JNK-independent activation of c-Jun during neuronal apoptosis induced by multiple DNA-damaging agents

The Effects of the Levosimendan Metabolites OR-1855 and OR-1896 on Endothelial Pro-Inflammatory Responses

The calcium sensitizer levosimendan is used for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. A small portion (4–7%) of levosimendan is metabolized to the pharmacologically active metabolite OR-1896 via the inactive intermediate OR-1855. In addition, levosimendan has been shown to exert positive effects on the endothelium in vitro antagonizing vascular dysfunction and inflammation. However, the function of the levosimendan metabolites within this context is still unknown. In this study, we thus investigated the impact of the metabolites OR-1896 and OR-1855 on endothelial inflammatory processes in vitro. We observed a reduction of IL-1β-dependent endothelial adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 as well as interleukin (IL) -6 expression upon levosimendan treatment but not after treatment with OR-1855 or OR-1896, as assessed by western blotting, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR. Instead, the metabolites impaired IL-1β-induced ROS formation via inactivation of the MAPK p38, ERK1/2, and JNK. Our results suggest that the levosimendan metabolites OR-1896 and OR-1855 have certain anti-inflammatory properties, partly other than levosimendan. Importantly, they additionally show that the intermediate metabolite OR-1855 does, in fact, have pharmacological effects in the endothelium. This is interesting, as the metabolites are responsible for the long-term therapeutic effects of levosimendan, and heart failure is associated with vascular dysfunction and inflammation.

Glutathione S-Transferases in Cancer

In humans, the glutathione S-transferases (GST) protein family is composed of seven members that present remarkable structural similarity and some degree of overlapping functionalities. GST proteins are crucial antioxidant enzymes that regulate stress-induced signaling pathways. Interestingly, overactive GST proteins are a frequent feature of many human cancers. Recent evidence has revealed that the biology of most GST proteins is complex and multifaceted and that these proteins actively participate in tumorigenic processes such as cell survival, cell proliferation, and drug resistance. Structural and pharmacological studies have identified various GST inhibitors, and these molecules have progressed to clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. In this review, we discuss recent findings in GST protein biology and their roles in cancer development, their contribution in chemoresistance, and the development of GST inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Inhibition of HDAC4 Attenuated JNK/c-Jun-Dependent Neuronal Apoptosis and Early Brain Injury Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by Transcriptionally Suppressing MKK7

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-Jun cascade-dependent neuronal apoptosis has been identified as a central element for early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still thoroughly undefined to date. In this study, we found that pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition by TSA, SAHA, VPA, and M344 led to a remarkable decrease in the phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, concomitant with a significant abrogation of apoptosis caused by potassium deprivation in cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Further investigation showed that these effects resulted from HDAC inhibition-induced transcriptional suppression of MKK7, a well-known upstream kinase of JNK. Using small interference RNAs (siRNAs) to silence the respective HDAC members, HDAC4 was screened to be required for MKK7 transcription and JNK/c-Jun activation. LMK235, a specific HDAC4 inhibitor, dose-dependently suppressed MKK7 transcription and JNK/c-Jun activity. Functionally, HDAC4 inhibition via knockdown or LMK235 significantly rescued CGN apoptosis induced by potassium deprivation. Moreover, administration of LMK235 remarkably ameliorated the EBI process in SAH rats, associated with an obvious reduction in MKK7 transcription, JNK/c-Jun activity, and neuronal apoptosis. Collectively, the findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of neuronal apoptosis regarding HDAC4 in the selective regulation of MKK7 transcription and JNK/c-Jun activity. HDAC4 inhibition could be a potential alternative to prevent MKK7/JNK/c-Jun axis-mediated nervous disorders, including SAH-caused EBI.

Repeated treatments with the D1 dopamine receptor agonist SKF-38393 modulate cell viability via sustained ERK-Bad-Bax activation in dopaminergic neuronal cells

The D₁ dopamine receptor agonist, SKF-38393, induces cytotoxicity in striatal dopaminergic neurons via an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesized that repeated activation of dopaminergic receptors by agonists could lead to neuronal cell death. This study investigated the effects of SKF-38393 on dopaminergic neuronal cell death in a 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) and PC12 cells. In the PD model, SKF-38393 administration (3 and 10 mg/kg per day, s.c.) for 8 weeks significantly increased the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive neuronal cells in nigrostriatal regions. SKF-38393 administration for 8 weeks induced phosphorylation of sustained ERK1/2 and Bad (Bcl-2-associated death promoter) at Ser155 (BadSer155), and augmented Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein) expression. However, SKF-38393 only increased Bad phosphorylation at Ser112 (BadSer112) when administered for 4 weeks. In PC12 cells, toxic levels of SKF-38393 (20 and 50 μM) rapidly induced formation of neurite-like processes, but not in the presence of an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (MDL-12330 A). SKF-38393 (20 and 50 μM) induced sustained ERK1/2 and BadSer155 phosphorylation as well as caspase-3 activation. At a non-toxic level (5 μM), SKF-38393 produced only transient ERK1/2 and BadSer112 phosphorylation. Repeated treatments with SKF-38393 (5 μM) for 1-3 days activated BadSer112. Repeated treatments for 4-7 days induced sustained ERK1/2 and BadSer155 phosphorylation as well as Bax and caspase-3 activation. These results suggest that SKF-38393 induces neurotoxicity by activation of the sustained ERK-Bad-Bax system. These findings contribute to an understanding of the adverse effects of D₁ dopamine receptor agonists in patients with PD.

Comparing effects of CDK inhibition and E2F1/2 ablation on neuronal cell death pathways in vitro and after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) activates multiple neuronal cell death mechanisms, leading to post-traumatic neuronal loss and neurological deficits. TBI-induced cell cycle activation (CCA) in post-mitotic neurons causes regulated cell death involving cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activation and initiation of an E2F transcription factor-mediated pro-apoptotic program. Here we examine the mechanisms of CCA-dependent neuronal apoptosis in primary neurons in vitro and in mice exposed to controlled cortical impact (CCI). In contrast to our prior work demonstrating robust neuroprotective effects by CDK inhibitors after TBI, examination of neuronal apoptotic mechanisms in E2F1^−/−/E2F2^−/− or E2F2^−/− transgenic mice following CCI suggests that E2F1 and/or E2F2 likely play only a modest role in neuronal cell loss after brain trauma. To elucidate more critical CCA molecular pathways involved in post-traumatic neuronal cell death, we investigated the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of the potent CDK inhibitor CR8 in a DNA damage model of cell death in primary cortical neurons. CR8 treatment significantly reduced caspase activation and cleavage of caspase substrates, attenuating neuronal cell death. CR8 neuroprotective effects appeared to reflect inhibition of multiple pathways converging on the mitochondrion, including injury-induced elevation of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homology region 3 (BH3)-only proteins Puma and Noxa, thereby attenuating mitochondrial permeabilization and release of cytochrome c and AIF, with reduction of both caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis. CR8 administration also limited injury-induced deficits in mitochondrial respiration. These neuroprotective effects may be explained by CR8-mediated inhibition of key upstream injury responses, including attenuation of c-Jun phosphorylation/activation as well as inhibition of p53 transactivation of BH3-only targets.

