Myosin ii light chain phosphorylation regulates membrane localization and apoptotic signaling of tumor necrosis factor receptor-1

Frail Silk: Is the Hughes-Stovin Syndrome a Behçet Syndrome Subtype with Aneurysm-Involved Gene Variants?

Hughes-Stovin syndrome is a rare disease characterized by thrombophlebitis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial aneurysms. The etiology and pathogenesis of HSS are incompletely known. The current consensus is that vasculitis underlies the pathogenic process, and pulmonary thrombosis follows arterial wall inflammation. As such, Hughes-Stovin syndrome may belong to the vascular cluster with lung involvement of Behçet syndrome, although oral aphtae, arthritis, and uveitis are rarely found. Behçet syndrome is a multifactorial polygenic disease with genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and mostly immunological contributors. The different Behçet syndrome phenotypes are presumably based upon different genetic determinants involving more than one pathogenic pathway. Hughes-Stovin syndrome may have common pathways with fibromuscular dysplasias and other diseases evolving with vascular aneurysms. We describe a Hughes-Stovin syndrome case fulfilling the Behçet syndrome criteria. A MYLK variant of unknown significance was detected, along with other heterozygous mutations in genes that may impact angiogenesis pathways. We discuss the possible involvement of these genetic findings, as well as other potential common determinants of Behçet/Hughes-Stovin syndrome and aneurysms in vascular Behçet syndrome. Recent advances in diagnostic techniques, including genetic testing, could help diagnose a specific Behçet syndrome subtype and other associated conditions to personalize the disease management.

Involvement of the Actin Machinery in Programmed Cell Death

Programmed cell death (PCD) depicts a genetically encoded and an orderly mode of cellular mortality. When triggered by internal or external stimuli, cells initiate PCDs through evolutionary conserved regulatory mechanisms. Actin, as a multifunctional cytoskeleton protein that forms microfilament, its integrity and dynamics are essential for a variety of cellular processes (e.g., morphogenesis, membrane blebbing and intracellular transport). Decades of work have broadened our knowledge about different types of PCDs and their distinguished signaling pathways. However, an ever-increasing pool of evidences indicate that the delicate relationship between PCDs and the actin cytoskeleton is beginning to be elucidated. The purpose of this article is to review the current understanding of the relationships between different PCDs and the actin machinery (actin, actin-binding proteins and proteins involved in different actin signaling pathways), in the hope that this attempt can shed light on ensuing studies and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase MARCH8 Regulates TNF-α-Induced Apoptosis in Hippocampal Neurons by Targeting Myosin Light Chain 2 for Degradation

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an important inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in neuronal damage. Elevated expression of TNF-α is associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. However, the specific mechanism of the signaling events that trigger TNF-α-mediated neurotoxicity remain unknown. In this study, we report that intracerebroventricular injection of TNF-α in rat hippocampal neurons down-regulates MLC2 and up-regulates MARCH8, an essential light chain and regulatory myosin light chain of NM Myosin II, respectively. MARCH8 overexpression attenuates the degradation of MLC2 by promoting its ubiquitination and degradation. Inhibition of MARCH8 by siRNA blocks caspase-3 activation and apoptosis signaling, suggesting that TNF-α-induced apoptosis of neurons is partially dependent on the accumulation of MARCH8 and the ubiquitination of MLC2. Taken together, our data not only clarify the function of MARCH8 in TNF-α-induced neurotoxicity, but also demonstrates that TNF-α promotes the MARCH8-MLC2 mediated apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Anat Rec, 302:2271-2278, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Spatial Fluctuations at Vertices of Epithelial Layers: Quantification of Regulation by Rho Pathway

In living matter, shape fluctuations induced by acto-myosin are usually studied in vitro via reconstituted gels, whose properties are controlled by changing the concentrations of actin, myosin, and cross-linkers. Such an approach deliberately avoids consideration of the complexity of biochemical signaling inherent to living systems. Acto-myosin activity inside living cells is mainly regulated by the Rho signaling pathway, which is composed of multiple layers of coupled activators and inhibitors. Here, we investigate how such a pathway controls the dynamics of confluent epithelial tissues by tracking the displacements of the junction points between cells. Using a phenomenological model to analyze the vertex fluctuations, we rationalize the effects of different Rho signaling targets on the emergent tissue activity by quantifying the effective diffusion coefficient, and the persistence time and length of the fluctuations. Our results reveal an unanticipated correlation between layers of activation/inhibition and spatial fluctuations within tissues. Overall, this work connects regulation via biochemical signaling with mesoscopic spatial fluctuations, with potential application to the study of structural rearrangements in epithelial tissues.

Gene silencing NMII promotes axonal regeneration against contusive spinal cord injury in rats

There are drastic changes that occur in the impaired regions after spinal cord injury (SCI), however, improvement of the detrimental pathological process after injury is limited in the mammalian adult, which is due a large part to the failure of local axons to grow. Non-muscle myosin II (NMII) has been proved having essential role in the regulation of cytoskeletal structure and genetic silencing NMII markedly accelerates axon growth in vitro. Our purpose is to explore the association between phosphorylated NMII expression and axonal regeneration after SCI in rats and determine whether gene silencing NMII can improve the locomotor function in rats with SCI. The results showed that phosphorylated NMII level was up regulated after SCI and may even play important role in inhibiting neuronal survival and axonal regeneration. After silencing NMII, the viability of neurons, proliferation of axons, synaptic connection and locomotor functional recovery were promoted significantly after SCI. Our study provides an effective way by direct regulation of neuron viability, the proliferation of axons and synaptic connection for treating SCI, which may be a novel method for repairing SCI. However, the specific signaling pathway mechanisms about the recovery require further study.

Par-3 modulates intestinal epithelial barrier function through regulating intracellular trafficking of occludin and myosin light chain phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Tight junctions play a critical role in the maintenance of intestinal barrier function. Partitioning-defective protein 3 (Par-3) can regulate intestinal barrier function through the modulation of tight junction assembly and cell polarity. However, the mechanisms are still not fully understood.

METHODS

Adult C57BL/6 mice were treated with dextran sulfate sodium for 7 days, and segments of colon were harvested for immunofluorescent staining of Par-3. Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) for 24 h, and Par-3 expression was detected by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Additionally, Caco-2 cells were treated with Par-3 small interfering RNA, and altered expression and subcellular localization of tight junction proteins were studied by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, the interaction between Par-3 and myosin light chain (MLC) was detected by immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Par-3 was downregulated in murine dextran sulfate sodium induced acute inflammation and TNF-α-treated Caco-2 cells. Depletion of Par-3 expression by small interfering RNA delayed intestinal epithelial barrier development in Caco-2 cells. This regulation was due to the redistribution of the tight junction protein occludin rather than the altered total levels of tight junction proteins. Par-3 silencing blocked the trafficking of occludin from or through the Golgi complex to the cell surface, and dramatically induced occludin accumulated at the Golgi complex. Importantly, Par-3 can interact with MLC, and loss of Par-3 upregulated MLC kinase expression and MLC phosphorylation, which contributed to intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that Par-3 plays an important role in the modulation of intestinal barrier function by regulating delivery of occludin as well as suppression of MLC phosphorylation.

