Sulphur mustards inhibit binding of transcription factor AP2 in vitro

A half century of exploring DNA excision repair in chromatin

DNA in eukaryotic cells is packaged into the compact and dynamic structure of chromatin. This packaging is a double-edged sword for DNA repair and genomic stability. Chromatin restricts the access of repair proteins to DNA lesions embedded in nucleosomes and higher order chromatin structures. However, chromatin also serves as a signaling platform in which post-translational modifications of histones and other chromatin-bound proteins promote lesion recognition and repair. Similarly, chromatin modulates the formation of DNA damage, promoting or suppressing lesion formation depending on the chromatin context. Therefore, the modulation of DNA damage and its repair in chromatin is crucial to our understanding of the fate of potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic lesions in DNA. Here, we survey many of the landmark findings on DNA damage and repair in chromatin over the last 50 years (i.e., since the beginning of this field), focusing on excision repair, the first repair mechanism studied in the chromatin landscape. For example, we highlight how the impact of chromatin on these processes explains the distinct patterns of somatic mutations observed in cancer genomes.

The pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer SJG-136 forms sequence-dependent intrastrand DNA cross-links and monoalkylated adducts in addition to interstrand cross-links

SJG-136 (1) is a sequence-selective DNA-interactive agent that is about to enter phase II clinical trials. Using a HPLC/MS-based methodology developed to evaluate the binding of DNA-interactive agents to oligonucleotides of varying length and sequence, we have demonstrated that, in addition to the previously known interstrand cross-link at Pu-GATC-Py sequences, 1 can form a longer interstrand cross-link at Pu-GAATC-Py sequences, an intrastrand cross-link at both shorter Pu-GATG-Py and longer Pu-GAATG-Py sequences, and, in addition, monoalkylated adducts at suitable PBD binding sites where neither intra- or interstrand cross-links are feasible because of the unavailability of two appropriately positioned guanines. Crucially, we have demonstrated a preference for the extended intrastrand cross-link with Pu-GAATG-Py, which forms more rapidly than the other cross-links (rank order: Pu-GAATG-Py > Pu-GATC-Py >> Pu-GATG-Py and Pu-GAATC-Py). However, thermal denaturation studies suggest that the originally reported Pu-GATC-Py interstrand cross-link is more stable, consistent with the covalent joining of both strands of the duplex and a lower overall distortion of the helix according to modeling studies. These observations impact on the proposed mechanism of action of SJG-136 (1) both in vitro and in vivo, the repair of its adducts and mechanism of resistance in cells, and potentially on the type of pharmacodynamic assay used in clinical trials.

A role for mitochondrial oxidative stress in sulfur mustard analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide-induced lung cell injury and antioxidant protection

Sulfur mustards (SMs) have been used as warfare agents since World War I and still pose a significant threat against civilian and military personnel. SM exposure can cause significant blistering of the skin, respiratory injury, and fibrosis. No antidote currently exists for SM exposure, but recent studies, using the SM analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), have focused on the ability of antioxidants to prevent toxicity. Although antioxidants can prevent CEES-induced toxicity, the mechanisms by which these compounds are effective against SM agents are largely unknown. Using human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells and primary small airway epithelial cells, we show that CEES causes a significant increase in mitochondrial dysfunction as early as 4 h, which is followed by increases in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), peaking 12 h after exposure. We also have identified a catalytic antioxidant metalloporphyrin that can rescue airway cells from CEES-induced toxicity when added 1 h after CEES exposure. In addition, the cytoprotective effects of the catalytic antioxidant are associated with correcting mitochondrial dysfunction ROS, DNA oxidation, and decreases in intracellular GSH. These findings suggest a role for oxidative stress in CEES toxicity and provide a rationale to investigate antioxidants as rescue agents in SM exposures.