Tyrosol attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines from cultured astrocytes and NF-κB activation in in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation

Subsequent inflammation in stroke plays an important role in the damage of neurons in the perilesional area. Therapeutic intervention targeting inflammation may be a promising complementary strategy to current treatments of stroke. Here, we explored the possible beneficial effects of tyrosol, a derivative of phenethyl alcohol and natural antioxidant, playing an anti-inflammatory role in astrocyte culture and in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model. MTT, western blot, ELISA and EMSA assays were carried out to investigate cell viability, protein expression level, cytokine expression and NF-κB activity. We found tyrosol protected cultured astrocytes against OGD-induced cell viability loss in MTT test. Meanwhile, tyrosol attenuated the released TNF-α and IL-6 level from astrocyte via regulating Janus N-terminal kinase (JNK). The reduction of cytokines from astrocyte might be due to its inhibition of astrocyte activation and regulation of STAT3 signaling pathway since tyrosol attenuated the expression level of GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and the phosphorylation of STAT3. Additionally, we demonstrated that tyrosol prevented the degradation of IκBα and the increase of IκBα phosphorylation in astrocytes exposed to OGD, which led to the suppression of NF-κB function during ischemia. Collectively, our results showed that tyrosol may be a promising complementary treatment compound for stroke via modulating the inflammatory response in astrocytes during ischemia.

Curcumin blocks autophagy and activates apoptosis of malignant mesothelioma cell lines and increases the survival of mice intraperitoneally transplanted with a malignant mesothelioma cell line

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a primary tumor arising from the serous membranes. The resistance of MM patients to conventional therapies, and the poor patients’ survival, encouraged the identification of molecular targets for MM treatment. Curcumin (CUR) is a “multifunctional drug”. We explored the in vitro effects of CUR on cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, pro-survival signaling pathways, apoptosis, autophagy of human (MM-B1, H-Meso-1, MM-F1), and mouse (#40a) MM cells. In addition, we evaluated the in vivo anti-tumor activities of CUR in C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally transplanted with #40a cells forming ascites.

CUR in vitro inhibited MM cells survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner and increased reactive oxygen species’intracellular production and induced DNA damage. CUR triggered autophagic flux, but the process was then blocked and was coincident with caspase 8 activation which activates apoptosis. CUR-mediated apoptosis was supported by the increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, increase of p53 expression, activation of caspase 9, cleavage of PARP-1, increase of the percentage of cells in the sub G1 phase which was reduced (MM-F1 and #40a) or abolished (MM-B1 and H-Meso-1) after MM cells incubation with the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. CUR treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, inhibited that of p54 JNK and AKT, increased c-Jun expression and phosphorylation and prevented NF-κB nuclear translocation. Intraperitoneal administration of CUR increased the median survival of C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally transplanted with #40a cells and reduced the risk of developing tumors. Our findings may have important implications for the design of MM treatment using CUR.

Neuronal Stress Pathway Mediating a Histone Methyl/Phospho Switch Is Required for Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation from latent neuronal infection requires stimulation of lytic gene expression from promoters associated with repressive heterochromatin. Various neuronal stresses trigger reactivation, but how these stimuli activate silenced promoters remains unknown. We show that a neuronal pathway involving activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), common to many stress responses, is essential for initial HSV gene expression during reactivation. This JNK activation in neurons is mediated by dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and JNK-interacting protein 3 (JIP3), which direct JNK toward stress responses instead of other cellular functions. Surprisingly, JNK-mediated viral gene induction occurs independently of histone demethylases that remove repressive lysine modifications. Rather, JNK signaling results in a histone methyl/phospho switch on HSV lytic promoters, a mechanism permitting gene expression in the presence of repressive lysine methylation. JNK is present on viral promoters during reactivation, thereby linking a neuronal-specific stress pathway and HSV reactivation from latency.

Bile acids-mediated overexpression of MUC4 via FAK-dependent c-Jun activation in pancreatic cancer

The majority of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients are clinically presented with obstructive jaundice with elevated levels of circulatory bilirubin and alkaline phosphatases. In the current study, we examined the implications of bile acids (BA), an important component of bile, on the pathophysiology of PC and investigated their mechanistic association in tumor-promoting functions. Integration of results from PC patient samples and autochthonous mouse models showed an elevated levels of BA (p < 0.05) in serum samples compared to healthy controls. Similarly, an elevated BA levels was observed in pancreatic juice derived from PC patients (p < 0.05) than non-pancreatic non-healthy (NPNH) controls, further establishing the clinical association of BA with the pathogenesis of PC. The tumor-promoting functions of BA were established by observed transcriptional upregulation of oncogenic MUC4 expression. Luciferase reporter assay revealed distal MUC4 promoter as the primary responsive site to BA. In silico analysis recognized two c-Jun binding sites at MUC4 distal promoter, which was biochemically established using ChIP assay. Interestingly, BA treatment led to an increased transcription and activation of c-Jun in a FAK-dependent manner. Additionally, BA receptor, namely FXR, which is also upregulated at transcriptional level in PC patient samples, was demonstrated as an upstream molecule in BA-mediated FAK activation, plausibly by regulating Src activation. Altogether, these results demonstrate that elevated levels of BA increase the tumorigenic potential of PC cells by inducing FXR/FAK/c-Jun axis to upregulate MUC4 expression, which is overexpressed in pancreatic tumors and is known to be associated with progression and metastasis of PC.

Prevention of trauma-induced cochlear fibrosis using intracochlear application of anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative drugs

Cochlear fibrosis is a common finding following cochlear implantation. Evidence suggests that cochlear fibrosis could be triggered by inflammation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT). In this study, we investigate the mechanisms of cochlear fibrosis and the risk/benefit ratio of local administration of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone (DEX) and antimitotic drug aracytine (Ara-C). Cochlear fibrosis was evaluated in cochlear fibrosis models of rat cochlear slices in vitro and in KLH-induced immune labyrinthitis and platinum wire cochlear implantation-induced fibrosis in vivo. Cochleae were invaded with tissue containing fibroblastic cells expressing α-SMA (alpha smooth muscle actin), which along with collagen I, fibronectin, and laminin in the extracellular matrix, suggests the involvement of a fibrotic process triggered by EMT in vitro and in vivo. After perilymphatic injection of an adenoviral vector expressing GFP in vivo, we demonstrated that the fibroblastic cells derived from the mesothelial cells of the scalae tympani and vestibuli. Activation of inflammatory and EMT pathways was further assessed by ELISA analysis of the expression of IL-1β and TGF-β1. Both markers were elevated in vitro and in vivo, and DEX and Ara-C were able to reduce IL-1β and TGF-β1 production. After 5days of culture in vitro, quantification of calcein-positive cells revealed that Ara-C was 30-fold more efficient in preventing fibrosis, and provoked less sensory hair cell loss, than DEX. In KLH-induced immune labyrinthitis and platinum wire-implanted models, Ara-C was more efficient in preventing proliferation of fibrosis with less side effects on hair cells and neurons than DEX. In conclusion, DEX and Ara-C both prevent fibrosis in the cochlea. Analysis of the risk/benefit ratio favors the use of Ara-C for preventing cochlear fibrosis.

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling in cancer: Alliance or contradiction? (Review)

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway are responsible for regulating a variety of cellular processes including cell growth, migration, invasion and apoptosis. These two pathways are essential to the development and progression of tumors. The dual roles of JNK signaling in apoptosis and tumor development determine the different interactions between the PI3K/Akt and JNK pathways. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling can inhibit stress- and cytokine-induced JNK activation through Akt antagonizing and the formation of the JIP1-JNK module, as well as the activities of upstream kinases ASK1, MKK4/7 and MLK. On the other hand, hyperactivation of Akt and JNK is also found in cancers that harbor EGFR overexpression or loss of PTEN. Understanding the activation mechanism of PI3K/Akt and JNK pathways, as well as the interplays between these two pathways in cancer may contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. In the present report, we summarized the current understanding of the PI3K/Akt and JNK signaling networks, as well as their biological roles in cancers. In addition, the interactions and regulatory network between PI3K/Akt and JNK pathways in cancer were discussed.

