90α was reported to participate in tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis formation through poorly understood signaling pathways. Herein, we show that extracellular HSP90α favors cell migration of glioblastoma U87 cells. More specifically, externally applied HSP90α rapidly induced endocytosis of EGFR. This response was accompanied by a transient increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) appearing after 1-3 min of treatment. In the presence of EGF, U87 cells showed HSP90α-induced Ca(2+) oscillations, which were reduced by the ATP/ADPase, apyrase, and inhibited by the purinergic P(2) inhibitor, suramin, suggesting that ATP release is requested. Disruption of lipid rafts with methyl β-cyclodextrin impaired the Ca(2+) rise induced by extracellular HSP90α combined with EGF. Specific inhibition of TLR4 expression by blocking antibodies suppressed extracellular HSP90α-induced Ca(2+) signaling and the associated cell migration. HSPs are known to bind lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). Preincubating cells with Polymyxin B, a potent LPS inhibitor, partially abrogated the effects of HSP90α without affecting Ca(2+) oscillations observed with EGF. Extracellular HSP90α induced EGFR phosphorylation at Tyr-1068, and this event was prevented by both the protein kinase Cδ inhibitor, rottlerin, and the c-Src inhibitor, PP2. Altogether, our results suggest that extracellular HSP90α transactivates EGFR/ErbB1 through TLR4 and a PKCδ/c-Src pathway, which induces ATP release and cytosolic Ca(2+) increase and finally favors cell migration. This mechanism could account for the deleterious effects of HSPs on high grade glioma when released into the tumor cell microenvironment.

Epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated regulation of urokinase plasminogen activator expression and glioblastoma invasion via C-SRC/MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathways

One of the major pathophysiological features of malignant astrocytomas is their ability to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and proteases are known to be overexpressed in glioblastomas (GBMs), but the interaction between the activation of the EGFR and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in promoting astrocytic tumor invasion has not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterized the signal transduction pathway(s) by which EGF regulates uPA expression and promotes astrocytoma invasion. We show that EGFR activation and constitutively active EGFR vIII in GBM cell lines upregulate uPA expression. Small-molecule inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase, tyrosine kinase, and small interfering RNA targeting c-Src blocked uPA upregulation. Similarly, mutations in the activator protein 1 binding site of the uPA promoter reduced EGF-induced increases in uPA promoter activity. Treatment of GBM cells with EGF increased in vitro cell invasion, and the invasive phenotype was attenuated by gene silencing of uPA using small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA. In addition, uPA knockdown clones formed smaller well-circumscribed tumors than nontarget U1242 control cells in a xenograft GBM mouse model in vivo. In summary, these results suggest that c-Src, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and a composite activator protein 1 on the uPA promoter are responsible for EGF-induced uPA expression and GBM invasion.

The protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate acetate decreases brain edema by aquaporin 4 downregulation after middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat

The protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is known to interact with aquaporin 4 (AQP 4), a water-selective transporting protein that is abundant in astrocytes, and has experimentally been found to decrease osmotically-induced cell swelling. The purpose of this study was to examine whether PMA reduces brain edema following focal ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion by modulation of AQP4 expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either sham surgery (n = 6), or a continuous intravenous infusion of vehicle (1% dimethylsulfoxide), followed by MCA occlusion (n = 18), and administration of PMA at 50 microg/kg (n = 6) or at 200 microg/kg (n = 6) starting 60 min before or 30 min (200 microg/kg; n = 6) or 60 min (200 microg/kg; n = 6) after MCA occlusion. Cerebral blood flow was monitored with laser Doppler over the MCA territory, and confirmed a 70% reduction during occlusion. After a 2-h period of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion, the animals were sacrificed for assessment of brain water content and sodium and potassium concentration. AQP4 expression was assessed by immunoblotting and quantified by densitometry (n = 24). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. PMA treatment at 200 microg/kg significantly reduced brain water concentration in the infarcted area when started 60 min before or 30 min after occlusion (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively), and prevented the subsequent sodium shift (p < 0.05). PMA normalized the AQP4 upregulation in ischemia (p = 0.021). A downregulation of AQP4 in the ischemic area paralleling the reduction in brain edema formation following PMA treatment suggests that the effect was mediated by AQP4 modulation.

Translational control of protein kinase Ceta by two upstream open reading frames

Protein kinase C (PKC) represents a family of serine/threonine kinases that play a central role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and transformation. Posttranslational control of the PKC isoforms and their activation have been extensively studied; however, not much is known about their translational regulation. Here we report that the expression of one of the PKC isoforms, PKCeta, is regulated at the translational level both under normal growth conditions and during stress imposed by amino acid starvation, the latter causing a marked increase in its protein levels. The 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of PKCeta is unusually long and GC rich, characteristic of many oncogenes and growth regulatory genes. We have identified two conserved upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in its 5' UTR and show their effect in suppressing the expression of PKCeta in MCF-7 growing cells. While the two uORFs function as repressive elements that maintain low basal levels of PKCeta in growing cells, they are required for its enhanced expression upon amino acid starvation. We show that the translational regulation during stress involves leaky scanning and is dependent on eIF-2alpha phosphorylation by GCN2. Our work further suggests that translational regulation could provide an additional level for controlling the expression of PKC family members, being more common than currently recognized.

