Characterization of a mutation in the Phox homology domain of the NADPH oxidase component p40phox identifies a mechanism for negative regulation of superoxide production

Pro-Resolving FPR2 Agonists Regulate NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Phosphorylation of HSP27, OSR1, and MARCKS and Activation of the Respective Upstream Kinases

Background: Formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, being activated either by pro-resolving or proinflammatory ligands. FPR2-associated signal transduction pathways result in phosphorylation of several proteins and in NADPH oxidase activation. We, herein, investigated molecular mechanisms underlying phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), oxidative stress responsive kinase 1 (OSR1), and myristolated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) elicited by the pro-resolving FPR2 agonists WKYMVm and annexin A1 (ANXA1). Methods: CaLu-6 cells or p22phox^Crispr/Cas9 double nickase CaLu-6 cells were incubated for 5 min with WKYMVm or ANXA1, in the presence or absence of NADPH oxidase inhibitors. Phosphorylation at specific serine residues of HSP27, OSR1, and MARCKS, as well as the respective upstream kinases activated by FPR2 stimulation was analysed. Results: Blockade of NADPH oxidase functions prevents WKYMVm- and ANXA1-induced HSP-27(Ser82), OSR1(Ser339) and MARCKS(Ser170) phosphorylation. Moreover, NADPH oxidase inhibitors prevent WKYMVm- and ANXA1-dependent activation of p38MAPK, PI3K and PKCδ, the kinases upstream to HSP-27, OSR1 and MARCKS, respectively. The same results were obtained in p22phox^Crispr/Cas9 cells. Conclusions: FPR2 shows an immunomodulatory role by regulating proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities and NADPH oxidase is a key regulator of inflammatory pathways. The activation of NADPH oxidase-dependent pro-resolving downstream signals suggests that FPR2 signalling and NADPH oxidase could represent novel targets for inflammation therapeutic intervention.

The role of NADPH oxidases in neuronal development

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and function when produced in physiological ranges. Important sources of cellular ROS include NADPH oxidases (Nox), which are evolutionary conserved multi-subunit transmembrane proteins. Nox-mediated ROS regulate variety of biological processes including hormone synthesis, calcium signaling, cell migration, and immunity. ROS participate in intracellular signaling by introducing post-translational modifications to proteins and thereby altering their functions. The central nervous system (CNS) expresses different Nox isoforms during both development and adulthood. Here, we review the role of Nox-mediated ROS during CNS development. Specifically, we focus on how individual Nox isoforms contribute to signaling in neural stem cell maintenance and neuronal differentiation, as well as neurite outgrowth and guidance. We also discuss how ROS regulates the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in the neuronal growth cone. Finally, we review recent evidence that Nox-derived ROS modulate axonal regeneration upon nervous system injury.

Insights into the NOX NADPH Oxidases Using Heterologous Whole Cell Assays

Assays based on ectopic expression of NOX NADPH oxidase subunits in heterologous mammalian cells are an important approach for investigating features of this family of enzymes. These model systems have been used to analyze the biosynthesis and functional domains of NOX enzyme components as well as their regulation and cellular activities. This chapter provides an overview of the basic principles and applications of heterologous whole cell assays in studying NOX NADPH oxidases.

Loss of peroxiredoxin-2 exacerbates eccentric contraction-induced force loss in dystrophin-deficient muscle

Force loss in skeletal muscle exposed to eccentric contraction is often attributed to injury. We show that EDL muscles from dystrophin-deficient mdx mice recover 65% of lost force within 120 min of eccentric contraction and exhibit minimal force loss when the interval between contractions is increased from 3 to 30 min. A proteomic screen of mdx muscle identified an 80% reduction in the antioxidant peroxiredoxin-2, likely due to proteolytic degradation following hyperoxidation by NADPH Oxidase 2. Eccentric contraction-induced force loss in mdx muscle was exacerbated by peroxiredoxin-2 ablation, and improved by peroxiredoxin-2 overexpression or myoglobin knockout. Finally, overexpression of γcyto- or βcyto-actin protects mdx muscle from eccentric contraction-induced force loss by blocking NADPH Oxidase 2 through a mechanism dependent on cysteine 272 unique to cytoplasmic actins. Our data suggest that eccentric contraction-induced force loss may function as an adaptive circuit breaker that protects mdx muscle from injurious contractions.