The regulation of p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis by JNK/c-Jun pathway in β-amyloid-induced neuron death

Neuronal loss in selective areas of brain underlies the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidences place oligomeric β-amyloid (Aβ) central to the disease. However, mechanism of neuron death in response to Aβ remains elusive. Activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and induction of the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun are reported in AD. However, targets of JNK/c-Jun in Aβ-induced neuron death are mostly unknown. Our study shows that pro-apoptotic proteins, Bim (Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death) and Puma (p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis) are targets of c-Jun in Aβ-treated neurons. We demonstrate that the JNK/c-Jun pathway is activated, in cultures of cortical neurons following treatment with oligomeric Aβ and in AD transgenic mice, and that inhibition of this pathway by selective inhibitor blocks induction of Puma by Aβ. We also find that both JNK and p53 pathways co-operatively regulate Puma expression in Aβ-treated neurons. Moreover, we identified a novel AP1-binding site on rat puma gene which is necessary for direct binding of c-Jun with Puma promoter. Finally, we find that knocking down of c-Jun by siRNA provides significant protection from Aβ toxicity and that induction of Bim and Puma by Aβ in neurons requires c-Jun. Taken together, our results suggest that both Bim and Puma are target of c-Jun and elucidate the intricate regulation of Puma expression by JNK/c-Jun and p53 pathways in neurons upon Aβ toxicity. JNK/c-Jun pathway is shown to be activated in neurons of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain and plays a vital role in neuron death in AD models. However, downstream targets of c-Jun in this disease have not been thoroughly elucidated. Our study shows that two important pro-apoptotic proteins, Bim (Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death) and Puma (p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis) are targets of c-Jun in Aβ-treated neurons. We demonstrate that the JNK/c-jun pathway is activated, in cultures of cortical neurons following treatment with oligomeric Aβ and in AD transgenic mice, and that inhibition of this pathway by selective inhibitor blocks induction of Puma by Aβ. We have also observed functional co-operation of both JNK and p53 pathway in regulation of Puma under Aβ toxicity. Most importantly, we identified a novel AP1-binding site on rat puma gene which is necessary for direct binding of c-Jun with Puma promoter. Thus, our results suggest that both Bim and Puma are target of c-Jun and elucidate the intricate regulation of Puma expression by JNK/c-Jun and p53 pathways in neurons upon Aβ toxicity.

Induction of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a critical component of lung inflammation during influenza A (H1N1) virus infection

Cytokine storm during influenza virus infection is recognized as a predictor of morbidity and mortality. To verify the cellular effects of influenza-induced cytokines in primary normal lung cells, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) and lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5 cells) were infected with influenza virus H1N1. H1N1 infection induced the transcription of various genes encoding cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-12A, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) in both endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts. Among them, IL-1β induction by influenza infection increased the inflammation of lung cells; conversely, blockade of IL-1β signals with an IL-1β receptor antagonist or a neutralizing antibody alleviated influenza-driven inflammation. In conclusion, these data suggest that secreted IL-1β by the endothelial cells contributes to influenza-induced inflammation, and blockade of IL-1β signals is a potential treatment or therapeutic target for influenza-induced inflammation.

Proliferation of mouse liver stem/progenitor cells induced by plasma from patients with acute liver failure is modulated by P2Y2 receptor-mediated JNK activation

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that acute liver failure plasma (ALF-P) promotes the proliferation of mouse liver oval cells (OCs) through c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which ALF-P induces JNK activation and OC proliferation.

METHODS

OCs and primary hepatocytes were exposed to ALF-P or normal control plasma (NC-P). Cell proliferation and activation of JNK and other JNK signaling molecules were detected subsequently. Next, we determined the effects of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ATP receptors on ALF-P-stimulated cell growth. Finally, the relationship between the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and ATP receptor pathways was investigated.

RESULTS

Cell proliferation accompanied by JNK activation was only observed in ALF-P-stimulated OCs. ALF-P stimulated the activation of SEK1/MKK4 and ATF2, but not c-Jun. Both PPADS (pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid) treatment and P2Y2 (G-protein-coupled) small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection blocked the effects of ALF-P on cell proliferation and JNK activation. However, ATP levels in ALF-P were significantly lower than that in NC-P, and ATP did not stimulate the proliferation of OCs. On the other hand, TNFα stimulated JNK activation and proliferation of OCs. TNFα receptor antagonist partly inhibited the ALF-P-stimulated proliferation of OCs. Moreover, PPADS significantly inhibited TNFα-stimulated cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of JNK. However, our data showed no significant difference in plasma TNFα levels between the NC-P and ALF-P samples.

CONCLUSIONS

JNK activation induced by P2Y2 receptor crosstalk with the TNFα signaling pathway is important in mediating the effects of ALF-P on the proliferation and survival of OCs.

Nerve injury-induced c-Jun activation in Schwann cells is JNK independent

We investigated (a) if activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was linked to the stress activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathway and (b) if JNK was required for activation of c-Jun in Schwann cells of rat sciatic nerve following injury. To this aim, ERK1/2 and the transcription factors c-Jun and ATF-3 were studied by immunohistochemistry in segments of transected nerves. We utilized pharmacological inhibitors of both signal transduction pathways in vitro to determine the effects on downstream signalling events, such as c-Jun activation, and on Schwann cell survival and proliferation. A transection induces c-Jun and ATF-3 transcription in Schwann cells. These events are followed by Schwann cell activation of c-Jun in the injured nerve. The MAPK inhibitor U0126 blocked ERK1/2 activation and reduced Schwann cell proliferation as well as induction of c-Jun transcription. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 reduced Schwann cell proliferation, but did not affect the expression of ERK1/2 or injury-induced increases in c-Jun or ATF-3 levels. Importantly, nerve injury induces Schwann cell activation of c-Jun by phosphorylation, which, in contrast to in sensory neurons, is JNK independent. MAP kinases, other than JNK, can potentially activate c-Jun in Schwann cells following injury; information that is crucial to create new nerve reconstruction strategies.

Mitochondrial JNK phosphorylation as a novel therapeutic target to inhibit neuroinflammation and apoptosis after neonatal ischemic brain damage

Neonatal encephalopathy is associated with high mortality and life-long developmental consequences. Therapeutic options are very limited. We assessed the effects of D-JNKi, a small peptide c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAP kinase inhibitor, on neuroinflammation, mitochondrial integrity and neuronal damage in a neonatal rat model of ischemic brain damage. Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury was induced in postnatal-day 7 rats by unilateral carotid artery occlusion and hypoxia, and was followed by intraperitoneal D-JNKi treatment. We demonstrate here for the first time that a single intraperitoneal injection with D-JNKi directly after HI strongly reduces neonatal brain damage by >85% with a therapeutic window of at least 6h. D-JNKi treatment also restored cognitive and motor function as analyzed at 9weeks post-insult. Neuroprotective D-JNKi treatment inhibited phosphorylation of nuclear c-Jun (P-c-Jun), and consequently reduced activity of the AP-1 transcription factor and production of cerebral cytokines/chemokines as determined at 3 and 24h post-HI. Inhibition of P-c-Jun by D-JNKi is thought to be mediated via inhibition of the upstream phosphorylation of cytosolic and nuclear JNK and/or by preventing the direct interaction of phosphorylated (P-)JNK with c-Jun. Surprisingly, however, HI did not induce a detectable increase in P-JNK in cytosol or nucleus. Notably, we show here for the first time that HI induces P-JNK only in the mitochondrial fraction, which was completely prevented by D-JNKi treatment. The hypothesis that mitochondrial JNK activation is key to HI brain injury was supported by data showing that treatment of rat pups with SabKIM1 peptide, a specific mitochondrial JNK inhibitor, is also neuroprotective. Inhibition of HI-induced mitochondrial JNK activation was associated with preservation of mitochondrial integrity as evidenced by prevention of ATP loss and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The HI-induced increase in apoptotic markers (cytochrome c release and caspase 3 activation) as analyzed at 24h post-HI were also strongly reduced by D-JNKi and the mitochondrial anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were upregulated. Neuroprotection was lost after repeated 0+3h D-JNKi treatment which was associated with complete inhibition of the second peak of AP-1 activity and disability to upregulate mitochondrial Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. We show here for the first time that D-JNKi treatment efficiently protects the neonatal brain against ischemic brain damage and subsequent cognitive and motor impairment. We propose that inhibition of phosphorylation of mitochondrial JNK is a pivotal step in preventing early loss of mitochondrial integrity leading to reduced neuroinflammation and inhibition of apoptotic neuronal loss. Moreover we show the crucial role of upregulation of mitochondrial anti-apoptotic proteins to maintain neuroprotection.