ADAM-10-mediated N-cadherin cleavage is protein kinase C-alpha dependent and promotes glioblastoma cell migration

MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and the related "a disintegrin and metalloproteinases" (ADAMs) promote tumorigenesis by cleaving extracellular matrix and protein substrates, including N-cadherin. Although N-cadherin is thought to regulate cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, its role has not been characterized in glioblastomas (GBMs). In this study, we investigated the expression and function of posttranslational N-cadherin cleavage in GBM cells as well as its regulation by protein kinase C (PKC). N-Cadherin cleavage occurred at a higher level in glioblastoma cells than in non-neoplastic astrocytes. Treatment with the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased N-cadherin cleavage, which was reduced by pharmacological inhibitors and short interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for ADAM-10 or PKC-alpha. Furthermore, treatment of GBM cells with PMA induced the translocation of ADAM-10 to the cell membrane, the site at which N-cadherin was cleaved, and this translocation was significantly reduced by the PKC-alpha inhibitor Gö6976 [12-(2-cyanoethyl)-6,7,12,13-tetrahydro-13-methyl-5-oxo-5H-indolo[2,3-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole] or PKC-alpha short hairpin RNA. In functional studies, N-cadherin cleavage was required for GBM cell migration, as depletion of N-cadherin cleavage by N-cadherin siRNA, ADAM-10 siRNA, or a cleavage-site mutant N-cadherin, decreased GBM cell migration. Together, these results suggest that N-cadherin cleavage is regulated by a PKC-alpha-ADAM-10 cascade in GBM cells and may be involved in mediating GBM cell migration.

Protein kinase C-alpha-mediated regulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein and urokinase increases astrocytoma invasion

Aggressive and infiltrative invasion is one of the hallmarks of glioblastoma. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is expressed by glioblastoma, but the role of this receptor in astrocytic tumor invasion remains poorly understood. We show that activation of protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha) phosphorylated and down-regulated LRP expression. Pretreatment of tumor cells with PKC inhibitors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, PKC-alpha small interfering RNA (siRNA), and short hairpin RNA abrogated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced down-regulation of LRP and inhibited astrocytic tumor invasion in vitro. In xenograft glioblastoma mouse model and in vitro transmembrane invasion assay, LRP-deficient cells, which secreted high levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), invaded extensively the surrounding normal brain tissue, whereas the LRP-overexpressing and uPA-deficient cells did not invade into the surrounding normal brain. siRNA, targeted against uPA in LRP-deficient clones, attenuated their invasive potential. Taken together, our results strongly suggest the involvement of PKC-alpha/PI3K signaling pathways in the regulation of LRP-mediated astrocytoma invasion. Thus, a strategy of combining small molecule inhibitors of PKC-alpha and PI3K could provide a new treatment paradigm for glioblastomas.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is differentially expressed in nonfunctioning invasive and noninvasive pituitary adenomas and increases invasion in human pituitary adenoma cell line

The complete resection of pituitary adenomas (PAs) is unlikely when there is an extensive local dural invasion and given that the molecular mechanisms remain primarily unknown. DNA microarray analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes between nonfunctioning invasive and noninvasive PAs. Gene clustering revealed a robust eightfold increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in surgically resected human invasive PAs and in the (nonfunctioning) HP75 human pituitary tumor-derived cell line treated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate; these results were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, gelatin zymography, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and Northern blot analyses. The activation of protein kinase C (PKC) increased both MMP-9 activity and expression, which were blocked by some PKC inhibitors (Gö6976, bisindolylmaleimide, and Rottlerin), PKC-alpha, and PKC-delta small interfering (si)RNAs but not by hispidin (PKC-beta inhibitor). In a transmembrane invasion assay, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (100 nmol/L) increased the number of invaded HP75 cells, a process that was attenuated by PKC inhibitors, MMP-9 antibody, PKC-alpha siRNA, or PKC-delta siRNA. These results demonstrate that MMP-9 and PKC-alpha or PKC-delta may provide putative therapeutic targets for the control of PA dural invasion.