The actin cytoskeleton as a sensor and mediator of apoptosis

Apoptosis is an important biological process required for the removal of unwanted or damaged cells. Mounting evidence implicates the actin cytoskeleton as both a sensor and mediator of apoptosis. Studies also suggest that actin binding proteins (ABPs) significantly contribute to apoptosis and that actin dynamics play a key role in regulating apoptosis signaling. Changes in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton has been attributed to the process of malignant transformation and it is hypothesized that remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton may enable tumor cells to evade normal apoptotic signaling. This review aims to illuminate the role of the actin cytoskeleton in apoptosis by systematically analyzing how actin and ABPs regulate different apoptosis pathways and to also highlight the potential for developing novel compounds that target tumor-specific actin filaments.

Role of LARP6 and nonmuscle myosin in partitioning of collagen mRNAs to the ER membrane

Type I collagen is extracellular matrix protein composed of two α1(I) and one α2(I) polypeptides that fold into triple helix. Collagen polypeptides are translated in coordination to synchronize the rate of triple helix folding to the rate of posttranslational modifications of individual polypeptides. This is especially important in conditions of high collagen production, like fibrosis. It has been assumed that collagen mRNAs are targeted to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) after translation of the signal peptide and by signal peptide recognition particle (SRP). Here we show that collagen mRNAs associate with the ER membrane even when translation is inhibited. Knock down of LARP6, an RNA binding protein which binds 5' stem-loop of collagen mRNAs, releases a small amount of collagen mRNAs from the membrane. Depolimerization of nonmuscle myosin filaments has a similar, but stronger effect. In the absence of LARP6 or nonmuscle myosin filaments collagen polypeptides become hypermodified, are poorly secreted and accumulate in the cytosol. This indicates lack of coordination of their synthesis and retro-translocation due to hypermodifications and misfolding. Depolimerization of nonmuscle myosin does not alter the secretory pathway through ER and Golgi, suggesting that the role of nonmuscle myosin is primarily to partition collagen mRNAs to the ER membrane. We postulate that collagen mRNAs directly partition to the ER membrane prior to synthesis of the signal peptide and that LARP6 and nonmuscle myosin filaments mediate this process. This allows coordinated initiation of translation on the membrane bound collagen α1(I) and α2(I) mRNAs, a necessary step for proper synthesis of type I collagen.

Inactive ERBB receptors cooperate with reactive oxygen species to suppress cancer progression

The ERBB receptors are a family of heterodimerization partners capable of driving transformation and metastasis. While the therapeutic targeting of single receptors has proven efficacious, optimal targeting of this receptor family should target all oncogenic members simultaneously. The juxtamembrane domains of ERBB1, ERBB2, and ERBB3 are highly conserved and control various aspects of ERBB-dependent biology. In an effort to block those functions, we have targeted this domain with decoy peptides synthesized in tandem with a cell-penetrating peptide, termed EJ1. Treatment with EJ1 induces cell death, promotes the formation of inactive ERBB multimers, and results in simultaneous reduction of ERBB1, ERBB2, and ERBB3 activation. Treatment also results in the activation of myosin light chain-dependent cell blebbing while inactivating CaMKII signaling, coincident with the induction of cell death. EJ1 also directly translocates to mitochondria, correlating with a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species. Finally, treatment of a mouse model of breast cancer with EJ1 results in the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis without associated toxicities in normal cells. Overall, these data demonstrate that a portion of the ERBB jxm domain, when used as an intracellular decoy, can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, representing a novel anticancer therapeutic.

Hepatitis B virus X protein disrupts stress fiber formation and triggers apoptosis

Cytoskeletal proteins are key participants in the cellular progression to apoptosis. In a previous study we injected nude mice with CCL13-HBx cells and identified in contrast to non-HBx transfected cells a differentially phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) by two-dimensional PAGE and mass spectrometry of the tumor material. To investigate the role of HBx in myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) signaling pathways, we analyzed the key molecules, p-MLC and MLCK, by western blotting. Immunofluorescence staining analysis showed that HBx disrupted stress fiber formation and that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) were regulated by HBx-mediated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). We also used pharmacological inhibitors to explore the correlation between cytoskeletal rearrangements and HBx-mediated cell apoptosis via an MLCK and a PTEN-dependent pathway. The results showed that both ML9 and bvp restored the effects caused by HBx induction. Our findings suggest that HBx disrupts stress fiber formation and triggers apoptosis via an MLCK and a PTEN-dependent pathway.

The epithelial barrier is maintained by in vivo tight junction expansion during pathologic intestinal epithelial shedding

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) increases intestinal epithelial cell shedding and apoptosis, potentially challenging the barrier between the gastrointestinal lumen and internal tissues. We investigated the mechanism of tight junction remodeling and barrier maintenance as well as the roles of cytoskeletal regulatory molecules during TNF-induced shedding.

METHODS

We studied wild-type and transgenic mice that express the fluorescent-tagged proteins enhanced green fluorescent protein-occludin or monomeric red fluorescent protein 1-ZO-1. After injection of high doses of TNF (7.5 μg intraperitoneally), laparotomies were performed and segments of small intestine were opened to visualize the mucosa by video confocal microscopy. Pharmacologic inhibitors and knockout mice were used to determine the roles of caspase activation, actomyosin, and microtubule remodeling and membrane trafficking in epithelial shedding.

RESULTS

Changes detected included redistribution of the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin to lateral membranes of shedding cells. These proteins ultimately formed a funnel around the shedding cell that defined the site of barrier preservation. Claudins, E-cadherin, F-actin, myosin II, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) were also recruited to lateral membranes. Caspase activity, myosin motor activity, and microtubules were required to initiate shedding, whereas completion of the process required microfilament remodeling and ROCK, MLCK, and dynamin II activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintenance of the epithelial barrier during TNF-induced cell shedding is a complex process that involves integration of microtubules, microfilaments, and membrane traffic to remove apoptotic cells. This process is accompanied by redistribution of apical junctional complex proteins to form intercellular barriers between lateral membranes and maintain mucosal function.

