Protein Kinase C-induced Activation of a Ceramide/Protein Phosphatase 1 Pathway Leading to Dephosphorylation of p38 MAPK

Roles and therapeutic targeting of ceramide metabolism in cancer

BACKGROUND

Ceramides are sphingolipids that act as signaling molecules involved in regulating cellular processes including apoptosis, proliferation, and metabolism. Deregulation of ceramide metabolism contributes to cancer development and progression. Therefore, regulation of ceramide levels in cancer cells is being explored as a new approach for cancer therapy.

SCOPE OF THE REVIEW

This review discusses the multiple roles of ceramides in cancer cells and strategies to modulate ceramide levels for cancer therapy. Ceramides attenuate cell survival signaling and metabolic pathways, while activating apoptotic mechanisms, making them tumor-suppressive. Approaches to increase ceramide levels in cancer cells include using synthetic analogs, inhibiting ceramide degradation, and activating ceramide synthesis. We also highlight combination therapies such as use of ceramide modulators with chemotherapies, immunotherapies, apoptosis inducers, and anti-angiogenics, which offer synergistic antitumor effects. Additionally, we also describe ongoing clinical trials evaluating ceramide nanoliposomes and analogs. Finally, we discuss the challenges of these therapeutic approaches including the complexity of ceramide metabolism, targeted delivery, cancer heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, and long-term safety.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Ceramide-based therapy is a potentially promising approach for cancer therapy. However, overcoming hurdles in pharmacokinetics, specificity, and resistance is needed to optimize its efficacy and safety. This requires comprehensive preclinical/clinical studies into ceramide signaling, formulations, and combination therapies. Ceramide modulation offers opportunities for developing novel cancer treatments, but a deeper understanding of ceramide biology is vital to advance its clinical applications.

Sphingolipids: From structural components to signaling hubs

In late November 2019, Prof. Lina M. Obeid passed away from cancer, a disease she spent her life researching and studying its intricate molecular underpinnings. Along with her husband, Prof. Yusuf A. Hannun, Obeid laid down the foundations of sphingolipid biochemistry and oversaw its remarkable evolution over the years. Lipids are a class of macromolecules that are primarily associated with cellular architecture. In fact, lipids constitute the perimeter of the cell in such a way that without them, there cannot be cells. Hence, much of the early research on lipids identified the function of this class of biological molecules as merely structural. Nevertheless, unlike proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, lipids are elaborately diverse as they are not made up of monomers in polymeric forms. This diversity in structure is clearly mirrored by functional pleiotropy. In this chapter, we focus on a major subset of lipids, sphingolipids, and explore their historic rise from merely inert structural components of plasma membranes to lively and necessary signaling molecules that transmit various signals and control many cellular processes. We will emphasize the works of Lina Obeid since she was an integral pillar of the sphingolipid research world.

Ceramide Nanoliposomes as Potential Therapeutic Reagents for Asthma

Ceramides are an emerging class of anti-inflammatory lipids, and nanoscale ceramide-delivery systems are potential therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL) on type 2 inflammation-based asthma, induced by repeated ovalbumin (OVA) challenges. Asthmatic mice intratracheally treated with ceramide-free liposomes (Ghost) displayed typical airway remodeling including mucosal accumulation and subepithelial fibrosis, whereas, in CNL-treated mice, the degree of airway remodeling was significantly decreased. Compared to the Ghost group, CNL treatment unexpectedly failed to significantly influence formation of type 2 cytokines, including IL-5 and IL-13, known to facilitate pathogenic production of airway mucus predominantly comprising MUC5AC mucin. Interestingly, CNL treatment suppressed OVA-evoked hyperplasia of MUC5AC-generating goblet cells in the airways. This suggests that CNL suppressed goblet cell hyperplasia and airway mucosal accumulation independently of type 2 cytokine formation. Mechanistically, CNL treatment suppressed cell growth and EGF-induced activation of Akt, but not ERK1/2, in a human lung epithelial cell culture system recapitulating airway goblet cell hyperplasia. Taken together, CNL is suggested to have therapeutic effects on airway remodeling in allergic asthma by targeting goblet cell hyperplasia. These findings raise the potential of ceramide-based therapies for airway diseases, such as asthma.

A simple, highly sensitive, and facile method to quantify ceramide at the plasma membrane

The role of ceramide in biological functions is typically based on the elevation of cellular ceramide, measured by LC-MS in the total cell lysate. However, it has become increasingly appreciated that ceramide in different subcellular organelles regulates specific functions. In the plasma membrane, changes in ceramide levels might represent a small percentage of the total cellular ceramide, evading MS detection but playing a critical role in cell signaling. Importantly, there are currently no efficient techniques to quantify ceramide in the plasma membrane. Here, we developed a method to measure the mass of ceramide in the plasma membrane using a short protocol that is based on the hydrolysis of plasma membrane ceramide into sphingosine by the action of exogenously applied bacterial recombinant neutral ceramidase. Plasma membrane ceramide content can then be determined by measuring the newly generated sphingosine at a stoichiometry of 1:1. A key step of this protocol is the chemical fixation of cells to block cellular sphingolipid metabolism, especially of sphingosine to sphingosine 1-phosphate. We confirmed that chemical fixation does not disrupt the lipid composition at the plasma membrane, which remains intact during the time of the assay. We illustrate the power of the approach by applying this protocol to interrogate the effects of the chemotherapeutic compound doxorubicin. Here we distinguished two pools of ceramide, depending on the doxorubicin concentration, consolidating different reports. In summary, we have developed the first approach to quantify ceramide in the plasma membrane, allowing the study of new avenues in sphingolipid compartmentalization and function.

Sphingolipids in Lung Pathology in the Coronavirus Disease Era: A Review of Sphingolipid Involvement in the Pathogenesis of Lung Damage

Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids involved in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and the inflammatory response. The SphK/S1P/S1PR pathway (S1P pathway) is a driver of many anti-apoptotic and proliferative processes. Pro-survival sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) initiates its signaling cascade by interacting with various sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PR) through which it is able to exert its pro-survival or inflammatory effects. Whereas sphingolipids, including ceramides and sphingosines are pro-apoptotic. The pro-apoptotic lipid, ceramide, can be produced de novo by ceramide synthases and converted to sphingosine by way of ceramidases. The balance of these antagonistic lipids and how this balance manifests is the essence of the sphingolipid rheostat. Recent studies on SARS-CoV-2 have implicated the S1P pathway in the pathogenesis of novel coronavirus disease COVID-19-related lung damage. Accumulating evidence indicates that an aberrant inflammatory process, known as "cytokine storm" causes lung injury in COVID-19, and studies have shown that the S1P pathway is involved in signaling this hyperinflammatory response. Beyond the influence of this pathway on cytokine storm, over the last decade the S1P pathway has been investigated for its role in a wide array of lung pathologies, including pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and lung cancer. Various studies have used S1P pathway modulators in models of lung disease; many of these efforts have yielded results that point to the potential efficacy of targeting this pathway for future treatment options. Additionally, they have emphasized S1P pathway's significant role in inflammation, fibrosis, and a number of other endothelial and epithelial changes that contribute to lung damage. This review summarizes the S1P pathway's involvement in COVID-19 and chronic lung diseases and discusses the potential for targeting S1P pathway as a therapeutic option for these diseases.

Compartmentalization of Sphingolipid metabolism: Implications for signaling and therapy

Sphingolipids (SLs) are a family of bioactive lipids implicated in a variety of cellular processes, and whose levels are controlled by an interlinked network of enzymes. While the spatial distribution of SL metabolism throughout the cell has been understood for some time, the implications of this for SL signaling and biological outcomes have only recently begun to be fully explored. In this review, we outline the compartmentalization of SL metabolism and describe advances in tools for investigating and probing compartment-specific SL functions. We also briefly discuss the implications of SL compartmentalization for cell signaling and therapeutic approaches to targeting the SL network.