Hormonal regulation of PKC: Estrogen up-regulates PKCη expression in estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in several major signal transduction pathways that control gene expression cell growth and differentiation. The PKCeta isoform appears as a candidate regulator of mammary gland proliferation or differentiation, as its expression is up-regulated in the mammary gland in the transit from resting to the pregnant state. The purpose of this study was to examine the hormonal regulation of PKCeta. Here we show that estradiol specifically up-regulates the expression of PKCeta in the estrogen-responsive lines MCF-7 and T47D but not in the estrogen non-responsive line MDA-MB 231. Interestingly, the presence of progesterone, involved in the differentiation of the mammary gland, reduced the estrogen-induced PKCeta expression in a time-dependent manner. Thus, our studies suggest that PKCeta has an important role in signalling pathways regulating mammary gland proliferation and its development.

The protein kinase C-eta isoform induces proliferation in glioblastoma cell lines through an ERK/Elk-1 pathway

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the highest grade of astrocytoma. GBM pathogenesis has been linked to receptor tyrosine kinases and kinases further down signal-transduction pathways - in particular, members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family. The expression and activity of various PKC isoforms are increased in malignant astrocytomas, but not in non-neoplastic astrocytes. This suggests that PKC activity contributes to tumor progression. The level of PKC-eta expressed correlates with the degree of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced proliferation of two glioblastoma cell lines, U-1242 MG and U-251 MG. Normally, U-1242 cells do not express PKC-eta, and PMA inhibits their proliferation. Conversely, PMA increases proliferation of U-1242 cells that are stably transfected with PKC-eta (U-1242-PKC-eta). PMA treatment also stimulates proliferation of U-251 cells, which express PKC-eta. Here, we determined that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Elk-1 are downstream targets of PKC-eta. Elk-1-mediated transcriptional activity correlates with the PKC-eta-mediated mitogenic response. Pretreatment of U-1242-PKC-eta cells with inhibitors of PKC or MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) (bisindolyl maleimide (BIM) or U0126, respectively) blocked both PMA-induced Elk-1 transcriptional activity and PMA-stimulated proliferation. An overexpressed dominant-negative PKC-eta reduced the mitogenic response in U-251 cells, as did reduction of Elk-1 by small interfering RNA. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that PKC-eta-mediated glioblastoma proliferation involves MEK/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation, activation of ERK and subsequently of Elk-1. Elk-1 target genes involved in GBM proliferative responses have yet to be identified.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and serum synergize to promote rapamycin-insensitive cell proliferation via protein kinase C-eta

Previously, we have shown that PKC-eta (protein kinase C-eta) positively regulates glioblastoma proliferation and confers resistance to irradiation-induced apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of rapamycin in inhibiting cell proliferation in two glioblastoma cell lines U-251MG (PKC-eta expressing) and U-1242MG (PKC-eta deficient) following PKC-eta activation. In U-251MG cells, rapamycin (10 nM) treatment was less effective as an antiproliferative agent when cells were concurrently stimulated with 10% serum and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 100 nM), a potent activator of PKC isozymes. Rapamycin-insensitive growth was owing to PKC-eta, as U-1242MG and U-251MG cells infected with a kinase-dead form of PKC-eta (U-251kr) were susceptible to rapamycin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. Furthermore, U-251MG cells transfected with PKC-eta antisense oligonucleotides were sensitive to rapamycin. PKC-eta-expressing cells stimulated with PMA maintained p70S6K phosphorylation on Thr389 and phosphorylation of rpS6 (ser235/36), suggesting p70S6K kinase activity was still intact. Inhibition of p70S6K expression with small interfering RNA oligonucleotides inhibited cell proliferation greater than 50% in the presence of a combination of PMA and serum. Additionally, p70S6K co-precipitated with PKC-eta, suggesting a physical interaction between PKC-eta and p70S6K regulates the observed phosphorylation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that rapamycin-insensitive glioblastoma proliferation involves PKC-eta signaling.

Modulation of AQP4 expression by the protein kinase C activator, phorbol myristate acetate, decreases ischemia-induced brain edema

The protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), is known to interact with aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water-selective transporting protein abundant in astrocytes and ependymal cells, that has been found to decrease osmotically-induced swelling. The purpose of this study was to examine whether PMA given at different time points following focal ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) reduces brain edema by AQP4 modulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham procedure, vehicle, or PMA infusion (230 microg/kg), starting either 60 minutes before, or 30 or 60 minutes after MCAO (each group n = 12). After a 2-hour period of ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion, the animals were sacrificed for assessment of brain water content, sodium, and potassium concentrations. AQP4 expression was assessed by immunoblotting. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. PMA treatment significantly reduced brain water content concentration in the infarcted area when started before or 30 minutes post-occlusion (p < 0.001, p = 0.022) and prevented the subsequent sodium shift (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PMA reduced ischemia-induced AQP4 up-regulation (p < 0.05). Attenuation of the ischemia-induced AQP4 up-regulation by PMA suggests that the reduction in brain edema formation following PMA treatment was at least in part mediated by AQP4 modulation.

