Disialoganglioside (GD3) synthase gene expression suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell responses via the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, cell cycle progression, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression

PRC2-dependent regulation of ganglioside expression during dedifferentiation contributes to the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Phenotypic switching between contractile (differentiated state) and proliferative (dedifferentiated state) vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a hallmark of vascular remodeling that contributes to atherosclerotic diseases. Gangliosides, a group of glycosphingolipids, have been detected in atherosclerotic lesions and are suspected to contribute to the disease process. However, the underlying mechanism, specifically with respect to their role in VSMC phenotype switching, is not clear. In this study, we sought to reveal the endogenous expression of gangliosides and their functional significance in VSMCs during atherosclerosis. We found that switching from the contractile to proliferative phenotype was accompanied by upregulation of a- and b-series gangliosides, which in turn, were regulated by polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2). Downregulation of ganglioside expression using an siRNA targeting ST3GAL5, which is required for the synthesis of a- and b-series gangliosides, attenuated the proliferation and migration of dedifferentiated VSMCs. Therefore, we concluded that the increased expression of a- and b-series gangliosides via PRC2 activity during dedifferentiation is involved in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Gangliosides may be an effective target in VSMCs for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.

The Green Anti-Cancer Weapon. The Role of Natural Compounds in Bladder Cancer Treatment

Bladder cancer (BC) is the second most common genitourinary cancer. In 2018, 550,000 people in the world were diagnosed with BC, and the number of new cases continues to rise. BC is also characterized by high recurrence risk, despite therapies. Although in the last few years, the range of BC therapy has considerably widened, it is associated with severe side effects and the development of drug resistance, which is hampering treatment success. Thus, patients are increasingly choosing products of natural origin as an alternative or complementary therapeutic options. Therefore, in this article, we aim to elucidate, using the available literature, the role of natural substances such as curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, quercetin, 6-gingerol, delphinidin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate and gossypol in the BC treatment. Numerous clinical and preclinical studies point to their role in the modulation of the signaling pathways, such as cell proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis and cell death.

Resveratrol effects in bladder cancer: A mini review

Bladder cancer has a high incidence worldwide and is the most common genitourinary cancer. The treatment of bladder cancer involves surgery and chemotherapy; however high failure rates and toxicity are observed. In this context, the search of new drugs aiming a more effective treatment is extremely necessary. Natural products are an important source of compounds with antiproliferative effects. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring plant polyphenol whose anticancer activity has been demonstrated in different types of cancer. This review summarizes the in vitro and in vivo studies using models of bladder cancer treated with resveratrol and discusses its different mechanisms of action.

Carnosine Impedes PDGF-Stimulated Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro and Sprout Outgrowth Ex Vivo

Carnosine, a naturally producing dipeptide, exhibits various beneficial effects. However, the possible role of carnosine in vascular disorders associated with pathological conditions, including proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), largely remains unrevealed. Here, we investigated the regulatory role and mechanism of carnosine in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced VSMCs. Carnosine inhibited the proliferation of PDGF-induced VSMCs without any cytotoxic effects. Carnosine treatment also induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest by causing a p21WAF1-mediated reduction in the expression of both cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins in PDGF-treated VSMCs. Carnosine treatment suppressed c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in PDGF-stimulated signaling. Additionally, carnosine significantly prevented the migration of VSMCs exposed to PDGF. Carnosine abolished matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity via reduced transcriptional binding activity of NF-κB, Sp-1, and AP-1 motifs in PDGF-treated VSMCs. Moreover, using aortic assay ex vivo, it was observed that carnosine addition attenuated PDGF-stimulated sprout outgrowth of VSMCs. Taken together, these results demonstrated that carnosine impeded the proliferation and migration of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs by regulating cell cycle machinery, JNK signaling, and transcription factor-mediated MMP-9 activity as well as prevented ex vivo sprout outgrowth of blood vessels. Thus, carnosine may be a potential candidate for preventing vascular proliferative disease.

Protective Role of RNA Helicase DEAD-Box Protein 5 in Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Vascular Remodeling

RATIONALE

RNA helicases, highly conserved enzymes, are currently believed to be not only involved in RNA modulation, but also in other biological processes. We recently reported that RNA helicase DDX (DEAD-box protein)-5 is required for maintaining the homeostasis of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, the expression and function of RNA helicase in vascular physiology and disease is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of RNA helicase in vascular diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We showed here that DDX-5 was the most abundant DEAD-box protein expressed in human and rodent artery, which mainly located in SMCs. It was demonstrated that DDX-5 levels were reduced in cytokine-stimulated SMCs and vascular lesions. DDX-5 knocking down or deficiency increased SMC proliferation and migration, whereas overexpression of DDX-5 prevented aberrant proliferation and migration of SMCs. Mechanistic studies revealed transcription factor GATA (GATA-binding protein)-6 as a novel downstream target of DDX-5, which directly interacted with GATA-6 and protected it from MDM (mouse double minute)-2-mediated degradation. Our ChIP assay identified a previously unreported binding of p27^Kip1 promoter to GATA-6. DDX-5 increased the recruitment of GATA-6 to p27^Kip1 promoter, which enhanced p27^Kip1 expression and maintained SMC quiescence. Finally, we showed exacerbated neointima formation in DDX-5 SMC-deficient mice after femoral artery injury, whereas overexpression of DDX-5 potently inhibited vascular remodeling in balloon-injured rat carotid artery.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the first evidence for a role of RNA helicase DDX-5 in the protection against SMC proliferation, migration, and neointimal hyperplasia. Our data extend the fundamental role of RNA helicase beyond RNA modulation, which provides the basic information for new therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases.