CDK-mediated regulation of cell functions via c-Jun phosphorylation and AP-1 activation

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their targets have been primarily associated with regulation of cell-cycle progression. Here we identify c-Jun, a transcription factor involved in the regulation of a broad spectrum of cellular functions, as a newly recognized CDK substrate. Using immune cells from mouse and human, and several complementary in vitro and in vivo approaches including dominant negative protein expression, pharmacologic inhibitors, kinase assays and CDK4 deficient cells, we demonstrate the ability of CDK4 to phosphorylate c-Jun. Additionally, the activity of AP-1, a ubiquitous transcription factor containing phosphorylated c-Jun as a subunit, was inhibited by abrogating CDK4. Surprisingly, the regulation of c-Jun phosphorylation by CDK4 occurred in non-dividing cells, indicating that this pathway is utilized for cell functions that are independent of proliferation. Our studies identify a new substrate for CDK4 and suggest a mechanism by which CDKs can regulate multiple cellular activation functions, not all of which are directly associated with cell cycle progression. These findings point to additional roles of CDKs in cell signaling and reveal potential implications for therapeutic manipulations of this kinase pathway.

Doxorubicin coupled to penetratin promotes apoptosis in CHO cells by a mechanism involving c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase

Doxorubicin (Dox) has demonstrated potent activity in treating malignant lymphomas but its therapeutic efficacy is hampered by induction of cardiotoxicity. This side effect is related to the ability of the drug to generate reactive oxygen species in cells. Previously, we demonstrated that coupling Dox to penetratin (Pen), a cell penetrating peptide, represent a valuable strategy to overcome drug resistance in CHO cells. In the present study, we evaluated the consequences of the conjugation of Dox to Pen in term of apoptosis induction. When tested on CHO cells, Dox-Pen generated a typical apoptotic phenotype but at lower dose that needed for unconjugated Dox. Cell death induction was associated with chromatin condensation, caspase activation, Bax oligomerisation and release of cytochrome c. By using reactive oxygen species and c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors, we prevented Dox- and Dox-Pen-induced CHO cell death. The chimeric soluble DR5 receptor that inhibits TRAIL induced cell death does not prevent Dox or Dox-Pen-induced cytotoxicity. These observations indicate that conjugation of Dox to cell penetrating peptide does not impair the ability of the drug to trigger cell death through activation of the intrinsic pathway involving c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase but could exhibit less toxic side effects and could warrant its use in clinic.

Role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway in retinal excitotoxicity, and neuroprotection by its inhibition

Retinal excitotoxicity is associated with retinal ischemia, and with glaucomatous and traumatic optic neuropathy. The present study investigates the role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in NMDA-mediated retinal excitotoxicity and determines whether neuroprotection can be obtained with the JNK pathway inhibitor, D-form of JNK-inhibitor 1 (D-JNKI-1). Young adult rats received intravitreal injections of 20 nmol NMDA, which caused extensive neuronal death in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. This excitotoxicity was associated with strong activation of calpain, as revealed by fodrin cleavage, and of JNK. The cell-permeable peptide D-JNKI-1 was used to inhibit JNK. Within 40 min of its intravitreal injection, FITC-labeled D-JNKI-1 spread through the retinal ganglion cell layer into the inner nuclear layer and interfered with the NMDA-induced phosphorylation of JNK. Injections of unlabeled D-JNKI-1 gave unprecedentedly strong neuroprotection against cell death in both layers, lasting for at least 10 days. The NMDA-induced calpain-specific fodrin cleavage was likewise strongly inhibited by D-JNKI-1. Moreover the electroretinogram was partially preserved by D-JNKI-1. Thus, the JNK pathway is involved in NMDA-mediated retinal excitotoxicity and JNK inhibition by D-JNKI-1 provides strong neuroprotection as shown morphologically, biochemically and physiologically.

Specific vulnerability of mouse spinal cord motoneurons to membrane depolarization

Intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration determines neuronal dependence on neurotrophic factors (NTFs) and susceptibility to cell death. Ca(2+) overload induces neuronal death and the consequences are thought to be a probable cause of motoneuron (MN) degeneration in neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we show that membrane depolarization with elevated extracellular potassium (K(+)) was toxic to cultured embryonic mouse spinal cord MNs even in the presence of NTFs. Membrane depolarization induced an intracellular Ca(2+) increase. Depolarization-induced toxicity and increased intracellular Ca(2+) were blocked by treatment with antagonists to some of the voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (VGCCs), indicating that Ca(2+) influx through these channels contributed to the toxic effect of depolarization. Ca(2+) activates the calpains, cysteine proteases that degrade a variety of substrates, causing cell death. We investigated the functional involvement of calpain using a calpain inhibitor and calpain gene silencing. Pre-treatment of MNs with calpeptin (a cell-permeable calpain inhibitor) rescued MNs survival; calpain RNA interference had the same protective effect, indicating that endogenous calpain contributes to the cell death caused by membrane depolarization. These findings suggest that MNs are especially vulnerable to extracellular K(+) concentration, which induces cell death by causing both intracellular Ca(2+) increase and calpain activation.

Activator protein-1 has an essential role in pancreatic cancer cells and is regulated by a novel Akt-mediated mechanism

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) regulates the expression of several genes involved in human tumorigenesis. However, there is little known about this transcription factor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We recently found high levels of AP-1-binding activities and multiple AP-1/DNA complexes containing c-Jun, JunD, Fra1, and Fra2 in pancreatic cancer cells. Transient transfection assays indicated that AP-1 was functional and capable of transactivating its gene targets. Furthermore, a c-Jun transactivation mutant inhibited anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent proliferation, suggesting that AP-1 had an essential role in pancreatic cancer cells. Our study also uncovered a novel mechanism by which protein kinase Akt controls c-Jun activity in pancreatic cancer cells. Indeed, distinct from its known ability to induce c-fos and fra1 and to stabilize c-Jun, Akt appeared to directly regulate the transcriptional activity of c-Jun independently of the phosphorylation sites targeted by c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (Ser(63)/Ser(73)) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (Thr(239)). Our data also suggest that growth factors might use this Akt-regulated mechanism to potently induce c-Jun targets such as cyclin D1. Collectively, our findings indicate that AP-1 has an important function in pancreatic cancer cells and provide evidence for a previously unknown Akt-mediated mechanism of c-Jun activation.