Farnesylthiosalicylic acid induces caspase activation and apoptosis in glioblastoma cells

Primary glioblastomas (GBMs) commonly overexpress the oncogene epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which leads to increased Ras activity. FTA, a novel Ras inhibitor, produced both time- and dose-dependent caspase-mediated apoptosis in GBM cell lines. EGFR-mediated increase in 3H-thymidine uptake was inhibited by FTA. FACS analysis was performed to determine the percent of apoptotic cells. The sub-Go population of GBM cells was increased from 4.5 to 13.8% (control) to over 45-53.6% in FTA-treated cells within 24 h. Furthermore, FTA also increased the activities of both caspase-3 and -9, and PARP cleavage. Treatment of GBMs with FTA before or after EGF addition to the cultures blocked phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). FTA also significantly reduced the amount of EGF-induced Ras-GTP as reflected by a decrease in the level of Ras bound to Raf-RBD-GST. This study demonstrates that inhibition of Ras methylation may provide a therapeutic target for the treatment of GBMs overexpressing EGFR.

PKC eta as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma multiforme

Gliomas are the most common major subgroup of primary CNS tumours. Approximately 17,000 new cases are reported each year and, of these, 11,500 patients die. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is highly proliferative and typically invades distal portions of the brain, thereby making complete surgical resection of these tumours nearly impossible. Moreover, GBMs are often resistant to current chemotherapy and radiation regimens. Therefore, there is a need for better therapeutic interventions. One class of proteins that is involved in the formation of malignant brain tumours is protein kinase C (PKC) and these kinases have not been thoroughly explored for their chemotherapeutic value in GBMs. The PKC isozyme, PKCeta (PKC-eta) increases cell proliferation and resistance to radiation of GBM cell lines. These properties make PKCeta an attractive target for chemotherapeutic intervention in the management of GBMs.

Opposing effects of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, on the signaling of structurally related human dopamine D1 and D5 receptors

The 'cross-talk' between different types of neurotransmitters through second messenger pathways represents a major regulatory mechanism in neuronal function. We investigated the effects of activation of protein kinase C (PKC) on cAMP-dependent signaling by structurally related human D1-like dopaminergic receptors. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells expressing D1 or D5 receptors were pretreated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), a potent activator of PKC, followed by analysis of dopamine-mediated receptor activation using whole cell cAMP assays. Unpredictably, PKC activation had completely opposite effects on D1 and D5 receptor signaling. PMA dramatically augmented agonist-evoked D1 receptor signaling, whereas constitutive and dopamine-mediated D5 receptor activation were rapidly blunted. RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses showed that phorbol ester-regulated PKC isozymes (conventional: alpha, betaI, betaII, gamma; novel: delta, epsilon, eta, theta) and protein kinase D (PKCmicro) are expressed in HEK293 cells. PMA appears to mediate these contrasting effects through the activation of Ca2+-independent novel PKC isoforms as revealed by specific inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimide I, Gö6976, and Gö6983. The finding that cross-talk between PKC and cAMP pathways can produce such opposite outcomes following the activation of structurally similar D1-like receptor subtypes is novel and further strengthens the view that D1 and D5 receptors serve distinct functions in the mammalian nervous and endocrine systems.

PKCeta is localized in the Golgi, ER and nuclear envelope and translocates to the nuclear envelope upon PMA activation and serum-starvation: C1b domain and the pseudosubstrate containing fragment target PKCeta to the Golgi and the nuclear envelope

Protein kinase C (PKC) represents a family of serin/threonine kinases, playing a central role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and transformation. These enzymes differ in their primary structure, biochemical properties, tissue distribution and subcellular localization. The specific cellular functions of PKC isoforms are largely controlled by their localization. PKCeta, a member of the novel subfamily, is expressed predominantly in epithelial tissues. However, not much is known with respect to its mechanism of activation and regulation. Our recent studies suggest its role in cell cycle control. Here we show that PKCeta is localized at the Golgi apparatus, ER and the nuclear envelope. Furthermore, using GFP-fusion proteins of the different functional domains of PKCeta we deciphered the specific structural domains of the protein responsible for its apparent localization. We show that the cysteine-rich repeat C1b is responsible for its Golgi localization, while for its presence at the ER/nuclear envelope the pseudosubstrate containing fragment coupled to the C1 domain is required. In response to short-term activation by PMA we show translocation of PKCeta to the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope. We demonstrate that the C1b is sufficient for its translocation to the plasma membrane. Interestingly, accumulation of PKCeta at the nuclear envelope also occurred in response to serum-starvation. It should be noted that interaction of PKCeta with the cyclin E/Cdk2 complex at the perinuclear region was recently reported by us in response to serum-starvation. Thus, our studies demonstrate translocation of PKCeta to the nuclear envelope, and suggest that the spatial regulation of PKCeta could be important for its cellular functions including effects on cell cycle control and involvement in tumor promotion.

