Distinct mechanisms of neuronal apoptosis are triggered by antagonism of Bcl-2/Bcl-x(L) versus induction of the BH3-only protein Bim

miR-338-5p Levels and Cigarette Smoking are Associated With Neuropathic Pain Severity in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Preliminary Findings From a Genome-Wide microRNA Expression Profiling Screen

OBJECTIVE

To identify microRNA biomarkers and clinical factors associated with neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, secondary analysis of baseline data collected from ongoing clinical studies. Using a genome-wide microRNA screening approach, we studied differential microRNA expression in serum from 43 adults with spinal cord injury enrolled in ongoing clinical studies. Least squares regression was used to identify associations between microRNA expression, clinical factors, and neuropathic pain severity.

SETTING

Community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (N=43) were at least 18 years old with spinal cord injury, with 28 reporting neuropathic pain and 15 reporting no neuropathic pain.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain presence, type, and intensity were assessed with the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set. Serum microRNA normalized deep sequencing counts were quantified from blood samples. Participant demographic factors, injury characteristics, medication use, and health habits were collected via questionnaire.

RESULTS

miR-338-5p expression and history of cigarette smoking were associated with and explained 37% of the variance in neuropathic pain severity (R2=0.37, F2,18=5.31, P=.02) independent of other clinical factors. No association was identified between miR-338-5p levels and nociceptive pain severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that miR-338-5p and cigarette smoking may both play a role in the development or maintenance of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. While additional work is needed to confirm these findings, validated target analysis suggests a neuroprotective role of miR-338-5p in modulating neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis and that its downregulation may result in maladaptive neuroplastic mechanisms contributing to neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.

Hsp27 binding to the 3'UTR of bim mRNA prevents neuronal death during oxidative stress-induced injury: a novel cytoprotective mechanism

Neurons face a changeable microenvironment and therefore need mechanisms that allow rapid switch on/off of their cytoprotective and apoptosis-inducing signaling pathways. Cellular mechanisms that control apoptosis activation include the regulation of pro/antiapoptotic mRNAs through their 3'-untranslated region (UTR). This region holds binding elements for RNA-binding proteins, which can control mRNA translation. Here we demonstrate that heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) prevents oxidative stress-induced cell death in cerebellar granule neurons by specific regulation of the mRNA for the proapoptotic BH3-only protein, Bim. Hsp27 depletion induced by oxidative stress using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) correlated with bim gene activation and subsequent neuronal death, whereas enhanced Hsp27 expression prevented these. This effect could not be explained by proteasomal degradation of Bim or bim promoter inhibition; however, it was associated with a specific increase in the levels of bim mRNA and with its binding to Hsp27. Finally, we determined that enhanced Hsp27 expression in neurons exposed to H2O2 or glutamate prevented the translation of a reporter plasmid where bim-3'UTR mRNA sequence was cloned downstream of a luciferase gene. These results suggest that repression of bim mRNA translation through binding to the 3'UTR constitutes a novel cytoprotective mechanism of Hsp27 during stress in neurons.

Stable over-expression of the 2-oxoglutarate carrier enhances neuronal cell resistance to oxidative stress via Bcl-2-dependent mitochondrial GSH transport

Mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) is a key endogenous antioxidant and its maintenance is critical for cell survival. Here, we generated stable NSC34 motor neuron-like cell lines over-expressing the mitochondrial GSH transporter, the 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC), to further elucidate the importance of mitochondrial GSH transport in determining neuronal resistance to oxidative stress. Two stable OGC cell lines displayed specific increases in mitochondrial GSH content and resistance to oxidative and nitrosative stressors, but not staurosporine. Inhibition of transport through OGC reduced levels of mitochondrial GSH and resensitized the stable cell lines to oxidative stress. The stable OGC cell lines displayed significant up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). This result was reproduced in parental NSC34 cells by chronic treatment with GSH monoethylester, which specifically increased mitochondrial GSH levels. Knockdown of Bcl-2 expression decreased mitochondrial GSH and resensitized the stable OGC cells to oxidative stress. Finally, endogenous OGC was co-immunoprecipitated with Bcl-2 from rat brain lysates in a GSH-dependent manner. These data are the first to show that increased mitochondrial GSH transport is sufficient to enhance neuronal resistance to oxidative stress. Moreover, sustained and specific enhancement of mitochondrial GSH leads to increased Bcl-2 expression, a required mechanism for the maintenance of increased mitochondrial GSH levels. Stable over-expression of the 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC) in a motor neuronal cell line induced a specific increase in mitochondrial GSH and markedly enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. Over-expression of OGC also induced Bcl-2 expression which was owing to the specific increase in mitochondrial GSH. Intriguingly, enhanced expression of Bcl-2 was required to sustain OGC-dependent GSH transport into the mitochondria. Thus, OGC and Bcl-2 work in a concerted manner to maintain the mitochondrial GSH pool which is crucial for neuronal survival.