Dissection of the influenza A virus endocytic routes reveals macropinocytosis as an alternative entry pathway

Influenza A virus (IAV) enters host cells upon binding of its hemagglutinin glycoprotein to sialylated host cell receptors. Whereas dynamin-dependent, clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is generally considered as the IAV infection pathway, some observations suggest the occurrence of an as yet uncharacterized alternative entry route. By manipulating entry parameters we established experimental conditions that allow the separate analysis of dynamin-dependent and -independent entry of IAV. Whereas entry of IAV in phosphate-buffered saline could be completely inhibited by dynasore, a specific inhibitor of dynamin, a dynasore-insensitive entry pathway became functional in the presence of fetal calf serum. This finding was confirmed with the use of small interfering RNAs targeting dynamin-2. In the presence of serum, both IAV entry pathways were operational. Under these conditions entry could be fully blocked by combined treatment with dynasore and the amiloride derivative EIPA, the hallmark inhibitor of macropinocytosis, whereas either drug alone had no effect. The sensitivity of the dynamin-independent entry pathway to inhibitors or dominant-negative mutants affecting actomyosin dynamics as well as to a number of specific inhibitors of growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream effectors thereof all point to the involvement of macropinocytosis in IAV entry. Consistently, IAV particles and soluble FITC-dextran were shown to co-localize in cells in the same vesicles. Thus, in addition to the classical dynamin-dependent, clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway, IAV enters host cells by a dynamin-independent route that has all the characteristics of macropinocytosis.

Attachment to and entry into a host cell are the first crucial steps in establishing a successful virus infection and critical factors in determining host cell and species tropism. Influenza A virus (IAV) attaches to host cells by binding of its major surface protein, hemagglutinin, to sialic acids that are omnipresent on the glycolipids and glycoproteins exposed on the surfaces of cells. IAV subsequently enters cells of birds and a wide variety of mammals via receptor-mediated endocytosis using clathrin as well as via (an) alternative uncharacterized route(s). The elucidation of the endocytic pathways taken by IAV has been hampered by their apparent redundancy in establishing a productive infection. By manipulating the entry conditions we have established experimental settings that allow the separate analysis of dynamin-dependent (including clathrin-mediated endocytosis) and independent entry of IAV. Collectively, our results indicate macropinocytosis, the main route for the non-selective uptake of extracellular fluid by cells, as an alternative IAV entry route. As the dynamin-dependent and -independent IAV entry routes are redundant and independent, their separate manipulation was crucial for the identification and characterization of the alternative IAV entry route. A similar strategy might be applicable to the study of endocytic pathways taken by other viruses.

Non-muscle myosin IIB helps mediate TNF cell death signaling independent of actomyosin contractility (AMC)

Non-muscle myosin II (NM II) helps mediate survival and apoptosis in response to TNF-alpha (TNF), however, NM II's mechanism of action in these processes is not fully understood. NM II isoforms are involved in a variety of cellular processes and differences in their enzyme kinetics, localization, and activation allow NM II isoforms to have distinct functions within the same cell. The present study focused on isoform specific functions of NM IIA and IIB in mediating TNF induced apoptosis. Results show that siRNA knockdown of NM IIB, but not NM IIA, impaired caspase cleavage and nuclear condensation in response to TNF. NM II's function in promoting cell death signaling appears to be independent of actomyosin contractility (AMC) since treatment of cells with blebbistatin or cytochalasin D failed to inhibit TNF induced caspase cleavage. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed associations of NM IIB with clathrin, FADD, and caspase 8 in response to TNF suggesting a role for NM IIB in TNFR1 endocytosis and the formation of the death inducing signaling complex (DISC). These findings suggest that NM IIB promotes TNF cell death signaling in a manner independent of its force generating property.

Cytotoxic Effects on HL-60 Cells of Myosin Light Chain Kinase Inhibitor ML-7 Alone and in Combination with Flavonoids

Uncontrolled cell growth and increased cell proliferation are major features of cancer that are dependent on the stable structure and dynamics of the cytoskeleton. Since stable cytoskeleton structure and dynamics are partly regulated by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), many current studies focused on MLCK inhibition as a chemotherapeutic target. As a potent and selective MLCK inhibitor, ML-7 [1-(5-iodonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazapine hydrochloride] is a promising candidate for an anticancer agent, which would induce apoptosis as well as prevents invasion and metastasis in certain types of cancer cells. This study assessed cytotoxic effects of ML-7 against HL-60 cells and therapeutic efficacy of ML-7 as a potential antileukemia agent. Trypan-blue exclusion assays showed dose- and time- dependent decreases in ML-7 treated HL-60 cells (p < 0.05). Comet assays revealed a significant increase in DNA damage in HL-60 cells after treatment with 40 µM ML-7 for 2 h. Sub-G1 fractions, analyzed by flow cytometry increased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that ML-7 can induce apoptotic cell death in HL-60 cells. ML-7 was selectively cytotoxic towards HL-60 cells; not affecting normal human lymphocytes. That selective effect makes it a promising potential anti-leukemia agent. In addition, anticancer efficacy of ML-7 in combination with flavonoids (genistein or quercetin) or anticancer drugs (cisplatin or AraC) against HL-60 cells was assessed. Combination of ML-7 with flavonoids increased the anticancer effect of ML-7 to a greater extent than combination with the anticancer drugs. This implies that ML-7 in combination with flavonoids could increase the efficacy of anticancer treatment, while avoiding side effects cansed by conventional anticancer drug-containing combination chemotherapy.

ROCK mediates phorbol ester-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via p21Cip1 up-regulation and JNK

It is established that androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells undergo apoptosis upon treatment with phorbol esters and related analogs, an effect primarily mediated by PKCdelta. Treatment of LNCaP prostate cancer cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) causes a strong and sustained activation of RhoA and its downstream effector ROCK (Rho kinase) as well as the formation of stress fibers. These effects are impaired in cells subjected to PKCdelta RNA interference depletion. Functional studies revealed that expression of a dominant negative RhoA mutant or treatment with the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 inhibits the apoptotic effect of PMA in LNCaP cells. Remarkably, the cytoskeleton inhibitors cytochalasin B and blebbistatin blocked not only PMA-induced apoptosis but also the activation of JNK, a mediator of the cell death effect by the phorbol ester. In addition, we found that up-regulation of the cell cycle inhibitor p21(Cip1) is required for PMA-induced apoptosis and that inhibitors of ROCK or the cytoskeleton organization prevent p21(Cip1) induction. Real time PCR analysis and reporter gene assay revealed that PMA induces p21(Cip1) transcriptionally in a ROCK- and cytoskeleton-dependent manner. p21(Cip1) promoter analysis revealed that PMA induction is dependent on Sp1 elements in the p21(Cip1) promoter but independent of p53. Taken together, our studies implicate ROCK-mediated up-regulation of p21(Cip1) and the cytoskeleton in PKCdelta-dependent apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

TNF induces caspase-dependent inflammation in renal endothelial cells through a Rho- and myosin light chain kinase-dependent mechanism