Mechanistic insight into the suppression of microglial ROS production by voltage-gated proton channels (VSOP/Hv1)

Voltage-gated proton channels (VSOP/Hv1) reportedly promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in several immune cell types. However, we recently reported that primary microglia from VSOP/Hv1-deficient mice show higher ROS production than those from WT mice. Microglia may show a distinct activation status between WT and VSOP/Hv1-deficient cells, leading to a distinct level of ROS production between them. This is unlikely, however, because ROS production in VSOP/Hv1-deficient microglia remained higher than in WT microglia when the cells were exposed to LPS. Further, this increase in ROS production in VSOP/Hv1-deficient cells was not observed in macrophages, which suggests microglia have a unique mechanism of VSOP/Hv1-dependent ROS regulation. The mechanism underlying this unconventional ROS regulation by VSOP/Hv1 in microglia is discussed.

T3SS effector VopL inhibits the host ROS response, promoting the intracellular survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

The production of antimicrobial reactive oxygen species by the nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex is an important mechanism for control of invading pathogens. Herein, we show that the gastrointestinal pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus counteracts reactive oxygen species (ROS) production using the Type III Secretion System 2 (T3SS2) effector VopL. In the absence of VopL, intracellular V. parahaemolyticus undergoes ROS-dependent filamentation, with concurrent limited growth. During infection, VopL assembles actin into non-functional filaments resulting in a dysfunctional actin cytoskeleton that can no longer mediate the assembly of the NADPH oxidase at the cell membrane, thereby limiting ROS production. This is the first example of how a T3SS2 effector contributes to the intracellular survival of V. parahaemolyticus, supporting the establishment of a protective intracellular replicative niche.

Effects of the antioxidants Trolox, Tiron and Tempol on neutrophil extracellular trap formation

Neutrophils can entrap and kill pathogens by releasing of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in addition to their routine functions such as phagocytosis and degranulation. NETs consist of a DNA backbone supplemented by multiple bactericidal proteins from the nucleus, the cytoplasm and the granules. Neutrophils release NETs after their activation by a number of physiological and pharmacological stimuli. In addition to the antimicrobial function, NETs are involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Since NET formation predominantly depends on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), all substances that are capable of scavenging ROS or inhibiting the enzymes responsible for their synthesis should prevent ROS-associated NET release. The aim of this study was to test substances with an antioxidant activity, such as Trolox, Tiron, and Tempol, for their capacity to inhibit NET formation by primary human neutrophils in vitro. We revealed for the first time an inhibitory effect of Trolox on ROS-dependent NET release. We also established a suppressive effect of Tempol on NET formation that manifested itself in a wide range of concentrations. In this study, no inhibitory influence of Tiron on NET release was revealed. All tested substances exerted a significant dose-dependent antioxidative effect on ROS generation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We suggest that the antioxidants Trolox and Tempol should be recommended for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that implicate ROS-dependent NET release.

Bidirectional interactions between NOX2-type NADPH oxidase and the F-actin cytoskeleton in neuronal growth cones

NADPH oxidases are important for neuronal function but detailed subcellular localization studies have not been performed. Here, we provide the first evidence for the presence of functional NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-type complex in neuronal growth cones and its bidirectional relationship with the actin cytoskeleton. NADPH oxidase inhibition resulted in reduced F-actin content, retrograde F-actin flow, and neurite outgrowth. Stimulation of NADPH oxidase via protein kinase C activation increased levels of hydrogen peroxide in the growth cone periphery. The main enzymatic NADPH oxidase subunit NOX2/gp91(phox) localized to the growth cone plasma membrane and showed little overlap with the regulatory subunit p40(phox) . p40(phox) itself exhibited colocalization with filopodial actin bundles. Differential subcellular fractionation revealed preferential association of NOX2/gp91(phox) and p40(phox) with the membrane and the cytoskeletal fraction, respectively. When neurite growth was evoked with beads coated with the cell adhesion molecule apCAM, we observed a significant increase in colocalization of p40(phox) with NOX2/gp91(phox) at apCAM adhesion sites. Together, these findings suggest a bidirectional functional relationship between NADPH oxidase activity and the actin cytoskeleton in neuronal growth cones, which contributes to the control of neurite outgrowth. We have previously shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical for actin organization and dynamics in neuronal growth cones as well as neurite outgrowth. Here, we report that the cytosolic subunit p40(phox) of the NOX2-type NADPH oxidase complex is partially associated with F-actin in neuronal growth cones, while ROS produced by this complex regulates F-actin dynamics and neurite growth. These findings provide evidence for a bidirectional relationship between NADPH oxidase activity and the actin cytoskeleton in neuronal growth cones.

