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Masood M, Ding Q, Cawte AD, Rueda DS, Grimm SW, Yagüe E, El-Bahrawy M. Genetic screening for anticancer genes highlights FBLN5 as a synthetic lethal partner of MYC. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:295. [PMID: 37864183 PMCID: PMC10588048 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When ectopically overexpressed, anticancer genes, such as TRAIL, PAR4 and ORCTL3, specifically destroy tumour cells without harming untransformed cells. Anticancer genes can not only serve as powerful tumour specific therapy tools but studying their mode of action can reveal mechanisms underlying the neoplastic transformation, sustenance and spread. METHODS Anticancer gene discovery is normally accidental. Here we describe a systematic, gain of function, forward genetic screen in mammalian cells to isolate novel anticancer genes of human origin. Continuing with over 30,000 transcripts from our previous study, 377 cell death inducing genes were subjected to screening. FBLN5 was chosen, as a proof of principle, for mechanistic gene expression profiling, comparison pathways analyses and functional studies. RESULTS Sixteen novel anticancer genes were isolated; these included non-coding RNAs, protein-coding genes and novel transcripts, such as ZNF436-AS1, SMLR1, TMEFF2, LINC01529, HYAL2, NEIL2, FBLN5, YPEL4 and PHKA2-processed transcript. FBLN5 selectively caused inhibition of MYC in COS-7 (transformed) cells but not in CV-1 (normal) cells. MYC was identified as synthetic lethality partner of FBLN5 where MYC transformed CV-1 cells experienced cell death upon FBLN5 transfection, whereas FBLN5 lost cell death induction in MCF-7 cells upon MYC knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Sixteen novel anticancer genes are present in human genome including FBLN5. MYC is a synthetic lethality partner of FBLN5. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motasim Masood
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd, London, UK
| | - Qize Ding
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd, London, UK
| | - Adam D Cawte
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Rd, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd, London, UK
| | - David S Rueda
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Rd, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd, London, UK
| | - Stefan W Grimm
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd, London, UK
| | - Ernesto Yagüe
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd, London, UK.
| | - Mona El-Bahrawy
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd, London, UK.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Quistgaard EM. BAP31: Physiological functions and roles in disease. Biochimie 2021; 186:105-129. [PMID: 33930507 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
B-cell receptor-associated protein 31 (BAP31 or BCAP31) is a ubiquitously expressed transmembrane protein found mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), including in mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs). It acts as a broad-specificity membrane protein chaperone and quality control factor, which can promote different fates for its clients, including ER retention, ER export, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), or evasion of degradation, and it also acts as a MAM tetherer and regulatory protein. It is involved in several cellular processes - it supports ER and mitochondrial homeostasis, promotes proliferation and migration, plays several roles in metabolism and the immune system, and regulates autophagy and apoptosis. Full-length BAP31 can be anti-apoptotic, but can also mediate activation of caspase-8, and itself be cleaved by caspase-8 into p20-BAP31, which promotes apoptosis by mobilizing ER calcium stores at MAMs. BAP31 loss-of-function mutations is the cause of 'deafness, dystonia, and central hypomyelination' (DDCH) syndrome, characterized by severe neurological symptoms and early death. BAP31 is furthermore implicated in a growing number of cancers and other diseases, and several viruses have been found to target it to promote their survival or life cycle progression. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview and examination of the basic properties, functions, mechanisms, and roles in disease of BAP31.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esben M Quistgaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Noshy PA. Postmortem expression of apoptosis-related genes in the liver of mice and their use for estimation of the time of death. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:539-545. [PMID: 32914226 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A major challenge in forensic medicine is to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). Several approaches had been tried to determine the time of death, including physical and chemical changes. This study aims to explore the postmortem changes in the expression of apoptosis-related genes in the liver of mice and to use these changes for estimation of the PMI. METHODS Hepatic tissue was collected from sacrificed mice immediately after death (the control group) and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 hours after death. Four apoptosisrelated genes were selected as target genes, which are Caspase 3 (Casp3), B cell leukemia/ lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), and Transformation related protein 53 (Trp53), and their relative expression was measured using quantitative PCR. miR-122 was used as a reference gene for normalization of the Ct (threshold cycle) values of the target genes. RESULTS The results revealed that the postmortem expression of Casp3 increased in a time-dependent manner; the expression of Bax increased from 3 to 18 hours followed by a decrease at 24 hours after death; the expression of Bcl2 decreased in a time-dependent manner after death; the expression of Trp53 increased from 3 to 6 hours and then started to decrease from 9 to 24 hours after death. CONCLUSION Based on the observed changes in the expression level of these genes, mathematical models were established to estimate the PMI. Further research is needed to investigate these markers and mathematical models in human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Noshy
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
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Wael Youssef E. Age-Dependent Differential Expression of Apoptotic Markers in Rat Oral Mucosa. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:3245-3250. [PMID: 30486627 PMCID: PMC6318412 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2018.19.11.3245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study tests the hypothesis that gingival tissue produces age-dependent activation of apoptotic markers. Methods: To address the hypothesis, a prospective experimental study was conducted on 20 adult male albino rats, which were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised rats aged six months (weighing 150–200 g), and group 2 included old rats aged one year (weighing 250–300 g). Gingival tissue and buccal mucosa biopsy samples were obtained from both groups. Histological and immunohistochemical (Bax apoptotic protein marker) sections were analyzed for both groups. Results: Our data showed a significant decrease in the proliferative activity of oral mucosa (gingiva and buccal mucosa) in old rats and an increase in the immunoreactivity of Bax apoptotic proteins related to increased susceptibility of cells to apoptosis. The mucosal structures (epithelium and lamina propria) were significantly different between the two groups. Furthermore, immunoreactivity for Bax was different between young and old rats. Conclusions: Aging is associated with changes that lead to progressive, irreversible deterioration of the functional capacities of several tissues and organs. Our study demonstrated the effect of age on the histological and apoptotic behavior of oral mucosa (gingiva and buccal mucosa) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Wael Youssef
- Oral Diagnostic Science Department, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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5
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Doerflinger M, Glab JA, Puthalakath H. BH3-only proteins: a 20-year stock-take. FEBS J 2015; 282:1006-16. [PMID: 25565426 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BH3-only proteins are the sentinels of cellular stress, and their activation commits cells to apoptosis. Since the discovery of the first BH3-only protein BAD almost 20 years ago, at least seven more BH3-only proteins have been identified in mammals. They are regulated by a variety of environmental stimuli or by developmental cues, and play a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. Some are considered to be tumor suppressors, and also play a significant role in other pathologies. Their non-apoptotic functions are controversial, but there is broad consensus emerging regarding their role in apoptosis, which may help in designing better therapeutic agents for treating a variety of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Doerflinger
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Wang K, Lin B. Pathophysiological Significance of Hepatic Apoptosis. ISRN HEPATOLOGY 2012; 2013:740149. [PMID: 27335822 PMCID: PMC4890876 DOI: 10.1155/2013/740149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a classical pathological feature in liver diseases caused by various etiological factors such as drugs, viruses, alcohol, and cholestasis. Hepatic apoptosis and its deleterious effects exacerbate liver function as well as involvement in fibrosis/cirrhosis and carcinogenesis. An imbalance between apoptotic and antiapoptotic capabilities is a prominent characteristic of liver injury. The regulation of apoptosis and antiapoptosis can be a pivotal step in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Wang
- Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
| | - Bingliang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
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7
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Grimm S. Dissecting mitochondrial apoptosis pathways by gain-of-function cell culture screens. Mitochondrion 2012; 13:189-94. [PMID: 22691408 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
While more primitive organism such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster feature a limited, and by now probably mostly known, array of basic cell death factors, the mammalian cell is replete with additional regulators of the cell's demise. This abundance of apoptosis mediators has made it imperative to set up a systematic inventory of mammalian cell death genes. Genetic screens in this biological system have recently uncovered the rich diversity of cell death signalling and have in particular highlighted mitochondria as an organelle loaded with apoptosis regulators. Many of the screens that have addressed this utilised the novel technique of RNA interference but some also looked at gain-of-functions with transfected cDNAs. Here we give an overview of the rationale for the latter approach, present the genes discovered by this strategy and in particular describe the involvement of mitochondria and their signalling pathways defined by those genes.
