Disruption of Phospholipase Cδ4 Gene Modulates the Liver Regeneration in Cooperation with Nuclear Protein Kinase C

Phospholipase C

Phospholipase C (PLC) family members constitute a family of diverse enzymes. Thirteen different family members have been cloned. These family members have unique structures that mediate various functions. Although PLC family members all appear to signal through the bi-products of cleaving phospholipids, it is clear that each family member, and at times each isoform, contributes to unique cellular functions. This chapter provides a review of the current literature on PLC. In addition, references have been provided for more in-depth information regarding areas that are not discussed including tyrosine kinase activation of PLC. Understanding the roles of the individual PLC enzymes, and their distinct cellular functions, will lead to a better understanding of the physiological roles of these enzymes in the development of diseases and the maintenance of homeostasis.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) triggers nuclear calcium signaling through the intranuclear phospholipase Cδ-4 (PLCδ4)

Calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling within the cell nucleus regulates specific cellular events such as gene transcription and cell proliferation. Nuclear and cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels can be independently regulated, and nuclear translocation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is one way to locally activate signaling cascades within the nucleus. Nuclear RTKs, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), are important for processes such as transcriptional regulation, DNA-damage repair, and cancer therapy resistance. RTKs can hydrolyze phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P₂) within the nucleus, leading to Ca²⁺ release from the nucleoplasmic reticulum by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. PI(4,5)P₂ hydrolysis is mediated by phospholipase C (PLC). However, it is unknown which nuclear PLC isoform is triggered by EGFR. Here, using subcellular fractionation, immunoblotting and fluorescence, siRNA-based gene knockdowns, and FRET-based biosensor reporter assays, we investigated the role of PLCδ4 in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced nuclear Ca²⁺ signaling and downstream events. We found that EGF-induced Ca²⁺ signals are inhibited when translocation of EGFR is impaired. Nuclear Ca²⁺ signals also were reduced by selectively buffering inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃) within the nucleus. EGF induced hydrolysis of nuclear PI(4,5)P₂ by the intranuclear PLCδ4, rather than by PLCγ1. Moreover, protein kinase C, a downstream target of EGF, was active in the nucleus of stimulated cells. Furthermore, PLCδ4 and InsP₃ modulated cell cycle progression by regulating the expression of cyclins A and B1. These results provide evidence that EGF-induced nuclear signaling is mediated by nuclear PLCδ4 and suggest new therapeutic targets to modulate the proliferative effects of this growth factor.

Phospholipase C delta 4 (PLCδ4) is a nuclear protein involved in cell proliferation and senescence in mesenchymal stromal stem cells

Ca²⁺ is an important second messenger, and it is involved in many cellular processes such as cell death and proliferation. The rise in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels can be due to the generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃), which is a product of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) hydrolysis by phospholipases C (PLCs), that leads to Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum by InsP₃ receptors (InsP₃R). Ca²⁺ signaling patterns can vary in different regions of the cell and increases in nuclear Ca²⁺ levels have specific biological effects that differ from those of Ca²⁺ increase in the cytoplasm. There are PLCs in the cytoplasm and nucleus, but little is known about the functions of nuclear PLCs. This work aimed to characterize phenotypically the human PLCδ4 (hPLCδ4) in mesenchymal stem cells. This nuclear isoform of PLC is present in different cell types and has a possible role in proliferative processes. In this work, hPLCδ4 was found to be mainly nuclear in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASC). PLCδ4 knockdown demonstrated that it is essential for hASC proliferation, without inducing cell death. An increase of cells in G1, and a reduction of cells on interphase and G2/M in knockdown cells were seen. Furthermore, PLCδ4 knockdown increased the percentage of senescent cells, p16^INK4A+ and p21^Cip1 mRNAs expression, which could explain the impaired cell proliferation. The results show that hPLCδ4 is in involved in cellular proliferation and senescence in hASC.

Different Expression and Localization of Phosphoinositide Specific Phospholipases C in Human Osteoblasts, Osteosarcoma Cell Lines, Ewing Sarcoma and Synovial Sarcoma

Background: Bone hardness and strength depends on mineralization, which involves a complex process in which calcium phosphate, produced by bone-forming cells, was shed around the fibrous matrix. This process is strictly regulated, and a number of signal transduction systems were interested in calcium metabolism, such as the phosphoinositide (PI) pathway and related phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes. Objectives: Our aim was to search for common patterns of expression in osteoblasts, as well as in ES and SS. Methods: We analysed the PLC enzymes in human osteoblasts and osteosarcoma cell lines MG-63 and SaOS-2. We compared the obtained results to the expression of PLCs in samples of patients affected with Ewing sarcoma (ES) and synovial sarcoma (SS). Results: In osteoblasts, MG-63 cells and SaOS-2 significant differences were identified in the expression of PLC δ4 and PLC η subfamily isoforms. Differences were also identified regarding the expression of PLCs in ES and SS. Most ES and SS did not express PLCB1, which was expressed in most osteoblasts, MG-63 and SaOS-2 cells. Conversely, PLCB2, unexpressed in the cell lines, was expressed in some ES and SS. However, PLCH1 was expressed in SaOS-2 and inconstantly expressed in osteoblasts, while it was expressed in ES and unexpressed in SS. The most relevant difference observed in ES compared to SS regarded PLC ε and PLC η isoforms. Conclusion: MG-63 and SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cell lines might represent an inappropriate experimental model for studies about the analysis of signal transduction in osteoblasts

Alopecia in a viable phospholipase C delta 1 and phospholipase C delta 3 double mutant

