Identification of mRNAs associated with programmed cell death in immature thymocytes

ERRFI1 induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in response to tryptophan deficiency

Tryptophan metabolism is an essential regulator of tumor immune evasion. However, the effect of tryptophan metabolism on cancer cells remains largely unknown. Here, we find that tumor cells have distinct responses to tryptophan deficiency in terms of cell growth, no matter hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, lung cancer cells, or breast cancer cells. Further study shows that ERRFI1 is upregulated in sensitive HCC cells, but not in resistant HCC cells, in response to tryptophan deficiency, and ERRFI1 expression level positively correlates with HCC patient overall survival. ERRFI1 knockdown recovers tryptophan deficiency-suppressed cell growth of sensitive HCC cells. In contrast, ERRFI1 overexpression sensitizes resistant HCC cells to tryptophan deficiency. Moreover, ERRFI1 induces apoptosis by binding PDCD2 in HCC cells, PDCD2 knockdown decreases the ERRFI1-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. Thus, we conclude that ERRFI1-induced apoptosis increases the sensitivity of HCC cells to tryptophan deficiency and ERRFI1 interacts with PDCD2 to induce apoptosis in HCC cells.

PDCD2 functions as an evolutionarily conserved chaperone dedicated for the 40S ribosomal protein uS5 (RPS2)

PDCD2 is an evolutionarily conserved protein with previously characterized homologs in Drosophila (zfrp8) and budding yeast (Tsr4). Although mammalian PDCD2 is essential for cell proliferation and embryonic development, the function of PDCD2 that underlies its fundamental cellular role has remained unclear. Here, we used quantitative proteomics approaches to define the protein-protein interaction network of human PDCD2. Our data revealed that PDCD2 specifically interacts with the 40S ribosomal protein uS5 (RPS2) and that the PDCD2-uS5 complex is assembled co-translationally. Loss of PDCD2 expression leads to defects in the synthesis of the small ribosomal subunit that phenocopy a uS5 deficiency. Notably, we show that PDCD2 is important for the accumulation of soluble uS5 protein as well as its incorporation into 40S ribosomal subunit. Our findings support that the essential molecular function of PDCD2 is to act as a dedicated ribosomal protein chaperone that recognizes uS5 co-translationally in the cytoplasm and accompanies uS5 to ribosome assembly sites in the nucleus. As most dedicated ribosomal protein chaperones have been identified in yeast, our study reveals that similar mechanisms exist in human cells to assist ribosomal proteins coordinate their folding, nuclear import and assembly in pre-ribosomal particles.

Analysis of two domains with novel RNA-processing activities throws light on the complex evolution of ribosomal RNA biogenesis

Ribosomal biogenesis has been extensively investigated, especially to identify the elusive nucleases and cofactors involved in the complex rRNA processing events in eukaryotes. Large-scale screens in yeast identified two biochemically uncharacterized proteins, TSR3 and TSR4, as being key players required for rRNA maturation. Using multiple computational approaches we identify the conserved domains comprising these proteins and establish sequence and structural features providing novel insights regarding their roles. TSR3 is unified with the DTW domain into a novel superfamily of predicted enzymatic domains, with the balance of the available evidence pointing toward an RNase role with the archaeo-eukaryotic TSR3 proteins processing rRNA and the bacterial versions potentially processing tRNA. TSR4, its other eukaryotic homologs PDCD2/rp-8, PDCD2L, Zfrp8, and trus, the predominantly bacterial DUF1963 proteins, and other uncharacterized proteins are unified into a new domain superfamily, which arose from an ancient duplication event of a strand-swapped, dimer-forming all-beta unit. We identify conserved features mediating protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and propose a potential chaperone-like function. While contextual evidence supports a conserved role in ribosome biogenesis for the eukaryotic TSR4-related proteins, there is no evidence for such a role for the bacterial versions. Whereas TSR3-related proteins can be traced to the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) with a well-supported archaeo-eukaryotic branch, TSR4-related proteins of eukaryotes are derived from within the bacterial radiation of this superfamily, with archaea entirely lacking them. This provides evidence for “systems admixture,” which followed the early endosymbiotic event, playing a key role in the emergence of the uniquely eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis process.

Conditional inactivation of PDCD2 induces p53 activation and cell cycle arrest

PDCD2 (programmed cell death domain 2) is a highly conserved, zinc finger MYND domain-containing protein essential for normal development in the fly, zebrafish and mouse. The molecular functions and cellular activities of PDCD2 remain unclear. In order to better understand the functions of PDCD2 in mammalian development, we have examined PDCD2 activity in mouse blastocyst embryos, as well as in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We have studied mice bearing a targeted PDCD2 locus functioning as a null allele through a splicing gene trap, or as a conditional knockout, by deletion of exon2 containing the MYND domain. Tamoxifen-induced knockout of PDCD2 in MEFs, as well as in ESCs, leads to defects in progression from the G1 to the S phase of cell cycle, associated with increased levels of p53 protein and p53 target genes. G1 prolongation in ESCs was not associated with induction of differentiation. Loss of entry into S phase of the cell cycle and marked induction of nuclear p53 were also observed in PDCD2 knockout blastocysts. These results demonstrate a unique role for PDCD2 in regulating the cell cycle and p53 activation during early embryonic development of the mouse.

PDCD2 functions in cancer cell proliferation and predicts relapsed leukemia

PDCD2 is an evolutionarily conserved eukaryotic protein with unknown function. The Drosophlia PDCD2 ortholog Zfrp8 has an essential function in fly hematopoiesis. Zfrp8 mutants exhibit marked lymph gland hyperplasia that results from increased proliferation of partially differentiated hemocytes, suggesting Zfrp8 may participate in cell growth. Based on the above observations we have focused on the role of PDCD2 in human cancer cell proliferation and hypothesized that aberrant PDCD2 expression may be characteristic of human malignancies. We report that PDCD2 is highly expressed in human acute leukemia cells as well as in normal hematopoietic progenitors. PDCD2 knockdown in cancer cells impairs their proliferation, but not viability relative to parental cells, supporting the notion that PDCD2 overexpression facilitates cancer cell growth. Prospective analysis of PDCD2 in acute leukemia patients indicates PDCD2 RNA expression correlates with disease status and is a significant predictor of clinical relapse. PDCD2's role in cell proliferation and its high expression in human malignancies make it an attractive, novel potential molecular target for new anti-cancer therapies.