Signal transduction through substance P receptor in human glioblastoma cells: roles for Src and PKCdelta

Substance P receptor (SPR), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is found in human glioblastomas, and has been implicated in their growth. Consistent with a role for SPR in cell growth, activation of SPR in U373 MG human glioblastoma cells leads to the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases [extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)] and stimulation of cell proliferation. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the pathway through which these actions occur. Using either the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor, AG 1478, or a small-interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against human EGFR, we found that transactivation of EGFR by SPR is only marginally involved in SP-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Src, however, is shown to be a major component of SPR signaling because the Src kinase inhibitor, PP2, and a kinase-dead Src mutant both inhibit SP-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We also report that SPR stimulates the phosphorylation of protein kinase Cdelta(PKCdelta), and that this stimulation is blocked by PP2. SP-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation is also blocked by rottlerin, a PKCdelta inhibitor, and the calcium scavenger, BAPTA/AM. Finally, rottlerin and PP2 were both found to inhibit the growth of several glioblastoma cell lines, underscoring the potential of these agents to block glioblastoma growth.

PKC-eta mediates glioblastoma cell proliferation through the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways

We previously demonstrated that protein kinase C-eta (PKC-eta) mediates a phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced proliferative response in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells. In this report, we show that PMA-stimulated activation of PKC-eta in U-251 GBM cells resulted in activation of both Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways and an increase in cell proliferation. Expression of a kinase dead PKC-eta (PKC-etaKR) construct reduced the basal and PMA-evoked proliferation of PKC-eta-expressing U-251 GBM cells, as well as abrogated the PMA-induced activation of Akt, mTOR, and the mTOR targets 4E-BP1 and STAT-3. Treatment of cells with the PI-3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 (10 muM) or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (10 nM) also reduced PMA-induced proliferation and cell-cycle progression. Expression of a constitutively active PKC-eta (PKC-etaDeltaNPS) construct in a GBM cell line with no endogenous PKC-eta (U-1242) also provided evidence that PKC-eta targets the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways. Moreover, activation of 4E-BP1 and STAT-3 in both PMA-treated U-251 and PKC-etaDeltaNPS-expressing U-1242 GBM cells was inhibited by rapamycin. However, activation of Akt, but not mTOR was inhibited by the PI-3 kinase inhibitor LY294002. This study identifies Akt and mTOR as downstream targets of PKC-eta that are involved in GBM cell proliferation.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induces epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation via protein kinase Cdelta/c-Src pathways in glioblastoma cells

Both the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and protein kinase C (PKC) play important roles in glioblastoma invasive growth; however, the interaction between the EGFR and PKC is not well characterized in glioblastomas. Treatment with EGF stimulated global phosphorylation of the EGFR at Tyr(845), Tyr(992), Tyr(1068), and Tyr(1045) in glioblastoma cell lines (U-1242 MG and U-87 MG). Interestingly, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated phosphorylation of the EGFR only at Tyr(1068) in the two glioblastoma cell lines. Phosphorylation of the EGFR at Tyr(1068) was not detected in normal human astrocytes treated with the phorbol ester. PMA-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR at Tyr(1068) was blocked by bisindolylmaleimide (BIM), a PKC inhibitor, and rottlerin, a PKCdelta-specific inhibitor. In contrast, Go 6976, an inhibitor of classical PKC isozymes, had no effect on PMA-induced EGFR phosphorylation. Furthermore, gene silencing with PKCdelta small interfering RNA (siRNA), siRNA against c-Src, and mutant c-Src(S12C/S48A) and treatment with a c-Src inhibitor (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl) pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine) abrogated PMA-induced EGFR phosphorylation at Tyr(1068). PMA induced serine/threonine phosphorylation of Src, which was blocked by both BIM and rottlerin. Inhibition of the EGFR with AG 1478 did not significantly alter PMA-induced EGFR Tyr(1068) phosphorylation, but completely blocked EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR. The effects of PMA on MAPK phosphorylation and glioblastoma cell proliferation were reduced by BIM, rottlerin, the MEK inhibitor U0126, and PKCdelta and c-Src siRNAs. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PMA transactivates the EGFR and increases cell proliferation by activating the PKCdelta/c-Src pathway in glioblastomas.

Jun blockade of erythropoiesis: role for repression of GATA-1 by HERP2

Although Jun upregulation and activation have been established as critical to oncogenesis, the relevant downstream pathways remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we found that c-Jun blocks erythroid differentiation in primary human hematopoietic progenitors and, correspondingly, that Jun factors block transcriptional activation by GATA-1, the central regulator of erythroid differentiation. Mutagenesis of c-Jun suggested that its repression of GATA-1 occurs through a transcriptional mechanism involving activation of downstream genes. We identified the hairy-enhancer-of-split-related factor HERP2 as a novel gene upregulated by c-Jun. HERP2 showed physical interaction with GATA-1 and repressed GATA-1 transcriptional activation. Furthermore, transduction of HERP2 into primary human hematopoietic progenitors inhibited erythroid differentiation. These results thus define a novel regulatory pathway linking the transcription factors c-Jun, HERP2, and GATA-1. Furthermore, these results establish a connection between the Notch signaling pathway, of which the HERP factors are a critical component, and the GATA family, which participates in programming of cellular differentiation.