Vascular Diseases and Gangliosides

Vascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction, are most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include lifestyle and aging. It has been reported that lifespan could be extended in mice by targeting senescent cells, which led to the suppression of aging-related diseases, such as vascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of aging to vascular diseases are still not well understood. Several types of cells, such as vascular (endothelial cell), vascular-associated (smooth muscle cell and fibroblast) and inflammatory cells, are involved in plaque formation, plaque rupture and thrombus formation, which result in atherosclerosis. Gangliosides, a group of glycosphingolipids, are expressed on the surface of vascular, vascular-associated and inflammatory cells, where they play functional roles. Clarifying the role of gangliosides in atherosclerosis and their relationship with aging is fundamental to develop novel prevention and treatment methods for vascular diseases based on targeting gangliosides. In this review, we highlight the involvement and possible contribution of gangliosides to vascular diseases and further discuss their relationship with aging.

Interleukin-24 inhibits osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion via the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathways

Approximately 25% of osteosarcoma patients present with clinically detectable metastatic disease at the time of initial diagnosis. High-dose chemotherapy and/or surgery for the treatment of primary metastatic osteosarcoma is ineffective, and <20% of patients will survive 5 years from diagnosis. Therefore, the treatment of metastases is critical for the improvement of the prognosis of primary metastatic osteosarcoma patients. We have previously observed that overexpression of interleukin-24 (IL-24) inhibits neuroblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. The present study investigated whether IL-24 may be a novel agent for osteosarcoma metastasis-suppressive treatment. It was observed that IL-24 is able to inhibit migration and invasion in spontaneously metastasizing human 143B osteosarcoma cells via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-Jun signaling pathway. IL-24 was effective in inhibiting JNK and c-Jun phosphorylation to downregulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, which contributed to the suppression of cell migration and invasion. It was concluded that IL-24 may be a potent agent in the inhibition of highly metastatic 143B osteosarcoma cells, and IL-24 may have translational potential as an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of metastatic osteosarcoma.

HSP70-1 is required for interleukin-5-induced angiogenic responses through eNOS pathway

We report a pivotal role for IL-5 as an angiogenic activator. IL-5 increased proliferation, migration and colony tube formation in HUVECs associated with the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT/eNOS, and promoted microvessel sprouting from an angiogenesis animal model. The angiogenic effects were confirmed in IL-5-deficient mice and addition of IL-5 antibody. HSP70-1 was identified via expression profiling following IL-5 stimulation. A siRNA knockdown of HSP70-1 suppressed angiogenic responses and eNOS phosphorylation induced by IL-5. HSP70-1 overexpression enhanced IL-5-induced angiogenic responses. In addition, IL-5-induced neo-vascular formation was verified in both HSP70-1 knockout and HSP70-1 transgenic mice. Furthermore, transcription factor AP-1 was a main factor in IL-5-induced HSP70-1 in response to ERK and AKT signaling pathway. Angiogenic responses induced by VEGF had no effect in either HSP70-1 siRNA in vitro or HSP70-1 knockout mice. IL-5-induced angiogenic responses depended on the binding of IL-5Rα. Our data demonstrate that binding of IL-5 to IL-5Rα receptors enhances angiogenic responses by stimulating the expression of HSP70-1 via the eNOS signaling pathway.

Disialyl GD2 ganglioside suppresses ICAM-1-mediated invasiveness in human breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells

The disialoganglioside GD3 has been considered to be involved in tumor progression or suppression in various tumor cells. However, the significance of the biological functions of GD3 in breast cancer cells is still controversial. This prompted us to study the possible relationship(s) between GD3 expression and the metastatic potential of a breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells as an estrogen receptor negative (ER-) type. The human GD3 synthase cDNA was transfected into MDA-MB231 cells, and G-418 bulk selection was used to select cells stably overexpressing the GD3 synthase. In vitro invasion potentials of the GD3 synthase over-expressing cells (pc3-GD3s) were significantly suppressed when compared with control cells. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) was down-regulated in the pc3-GD3s cells and the decrease in ICAM-I expression is directly related to the decrease in invasiveness of the pc3-GD3s cells. Another type of ER negative SK-BR3 cells exhibited the similar level of ICAM-1 expression as MDA-MB231 cells, while the ER positive MCF-7 cells (ER+) showed the increased expression level of ICAM-1. Then, we investigated signaling pathways known to control ICAM-1 expression. No difference was observed in the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 between the pc3-GD3s and control cells (pc3), but the activation of AKT was inhibited in pc3-GD3s, and not in the control (pc3). In addition, the composition of total gangliosides was changed between control (pc3) and pc3-GD3s cells, as confirmed by HPTLC. The pc3-GD3s cells had an accumulation of the GD2 instead of the GD3. RT-PCR results showed that not only GD3 synthase, but also GM2/GD2 synthase (β4-GalNc T) expression was increased in pc3-GD3s cells. Overexpression of GD3 synthase suppresses the invasive potential of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells through down-regulation of ICAM-1 and the crucial pathway to allow the apoptotic effect has been attributed to accumulation of the GD2 ganglioside. ER has been linked to the ICAM-1 expression with GD3 to GD2 conversion in human breast cancer cells. This is the first finding of the endogenous sialyltransferase functions in tumor cells.

Inhibitory effects of resveratrol on the adhesion, migration and invasion of human bladder cancer cells

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound, which has been revealed to induce apoptosis in numerous human cancer cells; however, the effects of resveratrol on the migration and invasion of human bladder cancer cells have not been reported. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti‑metastatic potential of resveratrol against bladder cancer and its mechanism of action. The results indicated that resveratrol inhibits the adhesion, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells in a dose‑dependent manner. Resveratrol was shown to significantly inhibit the expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and MMP‑9 in bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, resveratrol suppressed the phosphorylation of c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase and extracellular signal‑regulated protein kinase. In conclusion, the present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to demonstrate that resveratrol may be considered a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of bladder cancer via the inhibition of migration and invasion.