Inhibition of C-jun N-terminal kinase improves insulin sensitivity but worsens albuminuria in experimental diabetes

C-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) regulates both the development of insulin resistance and inflammation. Podocytes of the widely used db/db mouse model of diabetic nephropathy lose their ability to respond to insulin as albuminuria develops, in comparison to control db/+ mice. Here we tested whether JNK inhibition or its gene deletion would prevent albuminuria in experimental diabetes. Phosphorylated/total JNK was significantly increased in vivo in glomeruli of db/db compared to db/+ mice. Treatment of podocytes isolated from these two strains of mice with tumor necrosis factor-alpha caused greater phosphorylation of JNK in those obtained from diabetic animals. When db/db mice were treated with a cell-permeable TAT-JNK inhibitor peptide, their insulin sensitivity and glycemia significantly improved compared to controls. We induced diabetes in JNK1 knockout mice with streptozotocin and found that they had significantly better insulin sensitivity compared to diabetic wild-type or JNK2 knockout mice. Albuminuria was, however, worse in all mice treated with the JNK inhibitor and in diabetic JNK2 knockout mice compared to controls. Nephrin expression was also reduced in JNK inhibitor-treated mice compared to controls. A similar degree of mesangial expansion was found in all diabetic mice. Our study shows that targeting JNK to improve systemic insulin sensitivity does not necessarily prevent diabetic nephropathy.

Zeroing in on LRRK2-linked pathogenic mechanisms in Parkinson's disease

The frequency and potency of mutations in the LRRK2 gene redefine the role of genetic susceptibility in Parkinson's disease. Dominant missense mutations that fulfill initial criteria for potential gain of function mechanisms coupled with enzymatic activity likely amenable to small molecule inhibition position LRRK2 as a promising therapeutic target. Herein, key observations from the clinic to the test tube are highlighted together with points of contention and outstanding critical issues. Resolution of the critical issues will expedite the development of therapies that exploit LRRK2 activity for neuroprotection strategies.

Methylprednisolone inhibits interleukin-17 and interferon-gamma expression by both naive and primed T cells

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing cells are increasingly considered to be the major pathogenic population in various autoimmune disorders. The effects of glucocorticoids, widely used as therapeutics for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, on IL-17 generation have not been thoroughly investigated so far. Therefore, we have explored the influence of methylprednisolone (MP) on IL-17 expression in rat lymphocytes, and compared it to the effect of the drug on interferon (IFN)-gamma.

RESULTS

Production of IL-17 in mitogen-stimulated lymph node cells (LNC) from non-treated rats, as well as in myelin basic protein (MBP)-stimulated draining LNC from rats immunized with spinal cord homogenate and complete Freund's adjuvant was significantly reduced by MP. The reduction was dose-dependent, sustained through the follow-up period of 48 hours, and was not achieved through anti-proliferative effect. Additionally, MP inhibited IL-17 production in purified T cells as well, but to less extent than in LNC. In its influence on IL-17 production MP inhibited Ror-gammaT transcription factor expression, as well as Jun phosphorylation, but not ERK or p38 activation in mitogen-stimulated LNC. Importantly, MP collaborated with IFN-gamma in inhibiting IL-17 generation in LNC.

CONCLUSION

The observed difference in the effect of MP on IL-17 and IFN-gamma could be important for the understanding of the variability in the efficiency of glucocorticoids in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

CITED2 signals through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma to regulate death of cortical neurons after DNA damage

DNA damage is an important initiator of neuronal apoptosis and activates signaling events not yet fully defined. Using the camptothecin-induced DNA damage model in neurons, we previously showed that cyclin D1-associated cell cycle cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) (Cdk4/6) and p53 activation are two major events leading to activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. With gene array analyses, we detected upregulation of Cited2, a CBP (cAMP response element-binding protein-binding protein)/p300 interacting transactivator, in response to DNA damage. This upregulation was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot. CITED2 was functionally important because CITED2 overexpression promotes death, whereas CITED2 deficiency protects. Cited2 upregulation is upstream of the mitochondrial death pathway (BAX, Apaf1, or cytochrome c release) and appears to be independent of p53. However, inhibition of the Cdk4 blocked Cited2 induction. The Cited2 prodeath mechanism does not involve Bmi-1 or p53. Instead, Cited2 activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), an activity that we demonstrate is critical for DNA damage-induced death. These results define a novel neuronal prodeath pathway in which Cdk4-mediated regulation of Cited2 activates PPARgamma and consequently caspase.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling regulates events associated with both health and degeneration in motoneurons

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are activated by various stimuli and are critical for neuronal development as well as for death following a stressful stimulus. Here, we have evaluated JNK activity in both healthy and dying motoneurons from developing chick embryos and found no apparent difference in overall JNK activity between the conditions, suggesting that this pathway maybe critical in both circumstances. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK in healthy motoneurons supplied with trophic support resulted in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, neurite outgrowth, and phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein 1B. On the other hand, in motoneurons deprived of trophic support, inhibition of JNK attenuated caspase activation, and nuclear condensation. We also examined the role of JNK's downstream substrate c-Jun in mediating these events. While c-Jun expression and phosphorylation were greater in cells supplied with trophic support as compared with those deprived, inhibition of c-Jun had no effect on nuclear condensation in dying cells or neurite outgrowth in healthy cells, suggesting that JNK's role in these events is independent of c-Jun. Together, our data underscore the dualistic nature of JNK signaling that is critical for both survival and degenerative changes in motoneurons.

Activated stress response pathways within multicellular aggregates utilize an autocrine component

Multicellular aggregates (spheroids) of primary human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-2) and a glioblastoma cell line (T98G) entered and exited from long term (2 weeks) metabolic arrest utilizing an autocrine response. Cytokine production (specifically IFN-gamma) activated a Gadd45alpha/p38 pathway that led to increased AP-1 (c-jun and ATF3) transcription factor levels, augmenting cytokine production in an autocrine fashion. Whereas HFF-2 aggregates were capable of surviving long term arrest and recovery during NF-kappaB inhibition independent of JNK activation, T98G aggregates were not. Such endogenous processes are not easily observed with adherent monolayer cell culturing systems, strongly suggesting that more emphasis needs to be placed on determining the operational signal transduction cascades within multicellular aggregates. Extracellular inputs such as spheroid formation, arrest, and regrowth as monolayers invoke intracellular signaling responses converging at the AP-1 transcription factor level. Variations in responses are both cell type and transformation state dependent and require an autocrine cytokine component. The data are discussed in relation to the wounding response and avascular tumor growth mechanisms.

c-Jun induces apoptosis of starved BM2 monoblasts by activating cyclin A-CDK2

c-Jun is one of the major components of the activating protein-1 (AP-1), the transcription factor that participates in regulation of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this study, we explored functional interactions of the c-Jun protein with several regulators of the G1/S transition in serum-deprived v-myb-transformed chicken monoblasts BM2. We show that the c-Jun protein induces expression of cyclin A, thus up-regulating activity of cyclin A-associated cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and causing massive programmed cell death of starved BM2cJUN cells. Specific inhibition of CDK2 suppresses frequency of apoptosis of BM2cJUN cells. We conclude that up-regulation of cyclin A expression and CDK2 activity can represent important link between the c-Jun protein, cell cycle machinery, and programmed cell death pathway in leukemic cells.

Uses for JNK: the many and varied substrates of the c-Jun N-terminal kinases

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are members of a larger group of serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases from the mitogen-activated protein kinase family. JNKs were originally identified as stress-activated protein kinases in the livers of cycloheximide-challenged rats. Their subsequent purification, cloning, and naming as JNKs have emphasized their ability to phosphorylate and activate the transcription factor c-Jun. Studies of c-Jun and related transcription factor substrates have provided clues about both the preferred substrate phosphorylation sequences and additional docking domains recognized by JNK. There are now more than 50 proteins shown to be substrates for JNK. These include a range of nuclear substrates, including transcription factors and nuclear hormone receptors, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, and the Pol I-specific transcription factor TIF-IA, which regulates ribosome synthesis. Many nonnuclear substrates have also been characterized, and these are involved in protein degradation (e.g., the E3 ligase Itch), signal transduction (e.g., adaptor and scaffold proteins and protein kinases), apoptotic cell death (e.g., mitochondrial Bcl2 family members), and cell movement (e.g., paxillin, DCX, microtubule-associated proteins, the stathmin family member SCG10, and the intermediate filament protein keratin 8). The range of JNK actions in the cell is therefore likely to be complex. Further characterization of the substrates of JNK should provide clearer explanations of the intracellular actions of the JNKs and may allow new avenues for targeting the JNK pathways with therapeutic agents downstream of JNK itself.