Ceramide launches an acute anti-adhesion pro-migration cell signaling program in response to chemotherapy

Chemotherapy has been reported to upregulate sphingomylinases and increase cellular ceramide, often linked to the induction to cell death. In this work, we show that sublethal doses of doxorubicin and vorinostat still increased cellular ceramide, which was located predominantly at the plasma membrane. To interrogate possible functions of this specific pool of ceramide, we used recombinant enzymes to mimic physiological levels of ceramide at the plasma membrane upon chemotherapy treatment. Using mass spectrometry and network analysis, followed by experimental confirmation, the results revealed that this pool of ceramide acutely regulates cell adhesion and cell migration pathways with weak connections to commonly established ceramide functions (eg, cell death). Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) was identified as responsible for the generation of plasma membrane ceramide upon chemotherapy treatment, and both ceramide at the plasma membrane and nSMase2 were necessary and sufficient to mediate these "side" effects of chemotherapy on cell adhesion and migration. This is the first time a specific pool of ceramide is interrogated for acute signaling functions, and the results define plasma membrane ceramide as an acute signaling effector necessary and sufficient for regulation of cell adhesion and cell migration under chemotherapeutical stress.

Are Glucosylceramide-Related Sphingolipids Involved in the Increased Risk for Cancer in Gaucher Disease Patients? Review and Hypotheses

The roles of ceramide and its catabolites, i.e., sphingosine and sphingosine 1-phosphate, in the development of malignancies and the response to anticancer regimens have been extensively described. Moreover, an abundant literature points to the effects of glucosylceramide synthase, the mammalian enzyme that converts ceramide to β-glucosylceramide, in protecting tumor cells from chemotherapy. Much less is known about the contribution of β-glucosylceramide and its breakdown products in cancer progression. In this chapter, we first review published and personal clinical observations that report on the increased risk of developing cancers in patients affected with Gaucher disease, an inborn disorder characterized by defective lysosomal degradation of β-glucosylceramide. The previously described mechanistic links between lysosomal β-glucosylceramidase, β-glucosylceramide and/or β-glucosylphingosine, and various hallmarks of cancer are reviewed. We further show that melanoma tumor growth is facilitated in a Gaucher disease mouse model. Finally, the potential roles of the β-glucosylceramidase protein and its lipidic substrates and/or downstream products are discussed.

Sphingolipid Mediators of Myocardial Pathology

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. While the causes of cardiomyopathy continue to be elucidated, current evidence suggests that aberrant bioactive lipid signaling plays a crucial role as a component of cardiac pathophysiology. Sphingolipids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, as they regulate numerous cellular processes that occur in primary and secondary cardiomyopathies. Experimental evidence gathered over the last few decades from both in vitro and in vivo model systems indicates that inhibitors of sphingolipid synthesis attenuate a variety of cardiomyopathic symptoms. In this review, we focus on various cardiomyopathies in which sphingolipids have been implicated and the potential therapeutic benefits that could be gained by targeting sphingolipid metabolism.

Phosphoregulation on mitochondria: Integration of cell and organelle responses

Mitochondria are highly integrated organelles that are crucial to cell adaptation and mitigating adverse physiology. Recent studies demonstrate that fundamental signal transduction pathways incorporate mitochondrial substrates into their biological programs. Reversible phosphorylation is emerging as a useful mechanism to modulate mitochondrial function in accordance with cellular changes. Critical serine/threonine protein kinases, such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase A (PKA), PTEN-induced kinase-1 (PINK1), and AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), readily translocate to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), the interface of mitochondria-cell communication. OMM protein kinases phosphorylate diverse mitochondrial substrates that have discrete effects on organelle dynamics, protein import, respiratory complex activity, antioxidant capacity, and apoptosis. OMM phosphorylation events can be tempered through the actions of local protein phosphatases, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), to regulate the extent and duration of signaling. The central mediators of OMM signal transduction are the scaffold proteins because the relative abundance of these accessory proteins determines the magnitude and duration of a signaling event on the mitochondrial surface, which dictates the biological outcome of a local signal transduction pathway. The concentrations of scaffold proteins, such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) and Sab (or SH3 binding protein 5-SH3BP5), have been shown to influence neuronal survival and vulnerability, respectively, in models of Parkinson's disease (PD), highlighting the importance of OMM signaling to health and disease. Despite recent progress, much remains to be discovered concerning the mechanisms of OMM signaling. Nonetheless, enhancing beneficial OMM signaling events and inhibiting detrimental protein-protein interactions on the mitochondrial surface may represent highly selective approaches to restore mitochondrial health and homeostasis and mitigate organelle dysfunction in conditions such as PD.

Visualizing bioactive ceramides

In the last 30 years, ceramides have been found to mediate a myriad of biological processes. Ceramides have been recognized as bioactive molecules and their metabolizing enzymes are attractive targets in cancer therapy and other diseases. The molecular mechanism of action of cellular ceramides are still not fully established, with insights into roles through modification of lipid rafts, creation of ceramide platforms, ceramide channels, or through regulation of direct protein effectors such as protein phosphatases and kinases. Recently, the 'Many Ceramides' hypothesis focuses on distinct pools of subcellular ceramides and ceramide species as potential defined bioactive entities. Traditional methods that measure changes in ceramide levels in the whole cell, such as mass spectrometry, fluorescent ceramide analogues, and ceramide antibodies, fail to differentiate specific bioactive species at the subcellular level. However, a few ceramide binding proteins have been reported, and a smaller subgroup within these, have been shown to translocate to ceramide-enriched membranes, revealing these localized pools of bioactive ceramides. In this review we want to discuss and consolidate these works and explore the possibility of defining these binding proteins as new tools are emerging to visualize bioactive ceramides in cells. Our goal is to encourage the scientific community to explore these ceramide partners, to improve techniques to refine the list of these binding partners, making possible the identification of specific domains that recognize and bind ceramides to be used to visualize the 'Many Ceramides' in the cell.

Pazopanib radio-sensitization of human sarcoma tumors

Recent data in our laboratory indicate that engagement of host-derived microenvironmental elements impact tumor response to single high dose radiation therapy (SDRT). In these studies we showed that microvascular endothelial damage plays a critical role in tumor response as regulator of direct lethal damage of SDRT. Using a genetic model of Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASMase)-deficient mice we showed that activation of this enzyme by SDRT-induced damage in the endothelium is mandatory for tumor cure. ASMase activation triggers ceramide-mediated apoptosis, and therein microvascular dysfunction, which increased the vulnerability of tumor cells to lethal damage by radiation. Angiogenic factors repressed this activity while a monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF, de-repressed ASMase activity and radiosensitized tumor endothelium when delivered immediately prior to SDRT. In this study, we tested the effect of SDRT in combination with the short-acting anti-angiogenic agent, Pazopanib (anti-VEGFR-1/2/3, PDGF-α/β and c-kit), in two xenograft models of human sarcoma. Pre-treatment with a single dose of Pazopanib increased SDRT-induced ASMase activity and endothelial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo, enhancing SDRT tumor cure, and exhibiting critical dependence on timing relative to SDRT exposure, suggesting a mechanism of action identical to that demonstrated for anti-VEGF/VEGFR2 antibodies. These results demonstrate the ability of Pazopanib to shift the response towards tumor cure and could therefore have a significant impact on clinical trial development in combination with SDRT for sarcoma cancer patients.

Loss of Sphingosine Kinase Alters Life History Traits and Locomotor Function in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sphingolipid metabolism is important to balance the abundance of bioactive lipid molecules involved in cell signaling, neuronal function, and survival. Specifically, the sphingolipid sphingosine mediates cell death signaling, whereas its phosphorylated form, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), mediates cell survival signaling. The enzyme sphingosine kinase produces S1P, and the activity of sphingosine kinase impacts the ability of cells to survive under stress and challenges. To examine the influence of sphingolipid metabolism, particularly enzymes regulating sphingosine and S1P, in mediating aging, neuronal function and stress response, we examined life history traits, locomotor capacities and heat stress responses of young and old animals using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that C. elegans sphk-1 mutants, which lack sphingosine kinase, had shorter lifespans, reduced brood sizes, and smaller body sizes compared to wild type animals. By analyzing a panel of young and old animals with genetic mutations in the sphingolipid signaling pathway, we showed that aged sphk-1 mutants exhibited a greater decline in neuromuscular function and locomotor behavior. In addition, aged animals lacking sphk-1 were more susceptible to death induced by acute and prolonged heat exposure. On the other hand, older animals with loss of function mutations in ceramide synthase (hyl-1), which converts sphingosine to ceramide, showed improved neuromuscular function and stress response with age. This phenotype was dependent on sphk-1. Together, our data show that loss of sphingosine kinase contributes to poor animal health span, suggesting that sphingolipid signaling may be important for healthy neuronal function and animal stress response during aging.