Exogenous and Endogeneous Disialosyl Ganglioside GD1b Induces Apoptosis of MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Gangliosides have been known to play a role in the regulation of apoptosis in cancer cells. This study has employed disialyl-ganglioside GD1b to apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells using exogenous treatment of the cells with GD1b and endogenous expression of GD1b in MCF-7 cells. First, apoptosis in MCF-7 cells was observed after treatment of GD1b. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with GD1b reduced cell growth rates in a dose and time dependent manner during GD1b treatment, as determined by XTT assay. Among the various gangliosides, GD1b specifically induced apoptosis of the MCF-7 cells. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays showed that GD1b specifically induces apoptosis in the MCF-7 cells with Annexin V binding for apoptotic actions in early stage and propidium iodide (PI) staining the nucleus of the MCF-7 cells. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with GD1b activated apoptotic molecules such as processed forms of caspase-8, -7 and PARP (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase), without any change in the expression of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis molecules such as Bax and Bcl-2. Second, to investigate the effect of endogenously produced GD1b on the regulation of cell function, UDP-gal: β1,3-galactosyltransferase-2 (GD1b synthase, Gal-T2) gene has been transfected into the MCF-7 cells. Using the GD1b synthase-transfectants, apoptosis-related signal proteins linked to phenotype changes were examined. Similar to the exogenous GD1b treatment, the cell growth of the GD1b synthase gene-transfectants was significantly suppressed compared with the vector-transfectant cell lines and transfection activated the apoptotic molecules such as processed forms of caspase-8, -7 and PARP, but not the levels of expression of Bax and Bcl-2. GD1b-induced apoptosis was blocked by caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD. Therefore, taken together, it was concluded that GD1b could play an important role in the regulation of breast cancer apoptosis.

Rosa hybrida extract suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell responses by the targeting of signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression

The pharmacological effects of Rosa hybrida are well known in the cosmetics industry. However, the role of Rosa hybrida in cardiovascular biology had not previously been investigated, to the best of our knowledge. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of water extract of Rosa hybrida (WERH) on platelet‑derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMC proliferation, which was stimulated by PDGF, was inhibited in a non-toxic manner by WERH treatment, which also diminished the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AKT. Treatment with WERH also induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, which was due to the decreased expression of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and induced p21WAF1 expression in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, WERH treatment suppressed the migration and invasion of VSMCs stimulated with PDGF. Treatment with WERH abolished the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and decreased the binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and specificity protein 1 (Sp1) motifs in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. WERH treatment inhibited the proliferation of PDGF‑stimulated VSMCs through p21WAF1‑mediated G1-phase cell cycle arrest, by decreasing the kinase activity of cyclin/CDK complexes. Furthermore, WERH suppressed the PDGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT in VSMCs. Finally, treatment with WERH impeded the migration and invasion of VSMCs stimulated by PDGF by downregulating MMP-9 expression and a reduction in NF-κB, AP-1 and Sp1 activity. These results provide new insights into the effects of WERH on PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, and we suggest that WERH has the potential to act as a novel agent for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular diseases.

Stable Ectopic Expression of ST6GALNAC5 Induces Autocrine MET Activation and Anchorage-Independence in MDCK Cells

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex cancer progression that can boost the metastatic potential of transformed cells by inducing migration, loss of cell adhesion, and promoting proliferation under anchorage-independent conditions. A DNA microarray analysis was performed comparing parental anchorage-dependent MDCK cells and anchorage-independent MDCK cells that were engineered to express human siat7e (ST6GALNAC5). The comparison identified several genes involved in the EMT process that were differentially expressed between the anchorage-dependent and the anchorage-independent MDCK cell lines. The hepatocyte growth factor gene (hgf) was found to be over-expressed in the engineered MDCK-siat7e cells at both transcription and protein expression levels. Phosphorylation analysis of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase confirmed the activation of an autocrine loop of the HGF/ MET signaling pathway in the MDCK-siat7e cells. When MET activities were suppressed by using the small-molecular inhibitor drug PF-02341066 (Crizotinib), the anchorage-independent MDCK-siat7e cells reverted to the cellular morphology of the parental anchorage-dependent MDCK cells. These observations indicate that the MET receptor plays a central role in the growth properties of the MDCK cells and its phosphorylation status is likely dependent on sialylation. Further investigation of the downstream signaling targets in the MET network showed that the degree of MDCK cell adhesion correlated with secretion levels of a matrix metalloproteinase, MMP1, suggesting a role of metalloproteinases in the EMT process. These results demonstrate that in addition to its application in biotechnology processes, MDCK-siat7e may serve as a model cell for metastasis studies to decipher the sequence of events leading up to the activation of EMT.

p21WAF1 Is Required for Interleukin-16-Induced Migration and Invasion of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via the p38MAPK/Sp-1/MMP-9 Pathway

Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is a lymphocyte chemoattractant factor well known for its role in immune responses, but its role in vascular disease is unknown. Here, we explored the novel physiological function of IL-16 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The expression of IL-16 and its receptor CD4 was observed in VSMCs. Treatment with IL-16 enhanced the migration and invasion by VSMCs without altering the proliferative potential. IL-16 induced MMP-9 expression via the binding activity of transcription factors NF-κB, AP-1, and Sp-1 motifs in VSMCs. Among the relevant signaling pathways examined, only p38MAPK phosphorylation was significantly stimulated in IL-16-treated VSMCs. Treatment with p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 prevented the IL-16-induced migration and invasion of VSMCs. SB203580 treatment inhibited the MMP-9 expression and activation of Sp-1 binding in IL-16-treated VSMCs, and siRNA knockdown of CD4 expression blocked the induction of migration, invasion, p38MAPK phosphorylation, MMP-9 expression, and Sp-1 binding activation stimulated by IL-16. The IL-16 induced cell-cycle-inhibitor p21WAF1 expression in VSMCs, but had no effect on the expression levels of other cell-cycle negative regulators. Finally, blockage of p21WAF1 function with specific siRNA abolished the IL-16-induced elevation of migration, invasion, p38MAPK phosphorylation, MMP-9 expression, and Sp-1 binding activation in VSMCs. Taken together, p21WAF1 was required for the induction of p38MAPK-mediated MMP-9 expression via activation of the Sp-1 binding motif, which led to migration and invasion of VSMCs interacting with IL-16/CD4. These results could provide that IL-16 is a new target in the treatment of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and re-stenosis.