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Hawley RG, Chen Y, Riz I, Zeng C. An Integrated Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Approach Identifies New BH3-Only Protein Candidates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 5:6-16. [PMID: 22754595 DOI: 10.2174/1874196701205010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we utilized an integrated bioinformatics and computational biology approach in search of new BH3-only proteins belonging to the BCL2 family of apoptotic regulators. The BH3 (BCL2 homology 3) domain mediates specific binding interactions among various BCL2 family members. It is composed of an amphipathic α-helical region of approximately 13 residues that has only a few amino acids that are highly conserved across all members. Using a generalized motif, we performed a genome-wide search for novel BH3-containing proteins in the NCBI Consensus Coding Sequence (CCDS) database. In addition to known pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins, 197 proteins were recovered that satisfied the search criteria. These were categorized according to α-helical content and predictive binding to BCL-xL (encoded by BCL2L1) and MCL-1, two representative anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members, using position-specific scoring matrix models. Notably, the list is enriched for proteins associated with autophagy as well as a broad spectrum of cellular stress responses such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, antiviral defense, and the DNA damage response. Several potential novel BH3-containing proteins are highlighted. In particular, the analysis strongly suggests that the apoptosis inhibitor and DNA damage response regulator, AVEN, which was originally isolated as a BCL-xL-interacting protein, is a functional BH3-only protein representing a distinct subclass of BCL2 family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Hawley
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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Ryu SW, Choi K, Yoon J, Kim S, Choi C. Endoplasmic reticulum-specific BH3-only protein BNIP1 induces mitochondrial fragmentation in a Bcl-2- and Drp1-dependent manner. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3027-35. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.23044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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10
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Ryu SW, Choi K, Park JH, Park YM, Kim S, Choi C. Mitofusin 1 inhibits an apoptosis-associated amino-terminal conformational change in Bax, but not its mitochondrial translocation, in a GTPase-dependent manner. Cancer Lett 2012; 323:62-68. [PMID: 22484496 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial fusion and fission are dynamically regulated during apoptotic cell death, and mitofusin (Mfn) and related proteins have been shown to be involved in apoptosis-associated changes in mitochondrial morphology and function. Here, we investigated the involvement of Mfn proteins in the conformational activation and mitochondrial translocation of Bax, a key molecule responsible for apoptosis-associated mitochondrial changes. When ectopically expressed, Mfn1 inhibited the amino-terminal activation, but not the mitochondrial translocation, of Bax during staurosporine-induced apoptosis; overexpression of Mfn2 had no effect. Overexpression of Mfn1 mutants carrying point mutations in the GTPase domain (Mfn1-K88T and Mfn1-T109A) did not inhibit the amino-terminal activation of Bax. Furthermore, staurosporine-induced amino-terminal activation of Bax was significantly delayed in Mfn1-shRNA transfected (Mfn1-depleted) HeLa cells compared to cells transfected with control shRNA. These results collectively suggest a role for Mfn1 in regulating the activation of Bax on the outer mitochondrial membrane in a GTPase-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Wook Ryu
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea; KI for the Bio Century, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyungsun Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hwan Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302-711, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong-Min Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-770, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunchang Kim
- KI for the Bio Century, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulhee Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea; KI for the Bio Century, KAIST, Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Osborne NN, Ji D, Majid ASA, Del Soldata P, Sparatore A. Glutamate oxidative injury to RGC-5 cells in culture is necrostatin sensitive and blunted by a hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing derivative of aspirin (ACS14). Neurochem Int 2012; 60:365-78. [PMID: 22306773 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2012.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress to RGC-5 cells in culture was delivered by exposure to a combination of glutamate (Glu) and buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO). The effect of the insult on cell survival was quantified by the resazurin-reduction and a dead/live assays. Moreover, breakdown of DNA, the localisation of phosphatidylserine and reactive radical species (ROS) and its quantification were determined. In addition, various proteins and mRNAs were studied using Western blot, real time PCR and immunocytochemistry. ACS14, its sulfurated moiety ACS1 and aspirin were tested for their ability to blunt the negative effects of Glu/BSO on RGC-5 cells. In addition assays were carried out to see whether any of these substances influenced glutathione (GSH). Glu/BSO dose-dependently kills RGC-5 cells by a mechanism that involves an elevation of ROS accompanied by a breakdown of DNA, expression of phosphatidylserine and the activation of p38 MAPK. The process is unaffected by the pan caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk, does not involve the activation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) but is sensitive to active necrostatin-1. In cell viability studies (resazurin-reduction assay), ACS1 and ACS14 equally counteracted the negative effects of 5mM Glu/BSO to RGC-5 cells but aspirin was only effective with a milder oxidative stress (1 mM Glu/BSO). In all other assays ACS14 was very much more effective than aspirin at counteracting the influence of 5mM Glu/BSO. Moreover, ACS14 and ACS1 directly stimulated GSH while aspirin was ineffective. In addition the neuroprotecive effect of ACS14 was specifically blunted by the non-specific potassium channel blocker glibenclamide. Also the up-regulation of Bcl-2, HO-1 and XIAP induced by 5mM Glu/BSO were all attenuated to a greater extent by ACS14 (20 μM) than aspirin (20 μM). These data show that ACS14 is a very effective neuroprotectant when compared with aspirin. ACS14 maintains its aspirin characteristics and has the ability to release H(2)S. The combined multiple actions of aspirin and H(2)S in the form of ACS14 is worthy to consider for possible use in the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville N Osborne