Apoptosis-like cell death pathways in the unicellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii following treatment with apoptosis inducers and chemotherapeutic agents: a proof-of-concept study

Ancient pathways of an apoptosis-like cell death have been identified in unicellular eukaryotes including protozoan parasites. Here, we examined programmed cell death in the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii which is a common intracellular pathogen of humans and warm-blooded animals. Treatment of extracellular T. gondii with various pro-apoptotic stimuli significantly induced DNA strand breaks as revealed by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Using staurosporine or miltefosine as pro-apoptotic stimuli, parasites also presented a reduced cell size, i.e. pyknosis and externalized phosphatidylserine while the plasma membrane remained intact. Importantly, staurosporine also induced DNA strand breaks in intracellular T. gondii. Data mining of the Toxoplasma genome resource identified 17 putative cell death-associated genes encoding proteases, a nuclease and several apoptosis regulators. Staurosporine-treated parasites but not controls strongly up-regulated several of these genes in a time-dependent fashion with a putative PDCD2 protein being more than 100-fold up-regulated. However, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) remained intact and caspase-like activity increased only slightly during staurosporine-triggered cell death. As compared to staurosporine, the transcriptional response of parasites to miltefosine was more restricted but PDCD2 was again strongly induced. Furthermore, T. gondii lost their ΔΨ_m and rapidly presented strong caspase-like activity during miltefosine treatment. Consequently, protease inhibitors abrogated miltefosine-induced but not staurosporine-induced Toxoplasma cell death. Finally, toxoplasmacidal drugs triggered DNA strand breaks in extracellular T. gondii. Interestingly, clindamycin also induced markers of an apoptosis-like cell death in intracellular parasites. Together, the data indicate that T. gondii possesses ancient apoptosis-like cell death machinery which can be triggered by chemotherapeutic agents.

PDCD2 controls hematopoietic stem cell differentiation during development

Programmed cell death 2 (Pdcd2) is a highly conserved protein of undefined function, and is widely expressed in embryonic and adult tissues. The observations that knockout of Pdcd2 in the mouse is embryonic lethal at preimplantation stages, and that in Drosophila, Zfrp8, the ortholog of Pdcd2, is required for normal lymph gland development suggest that Pdcd2 is important for regulating hematopoietic development. Through genetic and functional studies, we investigated pdcd2 function during the zebrafish ontogeny. Knockdown of pdcd2 expression in zebrafish embryos resulted in defects in embryonic hematopoietic development. Loss of pdcd2 function caused increased expression of progenitor markers, and accumulation of erythroid progenitors during primitive hematopoiesis. Additionally, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) failed to appear in the aorta-gonad mesonephros, and were not able to terminally differentiate or reconstitute hematopoiesis. Pdcd2 effects on HSC emergence were cell autonomous and P53-independent, and loss of pdcd2 function was associated with mitotic defects and apoptosis. Restoration of runx1 function(s) and modulation of apoptosis through the inhibition of Jak/Stat signaling rescued the hematopoietic and erythroid defects resulting from pdcd2 knockdown. Our studies suggest that pdcd2 plays a critical role in regulating the transcriptional hierarchy controlling hematopoietic lineage determination. Furthermore, the effects of pdcd2 in regulating mitotic cell death may contribute to its role(s) in directing hematopoietic differentiation during development.

PDCD2 is essential for inner cell mass development and embryonic stem cell maintenance

PDCD2 is a conserved eukaryotic protein implicated in cell cycle regulation by virtue of its interactions with HCFC1 and the NCOR1/SIN3A corepressor complex. Pdcd2 transcripts are enriched in ES cells and other somatic stem cells, and its ortholog is essential for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance in Drosophila. To characterize the physiological role(s) of mammalian PDCD2, we created a disruption allele in mice. Pdcd2(-/-) embryos underwent implantation but did not undergo further development. Inner cell masses (ICMs) from Pdcd2(-/-) blastocysts failed to outgrow in vitro. Furthermore, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) require PDCD2 as demonstrated by the inability to generate Pdcd2(-/-) ESCs in the absence of an ectopic transgene. Upon differentiation of ESCs by retinoic acid treatment or LIF deprivation, PDCD2 levels declined. In conjunction with prior studies, these results indicate that in vivo, PDCD2 is critical for blastomere and ESC maintenance by contributing to the regulation of genes in a manner essential to the undifferentiated state of these cells.

P2X1 and P2X4 receptor currents in mouse macrophages

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Activation of P2X receptors on macrophages is an important stimulus for cytokine release. This study seeks evidence for functional expression of P2X receptors in macrophages that had been only minimally activated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Whole-cell recordings were made from macrophages isolated 2-6 h before by lavage from mouse peritoneum, without further experimental activation. ATP (1-1000 muM) elicited inward currents in all cells (holding potential -60 mV). The properties of this current were compared among cells from wild type, P2X1 (-/-) and P2X4 (-/-) mice.

KEY RESULTS

Immunoreactivity for P2X1 and P2X4 receptors was observed in wild type macrophages but was absent from the respective knock-out mice. In cells from wild type mice, ATP and alpha beta methyleneATP (alpha beta meATP) evoked inward currents rising in 10-30 ms and declining in 100-300 ms: these were blocked by pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 10 microM). ATP also elicited a second, smaller ( approximately 10% peak amplitude), more slowly decaying (1-3 s) at concentrations > or =10 microM: this was resistant to PPADS and prolonged by ivermectin. Macrophages from P2X1 (-/-) mice responded to ATP (>100 microM) but not alpha beta meATP: these small currents were prolonged by ivermectin. Macrophages from P2X4 (-/-) mice responded to ATP and alpha beta meATP as cells from wild type mice, except that ATP did not evoke the small, slowly decaying component: these currents were blocked by PPADS.

CONCLUSION

Mouse peritoneal macrophages that are minimally activated demonstrate membrane currents in response to ATP and alpha beta meATP that have the predominate features of P2X1 receptors.