The pathogenesis of LPS-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) requires signaling through tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) receptor 1 (TNFR1), which within the kidney is primarily located in the endothelium. We showed previously that caspase inhibition protected mice against LPS-induced AKI and in parallel significantly inhibited LPS-induced renal inflammation. Therefore we hypothesized that caspase activation amplifies TNF-induced inflammation in renal endothelial cells (ECs). In cultured renal ECs, TNF induced apoptosis through a caspase-8-dependent pathway. TNF caused translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB to the nucleus, resulting in upregulation of inflammatory markers such as adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. However, the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor Boc-d-fmk reduced NF-kB activation as assessed by gel shift assay, reduced phosphorylation of subunit IkappaBalpha, and significantly inhibited TNF-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 as assessed by both real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Broad-spectrum caspase inhibition markedly inhibited neutrophil adherence to the TNF-activated endothelial monolayer, supporting the functional significance of this effect. Specific inhibitors of caspases-8 and -3, but not of caspase-1, reduced TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation. Caspase inhibition also reduced TNF-induced myosin light chain (MLC)-2 phosphorylation, and activation of upstream regulator RhoA. Consistent with this, MLC kinase (MLCK) inhibitor ML-7 reduced TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation. Thus caspase activation influences NF-kappaB signaling via its affect on cytoskeletal changes occurring through RhoA and MLCK pathways. These cell culture experiments support a role for caspase activation in TNF-induced inflammation in the renal endothelium, a key event in LPS-induced AKI.

Androgens down-regulate myosin light chain kinase in human prostate cancer cells

Androgens play a major role in the growth and survival of primary prostate tumors. The molecular mechanisms involved in prostate cancer progression are not fully understood but genes that are regulated by androgens clearly influence this process. We searched for new androgen-regulated genes using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U95 Set in the androgen-sensitive LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. Analysis of gene expression profiles revealed that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) mRNA levels were markedly down-regulated by the synthetic androgen R1881. The microarray data were confirmed by ribonuclease protection assays. RNA and protein analyses revealed that LNCaP cells express both long (non-muscle) and short (smooth muscle) isoforms, and that both isoforms are down-regulated by androgens. Taken together, these data identify MLCK as a novel downstream target of the androgen signalling pathway in prostate cells.

GammadeltaT cells initiate acute inflammation and injury in adenovirus-infected liver via cytokine-chemokine cross talk

Emerging studies suggest an important role for the innate immune response in replication-defective adenovirus (Ad)-mediated acute liver toxicity. Specifically, classical innate immune cells (including NK cells, neutrophils, and Kupffer cells) have all been implicated in the development of Ad-mediated acute liver toxicity. The nonclassical innate immune T cell, the gammadeltaT cell, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several viral infections that predominantly affect the mucosa and brain, but the specific role in the pathology of AdLacZ-mediated acute liver inflammation and injury as well as accompanying vector clearance is largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that a CXCL9-CXCR3-dependent mechanism governed the accumulation of gammadeltaT cells in the livers of mice infected with Ad expressing the Escherichia coli LacZ gene (AdLacZ). We also showed a critical role for gammadeltaT cells in initiating acute liver toxicity after AdLacZ administration, driven in part by the ability of gammadeltaT cells to promote the recruitment of the conventional T cell, the CD8(+) T cell, into the liver. Furthermore, reduced hepatic injury in AdLacZ-infected gammadeltaT-cell-deficient mice was associated with lower hepatic levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and CXCL9, an IFN-gamma-inducible chemokine. Finally, our study highlighted a key role for IFN-gamma and CXCL9 cross talk acting in a feedback loop to drive the proinflammatory effects of gammadeltaT cells during AdLacZ-mediated acute liver toxicity. Specifically, intracellular IFN-gamma produced by activated hepatic gammadeltaT cells interacts with hepatocytes to mediate hepatic CXCL9 production, with the consequent accumulation of CXCR3-bearing gammadeltaT cells in the liver to cause acute liver damage without vector clearance.

Drosophila Myosin II, Zipper, is essential for ommatidial rotation

The adult Drosophila retina is a highly polarized epithelium derived from a precursor tissue that is initially symmetric across its dorsoventral axis. Specialized 90 degrees rotational movements of subsets of cells, the ommatidial precursors, establish mirror symmetry in the retinal epithelium. Myosin II, or Zipper (Zip), a motor protein, regulates the rate at which ommatidia rotate: in zip mutants, the rate of rotation is significantly slowed. Zip is concentrated in the cells that we show to be at the likely interface between rotating and non-rotating cells: the boundary between differentiated and undifferentiated cells. Zip is also robust in newly added ommatidial cells, consistent with our model that the machinery that drives rotation should shift to newly recruited cells as they are added to the growing ommatidium. Finally, cell death genes and canonical Wnt signaling pathway members genetically modify the zip phenotype.

RhoA signaling in phorbol ester-induced apoptosis

Exposure of cells to phorbol ester activates protein kinase C (PKC) to induce apoptosis or differentiation, depending on the cellular context. In erythroblastic cell lines, TF-1 and D2, upregulation of the RhoA signaling promotes phorbol ester-induced apoptosis through activating Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)/phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC), thus generating membrane contraction force. As a result, cell adhesion is inhibited and death receptor-mediated death pathway is activated in these cells with a concurrent changes in nucleocytoplasmic signaling for protein trafficking. A microtubule-regulated GEF-H1, which is a specific RhoA activator, was identified to contribute to RhoA activation in these cells. Thus, a cytoskeleton-regulated RhoA signaling cooperates with PKC activation constitutes a cellular context to determine the cell fate in response to phorbol ester stimulation.

Myosin light chain kinase plays a role in the regulation of epithelial cell survival

Myosin II activation is essential for stress fiber and focal adhesion formation, and is implicated in integrin-mediated signaling events. In this study we investigated the role of acto-myosin contractility, and its main regulators, i.e. myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and Rho-kinase (ROCK) in cell survival in normal and Ras-transformed MCF-10A epithelial cells. Treatment of cells with pharmacological inhibitors of MLCK (ML-7 and ML-9), or expression of dominant-negative MLCK, led to apoptosis in normal and transformed MCF-10A cells. By contrast, treatment of cells with a ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) did not induce apoptosis in these cells. Apoptosis following inhibition of myosin II activation by MLCK is probably meditated through the death receptor pathway because expression of dominant-negative FADD blocked apoptosis. The apoptosis observed after MLCK inhibition is rescued by pre-treatment of cells with integrin-activating antibodies. In addition, this rescue of apoptosis is dependent on FAK activity, suggesting the participation of an integrin-dependent signaling pathway. These studies demonstrate a newly discovered role for MLCK in the generation of pro-survival signals in both untransformed and transformed epithelial cells and supports previous work suggesting distinct cellular roles for Rho-kinase- and MLCK-dependent regulation of myosin II.