Cooperation of p40(phox) with p47(phox) for Nox2-based NADPH oxidase activation during Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-mediated phagocytosis: mechanism for acquisition of p40(phox) phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) binding

During activation of the phagocyte (Nox2-based) NADPH oxidase, the cytoplasmic Phox complex (p47(phox)-p67(phox)-p40(phox)) translocates and associates with the membrane-spanning flavocytochrome b(558). It is unclear where (in cytoplasm or on membranes), when (before or after assembly), and how p40(phox) acquires its PI(3)P-binding capabilities. We demonstrated that in addition to conformational changes induced by H(2)O(2) in the cytoplasm, p40(phox) acquires PI(3)P-binding through direct or indirect membrane targeting. We also found that p40(phox) is essential when p47(phox) is partially phosphorylated during FcγR-mediated oxidase activation; however, p40(phox) is less critical when p47(phox) is adequately phosphorylated, using phosphorylation-mimicking mutants in HEK293(Nox2/FcγRIIa) and RAW264.7(p40/p47KD) cells. Moreover, PI binding to p47(phox) is less important when the autoinhibitory PX-PB1 domain interaction in p40(phox) is disrupted or when p40(phox) is targeted to membranes. Furthermore, we suggest that high affinity PI(3)P binding of the p40(phox) PX domain is critical during its accumulation on phagosomes, even when masked by the PB1 domain in the resting state. Thus, in addition to mechanisms for directly acquiring PI(3)P binding in the cytoplasm by H(2)O(2), p40(phox) can acquire PI(3)P binding on targeted membranes in a p47(phox)-dependent manner and functions both as a "carrier" of the cytoplasmic Phox complex to phagosomes and an "adaptor" of oxidase assembly on phagosomes in cooperation with p47(phox), using positive feedback mechanisms.

New insights in endosomal dynamics and AMPA receptor trafficking

The trafficking mechanisms that control the density of synaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptors have received significant attention because of their importance for regulating excitatory synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. AMPA receptors are synthesized in the neuronal cell body and reach their postsynaptic targets after a complex journey involving multiple transport steps along different cytoskeleton structures and through various stages of the endocytic pathway. Dendritic spines are important sites for AMPA receptor trafficking and contain the basic components of endosomal recycling. On induction of synaptic plasticity, internalized AMPA receptors undergo endosomal sorting and cycle through early endosomes and recycling endosomes back to the plasma membrane (model for long-term potentiation) or target for degradation to the lysosomes (model for long-term depression). Exciting new studies now provide insight in actin-mediated processes that controls endosomal tubule formation and receptor sorting. This review describes the path of AMPA receptor internalization up to sites of recycling and summarizes recent studies on actin-mediated endosomal receptor sorting.

Intracellular generation of superoxide by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase: how, where, and what for?