Potentiation of Schaffer-Collateral CA1 Synaptic Transmission by eEF2K and p38 MAPK Mediated Mechanisms

The elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), likewise known as CaMKIII, has been demonstrated to be involved in antidepressant responses of NMDA receptor antagonists. Even so, it remains open whether direct inhibition of eEF2K without altering up-stream or other signaling pathways affects hippocampal synaptic transmission and neuronal network synchrony. Inhibition of eEF2K by the selective and potent eEF2K inhibitor A-484954 induced a fast pre-synaptically mediated enhancement of synaptic transmission and synchronization of neural network activity. The eEF2K-inhibition mediated potentiation of synaptic transmission of hippocampal CA1 neurons is most notably independent of protein synthesis and does not rely on protein kinase C, protein kinase A or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2. Moreover, the strengthening of synaptic transmission in the response to the inhibition of eEF2K was strongly attenuated by the inhibition of p38 MAPK. In addition, we show the involvement of barium-sensitive and more specific the TWIK-related potassium-1 (TREK-1) channels in the eEF2K-inhibition mediated potentiation of synaptic transmission. These findings reveal a novel pathway of eEF2K mediated regulation of hippocampal synaptic transmission. Further research is required to study whether such compounds could be beneficial for the development of mood disorder treatments with a fast-acting antidepressant response.

Physiological TLR5 expression in the intestine is regulated by differential DNA binding of Sp1/Sp3 through simultaneous Sp1 dephosphorylation and Sp3 phosphorylation by two different PKC isoforms

Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) expression in the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is critical to maintain health, as underscored by multiple intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases in mice genetically engineered for IEC-specific TLR5 knockout. A gradient of expression exists in the colonic epithelial cells from the cecum to the distal colon. Intriguingly, an identical gradient for the dietary metabolite, butyrate also exists in the luminal contents. However, both being critical for intestinal homeostasis and immune response, no studies examined the role of butyrate in the regulation of TLR5 expression. We showed that butyrate transcriptionally upregulates TLR5 in the IECs and augments flagellin-induced immune responses. Both basal and butyrate-induced transcription is regulated by differential binding of Sp-family transcription factors to the GC-box sequences over the TLR5 promoter. Butyrate activates two different protein kinase C isoforms to dephosphorylate/acetylate Sp1 by serine/threonine phosphatases and phosphorylate Sp3 by ERK-MAPK, respectively. This resulted in Sp1 displacement from the promoter and binding of Sp3 to it, leading to p300 recruitment and histone acetylation, activating transcription. This is the first study addressing the mechanisms of physiological TLR5 expression in the intestine. Additionally, a novel insight is gained into Sp1/Sp3-mediated gene regulation that may apply to other genes.

Phosphoproteomic Profiling Reveals Epstein-Barr Virus Protein Kinase Integration of DNA Damage Response and Mitotic Signaling

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically linked to infectious mononucleosis and several human cancers. EBV encodes a conserved protein kinase BGLF4 that plays a key role in the viral life cycle. To provide new insight into the host proteins regulated by BGLF4, we utilized stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-based quantitative proteomics to compare site-specific phosphorylation in BGLF4-expressing Akata B cells. Our analysis revealed BGLF4-mediated hyperphosphorylation of 3,046 unique sites corresponding to 1,328 proteins. Frequency analysis of these phosphosites revealed a proline-rich motif signature downstream of BGLF4, indicating a broader substrate recognition for BGLF4 than its cellular ortholog cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Further, motif analysis of the hyperphosphorylated sites revealed enrichment in ATM, ATR and Aurora kinase substrates while functional analyses revealed significant enrichment of pathways related to the DNA damage response (DDR), mitosis and cell cycle. Phosphorylation of proteins associated with the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) indicated checkpoint activation, an event that inactivates the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome, APC/C. Furthermore, we demonstrated that BGLF4 binds to and directly phosphorylates the key cellular proteins PP1, MPS1 and CDC20 that lie upstream of SAC activation and APC/C inhibition. Consistent with APC/C inactivation, we found that BGLF4 stabilizes the expression of many known APC/C substrates. We also noted hyperphosphorylation of 22 proteins associated the nuclear pore complex, which may contribute to nuclear pore disassembly and SAC activation. A drug that inhibits mitotic checkpoint activation also suppressed the accumulation of extracellular EBV virus. Taken together, our data reveal that, in addition to the DDR, manipulation of mitotic kinase signaling and SAC activation are mechanisms associated with lytic EBV replication. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD002411 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD002411).

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus that is associated with B cell and epithelial human cancers. Herpesviruses encode a protein kinase which is an important regulator of lytic virus replication and is consequently a target for anti-viral drug development. The EBV genome encodes for a serine/threonine protein kinase called BGLF4. Previous work on BGLF4 has largely focused on its cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1)-like activity. The range of BGLF4 cellular substrates and the full impact of BGLF4 on the intracellular microenvironment still remain to be elucidated. Here, we utilized unbiased quantitative phosphoproteomic approach to dissect the changes in the cellular phosphoproteome that are mediated by BGLF4. Our MS analyses revealed extensive hyperphosphorylation of substrates that are normally targeted by CDK1, Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) proteins and Aurora kinases. The up-regulated phosphoproteins were functionally linked to the DNA damage response, mitosis and cell cycle pathways. Our data demonstrate widespread changes in the cellular phosphoproteome that occur upon BGLF4 expression and suggest that manipulation of the DNA damage and mitotic kinase signaling pathways are central to efficient EBV lytic replication.

Ceramide limits phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase C2β-controlled cell motility in ovarian cancer: potential of ceramide as a metastasis-suppressor lipid

Targeting cell motility, which is required for dissemination and metastasis, has therapeutic potential for ovarian cancer metastasis, and regulatory mechanisms of cell motility need to be uncovered for developing novel therapeutics. Invasive ovarian cancer cells spontaneously formed protrusions, such as lamellipodia, which are required for generating locomotive force in cell motility. Short interfering RNA screening identified class II phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase C2β (PI3KC2β) as the predominant isoform of PI3K involved in lamellipodia formation of ovarian cancer cells. The bioactive sphingolipid ceramide has emerged as an antitumorigenic lipid, and treatment with short-chain C6-ceramide decreased the number of ovarian cancer cells with PI3KC2β-driven lamellipodia. Pharmacological analysis demonstrated that long-chain ceramide regenerated from C6-ceramide through the salvage/recycling pathway, at least in part, mediated the action of C6-ceramide. Mechanistically, ceramide was revealed to interact with the PIK-catalytic domain of PI3KC2β and affect its compartmentalization, thereby suppressing PI3KC2β activation and its driven cell motility. Ceramide treatment also suppressed cell motility promoted by epithelial growth factor, which is a prometastatic factor. To examine the role of ceramide in ovarian cancer metastasis, ceramide liposomes were employed and confirmed to suppress cell motility in vitro. Ceramide liposomes had an inhibitory effect on peritoneal metastasis in a murine xenograft model of human ovarian cancer. Metastasis of PI3KC2β knocked-down cells was insensitive to treatment with ceramide liposomes, suggesting specific involvement of ceramide interaction with PI3KC2β in metastasis suppression. Our study identified ceramide as a bioactive lipid that limits PI3KC2β-governed cell motility, and ceramide is proposed to serve as a metastasis-suppressor lipid in ovarian cancer. These findings could be translated into developing ceramide-based therapy for metastatic diseases.