Mitochondrial glutathione transport is a key determinant of neuronal susceptibility to oxidative and nitrosative stress

Mitochondrial oxidative stress significantly contributes to the underlying pathology of several devastating neurodegenerative disorders. Mitochondria are highly sensitive to the damaging effects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; therefore, these organelles are equipped with a number of free radical scavenging systems. In particular, the mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) pool is a critical antioxidant reserve that is derived entirely from the larger cytosolic pool via facilitated transport. The mechanism of mitochondrial GSH transport has not been extensively studied in the brain. However, the dicarboxylate (DIC) and 2-oxoglutarate (OGC) carriers localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane have been established as GSH transporters in liver and kidney. Here, we investigated the role of these carriers in protecting neurons from oxidative and nitrosative stress. Immunoblot analysis of DIC and OGC in primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) and cerebellar astrocytes showed differential expression of these carriers, with CGNs expressing only DIC and astrocytes expressing both DIC and OGC. Consistent with these findings, butylmalonate specifically reduced mitochondrial GSH in CGNs, whereas both butylmalonate and phenylsuccinate diminished mitochondrial GSH in astrocytes. Moreover, preincubation with butylmalonate but not phenylsuccinate significantly enhanced susceptibility of CGNs to oxidative and nitrosative stressors. This increased vulnerability was largely prevented by incubation with cell-permeable GSH monoethylester but not malate. Finally, knockdown of DIC with adenoviral siRNA also rendered CGNs more susceptible to oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that maintenance of the mitochondrial GSH pool via sustained mitochondrial GSH transport is essential to protect neurons from oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Neuroprotective effects of anthocyanins on apoptosis induced by mitochondrial oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

Mitochondrial oxidative stress (MOS) is a major factor in the underlying pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of a unique class of nutraceutical antioxidants, anthocyanins, against MOS-induced death of cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Callistephin and kuromanin are anthocyanins derived from strawberries and black rice, respectively, whose neuroprotective properties have yet to be examined in detail.

METHODS

Glutathione (GSH)-sensitive MOS and intrinsic apoptosis were induced in CGNs by incubation with the Bcl-2 inhibitor, HA14-1. The effects of anthocyanin co-incubation on CGN survival were assessed.

RESULTS

The anthocyanins demonstrated significant protection from MOS-induced apoptosis which was equivalent to that provided by the green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin 3-gallate; however, neither anthocyanin was as effective as GSH at rescuing CGNs. Inhibition of Bcl-2 caused a significant reduction of mitochondrial GSH which was prevented by the anthocyanins. Furthermore, the anthocyanins inhibited iron-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates and prevented cardiolipin oxidation induced by MOS in CGNs. MOS-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and proteolytic cleavage of the optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) fusion GTPase were also attenuated by the anthocyanins. Finally, the anthocyanins significantly enhanced GSH peroxidase activity in a cell-free assay.

DISCUSSION

These data show that anthocyanins suppress MOS-induced apoptosis by preserving mitochondrial GSH and inhibiting cardiolipin oxidation and mitochondrial fragmentation. These nutraceutical antioxidants warrant further study as potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases caused by MOS.