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Lin B, Huntley D, Abuali G, Langley SR, Sindelar G, Petretto E, Butcher S, Grimm S. Determining signalling nodes for apoptosis by a genetic high-throughput screen. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25023. [PMID: 21966401 PMCID: PMC3178610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the ever-increasing information emerging from the various sequencing and gene annotation projects, there is an urgent need to elucidate the cellular functions of the newly discovered genes. The genetically regulated cell suicide of apoptosis is especially suitable for such endeavours as it is governed by a vast number of factors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We have set up a high-throughput screen in 96-well microtiter plates for genes that induce apoptosis upon their individual transfection into human cells. Upon screening approximately 100,000 cDNA clones we determined 74 genes that initiate this cellular suicide programme. A thorough bioinformatics analysis of these genes revealed that 91% are novel apoptosis regulators. Careful sequence analysis and functional annotation showed that the apoptosis factors exhibit a distinct functional distribution that distinguishes the cell death process from other signalling pathways. While only a minority of classic signal transducers were determined, a substantial number of the genes fall into the transporter- and enzyme-category. The apoptosis factors are distributed throughout all cellular organelles and many signalling circuits, but one distinct signalling pathway connects at least some of the isolated genes. Comparisons with microarray data suggest that several genes are dysregulated in specific types of cancers and degenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Many unknown genes for cell death were revealed through our screen, supporting the enormous complexity of cell death regulation. Our results will serve as a repository for other researchers working with genomics data related to apoptosis or for those seeking to reveal novel signalling pathways for cell suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevan Lin
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Wu ZZ, Sun NK, Chien KY, Chao CCK. Silencing of the SNARE protein NAPA sensitizes cancer cells to cisplatin by inducing ERK1/2 signaling, synoviolin ubiquitination and p53 accumulation. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:1630-40. [PMID: 21903092 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We found earlier that NAPA represents an anti-apoptotic protein that promotes resistance to cisplatin in cancer cells by inducing the degradation of the tumor suppressor p53. In the present study, we investigated the cellular mechanism underlying the degradation of p53 by NAPA. Knockdown of NAPA using short-hairpin RNA was shown to induce p53 accumulation and to sensitize HEK293 cells to cisplatin. On the other hand, this sensitization effect was not found in H1299 lung carcinoma cells which lack p53. Expression of exogenous p53 in H1299 cells was increased following knockdown of NAPA and these cells showed increased sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Notably, knockdown of NAPA induced the ubiquitination and degradation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase synoviolin and the accumulation of p53 in unstressed HEK293 cells. Conversely, NAPA overexpression decreased the ubiquitination and degradation of synoviolin, and reduced p53 protein level. Knockdown of NAPA disrupted the interaction between synoviolin and proteins that form the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) complex and in turn decreased the ability of this complex to ubiquitinate p53. In addition, knockdown of NAPA induced the activation of the MAPK kinases ERK, JNK and p38, but only inhibition of ERK reduced synoviolin ubiquitination and p53 accumulation. These results indicate that NAPA promotes resistance to cisplatin through synoviolin and the ERAD complex which together induce the degradation of p53 and thus prevent apoptosis. Based on these findings, we propose that the combination of cisplatin and knockdown of NAPA represents a novel and attractive strategy to eradicate p53-sensitive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zchong-Zcho Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Gueishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
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Zhivotovsky B, Orrenius S. Calcium and cell death mechanisms: a perspective from the cell death community. Cell Calcium 2011; 50:211-21. [PMID: 21459443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 376] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Research during the past several decades has provided convincing evidence for a crucial role of the Ca(2+) ion in cell signaling. Hence, intracellular Ca(2+) transients have been implicated in most aspects of cell physiology, including gene transcription, cell cycle regulation and cell proliferation. Further, the Ca(2+) ion has been found to also play an important role in cell death regulation. Thus, necrotic cell death was early associated with intracellular Ca(2+) overload, and multiple functions in the apoptotic process have subsequently been found to be governed by Ca(2+) signaling. More recently, other modes of cell death, notably anoikis and autophagic cell death, have been demonstrated to also be modulated by Ca(2+) transients. Characteristics, interrelationship and mechanisms involved in Ca(2+) regulation of these cell death modalities are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Zhivotovsky
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Division of Toxicology, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kaczmarek K, Studencka M, Meinhardt A, Wieczerzak K, Thoms S, Engel W, Grzmil P. Overexpression of peroxisomal testis-specific 1 protein induces germ cell apoptosis and leads to infertility in male mice. Mol Biol Cell 2011; 22:1766-79. [PMID: 21460186 PMCID: PMC3093327 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e09-12-0993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisomal testis-specific 1 gene (Pxt1) is the only male germ cell-specific gene that encodes a peroxisomal protein known to date. To elucidate the role of Pxt1 in spermatogenesis, we generated transgenic mice expressing a c-MYC-PXT1 fusion protein under the control of the PGK2 promoter. Overexpression of Pxt1 resulted in induction of male germ cells' apoptosis mainly in primary spermatocytes, finally leading to male infertility. This prompted us to analyze the proapoptotic character of mouse PXT1, which harbors a BH3-like domain in the N-terminal part. In different cell lines, the overexpression of PXT1 also resulted in a dramatic increase of apoptosis, whereas the deletion of the BH3-like domain significantly reduced cell death events, thereby confirming that the domain is functional and essential for the proapoptotic activity of PXT1. Moreover, we demonstrated that PXT1 interacts with apoptosis regulator BAT3, which, if overexpressed, can protect cells from the PXT1-induced apoptosis. The PXT1-BAT3 association leads to PXT1 relocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In summary, we demonstrated that PXT1 induces apoptosis via the BH3-like domain and that this process is inhibited by BAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kaczmarek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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Fis1 and Bap31 bridge the mitochondria-ER interface to establish a platform for apoptosis induction. EMBO J 2010; 30:556-68. [PMID: 21183955 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2010.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are two organelles that critically contribute to apoptosis induction. While it is established that they communicate, how cell death signals are transmitted from the mitochondria to the ER is unknown. Here, we show that the mitochondrial fission protein Fission 1 homologue (Fis1) conveys an apoptosis signal from the mitochondria to the ER by interacting with Bap31 at the ER and facilitating its cleavage into the pro-apoptotic p20Bap31. Exogenous apoptosis inducers likewise use this signalling route and induce the procession of Bap31. Moreover, we show that the recruitment of procaspase-8 to the Fis1-Bap31 platform is an early event during apoptosis induction. The association of procaspase-8 with the Fis1-Bap31 complex is dependent on the variant of death effector domain (vDED) in Bap31 and is required for the activation of procaspase-8. This signalling pathway establishes a feedback loop by releasing Ca(2+) from the ER that activates the mitochondria for apoptosis. Hence, the Fis1-Bap31 complex (ARCosome) that spans the mitochondria-ER interface serves as a platform to activate the initiator procaspase-8, and thereby bridges two critical organelles for apoptosis signalling.