Repression of the PDCD2 gene by BCL6 and the implications for the pathogenesis of human B and T cell lymphomas

The human BCL6 gene on chromosome 3 band q27, which encodes a transcriptional repressor, is implicated in the pathogenesis of human lymphomas, especially the diffuse large B-cell type. We previously identified the human PDCD2 (programmed cell death-2) gene as a target of BCL6 repression. PDCD2 encodes a protein that is expressed in many human tissues, including lymphocytes, and is known to interact with corepressor complexes. We now show that BCL6 can bind directly to the PDCD2 promoter, repressing its transcription. Knockdown of endogenous BCL6 in a human B cell lymphoma line by introduction of small interfering RNA duplexes increases PDCD2 protein expression. Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between the expression levels of the BCL6 and PDCD2 proteins in the lymphoid tissues of mice overexpressing human BCL6 (high BCL6 levels, minimal PDCD2) and controls (minimal BCL6, high PDCD2) as well as in tissues examined from some human B and T cell lymphomas. These data confirm PDCD2 as a target of BCL6 and support the concept that repression of PDCD2 by BCL6 is likely important in the pathogenesis of certain human lymphomas.

Conserved alternative and antisense transcripts at the programmed cell death 2 locus

Background

The programmed cell death 2 (Pdcd2) gene on mouse chromosome 17 was evaluated as a member of a highly conserved synteny, a candidate for an imprinted locus, and a candidate for the Hybrid sterility 1 (Hst1) gene.

Results

New mouse transcripts were identified at this locus: an alternative Pdcd2 mRNA skipping the last two coding exons and two classes of antisense RNAs. One class of the antisense RNA overlaps the alternative exon and the other the entire Pdcd2 gene. The antisense RNAs are alternative transcripts of the neighboring TATA-binding protein gene (Tbp) that are located mainly in the cell nucleus. Analogous alternative PDCD2 forms truncating the C-terminal domain were also detected in human and chicken. Alternative transcripts of the chicken PDCD2 and TBP genes also overlap. No correlation in the transcription of the alternative and overlapping mRNAs was detected. Allelic sequencing and transcription studies did not reveal any support for the candidacy of Pdcd2 for Hst1. No correlated expression of Pdcd2 with the other two genes of the highly conserved synteny was observed. Pdcd2, Chd1, and four other genes from this region were not imprinted in the embryo.

Conclusion

The conservation of alternative transcription of the Pdcd2 gene in mouse, human and chicken suggests the biological importance of such truncated protein. The biological function of the alternative PDCD2 is likely to be opposite to that of the constitutive form. The ratio of the constitutive and alternative Pdcd2 mRNAs differs in the tissues, suggesting a developmental role.

The identified Tbp-alternative Pdcd2-antisense transcripts may interfere with the transcription of the Pdcd2 gene, as they are transcribed at a comparable level. The conservation of the Pdcd2/Tbp sense-antisense overlap in the mouse and chicken points out its biological relevance. Our results also suggest that some cDNAs in databases labeled as noncoding are incomplete alternative cDNAs of neighboring protein-coding genes.

Cloning of cDNAs with PDCD2(C) domain and their expressions during apoptosis of HEK293T cells

There are only two isoforms of PDCD2 and MGC13096 containing PDCD2(C) domain in human genome. To study the role of PDCD2_C domain in apoptosis, the cDNAs of two isoforms of PDCD2 and MGC13096 were cloned. The RT-PCR products (AY948416, AY948417) of PDCD2 from RNA of human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) and gastric cancer AGS cell line lost common 99 bp when compared with the sequences of NCBI database (NM_002598, NM_144781). The data of expression of PDCD2 and MGC13096 genes in HEK293T cells which induced to undergo apoptosis by various treatments suggested that there was no significant over-regulation of MGC13096 gene and the over-expression of PDCD2 gene did not occur universally. We searched GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) about PDCD2 and MGC13096. PDCD2 (NM_002598) was over expressed when endothelial cells treated with leukotriene D4 or natural killer cells were activated by IL-2. Perhaps PDCD2_C domain is not universally associated with apoptosis, the function of PDCD2_C domain needs to be studied further.

Normal immune development and glucocorticoid-induced thymocyte apoptosis in mice deficient for the T-cell death-associated gene 8 receptor

T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8) is a G-protein-coupled receptor transcriptionally upregulated by glucocorticoids (GCs) and implicated by overexpression studies in psychosine-mediated inhibition of cytokinesis and in GC-induced apoptosis. To examine the physiological function of TDAG8, we generated knockout (KO) mice by homologous recombination. An enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter was knocked into the disrupted tdag8 locus to allow the analysis of TDAG8 expression in living cells. Interestingly, we found that during thymocyte development, TDAG8 expression resembled the dynamic regulation described for known modulators of GC-induced apoptosis, including Bcl-2, Notch1, and GC receptor. TDAG8 was expressed in double-negative cells, was downregulated at the double-positive transition, and was upregulated in single-positive thymocytes. However, despite this striking expression pattern, maturation and selection of thymocytes, as well as major immune functions, were not affected in TDAG8 KO mice. In contrast to previous overexpression results, TDAG8 was dispensable for psychosine-induced formation of multinucleated cells. Furthermore, TDAG8 KO thymocytes showed normal apoptosis following in vivo and in vitro GC treatment. These results, while establishing a useful reporter strain to study T-lymphocyte maturation, argue against a critical role for TDAG8 in immune development, psychosine-mediated inhibition of cytokinesis, and GC-induced cell death.

Growth arrest-inducing genes are activated in Dbl-transformed mouse fibroblasts

The Dbl oncogene is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPases and its activity has been linked to the regulation of gene transcription. Dbl oncogene expression in NIH3T3 cells leads to changes in morphological and proliferative properties of these cells, inducing a highly transformed phenotype. To gain insights into Dbl oncogene-induced transformation we compared gene expression profiles between Dbl oncogene-transformed and parental NIH3T3 cells by cDNA microarray. We found that Dbl oncogene expression is associated with gene expression modulation involving upregulation of 51 genes and downregulation of 49 genes. Five of the overexpressed genes identified are known to exert antiproliferative functions. Our observations suggest that the expression of Dbl oncogene in NIH3T3 may lead to the induction of genes associated with cell cycle arrest, possibly through the activation of stress-induced kinases.

Aberrant CBFA2T3B gene promoter methylation in breast tumors

Background

The CBFA2T3 locus located on the human chromosome region 16q24.3 is frequently deleted in breast tumors. CBFA2T3 gene expression levels are aberrant in breast tumor cell lines and the CBFA2T3B isoform is a potential tumor suppressor gene. In the absence of identified mutations to further support a role for this gene in tumorigenesis, we explored whether the CBFA2T3B promoter region is aberrantly methylated and whether this correlates with expression.

Results

Aberrant hypo and hypermethylation of the CBFA2T3B promoter was detected in breast tumor cell lines and primary breast tumor samples relative to methylation index interquartile ranges in normal breast counterpart and normal whole blood samples. A statistically significant inverse correlation between aberrant CBFA2T3B promoter methylation and gene expression was established.