Plant and animal pathogen recognition receptors signal through non-RD kinases

Plants and animals mediate early steps of the innate immune response through pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). PRRs commonly associate with or contain members of a monophyletic group of kinases called the interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family that include Drosophila Pelle, human IRAKs, rice XA21 and Arabidopsis FLS2. In mammals, PRRs can also associate with members of the receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinase family, distant relatives to the IRAK family. Some IRAK and RIP family kinases fall into a small functional class of kinases termed non-RD, many of which do not autophosphorylate the activation loop. We surveyed the yeast, fly, worm, human, Arabidopsis, and rice kinomes (3,723 kinases) and found that despite the small number of non-RD kinases in these genomes (9%-29%), 12 of 15 kinases known or predicted to function in PRR signaling fall into the non-RD class. These data indicate that kinases associated with PRRs can largely be predicted by the lack of a single conserved residue and reveal new potential plant PRR subfamilies.

Intracellular interaction of myosin light chain kinase with macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) in endothelium

The endothelial cell Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent myosin light chain kinase isoform (EC MLCK) is a multifunctional contractile effector involved in vascular barrier regulation, leukocyte diapedesis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The EC MLCK isoform and its splice variants contain a unique N-terminal sequence not present in the smooth muscle MLCK isoform (SM MLCK), which allows novel upregulation of MLCK activation by signaling cascades including p60src. The yeast two-hybrid assay system using the entire EC MLCK1 N-terminus (922 aa) as bait, identified additional stable MLCK binding partners including the 12 KDa macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). This finding was confirmed by cross immunoprecipitation assays under non-denaturing conditions and by GST pull down experiments using GST-N-terminal MLCK (#1-923) and MLCK N-terminal deletion mutants in TNFalpha- and thrombin-stimulated endothelium. This EC MLCK-MIF interaction was shown biochemically and by immunofluorescent microscopy to be enhanced in TNFalpha- and thrombin-stimulated endothelium, both of which induce increased MLCK activity. Thrombin induced the colocalization of an epitope-tagged, full-length MIF fusion protein with phosphorylated MLC along peripheral actin stress fibers. Together these studies suggest that the novel interaction between MIF and MLCK may have important implications for the regulation of both non-muscle cytoskeletal dynamics as well as pathobiologic vascular events that involve MLCK.

Inhibiting myosin light chain kinase induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo

Previous short-term studies have correlated an increase in the phosphorylation of the 20-kDa light chain of myosin II (MLC20) with blebbing in apoptotic cells. We have found that this increase in MLC20 phosphorylation is rapidly followed by MLC20 dephosphorylation when cells are stimulated with various apoptotic agents. MLC20 dephosphorylation is not a consequence of apoptosis because MLC20 dephosphorylation precedes caspase activation when cells are stimulated with a proapoptotic agent or when myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is inhibited pharmacologically or by microinjecting an inhibitory antibody to MLCK. Moreover, blocking caspase activation increased cell survival when MLCK is inhibited or when cells are treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha. Depolymerizing actin filaments or detaching cells, processes that destabilize the cytoskeleton, or inhibiting myosin ATPase activity also resulted in MLC20 dephosphorylation and cell death. In vivo experiments showed that inhibiting MLCK increased the number of apoptotic cells and retarded the growth of mammary cancer cells in mice. Thus, MLC20 dephosphorylation occurs during physiological cell death and prolonged MLC20 dephosphorylation can trigger apoptosis.

Endothelial cell myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) regulates TNF?-induced NF?B activity

Tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha-) generates both apoptotic and survival signals with endothelial cell (EC) survival dependent on nuclear factor kappa-B (NFkappaB) activation, a regulator of anti-apoptotic genes. We previously demonstrated that increased EC contractility, rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, and increased myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation occurs as a consequence of TNFalpha-induced activation of EC MLC kinase (EC MLCK) and is required for bovine lung EC apoptosis. As the association between MLCK and pro-survival signals such as NFkappaB activation is unknown, we studied the role of MLCK in the regulation of NFkappaB-dependent transactivation in bovine pulmonary artery EC. Both TNFalpha-induced increase in NFkappaB dependent transactivation measured by NFkappaB luciferase reporter assay (approximately fivefold) and nuclear translocation of NFkappaB were significantly inhibited by MLCK-selective inhibitors, KT5926 (60% inhibition of luciferase activity) and ML7 (50% decrease). Furthermore, our data revealed that inhibition of MLCK attenuated the TNFalpha-induced IkappaB phosphorylation, translocation of p65, NFkappaB-DNA binding, and NFkappaB transcriptional activity. Molecular approaches to either reduce EC MLCK expression (AdV EC MLCK antisense construct) or to reduce kinase activity (kinase-dead EC MLCK ATPdel mutant) produced similar attenuation of the TNFalpha-induced NFkappaB response. In contrast, a constitutively active MLCK mutant (EC MLCK1745) enhanced TNFalpha-induced luciferase activity. Together, these novel observations indicate that TNFalpha-induced cytoskeletal rearrangement driven by MLCK activity is necessary for TNFalpha-dependent NFkappaB activation and amplification of pro-survival signals.

A novel 110 kDa form of myosin XVIIIA (MysPDZ) is tyrosine-phosphorylated after colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor signalling

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF or CSF-1) controls the development of macrophage lineage cells via activation of its tyrosine kinase receptor, c-Fms. After adding CSF-1 to M1 myeloid cells expressing CSF-1R (CSF-1 receptor), tyrosine phosphorylation of many cellular proteins occurs, which might be linked to subsequent macrophage differentiation. The biological significance and characterization of such proteins were explored by a dual strategy comprising two-dimensional SDS/PAGE analysis of cell lysates of CSF-1-treated M1 cells expressing the wild-type or a mutated receptor, together with an enrichment strategy involving a tyrosine-phosphorylated receptor construct. In the present study, we report the identification by MS of a novel, low-abundance, 110 kDa form of myosin XVIIIA (MysPDZ, myosin containing PDZ domain), which appears to be preferentially tyrosine-phosphorylated after CSF-1R activation when compared with other known isoforms. Receptor mutation studies indicate that CSF-1R-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of p110myosin XVIIIA requires Tyr-559 in the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor and is therefore Src-family kinase-dependent. Gelsolin, Erp61 protein disulphide-isomerase and possibly non-muscle myosin IIA were also tyrosine-phosphorylated under similar conditions. Similar to the more abundant p190 isoform, p110 myosin XVIIIA lacks a PDZ domain and, in addition, it may lack motor activity. The phosphorylation of p110 myosin XVIIIA by CSF-1 may alter its cellular localization or target its association with other proteins.