Professional phagocytes increase their consumption of molecular oxygen during the phagocytosis of microbes or when encountering a variety of nonparticulate stimuli. In these circumstances, oxygen is reduced by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are important for the microbicidal activity of the cells, are generated. The structure and function of the NADPH oxidase have been resolved in part by studying cells from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a condition characterized by the inability of phagocytes to assemble a functional NADPH oxidase and thus to produce ROS. As a result, patients with CGD have a predisposition to infections as well as a variety of inflammatory symptoms. A long-standing paradigm has been that NADPH oxidase assembly occurs exclusively in the plasma membrane or invaginations thereof (phagosomes). A growing body of evidence points to the possibility that phagocytes are capable of NADPH oxidase assembly in nonphagosomal intracellular membranes, resulting in ROS generation within intracellular organelles also in the absence of phagocytosis. The exact nature of these ROS-producing organelles is yet to be determined, but granules are prime suspects. Recent clinical findings indicate that the generation of intracellular ROS by NADPH oxidase activation is important for limiting inflammatory reactions and that intracellular and extracellular ROS production are regulated differently. Here we discuss the accumulating knowledge of intracellular ROS production in phagocytes and speculate on the precise role of these oxidants in regulating the inflammatory process.

Effects of F/G-actin ratio and actin turn-over rate on NADPH oxidase activity in microglia

Background

Most in vivo studies that have addressed the role of actin dynamics in NADPH oxidase function in phagocytes have used toxins to modulate the polymerization state of actin and mostly effects on actin has been evaluated by end point measurements of filamentous actin, which says little about actin dynamics, and without consideration for the subcellular distribution of the perturbed actin cytoskeleton.

Results

Here, we in addition to toxins use conditional expression of the major actin regulatory protein LIM kinase-1 (LIMK1), and shRNA knock-down of cofilin to modulate the cellular F/G-actin ratio in the Ra2 microglia cell line, and we use Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP) in β-actin-YFP-transduced cells to obtain a dynamic measure of actin recovery rates (actin turn-over rates) in different F/G-actin states of the actin cytoskeleton. Our data demonstrate that stimulated NADPH oxidase function was severely impaired only at extreme actin recovery rates and F/G-actin ratios, and surprisingly, that any moderate changes of these parameters of the actin cytoskeleton invariably resulted in an increased NADPH oxidase activity.

Conclusion

moderate actin polymerization and depolymerization both increase the FMLP and PMA-stimulated NADPH oxidase activity of microglia, which is directly correlated with neither actin recovery rate nor F/G- actin ratio. Our results indicate that NADPH oxidase functions in an enhanced state of activity in stimulated phagocytes despite widely different states of the actin cytoskeleton.

p47phox Phox homology domain regulates plasma membrane but not phagosome neutrophil NADPH oxidase activation

The assembly of cytosolic subunits p47(phox), p67(phox), and p40(phox) with flavocytochrome b(558) at the membrane is required for activating the neutrophil NADPH oxidase that generates superoxide for microbial killing. The p47(phox) subunit plays a critical role in oxidase assembly. Recent studies showed that the p47(phox) Phox homology (PX) domain mediates phosphoinositide binding in vitro and regulates phorbol ester-induced NADPH oxidase activity in a K562 myeloid cell model. Because the importance of the p47(phox) PX domain in neutrophils is unclear, we investigated its role using p47(phox) knock-out (KO) mouse neutrophils to express human p47(phox) and derivatives harboring R90A mutations in the PX domain that result in loss of phosphoinositide binding. Human p47(phox) proteins were expressed at levels similar to endogenous murine p47(phox), with the exception of a chronic granulomatous disease-associated R42Q mutant that was poorly expressed, and wild type human p47(phox) rescued p47(phox) KO mouse neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity. Plasma membrane NAPDH oxidase activity was reduced in neutrophils expressing p47(phox) with Arg(90) substitutions, with substantial effects on responses to either phorbol ester or formyl-Met-Leu-Phe and more modest effects to particulate stimuli. In contrast, p47(phox) Arg(90) mutants supported normal levels of intracellular NADPH oxidase activity during phagocytosis of a variety of particles and were recruited to phagosome membranes. This study defines a differential and agonist-dependent role of the p47(phox) PX domain for neutrophil NADPH oxidase activation.