Conclusion

CBFA2T3B is a potential breast tumor suppressor gene affected by aberrant promoter methylation and gene expression. The methylation levels were quantitated using a second-round real-time methylation-specific PCR assay. The detection of both hypo and hypermethylation is a technicality regarding the methylation methodology.

PDCD2 is a negative regulator of HCF-1 (C1)

Temperature sensitive mutations in host cell factor 1 (HCF-1) arrest cells in the middle of the G1 phase of the cycle. We have shown that the highly conserved C-terminal WYF domain of HCF-1 protein interacts with the MYND domain of the PDCD2 protein. This inter-action is conserved between human HCF-1 and HCF-2 and the C. elegans HCF. Overexpression of PDCD2, which interacts with the N-CoR/mSin3A corepressor complexes, suppresses cotransfected HCF-1 complement-ation of a temperature lesion in the endogenous HCF-1 protein. Overexpression of domains of either PDCD2 or HCF-1, which should interfere with interactions between these two proteins, enhances the complementation.

The human programmed cell death-2 (PDCD2) gene is a target of BCL6 repression: implications for a role of BCL6 in the down-regulation of apoptosis

BCL6, a gene on chromosome 3 band q27, encodes a Kruppel-type zinc finger transcriptional repressor. Rearrangements of this gene are frequent in various kinds of lymphomas, particularly of the large-cell B-cell type. The BCL6 nuclear phosphoprotein is expressed in a variety of tissues and is up-regulated particularly in lymph node germinal centers. The zinc fingers of BCL6 bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner. To identify targets of the BCL6 repressive effects, we used a VP16-BCL6 fusion protein containing the zinc fingers but devoid of the repressor domains to compete with the binding of endogenous BCL6 in a transiently transfected B-cell line and then performed subtractive hybridization by using a method to selectively amplify sequences that are differentially expressed. We found that the programmed cell death-2 (PDCD2) gene is a target of BCL6 repression. This gene is the human homolog of Rp8, a rat gene associated with programmed cell death in thymocytes. Immunohistochemistry reveals the anticipated inverse relationship between BCL6 and PDCD2 expression in human tonsil. PDCD2 is detectable in cells of the germinal center in areas where there is less BCL6 expression as well as in the mantle zone, where there is little or no BCL6 expression. These results raise the possibility that BCL6 may regulate apoptosis by means of its repressive effects on PDCD2. BCL6 deregulation may lead to persistent down-regulation of PDCD2, reduced apoptosis, and, as a consequence, accumulation of BCL6-containing lymphoma cells.

Frequent loss of expression or aberrant alternative splicing of P2XM, a p53-inducible gene, in soft-tissue tumours

We investigated expression of a human p53-inducible gene, P2XM, a member of the P2X-receptor family of ATP-gated ion channels, in 56 human primary soft-tissue tumours including 47 sarcomas and nine benign tumors. Among the 47 sarcomas examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, 12 had lost expression of this gene and 22 revealed altered splicing patterns; among the nine benign tumours, four showed no expression of P2XM and three revealed aberrant splicing patterns involving transmembrane domains M1 and/or M2. As the aberrant transcripts lacked either or both of those domains, the protein products probably lacked normal function. We also looked for p53 mutations and mdm2 overexpression in the same panel of tumours and found them in 13 tumours, all but three of which had shown altered expression of P2XM. However, 31 (72%) of the 43 tumours that carried wild-type p53 without mdm2 overexpression had revealed aberrant P2XM expression. Our results suggest that disorder of P2XM expression may play a crucial role in the genesis of benign and malignant tumours in soft tissues, and that one or more genetic factors other than p53 or mdm2 contribute significantly to aberrant P2XM expression.

ETO-2, a new member of the ETO-family of nuclear proteins

The t(8;21) is associated with 12-15% of acute myelogenous leukemias of the M2 subtype. The translocation results in the fusion of two genes, AML1 (CBFA2) on chromosome 21 and ETO (MTG8) on chromosome 8. AML1 encodes a DNA binding factor; the ETO protein product is less well characterized, but is thought to be a transcription factor. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of ETO-2, a murine cDNA that encodes a new member of the ETO family of proteins. ETO-2 is 75% identical to murine ETO and shares very high sequence identities over four regions of the protein with ETO (domain I-III and zinc-finger). Northern analysis identifies ETO-2 transcripts in many of the murine tissues analysed and in the developing mouse embryo. ETO-2 is also expressed in myeloid and erythroid cell lines. We confirmed the nuclear localization of ETO-2 and demonstrated that domain III and the zinc-finger region are not required for nuclear localization. We further showed that a region within ETO, containing domain II, mediates dimerization among family members. This region is conserved in the oncoprotein AML-1/ETO. The recent identification of another ETO-like protein, myeloid translocation gene-related protein 1, together with the data presented here, demonstrates that at least three ETO proteins exist with the potential to form dimers in the cell nucleus.

ETO, fusion partner in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia, represses transcription by interaction with the human N-CoR/mSin3/HDAC1 complex

The t(8;21) translocation between two genes known as AML1 and ETO is seen in approximately 12-15% of all acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is the second-most-frequently observed nonrandom genetic alteration associated with AML. AML1 up-regulates a number of target genes critical to normal hematopoiesis, whereas the AML1/ETO fusion interferes with this trans-activation. We discovered that the fusion partner ETO binds to the human homolog of the murine nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR). The interaction is mediated by two unusual zinc finger motifs present at the carboxyl terminus of ETO. Human N-CoR (HuN-CoR), which we cloned and sequenced in its entirety, encodes a 2,440-amino acid polypeptide and has a central domain that binds ETO. N-CoR, mammalian Sin3 (mSin3A and B), and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) form a complex that alters chromatin structure and mediates transcriptional repression by nuclear receptors and by a number of oncoregulatory proteins. We found that ETO, through its interaction with the N-CoR/mSin3/HDAC1 complex, is also a potent repressor of transcription. This observation provides a mechanism for how the AML1/ETO fusion may inhibit expression of AML1-responsive target genes and disturb normal hematopoiesis.