BACKGROUND

Inositol 1,4,5trisphosphate (IP(3)) and diacylglycerol (DAG) are important intracellular signalling molecules in various tissues. They are generated by the phospholipase C family of enzymes, of which phospholipase C delta (PLCD) forms one class. Studies with functional inactivation of Plcd isozyme encoding genes in mice have revealed that loss of both Plcd1 and Plcd3 causes early embryonic death. Inactivation of Plcd1 alone causes loss of hair (alopecia), whereas inactivation of Plcd3 alone has no apparent phenotypic effect. To investigate a possible synergy of Plcd1 and Plcd3 in postnatal mice, novel mutations of these genes compatible with life after birth need to be found.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We characterise a novel mouse mutant with a spontaneously arisen mutation in Plcd3 (Plcd3(mNab)) that resulted from the insertion of an intracisternal A particle (IAP) into intron 2 of the Plcd3 gene. This mutation leads to the predominant expression of a truncated PLCD3 protein lacking the N-terminal PH domain. C3H mice that carry one or two mutant Plcd3(mNab) alleles are phenotypically normal. However, the presence of one Plcd3(mNab) allele exacerbates the alopecia caused by the loss of functional Plcd1 in Del(9)olt1Pas mutant mice with respect to the number of hair follicles affected and the body region involved. Mice double homozygous for both the Del(9)olt1Pas and the Plcd3(mNab) mutations survive for several weeks and exhibit total alopecia associated with fragile hair shafts showing altered expression of some structural genes and shortened phases of proliferation in hair follicle matrix cells.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The Plcd3(mNab) mutation is a novel hypomorphic mutation of Plcd3. Our investigations suggest that Plcd1 and Plcd3 have synergistic effects on the murine hair follicle in specific regions of the body surface.

Phospholipase C

Phospholipase C (PLC) family members constitute a family of diverse enzymes. Thirteen different family members have been cloned. These family members have unique structures that mediate diverse functions. Although PLC family members all appear to signal through the bi-products of cleaving phospholipids, it is clear that each family member, and at times each isoform, contributes to unique cellular functions. This chapter provides a review of the current literature. In addition, references have been provided for more in depth information regarding areas that are discussed. Ultimately, understanding the roles of the individual PLC enzymes, and their distinct cellular functions, will lead to a better understanding of the development of diseases and the maintenance of homeostasis.

Phospholipase C delta 1 regulates cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression from G1- to S-phase by control of cyclin E-CDK2 activity

In the present study, we examined the role of PLC delta 1 (phospholipase C delta 1) in the regulation of cellular proliferation. We demonstrate that RNAi (RNA interference)-mediated knockdown of endogenous PLC delta 1, but not PLC beta 3 or PLC epsilon, induces a proliferation defect in Rat-1 and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The decreased proliferation was not due to an induction of apoptosis or senescence, but was associated with an approx. 60% inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Analysis of the cell cycle with BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine)/propidium iodide-labelled FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) demonstrated an accumulation of cells in G(0)/G(1)-phase and a corresponding decrease in cells in S-phase. Further examination of the cell cycle after synchronization by serum-starvation demonstrated normal movement through G(1)-phase but delayed entry into S-phase. Consistent with these findings, G(1) cyclin (D2 and D3) and CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4) levels and associated kinase activity were not affected. However, cyclin E-associated CDK2 activity, responsible for G(1)-to-S-phase progression, was inhibited. This decreased activity was accompanied by unchanged CDK2 protein levels and paradoxically elevated cyclin E and cyclin E-associated CDK2 levels, suggesting inhibition of the cyclin E-CDK2 complex. This inhibition was not due to altered stimulatory or inhibitory phosphorylation of CDK2. However, p27, a Cip/Kip family CKI (CDK inhibitor)-binding partner, was elevated and showed increased association with CDK2 in PLC delta 1-knockdown cells. The result of the present study demonstrate a novel and critical role for PLC delta 1 in cell-cycle progression from G(1)-to-S-phase through regulation of cyclin E-CDK2 activity and p27 levels.

Alopecia and male infertility in oligotriche mutant mice are caused by a deletion on distal chromosome 9

The recessive mutation oligotriche (olt) affects the coat and male fertility in the mouse. In homozygous (olt/olt) mutants, the coat is sparse, most notably in the inguinal and medial femoral region. In these regions, almost all hair shafts are bent and distorted in their course through the dermis and rarely penetrate the epidermis because the hair cortex is not fully keratinized. During hair follicle morphogenesis, mutant hair follicles exit from anagen one day before those of normal littermates and show a prolongation of the catagen stage. The oligotriche (olt) locus was mapped to distal chromosome 9 within a 5-Mbp interval distal to D9Mit279. Analysis of candidate gene expression revealed that olt/olt mutant mice do not express functional phospholipase C delta 1 (Plcd1) mRNA. This deficiency is the consequence of a 234-kbp deletion involving not only the Plcd1 locus but also the chromosomal segment harboring the genes Vill (villin-like), Dlec1 (deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1), Acaa1b (acetyl-Coenzyme A acyltransferase 1B, synonym thiolase B), and parts of the genes Ctdspl (carboxy-terminal domain RNA polymerase II polypeptide A small phosphatase-like) and Slc22a14 (solute carrier family 22 member 14). Offspring of olt/olt females, mated with Plcd1 ( -/- ) knockout males, exhibit coat defects similar to those observed in homozygous olt/olt mutant mice but the spermiogenesis in male offspring is normal. We conclude that the 234-kbp deletion from chromosome 9 harbors a gene involved in spermiogenesis and we propose that the oligotriche mutant be used as a model for the study of the putative tumor suppressor genes Dlec1, Ctdspl, and Vill. We also suggest that the oligotriche locus be named Del(9Ctdspl-Slc22a14)1Pas.