Activation of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Gaucher's Disease

Gaucher’s disease is caused by defects in acid β-glucosidase 1 (GBA1) and has been also proposed as an inflammatory disease. GBA1 cleaves glucosylceramide to form ceramide, an established bioactive lipid, and defects in GBA1 lead to aberrant accumulation in glucosylceramide and insufficient formation of ceramide. We investigated if the pro-inflammatory kinase p38 is activated in Gaucher’s disease, since ceramide has been proposed to suppress p38 activation. Three Gaucher’s disease mouse models were employed, and p38 was found to be activated in lung and liver tissues of all Gaucher’s disease mice. Most interestingly, neuronopathic Gaucher’s disease type mice, but not non-neuronopathic ones, displayed significant activation of p38 and up-regulation of p38-inducible proinflammatory cytokines in brain tissues. In addition, all type of Gaucher’s disease mice also showed increases in serum IL-6. As cellular signalling is believed to represent an in vivo inflammatory phenotype in Gaucher’s disease, activation of p38 and possibly its-associated formation of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed in fibroblasts established from neuronopathic Gaucher’s disease mice. In mouse Gaucher’s disease cells, p38 activation and IL-6 formation by TNF-α treatment were enhanced as compared to those of wild type. Furthermore, human fibroblasts from Gaucher’s disease patients also displayed increases in p38 activation and IL-6 formation as comparison to healthy counterpart. These results raise the potential that proinflammatory responses such as p38 activation and IL-6 formation are augmented in Gaucher’s disease.

Inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is a potential therapeutic strategy in ovarian cancer

Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 is predictive of poor outcome in several types of cancer. The present study investigated the biological role for PAI-1 in ovarian cancer and potential of targeted pharmacotherapeutics. In patients with ovarian cancer, PAI-1 mRNA expression in tumor tissues was positively correlated with poor prognosis. To determine the role of PAI-1 in cell proliferation in ovarian cancer, the effects of PAI-1 inhibition were examined in PAI-1-expressing ovarian cancer cells. PAI-1 knockdown by small interfering RNA resulted in significant suppression of cell growth accompanied with G2/M cell cycle arrest and intrinsic apoptosis. Similarly, treatment with the small molecule PAI-1 inhibitor TM5275 effectively blocked cell proliferation of ovarian cancer cells that highly express PAI-1. Together these results suggest that PAI-1 promotes cell growth in ovarian cancer. Interestingly, expression of PAI-1 was increased in ovarian clear cell carcinoma compared with that in serous tumors. Our results suggest that PAI-1 inhibition promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ovarian cancer and that PAI-1 inhibitors potentially represent a novel class of anti-tumor agents.

Ceramide and the mitochondrial respiratory chain

Ceramide is a group of sphingolipids found in cell membranes, composed of a sphingoid base linked to a fatty acid of varying chain length. Initially regarded as purely structural components, this group of molecules is now recognized as a key signaling and regulatory elements in cell biology. Ceramide species differing in acyl chain length, with distinct biophysical properties, execute distinct functions and effects. Some of these modulate mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Certain ceramides were associated with decreased mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) activity, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, mitophagy and apoptosis. In this review we aim to summarize the most relevant findings linking ceramide to mitochondria. The physiological significance of synthetic short and naturally occurring long chain ceramides in modulating mitochondrial function with emphasis on the MRC will be discussed.

p27 suppresses cyclooxygenase-2 expression by inhibiting p38β and p38δ-mediated CREB phosphorylation upon arsenite exposure

p27 is a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor that suppresses a cell's transition from G0 to S phase, therefore acting as a tumor suppressor. Our most recent studies demonstrate that upon arsenite exposure, p27 suppresses Hsp27 and Hsp70 expressions through the JNK2/c-Jun- and HSF-1-dependent pathways, suggesting a novel molecular mechanism underlying the tumor suppressive function of p27 in a CDK-independent manner. We found that p27-deficiency (p27-/-) resulted in the elevation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression at transcriptional level, whereas the introduction of p27 brought back COX-2 expression to a level similar to that of p27+/+ cells, suggesting that p27 exhibits an inhibitory effect on COX-2 expression. Further studies identified that p27 inhibition of COX-2 expression was specifically due to phosphorylation of transcription factor cAMP response element binding (CREB) phosphorylation mediated by p38β and p38δ. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism underlying tumor suppression effect of p27 and will contribute to the understanding of the overall mechanism of p27 tumor suppression in a CDK-independent manner.

Identification and characterization of protein phosphatase 2C activation by ceramide

Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid with many associated biological outcomes, yet there is a significant gap in our current understanding of how ceramide mediates these processes. Previously, ceramide has been shown to activate protein phosphatase (PP) 1 and 2A. While continuing this line of work, a late fraction from a Mono-Q column was consistently observed to be activated by ceramide, yet PP1 and PP2A were undetectable in this fraction. Proteomic analysis of this fraction revealed the identity of the phosphatase to be PP2Cγ/PPM1G. This was consistent with our findings that PP2Cγ 1-eluted in a high salt fraction due to its strongly acidic domain, and 2-was insensitive to okadaic acid. Further characterization was performed with PP2Cα, which showed robust activation by C(6)-ceramide. Activation was specific for the erythro conformation of ceramide and the presence of the acyl chain and hydroxyl group at the first carbon. In order to demonstrate more physiological activation of PP2Cα by ceramide, phospho-p38δ was utilized as substrate. Indeed, PP2Cα induced the dephosphorylation of p38δ only in the presence of C(16)-ceramide. Taken together, these results show that the PP2C family of phosphatases is activated by ceramide, which may have important consequences in mediating the biological effects of ceramide.

Ceramide synthases at the centre of sphingolipid metabolism and biology

Sphingolipid metabolism in metazoan cells consists of a complex interconnected web of numerous enzymes, metabolites and modes of regulation. At the centre of sphingolipid metabolism reside CerSs (ceramide synthases), a group of enzymes that catalyse the formation of ceramides from sphingoid base and acyl-CoA substrates. From a metabolic perspective, these enzymes occupy a unique niche in that they simultaneously regulate de novo sphingolipid synthesis and the recycling of free sphingosine produced from the degradation of pre-formed sphingolipids (salvage pathway). Six mammalian CerSs (CerS1-CerS6) have been identified. Unique characteristics have been described for each of these enzymes, but perhaps the most notable is the ability of individual CerS isoforms to produce ceramides with characteristic acyl-chain distributions. Through this control of acyl-chain length and perhaps in a compartment-specific manner, CerSs appear to regulate multiple aspects of sphingolipid-mediated cell and organismal biology. In the present review, we discuss the function of CerSs as critical regulators of sphingolipid metabolism, highlight their unique characteristics and explore the emerging roles of CerSs in regulating programmed cell death, cancer and many other aspects of biology.

C16 ceramide is crucial for triacylglycerol-induced apoptosis in macrophages

Triacylglycerol (TG) accumulation caused by adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) deficiency or very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) loading of wild-type (Wt) macrophages results in mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. This phenotype is correlated to depletion of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an event known to induce the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here, we show that ER stress in TG-rich macrophages activates the UPR, resulting in increased abundance of the chaperone GRP78/BiP, the induction of pancreatic ER kinase-like ER kinase, phosphorylation and activation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A, the translocation of activating transcription factor (ATF)4 and ATF6 to the nucleus and the induction of the cell death executor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein. C16:0 ceramide concentrations were increased in Atgl-/- and VLDL-loaded Wt macrophages. Overexpression of ceramide synthases was sufficient to induce mitochondrial apoptosis in Wt macrophages. In accordance, inhibition of ceramide synthases in Atgl-/- macrophages by fumonisin B1 (FB1) resulted in specific inhibition of C16:0 ceramide, whereas intracellular TG concentrations remained high. Although the UPR was still activated in Atgl-/- macrophages, FB1 treatment rescued Atgl-/- macrophages from mitochondrial dysfunction and programmed cell death. We conclude that C16:0 ceramide elicits apoptosis in Atgl-/- macrophages by activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Protein phosphatase 1α mediates ceramide-induced ERM protein dephosphorylation: a novel mechanism independent of phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-biphosphate (PIP2) and myosin/ERM phosphatase