The influence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on oxidative stress and nitric oxide synthesis in stimulated macrophages treated with a mustard gas analogue

Background

Sulphur mustard gas, 2, 2'-dichlorodiethyl sulphide (HD), is a chemical warfare agent. Both mustard gas and its monofunctional analogue, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES), are alkylating agents that react with and diminish cellular thiols and are highly toxic. Previously, we reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of CEES in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and that CEES transiently inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production via suppression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein expression. NO generation is an important factor in wound healing. In this paper, we explored the hypotheses that LPS increases CEES toxicity by increasing oxidative stress and that treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) would block LPS induced oxidative stress and protect against loss of NO production. NAC stimulates glutathione (GSH) synthesis and also acts directly as a free radical scavenger. The potential therapeutic use of the antibiotic, polymyxin B, was also evaluated since it binds to LPS and could thereby block the enhancement of CEES toxicity by LPS and also inhibit the secondary infections characteristic of HD/CEES wounds.

Results

We found that 10 mM NAC, when administered simultaneously or prior to treatment with 500 μM CEES, increased the viability of LPS stimulated macrophages. Surprisingly, NAC failed to protect LPS stimulated macrophages from CEES induced loss of NO production. Macrophages treated with both LPS and CEES show increased oxidative stress parameters (cellular thiol depletion and increased protein carbonyl levels). NAC effectively protected RAW 264.7 cells simultaneously treated with CEES and LPS from GSH loss and oxidative stress. Polymyxin B was found to partially block nitric oxide production and diminish CEES toxicity in LPS-treated macrophages.

Conclusion

The present study shows that oxidative stress is an important mechanism contributing to CEES toxicity in LPS stimulated macrophages and supports the notion that antioxidants could play a therapeutic role in preventing mustard gas toxicity. Although NAC reduced oxidative stress in LPS stimulated macrophages treated with CEES, it did not reverse CEES-induced loss of NO production. NAC and polymyxin B were found to help prevent CEES toxicity in LPS-treated macrophages.

Sulfur mustard toxicity following dermal exposure: role of oxidative stress, and antioxidant therapy

OBJECTIVE

Sulfur mustard (bis-2-(chloroethyl) sulfide) is a chemical warfare agent (military code: HD) causing extensive skin injury. The mechanisms underlying HD-induced skin damage are not fully elucidated. This review will critically evaluate the evidence showing that oxidative stress is an important factor in HD skin toxicity. Oxidative stress results when the production of reactive oxygen (ROS) and/or reactive nitrogen oxide species (RNOS) exceeds the capacity of antioxidant defense mechanisms.

METHODS

This review will discuss the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of HD skin toxicity in both in vivo and in vitro model systems with emphasis on the limitations of the various model systems. Evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of antioxidants and antioxidant liposomes will be evaluated. Antioxidant liposomes are effective vehicles for delivering both lipophilic (incorporated into the lipid bilayers) and water-soluble (encapsulated in the aqueous inner-spaces) antioxidants to skin. The molecular mechanisms interconnecting oxidative stress to HD skin toxicity are also detailed.

RESULTS

DNA repair and inflammation, in association with oxidative stress, induce intracellular events leading to apoptosis or to a programmable form of necrosis. The free radical, nitric oxide (NO), is of considerable interest with respect to the mechanisms of HD toxicity. NO signaling pathways are important in modulating inflammation, cell death, and wound healing in skin cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Potential future directions are summarized with emphasis on a systems biology approach to studying sulfur mustard toxicity to skin as well as the newly emerging area of redox proteomics.

Inhibition of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase by a mustard gas analog in murine macrophages

BACKGROUND

2-Chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES) is a sulphur vesicating agent and an analogue of the chemical warfare agent 2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulphide, or sulphur mustard gas (HD). Both CEES and HD are alkylating agents that influence cellular thiols and are highly toxic. In a previous publication, we reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhances the cytotoxicity of CEES in murine RAW264.7 macrophages. In the present investigation, we studied the influence of CEES on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells since NO signalling affects inflammation, cell death, and wound healing. Murine macrophages stimulated with LPS produce NO almost exclusively via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity. We suggest that the influence of CEES or HD on the cellular production of NO could play an important role in the pathophysiological responses of tissues to these toxicants. In particular, it is known that macrophage generated NO synthesised by iNOS plays a critical role in wound healing.