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Wu ZZ, Chao CCK. Knockdown of NAPA using short-hairpin RNA sensitizes cancer cells to cisplatin: Implications to overcome chemoresistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 80:827-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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18
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Nikolic I, Kastratovic T, Zelen I, Zivanovic A, Arsenijevic S, Mitrovic M. Cytosolic pro-apoptotic SPIKE induces mitochondrial apoptosis in cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 395:225-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.03.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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19
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Intracellular Ca2+ storage in health and disease: a dynamic equilibrium. Cell Calcium 2010; 47:297-314. [PMID: 20189643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2009] [Revised: 01/31/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Homeostatic control of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) both as the site for protein handling (synthesis, folding, trafficking, disaggregation and degradation) and as a Ca2+ store is of crucial importance for correct functioning of the cell. Disturbance of the homeostatic control mechanisms leads to a vast array of severe pathologies. The Ca2+ content of the ER is a dynamic equilibrium between active uptake via Ca2+ pumps and Ca2+ release by a number of highly regulated Ca2+-release channels. Regulation of the Ca2+-release channels is very complex and several mechanisms are still poorly understood or controversial. There is increasing evidence that a number of unrelated proteins, either by themselves or in association with other Ca2+ channels, can provide additional Ca2+-leak pathways. The ER is a dynamic organelle and changes in its size and components have been described, either as a result of (de)differentiation processes affecting the secretory capacity of cells, or as a result of adaptation mechanisms to diverse stress conditions such as the unfolded protein response and autophagy. In this review we want to give an overview of the current knowledge of the (short-term) regulatory mechanisms that affect Ca2+-release and Ca2+-leak pathways and of the (long-term) adaptations in ER size and capacity. Understanding of the consequences of these mechanisms for cellular Ca2+ signaling could provide a huge therapeutic potential.
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20
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BH3-only proteins and their effects on cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 687:49-63. [PMID: 20919637 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6706-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis, a form of cellular suicide is a key mechanism involved in the clearance of cells that are dysfunctional, superfluous or infected. For this reason, the cell needs mechanisms o sense death cues and relay death signals to the apoptotic machinery involved in cellular execution. In the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, a subclass of BCL-2 family proteins called the BH3-onlyproteins are responsible for triggering apoptosis in response to varied cellular stress cues. The mechanisms by which they are regulated are tied to the type of cellular stress they sense. Once triggered, they interact with other BCL-2 family proteins to cause mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization which in turn results in the activation ofserine proteases necessary for cell killing. Failure to properly sense death cues and relay the death signal can have a major impact on cancer. This chapter will discuss our current models of how BH3-only proteins function as well as their impact on carcinogenesis and cancer treatment.
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Lomonosova E, Chinnadurai G. BH3-only proteins in apoptosis and beyond: an overview. Oncogene 2009; 27 Suppl 1:S2-19. [PMID: 19641503 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2009.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BH3-only BCL-2 family proteins are effectors of canonical mitochondrial apoptosis. They discharge their pro-apoptotic functions through BH1-3 pro-apoptotic proteins such as BAX and BAK, while their activity is suppressed by BH1-4 anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. The precise mechanism by which BH3-only proteins mediate apoptosis remains unresolved. The existing data are consistent with three mutually non-exclusive models (1) displacement of BH1-3 proteins from complexes with BH1-4 proteins; (2) direct interaction with and conformational activation of BH1-3 proteins; and (3) membrane insertion and membrane remodeling. The BH3-only proteins appear to play critical roles in restraining cancer and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Molecules that mimic the effect of BH3-only proteins are being used in treatments against these diseases. The cell death activity of a subclass of BH3-only members (BNIP3 and BNIP3L) is linked to cardiomyocyte loss during heart failure. In addition to their established role in apoptosis, several BH3-only members also regulate diverse cellular functions in cell-cycle regulation, DNA repair and metabolism. Several members are implicated in the induction of autophagy and autophagic cell death, possibly through unleashing of the BH3-only autophagic effector Beclin 1 from complexes with BCL-2/BCL-xL. The Chapters included in the current Oncogene Review issues provide in-depth discussions on various aspects of major BH3-only proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lomonosova
- Institute for Molecular Virology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Doisy Research Center, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
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22
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Mitochondrial apoptosis induced by BH3-only molecules in the exclusive presence of endoplasmic reticular Bak. EMBO J 2009; 28:1757-68. [PMID: 19339988 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2009.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2008] [Accepted: 03/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bak and Bax are critical apoptotic mediators that naturally localize to both mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although it is generally accepted that mitochondrial expression of Bak or Bax suffices for apoptosis initiated by BH3-only homologues, it is currently unclear whether their reticular counterparts may have a similar potential. In this study, we show that cells exclusively expressing Bak in endoplasmic membranes undergo cytochrome c mobilization and mitochondrial apoptosis in response to BimEL and Puma, even when these BH3-only molecules are also targeted to the ER. Surprisingly, calcium was necessary but not sufficient to drive the pathway, despite normal ER calcium levels. We provide evidence that calcium functions coordinately with the ER-stress surveillance machinery IRE1alpha/TRAF2 to transmit apoptotic signals from the reticulum to mitochondria. These results indicate that BH3-only mediators can rely on reticular Bak to activate an ER-to-mitochondria signalling route able to induce cytochrome c release and apoptosis independently of the canonical Bak,Bax-dependent mitochondrial gateway, thus revealing a new layer of complexity in apoptotic regulation.
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23
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Rockwell KR, Huber BT. Biologically distinct conformations of Bcl-x can be resolved using 2D isoelectric focusing. Mol Immunol 2009; 46:1605-12. [PMID: 19328553 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-x, a potent regulator of cellular decisions of life and death, has multiple survival-enhancing activities that rely on distinct protein regions. Evidence suggests that depending on the local environment and the binding of protein or peptide partners, Bcl-x can take on several conformations that expose different protein regions. However, biological occurrence of conformational forms has been very difficult to study, because structure determination techniques use large quantities of protein, purified under conditions that change Bcl-x conformation. We show here that standard 2D isoelectric focusing techniques can be used to distinguish conformationally distinct forms of Bcl-x in cell lysates. Conformational isoelectric forms were manipulated through the use of detergents and buffers of differing pH. Our data indicate that post-translational modifications are not needed for or associated with conformational changes, distinguishing the dominant isoelectric forms of Bcl-x. We found that Bcl-x conformational isoelectric forms have preferred subcellular localization patterns. Moreover, conformational forms are differently regulated in certain locations during cytokine starvation of IL-3-dependent cells. Therefore, we provide evidence that 2DIEF can be used to view biologically distinct conformational differences in Bcl-x on minute quantities of unpurified protein from cells or lysates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R Rockwell
- Tufts Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Department, Jaharis 906, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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24
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Abstract
We have established a systematic high-throughput screen for genes that cause cell death specifically in transformed tumor cells. In a first round of screening cDNAs are detected that induce apoptosis in a transformed human cell line. Positive genes are subsequently tested in a synthetic lethal screen in normal cells versus their isogenic counterparts that have been transformed by a particular oncogene. In this way, ORCTL3 was found to be inactive in normal rat kidney cells (NRK), but to induce apoptosis in NRK cells transformed by oncogenic H-ras. ORCTL3 also causes cell death in v-src-transformed cells and in various human tumor cell lines but not in normal cells or untransformed cell lines. While ORCTL3 is a member of the organic-cation transporter gene family, our data indicate that this gene induces apoptosis independently of its putative transporter activity. Rather, various lines of evidence suggest that ORCTL3 brings about apoptosis via an ER stress mediated mechanism. Finally, we detected ORCTL3 to be down-regulated in human kidney tumors.