Apoptosis in the chick wing bud and the permanence of FGF-2 rescue

Two regions of programmed cell death that occur in the mesoderm of developing chick wing buds were studied in vitro. The opaque patch (OP) and posterior necrotic zone (PNZ) were examined for the presence of internucleosomal DNA degradation and for rescue by protein synthesis inhibition, two defining characteristics of apoptosis. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that DNA from OP and PNZ tissue was cleaved into nucleosome size pieces and this cleavage was prevented by inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide. Both regions showed rescue with cycloheximide as determined by the chromium release assay and examination of electron micrographs. Also, the permanence of basic fibroblast growth factor (EGF-2) rescue in the OP and NPZ was examined using the chromium release assay. While rescue in the OP was found to be permanent, rescue in the PNZ only delayed death while FGF-2 was present in the culture medium. This research shows that death in the OP and PNZ exhibits internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and is prevented by inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide, biochemically characterizing this death as apoptosis. It also suggests that in vitro FGF-2 rescue is permanent in the OP but is merely a delay of cell death in the PNZ.

The AML1-MTG8 leukemic fusion protein forms a complex with a novel member of the MTG8(ETO/CDR) family, MTGR1

The AML1-CBFbeta transcription factor complex is essential for the definitive hematopoiesis of all lineages and is the most frequent target of chromosomal rearrangements in human leukemia. In the t(8;21) translocation associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the AML1(CBFA2/PEBP2alphaB) gene is juxtaposed to the MTG8(ETO/CDR) gene. We show here that the resultant AML1-MTG8 gene product specifically and strongly interacts with an 85-kDa phosphoprotein. Molecular cloning of cDNA indicated that the AML1-MTG8-binding protein (MTGR1) is highly related to MTG8 and similar to Drosophila Nervy. Comparison of amino acid sequences among MTGR1, MTG8, and Nervy revealed four evolutionarily conserved regions (NHR1 to NHR4). Ectopic expression of AML1-MTG8 in L-G murine myeloid progenitor cells inhibits differentiation to mature neutrophils and induces cell proliferation in response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Analysis with C-terminal deletion mutants of AML1-MTG8 indicated that the region of 51 residues (488 to 538), which contains NHR2, is essential for the induction of G-CSF-dependent cell proliferation. Immunoprecipitation analysis indicates that this region is required for AML1-MTG8 to form a stable complex with MTGR1. Overexpression of MTGR1 stimulates AML1-MTG8 to induce G-CSF-dependent proliferation of L-G cells and to interfere with AML1-dependent transcription. These results suggest that AML1-MTG8 could function as a complex with MTGR1 and that the complex might be important in promoting leukemogenesis.

The t(8;21) fusion product, AML-1-ETO, associates with C/EBP-alpha, inhibits C/EBP-alpha-dependent transcription, and blocks granulocytic differentiation

AML-1B is a hematopoietic transcription factor that is functionally inactivated by multiple chromosomal translocations in human acute myeloblastic and B-cell lymphocytic leukemias. The t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocation replaces the C terminus, including the transactivation domain of AML-1B, with ETO, a nuclear protein of unknown function. We previously showed that AML-1-ETO is a dominant inhibitor of AML-1B-dependent transcriptional activation. Here we demonstrate that AML-1-ETO also inhibits C/EBP-alpha-dependent activation of the myeloid cell-specific, rat defensin NP-3 promoter. AML-1B bound the core enhancer motifs present in the NP-3 promoter and activated transcription approximately sixfold. Similarly, C/EBP-alpha bound NP-3 promoter sequences and activated transcription approximately sixfold. Coexpression of C/EBP-alpha with AML-1B or its family members, AML-2 and murine AML-3, synergistically activated the NP-3 promoter up to 60-fold. The t(8;21) product, AML-1-ETO, repressed AML-1B-dependent activation of NP-3 and completely inhibited C/EBP-alpha-dependent activity as well as the synergistic activation. In contrast, the inv(16) product, which indirectly targets AML family members by fusing their heterodimeric DNA binding partner, CBF-beta, to the myosin heavy chain, inhibited AML-1B but not C/EBP-alpha activation or the synergistic activation. AML-1-ETO and C/EBP-alpha were coimmunoprecipitated and thus physically interact in vivo. Deletion mutants demonstrated that the C terminus of ETO was required for AML-1-ETO-mediated repression of the synergistic activation but not for association with C/EBP-alpha. Finally, overexpression of AML-1-ETO in myeloid progenitor cells prevented granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-induced differentiation. Thus, AML-1-ETO may contribute to leukemogenesis by specifically inhibiting C/EBP-alpha- and AML-1B-dependent activation of myeloid promoters and blocking differentiation.

Dynamics of ATP-induced calcium signaling in single mouse thymocytes

Extracellular ATP (ATPo) elicits a robust change in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in fura-2-loaded mouse thymocytes. Most thymocytes (60%) exposed to ATPo exhibited a biphasic rise in [Ca2+]i; [Ca2+]i rose slowly at first to a mean value of 260 nM after 163 s and then increased rapidly to a peak level of 735 nM. In many cells, a declining plateau, which lasted for more than 10 min, followed the crest in [Ca2+]i. Experiments performed in the absence of extracellular [Ca2+]o abolished the rise in thymocyte [Ca2+]i, indicating that Ca2+ influx, rather than the release of stored Ca2+, is stimulated by ATPo. ATPo- mediated Ca2+ influx was potentiated as the [Mg2+]o was reduced, confirming that ATP4- is the active agonist form. In the absence of Mg2+o, 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP (BzATP) proved to be the most effective agonist of those tested. The rank order of potency for adenine nucleotides was BzATP4->ATP4->MgATP2->ADP3-, suggesting purinoreceptors of the P2X7/P2Z class mediate the ATPo response. Phenotyping experiments illustrate that both immature (CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8+) and mature (CD4+CD8-, CD4-CD8+) thymocyte populations respond to ATP. Further separation of the double-positive population by size revealed that the ATPo-mediated [Ca2+]i response was much more pronounced in large (actively dividing) than in small (terminally differentiated) CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. We conclude that thymocytes vary in sensitivity to ATPo depending upon the degree of maturation and suggest that ATPo may be involved in processes that control cellular differentiation within the thymus.