The activation loop phosphorylation of protein kinase D is an early marker of neuronal DNA damage

In neurons, DNA damage induces protein synthesis-dependent apoptosis mediated by the mitochondrial intrinsic cell-death pathway. Signal transduction cascades activated by genotoxic stress upstream of the mitochondria are largely unknown. We identified protein kinase D (PKD) as one of the earliest markers of neuronal DNA damage. Phosphorylation of the PKD-activation domain could be detected within 15 min of genotoxic stress and was concurrent with ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) activation. PKD stimulation was selective to DNA damage and did not occur with other stress stimuli examined. In vivo, both young and adult rats showed increased levels of phosphorylated PKD in neuronal tissues after injection of DNA-toxin etoposide. These results indicate that PKD activation is an early neuronal response to DNA damage, suggesting that signaling downstream of PKD may be critical for neuronal survival after genotoxic stress.

Pro-apoptotic role of c-Jun in NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in the rat retina

We examined the role of c-Jun on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neurotoxicity in the rat retina. An increase in c-Jun mRNA, c-Jun protein and phosphorylated c-Jun (p-c-Jun) levels in the retina was detected 3 hr after intravitreal injection of NMDA (20 nmol). These levels peaked after 12 hr, and then returned to their control levels by 24 hr. c-Jun and p-c-Jun immunoreactivities were observed in the retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL), especially in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and in the inner nuclear layer (INL) 12 hr after NMDA injection, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells were immunopositive for c-Jun and p-c-Jun. A c-Jun antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS ODN), which was simultaneously injected with NMDA, penetrated the cells in the RGCL and the INL, suppressed the NMDA-induced increase in c-Jun and p-c-Jun protein levels and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the RGCL 12 hr after the injection. The protective effect of c-Jun AS ODN on the NMDA-treated retina was also shown by the RGCL cell count and measurement of the IPL thickness, as well as by quantitative real-time PCR analysis of Thy-1 mRNA 7 days after the injection. These results suggest that c-Jun synthesis and phosphorylation participate in NMDA-induced neuronal cell death.

Sul J, Takano H, Haydon PG, Eberwine JH. Elk-1 associates with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex in neurons

The nuclear transcription factor E-26-like protein 1 (Elk-1) is thought to impact neuronal differentiation [Sharrocks, A. D. (2001) Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 2, 827-837], cell proliferation [Sharrocks, A. D. (2002) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 30, 1-9], tumorigenesis [Chai, Y. L., Chipitsyna, G., Cui, J., Liao, B., Liu, S., Aysola, K., Yezdani, M., Reddy, E. S. P. & Rao, V. N. (2001) Oncogene 20, 1357-1367], and apoptosis [Shao, N., Chai, Y., Cui, J., Wang, N., Aysola, K., Reddy, E. S. P. & Rao, V. N. (1998) Oncogene 17, 527-532]. In addition to its nuclear localization, Elk-1 is found throughout the cytoplasm, including localization in neuronal dendrites [Sgambato, V., Vanhoutte, P., Pages, C., Rogard, M., Hipskind, R., Besson, M. J. & Caboche, J. (1998) J. Neurosci. 18, 214-226], raising the possibility that Elk-1 may have alternative extranuclear functions in neurons. Using coimmunoprecipitation and reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation from adult rat brain, we found an association between Elk-1 protein and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex (PTP), a structure involved in both apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Electron microscopy in adult rat brain sections confirmed this association with mitochondria. Elk-1 was also identified from purified mitochondrial fractions by using Western blotting, and Elk-1 increased its association with mitochondria following proapoptotic stimuli. Consistent with a role for Elk-1 in neuron viability, overexpression of Elk-1 in primary neurons decreased cell viability, whereas Elk-1 siRNA-mediated knockdown increased cell viability. This decrease in viability induced by Elk-1 overexpression was blocked with application of a PTP inhibitor. These results show an association of the nuclear transcription factor Elk-1 with the mitochondrial PTP and suggest an additional extranuclear function for Elk-1 in neurons.

The BH3-only protein Puma is both necessary and sufficient for neuronal apoptosis induced by DNA damage in sympathetic neurons

DNA damage activates apoptosis in several neuronal populations and is an important component of neuropathological conditions. While it is well established that neuronal apoptosis, induced by DNA damage, is dependent on the key cell death regulators p53 and Bax, it is unknown which proteins link the p53 signal to Bax. Using rat sympathetic neurons as an in vitro model of neuronal apoptosis, we show that cytosine arabinoside is a DNA damaging drug that induces the expression of the BH3-only pro-apoptotic genes Noxa, Puma and Bim. Increased expression occurred after p53 activation, measured by its phosphorylation at serine 15, but prior to the conformational change of Bax at the mitochondria, cytochrome c (cyt c) release and apoptosis. Hence Noxa, Puma and Bim could potentially link p53 to Bax. We directly tested this hypothesis by the use of nullizygous mice. We show that Puma, but not Bim or Noxa, is a crucial mediator of DNA damage-induced neuronal apoptosis. Despite the powerful pro-apoptotic effects of overexpressed Puma in Bax-expressing neurons, Bax nullizygous neurons were resistant to Puma-induced death. Therefore, Puma provides the critical link between p53 and Bax, and is both necessary and sufficient to mediate DNA damage-induced apoptosis of sympathetic neurons.

Regulation of axotomy-induced dopaminergic neuron death and c-Jun phosphorylation by targeted inhibition of cdc42 or mixed lineage kinase

Mechanical transection of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway at the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) results in the delayed degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). We have previously demonstrated that c-Jun activation is an obligate component of neuronal death in this model. Here we identified the small GTPase, cdc42, and mixed lineage kinases (MLKs) as upstream factors regulating neuronal loss and activation of c-Jun following MFB axotomy. Adenovirus-mediated expression of a dominant-negative form of cdc42 in nigral neurons blocked MFB axotomy-induced activation (phosphorylation) of MAP kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) and c-Jun, resulting in attenuation of SNpc neuronal death. Pharmacological inhibition of MLKs, MKK4-activating kinases, significantly reduced the phosphorylation of c-Jun and abrogated dopaminergic neuronal degeneration following MFB axotomy. Taken together, these findings suggest that death of nigral dopaminergic neurons following axotomy can be attenuated by targeting cell signaling events upstream of c-Jun N-terminal mitogen-activated protein kinase/c-Jun.

The limited role of NH2-terminal c-Jun phosphorylation in neuronal apoptosis: identification of the nuclear pore complex as a potential target of the JNK pathway

c-Jun is induced in many neuronal death paradigms. A critical step in c-Jun regulation involves phosphorylation of Ser63/Ser73 located in the NH₂-terminal transactivation domain. To determine the importance of this phosphorylation for neuronal apoptosis, we analyzed the sympathetic neurons of mice carrying a mutant c-Jun gene that lacks Ser63/Ser73 phosphorylation sites (jun aa). Trophic factor–deprivation or DNA damage–induced death was significantly delayed in jun aa/aa neurons. Neuronal c-Jun induction was only partially inhibited, demonstrating that phosphorylation of Ser63/73 is not required for c-Jun activation. The inductions of proapoptotic BH3-only proteins, Bim and PUMA/Bbc3, were delayed during neuronal apoptosis in mutant neurons. These results demonstrate that NH₂-terminal c-Jun phosphorylation is important, but not necessary, for the induction of proapoptotic genes and neuronal apoptosis. Thus, additional JNK substrates may be critical for neuronal death. As potential mediators, we identified additional nuclear MLK/JNK substrates, including Nup214 subunit of the nuclear pore complex.