Down-regulation of protein kinase Ceta by antisense oligonucleotides sensitises A549 lung cancer cells to vincristine and paclitaxel

Previous studies point to protein kinase C (PKC) isozyme eta as a resistance factor in cancer cells. Therefore, we investigated whether down-regulation of PKCeta with second generation antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) would sensitise A549 human lung carcinoma cells to cytostatics. The effects were compared to the outcome of Bcl-xL down-regulation. Upon treatment with antisense ODNs, PKCeta and Bcl-xL were both significantly reduced on mRNA and protein level. Down-regulation of either PKCeta or Bcl-xL in combination with vincristine or paclitaxel resulted in a significant increase in caspase-3 activity compared to that in the control oligonucleotide treated cells. In addition, PKCeta down-regulation augmented vincristine-induced dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In conclusion, these results confirm that PKCeta might represent a considerable resistance factor and an interesting target to improve anticancer chemotherapy.

Down-regulation of protein kinase Cη potentiates the cytotoxic effects of exogenous tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand in PC-3 prostate cancer cells

Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a highly promising candidate for the treatment of cancer because it elicits cell death in the majority of tumor cells while sparing most normal cells. Some cancers, however, display resistance to TRAIL, suggesting that treatment with TRAIL alone may be insufficient for cancer therapy. In the present study, we explored whether the apoptotic responsiveness of PC-3 prostate cancer cells to TRAIL could be enhanced by targeting the novel protein kinase C (PKC) isoform η. Transfection of PC-3 cells with second-generation chimeric antisense oligonucleotides against PKCη caused a time- and dose-dependent knockdown of PKCη, as revealed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Knockdown of PKCη resulted in a marked amplification of TRAIL's cytotoxic activity. Cell killing could be substantially prevented by the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. In addition, PKCη knockdown and administration of TRAIL significantly synergized in activation of caspase-3 and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Knockdown of PKCη augmented TRAIL-induced dissipation of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, indicating that PKCη acts upstream of mitochondria. We conclude that PKCη represents a considerable resistance factor with respect to TRAIL and a promising target to exploit the therapeutic potential of TRAIL.

Stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway by suramin with concomitant activation of DNA synthesis in cultured cells

Suramin is a well known antitrypanosomal drug and a novel experimental agent for the treatment of several cancers, yet the molecular mechanisms through which suramin exerts its effects on cell functions are not completely clear. In this study, we investigated the potential of suramin to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The treatment of CHO cells with suramin increased the enzyme activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) approximately 10-fold dose and time dependently. The EC(50) value was approximately 2.4 microM. This activation is inhibited by PD98059 and wortmannin/LY294002, indicating a crucial role for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), respectively. Suramin-mediated stimulation of PI3K was confirmed by the observation that suramin stimulates the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) in a wortmannin-sensitive manner. Furthermore, cAMP response element-binding protein, a transcription factor, was also activated by suramin in a MEK-dependent manner. The suramin-induced phosphorylation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase was also suggested by a solid-phase kinase assay. The suramin effects on CHO cells were shown to have a concomitant increase in DNA synthesis, which was attenuated by PD98059. Similar activation of ERK1/2 activity by suramin was observed in other cell lines such as Chinese hamster lung or PC12 cells, but not in RBL2H3, ECV304, and OVK18 cells, indicating a cell-type specific mechanism for suramin. These results indicate that suramin induces mitogenic activity in several cell lines through the pathway from PI3K to MEK and ERK.

PKCeta associates with cyclin E/Cdk2 complex in serum-starved MCF-7 and NIH-3T3 cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) encodes a family of enzymes implicated in cellular differentiation, growth control, and tumor promotion. However, very little is known with respect to the molecular mechanisms that link protein kinase C to cell cycle control. Here we report that PKCeta associates with the cyclin E/Cdk2 complex. This is shown for the ectopically overexpressed PKCeta in NIH-3T3 cells, the inducibly expressed PKCeta in MCF-7 cells (under control of the tetracycline-responsive promoter), and the endogenously expressed PKCeta in mouse mammary epithelial HC11 cells. Subcellular cell fractionation experiments revealed that the complex with cyclin E is formed mostly in the nuclear fractions, although in these cells PKCeta is predominantly expressed in the cytosolic fractions. The complex of PKCeta and cyclin E was studied at various phases of the cell cycle, in serum-starved quiescent cells and in cells stimulated with serum to reenter the cell cycle. Interestingly, the interaction between PKCeta and cyclin E was most prominent in serum-starved cells and was disintegrated when cells entered the cells cycle. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that in serum-starved cells PKCeta is concentrated at the perinuclear zone, which is also the site of its colocalization with cyclin E. Colocalization of PKCeta and cyclin E in the perinuclear region was observed in serum-starved cells, and less in proliferating cells. These experiments suggest that the interaction between PKCeta and cyclin E is carefully regulated, and is correlated with the inactivated form of the cyclin E/Cdk2 complex. Thus, our studies support an important link between PKC and cell cycle control.