Inhibitory effects of fermented extract of Ophiopogon japonicas on thrombin-induced vascular smooth muscle cells

Ophiopogon japonicus is known to have various pharmacological effects. The present study investigated the effects of an extract of fermented Ophiopogon japonicas (FEOJ) on thrombin‑treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). FEOJ treatment inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs treated with thrombin as indicated by an MTT assay. These inhibitory effects were associated with decreased phosphorylation of AKT, reduced expression of cyclin D1 and increased expression of p27KIP1 in thrombin‑induced VSMCs. In addition, FEOJ treatment suppressed the thrombin‑stimulated migration of VSMCs as demonstrated by a wound‑healing migration assay. Furthermore, zymographic analyses demonstrated that treatment of FEOJ with VSMCs suppressed the thrombin‑induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2, which was attributed to the reduction of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB binding activity. Collectively, these results demonstrated that FEOJ induced p27KIP1 expression, reduced cyclin D1 expression and AKT phosphorylation, and inhibited MMP‑2 expression mediated by downregulation of NF‑κB binding activity in thrombin‑treated VSMCs, which led to growth inhibition and repression of migration. These results supported the use of FEOJ for the prevention of vascular diseases and provided novel insight into the underlying mechanism of action.

Induction of Apoptosis and Antitumor Activity of Eel Skin Mucus, Containing Lactose-Binding Molecules, on Human Leukemic K562 Cells

For innate immune defense, lower animals such as fish and amphibian are covered with skin mucus, which acts as both a mechanical and biochemical barrier. Although several mucus sources have been isolated and studied for their biochemical and immunological functions, the precise mechanism(s) of action remains unknown. In the present study, we additionally found the eel skin mucus (ESM) to be a promising candidate for use in anti-tumor therapy. Our results showed that the viability of K562 cells was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with the isolated ESM. The cleaved forms of caspase-9, caspase-3 and poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase were increased by ESM. The levels of Bax expression and released cytochrome C were also increased after treatment with ESM. Furthermore, during the ESM mediated-apoptosis, phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and p38 but not JNK were increased and cell viabilities of the co-treated cells with ESM and inhibitors of ERK 1/2 or p38 were also increased. In addition, treatment with lactose rescued the ESM-mediated decrease in cell viability, indicating lactose-containing glycans in the leukemia cells acted as a counterpart of the ESM for interaction. Taken together, these results suggest that ESM could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis through membrane interaction of the K562 human leukemia cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observation that ESM has anti-tumor activity in human cells.

Noninvasive imaging of sialyltransferase activity in living cells by chemoselective recognition

To elucidate the biological and pathological functions of sialyltransferases (STs), intracellular ST activity evaluation is necessary. Focusing on the lack of noninvasive methods for obtaining the dynamic activity information, this work designs a sensing platform for in situ FRET imaging of intracellular ST activity and tracing of sialylation process. The system uses tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate labeled asialofetuin (TRITC-AF) as a ST substrate and fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled 3-aminophenylboronic acid (FITC-APBA) as the chemoselective recognition probe of sialylation product, both of which are encapsulated in a liposome vesicle for cellular delivery. The recognition of FITC-APBA to sialylated TRITC-AF leads to the FRET signal that is analyzed by FRET efficiency images. This strategy has been used to evaluate the correlation of ST activity with malignancy and cell surface sialylation, and the sialylation inhibition activity of inhibitors. This work provides a powerful noninvasive tool for glycan biosynthesis mechanism research, cancer diagnostics and drug development.

EPO gene expression promotes proliferation, migration and invasion via the p38MAPK/AP-1/MMP-9 pathway by p21WAF1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

The use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) can lead to hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and has induced the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The effect of the EPO gene in the migration and invasion of VSMCs remains unclear. In this study, overexpression of the EPO gene increased the DNA synthesis and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK in VSMCs. In addition, EPO gene expression induced the migration and invasion of VSMCs via the expression of MMP-9 by the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 binding. A blockade of p38MAPK by specific p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 led to a suppression of the increased DNA synthesis, migration, and invasion of VSMCs that was induced by the EPO gene. SB203580 treatment blocked the increased expression of MMP-9 through the binding activity of AP-1. Transfection of the EPO gene with VSMCs was associated with the up-regulation of cyclin D1/CDK4, cyclin E/CDK2, and p21WAF1, and with the down-regulation of p27KIP1. The specific suppression of p21WAF1 expression by siRNA rescued the enhancement of DNA synthesis via the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and the increase in migration and invasion through AP-1-mediated MMP-9 expression in EPO gene transfectants. These novel findings demonstrate that p21WAF1 regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of VSMC induced by EPO gene.

NAIF1 inhibits gastric cancer cells migration and invasion via the MAPK pathways

PURPOSE

Nuclear apoptosis-inducing factor 1 (NAIF1) could induce apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Previously, we have reported that the expression of NAIF1 protein is down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues. However, the role of NAIF1 in gastric cancer cells is not fully understood.