Recruitment of nuclear factor Y to the inverted CCAAT element (ICE) by c-Jun and E1A stimulates basal transcription of the bone sialoprotein gene in osteosarcoma cells

Bone sialoprotein (BSP), a major protein in the extracellular matrix of bone, is expressed almost exclusively by bone cells and by cancer cells that have a propensity to metastasize to bone. Previous studies have shown that v-src stimulates basal transcription of bsp in osteosarcoma (ROS 17/2.8) cells by targeting the inverted CCAAT element (ICE) in the proximal promoter. To identify possible downstream effectors of Src we studied the effects of the proto-oncogene c-jun, which functions downstream of Src, on basal transcription of bsp using transient transfection assays. Increased expression of endogenous c-Jun induced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate and ectopic expression of c-Jun increased basal transcription of chimeric reporter constructs encompassing the proximal promoter by 1.5-3-fold in ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells, with more modest effects in a normal bone cell line, RBMC-D8. The effects of c-Jun were abrogated by mutations in the ICE box and by co-expression of dominant negative nuclear factor Y, subunit A (NF-YA). The increase in bsp transcription did not require phosphorylation of c-Jun and was not altered by trichostatin treatment or by ectopic expression of p300/CREB-binding protein (CBP) or mutated forms lacking histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. Similarly, ectopic expression of p300/CBP-associated factor (P/CAF), which transduces p300/CBP effects, or of HAT-defective P/CAF did not influence the c-jun effects. Surprisingly, E1A, which competes with P/CAF binding to p300/CBP, also stimulated BSP transcription through NF-Y independently of c-jun, p300/CBP, and P/CAF. Collectively, these studies show that c-Jun and E1A regulate basal transcription of bsp in osteosarcoma cells by recruiting the NF-Y transcriptional complex to the ICE box in a mechanism that is independent of p300/CBP and P/CAF HAT activities.

Doxorubicin requires the sequential activation of caspase-2, protein kinase Cdelta, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase to induce apoptosis

Here, we identified caspase-2, protein kinase C (PKC)delta, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) as key components of the doxorubicin-induced apoptotic cascade. Using cells stably transfected with an antisense construct for caspase-2 (AS2) as well as a chemical caspase-2 inhibitor, we demonstrate that caspase-2 is required in doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. We also identified PKCdelta as a novel caspase-2 substrate. PKCdelta was cleaved/activated in a caspase-2-dependent manner after doxorubicin treatment both in cells and in vitro. PKCdelta is furthermore required for efficient doxorubicin-induced apoptosis because its chemical inhibition as well as adenoviral expression of a kinase dead (KD) mutant of PKCdelta severely attenuated doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, PKCdelta and JNK inhibition show that PKCdelta lies upstream of JNK in doxorubicin-induced death. Jnk-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) were highly resistant to doxorubicin compared with wild type (WT), as were WT Jurkat cells treated with SP600125, further supporting the importance of JNK in doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Chemical inhibitors for PKCdelta and JNK do not synergize and do not function in doxorubicin-treated AS2 cells. Caspase-2, PKCdelta, and JNK were furthermore implicated in doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts. The data thus support a sequential model involving caspase-2, PKCdelta, and JNK signaling in response to doxorubicin, leading to the activation of Bak and execution of apoptosis.

Oxidative stress in the brain: novel cellular targets that govern survival during neurodegenerative disease

Despite our present knowledge of some of the cellular pathways that modulate central nervous system injury, complete therapeutic prevention or reversal of acute or chronic neuronal injury has not been achieved. The cellular mechanisms that precipitate these diseases are more involved than initially believed. As a result, identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cellular injury would be extremely beneficial to reduce or eliminate disability from nervous system disorders. Current studies have begun to focus on pathways of oxidative stress that involve a variety of cellular pathways. Here we discuss novel pathways that involve the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, apoptotic injury that leads to nuclear degradation in both neuronal and vascular populations, and the early loss of cellular membrane asymmetry that mitigates inflammation and vascular occlusion. Current work has identified exciting pathways, such as the Wnt pathway and the serine-threonine kinase Akt, as central modulators that oversee cellular apoptosis and their downstream substrates that include Forkhead transcription factors, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, mitochondrial dysfunction, Bad, and Bcl-x(L). Other closely integrated pathways control microglial activation, release of inflammatory cytokines, and caspase and calpain activation. New therapeutic avenues that are just open to exploration, such as with brain temperature regulation, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide modulation, metabotropic glutamate system modulation, and erythropoietin targeted expression, may provide both attractive and viable alternatives to treat a variety of disorders that include stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Activating Akt and the brain's resources to drive cellular survival and prevent inflammatory injury

Protein kinase B, also known as Akt, is a serine/threonine kinase and plays a critical role in the modulation of cell development, growth, and survival. Interestingly, Akt is ubiquitously expressed throughout the body, but its expression in the nervous system is substantially up-regulated during cellular stress, suggesting a more expansive role for Akt in the nervous system that may involve cellular protection. In this regard, a body of recent work has identified a robust capacity for Akt and its downstream substrates to foster both neuronal and vascular survival during apoptotic injury. Cell survival by Akt is driven by the modulation of both intrinsic cellular pathways that oversee genomic DNA integrity and extrinsic mechanisms that control inflammatory microglial activation. A series of distinct pathways are regulated by Akt that include the Forkhead family of transcription factors, GSK-3 beta, beta-catenin, c-Jun, CREB, Bad, IKK, and p53. Culminating below these substrates of Akt are the control of caspase mediated pathways that promote genomic integrity as well as prevent inflammatory cell demise. With further levels of progress in defining the cellular role of Akt, the attractiveness of Akt as a vital and broad cytoprotectant for both neuronal and vascular cell populations should continue to escalate.

Interaction of Neisseria meningitidis with human brain microvascular endothelial cells: role of MAP- and tyrosine kinases in invasion and inflammatory cytokine release

Neisseria meningitidis traversal across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier is an essential step in the pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis. We have previously shown that invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) by meningococci is mediated by bacterial outer membrane protein Opc that binds fibronectin, thereby anchoring the bacterium to the integrin alpha 5 beta 1-receptor on the endothelial cell surface. However, subsequent signal transduction mechanisms essential for or regulated by N. meningitidis adhesion and invasion, or HBMEC responses to N. meningitidis are unknown. In this report we investigated the role of c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2 (JNK1 and JNK2), p38 mitogen-activated (MAP) kinase and protein tyrosine kinases in endothelial-N. meningitidis interaction. Binding of meningococci to HBMEC phosphorylated and activated JNK1 and JNK2 and p38 MAPK as well as their direct substrates c-Jun and MAP kinase activated kinase-2 (MAPKAPK-2), respectively. Non-invasive meningococcal strains lacking opc gene (opc mutants and sequence type 11 complex meningococci) still activated p38 MAPK, however, failed to activate JNK. Inhibition of JNK1 and JNK2 significantly reduced internalization of N. meningitidis by HBMEC without affecting its adherence. Blocking the endothelial integrin alpha 5 beta 1 also decreased N. meningitidis-induced JNK activation in HBMEC. These findings indicate the crucial role of JNK signalling pathway in N. meningitidis invasion in HBMEC. In contrast, p38 MAPK pathway was important for the control of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 release by HBMEC. Genistein, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, decreased both invasion of N. meningitidis into HBMEC and IL-6 and IL-8 release, indicating that protein tyrosine kinases, which link signals from integrins to intracellular signalling pathways are essential for both bacterial internalization and cytokine secretion by HBMEC.