Transient up-regulation of P2Y2 nucleotide receptor mRNA expression is an immediate early gene response in activated thymocytes

In studies designed to understand the roles of P2 nucleotide receptors in differentiation of T lymphocytes, we observed a transient and protein synthesis-independent enhancement of mRNA expression for the G protein-coupled P2Y2 receptor in mouse thymocytes after the addition of steroid hormone or T cell receptor (TCR) crosslinking by anti-TCR mAb. Conversely, dexamethasone-induced increases in mRNA expression for the ligand-gated ion channel P2X1 receptor was detected in rat, but not mouse, thymocytes, raising questions about the previously suggested role of P2X1 receptors in thymocyte apoptosis. Flow cytometry analysis of thymocyte subsets excluded the possibility that the observed increases in P2Y2 receptor mRNA expression were due to the enrichment of steroid-treated cells with an P2Y2 mRNA-rich thymocyte subset. Triggering of TCR-mediated intracellular signaling pathways through crosslinking of TCR or by addition of phorbol ester and Ca2+ ionophore also resulted in the up-regulation of P2Y2, but not P2X1, receptor mRNA. It is proposed that the rapid increase of P2Y2 receptor mRNA expression could be a common early event in responses of T cells to different activating stimuli. Taken together with the recently discovered ability of nucleotide receptor-initiated signaling to antagonize or enhance the effects of TCR crosslinking or steroids on thymocytes, the observed rapid up-regulation of P2Y2 receptor mRNA expression may reflect an immediate early gene response where newly expressed cell surface nucleotide receptors provide regulatory feedback signaling from extracellular ATP in the T cell differentiation process.

Transglutaminase induction by various cell death and apoptosis pathways

Clarification of the molecular details of forms of natural cell death, including apoptosis, has become one of the most challenging issues of contemporary biomedical sciences. One of the effector elements of various cell death pathways is the covalent cross-linking of cellular proteins by transglutaminases. This review will discuss the accumulating data related to the induction and regulation of these enzymes, particularly of tissue type transglutaminase, in the molecular program of cell death. A wide range of signalling pathways can lead to the parallel induction of apoptosis and transglutaminase, providing a handle for better understanding the exact molecular interactions responsible for the mechanism of regulated cell death.

Relationship between tamoxifen-induced transforming growth factor beta 1 expression, cytostasis and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells

Previously we have shown that tamoxifen (TAM) induces morphological and biochemical changes typical of apoptosis in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 or ER-negative MDA-231 human breast cancer cells. In this study the effects of TAM on expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) were correlated with the effects on cell cycle kinetics and apoptosis. TAM had similar biphasic effects on both cell lines. Short-term (< 6 h) TAM incubation resulted in a slight decrease in TGF-beta 1 protein despite an increase in TGF-beta 1 mRNA and was associated with an increase in cells in S-phase. No apoptotic effects were noted. Longer (> or = 12 h) TAM incubation induced TGF-beta 1 protein (about 3-fold) and mRNA expression (about 2-fold) in both cell lines, and was associated with G1/G0 blockade and induction of apoptosis. The accumulation of TAM-induced TGF-beta 1 mRNA was increased by cycloheximide, but was not affected by 17 beta-oestradiol. Long-term incubation with TAM had no significant effect on TGF-beta 1 gene copy number. TAM-induced internucleosomal DNA cleavage was inhibited in both cell lines by the addition of an anti-TGF-beta 1 antibody. TAM has dose- and time-dependent effects on TGF-beta 1 expression associated with changes in cell cycle kinetics. These effects are independent of ER status and may be the result of a direct regulatory effect of TAM on TGF-beta 1 transcription. It also appears that induction of TGF-beta 1 plays an important role in TAM-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Fas and activation-induced Fas ligand mediate apoptosis of T cell hybridomas: inhibition of Fas ligand expression by retinoic acid and glucocorticoids

Activation of T cell hybridomas induces a G1/S cell cycle block and apoptosis. We isolated a variant of the 2B4.11 T cell hybridoma that, when activated via the TCR, produced IL-2 and underwent growth inhibition but did not die. Analysis of a variety of cell surface molecules revealed that the variant cell line, termed VD1, expressed very low levels of Fas compared to the wild type cells. Unlike 2B4.11 cells, VD1 cells were not killed by Fas ligand (FasL)-bearing effector cells. To determine if Fas is involved in activation-induced apoptosis, two different reagents that specifically bind Fas without killing the T cell hybridomas, a monoclonal antibody and a soluble Fas:Fc chimeric molecule, were added to activated T cell hybridomas. Both treatments prevented activation-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on IL-2 production or growth inhibition. Northern blot analysis revealed that unactivated 2B4.11 cells expressed negligible levels of FasL mRNA, but transcripts were detectable as early as 2 h after activation and continued to increase up to 4-6 h after activation. Anti-TCR induced activation of 2B4.11 cells in the presence of a TCR- 2B4.11 variant resulted in death of the unactivated "bystander" cells, which was inhibited by anti-Fas antibodies. Finally, treatment of T hybridoma cells with 9-cis retinoic acid or glucocorticoids, which are known to prevent activation-induced T cell apoptosis, inhibited the up-regulation of FasL. We conclude that up-regulated expression of FasL and its subsequent interaction with Fas accounts for the apoptotic response of T cell hybridomas to activation, and that retinoic acid and corticosteroids inhibit activation-induced apoptosis by preventing up-regulation of FasL.

Recessive mutations in a common pathway block thymocyte apoptosis induced by multiple signals

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-regulated transcription factor that controls genes necessary to initiate glucocorticoid-induced thymocyte apoptosis. We have performed a genetic analysis of thymocyte cell death by isolating and characterizing a panel of GR+ dexamethasone-resistant mutants of the murine WEHI7.2 thymocyte cell line. These apoptosis-defective (Apt-) mutants were used to identify previously unknown early steps in the apoptotic pathway. The Apt- mutants contain nonglucocorticoid receptor, recessive mutations in genes that represent multiple complementation groups. These mutations block apoptosis induced by dexamethasone, gamma irradiation, and c-AMP treatment before the point where Bcl-2 exerts its protective effect. We propose that different signals share a common apoptotic pathway, and that the induction of apoptosis involves multiple precommitment steps that can be blocked by recessive mutations.