1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 inhibits HGF synthesis and secretion from MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells

Several mesenchymally derived cells, including osteoblasts, secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation of MG-63 osteoblastic cells. Here we show that MG-63 cells secrete copious amounts of HGF and that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) inhibits HGF production. MG-63 cells also express HGF receptor (c-Met) mRNA, suggesting an autocrine action of HGF. Indeed, although exogenous HGF failed to stimulate cellular proliferation, neutralizing endogenous HGF with a neutralizing antibody inhibited MG-63 cell proliferation; moreover, inhibiting HGF synthesis with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) followed by addition of HGF rescued hormone-induced inhibition of proliferation. Nonneutralized cells displayed constitutive phosphorylation of c-Met and the mitogen-activated protein kinases mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) 1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) 1/2, which were inhibited by anti-HGF antibody. Constitutive phosphorylation of Erk1/2 was also abolished by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Addition of HGF to MG-63 cells treated with neutralizing HGF antibody induced rapid phosphorylation of c-Met, MEK1, and Erk1/2. Thus endogenous HGF induces a constitutively active, autocrine mitogenic loop in MG-63 cells. The known antiproliferative effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on MG-63 cells can be accounted for by the concomitant 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced inhibition of HGF production.

Proteasome implication in phorbol ester- and GnRH-induced selective down-regulation of PKC (alpha, epsilon, zeta) in alpha T(3)-1 and L beta T(2) gonadotrope cell lines

We investigated mechanisms underlying selective down-modulation of PKC isoforms (alpha, epsilon, zeta): 1) during 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13 acetate (TPA) (10(-7) M) or GnRH (10(-7) M) desensitization conditions (2- to 6-h treatments) in two gonadotrope cell lines (alpha T(3)-1, L beta T(2)) and 2) in primary pituitary cell cultures from male rats during long-term phorbol ester administration. We demonstrated that, as in alpha T(3)-1 cells, in a more differentiated gonadotrope cell line L beta T(2) the GnRH-receptor coupling (PLC, PLA2, PLD) generated second messengers essential for PKCs activation; the characterized isoforms (alpha, beta II, delta, epsilon, zeta) were selectively and differentially down-regulated by TPA (alpha, beta II, delta, epsilon) or GnRH (delta, epsilon). In whole cell lysates, proteasome inhibitors (proteasome inhibitor I and II, Lactacystin, beta-Lactone, Calpain inhibitor I) prevented in both gonadotrope cell lines the TPA-induced depletion of PKC alpha, epsilon, and the GnRH-elicited PKC epsilon down-regulation; they counteracted in mixed pituitary cell cultures as well, the TPA-evoked PKC alpha, epsilon depletion. In contrast, the inhibitors of calpain(s) and lysosomal proteases (Calpeptin, E64d, Calpain inhibitor II, and PD150606), were ineffective. As shown in alpha T(3)-1 subcellular fractions, proteasome abrogation did not affect membrane translocation of TPA- and GnRH- target isoforms (alpha, epsilon) but, preventing their degradation, favored enzyme accumulation to the membrane compartment. Proteolysis processing of PKCs may be dependent upon their phosphorylated state and/or catalytic activity. Inhibition of PKC catalytic activity (GF109203X, Gö6976), selectively prevented the TPA-evoked PKC alpha depletion in both mixed pituitary cells and alpha T(3)-1 gonadotropes; in alpha T(3)-1 subcellular fractions, PKC alpha inactivation overcame the TPA-evoked isoenzyme degradation by inducing a pronounced membrane accumulation of the isoform without affecting its membrane relocalization. Thus, the proteasome system by adjusting PKC cellular levels, may represent a regulatory proteolytic pathway implicated in the adaptive mechanisms of the time dependent cell responses.