METHODS

The effects of NAIF1 on cell viability were evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays. The ability of cellular migration and invasion were analyzed by transwell assays. The expression levels of targeted proteins were determined by western blot. The relative RNA expression levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. Xenograft experiment was employed to determine the anti-tumor ability of NAIF1 in vivo.

RESULTS

The study demonstrates that transient transfection of NAIF1 in gastric cancer cells BGC823 and MKN45 could inhibit the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of the two gastric cancer cell lines. The tumor size is smaller in NAIF1-overexpressed MKN45 cell xenograft mice than in unexpressed group. Further in-depth analysis reveals that NAIF1 reduces the expression of MMP2 as well as MMP9, and inhibits the activation of FAK, all of which are key molecules involved in regulating cell migration and invasion. In addition, NAIF1 inhibits the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by accelerating its degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Meanwhile, NAIF1 reduces the mRNA and protein expression of ERK1/2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that NAIF1 plays a role in regulating cellular migration and invasion through the MAPK pathways. It could be a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

AKT signaling is involved in fucoidan-induced inhibition of growth and migration of human bladder cancer cells

We identified a novel mechanism of AKT signaling in the fucoidan-induced proliferation and migration of human urinary 5637 cancer cells. Fucoidan treatment showed a significant growth inhibition followed by G1-phase-associated up-regulation of p21WAF1 expression and suppression of cyclins and CDK expression in 5637 cells. Also, fucoidan treatment induced the activation of AKT signaling, which was inhibited by treatment with wortmannin, a PI3K-specific inhibitor. Blockade of the AKT function reversed the fucoidan-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation, the increased G1-phase-associated p21WAF1 expression, and the reduction of cell-cycle proteins. Moreover, treatment with fucoidan blocked migration and invasion of 5637 cells. This inhibition was attributed to decreased expression of MMP-9, which was mediated by down-regulation of AP-1 and NF-κB binding activity. Furthermore, wortmannin treatment abolished the decreased cell migration and invasion and the inhibition of MMP-9 expression via the suppression of NF-κB and AP-1 in fucoidan-treated cells. Similar results were observed in another bladder cancer T-24 cells treated with fucoidan. Finally, overexpression of the AKT gene inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells. These data suggest that the activation of AKT signaling is involved in growth inhibition and suppression of the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells treated with fucoidan.

Accumulation of unusual gangliosides G(Q3) and G(P3) in breast cancer cells expressing the G(D3) synthase

Glycosphingolipids from the ganglio-series are usually classified in four series according to the presence of 0 to 3 sialic acid residues linked to lactosylceramide. The transfer of sialic acid is catalyzed in the Golgi apparatus by specific sialyltransferases that show high specificity toward glycolipid substrates. ST8Sia I (EC 2.4.99.8, SAT-II, SIAT 8a) is the key enzyme controlling the biosynthesis of b- and c-series gangliosides. ST8Sia I is expressed at early developmental stages whereas in adult human tissues, ST8Sia I transcripts are essentially detected in brain. ST8Sia I together with b- and c-series gangliosides are also over-expressed in neuroectoderm-derived malignant tumors such as melanoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma and in estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer, where they play a role in cell proliferation, migration, adhesion and angiogenesis. We have stably expressed ST8Sia I in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and analyzed the glycosphingolipid composition of wild type (WT) and GD3S+ clones. As shown by mass spectrometry, MCF-7 expressed a complex pattern of neutral and sialylated glycosphingolipids from globo- and ganglio-series. WT MCF-7 cells exhibited classical monosialylated gangliosides including G(M3), G(M2), and G(M1a). In parallel, the expression of ST8Sia I in MCF-7 GD3S+ clones resulted in a dramatic change in ganglioside composition, with the expression of b- and c-series gangliosides as well as unusual tetra- and pentasialylated lactosylceramide derivatives G(Q3) (II(3)Neu5Ac(4)-Gg(2)Cer) and G(P3) (II(3)Neu5Ac(5)-Gg(2)Cer). This indicates that ST8Sia I is able to act as an oligosialyltransferase in a cellular context.

Ras/ERK1 pathway regulation of p27KIP1-mediated G1-phase cell-cycle arrest in cordycepin-induced inhibition of the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Cordycepin, the main constituent of Cordyceps militaris, demonstrated an anti-atherogenic effect in experimental animals. However, the effects of cordycepin on cell-cycle regulation and the signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) remain largely unknown; therefore, unexpected roles of cordycepin-induced inhibition in VSMC growth were investigated. Mechanisms in cordycepin-treated VSMC were examined via an MTT assay, a thymidine uptake experiment, FACS analysis, immunoblot analysis, kinase assay, immunoprecipitation assay, and transient transfection assays. Cordycepin inhibited cell growth, induced G1-phase cell-cycle arrest, down-regulated cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) expression, and up-regulated p27KIP1 expression in VSMC. Cordycepin induced activation of JNK, p38MAPK and ERK1/2. Blocking of the ERK function using either ERK1/2-specific inhibitor U0126 or a small interfering RNA (si-ERK1) reversed p27KIP1 expression, inhibition of cell growth, and decreased cell-cycle proteins in cordycepin-treated VSMC. Ras activation was increased by cordycepin. Transfection of cells with dominant negative Ras (RasN17) mutant genes rescued cordycepin-induced ERK1/2 activity, increased p27KIP1 expression, inhibited cell proliferation, and reduced cell cycle proteins. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Ras/ERK1 pathways participate in p27KIP1-mediated G1-phase cell-cycle arrest induced by cordycepin via a decrease in cyclin/CDK complexes in VSMC.

p38 MAPK activation is required for esculetin-induced inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation

The phenolic compound esculetin is known to inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, the signaling pathway by which esculetin mediates its molecular effects in VSMC remains to be identified. The present results suggest an unexpected role of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in esculetin-induced inhibition of VSMC growth. Treatment of VSMC with esculetin resulted in significant growth inhibition and G1-phase cell-cycle arrest, which was followed by down-regulation of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) expression. This G1-phase cell-cycle arrest was due to up-regulation of p21WAF1 expression. In addition, esculetin treatment activated p38 MAPK and ERK1/2. Pretreatment with SB203580, which is a p38 MAPK specific inhibitor, or expression of the dominant negative p38 MAPK (DN p38 MAPK) gene blocked esculetin-induced p38 MAPK activation and p21WAF1 expression. Finally, both the growth inhibition and the down-regulation of CDKs induced by esculetin were suppressed by either SB203580 or the DN p38 MAPK mutant gene. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that activation of p38 MAPK contributes to esculetin-induced p21WAF1 expression in VSMC by decreasing both the cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E/CDK2 complexes. These novel results regarding the molecular mechanism of esculetin action suggest new preventive and therapeutic treatments for atherosclerosis.

Functional activation of Src family kinase yes protein is essential for the enhanced malignant properties of human melanoma cells expressing ganglioside GD3

The possible roles of Src family kinases in the enhanced malignant properties of melanomas related to GD3 expression were analyzed. Among Src family kinases only Yes, not Fyn or Src, was functionally involved in the increased cell proliferation and invasion of GD3-expressing transfectant cells (GD3+). Yes was located upstream of p130Cas and paxillin and at an equivalent level to focal adhesion kinase. Yes underwent autophosphorylation even before serum treatment and showed stronger kinase activity in GD3+ cells than in GD3- cells following serum treatment. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Yes bound to focal adhesion kinase or p130Cas more strongly in GD3+ cells than in GD3- cells. As a possible mechanism for the enhancing effects of GD3 on cellular phenotypes, it was shown that majority of Yes was localized in glycolipid-enriched microdomain/rafts in GD3+ cells even before serum treatment, whereas it was scarcely detected in glycolipid-enriched microdomain/rafts in GD3- cells. An in vitro kinase assay of Yes revealed that coexistence of GD3 with Yes in membranous environments enhances the kinase activity of GD3- cell-derived Yes toward enolase, p125, and Yes itself. Knockdown of GD3 synthase resulted in the alleviation of tumor phenotypes and reduced activation levels of Yes. Taken together, these results suggest a role of GD3 in the regulation of Src family kinases.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 is required for cordycepin-mediated induction of G2/M cell-cycle arrest via p21WAF1 expression in human colon cancer cells

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) has many anti-cancer properties. However, neither its molecular mechanism nor its molecular targets are well understood. In the present study, we investigated novel molecular mechanisms for the anti-tumor effects of cordycepin in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. After treatment of cells with cordycepin, dose-dependent cell growth inhibition was observed at an IC(50) value of 200muM. Cordycepin treatment resulted in G2/M-phase cell-cycle arrest, which was associated with increased p21WAF1 levels and reduced amounts of cyclin B1, Cdc2, and Cdc25c in a p53-independent pathway. Moreover, cordycepin treatment induced activation of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinases). Pretreatment with SP600125, a JNK-specific inhibitor, abrogated cordycepin-mediated p21WAF1 expression, cell growth inhibition, and reduced cell-cycle proteins. Furthermore, JNK1 inhibition by small interfering RNA (siRNA) produced similar results: suppression of cordycepin-induced p21WAF1 expression, decreased cell growth, and reduced cell-cycle proteins. Together, these results suggest a critical role for JNK1 activation in cordycepin-induced inhibition of cell growth and G2/M-phase arrest in human colon cancer cells.

Cordycepin causes p21WAF1-mediated G2/M cell-cycle arrest by regulating c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in human bladder cancer cells

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), a bioactive compound of Cordyceps militaris, has many pharmacological activities. The present study reveals novel molecular mechanisms for the anti-tumor effects of cordycepin in two different bladder cancer cell lines, 5637 and T-24 cells. Cordycepin treatment, at a dose of 200 microM (IC(50)) during cell-cycle progression resulted in significant and dose-dependent growth inhibition, which was largely due to G2/M-phase arrest, and resulted in an up-regulation of p21WAF1 expression, independent of the p53 pathway. Moreover, treatment with cordycepin-induced phosphorylation of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinases). Blockade of JNK function using SP6001259 (JNK-specific inhibitor) and small interfering RNA (si-JNK1) rescued cordycepin-dependent p21WAF1 expression, inhibited cell growth, and decreased cell cycle proteins. These results suggest that cordycepin could be an effective treatment for bladder cancer.

TNF-alpha regulates vascular smooth muscle cell responses in genetic hypertension

Cellular and molecular events in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were investigated. SHR-derived VSMC showed increased proliferative capacity and MAP kinase levels in comparison with WKY-derived VSMC. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that progression from G1 to S phase was faster in SHR-derived VSMC in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as compared with cells from WKY. The G1 cell cycle-associated proteins such as cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK2 and CDK4, and kinase activities associated with CDK2 and CDK4, were increased in SHR-derived VSMC. In addition, CDK inhibitor p21 was elevated in SHR-derived cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and migration were also increased in response to TNF-alpha in SHR-derived cells. This increase was characterized by the up-regulation of MMP-9, which was transcriptionally regulated at the AP-1 and NF-kappaB sites in the MMP-9 promoter. These results suggest that the hypertensive-associated increase in VSMC proliferative capacity, G1 to S-phase cell-cycle progress and MMP-9 expression may play a role in vascular remodeling in hypertension.