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25
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Apoptosis induction by Bcl-2 proteins independent of the BH3 domain. Biochem Pharmacol 2008; 76:1612-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2008.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2008] [Revised: 08/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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26
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Sanz AB, Santamaría B, Ruiz-Ortega M, Egido J, Ortiz A. Mechanisms of Renal Apoptosis in Health and Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2008; 19:1634-42. [DOI: 10.1681/asn.2007121336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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27
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Rocha Viegas L, Hoijman E, Beato M, Pecci A. Mechanisms involved in tissue-specific apopotosis regulated by glucocorticoids. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 109:273-8. [PMID: 18424036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Physiological cell turnover is under the control of a sharp and dynamic balance of different homeostatic mechanisms such as the equilibrium between cell proliferation and cell death. These mechanisms play an important role in maintaining normal tissue function and architecture. It is well known that apoptosis is the prevalent mode of physiological cell loss in most tissues. Steroid hormones like glucocorticoids have been identified as key signals controlling cell turnover by modulating programmed cell death in a tissue- and cell-specific manner. In this sense, several reports have demonstrated that glucocorticoids are able to induce apoptosis in cells of the hematopoietic system such as monocytes, macrophages, and T lymphocytes. In contrast, they protect against apoptotic signals evoked by cytokines, cAMP, tumor suppressors, in glandular cells such as the mammary gland epithelia, endometrium, hepatocytes, ovarian follicular cells, and fibroblasts. Although several studies have provided significant information on hormone-dependent apoptosis in an specific tissue, a clearly defined pathway that mediates cell death in response to glucocorticoids in different cell types is still misunderstood. The scope of this review is held to those mechanisms by which glucocorticoids control apoptosis, emphasizing tissue-specific expression of genes that are involved in the apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Rocha Viegas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Cdad. Universitaria, Pab. II, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina
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28
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Mizobuchi M, Ogata H, Hatamura I, Saji F, Koiwa F, Kinugasa E, Koshikawa S, Akizawa T. Activation of calcium-sensing receptor accelerates apoptosis in hyperplastic parathyroid cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 362:11-16. [PMID: 17706605 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.07.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Calcimimetic compounds inhibit not only parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and secretion, but also parathyroid cell proliferation. The aim of this investigation is to examine the effect of the calcimimetic compound NPS R-568 (R-568) on parathyroid cell death in uremic rats. Hyperplastic parathyroid glands were obtained from uremic rats (subtotal nephrectomy and high-phosphorus diet), and incubated in the media only or the media which contained high concentration of R-568 (10(-4)M), or 10% cyclodextrin, for 6h. R-568 treatment significantly suppressed medium PTH concentration compared with that of the other two groups. R-568 treatment not only increased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay-positive cells, but also induced the morphologic changes of cell death determined by light or electron microscopy. These results suggest that CaR activation by R-568 accelerates parathyroid cell death, probably through an apoptotic mechanism in uremic rats in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Mizobuchi
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ogata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1, Chigasaki-chuo, Tsuzuki, Yokohama 224-8503, Japan.
| | - Ikuji Hatamura
- First Department of Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Fumie Saji
- Division of Nephrology and Blood Purification Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Koiwa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Eriko Kinugasa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital, 35-1, Chigasaki-chuo, Tsuzuki, Yokohama 224-8503, Japan
| | - Shozo Koshikawa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tadao Akizawa
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Malcles MH, Wang HW, Koumi A, Tsai YH, Yu M, Godfrey A, Boshoff C. Characterisation of the anti-apoptotic function of survivin-DeltaEx3 during TNFalpha-mediated cell death. Br J Cancer 2007; 96:1659-66. [PMID: 17505517 PMCID: PMC2359927 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivin is an oncogenic protein involved in cell division and acts as an anti-apoptotic factor. It is highly expressed in most cancers and is associated with chemotherapy resistance, increased tumour recurrence, and shorter patient survival. This makes anti-survivin therapy an attractive cancer treatment strategy. These functions are mediated by several survivin spliced variants, whose expression may correlate with cancer progression. One of the spliced variants, survivin-ΔEx3, is known to inhibit apoptosis, through undefined mechanisms. Here, we characterised these mechanisms upon TNFα−mediated apoptosis, and showed that survivin-ΔEx3 acts as an adaptor, allowing the formation of a complex between Bcl-2 and activated caspase-3. The Bcl-2/survivin-ΔEx3 complex, but not survivin-ΔEx3 itself, inhibits the activity of caspase-3. Bcl-2 is therefore linked to the postmitochondrial apoptotic machinery by survivin-ΔEx3. Thus, survivin-ΔEx3 plays a key role in the inhibition of caspase-3 activity, and in the control of the mitochondrial checkpoint of apoptosis. This study suggests that targeting survivin-ΔEx3, rather than survivin alone, could be relevant for treating human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-H Malcles
- Cancer Research UK Viral Oncology Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College, London, UK
| | - H-W Wang
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taiwan
| | - A Koumi
- Cancer Research UK Viral Oncology Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College, London, UK
| | - Y-H Tsai
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
| | - M Yu
- Cancer Research UK Viral Oncology Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College, London, UK
| | - A Godfrey
- Cancer Research UK Viral Oncology Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College, London, UK
| | - C Boshoff
- Cancer Research UK Viral Oncology Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College, London, UK
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK. E-mail:
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30
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Liu JP, Liu NS, Yuan HY, Guo Q, Lu H, Li YY. Human homologue of SETA binding protein 1 interacts with cathepsin B and participates in TNF-Induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2007; 292:189-95. [PMID: 16733801 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-006-9214-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B has been reported to play an important role in apoptosis of many different cancer cells, but the regulation of cathepsin B in apoptosis is poorly understood. Human homologue of SETA binding protein 1 (hSB1) was identified to interact with cathepsin B by yeast-two hybrid method, and the interaction was confirmed in vitro GST pull-down assay and in vivo coimmunoprecipitation experiment. hSB1 was co-localized with cathepsin B in cellular lysosomes. Our previous study has shown that TNF can induce ovarian cancer cells OV-90 apoptosis and the apoptosis process is cathepsin B-depended. Here we provide evidence that overexpression of cathepsin B-interacting protein hSB1 could suppress TNF-triggered apoptosis in OV-90 cells, but has no effect on cellular cathepsin B activity. hSB1 may function as a regulator of cathepsin B-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
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31
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Alves NL, van Lier RAW, Eldering E. Withdrawal symptoms on display: Bcl-2 members under investigation. Trends Immunol 2007; 28:26-32. [PMID: 17129763 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2006.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 10/26/2006] [Accepted: 11/15/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The balance between survival and apoptosis of lymphocytes is considered to be regulated by specific signals delivered through cell surface receptors binding either antigen (fragments) or homeostatic cytokines. Expanding lymphocytes must also compete for nutrients. For growth factors and nutrients, recent data indicate how these generic environmental signals couple to members of the apoptosis-regulating Bcl-2 family. The prosurvival molecule Mcl-1 is engaged by lethal BH3-only proteins Puma and Noxa under these circumstances. We propose that Puma and Noxa have specific roles in tipping the balance towards apoptosis after growth factor withdrawal and nutrient shortage, respectively. These complementary mechanisms tune survival in the various niches when lymphocytes compete for resources during selection and expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno L Alves
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, AZ 1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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32
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Abstract
The permeability transition pore (PTP) is a multi-protein complex at contact sites of the inner with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Research over the past years has led to the concept that the PTP occupies a central role in cell death induction. Numerous apoptosis signals convert this protein aggregate into an unspecific pore, thus activating mitochondria for the cellular self-destruction process. Here, we describe the evidence for this and the various approaches being undertaken to elucidate its subunit composition and mode of regulation. In particular, we review data that indicate a role of specific PTP subunits for apoptosis inhibition during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Brenner
- University of Versailles/St Quentin, CNRS UMR 8159, Versailles, France.