ERM (ezrin, radixin, and moesin) proteins are cytoskeletal interacting proteins that bind cortical actin, the plasma membrane, and membrane proteins, which are found in specialized plasma membrane structures such as microvilli and filopodia. ERM proteins are regulated by phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-biphosphate (PIP(2)) and by phosphorylation of a C-terminal threonine, and its inactivation involves PIP(2) hydrolysis and/or myosin phosphatase (MP). Recently, we demonstrated that ERM proteins are also subject to counter regulation by the bioactive sphingolipids ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate. Plasma membrane ceramide induces ERM dephosphorylation whereas sphingosine 1-phosphate induces their phosphorylation. In this work, we pursue the mechanisms by which ceramide regulates dephosphorylation. We found that this dephosphorylation was independent of hydrolysis and localization of PIP(2) and MP. However, the results show that ERM dephosphorylation was blocked by treatment with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) pharmacological inhibitors and specifically by siRNA to PP1α, whereas okadaic acid, a PP2A inhibitor, failed. Moreover, a catalytic inactive mutant of PP1α acted as dominant negative of the endogenous PP1α. Additional results showed that the ceramide mechanism of PP1α activation is largely independent of PIP(2) hydrolysis and MP. Taken together, these results demonstrate a novel, acute mechanism of ERM regulation dependent on PP1α and plasma membrane ceramide.

Inhibitors of specific ceramide synthases

Ceramide synthases (CerSs) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of ceramides and display a group of at least six different isoenzymes (CerS1-6). Ceramides itself are bioactive molecules. Ceramides with different N-acyl side chains (C(14:0)-Cer - C(26:0)-Cer) possess distinct roles in cell signaling. Therefore, the selective inhibition of specific CerSs which are responsible for the formation of a specific ceramide holds promise for a number of new clinical treatment strategies, e.g., cancer. Here, we identified four of hitherto unknown functional inhibitors of CerSs derived from the FTY720 (Fingolimod) lead structure and showed their inhibitory effectiveness by two in vitro CerS activity assays. Additionally, we tested the substances in two cell lines (HCT-116 and HeLa) with different ceramide patterns. In summary, the in vitro activity assays revealed out that ST1058 and ST1074 preferentially inhibit CerS2 and CerS4, while ST1072 inhibits most potently CerS4 and CerS6. Importantly, ST1060 inhibits predominately CerS2. First structure-activity relationships and the potential biological impact of these compounds are discussed.

Mitochondrial ceramide-rich macrodomains functionalize Bax upon irradiation

Background

Evidence indicates that Bax functions as a “lipidic” pore to regulate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), the apoptosis commitment step, through unknown membrane elements. Here we show mitochondrial ceramide elevation facilitates MOMP-mediated cytochrome c release in HeLa cells by generating a previously-unrecognized mitochondrial ceramide-rich macrodomain (MCRM), which we visualize and isolate, into which Bax integrates.

Methodology/Principal Findings

MCRMs, virtually non-existent in resting cells, form upon irradiation coupled to ceramide synthase-mediated ceramide elevation, optimizing Bax insertion/oligomerization and MOMP. MCRMs are detected by confocal microscopy in intact HeLa cells and isolated biophysically as a light membrane fraction from HeLa cell lysates. Inhibiting ceramide generation using a well-defined natural ceramide synthase inhibitor, Fumonisin B1, prevented radiation-induced Bax insertion, oligomerization and MOMP. MCRM deconstruction using purified mouse hepatic mitochondria revealed ceramide alone is non-apoptogenic. Rather Bax integrates into MCRMs, oligomerizing therein, conferring 1–2 log enhanced cytochrome c release. Consistent with this mechanism, MCRM Bax isolates as high molecular weight “pore-forming” oligomers, while non-MCRM membrane contains exclusively MOMP-incompatible monomeric Bax.

Conclusions/Significance

Our recent studies in the C. elegans germline indicate that mitochondrial ceramide generation is obligate for radiation-induced apoptosis, although a mechanism for ceramide action was not delineated. Here we demonstrate that ceramide, generated in the mitochondrial outer membrane of mammalian cells upon irradiation, forms a platform into which Bax inserts, oligomerizes and functionalizes as a pore. We posit conceptualization of ceramide as a membrane-based stress calibrator, driving membrane macrodomain organization, which in mitochondria regulates intensity of Bax-induced MOMP, and is pharmacologically tractable in vitro and in vivo.

Sphingolipids and cancer: ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate in the regulation of cell death and drug resistance

Sphingolipids have emerged as bioeffector molecules, controlling various aspects of cell growth and proliferation in cancer, which is becoming the deadliest disease in the world. These lipid molecules have also been implicated in the mechanism of action of cancer chemotherapeutics. Ceramide, the central molecule of sphingolipid metabolism, generally mediates antiproliferative responses, such as cell growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, senescence modulation, endoplasmic reticulum stress responses and/or autophagy. Interestingly, recent studies suggest de novo-generated ceramides may have distinct and opposing roles in the promotion/suppression of tumors, and that these activities are based on their fatty acid chain lengths, subcellular localization and/or direct downstream targets. For example, in head and neck cancer cells, ceramide synthase 6/C(16)-ceramide addiction was revealed, and this was associated with increased tumor growth, whereas downregulation of its synthesis resulted in ER stress-induced apoptosis. By contrast, ceramide synthase 1-generated C(18)-ceramide has been shown to suppress tumor growth in various cancer models, both in situ and in vivo. In addition, ceramide metabolism to generate sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) by sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 mediates, with or without the involvement of G-protein-coupled S1P receptor signaling, prosurvival, angiogenesis, metastasis and/or resistance to drug-induced apoptosis. Importantly, recent findings regarding the mechanisms by which sphingolipid metabolism and signaling regulate tumor growth and progression, such as identifying direct intracellular protein targets of sphingolipids, have been key for the development of new chemotherapeutic strategies. Thus, in this article, we will present conclusions of recent studies that describe opposing roles of de novo-generated ceramides by ceramide synthases and/or S1P in the regulation of cancer pathogenesis, as well as the development of sphingolipid-based cancer therapeutics and drug resistance.

Developmentally regulated ceramide synthase 6 increases mitochondrial Ca2+ loading capacity and promotes apoptosis

Ceramides, which are membrane sphingolipids and key mediators of cell-stress responses, are generated by a family of (dihydro) ceramide synthases (Lass1-6/CerS1-6). Here, we report that brain development features significant increases in sphingomyelin, sphingosine, and most ceramide species. In contrast, C(16:0)-ceramide was gradually reduced and CerS6 was down-regulated in mitochondria, thereby implicating CerS6 as a primary ceramide synthase generating C(16:0)-ceramide. Investigations into the role of CerS6 in mitochondria revealed that ceramide synthase down-regulation is associated with dramatically decreased mitochondrial Ca(2+)-loading capacity, which could be rescued by addition of ceramide. Selective CerS6 complexing with the inner membrane component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore was detected by immunoprecipitation. This suggests that CerS6-generated ceramide could prevent mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, leading to increased Ca(2+) accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix. We examined the effect of high CerS6 expression on cell survival in primary oligodendrocyte (OL) precursor cells, which undergo apoptotic cell death during early postnatal brain development. Exposure of OLs to glutamate resulted in apoptosis that was prevented by inhibitors of de novo ceramide biosynthesis, myriocin and fumonisin B1. Knockdown of CerS6 with siRNA reduced glutamate-triggered OL apoptosis, whereas knockdown of CerS5 had no effect: the pro-apoptotic role of CerS6 was not stimulus-specific. Knockdown of CerS6 with siRNA improved cell survival in response to nerve growth factor-induced OL apoptosis. Also, blocking mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake or decreasing Ca(2+)-dependent protease calpain activity with specific inhibitors prevented OL apoptosis. Finally, knocking down CerS6 decreased calpain activation. Thus, our data suggest a novel role for CerS6 in the regulation of both mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis and calpain, which appears to be important in OL apoptosis during brain development.