Bcl-2 is a novel interacting partner for the 2-oxoglutarate carrier and a key regulator of mitochondrial glutathione

Despite making up only a minor fraction of the total cellular glutathione, recent studies indicate that the mitochondrial glutathione pool is essential for cell survival. Selective depletion of mitochondrial glutathione is sufficient to sensitize cells to mitochondrial oxidative stress (MOS) and intrinsic apoptosis. Glutathione is synthesized exclusively in the cytoplasm and must be actively transported into mitochondria. Therefore, regulation of mitochondrial glutathione transport is a key factor in maintaining the antioxidant status of mitochondria. Bcl-2 resides in the outer mitochondrial membrane where it acts as a central regulator of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. In addition, Bcl-2 displays an antioxidant-like function that has been linked experimentally to the regulation of cellular glutathione content. We have previously demonstrated a novel interaction between recombinant Bcl-2 and reduced glutathione (GSH), which was antagonized by either Bcl-2 homology-3 domain (BH3) mimetics or a BH3-only protein, recombinant Bim. These previous findings prompted us to investigate if this novel Bcl-2/GSH interaction might play a role in regulating mitochondrial glutathione transport. Incubation of primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) with the BH3 mimetic HA14-1 induced MOS and caused specific depletion of the mitochondrial glutathione pool. Bcl-2 was coimmunoprecipitated with GSH after chemical cross-linking in CGNs and this Bcl-2/GSH interaction was antagonized by preincubation with HA14-1. Moreover, both HA14-1 and recombinant Bim inhibited GSH transport into isolated rat brain mitochondria. To further investigate a possible link between Bcl-2 function and mitochondrial glutathione transport, we next examined if Bcl-2 associated with the 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC), an inner mitochondrial membrane protein known to transport glutathione in liver and kidney. After cotransfection of CHO cells, Bcl-2 was coimmunoprecipitated with OGC and this novel interaction was significantly enhanced by glutathione monoethyl ester. Similarly, recombinant Bcl-2 interacted with recombinant OGC in the presence of GSH. Bcl-2 and OGC cotransfection in CHO cells significantly increased the mitochondrial glutathione pool. Finally, the ability of Bcl-2 to protect CHO cells from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide was significantly attenuated by the OGC inhibitor phenylsuccinate. These data suggest that GSH binding by Bcl-2 enhances its affinity for the OGC. Bcl-2 and OGC appear to act in a coordinated manner to increase the mitochondrial glutathione pool and enhance resistance of cells to oxidative stress. We conclude that regulation of mitochondrial glutathione transport is a principal mechanism by which Bcl-2 suppresses MOS.

Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor shows anti-apoptotic activity in neural progenitor cells via JAK/STAT5-Bcl-2 pathway

Recently, many studies have shown that granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has anti-apoptotic activity and regulates the expression of anti-apoptotic genes including Bcl-2 family proteins in neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo. This study investigated detailed mechanism of GM-CSF involved in its anti-apoptotic activity and regulation of Bcl-2 expression in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) as a model. NPCs were cultured from the brain of E13 ICR mouse. When NPCs were treated with staurosporine at 1 μM, apoptosis occurred in more than 30% of cells in TUNEL assay. However, apoptosis was significantly inhibited by pre-treatment with GM-CSF at 10 ng/ml. Under the same experimental condition, the expression of both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl was clearly induced by GM-CSF regardless of staurosporine treatment in RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. GM-CSF was shown to induce the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl via Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) but not via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) or RAS-mitogen activated protein kinase kinase-1 (MEK-1) using specific signal pathway inhibitors. Further analyses showed that the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl was induced by GM-CSF via signal transducers and activators of transcription 5 (STAT5) and STAT3, respectively. In addition, JAK/STAT5-Bcl-2 pathway but not JAK/STAT3-Bcl-xl pathway was responsible for the anti-apoptotic activity of GM-CSF in NPCs in TUNEL assay. To our knowledge, this study is the first report that shows differential roles of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, and their regulation mechanism involved in the anti-apoptotic activity of GM-CSF in NPCs.

Nutraceutical antioxidants as novel neuroprotective agents

A variety of antioxidant compounds derived from natural products (nutraceuticals) have demonstrated neuroprotective activity in either in vitro or in vivo models of neuronal cell death or neurodegeneration, respectively. These natural antioxidants fall into several distinct groups based on their chemical structures: (1) flavonoid polyphenols like epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea and quercetin from apples; (2) non-flavonoid polyphenols such as curcumin from tumeric and resveratrol from grapes; (3) phenolic acids or phenolic diterpenes such as rosmarinic acid or carnosic acid, respectively, both from rosemary; and (4) organosulfur compounds including the isothiocyanate, L-sulforaphane, from broccoli and the thiosulfonate allicin, from garlic. All of these compounds are generally considered to be antioxidants. They may be classified this way either because they directly scavenge free radicals or they indirectly increase endogenous cellular antioxidant defenses, for example, via activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor pathway. Alternative mechanisms of action have also been suggested for the neuroprotective effects of these compounds such as modulation of signal transduction cascades or effects on gene expression. Here, we review the literature pertaining to these various classes of nutraceutical antioxidants and discuss their potential therapeutic value in neurodegenerative diseases.