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33
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Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is caused by disturbances in the structure and function of the ER with the accumulation of misfolded proteins and alterations in the calcium homeostasis. The ER response is characterized by changes in specific proteins, causing translational attenuation, induction of ER chaperones and degradation of misfolded proteins. In case of prolonged or aggravated ER stress, cellular signals leading to cell death are activated. ER stress has been suggested to be involved in some human neuronal diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and prion disease, as well as other disorders. The exact contributions to and casual effects of ER stress in the various disease processes, however, are not known. Here we will discuss the possible role of ER stress in neurodegenerative diseases, and highlight current knowledge in this field that may reveal novel insight into disease mechanisms and help to design better therapies for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lindholm
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurobiology, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 587, S-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
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34
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Walter L, Hajnóczky G. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum: the lethal interorganelle cross-talk. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2006; 37:191-206. [PMID: 16167176 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-005-6600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The fundamental contribution of the mitochondria and ER to the decision made on the cell's fate has been increasingly recognized. This progress has illuminated the need for the mechanisms these organelles use to initiate and to propagate apoptotic signals. The toolbox of the mitochondria and ER is evolutionary conserved, overlapping and complementary. Furthermore, mitochondria are often closely associated with the ER providing the conditions for a local and privileged communication between the two organelles. The present review is concerned with the spatially and temporally coordinated utilization of Bcl-2 family proteins and Ca(2+) by the mitochondria and ER to control the membrane permeabilization in the mitochondria and to regulate Ca(2+) distribution and the activity of apoptotic proteins in the ER. The apoptotic means of the mitochondria and ER will eventually come together to control the dismantling of the cell by the caspases and other enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Walter
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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35
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Kachel V, Sindelar G, Grimm S. High-throughput isolation of ultra-pure plasmid DNA by a robotic system. BMC Biotechnol 2006; 6:9. [PMID: 16483377 PMCID: PMC1395312 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-6-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2005] [Accepted: 02/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the availability of complete genomes, a systematic inventory of cellular processes becomes achievable. This requires assessing the function of all individual genes. Transfection of plasmid DNA into cell culture cells is an essential technique for this aim as it allows functional overexpression or downregulation of genes. While many robotic systems isolate plasmids for sequencing purposes, for more demanding applications such as transfections there is a shortage of robots for the high-throughput isolation of plasmid DNA. RESULTS Here we describe a custom-made, automated device, which uses a special protocol to isolate plasmid DNAs with a purity sufficient for efficient transfections into mammalian cells. Approximately 1,600 ultra pure plasmids can be isolated in a 96-well plate format within 12 hours. As a unique feature the robot comprises the integration of a centrifuge instead of expensive columns, the use of a custom-made pipetting head with a movable gripper, especially designed shaking platforms and an acetone wash facility. CONCLUSION Using this robot we demonstrate how centrifugation steps with multiple precipitations, most notably through a precipitation step of SDS in isopropanol, lead to high purity plasmid DNA and make possible high-throughput transfections into mammalian cells for functional gene annotations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Kachel
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Georg Sindelar
- Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Stefan Grimm
- Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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36
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Piwocka K, Vejda S, Cotter TG, O'Sullivan GC, McKenna SL. Bcr-Abl reduces endoplasmic reticulum releasable calcium levels by a Bcl-2-independent mechanism and inhibits calcium-dependent apoptotic signaling. Blood 2006; 107:4003-10. [PMID: 16469868 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-04-1523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bcr-Abl oncoprotein plays a major role in the development and progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Several studies have suggested that the expression levels of Bcr-Abl are elevated at disease progression to blast crisis and that this plays a significant role in the achievement of drug resistance. We have established cell lines expressing low and high levels of Bcr-Abl to study the molecular mechanisms involved in disease progression and drug resistance. It is now known that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) can play a major role in the regulation of apoptosis. We therefore investigated whether Bcr-Abl expression modulates ER homeostasis and interferes with ER-mediated apoptotic pathways to promote survival. Bcr-Abl-expressing cells exhibit a decreased amount of free releasable calcium in the ER as well as a weaker capacitative calcium entry response, relative to parental cells. This effect is independent of Bcl-2, which is a known modulator of ER calcium homeostasis. The reduction in ER releasable calcium results in inhibition of the ER/mitochondria-coupling process and mitochondrial calcium uptake. This study demonstrates a novel downstream consequence of Bcr-Abl signaling. The ability to negate calcium-dependent apoptotic signaling is likely to be a major prosurvival mechanism in Bcr-Abl-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piwocka
- Department of Biochemistry, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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37
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Xu C, Bailly-Maitre B, Reed JC. Endoplasmic reticulum stress: cell life and death decisions. J Clin Invest 2005; 115:2656-64. [PMID: 16200199 PMCID: PMC1236697 DOI: 10.1172/jci26373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1772] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the normal functions of the ER lead to an evolutionarily conserved cell stress response, the unfolded protein response, which is aimed initially at compensating for damage but can eventually trigger cell death if ER dysfunction is severe or prolonged. The mechanisms by which ER stress leads to cell death remain enigmatic, with multiple potential participants described but little clarity about which specific death effectors dominate in particular cellular contexts. Important roles for ER-initiated cell death pathways have been recognized for several diseases, including hypoxia, ischemia/reperfusion injury, neurodegeneration, heart disease, and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Xu
- The Burnham Institute for Medical Research, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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38
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Liu J, Guo Q, Chen B, Yu Y, Lu H, Li YY. Cathepsin B and its interacting proteins, bikunin and TSRC1, correlate with TNF-induced apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells OV-90. FEBS Lett 2005; 580:245-50. [PMID: 16364318 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2005] [Revised: 10/18/2005] [Accepted: 12/02/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that lysosomal cysteine proteases cathepsins contribute to the progression of cell apoptosis. Here we found that apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells OV-90 triggered by TNF was cathepsin B-depended. Two cathepsin B binding proteins, bikunin and TSRC1, were identified by yeast two-hybrid method and the interactions were confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of bikunin could suppress TNF-induced apoptosis of OV-90 cells, and TSRC1 overexpression had an opposite effect on apoptosis. The presented results suggest that cathepsin B and its interacting proteins, bikunin and TSRC1, are involved in the apoptotic pathway of ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
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39
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Abstract