Receptor activation of NADPH oxidases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in many intra- and intercellular processes. High levels of ROS are generated as part of the innate immunity in the respiratory burst of phagocytic cells. Low levels of ROS, however, are generated in a highly controlled manner by various cell types to act as second messengers in redox-sensitive pathways. A NADPH oxidase has been initially described as the respiratory burst enzyme in neutrophils. Stimulation of this complex enzyme system requires specific signaling cascades linking it to membrane-receptor activation. Subsequently, a family of NADPH oxidases has been identified in various nonphagocytic cells. They mainly differ in containing one out of seven homologous catalytic core proteins termed NOX1 to NOX5 and DUOX1 or 2. NADPH oxidase activity is controlled by regulatory subunits, including the NOX regulators p47phox and p67phox, their homologs NOXO1 and NOXA1, or the DUOX1 or 2 regulators DUOXA1 and 2. In addition, the GTPase Rac modulates activity of several of these enzymes. Recently, additional proteins have been identified that seem to have a regulatory function on NADPH oxidase activity under certain conditions. We will thus summarize molecular pathways linking activation of different membrane-bound receptors with increased ROS production of NADPH oxidases.

Subcellular localisation of the p40phox component of NADPH oxidase involves direct interactions between the Phox homology domain and F-actin

Cytosolic components of the NADPH oxidase interact with the actin cytoskeleton. These interactions are thought to be important for the activation of this enzyme system but they are poorly characterised at the molecular level. Here we have explored the interaction between the actin cytoskeleton and p40^phox, one of the cytosolic components of NADPH oxidase. Full length p40^phox expressed in COS cells co-localised with F-actin in a peripheral lamellar compartment. The co-localisation was lost after deletion of the Phox homology (PX) domain and the PX domain in isolation (p40PX) showed the same F-actin co-localisation as the full length protein. PX domains are known lipid-binding modules however, a mutant p40PX which did not bind lipids still co-localised with F-actin suggesting that lipid-independent interactions underlie the localisation. Affinity chromatography identified actin as a binding partner for p40PX in neutrophil extracts. Pure actin interacted with both p40^phox and with p40PX suggesting it is a direct interaction. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D resulted in actin rearrangement and concomitantly the localisation of full length p40^phox proteins and that of p40PX changed. Thus p40PX is a dual F-actin/lipid-binding module and F-actin interactions with the PX domain dictate at least in part the intracellular localisation of the cytosolic p40^phox subunit of the NADPH oxidase.

Akt isoforms differentially regulate neutrophil functions

In neutrophils, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling cascade is involved in migration, degranulation, and O(2)(-) production. However, it is unclear whether the Akt kinase isoforms have distinct functions in neutrophil activation. Here we report functional differences between the 2 major Akt isoforms in neutrophil activation on the basis of studies in which we used individual Akt1 and Akt2 knockout mice. Akt2(-/-) neutrophils exhibited decreased cell migration, granule enzyme release, and O(2)(-) production compared with wild-type and Akt1(-/-) neutrophils. Surprisingly, Akt2 deficiency and pharmacologic inhibition of Akt also abrogated phorbol ester-induced O(2)(-) production, which was unaffected by treatment with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. The decreased O(2)(-) production in Akt2(-/-) neutrophils was accompanied by reduced p47(phox) phosphorylation and its membrane translocation, suggesting that Akt2 is important for the assembly of phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. In wild-type neutrophils, Akt2 but not Akt1 translocated to plasma membrane upon chemoattractant stimulation and to the leading edge in polarized neutrophils. In the absence of Akt2, chemoattractant-induced Akt protein phosphorylation was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate a predominant role of Akt2 in regulating neutrophil functions and provide evidence for differential activation of the 2 Akt isoforms in neutrophils.

Targeting and regulation of reactive oxygen species generation by Nox family NADPH oxidases