Altered gene expression in neurons during programmed cell death: identification of c-jun as necessary for neuronal apoptosis

We have examined the hypothesis that neuronal programmed cell death requires a genetic program; we used a model wherein rat sympathetic neurons maintained in vitro are deprived of NGF and subsequently undergo apoptosis. To evaluate gene expression potentially necessary for this process, we used a PCR-based technique and in situ hybridization; patterns of general gene repression and selective gene induction were identified in NGF-deprived neurons. A temporal cascade of induced genes included "immediate early genes," which were remarkable in that their induction occurred hours after the initial stimulus of NGF removal and the synthesis of some required ongoing protein synthesis. The cascade also included the cell cycle gene c-myb and the genes encoding the extracellular matrix proteases transin and collagenase. Concurrent in situ hybridization and nuclear staining revealed that while c-jun was induced in most neurons, c-fos induction was restricted to neurons undergoing chromatin condensation, a hallmark of apoptosis. To evaluate the functional role of the proteins encoded by these genes, neutralizing antibodies were injected into neurons. Antibodies specific for either c-Jun or the Fos family (c-Fos, Fos B, Fra-1, and Fra-2) protected NGF-deprived neurons from apoptosis, whereas antibodies specific for Jun B, Jun D, or three nonimmune antibody preparations had no protective effect. Because these induced genes encode proteins ranging from a transcription factor necessary for death to proteases likely involved in tissue remodeling concurrent with death, these data may outline a genetic program responsible for neuronal programmed cell death.

Evidence for trans regulation of apoptosis in intertypic somatic cell hybrids

The genetic components required for glucocorticoid induction of apoptosis were studied by using somatic cell hybridization. Intertypic whole-cell hybrids were generated by crossing the glucocorticoid-resistant rat liver cell line Fado-2 with the glucocorticoid-sensitive mouse thymoma cell line BW5147.3. Morphological and biochemical criteria were used to assess sensitivity or resistance to glucocorticoid-induced cell death. Both phenotypes were observed, and all of the hybrids retained a functional glucocorticoid receptor as judged by their abilities to induce the metallothionein gene in response to dexamethasone (Dex). Sensitivity to apoptosis did not correlate with morphological phenotype in that not all suspension cells were sensitive. The effect of glucocorticoids on the expression of apoptosis-linked genes was analyzed in a subset of Dex-sensitive and Dex-resistant hybrids. p53 and c-myc mRNAs were present in parental cells as well as sensitive and resistant hybrid cells, and their levels were not affected by glucocorticoid treatment. bcl-2 expression was restricted to the thymoma cell line and was also not affected by glucocorticoids. We did not detect any bcl-2 mRNA in the hepatoma cell line and the hybrids, suggesting that, as with most tissue-specific genes, bcl-2 is regulated in trans. Furthermore, while the majority of hybrids analyzed retained a full complement of mouse chromosomes, sensitive hybrids were missing some rat chromosomes (preferentially chromosomes 16 and 19), indicating that apoptosis is subject to trans repression. Resistant cells thus appear to repress the activity or synthesis of a nuclear factor that interacts with a glucocorticoid-dependent gene(s) to activate the cell death pathway.

Evidence for trans regulation of apoptosis in intertypic somatic cell hybrids

The genetic components required for glucocorticoid induction of apoptosis were studied by using somatic cell hybridization. Intertypic whole-cell hybrids were generated by crossing the glucocorticoid-resistant rat liver cell line Fado-2 with the glucocorticoid-sensitive mouse thymoma cell line BW5147.3. Morphological and biochemical criteria were used to assess sensitivity or resistance to glucocorticoid-induced cell death. Both phenotypes were observed, and all of the hybrids retained a functional glucocorticoid receptor as judged by their abilities to induce the metallothionein gene in response to dexamethasone (Dex). Sensitivity to apoptosis did not correlate with morphological phenotype in that not all suspension cells were sensitive. The effect of glucocorticoids on the expression of apoptosis-linked genes was analyzed in a subset of Dex-sensitive and Dex-resistant hybrids. p53 and c-myc mRNAs were present in parental cells as well as sensitive and resistant hybrid cells, and their levels were not affected by glucocorticoid treatment. bcl-2 expression was restricted to the thymoma cell line and was also not affected by glucocorticoids. We did not detect any bcl-2 mRNA in the hepatoma cell line and the hybrids, suggesting that, as with most tissue-specific genes, bcl-2 is regulated in trans. Furthermore, while the majority of hybrids analyzed retained a full complement of mouse chromosomes, sensitive hybrids were missing some rat chromosomes (preferentially chromosomes 16 and 19), indicating that apoptosis is subject to trans repression. Resistant cells thus appear to repress the activity or synthesis of a nuclear factor that interacts with a glucocorticoid-dependent gene(s) to activate the cell death pathway.

Expression of a specific marker of avian programmed cell death in both apoptosis and necrosis

Apoptosis and necrosis are two types of cell death with different morphologic features. We report here the isolation of a monoclonal antibody, BV2, that specifically recognizes cells undergoing developmental programmed cell death in different tissues of the chicken and zebra-finch embryos. The antigen recognized by BV2 monoclonal antibody is detected in vitro in primary chicken embryonic fibroblasts induced to die by actinomycin D, as well as fibroblasts induced to die by chemical anoxia. The expression of this specific antigen during necrosis appears to require active protein synthesis. These findings provide evidence that cells from different embryonic tissues undergoing programmed cell death during vertebrate development express similar antigens and indicate that apoptosis and necrosis may share similar biochemical features.

Regulation of apoptosis in transgenic mice by simian virus 40 T antigen-mediated inactivation of p53

Several proteins encoded by DNA tumor viruses are thought to disrupt cellular growth control by interacting with key cellular proteins, such as p53 and pRB, that normally function to regulate cell growth. However, the biological consequences of intracellular complexing between the viral oncoproteins and cellular proteins have remained unclear. Such complexes could either facilitate functional inactivation of the cellular proteins, leading to a loss-of-function phenotype, or could activate new functions, leading to a gain-of-function phenotype. Here we demonstrate that the simian virus 40 large tumor (T) antigen produces a loss-of-p53-function phenotype when introduced into the thymocytes of transgenic mice. Like thymocytes from the recently characterized p53-null mice, thymocytes from transgenic mice expressing a T-antigen variant capable of binding to p53 are resistant to irradiation-induced apoptosis. Thymocytes from transgenic mice expressing a mutant T antigen that is unable to complex p53, but retains the ability to complex the pRB and p107 proteins, retain sensitivity to irradiation. We further demonstrate that although irradiation-induced apoptosis is impaired by T antigen, clonal deletion of autoreactive thymocytes via p53-independent apoptosis is not perturbed by T antigen. These results provide convincing evidence that T antigen inactivates p53 in thymocytes in vivo and suggest a mechanism by which T antigen predisposes thymocytes to tumorigenesis in T antigen-transgenic mice.