In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), secretory and transmembrane proteins fold into their native conformation and undergo posttranslational modifications important for their activity and structure. When protein folding in the ER is inhibited, signal transduction pathways, which increase the biosynthetic capacity and decrease the biosynthetic burden of the ER to maintain the homeostasis of this organelle, are activated. These pathways are called the unfolded protein response (UPR). In this review, we briefly summarize principles of protein folding and molecular chaperone function important for a mechanistic understanding of UPR-signaling events. We then discuss mechanisms of signal transduction employed by the UPR in mammals and our current understanding of the remodeling of cellular processes by the UPR. Finally, we summarize data that demonstrate that UPR signaling feeds into decision making in other processes previously thought to be unrelated to ER function, e.g., eukaryotic starvation responses and differentiation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schröder
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
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40
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Lorz C, Justo P, Sanz AB, Egido J, Ortíz A. Role of Bcl-xL in paracetamol-induced tubular epithelial cell death. Kidney Int 2005; 67:592-601. [PMID: 15673306 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1755.2005.67115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracetamol overdose causes acute renal failure and chronic exposure to paracetamol has been linked to chronic renal failure. Recently, apoptosis induction has been identified as a possible mechanism of paracetamol nephrotoxicity. METHODS Murine proximal tubular epithelial MCT cells were cultured in the presence of paracetamol. The effects of Bcl-xL overexpression, Bax antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, and different caspase inhibitors on cell death were studied. RESULTS While paracetamol did not change the mRNA expression of the antiapoptotic gene bcl-xL, it decreased Bcl-xL protein levels. The decrease in Bcl-xL was prevented by lactacystin, but not by caspase inhibitors. Addition to the culture media of the survival factors present in fetal calf serum (FCS) increased Bcl-xL expression and decreased paracetamol-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of a human bcl-xL transgene decreased apoptosis induced by paracetamol by 60% at 24 hours and increased long-term cell survival. The constitutive expression of the viral caspase inhibitor CrmA decreased the rate of apoptosis by 60% at 24 hours and the broad-specific caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk prevented paracetamol-induced features of apoptosis. However, caspase inhibitors did not prevent eventual cell death. Bax did not translocate to mitochondria and Bax antisense oligodeoxynucleotides were not protective. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that induction of apoptosis may underlie the nephrotoxic potential of paracetamol and identify Bcl-xL as a player in toxic tubular cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Lorz
- Renal and Vascular Research Laboratory, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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41
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Abstract
At present there is a poor understanding of the events that lead up to neuronal apoptosis that occurs in neurodegenerative diseases and following acute ischemic episodes. Apoptosis is critical for the elimination of unwanted neurons within the developing nervous system. The Bcl-2 family of proteins contains pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins that regulate the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. There is increasing interest in a subfamily of the Bcl-2 family, the BH3-only proteins, and their pro-apoptotic effects within neurons. Recently ischemic and seizure-induced neuronal injury has been shown to result in the activation of the BH3-only protein, Bid. This protein is cleaved and the truncated protein (tBid) translocates to the mitochondria. The translocation of tBid to the mitochondria is associated with the activation of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins Bax/Bak and the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria. ER stress also has been implicated as a factor for the induction of apoptosis in ischemic neuronal injury. The induction of ER stress in hippocampal neurons has been shown to activate expression of bb3/PUMA, a member of the BH3-only gene family. Activation of PUMA is associated with the activation and clustering of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bax and the loss of cytochrome C from the mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manus W Ward
- Department of Physiology, Royal College of Surgeons, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
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42
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Cristea IM, Degli Esposti M. Membrane lipids and cell death: an overview. Chem Phys Lipids 2004; 129:133-60. [PMID: 15081856 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2004.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2003] [Revised: 02/05/2004] [Accepted: 02/05/2004] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In this article we overview major aspects of membrane lipids in the complex area of cell death, comprising apoptosis and various forms of programmed cell death. We have focused here on glycerophospholipids, the major components of cellular membranes. In particular, we present a detailed appraisal of mitochondrial lipids that attract increasing interest in the field of cell death, while the knowledge of their re-modelling and traffic remains limited. It is hoped that this review will stimulate further studies by lipid experts to fully elucidate various aspects of membrane lipid homeostasis that are discussed here. These studies will undoubtedly reveal new and important connections with the established players of cell death and their action in promoting or blocking membrane alteration of mitochondria and other organelles. We conclude that the new dynamic era of cell death research will pave the way for a better understanding of the 'chemistry of apoptosis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana M Cristea
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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43
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Nakajima KI, Hirose H, Taniguchi M, Kurashina H, Arasaki K, Nagahama M, Tani K, Yamamoto A, Tagaya M. Involvement of BNIP1 in apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum membrane fusion. EMBO J 2004; 23:3216-26. [PMID: 15272311 PMCID: PMC514507 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2004] [Accepted: 06/24/2004] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BNIP1, a member of the BH3-only protein family, was first discovered as one of the proteins that are capable of interacting with the antiapoptotic adenovirus E1B 19-kDa protein. Here we disclose a totally unexpected finding that BNIP1 is a component of the complex comprising syntaxin 18, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-located soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE). Functional analysis revealed that BNIP1 participates in the formation of the ER network structure, but not in membrane trafficking between the ER and Golgi. Notably, a highly conserved leucine residue in the BH3 domain of BNIP1 plays an important role not only in the induction of apoptosis but also in the binding of alpha-SNAP, an adaptor that serves as a link between the chaperone ATPase NSF and SNAREs. This predicts that alpha-SNAP may suppress apoptosis by competing with antiapoptotic proteins for the BH3 domain of BNIP1. Indeed, overexpression of alpha-SNAP markedly delayed staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Our results shed light on possible crosstalk between apparently independent cellular events, apoptosis and ER membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi Nakajima
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Hirose
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mei Taniguchi
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kurashina
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Arasaki
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Nagahama
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuko Tani
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akitsugu Yamamoto
- Department of Cell Biology, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, Nagahama, Shiga, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Tagaya
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Horinouchi, Hachoiji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan. Tel.: +81 426 77 7496; Fax: +81 426 76 8866; E-mail:
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44
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Abstract