Thrombin-induced phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain of myosin II in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells

PURPOSE

Phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain of myosin II (referred to as myosin light chain or MLC) leads to a loss of barrier integrity in cellular monolayers by an increase in the contractility of the cortical actin cytoskeleton. This effect has been examined in corneal endothelial (CE) cells.

METHODS

Experiments were performed using cultured bovine CE cells (BCEC). MLC phosphorylation was induced by a thrombin-mediated activation of the proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1). Expression of MLC kinase (MLCK), a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase that phosphorylates MLC at its Ser-19 and Thr-18 residues, was determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Expression of PAR-1, RhoA, and Rho kinase-1 (effector of RhoA) was ascertained by RT-PCR. MLC phosphorylation was assessed by urea-glycerol gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting. The effects of Rho kinase-1 and PKC were characterized by using their selective inhibitors, Y-27632 and chelerythrine, respectively. Reorganization of the cytoskeleton was evaluated by the phalloidin staining of actin. [Ca2+]i was measured using Fura-2. The barrier integrity was assayed as permeability of BCEC monolayers to horseradish peroxidase (HRP; 44 kDa).

RESULTS

RT-PCR showed expression of MLCK, PAR-1, Rho kinase-1, and RhoA. Western blotting indicated expression of the non-muscle and smooth muscle isoforms of MLCK. Exposure to thrombin induced an increase in [Ca2+]i with the peak unaffected by an absence of extracellular Ca2+. Pre-exposure to thrombin (2 U ml(-1); 2 min) led to mono- and di-phosphorylation of MLC. Under both basal conditions and in the presence of thrombin, MLC phosphorylation was prevented by chelerythrine (10 microm) and Y-27632 (<25 microm). Thrombin led to inter-endothelial gaps secondary to the disruption of the cortical actin cytoskeleton, which under resting conditions was organized as a perijunctional actomyosin ring (PAMR). These responses were blocked by pre-treatment with Y-27632. Thrombin also increased permeability to HRP, which was abolished by pre-treatment with Y-27632.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombin induces MLC phosphorylation in BCEC. The consequent increase in the contractility of the actin cytoskeleton produces a centripetal force resulting in inter-endothelial gaps and a breakdown of barrier integrity. These responses are PKC- and Rho kinase-dependent. [Ca2+]i increase, as well as sensitivity of the thrombin response to PKC and Rho kinase inhibitors, are consistent with the expression of PAR-1 receptors in BCEC. Thrombin-induced hyperpermeability is a model to investigate barrier dysfunction induced by MLC phosphorylation.

Periodic Lamellipodial Contractions Correlate with Rearward Actin Waves

Cellular lamellipodia bind to the matrix and probe its rigidity through forces generated by rearward F-actin transport. Cells respond to matrix rigidity by moving toward more rigid matrices using an unknown mechanism. In spreading and migrating cells we find local periodic contractions of lamellipodia that depend on matrix rigidity, fibronectin binding and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). These contractions leave periodic rows of matrix bound beta3-integrin and paxillin while generating waves of rearward moving actin bound alpha-actinin and MLCK. The period between contractions corresponds to the time for F-actin to move across the lamellipodia. Shortening lamellipodial width by activating cofilin decreased this period proportionally. Increasing lamellipodial width by Rac signaling activation increased this period. We propose that an actin bound, contraction-activated signaling complex is transported locally from the tip to the base of the lamellipodium, activating the next contraction/extension cycle.

Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Cytogenetic Response in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated with Imatinib

PURPOSE

To better understand the molecular basis of cytogenetic response in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib, we studied gene expression profiles from a total of 100 patients from a large, multinational Phase III clinical trial (International Randomized Study of IFN-alpha versus STI571).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Gene expression data for >12,000 genes were generated from whole blood samples collected at baseline (before imatinib treatment) using Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays. Cytogenetic response was determined based on the percentage of Ph(+) cells from bone marrow following a median of 13 months of treatment.

RESULTS

A genomic profile of response was developed using a subset of individuals that exhibited the greatest divergence in cytogenetic response; those with complete response (0% Ph(+) cells; n = 53) and those with minimal or no response (>65% Ph(+) cells; n = 13). A total of 55 genes was identified that were differentially expressed between these two groups. Using a "leave-one-out" strategy, we identified the optimum 31 genes from this list to use as our genomic profile of response. Using this genomic profile, we were able to distinguish between individuals that achieved major cytogenetic response (0-35% Ph(+) cells) and those that did not, with a sensitivity of 93.4% (71 of 76 patients), specificity of 58.3% (14 of 24 patients), positive predictive value of 87.7%, and negative predictive value of 73.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Interestingly, many of the genes identified appear to be strongly related to reported mechanisms of BCR-ABL transformation and warrant additional research as potential drug targets. The validity and clinical implications of these results should be explored in future studies.

Death-associated protein kinase expression in human temporal lobe epilepsy

Experimental and human data suggest programmed (active) cell death may contribute to the progressive hippocampal atrophy seen in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Death-associated protein (DAP) kinase is a novel calcium/calmodulin-activated kinase that functions in apoptosis mediated by death receptors. Because seizure-induced neuronal death involves both death receptor activation and calcium, we examined DAP kinase expression, localization, and interactions in hippocampal resections from patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (n = 10) and autopsy controls (n = 6). Expression and phosphorylation of DAP kinase was significantly increased in epilepsy brain compared with control. DAP kinase and DAP kinase-interacting protein 1 (DIP-1) localized to mitochondria in control brain, whereas levels of both were increased in the cytoplasm and microsomal (endoplasmic reticulum) fraction in epilepsy samples. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis showed increased DAP kinase binding to calmodulin, DIP-1, and the Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) in epilepsy samples. Finally, immunohistochemistry determined DAP kinase was coexpressed with DIP-1 in neurons. This study provides the first description of DAP kinase and DIP-1 in human brain and suggests DAP kinase is a novel molecular regulator of neuronal death in epilepsy.

Distribution and expression of non-muscle myosin light chain kinase in rabbit livers

AIM: To study the distribution and expression of non-muscle myosin light chain kinase (nmMLCK) in rabbit livers.

METHODS: Human nmMLCK N-terminal cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and was inserted into pBKcmv to construct expression vectors. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into XL1-blue. Expression protein was induced by IPTG and then purified by SDS-PAGE and electroelution, which was used to prepare the polycolonal antibody to detect the distribution and expression of nmMLCK in rabbit livers with immunofluorescene techniques.

RESULTS: The polyclonal antibody was prepared, by which nmMLCK expression was detected and distributed mainly in peripheral hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION: nmMLCK can express in hepatocytes peripherally, and may play certain roles in the regulation of hepatic functions.