PKCeta enhances cell cycle progression, the expression of G1 cyclins and p21 in MCF-7 cells

Protein kinase C encodes a family of enzymes implicated in cellular differentiation, growth control and tumor promotion. However, not much is known with respect to the molecular mechanisms that link protein kinase C to cell cycle control. Here we report that the expression of PKCeta in MCF-7 cells, under the control of a tetracycline-responsive inducible promoter, enhanced cell growth and affected the cell cycle at several points. The induced expression of another PKC isoform, PKCdelta, in MCF-7 cells had opposite effects and inhibited their growth. PKCeta expression activated cellular pathways in these cells that resulted in the increased expression of the G1 phase cyclins, cyclin D and cyclin E. Expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(WAF1) was also specifically elevated in PKCeta expressing cells, but its overall effects were not inhibitory. Although, the protein levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(KIP1) were not altered by the induced expression of PKCeta, the cyclin E associated Cdk2 kinase activity was in correlation with the p27(KIP1) bound to the cyclin E complex and not by p21(WAF1) binding. PKCeta expression enhanced the removal of p27(KIP1) from this complex, and its re-association with the cyclin D/Cdk4 complex. Reduced binding of p27(KIP1) to the cyclin D/Cdk4 complex at early time points of the cell cycle also enhanced the activity of this complex, while at later time points the decrease in bound p21(WAF1) correlated with its increased activity in PKCeta-expressing cells. Thus, PKCeta induces altered expression of several cell cycle functions, which may contribute to its ability to affect cell growth.

Protein kinase C delta and eta isoenzymes control the shedding of the interleukin 6 receptor alpha in myeloma cells

The soluble interleukin 6 receptor alpha is an agonistic molecule of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and is important in the biology of multiple myeloma. More precisely, it potentiates the deleterious effects of IL-6 during tumour progression, facilitating angiogenesis and bone resorption. Because the mechanisms involved in the shedding of the interleukin 6 receptor alpha (IL-6Ralpha) in multiple myeloma are not known, we have investigated them in the XG-6 human myeloma cell line. Here we provide evidence that PMA-induced IL-6Ralpha shedding is controlled by a metalloproteinase and by protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes that do not require Ca(2+) for their activation. We show that XG-6 cells express PKC-delta, -eta and -zeta isoenzymes. However, after stimulation with PMA, only PKC-delta and PKC-eta are activated, as shown by their translocation to the membrane. Treatment with PMA induces an increase in PKC-delta phosphorylation in its active loop. In addition, by using rottlerin, a specific inhibitor of PKC-delta, we demonstrate that PKC-delta is involved in the PMA-induced shedding of IL-6Ralpha. With the use of UO126, a specific inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, we show that the PMA-induced IL-6Ralpha shedding is mediated in part by the MAPK pathway. Finally, whereas GF109203X, a general PKC inhibitor, inhibits the activation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2), rottlerin has no inhibitory effect, indicating that the Ras/MAPK activation is PKC-dependent but PKC-delta-independent. Taken together, these results suggest that the PMA-induced shedding of IL-6Ralpha is mediated by a PKC isoenzyme network.

Stromal inhibition of megakaryocytic differentiation correlates with blockade of signaling by protein kinase C-epsilon and ERK/MAPK

Contact with bone marrow stromal cells maintains normal and leukemic hematopoietic progenitors in an undifferentiated state. Recently, stromal contact has been shown to diminish the yield of megakaryocytes in cultures of primary human hematopoietic stem cells. This inhibition may explain the poor megakaryocytic engraftment frequently observed after bone marrow transplantation. In the current study, stromal co-culture is shown to render K562 cells refractory to megakaryocytic induction. This stromal inhibition correlated with the selective down-regulation in K562 cells of protein kinase C-epsilon (PKC-epsilon), which has recently been implicated in regulation of megakaryocytic lineage commitment. In addition, the stromal inhibition correlated with inactivation of the ERK/MAPK pathway, which has also been implicated in promoting megakaryocytic development. Forced expression of PKC-epsilon by retroviral transduction was insufficient to reverse the stromal blockade of ERK/MAPK signaling or of megakaryocytic induction. Thus stromal interruption of ERK/MAPK signaling occurred independently of PKC-epsilon levels and correlated more closely with megakaryocytic blockade. These findings provide potential mechanisms for stromal inhibition of hematopoietic differentiation and possibly for the poor megakaryocytic engraftment seen after bone marrow transplantation.

Protein kinase C mediates neurite guidance at an astrocyte boundary

During development, astrocytes play an active role in directing axons to their final targets. This guidance has been attributed in part to the increased expression of guidance molecules, such as tenascin-C and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, by boundary-forming astrocytes. We have previously used a culture model of astrocyte boundaries to demonstrate that neurites growing on permissive astrocytes alter their trajectory as they encounter less-permissive astrocytes. The present study investigated the role of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of signal transduction molecules in this form of axonal guidance. Neurons were plated onto mixed astrocyte monolayers in the presence of agents that either downregulate the phorbol ester-sensitive PKC isoforms or inhibit PKC. Both downregulation and inhibition of PKC increased the percentage of neurons that crossed onto the nonpermissive astrocytes. On astrocyte monolayers, phorbol ester modulation of PKC but not PKC inhibitors resulted in a decrease in overall neurite extension. PKC inhibitors also caused a similar alteration in the neuronal response to cell-free boundaries, at concentrations that did not inhibit neurite extension. Thus, phorbol-ester-sensitive PKC isoforms direct the guidance of neurites by astrocyte-derived matrix molecules.