Nox family NADPH oxidases serve a variety of functions requiring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, including antimicrobial defense, biosynthetic processes, oxygen sensing, and redox-based cellular signaling. We explored targeting, assembly, and activation of several Nox family oxidases, since ROS production appears to be regulated both spatially and temporally. Nox1 and Nox3 are similar to the phagocytic (Nox2-based) oxidase, functioning as multicomponent superoxide-generating enzymes. Factors regulating their activities include cytosolic activator and organizer proteins and GTP-Rac. Their regulation varies, with the following rank order: Nox2 > Nox1 > Nox3. Determinants of subcellular targeting include: (a) formation of Nox-p22(phox) heterodimeric complexes allowing plasma membrane translocation, (b) phospholipids-binding specificities of PX domain-containing organizer proteins (p47(phox) or Nox organizer 1 (Noxo1 and p40(phox)), and (c) variably splicing of Noxo1 PX domains directing them to nuclear or plasma membranes. Dual oxidases (Duox1 and Duox2) are targeted by different mechanisms. Plasma membrane targeting results in H(2)O(2) release, not superoxide, to support extracellular peroxidases. Human Duox1 and Duox2 have no demonstrable peroxidase activity, despite their extensive homology with heme peroxidases. The dual oxidases were reconstituted by Duox activator 2 (Duoxa2) or two Duoxa1 variants, which dictate maturation, subcellular localization, and the type of ROS generated by forming stable complexes with Duox.

Delayed association of the NADPH oxidase complex with macrophage vacuoles containing the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia

Burkholderia cenocepacia causes chronic lung infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease. We have previously shown that B. cenocepacia survives intracellularly in macrophages within a membrane vacuole (BcCV) that delays acidification. Here, we report that after macrophage infection with live B. cenocepacia there is a approximately 6 h delay in the association of NADPH oxidase with BcCVs, while heat-inactivated bacteria are normally trafficked into NADPH oxidase-positive vacuoles. BcCVs in macrophages treated with a functional inhibitor of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator exhibited a further delay in the assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex at the BcCV membrane, but the inhibitor did not affect NADPH oxidase complex assembly onto vacuoles containing heat-inactivated B. cenocepacia or live Escherichia coli. Macrophages produced less superoxide following B. cenocepacia infection as compared to heat-inactivated B. cenocepacia and E. coli controls. Reduced superoxide production was associated with delayed deposition of cerium perhydroxide precipitates around BcCVs of macrophages infected with live B. cenocepacia, as visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Together, our results demonstrate that intracellular B. cenocepacia resides in macrophage vacuoles displaying an altered recruitment of the NADPH oxidase complex at the phagosomal membrane. This phenomenon may contribute to preventing the efficient clearance of this opportunistic pathogen from the infected airways of susceptible patients.

Regulation of NADPH oxidase in vascular endothelium: the role of phospholipases, protein kinases, and cytoskeletal proteins

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vasculature plays a major role in the genesis of endothelial cell (EC) activation and barrier function. Of the several potential sources of ROS in the vasculature, the endothelial NADPH oxidase family of proteins is a major contributor of ROS associated with lung inflammation, ischemia/reperfusion injury, sepsis, hyperoxia, and ventilator-associated lung injury. The NADPH oxidase in lung ECs has most of the components found in phagocytic oxidase, and recent studies show the expression of several homologues of Nox proteins in vascular cells. Activation of NADPH oxidase of nonphagocytic vascular cells is complex and involves assembly of the cytosolic (p47(phox), p67(phox), and Rac1) and membrane-associated components (Noxes and p22(phox)). Signaling pathways leading to NADPH oxidase activation are not completely defined; however, they do appear to involve the cytoskeleton and posttranslation modification of the components regulated by protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and phospholipases. Furthermore, several key components regulating NADPH oxidase recruitment, assembly, and activation are enriched in lipid microdomains to form a functional signaling platform. Future studies on temporal and spatial localization of Nox isoforms will provide new insights into the role of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in the pathobiology of lung diseases.

CD18-dependent activation of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase during phagocytosis of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus is regulated by class III but not class I or II PI3Ks

Phagocytosis and activation of the NADPH oxidase are important mechanisms by which neutrophils and macrophages engulf and kill microbial pathogens. We investigated the role of PI3K signaling pathways in the regulation of the oxidase during phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by mouse and human neutrophils, a mouse macrophage-like cell line and a human myeloid-like cell line. Phagocytosis of these bacteria was promoted by serum, independent of serum-derived antibodies, and effectively abolished in mouse neutrophils lacking the β2-integrin common chain, CD18. A combination of PI3K isoform-selective inhibitors, mouse knock-outs, and RNA-interference indicated CD18-dependent activation of the oxidase was independent of class I and II PI3Ks, but substantially dependent on the single class III isoform (Vps34). Class III PI3K was responsible for the synthesis of PtdIns(3)P on phagosomes containing either bacteria. The use of mouse neutrophils carrying an appropriate knock-in mutation indicated that PtdIns(3)P binding to the PX domain of their p40phox oxidase subunit is important for oxidase activation in response to both S aureus and E coli. This interaction does not, however, account for all the PI3K sensitivity of these responses, particularly the oxidase response to E coli, suggesting that additional mechanisms for PtdIns(3)P-regulation of the oxidase must exist.