A selective estrogen receptor modulator inhibits TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis by activating ERK1/2 signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotropic cytokine exerting both inflammatory and cell death activity and is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to examine whether the raloxifene analogue, LY117018 could inhibit TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells and to clarify the involved mechanisms. Apoptosis of endothelial cells was determined by DNA fragmentation assay and the activation of caspase-3. LY117018 significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced caspase-3 activation and cell DNA fragmentation levels in bovine carotid artery endothelial cells. The inhibitory effect of LY117018 was abolished by an estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2 and Akt have been shown to act as apoptotic or anti-apoptotic signals. TNF-alpha stimulated the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2 and Akt in vascular endothelial cells. TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis was significantly decreased by SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor or SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, but was enhanced by an ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor, PD98059 or a PI3-kinase/Akt pathway inhibitor, wortmannin. The anti-apoptotic effect of LY117018 was abrogated only by PD98059 but was not affected by the inhibitors for p38 MAPK, JNK, or Akt. LY117018 stimulated the further increase in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in TNF-alpha treated endothelial cells but it did not affect phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, JNK or Akt. These results suggest that LY 110718 prevents caspase-3 dependent apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha in vascular endothelial cells through activation of the estrogen receptors and the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Naringin-induced p21WAF1-mediated G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest via activation of the Ras/Raf/ERK signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells

The flavonoid naringin has been shown to play a role in preventing the development of cardiovascular disease. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying the roles of integrated cell cycle regulation and MAPK signaling pathways in the regulation of naringin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remain to be identified. Naringin treatment resulted in significant growth inhibition and G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest mediated by induction of p53-independent p21WAF1 expression; expression of cyclins and CDKs in VSMCs was also down-regulated. In addition, among the pathways examined, blockade of ERK function inhibited naringin-dependent p21WAF1 expression, reversed naringin-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and decreased cell cycle proteins. Moreover, naringin treatment increased both Ras and Raf activations. Transfection of cells with dominant negative Ras (RasN17) and Raf (RafS621A) mutant genes suppressed naringin-induced ERK activity and p21WAF1 expression. Finally, naringin-induced reduction in cell proliferation and cell cycle protein was abolished in the presence of RasN17 and RafS621A mutant genes. The Ras/Raf/ERK pathway participates in p21WAF1 induction, leading to a decrease in cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E/CDK2 complexes and in naringin-dependent inhibition of cell growth. These novel and unexpected findings provide a theoretical basis for preventive use of flavonoids to the atherosclerosis disease.

Berberine inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-induced growth and migration partly through an AMPK-dependent pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is released from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells, or macrophages after percutaneous coronary intervention and is related with neointimal proliferation and restenosis. Berberine is a well-known component of the Chinese herb medicine Huanglian (Coptis chinensis), and is capable of inhibiting growth and endogenous PDGF synthesis in VSMCs after in vitro mechanical injury. We analyzed the effects of berberine on VSMC growth, migration, and signaling events after exogenous PDGF stimulation in vitro in order to mimic a post-angioplasty PDGF shedding condition. Pretreatment of VSMCs with berberine inhibited PDGF-induced proliferation. Berberine significantly suppressed PDGF-stimulated Cyclin D1/D3 and Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) gene expression. Moreover, berberine increased the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which led to phosphorylation activation of p53 and increased protein levels of the Cdk inhibitor p21(Cip1). Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, partly but significantly attenuated berberine-elicited growth inhibition. In addition, stimulation of VSMCs with PDGF led to a transient increase in GTP-bound, active form of Ras, Cdc42 and Rac1, as well as VSMC migration. However, pretreatment with berberine significantly inhibited PDGF-induced Ras, Cdc42 and Rac1 activation and cell migration. Co-treatment with farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate drastically reversed berberine-mediated anti-proliferative and migratory effects in VSMCs. Based on these findings, we conclude that berberine inhibited PDGF-induced VSMC growth via activation of AMPK/p53/p21(Cip1) signaling while inactivating Ras/Rac1/Cyclin D/Cdks and suppressing PDGF-stimulated migration via inhibition of Rac1 and Cdc42. These observations offer a molecular explanation for the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory properties of berberine.

Requirement for Ras/Raf/ERK pathway in naringin-induced G1-cell-cycle arrest via p21WAF1 expression

Naringin, an active flavonoid found in citrus fruit extracts, has pharmacological utility. The present study identified a novel mechanism of the anticancer effects of naringin in urinary bladder cancer cells. Naringin treatment resulted in significant dose-dependent growth inhibition together with G(1)-phase cell-cycle arrest at a dose of 100 microM (the half maximal inhibitory concentration) in 5637 cells. In addition, naringin treatment strongly induced p21WAF1 expression, independent of the p53 pathway, and downregulated expression of cyclins and cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs). Moreover, treatment with naringin induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Among the pathways examined, only PD98059, an ERK-specific inhibitor, blocked naringin-dependent p21WAF1 expression. Consistently, blockade of ERK function reversed naringin-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and decreased cell-cycle proteins. Furthermore, naringin treatment increased both Ras and Raf activation. Transfection of cells with dominant-negative Ras (RasN17) and Raf (RafS621A) mutant genes suppressed naringin-induced ERK activity and p21WAF1 expression. Finally, the naringin-induced reduction in cell proliferation and cell-cycle proteins also was abolished in the presence of RasN17 and RafS621A mutant genes. These data demonstrate that the Ras/Raf/ERK pathway participates in p21WAF1 induction, subsequently leading to a decrease in the levels of cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E-CDK2 complexes and naringin-dependent inhibition of cell growth. Overall, these unexpected findings concerning the molecular mechanisms of naringin in 5637 cancer cells provide a theoretical basis for the therapeutic use of flavonoids to treat malignancies.