RESULTS

We initially confirmed that in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages NO is exclusively generated by the iNOS form of nitric oxide synthase. CEES treatment inhibited the synthesis of NO (after 24 hours) in viable LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages as measured by either nitrite secretion into the culture medium or the intracellular conversion of 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA) or dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA). Western blots showed that CEES transiently decreased the expression of iNOS protein; however, treatment of active iNOS with CEES in vitro did not inhibit its enzymatic activity

CONCLUSION

CEES inhibits NO production in LPS stimulated macrophages by decreasing iNOS protein expression. Decreased iNOS expression is likely the result of CEES induced alteration in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) signalling pathway. Since NO can act as an antioxidant, the CEES induced down-regulation of iNOS in LPS-stimulated macrophages could elevate oxidative stress. Since macrophage generated NO is known to play a key role in cutaneous wound healing, it is possible that this work has physiological relevance with respect to the healing of HD induced skin blisters.

Ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA damage in promoter elements inhibits gene expression

Repair of DNA damage in gene promoters is slower than in actively transcribed genes. Persistent damage in gene promoters though transient can have significant biological effects on regulated gene expression. In this study we investigated the effect of ultraviolet radiation on gene promoter-associated functions when DNA damage is located within and outside transcription factor binding sites. Our results show that both cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and (6-4) photoproducts inhibit DNA-protein interaction, in vitro transcript production and transactivation of reporter genes. The biological significance of transient DNA damage as a mechanism in carcinogenesis is discussed.

In vitro effects of anionic sulfur compounds on the spectrophotometric properties of native DNA

Several anionic sulfur compounds are recognized as efficacious pretreatments for sulfur mustard (HD) poisoning. Our intent was to see if pretreatment compounds had a direct effect on DNA, a site where HD damage is thought to occur. A modification of the method of Szinicz et al. (Arzneim.-Forsch. 1981; 31: 1,713-1,717) was used to analyze the UV/VIS spectrum (205-400 nm) (n = 6) of calf thymus DNA (10-15 x 10(3) kDa) in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of sodium thiosulfate, sodium 2-aminoethanethiosulfonate (thiotaurine), sodium metabisulfite or sodium sulfate. All compounds produced concentration-dependent absorbance decreases primarily at 212 nm, but also at 259 nm, with the exception of sodium sulfate. For example, 8.36 x 10(-4) M sodium thiosulfate reduced the absorbance of DNA at 212 nm by >60%. The kinetics of sulfur compounds on native DNA need further study. We propose that these anionic sulfur compounds interact with DNA possibly by changing the topology of this macromolecule. Effects may be due to interactions of these sulfur compounds at higher concentrations with DNA, with resulting ligand-DNA supercoiling. This process could protect against HD intoxication, which is caused in part by the uncoiling of DNA.

Effects of CEES on inflammatory mediators, heat shock protein 70A, histology and ultrastructure in two skin models

Chemical warfare threats require the development of diverse models for the assessment of countermeasures. Human skin products, Skin2 (differentiating keratinocytes on a fibroblast-collagen matrix) and EpiDerm (differentiating keratinocytes) were exposed (2 h) to the sulfur mustard 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES, 1-2 mg l(-1) min(-1)) in humidified air or to humidified air alone. Tissues were evaluated histologically, ultrastructurally and for viability 22 h later; media and tissues were also analyzed for inflammatory mediators. Histology showed that CEES induced the separation of dermal and epidermal regions in Skin2 with severe damage to basal keratinocytes. Histology and electron microscopy of both products revealed condensation of nuclear chromatin, retraction of spinous processes, collapse of the tonofibrillar network and cytoplasmic vacuolization and blebbing in those cells with loss of pseudobasement membrane integrity. Exposure of Skin2 to CEES increased extracellular interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) and especially IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) release (56,334 vs 84,614 pg ml(-1)), but decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6, 4,755 vs 351 pg ml(-1)). Exposure of EpiDerm to CEES led to unaffected extracellular and reduced intracelluar IL-1alpha (371 vs 92 pg ml(-1)). Extracellular IL-1Ra greatly increased (2,375 vs 24,875 pg ml(-1)), whereas cellular levels decreased (16,5425 vs 96,625 pg ml(-1)). Extracellular (224 vs 68 pg ml(-1)) and intracellular (485 vs 233 pg ml(-1)) soluble interleukin-1 receptor H (sIL-1RII) decreased. Prostanglandin E2 increased (1,835 vs 2,582 pg ml(-1)), whereas heat shock protein 70A (Hsp70A) remained statistically unchanged (57,000 vs 96,000 pg ml(-1)). Failure to obtain a heat shock response to CEES may contribute to the susceptibility of tissue to the alkylating agent. Consistent and marked responses of cellular and extracellular IL-1Ra to CEES suggest a potential for use as a tissue status marker and primary antiinflammatory regulator in skin.

