Expression and localization of augmenter of liver regeneration in human muscle tissue

Augmenter of liver regeneration: Essential for growth and beyond

Liver regeneration is a well-orchestrated process that is triggered by tissue loss due to trauma or surgical resection and by hepatocellular death induced by toxins or viral infections. Due to the central role of the liver for body homeostasis, intensive research was conducted to identify factors that might contribute to hepatic growth and regeneration. Using a model of partial hepatectomy several factors including cytokines and growth factors that regulate this process were discovered. Among them, a protein was identified to specifically support liver regeneration and therefore was named ALR (Augmenter of Liver Regeneration). ALR protein is encoded by GFER (growth factor erv1-like) gene and can be regulated by various stimuli. ALR is expressed in different tissues in three isoforms which are associated with multiple functions: The long forms of ALR were found in the inner-mitochondrial space (IMS) and the cytosol. Mitochondrial ALR (23 kDa) was shown to cooperate with Mia40 to insure adequate protein folding during import into IMS. On the other hand short form ALR, located mainly in the cytosol, was attributed with anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties as well as its inflammation and metabolism modulating effects. Although a considerable amount of work has been devoted to summarizing the knowledge on ALR, an investigation of ALR expression in different organs (location, subcellular localization) as well as delineation between the isoforms and function of ALR is still missing. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of ALR structure and expression of different ALR isoforms. Furthermore, we highlight the functional role of endogenously expressed and exogenously applied ALR, as well as an analysis of the clinical importance of ALR, with emphasis on liver disease and in vivo models, as well as the consequences of mutations in the GFER gene.

Decreased expression of the augmenter of liver regeneration results in growth inhibition and increased chemosensitivity of acute T lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) plays crucial roles in cell survival and growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that ALR exerts a protective effect on toxic agent‑induced cell death in acute T lymphoblastic leukemia cells and ALR knockdown can sensitize cancer cells to radiation. However, the biological functions of ALR against drug resistance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia are mostly unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced ALR silencing on cell proliferation and sensitivity to vincristine (VCR) of Jurkat cells. We found that ALR siRNA effectively decreased the ALR expression, then inhibited cell growth and increased sensitivity to VCR in Jurkat cells. Flow cytometry assay revealed that the downregulation of ALR expression promoted cell apoptosis and regulated cell cycle distribution. Following incubation with VCR, apoptosis-related proteins, such as pro-PARP, pro-caspase 8, pro-caspase 3 and Bcl-2 were downregulated in the siRNA/ALR group. Pretreatment with siRNA/ALR in combination with VCR resulted in prolonged G2/M arrest, accompanied by downregulation of cdc25c and cdc2 expression and dissociation of cyclin B1. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that targeted inhibition of the ALR expression in Jurkat cells triggered cell growth inhibition and sensitized cells to VCR via promoting apoptosis and regulating the cell cycle.

ALR, the multifunctional protein

ALR is a mystic protein. It has a so called “long” 22 kDa and a “short” 15 kDa forms. It has been described after partial hepatectomy and it has just been considered as a key protein of liver regeneration. At the beginning of the 21st century it has been revealed that the “long” form is localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and it is an element of the mitochondrial protein import and disulphide relay system. Several proteins of the substrates of the mitochondrial disulphide relay system are necessary for the proper function of the mitochondria, thus any mutation of the ALR gene leads to mitochondrial diseases. The “short” form of ALR functions as a secreted extracellular growth factor and it promotes the protection, regeneration and proliferation of hepatocytes. The results gained on the recently generated conditional ALR mutant mice suggest that ALR can play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatosis. Since the serum level of ALR is modified in several liver diseases it can be a promising marker molecule in laboratory diagnostics. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(13), 503–509.

Decreased expression of the augmenter of liver regeneration results in increased apoptosis and oxidative damage in human-derived glioma cells

The mammalian growth factor erv1-like (GFER) gene encodes a sulfhydryl oxidase enzyme, named Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (ALR). Recently it has been demonstrated that ALR supports cell proliferation acting as an anti-apoptotic factor. This effect is determined by ALR ability to support the anti-apoptotic gene expression and to preserve cellular normoxic conditions. We recently demonstrated that the addition of recombinant ALR (rALR) in the culture medium of H₂O₂-treated neuroblastoma cells reduces the lethal effects induced by the hydrogen peroxide. Similar data have been reported in the regenerating liver tissue from partially hepatectomized rats treated with rALR. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the GFER inhibition, via the degradation of the complementary mRNA by the specific siRNA, on the behaviour of the apoptosis (apoptotic gene and caspase expression and apoptotic cell number) and of the oxidative stress-induced parameters (reactive oxygen species (ROS), clusterin expression and mitochondrial integrity) in T98G glioma cells. The results revealed a reduction of (i) ALR, (ii) clusterin and (iii) bcl-2 and an increase of (iv) caspase-9, activated caspase-3, ROS, apoptotic cell number and mitochondrial degeneration. These data confirm the anti-apoptotic role of ALR and its anti-oxidative properties, and shed some light on the molecular pathways through which ALR modulates its biological effects.