Disialoganglioside GD3 increases in the secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins

The function of gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycolipids, on the secretion and assembly of apoB-containing lipoproteins is poorly understood. Here, we report that the GD3 synthase is involved in apoB secretion in retinoic acid (RA)-treated Chang liver cells via transcriptional induction of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). The overexpression of GD3 synthase in Chang liver cells increases the expression of the MTP gene, but GM3 synthase-transfected cells did not. The levels of GM3 and GD3 gangliosides in each of the transfected cells were increased in the cell extract as well as the medium. In addition, GD3 synthase-transfected cells showed an increased secretion of triglyceride-enriched apoB. In contrast, the triglyceride content in GM3 synthase-transfected cells was relatively lower. Treatment with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and GD3 antibody decreased apoB secretion. These results indicate that plasma membrane associated GD3 play important roles in apoB secretion, and that an enhancement in GD3 levels might be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis by increasing the secretion of triglyceride-enriched apoB containing lipoproteins.

FoxO4 regulates tumor necrosis factor alpha-directed smooth muscle cell migration by activating matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene transcription

Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the blood vessel wall from a differentiated to a proliferative state during vascular injury and inflammation plays an important role in restenosis and atherosclerosis. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is a member of the MMP family of proteases, which participate in extracellular matrix degradation and turnover. MMP9 is upregulated and required for SMC migration during the development of restenotic and atherosclerotic lesions. In this study, we show that FoxO4 activates transcription of the MMP9 gene in response to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) signaling. Inhibition of FoxO4 expression by small interfering RNA or gene knockout reduces the abilities of SMCs to migrate in vitro and inhibit neointimal formation and MMP9 expression in vivo. We further show that both the N-terminal, Sp1-interactive domain and the C-terminal transactivation domain of FoxO4 are required for FoxO4-activated MMP9 transcription. TNF-alpha signaling upregulates nuclear FoxO4. Our studies place FoxO4 in the center of a transcriptional regulatory network that links gene transcription required for SMC remodeling to upstream cytokine signals and implicate FoxO4 as a potential therapeutic target for combating proliferative arterial diseases.

Ganglioside GD1a negatively regulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in mouse FBJ cell lines at the transcriptional level

Mouse FBJ virus-induced osteosarcoma FBJ-S1 cells rich in GD1a are not readily metastatic, whereas FBJ-LL cells with low levels of GD1a are highly metastatic. GD1a was previously shown to suppress metastasis of mouse FBJ cells and to upregulate caveolin-1 and stromal interaction molecule 1 expression. The present study demonstrates that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression renders FBJ-LL cells invasive. MMP-9 is inversely regulated by GD1a, based upon four observations: MMP-9 mRNA content was 5 times higher in FBJ-LL cells than FBJ-S1 cells; a GD1a-re-expressing FBJ-LL cell variant produced through beta1,4GalNAcT-1 cDNA transfection expressed lower levels of MMP-9; exogenous addition of GD1a to FBJ-LL cells decreased MMP-9 production in a dose- and time-dependent manner; and treatment of GD1a-rich cells with D-PDMP or siRNA targeting St3gal2 decreased GD1a expression, but augmented MMP-9 expression. This is the first report demonstrating that GD1a negatively regulates expression of MMP-9 at the transcriptional level.

Hyperglycemia and glucosamine-induced mesangial cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy: Common or independent mechanisms?

The Hexosamine Pathway (HP) is one hypothesis proposed to explain glucose toxicity and the alterations observed during the course of diabetic microvascular complication development. Glucosamine is a precursor of UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), the main product of the HP that has often been used to mimic its activation. The transfer of a UDP-GlcNAc residue onto proteins (O-GlcNAc modification) represents the final step of the HP and is considered as a major mechanism by which this pathway exerts its signalling effects. While it is well accepted that the HP promotes extracellular matrix accumulation in the context of diabetic nephropathy, its involvement in the perturbations of cell cycle progression and hypertrophy of renal cells has been poorly investigated. Nevertheless, in a growing number of studies, the HP and O-GlcNAc modification are emerging as important regulators of cell cycle progression. This review will focus on the role of glucosamine and O-GlcNAc modification in cell cycle regulation in the context of diabetic nephropathy. Special emphasis will be given into the role of the HP as a potential mediator of the effects of high glucose on the perturbations of renal cell growth.

Reactive oxygen species mediates disialoganglioside GD3-induced inhibition of ERK1/2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

Sialic acid containing glycosphingolipids (gangliosides) are thought to play important roles in the function of various biological phenomena such as atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that the overexpression of the disialoganglioside (GD3) synthase gene effectively suppresses cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and MMP-9 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, the issue of how the overexpression of GD3 synthase gene results in the inhibition of cellular responses in VSMC remains unclear. The findings herein demonstrate that overexpression of the GD3 synthase gene suppresses VSMC responses through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide were generated at increased levels in GD3 synthase gene transfectants in comparison with empty vector (EV) -transfected VSMC. This phenomenon was blocked by antioxidants such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Increased ROS generation was associated with a decreased endogenous antioxidant activity, increased lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial DNA damage. Further studies revealed that the blockade of ROS function with antioxidants reversed the effect of GD3 synthase gene overexpression on VSMC proliferation and cell cycle regulation in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). In addition, we found that treatment with antioxidants reversed the decreased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in response to TNF-alpha as determined by zymography and immunoblot in GD3 synthase gene transfectants. This recovery effect was characterized by the up-regulation of MMP-9 promoter activity, which was transcriptionally regulated at NF-kappaB and activation protein-1 (activating protein (AP) -1) sites in the MMP-9 promoter. These findings suggest that ROS may play a role in GD3 synthase gene-mediated VSMC phenotypic changes that may contribute to plaque instability in atherosclerosis.