Redox control of renal function and hypertension

Loss of redox homeostasis and formation of excessive free radicals play an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney disease and hypertension. Free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary in physiologic processes. However, loss of redox homeostasis contributes to proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways in the kidney, which in turn lead to reduced vascular compliance and proteinuria. The kidney is susceptible to the influence of various extracellular and intracellular cues, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), hyperglycemia, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors. Redox control of kidney function is a dynamic process with reversible pro- and anti-free radical processes. The imbalance of redox homeostasis within the kidney is integral in hypertension and the progression of kidney disease. An emerging paradigm exists for renal redox contribution to hypertension.

Fc gamma R-stimulated activation of the NADPH oxidase: phosphoinositide-binding protein p40phox regulates NADPH oxidase activity after enzyme assembly on the phagosome

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase generates superoxide for microbial killing, and includes a membrane-bound flavocytochrome b(558) and cytosolic p67(phox), p47(phox), and p40(phox) subunits that undergo membrane translocation upon cellular activation. The function of p40(phox), which binds p67(phox) in resting cells, is incompletely understood. Recent studies showed that phagocytosis-induced superoxide production is stimulated by p40(phox) and its binding to phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P), a phosphoinositide enriched in membranes of internalized phagosomes. To better define the role of p40(phox) in FcgammaR-induced oxidase activation, we used immunofluorescence and real-time imaging of FcgammaR-induced phagocytosis. YFP-tagged p67(phox) and p40(phox) translocated to granulocyte phagosomes before phagosome internalization and accumulation of a probe for PI3P. p67(phox) and p47(phox) accumulation on nascent and internalized phagosomes did not require p40(phox) or PI3 kinase activity, although superoxide production before and after phagosome sealing was decreased by mutation of the p40(phox) PI3P-binding domain or wortmannin. Translocation of p40(phox) to nascent phagosomes required binding to p67(phox) but not PI3P, although the loss of PI3P binding reduced p40(phox) retention after phagosome internalization. We conclude that p40(phox) functions primarily to regulate FcgammaR-induced NADPH oxidase activity rather than assembly, and stimulates superoxide production via a PI3P signal that increases after phagosome internalization.

Sequential binding of cytosolic Phox complex to phagosomes through regulated adaptor proteins: evaluation using the novel monomeric Kusabira-Green System and live imaging of phagocytosis

We engineered a method for detecting intramolecular and intermolecular phox protein interactions in cells by fluorescence microscopy using fusion proteins of complementary fragments of a coral fluorescent reporter protein (monomeric Kusabira-Green). We confirmed the efficacy of the monomeric Kusabira-Green system by showing that the PX and PB1 domains of p40phox interact in intact cells, which we suggested maintains this protein in an inactive closed conformation. Using this system, we also explored intramolecular interactions within p47phox and showed that the PX domain interacts with the autoinhibited tandem Src homology 3 domains maintained in contact with the autoinhibitory region, along with residues 341-360. Furthermore, we demonstrated sequential interactions of p67phox with phagosomes involving adaptor proteins, p47phox and p40phox, during FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis. Although p67phox is not targeted to phagosomes by itself, p47phox functions as an adaptor for the ternary complex (p47phox-p67phox-p40phox) in early stages of phagocytosis before phagosome closure, while p40phox functions in later stages after phagosomal closure. Interestingly, a mutated "open" form of p40phox linked p47phox to closed phagosomes and prolonged p47phox and p67phox retention on phagosomes. These results indicate that binding of the ternary complex to phagosomes can be temporally regulated by switching between adaptor proteins that have PX domains with distinct lipid-binding specificities.