Expression of death-associated protein kinase and recruitment to the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway following brief seizures

Death-associated protein (DAP) kinase is calcium-regulated and known to function downstream of death receptors, prompting us to examine its role in the mechanism of seizure-induced neuronal death. Brief seizures were focally evoked in rats, eliciting neuronal death within the CA3 subfield of the hippocampus, and to a lesser extent, cortex. Western blotting confirmed expression of DAP kinase within hippocampus and cortex at the predicted weight of approximately 160 kDa. Immunohistochemistry revealed seizures triggered a significant increase in numbers of DAP kinase-expressing cells within CA3 and cortex, without affecting cell counts within seizure-resistant CA2 or the dentate gyrus. Numbers of DAP kinase-expressing cells were increased in relation to specific patterns of injury-causing seizure activity, electrographically defined. Seizures caused an early increase in DAP kinase binding to actin, and association with calmodulin. Co-immunoprecipitation studies also revealed seizures triggered binding of DAP kinase to the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and the Fas-associated death domain protein, commensurate with caspase-8 proteolysis. In contrast, within surviving fields of the hippocampus, DAP kinase interacted with the molecular chaperone 14-3-3. These data suggest DAP kinase is involved in the molecular pathways activated during seizure-induced neuronal death.

Caspase activation during phorbol ester-induced apoptosis requires ROCK-dependent myosin-mediated contraction

Treatment of cells with phorbol ester, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), triggers differentiation or apoptosis, depending on the cell type. In this study, we used an erythroblastic cell line, TF-1, to investigate the molecular mechanism that determines the cell fate in response to PMA exposure. Upon PMA treatment in the presence of serum or lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), TF-1 cells exhibited contraction followed by apoptosis. By contrast, under serum-free conditions, cells became adherent and survived after PMA treatment. Here, we show that the pathway of Rho kinase (ROCK)/myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation/myosin-mediated contraction was activated in PMA-induced apoptotic cells in serum-containing medium, but not in the adherent and survived cells. Pretreatment of cells with a specific ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, not only abrogated MLC phosphorylation and membrane contraction, but also prevented PMA-induced activation of caspase-3 and subsequent cell death, indicating that ROCK-dependent myosin-mediated contraction elicits an upstream signal required for caspase-3 activation in PMA-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, we further found that caspases-8 and -10 are the initiator caspases in PMA-induced apoptosis and a ROCK-dependent enhancement of specific complex formation between the Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and pro-caspase-10 in pro-apoptotic cells. In summary, these results revealed that, following PMA treatment, the upregulation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway contributes to a cellular context that switches-on myosin-mediated contraction, which provides a mechanism for triggering apoptotic induction mediated by caspase-8 and -10.

Fas-associated death domain protein and caspase-8 are not recruited to the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 signaling complex during tumor necrosis factor-induced apoptosis

Death receptors are a subfamily of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor subfamily. They are characterized by a death domain (DD) motif within their intracellular domain, which is required for the induction of apoptosis. Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) is reported to be the universal adaptor used by death receptors to recruit and activate the initiator caspase-8. CD95, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL-R1), and TRAIL-R2 bind FADD directly, whereas recruitment to TNF-R1 is indirect through another adaptor TNF receptor-associated death domain protein (TRADD). TRADD also binds two other adaptors receptor-interacting protein (RIP) and TNF-receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which are required for TNF-induced NF-kappaB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, respectively. Analysis of the native TNF signaling complex revealed the recruitment of RIP, TRADD, and TRAF2 but not FADD or caspase-8. TNF failed to induce apoptosis in FADD- and caspase-8-deficient Jurkat cells, indicating that these apoptotic mediators were required for TNF-induced apoptosis. In an in vitro binding assay, the intracellular domain of TNF-R1 bound TRADD, RIP, and TRAF2 but did not bind FADD or caspase-8. Under the same conditions, the intracellular domain of both CD95 and TRAIL-R2 bound both FADD and caspase-8. Taken together these results suggest that apoptosis signaling by TNF is distinct from that induced by CD95 and TRAIL. Although caspase-8 and FADD are obligatory for TNF-mediated apoptosis, they are not recruited to a TNF-induced membrane-bound receptor signaling complex as occurs during CD95 or TRAIL signaling, but instead must be activated elsewhere within the cell.

Central involvement of Rho family GTPases in TNF-alpha-mediated bovine pulmonary endothelial cell apoptosis

In our recent studies, we defined a critical role for increased levels of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, a regulatory event in the interaction between actin and myosin in TNF-alpha-induced pulmonary endothelial cell actomyosin rearrangement and apoptosis. The Rho GTPase effector, Rho kinase is an important signaling effector governing levels of MLC phosphorylation which contributes to plasma membrane blebbing in several models of apoptosis. In this study, we directly assessed the role of Rho kinase in TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell microfilament rearrangement and apoptosis. Inhibition of RhoA GTPase activity by the overexpression of dominant negative RhoA attenuates TNF-alpha-triggered stress fiber formation, consistent with Rho activation as a key event in TNF-alpha-induced cytoskeletal rearrangement. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of Rho kinase as well as dominant negative RhoA overexpression dramatically reduced TNF-alpha-induced bovine endothelial apoptosis reflected by nucleosomal fragmentation as well as caspase 7, 3, and 8 activation. These results indicate that Rho kinase-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangement is critical for early apoptotic events, possibly in the assembly of the death-inducing signaling complex leading to initiator and effector caspase activation, and suggest a novel role for Rho GTPases in endothelial cell apoptosis.

Caspase-dependent cleavage of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is involved in TNF-alpha-mediated bovine pulmonary endothelial cell apoptosis

Cytoskeletal proteins are key participants in the cellular progression to apoptosis. Our previous work demonstrated the critical dependence of actomyosin rearrangement and MLC phosphorylation in TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. As these events reflect the activation of the multifunctional endothelial cell (EC) MLCK isoform, we assessed the direct role of EC MLCK in the regulation of TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis. Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells expressing either an adenovirus encoding antisense MLCK cDNA (Ad.GFP-AS MLCK) or a dominant/negative EC MLCK construct (EC MLCK-ATPdel) resulted in marked reductions in MLCK activity and TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, a constitutively active EC MLCK lacking the carboxyl-terminal autoinhibitory domains (EC MLCK-1745) markedly enhanced the apoptotic response to TNF-alpha. Immunostaining in GFP-EC MLCK-expressing cells revealed colocalization of caspase 8 and EC MLCK along actin stress fibers after TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha induced the caspase-dependent cleavage of EC MLCK-1745 in transfected endothelial cells, which was confirmed by mass spectroscopy with in vitro cleavage by caspase 3 at LKKD (D1703). The resulting MLCK fragments displayed significant calmodulin-independent kinase activity. These studies convincingly demonstrate that novel interactions between the apoptotic machinery and EC MLCK exist that regulate the endothelial contractile apparatus in TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis.