Mammalian ceramide synthases

In mammals, ceramide, a key intermediate in sphingolipid metabolism and an important signaling molecule, is synthesized by a family of six ceramide synthases (CerS), each of which synthesizes ceramides with distinct acyl chain lengths. There are a number of common biochemical features between the CerS, such as their catalytic mechanism, and their structure and intracellular localization. Different CerS also display remarkable differences in their biological properties, with each of them playing distinct roles in processes as diverse as cancer and tumor suppression, in the response to chemotherapeutic drugs, in apoptosis, and in neurodegenerative diseases.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase deficiency disrupts lipid homeostasis in liver

The cleavage of sphingoid base phosphates by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase to produce phosphoethanolamine and a fatty aldehyde is the final degradative step in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. We have studied mice with an inactive S1P lyase gene and have found that, in addition to the expected increase of sphingoid base phosphates, other sphingolipids (including sphingosine, ceramide, and sphingomyelin) were substantially elevated in the serum and/or liver of these mice. This latter increase is consistent with a reutilization of the sphingosine backbone for sphingolipid synthesis due to its inability to exit the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. Furthermore, the S1P lyase deficiency resulted in changes in the levels of serum and liver lipids not directly within the sphingolipid pathway, including phospholipids, triacyglycerol, diacylglycerol, and cholesterol. Even though lipids in serum and lipid storage were elevated in liver, adiposity was reduced in the S1P lyase-deficient mice. Microarray analysis of lipid metabolism genes in liver showed that the S1P lyase deficiency caused widespread changes in their expression pattern, with a significant increase in the expression of PPARgamma, a master transcriptional regulator of lipid metabolism. However, the mRNA expression of the genes encoding the sphingosine kinases and S1P phosphatases, which directly control the levels of S1P, were not significantly changed in liver of the S1P lyase-deficient mice. These results demonstrate that S1P lyase is a key regulator of the levels of multiple sphingolipid substrates and reveal functional links between the sphingolipid metabolic pathway and other lipid metabolic pathways that may be mediated by shared lipid substrates and changes in gene expression programs. The disturbance of lipid homeostasis by altered sphingolipid levels may be relevant to metabolic diseases.

Ceramide synthases: roles in cell physiology and signaling

Ceramide synthases (CerS) are integral membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum. Six mammalian CerS have been described, with each utilizing fatty acyl CoAs of relatively defined chain lengths for N-acylation of the sphingoid long chain base. In this chapter, we review the main functional features of the CerS proteins, discuss their fatty acid specificity, kinetics, tissue distribution and mode of inhibition, as well as possible posttranslational modifications. We then address the reason that mammals contain six distinct CerS, whereas most other enzymes in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway only occur in one or two isoforms. Finally, we discuss the putative roles of CerS and the ceramide derived from the CerS, in signaling pathways and in development of disease.

Phosphatase-dependent regulation of epithelial mitogen-activated protein kinase responses to toxin-induced membrane pores

Diverse bacterial species produce pore-forming toxins (PFT) that can puncture eukaryotic cell membranes. Host cells respond to sublytic concentrations of PFT through conserved intracellular signaling pathways, including activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), which are critical to cell survival. Here we demonstrate that in respiratory epithelial cells p38 and JNK MAPK were phosphorylated within 30 min of exposure to pneumolysin, the PFT from Streptococcus pneumoniae. This activation was tightly regulated, and dephosphorylation of both MAPK occurred within 60 min following exposure. Pretreatment of epithelial cells with inhibitors of cellular phosphatases, including sodium orthovanadate, calyculin A, and okadaic acid, prolonged and intensified MAPK activation. Specific inhibition of MAPK phosphatase-1 did not affect the kinetics of MAPK activation in PFT-exposed epithelial cells, but siRNA-mediated knockdown of serine/threonine phosphatases PP1 and PP2A were potent inhibitors of MAPK dephosphorylation. These results indicate an important role for PP1 and PP2A in termination of epithelial responses to PFT and only a minor contribution of dual-specificity phosphatases, such as MAPK phosphatase-1, which are the major regulators of MAPK signals in other cell types. Epithelial regulation of MAPK signaling in response to membrane disruption involves distinct pathways and may require different strategies for therapeutic interventions.

Ceramide and mitochondria in ischemia/reperfusion

A hallmark of tissue injury in various models of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) is mitochondrial dysfunction and the release of mitochondrial proapoptotic proteins leading to cell death. Although IR-induced mitochondrial injury has been extensively studied and key mitochondrial functions affected by IR are chiefly characterized, the nature of the molecule that causes loss of mitochondrial integrity and function remains obscure. It has become increasingly clear that ceramide, a membrane sphingolipid and a key mediator of cell stress responses, could play a critical role in IR-induced mitochondrial damage. Emerging data point to excessive ceramide accumulation in tissue and, specifically, in mitochondria after IR. Exogenously added to isolated mitochondria, ceramide could mimic some of the mitochondrial dysfunctions occurring in IR. The recent identification and characterization of major enzymes in ceramide synthesis is expected to contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms of ceramide involvement in mitochondrial damage in IR. This review will examine the experimental evidence supporting the important role of ceramide in mitochondrial dysfunction in IR to highlight potential targets for pharmacological manipulation of ceramide levels.

Ceramide synthase 1 is regulated by proteasomal mediated turnover

Ceramide is an important bioactive lipid, intimately involved in many cellular functions, including the regulation of cell death, and in cancer and chemotherapy. Ceramide is synthesized de novo from sphinganine and acyl CoA via a family of 6 ceramide synthase enzymes, each having a unique preference for different fatty acyl CoA substrates and a unique tissue distribution. However, little is known regarding the regulation of these important enzymes. In this study we focus on ceramide synthase 1 (CerS1) which is the most structurally and functionally distinct of the enzymes, and describe a regulatory mechanism that specifically controls the level of CerS1 via ubiquitination and proteasome dependent protein turnover. We show that both endogenous and ectopically expressed CerS1 have rapid basal turnover and that diverse stresses including chemotherapeutic drugs, UV light and DTT can induce CerS1 turnover. The turnover requires CerS1 activity and is regulated by the opposing actions of p38 MAP kinase and protein kinase C (PKC). p38 MAP kinase is a positive regulator of turnover, while PKC is a negative regulator of turnover. CerS1 is phosphorylated in vivo and activation of PKC increases the phosphorylation of the protein. This study reveals a novel and highly specific mechanism by which CerS1 protein levels are regulated and which directly impacts ceramide homeostasis.

Palmitate increases sphingosine-1-phosphate in C2C12 myotubes via upregulation of sphingosine kinase message and activity

Studies in skeletal muscle demonstrate that elevation of plasma FFAs increases the sphingolipid ceramide. We aimed to determine the impact of FFA oversupply on total sphingolipid profiles in a skeletal muscle model. C2C12 myotubes were treated with palmitate (PAL). Lipidomics analysis revealed pleiotropic effects of PAL on cell sphingolipids not limited to ceramides. (13)C labeling demonstrated that PAL activated several branches of sphingolipid synthesis by distinct mechanisms. Intriguingly, PAL increased sphingosine-1-phosphate independently of de novo synthesis. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that PAL increased sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) mRNA by approximately 4-fold. This was accompanied by a 2.3-fold increase in sphingosine kinase enzyme activity. This upregulation did not occur upon treatment with oleate, suggesting some level of specificity for PAL. These findings were recapitulated in the diet-induced obesity mouse model, in which high-fat feeding increased SK1 message in skeletal muscle over 2.3-fold. These data suggest that the impact of elevated FFA on sphingolipids reaches beyond ceramides and de novo sphingolipid synthesis. Moreover, these findings identify PAL as a novel regulatory stimulus for SK1.