Emerging Bcl-2 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer

INTRODUCTION

Bcl-2 family proteins are a component of the antiapoptotic machinery and are overexpressed in different malignancies. Accordingly, their enhanced expression has been attributed to the observed chemoresistance in most of the cancers. Therefore, targeting Bcl-2 family members becomes an important and attractive approach towards cancer therapy and is currently a very rapidly evolving area of research. This article highlights the numerous advancements that have been made in the design and synthesis of small molecule inhibitors (SMI) of pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins.

AREAS COVERED

This review comprehensively describes the progress made over the last 2 decades on this subject, including the clinical status of SMIs of Bcl-2 family proteins. Newer insights on the status of our knowledge on SMIs of Bcl-2 family proteins, their most beneficial application as well as current and future directions in this field are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Targeting Bcl-2 family proteins using SMI strategies is gaining momentum, with the emergence of certain new classes of inhibitors in Phase I and II clinical settings. In view of the tremendous progress toward the development of such inhibitors, this innovative approach certainly holds promise and has the potential to become a future mainstay for cancer therapy. The stage is set for the next generation of SMIs, for not only Bcl-2 proteins but also for Mcl-1. Other emerging molecules in the apoptotic machinery will also be explored and targeted.

Oxidative stress by targeted agents promotes cytotoxicity in hematologic malignancies

The past decade has seen an exponential increase in the number of cancer therapies with defined molecular targets. Interestingly, many of these new agents are also documented to raise levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in addition to inhibiting a biochemical target. In most cases, the exact link between the primary target of the drug and effects on cellular redox status is unknown. However, it is important to understand the role of oxidative stress in promoting cytotoxicity by these agents, because the design of multiregimen strategies could conceivably build on these redox alterations. Also, drug resistance mediated by antioxidant defenses could potentially be anticipated and circumvented with improved knowledge of the redox-related effects of these targeted agents. Given the large number of targeted chemotherapies, in this review, we focus on selected agents that have shown promise in hematologic malignancies: proteasome inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, Bcl-2-targeted agents, and a kinase inhibitor called adaphostin. Despite structural differences within classes of these compounds, a commonality of causing increased oxidative stress exists, which contributes to induction of cell death.

Green tea epigallocatechin 3-gallate accumulates in mitochondria and displays a selective antiapoptotic effect against inducers of mitochondrial oxidative stress in neurons

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major flavonoid component of green tea that displays antiapoptotic effects in numerous models of neurotoxicity. Although the intrinsic free radical scavenging activity of EGCG likely contributes to its antiapoptotic effect, other modes of action have also been suggested. We systematically analyzed the antiapoptotic action of EGCG in primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). The dose-dependent protective effects of EGCG were determined after coincubation with eight different stimuli that each induced neuronal apoptosis by distinct mechanisms. Under these conditions, EGCG provided significant neuroprotection only from insults that induce apoptosis by causing mitochondrial oxidative stress. Despite this selective antiapoptotic effect, EGCG did not significantly alter the endogenous activities or expression of Mn(2+)- superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, Nrf2, or Bcl-2. Subfractionation of CGNs after incubation with (3)H-EGCG revealed that a striking 90-95% of the polyphenol accumulated in the mitochondrial fraction. These data demonstrate that EGCG selectively protects neurons from apoptosis induced by mitochondrial oxidative stress. This effect is likely due to accumulation of EGCG in the mitochondria, where it acts locally as a free radical scavenger. These properties of EGCG make it an interesting therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases involving neuronal apoptosis triggered by mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Caspases indirectly regulate cleavage of the mitochondrial fusion GTPase OPA1 in neurons undergoing apoptosis