Apoptosis plays important roles in many facets of normal physiology in animal species, including programmed cell death associated with fetal development or metamorphosis, tissue homeostasis, immune cell education, and some aspects of aging. Defects in the regulation of apoptosis contribute to multiple diseases associated with either inappropriate cell loss or pathological cell accumulation. Host-pathogen interactions have additionally provided evolutionary pressure for apoptosis as a defense mechanism against viruses and microbes, sometimes linking apoptosis mechanisms with inflammatory responses. To a large extent, the apoptosis machinery can be viewed as a network, with different nodes connected by physical interactions of evolutionarily conserved domains. These domains can serve as signatures for identification of proteins involved in the network. In particular, the caspase recruitment domains (CARDs); death effector domains (DEDs); death domains (DDs); BIR (baculovirus IAP repeat) domains of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs); Bcl-2 family proteins; caspase protease domains; and endonuclease-associated CIDE (cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector) domains are found in common in proteins involved in apoptosis. In the genomes of mammals, genes encoding proteins that carry one or more of these signature domains are often present in multiple copies, making up diverse gene families that permit tissue-specific and highly regulated control of cell life and death decisions through combinations of stimulus-specific gene expression and complex protein interaction networks. In this Review, we organize the repertoire of apoptosis proteins of humans into domain families, drawing comparisons with homologs in other vertebrate and invertebrate animal species, and discuss some of the functional implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Reed
- The Burnham Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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45
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Broustas CG, Gokhale PC, Rahman A, Dritschilo A, Ahmad I, Kasid U. BRCC2, a novel BH3-like domain-containing protein, induces apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:26780-8. [PMID: 15069058 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m400159200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the structure-functional characterization of a novel intronless gene, BRCC2, located on human chromosome 11q24.1. BRCC2 open reading frame (327 bp) codes for an approximately 12-kDa protein (108 amino acids (aa)) localized predominantly in the cytosol and to a lesser extent in the mitochondria. Ectopic expression of BRCC2 cDNA also was found in both the cytosol and mitochondria. Exogenous expression of BRCC2 caused apoptotic cell death in three different cell lines as evidenced by enhanced chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, or an enhanced number of cells in the sub-G(1) phase. In human prostate cancer cells (PC-3), BRCC2-induced DNA fragmentation was blocked efficiently by coexpression of the anti-apoptotic molecule, Bcl-X(L). Transient transfection of BRCC2 cDNA into PC-3 cells in the presence of a broad-range caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk (100 microM, 24 h), abrogated DNA fragmentation. Consistently, BRCC2 expression correlated with the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. An N-terminal deletion mutant of BRCC2 (10.2 kDa, Delta1-16 aa) lacking a BH3-like domain (5-12 aa, LPIEGQEI) or BRCC2 containing a mutant BH3-like domain (leucine 5-->glutamate) failed to induce apoptosis, whereas a C-terminal deletion mutant (6.8 kDa, Delta62-108 aa) retained the apoptotic activity comparable to the full-length BRCC2. Finally, the treatment of HeLa cells with doxorubicin or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) led to an increase in the mitochondrial (heavy membrane) level of endogenous BRCC2 (doxorubicin (100 ng/ml), 5 h, approximately 2-fold; H(2)O(2) (200 microM), 2 h, approximately 2-fold). These findings demonstrate that BRCC2 functions as a proapoptotic molecule and suggest that BRCC2 induces a caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos G Broustas
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. 20057, USA
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Grimm
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
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47
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Annis MG, Yethon JA, Leber B, Andrews DW. There is more to life and death than mitochondria: Bcl-2 proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2004; 1644:115-23. [PMID: 14996496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2003.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2003] [Accepted: 07/15/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Proteins of the Bcl-2 family are important regulators of cell fate. The role of these proteins in controlling mitochondrial apoptotic processes has been extensively investigated, although exact molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. However, mounting evidence indicates that these proteins also function at the endoplasmic reticulum and other locations within the cell. Both pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members can regulate endoplasmic reticulum calcium, cellular pH and endoplasmic reticulum resident proteins. In this review, we discuss the activities and potential targets of Bcl-2 family members at the endoplasmic reticulum and other cellular locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Annis
- Department of Biochemistry, McMaster University Medical Centre, McMaster University, 1200 Main St W., Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 3Z5.
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48
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Schubert A, Grimm S. Cyclophilin D, a component of the permeability transition-pore, is an apoptosis repressor. Cancer Res 2004; 64:85-93. [PMID: 14729611 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-03-0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The permeability transition (PT)-pore is an important proapoptotic protein complex in mitochondria. Although it is activated by many signals for apoptosis induction, the role of its various subunits in cell death induction has remained largely unknown. We found that of its components, only the voltage-dependent anion channel in the outer mitochondrial membrane and the adenine nucleotide translocator-1 (ANT-1), a PT-pore subunit of the inner membrane, are apoptosis inducers. We also report that ANT-1's direct interactor, cyclophilin D, can specifically repress ANT-1-induced apoptosis. In addition, cotransfection experiments revealed that for a diverse range of apoptosis inducers, cyclophilin D shows the same repression profile as the compound bongkrekic acid, a specific inhibitor of the PT-pore. This activity seems to be independent of its chaperone activity, the only known function of cyclophilin D to date. Importantly, cyclophilin D is specifically up-regulated in human tumors of the breast, ovary, and uterus, suggesting that inhibition of the PT-pore via up-regulation of cyclophilin D plays a role in tumorigenesis.
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49
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Gewies A, Grimm S. Cathepsin-B and cathepsin-L expression levels do not correlate with sensitivity of tumour cells to TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis. Br J Cancer 2003; 89:1574-80. [PMID: 14562034 PMCID: PMC2394346 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6601297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, evidence has been accumulated that besides the caspase proteases, lysosomal cathepsins may play a role in apoptosis induction. This is especially significant as many human tumour cells express high levels of cathepsins, which might sensitise these cells to specific proapoptotic stimuli mediated by cathepsins. We found that TNF-α-mediated DNA fragmentation in tumour cells was significantly reduced in the presence of E64d and CA074Me, two inhibitors of lysosomal cysteine proteases. Transient transfection of cathepsin-B (Cath-B) and -L (Cath-L) resulting in expression levels comparable to those found in many tumours did not sensitise tumour cells to TNF-α-mediated apoptosis. As lysosomal proteases are thought to be activated by their release from this organelle into the cytosol, we used the lysosomotropic detergent N-dodecyl-imidazole-HCl (NDI-HCl) to disturb lysosomal integrity efficiently and trigger the release of its proteolytic content into the cytosol. Treatment of HeLa cells with NDI-HCl resulted in cell death, which, however, could also not be influenced by augmented Cath-B or -L expression levels. Therefore, our data do not support the hypothesis that the high Cath-B or -L expression levels frequently detected in tumour cells might be exploited to target selectively those tumours for an enhanced cell death effect induced by lysosomotropic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gewies
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - S Grimm
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany. E-mail:
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50
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Thomenius MJ, Distelhorst CW. Bcl-2 on the endoplasmic reticulum: protecting the mitochondria from a distance. J Cell Sci 2003; 116:4493-9. [PMID: 14576343 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bcl-2 has been described both as an inhibitor of programmed cell death and as an inhibitor of mitochondrial dysfunction during apoptosis. It is still not clear what biochemical activity of Bcl-2 is responsible for its function, but increasing evidence indicates that a functional activity of Bcl-2 on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protects mitochondria under diverse circumstances. Indeed, an emerging hypothesis is that, during apoptosis, the Bcl-2 family regulates ER-to-mitochondrion communication by BH3-only proteins and calcium ions and thereby triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Thomenius
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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