Inhibition of c-Jun phosphorylation reduces axonal outgrowth of adult rat nodose ganglia and dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons

The role of c-Jun activation for survival and regeneration of sensory neurons is unclear. Here we report that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated c-Jun activation is important for axonal outgrowth of sensory neurons in rat nodose and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Peripheral severance of the vagus or the sciatic nerve resulted in a massive and rapid, but transient increase of the activated JNK (p-JNK) in neuronal nuclei, followed by c-Jun phosphorylation and activating transcription factor-3 (ATF3) induction. JNK inhibition by the selective JNK inhibitors SP600125 and (D)-JNKI1 did not affect neuronal survival in explanted or dissociated ganglia, but dramatically reduced axonal outgrowth, c-Jun activation, and ATF3 induction. Using retrograde labeling, we demonstrated that activated c-Jun (p-c-Jun) and ATF3 were associated with regenerative neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that JNK-mediated c-Jun activation is one of the first cell body reactions in response to nerve injury and that this activation and subsequent ATF3 induction are associated with axonal outgrowth.

UV-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells: Contribution to apoptosis by JNK signaling and cytochrome c

Activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is suggested to be required for neuronal apoptosis. We investigated the role of JNK on phosphorylation of c-Jun, Bcl-2, and apoptotic translocation of cytochrome c (cyt c) in UV-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. We confirm that UV irradiation induces both apoptosis and necrosis in SH-SY5Y cells and that phosphorylation of JNK at Thr183/Tyr185 in SH-SY5Y cells treated with UV is an early event preceding apoptosis. We also demonstrate that phosphorylation of c-Jun at Ser63 is an early event coinciding with JNK activation, and that the phosphorylation of c-Jun is partially prevented by the JNK inhibitor SP600125. Despite the use of SP600125, the amount of cyt c released into the cytoplasm is not diminished and SP600125 is also unable to decrease the extent of UV-induced apoptosis. These data support the hypothesis that in this system, UV-induced apoptosis is not dependent exclusively on JNK activation. Possible involvement of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in c-Jun phosphorylation at Ser63 was excluded by pretreating UV-irradiated SH-SY5Y cells with the CDK1/2/5 inhibitor roscovitine.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase regulates lamellipodial protrusion and cell sheet migration during epithelial wound closure by a gene expression-independent mechanism

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is emerging as an important regulator of cell migration. Perturbing the JNK signaling pathway with three structurally and mechanistically distinct inhibitors that selectively target either JNKs themselves or the upstream mixed-lineage kinases, we found dramatic inhibition of membrane protrusion and cell sheet migration during wound closure in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell monolayers. Extension of lamellipodia is blocked from the earliest times after wounding in the presence of JNK pathway inhibitors, whereas assembly of non-protrusive actin bundles at the wound margin is unaffected. Inhibitors of the other mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 MAPK pathways, only have comparatively weak or marginal inhibitory effects on wound closure. Multiple splice variants of both JNK1 and JNK2 are expressed in MDCK cells, and JNK1 and JNK2 are rapidly and transiently activated upon wounding. Phosphorylation of c-Jun does not appear relevant to MDCK wound closure, and membrane protrusion directly after wounding is not affected by inhibitors of RNA or protein synthesis. While most known substrates of JNK are transcription factors or proteins regulating apoptosis, our data indicate that JNK regulates protrusion and migration in a gene expression-independent manner and suggest an important cytoplasmic role for JNK in the control of cell motility.

Oxidative stress activates the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) promoter through an AP-1 response element and cooperates with insulin for additive effects on PAI-1 transcription

Oxidative stress is one of the characteristics of diabetes and is thought to be responsible for many of the pathophysiological changes caused by the disease. We previously identified an insulin response element in the promoter of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) that was activated by an unidentified member of the forkhead/winged helix (Fox) family of transcription factors. This element mediated a 5-7-fold increase in PAI-1 transcription because of insulin. Here we report that oxidative stress also caused a 3-fold increase in PAI-1 transcription and that the effect was additive with that of insulin. Antioxidants prevent this response. Mutational analysis of the PAI-1 promoter revealed that oxidative stress acted at an AP-1 site at -60/52 of the promoter. Gel mobility shift analysis demonstrated that binding to an AP-1 oligonucleotide was increased 4-fold by oxidative stress. Jun levels were increased by oxidants as assessed by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Western blotting demonstrated that a rapid and prolonged nuclear accumulation of phospho-c-Jun followed oxidant stimulation. The nuclear c-Jun phosphorylation was not observed in cells treated with reduced glutathione. Finally, JNK/SAPK activity was found to increase in response to oxidants, and inhibition of JNK/SAP blocked TBHQ-increased PAI-1-luciferase expression. Thus, oxidative stress stimulated AP-1 and activated the PAI-1 promoter.

MIXED-LINEAGEKINASES: A Target for the Prevention of Neurodegeneration

The activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is critical for naturally occurring neuronal cell death during development and may be important for the pathological neuronal cell death of neurodegenerative diseases. The small molecule inhibitor of the mixed-lineage kinase (MLK) family of kinases, CEP-1347, inhibits the activation of the JNK pathway and, consequently, the cell death in many cell culture and animal models of neuronal death. CEP-1347 has the ability not only to inhibit cell death but also to maintain the trophic status of neurons in culture. The possible importance of the JNK pathway in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases provides a rationale for the use of CEP-1347 for the treatment of these diseases. CEP-1347 has the potential of not only retarding disease progression but also reversing the severity of symptoms by improving the function of surviving neurons.

GDNF-deprived sympathetic neurons die via a novel nonmitochondrial pathway

The mitochondrial death pathway is triggered in cultured sympathetic neurons by deprivation of nerve growth factor (NGF), but the death mechanisms activated by deprivation of other neurotrophic factors are poorly studied. We compared sympathetic neurons deprived of NGF to those deprived of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). In contrast to NGF-deprived neurons, GDNF-deprived neurons did not die via the mitochondrial pathway. Indeed, cytochrome c was not released to the cytosol; Bax and caspase-9 and -3 were not involved; overexpressed Bcl-xL did not block the death; and the mitochondrial ultrastructure was not changed. Similarly to NGF-deprived neurons, the death induced by GDNF removal is associated with increased autophagy and requires multiple lineage kinases, c-Jun and caspase-2 and -7. Serine 73 of c-Jun was phosphorylated in both NGF- and GDNF-deprived neurons, whereas serine 63 was phosphorylated only in NGF-deprived neurons. In many NGF-deprived neurons, the ultrastructure of the mitochondria was changed. Thus, a novel nonmitochondrial caspase-dependent death pathway is activated in GDNF-deprived sympathetic neurons.

SP600125, an inhibitor of c-jun N-terminal kinase, activates CREB by a p38 MAPK-mediated pathway

SP600125, an anthrapyrazolone inhibitor of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), has been used to characterize the role of JNK in apoptotic pathways. In this study, we have demonstrated an additional novel anti-apoptotic action of this inhibitor in MIN6 cells, a mouse beta cell line. SP600125 induced CREB-dependent promoter activation by 2.8-fold at 20 microM, the concentration at which it inhibited c-jun-dependent promoter activation by 51%. There was a significant (P<0.01) increase in CREB phosphorylation (serine 133) at 5 min, which persisted for a period of 2h. Examination of signaling pathways upstream of CREB showed a 2.5-fold increase in the active phospho form of p38 MAPK. This finding was further confirmed by an in vitro kinase assay using ATF-2 as substrate. SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, partially blocked SP600125-mediated activation of CREB. These observations suggest that SP600125 could be used as a small molecular weight activator of CREB.