Mutation analysis of the non-muscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) deletion constructs on CV1 fibroblast contractile activity and proliferation

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is a multifunctional molecule composed of an N-terminal actin binding domain, a central kinase domain, and C-terminal calmodulin- and myosin-binding domains. We previously cloned and characterized a novel MLCK isoform from endothelial cells (EC MLCK) consisting of 1,914 amino acids displaying a higher molecular weight (210 kDa) and a novel-amino-terminal stretch of 922 amino acids not shared by the smooth muscle isoform (smMLCK, 150 kDa). To further define the role of specific EC MLCK motifs in endothelial and non-muscle cells, we constructed two epitope-tagged EC MLCK deletion mutants in mammalian expression vectors lacking either the C-terminal auto-inhibitory and calmodulin-binding domain (EC MLCK1745) or the ATP-binding site (EC MLCKATPdel). Expression of EC MLCK1745 in CV1 fibroblasts showed increased basal actin stress fiber formation, which was markedly enhanced after tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) or thrombin treatment. Distribution of EC MLCK1745 was largely confined to stress fibers, cortical actin filaments, and focal adhesion contacts, and co-localized with myosin light chains (MLCs) diphosphorylated on Ser(19) and Thr(18). In contrast, immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that EC MLCKATPdel abolished thrombin- and TNFalpha-induced stress fiber formation and MLC phosphorylation, suggesting this kinase-dead mutant functions as a dominant-negative MLCK construct, thereby confirming the role of EC MLCK in stress fiber formation. Finally, we compared the serum-stimulated growth rate of mutant MLCK-transfected fibroblasts to sham controls, and found EC MLCK1745 to augment thymidine incorporation whereas EC MLCKATPdel reduced CV1 growth rates. These data demonstrate the necessary role for MLCK in driving the contractile apparatus via MLC phosphorylation, which can alter fibroblast growth and contractility.

A membrane-permeant peptide that inhibits MLC kinase restores barrier function in in vitro models of intestinal disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Maintenance of the mucosal barrier is a critical function of intestinal epithelia. Myosin regulatory light chain (MLC) phosphorylation is a common intermediate in the pathophysiologic regulation of this barrier. The aim of this study was to determine whether a membrane permeant inhibitor of MLC kinase (PIK) could inhibit intracellular MLC kinase and regulate paracellular permeability.

METHODS

Recombinant MLC and Caco-2 MLC kinase were used for kinase assays. T84 and Caco-2 monolayers were treated with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma to induce barrier dysfunction.

RESULTS

PIK inhibited MLC kinase in vitro and was able to cross cell membranes and concentrate at the perijunctional actomyosin ring. Consistent with these properties, apical addition of PIK reduced intracellular MLC phosphorylation by 22% +/- 2%, increased transepithelial resistance (TER) by 50% +/- 1%, and decreased paracellular mannitol flux rates by 5.2 +/- 0.2-fold. EPEC infection induced TER decreases of 37% +/- 6% that were limited to 16% +/- 5% by PIK. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma induced TER decreases of 22% +/- 3% that were associated with a 172% +/- 1% increase in MLC phosphorylation. Subsequent PIK addition caused MLC phosphorylation to decrease by 25% +/- 4% while TER increased to 97% +/- 6% of control.

CONCLUSIONS

PIK can prevent TER defects induced by EPEC and reverse MLC phosphorylation increases and TER decreases induced by TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. The data also suggest that TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma regulate TER, at least in part, via the perijunctional cytoskeleton. Thus, PIK may be the prototype for a new class of targeted therapeutic agents that can restore barrier function in intestinal disease states.

Protein kinase C and ERK activation are required for TFF-peptide-stimulated bronchial epithelial cell migration and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 secretion

TFF-peptides (formerly P-domain peptides, trefoil factors) are typical secretory products of many mucous epithelia and are aberrantly secreted during chronic inflammatory diseases. They are known to enhance the migration of intestinal, corneal, and bronchial epithelial cells. Using the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B as a model, it is shown here for the first time that TFF-peptides are capable of modulating the inflammatory response in vitro by regulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. In contrast, TFF2 itself does not change IL-6 and IL-8 secretion but triggers sustained activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) as well as phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). A complex differential regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by TFF2 is observed that involves signaling via protein kinase C and ERK1/2. Furthermore, the motogenic effect of TFF2 on BEAS-2B cells is analyzed using a modified Boyden chamber assay. This migratory effect is shown to be dependent not only on protein kinase C and ERK1/2 but also on the activation of the Src family of tyrosine kinases. Taken together, the data presented indicate an important physiological role of TFF-peptides during inflammatory conditions of mucous epithelia.

Preliminary research on myosin light chain kinase in rabbit liver

AIM: To study preliminarily the properties of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in rabbit liver.

METHODS: The expression of MLCK was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); the MLCK was obtained from rabbit liver, and its activity was analyzed by γ-³² P incorporation technique to detect the phosphorylation of myosin light chain.

RESULTS: MLCK was expressed in rabbit liver, and the activity of the enzyme was similar to rabbit smooth muscle MLCK, and calmodulin- dependent. When the concentration was 0.65 mg •L¯¹, the activity was at the highest level.

CONCLUSION: MLCK expressed in rabbit liver may catalyze the phosphorylation of myosin light chain, which may play important roles in the regulation of hepatic cell functions.

Identification of a new form of death-associated protein kinase that promotes cell survival

In this study, two alternatively spliced forms of the mouse death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) have been identified and their roles in apoptosis examined. The mouse DAPK-alpha sequence is 95% identical to the previously described human DAPK, and it has a kinase domain and calmodulin-binding region closely related to the 130-150 kDa myosin light chain kinases. A 12-residue extension of the carboxyl terminus of DAPK-beta distinguishes it from the human and mouse DAPK-alpha. DAPK phosphorylates at least one substrate in vitro and in vivo, the myosin II regulatory light chain. This phosphorylation occurs preferentially at Ser-19 and is stimulated by calcium and calmodulin. The mRNA encoding DAPK is widely distributed and detected in mouse embryos and most adult tissues, although the expression of the encoded 160-kDa DAPK protein is more restricted. Overexpression of DAPK-alpha, the mouse homolog of human DAPK has a negligible effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of DAPK-beta has a strong cytoprotective effect on TNF-treated cells. Biochemical analysis of TNF-treated cell lines expressing mouse DAPK-beta suggests that the cytoprotective effect of DAPK is mediated through both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways and results in the inhibition of cytochrome c release from the mitochondria as well as inhibition of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity. These results suggest that the mouse DAPK-beta is a negative regulator of TNF-induced apoptosis.