Acid beta-glucosidase 1 counteracts p38delta-dependent induction of interleukin-6: possible role for ceramide as an anti-inflammatory lipid

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by the phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) induces ceramide formation through the salvage pathway involving, in part, acid beta-glucosidase 1 (GBA1), which cleaves glucosylceramide to ceramide. Here, we examine the role of the GBA1-ceramide pathway, in regulating a pro-inflammatory pathway initiated by PKC and leading to activation of p38 and induction of interleukin 6 (IL-6). Inhibition of ceramide formation by fumonisin B1 or down-regulation of PKCdelta potentiated PMA-induced activation of p38 in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Similarly, knockdown of GBA1 by small interfering RNAs or pharmacological inhibition of GBA1 promoted further activation of p38 after PMA treatment, implicating the GBA1-ceramide pathway in the termination of p38 activation. Knockdown of GBA1 also evoked the hyperproduction of IL-6 in response to 4beta phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. On the other hand, increasing cellular ceramide with cell-permeable ceramide treatment resulted in attenuation of the IL-6 response. Importantly, silencing the delta isoform of the p38 family significantly attenuated the hyperproduction of IL-6. Reciprocally, p38delta overexpression induced IL-6 biosynthesis. Thus, the GBA1-ceramide pathway is suggested to play an important role in terminating p38delta activation responsible for IL-6 biosynthesis. Furthermore, the p38delta isoform was identified as a novel and predominant target of ceramide signaling as well as a regulator of IL-6 biosynthesis.

Involvement of acid beta-glucosidase 1 in the salvage pathway of ceramide formation

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) promotes the salvage pathway of ceramide formation, and acid sphingomyelinase has been implicated, in part, in providing substrate for this pathway (Zeidan, Y. H., and Hannun, Y. A. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 11549-11561). In the present study, we examined whether acid beta-glucosidase 1 (GBA1), which hydrolyzes glucosylceramide to form lysosomal ceramide, was involved in PKC-regulated formation of ceramide from recycled sphingosine. Glucosylceramide levels declined after treatment of MCF-7 cells with a potent PKC activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Silencing GBA1 by small interfering RNAs significantly attenuated acid glucocerebrosidase activity and decreased PMA-induced formation of ceramide by 50%. Silencing GBA1 blocked PMA-induced degradation of glucosylceramide and generation of sphingosine, the source for ceramide biosynthesis. Reciprocally, forced expression of GBA1 increased ceramide levels. These observations indicate that GBA1 activation can generate the source (sphingosine) for PMA-induced formation of ceramide through the salvage pathway. Next, the role of PKCdelta, a direct effector of PMA, in the formation of ceramide was determined. By attenuating expression of PKCdelta, cells failed to trigger PMA-induced alterations in levels of ceramide, sphingomyelin, and glucosylceramide. Thus, PKCdelta activation is suggested to stimulate the degradation of both sphingomyelin and glucosylceramide leading to the salvage pathway of ceramide formation. Collectively, GBA1 is identified as a novel source of regulated formation of ceramide, and PKCdelta is an upstream regulator of this pathway.

Ceramide synthase 6 modulates TRAIL sensitivity and nuclear translocation of active caspase-3 in colon cancer cells

We have previously shown that the death receptor ligand TRAIL induces an increase in intracellular C₁₆-ceramide in sensitive SW480 but not in resistant SW620 cells. Resistance in SW620 cells was overcome by exogenous ceramide leading us to propose that defective ceramide signaling contributes to TRAIL resistance. In this study we found that the increase in C₁₆-ceramide in SW480 cells was inhibited by fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of ceramide synthases (CerS). Protein analysis revealed that TRAIL resistant SW620 cells expressed lower levels of ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6, also known as longevity assurance homologue 6), which prompted us to investigate the effect of CerS6 modulation on TRAIL phenotype. RNAi against CerS6 resulted in a specific and significant decrease of the C₁₆-ceramide species, which was sufficient to inhibit TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In cells with decreased levels of CerS6, caspase-3 was activated but failed to translocate into the nucleus. CerS6 localized primarily to the perinuclear region, suggesting this enzyme may play a role in regulation of nuclear permeability. Moderate elevation in CerS6 expression was sufficient to reverse TRAIL resistance in SW620 cells. These results suggest that modulation of CerS6 expression may constitute a new therapeutic strategy to alter apoptotic susceptibility.

Having a swell time--mitochondrial morphology and plant cell death programmes

Cell death is a vital process in multi-cellular eukaryotes. Rather than being a contradiction in terms, this statement highlights the importance of limited and localized cell killing to the health and normal development of complex organisms. The main focus of this article is the role of mitochondrial morphological changes during cell death programmes, and the conserved role of mitochondrial permeability transition (increased permeability of either the outer or inner membrane) as an early mechanistic event preceding cell death in both plant and non-plant eukaryotes. A second focus of this article is a review of the terminology and fundamental paradigms underpinning cell death research. Because of the importance of the process of cell death, there has been an enormous quantity of research performed to try to understand the underlying biological mechanisms. One result of such a large and varied research effort, and a result that is perhaps particularly evident to investigators coming into the field anew, is that some of the basic tenets of cell death research appear to have become confused. In this short article, I make an attempt to clarify the subject, focussing on the role of mitochondria, and the difficulties in comprehensibility arising from the sometimes-erroneous, or at least unnecessarily confusing use of specific terminology; there are several key terms in the cell death literature that appear interchangeable when they are not, or are interchanged when they should not be.

Regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2) by tumor necrosis factor-alpha involves protein kinase C-delta in lung epithelial cells

Neutral sphingomyelinases (N-SMases) are major candidates for stress-induced ceramide production, but there is still limited knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of the cloned N-SMase enzyme-nSMase2. We have reported that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was upstream of nSMase2 in tumor necrosis-alpha (TNF-alpha)-stimulated A549 cells ( J Biol Chem 282: 1384-1396, 2007 ). Here, we report a role for protein kinase C (PKC) in mediating TNF-induced translocation of nSMase2 from the Golgi to the plasma membrane (PM). Pharmacological inhibition of PKCs prevented TNF-stimulated nSMase2 translocation to the PM in A549 cells. Using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) as a tool to dissect PKC responses, we found that PMA induced nSMase2 translocation to the PM in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibitors and specific siRNA implicated the novel PKCs, specifically PKC-delta, in both TNF and PMA-stimulated nSMase2 translocation. However, PMA did not increase in vitro N-SMase activity and PKC-delta did not regulate TNF-induced N-SMase activity. Furthermore, PKC-delta and nSMase2 did not coimmunoprecipitate, suggesting that other signaling proteins may be involved. PMA-stimulated nSMase2 translocation was independent of p38 MAPK, and neither PKC inhibitors nor small interfering RNA had significant effects on TNF-stimulated p38 MAPK activation, indicating that PKC-delta does not act through p38 MAPK in regulating nSMase2. Finally, down-regulation of PKC-delta inhibited induction of vascular cell and intercellular adhesion molecules, previously identified as downstream of nSMase2 in A549 cells. Taken together, these data implicate PKC-delta as a regulator of nSMase2 and, for the first time, identify nSMase2 as a point of cross-talk between the PKC and sphingolipid pathways.

Participation of p38 MAPK and a novel-type protein kinase C in the control of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake

Angiotensin II elicits cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signal in H295R adrenocortical cells. We found that Ca2+ uptake rate and peak values in small mitochondrial regions both depend on the colocalization of these mitochondrial regions with GFP-marked endoplasmic reticular (ER) vesicles. The dependence of the Ca2+ response on this colocalization is abolished by SB202190 and PD169316, inhibitors of p38 MAPK, as well as by transfection with siRNA against p38 MAPK mRNA. The same manoeuvres result in an increased ratio of global mitochondrial to global cytosolic Ca2+ response, indicating that inhibition of p38 MAPK is followed by enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. alpha-Toxin and TNFalpha, agents which similarly to angiotensin II increase the phosphorylation of p38, failed to affect mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, indicating that activation of p38 MAPK is necessary but not sufficient for the inhibition of Ca2+ uptake. Bisindolylmaleimide, an inhibitor of the conventional and novel-type protein kinase C isoforms also evokes enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, whereas Gö6976 that inhibits the conventional isoforms only failed to exert any effect. These data show that angiotensin II attenuates Ca2+ uptake predominantly into mitochondria that do not colocalize with ER, by a mechanism involving p38 MAPK and a novel-type PKC.