Mice overexpression of human augmenter of liver regeneration (hALR) in male germ cells shows abnormal spermatogenesis and reduced fertility

Human augmenter of liver regeneration (hALR) is a sulfhydryl oxidase that is highly expressed in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes. To investigate the physiological effects of hALR in spermatogenesis, we generated a hALR transgenic mouse model driven by the human TSPY (testis-specific protein, Y-encoded) promoter that allows the transgene to be specifically activated in the testes. hALR content was found to be increased in both germ cells. The histological and TUNEL analysis of transgenic testes revealed a number of spermatogenetic defects including primary spermatocyte overpopulation followed by depletion through apoptosis, degenerating and detached nucleated germ cells, haploid cell loss and intraepithelial vacuoles of varying sizes. In line with these features, adult transgenic male mice also displayed a reduction in fertility. Our data suggest that regulated spatial and temporal expression of hALR is required for normal testicular development and spermatogenesis, and overexpression of hALR results in influencing the sperm morphology and quantity and the eventual reduction in male fertility. Present findings in the mouse may be of interest to human male fertility.

Alrp, a survival factor that controls the apoptotic process of regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy in rats

Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (Alrp) enhances, through unknown mechanism/s, hepatocyte proliferation only when administered to partially hepatectomized (PH) rats. Liver resection, besides stimulating hepatocyte proliferation, induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering apoptosis. To clarify the role of Alrp in the process of liver regeneration, hepatocyte proliferation, apoptosis, ROS-induced parameters and morphological findings of regenerating liver were studied from PH rats Alrp-treated for 72 h after the surgery. The same parameters, evaluated on regenerating liver from albumin-treated PH rats, were used as control. The results demonstrated that Alrp administration induces the anti-apoptotic gene expression, inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis and reduces ROS-induced cell damage. These and similar data from in vitro studies and the presence of 'Alrp homologous proteins' in viruses as well as in mammals (i) allow to hypothesize that Alrp activity/ies may not be exclusive for regenerating liver and (ii) suggest the use of Alrp in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Liver regeneration associated protein (ALR) exhibits antimetastatic potential in hepatocellular carcinoma

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR), which is critically important in liver regeneration and hepatocyte proliferation, is highly expressed in cirrhotic livers and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). In the current study, the functional role of ALR in hepatocancerogenesis was analyzed in more detail. HepG2 cells, in which the cytosolic 15 kDa ALR isoform was reexpressed stably, (HepG2-ALR) were used in migration and invasion assays using modified Boyden chambers. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were determined in HepG2-ALR cells in vitro and in HepG2-ALR tumors grown in nude mice. ALR protein was quantified in HCC and nontumorous tissues by immunohistochemistry. HepG2-ALR, compared with HepG2 cells, demonstrated reduced cell motility and increased expression of the epithelial cell markers E-cadherin and Zona occludens-1 (ZO-1), whereas SNAIL, a negative regulator of E-cadherin, was diminished. Matrix metalloproteinase MMP1 and MMP3 mRNA expression and activity were reduced. HepG2-ALR cell-derived subcutaneously grown tumors displayed fewer necrotic areas, more epithelial-like cell growth and fewer polymorphisms and atypical mitotic figures than tumors derived from HepG2 cells. Analysis of tumor tissues of 53 patients with HCC demonstrated an inverse correlation of ALR protein with histological angioinvasion and grading. The 15 kDa ALR isoform was found mainly in HCC tissues without histological angioinvasion 0. In summary the present data indicate that cytosolic ALR reduces hepatoma cell migration, augments epithelial growth and, therefore, may act as an antimetastatic and EMT reversing protein.

Protective effect of augmenter of liver regeneration on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen peroxide, as other reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during redox processes, induces lipid membrane peroxidation and protein degeneration causing cell apoptosis. ROS are recently considered as messengers in cell signalling processes, which, through reversible protein disulphide bridges formation, activate regulatory factors of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Disulphide bridges formation is catalysed by sulphydryl oxidase enzymes.

AIM

The neuroprotective effect of ALR protein (Alrp), a sulphydryl oxidase enzyme, on H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells has been evaluated.

METHODS

Cell viability, flow cytometric evaluation of apoptotic cells, fluorescent changes of nuclear morphology, immunocytochemistry Alrp detection, Western blot evaluation of mitochondrial cyt c release and mitochondrial swelling were determined.

RESULTS

Alrp prevents the H(2)O(2)-induced cell viability loss, apoptotic cell death and mitochondrial swelling in SH-SY5Y cells in culture.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrate that Alrp improves SH-SY5Y cells survival in H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. It is speculated that this effect could be related to the Alrp enzymatic activity.