The critical processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion are regulated by members of the dynamin family of GTPases. Imbalances in mitochondrial fission and fusion contribute to neuronal cell death. For example, increased fission mediated by the dynamin-related GTPase, Drp1, or decreased fusion resulting from inactivating mutations in the OPA1 GTPase, causes neuronal apoptosis and/or neurodegeneration. Recent studies indicate that post-translational processing regulates OPA1 function in non-neuronal cells and moreover, aberrant processing of OPA1 is induced during apoptosis. To date, the post-translational processing of OPA1 during neuronal apoptosis has not been examined. Here, we show that cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) or neuroblastoma cells exposed to pro-apoptotic stressors display a novel N-terminal cleavage of OPA1 which is blocked by either pan-caspase or caspase-8 selective inhibitors. OPA1 cleavage occurs concurrently with mitochondrial fragmentation and cytochrome c release in CGNs deprived of depolarizing potassium (5K condition). Although a caspase-8 selective inhibitor prevents both 5K-induced OPA1 cleavage and mitochondrial fragmentation, recombinant caspase-8 fails to cleave OPA1 in vitro. In marked contrast, either caspase-8 or caspase-3 stimulates OPA1 cleavage in digitonin-permeabilized rat brain mitochondria, suggesting that OPA1 is cleaved by an intermembrane space protease which is regulated by active caspases. Finally, the N-terminal truncation of OPA1 induced during neuronal apoptosis removes an essential residue (K301) within the GTPase domain. These data are the first to demonstrate OPA1 cleavage during neuronal apoptosis and they implicate caspases as indirect regulators of OPA1 processing in degenerating neurons.

HA14-1, a small molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2, bypasses chemoresistance in leukaemia cells

We analyzed the biological activity of HA14-1, a small organic compound inhibitor of Bcl-2, against established leukaemia cell lines and blasts from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. HA14-1 had a potent killing activity against the leukaemia cell line that expressed endogenous or ectopic Bcl-2. This activity was mostly caspase-independent and was not altered by the expression of a multidrug-resistant phenotype. Moreover, HA14-1 efficiently induced cell death in a broad spectrum of AML blasts but not in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. Thus, single-agent regimens using Bcl-2 inhibitors such as HA14-1 may be advantageous in overcoming some forms of chemoresistance in AML.

Ceramide response post-photodamage is absent after treatment with HA14-1

The oxidative stress induced by photodynamic therapy using the phthalocyanine Pc 4 (PDT) can lead to apoptosis, and is accompanied by photodamage to Bcl-2 and accumulation of de novo ceramide. Similar to PDT, the oxidative stress inducer and Bcl-2 inhibitor HA14-1 triggers apoptosis. To test the specificity of the ceramide response, Jurkat cells were exposed to an equitoxic dose of HA14-1. Unlike PDT, HA14-1 did not induce accumulation of de novo ceramide, although levels of sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine were below control values after either treatment. In contrast to PDT, (i) the transient inhibition of serine palmitoyltransferase induced by HA14-1 was associated with the initial decrease in de novo ceramide, and (ii) HA14-1-initiated inhibition of sphingomyelin synthase and glucosylceramide synthase did not result in accumulation of de novo ceramide. These results show that the ceramide response to PDT is not induced by another pro-apoptotic stimulus, and may be unique to PDT as described here.

The small organic compound HA14-1 prevents Bcl-2 interaction with Bax to sensitize malignant glioma cells to induction of cell death

A functional imbalance between proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 is likely to participate in the resistance of cancer cells to therapy. We show here that ethyl 2-amino-6-bromo-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate (HA14-1), a small organic compound recently proposed to function as an inhibitor of Bcl-2, increases the sensitivity of human glioblastoma cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This sensitizing effect is lost if Bcl-2 expression, but not Bcl-xL expression, is knocked down or if cells only express a mutant of Bax that does not interact with Bcl-2. This points to a specific Bcl-2 inhibitory function of HA14-1 and implies that it selectively involves hindrance of Bcl-2 binding to Bax, which HA14-1 inhibits in cell-free assays and in cells in receipt of an apoptotic stimulation. Moreover, HA14-1, in combination with a cytotoxic treatment, slows down the growth of glioblastoma in vivo. Thus, the inhibition of Bcl-2 achieved by HA14-1 might improve treatment outcome.