The sphingolipid salvage pathway in ceramide metabolism and signaling

Sphingolipids are important components of eukaryotic cells, many of which function as bioactive signaling molecules. Of these, ceramide is a central metabolite and plays key roles in a variety of cellular responses, including regulation of cell growth, viability, differentiation, and senescence. Ceramide is composed of the long-chain sphingoid base, sphingosine, in N-linkage to a variety of acyl groups. Sphingosine serves as the product of sphingolipid catabolism, and it is mostly salvaged through reacylation, resulting in the generation of ceramide or its derivatives. This recycling of sphingosine is termed the "salvage pathway", and recent evidence points to important roles for this pathway in ceramide metabolism and function. A number of enzymes are involved in the salvage pathway, and these include sphingomyelinases, cerebrosidases, ceramidases, and ceramide synthases. Recent studies suggest that the salvage pathway is not only subject to regulation, but it also modulates the formation of ceramide and subsequent ceramide-dependent cellular signals. This review focuses on the salvage pathway in ceramide metabolism, its regulation, its experimental analysis, and emerging biological functions.

Confluence induced threonine41/serine45 phospho-beta-catenin dephosphorylation via ceramide-mediated activation of PP1cgamma

It was previously observed that cell confluence induced up-regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) and increased ceramide levels [Marchesini N., Osta W., Bielawski J., Luberto C., Obeid L.M. and Hannun Y.A. (2004) J. Biol. Chem., 279, 25101-11]. In this study, we show that, in MCF7 cells, confluence induces the dephosphorylation of phosphorylated-beta-catenin at threonine41/serine45. The effect of confluence on beta-catenin dephosphorylation was prevented by down regulation of nSMase2 using siRNA; reciprocally, exogenous addition of short or very long chain ceramides induced dephosphorylation of beta-catenin. The serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitors calyculin A and okadaic acid prevented beta-catenin dephosphorylation during confluence. The specific phosphatase involved was determined by studies using siRNA against the major serine/threonine phosphatases, and the results showed that a specific siRNA against PP1cgamma prevented dephosphorylation of beta-catenin. Moreover, exogenous ceramides and confluence were found to induce the translocation of PP1cgamma to the plasma membrane. All together these results establish: A) a specific intracellular pathway involving the activation of PP1 to mediate the effects of confluence-induced beta-catenin dephosphorylation and B) PP1 as a lipid-regulated protein phosphatase downstream of nSMase2/ceramide. Finally, evidence is provided for a role for this pathway in regulating cell motility during confluence.

JNK3 signaling pathway activates ceramide synthase leading to mitochondrial dysfunction

A cardinal feature of brain tissue injury in stroke is mitochondrial dysfunction leading to cell death, yet remarkably little is known about the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial injury in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Ceramide, a naturally occurring membrane sphingolipid, functions as an important second messenger in apoptosis signaling and is generated by de novo synthesis, sphingomyelin hydrolysis, or recycling of sphingolipids. In this study, cerebral IR-induced ceramide elevation resulted from ceramide biosynthesis rather than from hydrolysis of sphingomyelin. Investigation of intracellular sites of ceramide accumulation revealed the elevation of ceramide in mitochondria because of activation of mitochondrial ceramide synthase via post-translational mechanisms. Furthermore, ceramide accumulation appears to cause mitochondrial respiratory chain damage that could be mimicked by exogenously added natural ceramide to mitochondria. The effect of ceramide on mitochondria was somewhat specific; dihydroceramide, a structure closely related to ceramide, did not inflict damage. Stimulation of ceramide biosynthesis seems to be under control of JNK3 signaling: IR-induced ceramide generation and respiratory chain damage was abolished in mitochondria of JNK3-deficient mice, which exhibited reduced infarct volume after IR. These studies suggest that the hallmark of mitochondrial injury in cerebral IR, respiratory chain dysfunction, is caused by the accumulation of ceramide via stimulation of ceramide synthase activity in mitochondria, and that JNK3 has a pivotal role in regulation of ceramide biosynthesis in cerebral IR.

Mechanism of inhibition of sequestration of protein kinase C alpha/betaII by ceramide. Roles of ceramide-activated protein phosphatases and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of protein kinase C alpha/betaII on threonine 638/641

Sustained activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes alpha and betaII leads to their translocation to a perinuclear region and to the formation of the pericentrion, a PKC-dependent subset of recycling endosomes. In MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, the action of the PKC activator 4beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) evokes ceramide formation, which in turn prevents PKCalpha/betaII translocation to the pericentrion. In this study we investigated the mechanisms by which ceramide negatively regulates this translocation of PKCalpha/betaII. Upon PMA treatment, HEK-293 cells displayed dual phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at carboxyl-terminal sites (Thr-638/641 and Ser-657/660), whereas in MCF-7 cells PKCalpha/betaII were phosphorylated at Ser-657/660 but not Thr-638/641. Inhibition of ceramide synthesis by fumonisin B1 overcame the defect in PKC phosphorylation and restored translocation of PKCalpha/betaII to the pericentrion. To determine the involvement of ceramide-activated protein phosphatases in PKC regulation, we employed small interference RNA to silence individual Ser/Thr protein phosphatases. Knockdown of isoforms alpha or beta of the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 1 not only increased phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at Thr-638/641 but also restored PKCbetaII translocation to the pericentrion. Mutagenesis approaches in HEK-293 cells revealed that mutation of either Thr-641 or Ser-660 to Ala in PKCbetaII abolished sequestration of PKC, implying the indispensable roles of phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at those sites for their translocation to the pericentrion. Reciprocally, a point mutation of Thr-641 to Glu, which mimics phosphorylation, in PKCbetaII overcame the inhibitory effects of ceramide on PKC translocation in PMA-stimulated MCF-7 cells. Therefore, the results demonstrate a novel role for carboxyl-terminal phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII in the translocation of PKC to the pericentrion, and they disclose specific regulation of PKC autophosphorylation by ceramide through the activation of specific isoforms of protein phosphatase 1.

Alterations of Ceramide/Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Rheostat Involved in the Regulation of Resistance to Imatinib-induced Apoptosis in K562 Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells

In this study, mechanisms of resistance to imatinib-induced apoptosis in human K562 cells were examined. Continuous exposure to stepwise increasing concentrations of imatinib resulted in the selection of K562/IMA-0.2 and -1 cells, which expressed approximately 2.3- and 19-fold resistance, respectively. Measurement of endogenous ceramides by high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy showed that treatment with imatinib increased the generation of ceramide, mainly C18-ceramide, which is generated by the human longevity assurance gene 1 (hLASS1), in sensitive, but not in resistant cells. Inhibition of hLASS1 by small interfering RNA partially prevented imatinib-induced cell death in sensitive cells. In reciprocal experiments, overexpression of hLASS1, and not hLASS6, in drug-resistant cells caused a marked increase in imatinib-induced C18-ceramide generation, and enhanced apoptosis. Interestingly, there were no defects in the levels of mRNA and enzyme activity levels of hLASS1 for ceramide generation in K562/IMA-1 cells. However, expression levels of sphingosine kinase-1 (SK1) and generation of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) were increased significantly in K562/IMA-1 cells, channeling sphingoid bases to the sphingosine kinase pathway. The partial inhibition of SK1 expression by small interference RNA modulated S1P levels and increased sensitivity to imatinib-induced apoptosis in resistant cells. On the other hand, forced expression of SK1 in K562 cells increased the ratio between total S1P/C18-ceramide levels approximately 6-fold and prevented apoptosis significantly in response to imatinib. Additional data indicated a role for SK1/S1P signaling in the up-regulation of the Bcr-Abl expression at the post-transcriptional level, which suggested a possible mechanism for resistance to imatinib-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, these data suggest a role for endogenous C18-ceramide synthesis mainly via hLASS1 in imatinib-induced apoptosis in sensitive cells, whereas in resistant cells, alterations of the balance between the levels of ceramide and S1P by overexpression of SK1 result in resistance to imatinib-induced apoptosis.