Effect of oxidative DNA damage in promoter elements on transcription factor binding

Reactive oxygen species produced by endogenous metabolic activity and exposure to a multitude of exogenous agents impact cells in a variety of ways. The DNA base damage 8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) is a prominent indicator of oxidative stress and has been well-characterized as a premutagenic lesion in mammalian cells and putative initiator of the carcinogenic process. Commensurate with the recent interest in epigenetic pathways of cancer causation we investigated how 8-oxodG alters the interaction between cis elements located on gene promoters and sequence-specific DNA binding proteins associated with these promoters. Consensus binding sequences for the transcription factors AP-1, NF-kappaB and Sp1 were modified site-specifically at guanine residues and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed to assess DNA-protein interactions. Our results indicate that whereas a single 8-oxodG was sufficient to inhibit transcription factor binding to AP-1 and Sp1 sequences it had no effect on binding to NF-kappaB, regardless of its position. We conclude from these data that minor alterations in base composition at a crucial position within some, but not all, promoter elements have the ability to disrupt transcription factor binding. The lack of inhibition by damaged NF-kappaB sequences suggests that DNA-protein contact sites may not be as determinative for stable p50 binding to this promoter as other, as yet undefined, structural parameters.

Differential sensitivity of transcription factors to mustard-damaged DNA

Nitrogen mustard (bis(2-chloroethyl) methylamine, HN2) inhibited the binding of upstream factors Sp1 and AP2 to their consensus sequences. At concentrations where 50% of the consensus sequence DNA contained at least one lesion, HN2 inhibited formation of the Sp1 complex by 37% (40 microM HN2) and the AP2 complex by 40% (50 microM HN2). The binding of the TATA binding protein (TBP) to the TATA element was also inhibited by HN2, whereas sulphur mustard and the monofunctional sulphur mustard 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES) resulted in a disproportional extent of inhibition with respect to the level of alkylation. The level of alkylation of the TBP oligonucleotide varied significantly at 100 microM drug, with 80, 42 and 15% of HN2, sulphur mustard and CEES, respectively. However, this level of alkylation inhibited formation of the TBP-DNA complex by 70, 70 and 45%, respectively. This differential sensitivity of transcription factors to mustard-induced DNA damage therefore appears to reside dominantly in the stereochemical differences between the specific mustard lesions.

Modulation of DNA damage and DNA repair in chromatin

DNA is packaged in the highly compact and dynamic structure of chromatin in eukaryotic cells. It is generally accepted that DNA processing events in the nucleus, such as transcription, replication, recombination, and repair, are restricted by this packaging. For some processes (e.g., transcription), the chromatin fiber is "preset" in a more open structure to allow access of proteins to specific regions of DNA within this structural hierarchy. These regions contain modified nucleosomes that accommodate a less compact state of chromatin and allow access to specific regions of DNA. DNA repair proteins, however, must access DNA lesions in all structural domains of chromatin after sudden insult to the genome. Damaged DNA must be recognized, removed, and replaced by repair enzymes at all levels of chromatin packaging. Therefore, the modulation of DNA damage and its repair in chromatin is crucial to our understanding of the fate of potential mutagenic and carcinogenic lesions in DNA. In this review, we discuss the modulation of DNA damage and DNA repair by chromatin structure, and the modulation of chromatin structure by these events.