Constitutive expression of interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 in lymphoid organs and inducible expression in T cells and thymocytes

Interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), a member of a family of small proinflammatory chemotactic polypeptides, is expressed in interferon gamma-stimulated keratinocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Here we report that IP-10 is also expressed by activated but not resting T hybridoma cells, normal T cells, and thymocytes. Although resting lymphocytes did not synthesize IP-10, surprisingly high levels of IP-10 transcripts were found in lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes). Thymic and splenic stromal cells were found to express constitutively high levels of both IP-10 mRNA and protein, accounting for the high level of spontaneous expression in lymphoid tissue. Therefore, in addition to its role as a proinflammatory cytokine, IP-10 may participate in T cell effector function and perhaps T cell development.

Ubiquitin pathway involvement in human lymphocyte gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis

Apoptosis (the classical type of programmed cell death) can be triggered in many cell types by widely diverse stimuli. gamma rays, at low doses, can induce apoptosis in vitro in interphase human lymphocytes. In this type of apoptosis induction, activated gene expression is necessary for the fulfillment of the death program. In this report, we present evidence for a relationship between ubiquitin gene expression or ubiquitination and gamma-irradiation-mediated apoptosis in normal circulating human lymphocytes. Using in vitro nuclear transcription assays (run-on), Northern (RNA) blot analysis, immunolocalization studies, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis after immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that (i) the ubiquitin mRNA level is increased as a consequence of the activation of ubiquitin gene transcription 15 to 90 min after initiation of apoptosis; (ii) specifically in apoptotic cells, and not in all irradiated cells, nuclear proteins are highly ubiquitinated; and (iii) ubiquitin sequence-specific antisense oligonucleotide inhibition results in a decreased level of ubiquitinated nuclear proteins and considerably diminishes the proportion of cells exhibiting the apoptotic death pattern. Each of these results might be explained by different modifications occurring in irradiated cells. Their convergence strongly suggests that the ubiquitin gene is one of the genes with induced activity in the apoptotic death program and that ubiquitination of nuclear proteins might be involved in chromatin disorganization and oligonucleosomal fragmentation, which are among the key events occurring in apoptosis.

Ubiquitin pathway involvement in human lymphocyte gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis

Apoptosis (the classical type of programmed cell death) can be triggered in many cell types by widely diverse stimuli. gamma rays, at low doses, can induce apoptosis in vitro in interphase human lymphocytes. In this type of apoptosis induction, activated gene expression is necessary for the fulfillment of the death program. In this report, we present evidence for a relationship between ubiquitin gene expression or ubiquitination and gamma-irradiation-mediated apoptosis in normal circulating human lymphocytes. Using in vitro nuclear transcription assays (run-on), Northern (RNA) blot analysis, immunolocalization studies, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis after immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that (i) the ubiquitin mRNA level is increased as a consequence of the activation of ubiquitin gene transcription 15 to 90 min after initiation of apoptosis; (ii) specifically in apoptotic cells, and not in all irradiated cells, nuclear proteins are highly ubiquitinated; and (iii) ubiquitin sequence-specific antisense oligonucleotide inhibition results in a decreased level of ubiquitinated nuclear proteins and considerably diminishes the proportion of cells exhibiting the apoptotic death pattern. Each of these results might be explained by different modifications occurring in irradiated cells. Their convergence strongly suggests that the ubiquitin gene is one of the genes with induced activity in the apoptotic death program and that ubiquitination of nuclear proteins might be involved in chromatin disorganization and oligonucleosomal fragmentation, which are among the key events occurring in apoptosis.

p53-mediated cell death: relationship to cell cycle control

M1 clone S6 myeloid leukemic cells do not express detectable p53 protein. When stably transfected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of p53, these cells undergo rapid cell death upon induction of wild-type (wt) p53 activity at the permissive temperature. This process has features of apoptosis. In a number of other cell systems, wt p53 activation has been shown to induce a growth arrest. Yet, wt 53 fails to induce a measurable growth arrest in M1 cells, and cell cycle progression proceeds while viability is being lost. There exists, however, a relationship between the cell cycle and p53-mediated death, and cells in G1 appear to be preferentially susceptible to the death-inducing activity of wt p53. In addition, p53-mediated M1 cell death can be inhibited by interleukin-6. The effect of the cytokine is specific to p53-mediated death, since apoptosis elicited by serum deprivation is refractory to interleukin-6. Our data imply that p53-mediated cell death is not dependent on the induction of a growth arrest but rather may result from mutually incompatible growth-regulatory signals.

p53-mediated cell death: relationship to cell cycle control

M1 clone S6 myeloid leukemic cells do not express detectable p53 protein. When stably transfected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of p53, these cells undergo rapid cell death upon induction of wild-type (wt) p53 activity at the permissive temperature. This process has features of apoptosis. In a number of other cell systems, wt p53 activation has been shown to induce a growth arrest. Yet, wt 53 fails to induce a measurable growth arrest in M1 cells, and cell cycle progression proceeds while viability is being lost. There exists, however, a relationship between the cell cycle and p53-mediated death, and cells in G1 appear to be preferentially susceptible to the death-inducing activity of wt p53. In addition, p53-mediated M1 cell death can be inhibited by interleukin-6. The effect of the cytokine is specific to p53-mediated death, since apoptosis elicited by serum deprivation is refractory to interleukin-6. Our data imply that p53-mediated cell death is not dependent on the induction of a growth arrest but rather may result from mutually incompatible growth-regulatory signals.

Apoptosis (the 1992 Frank Rose Memorial Lecture)

Apoptosis is a mode of cell death with characteristic structural features. These appear to result from a set of discrete cellular events that are regulated by gene expression. Oncogenesis and oncosuppressor genes are involved in this regulation. The role of c-myc is of particular interest, as it can act as a bivalent regulator, determining either cell proliferation or apoptosis, depending on whether free movement around the cell cycle is supported (by growth factors) or is limited by growth factor deprivation or treatment with other cycle-blocking agents. In vivo, c-myc expression may be associated with a 'high-turnover' state in which cell proliferation and apoptosis co-exist. Certain other oncogenes (e.g. ras, bcl-2) rescue cells from susceptibility to apoptosis and so convert this high-turnover state into rapid population expansion. One role of the oncosuppressor gene p53 may be to initiate apoptosis by causing G 1/S arrest in cells expressing c-myc. Some aspects of resistance and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents can be explained on the basis of movement between the population-expansion and the high-turnover states, perhaps through modulation of the expression of these and other genes.

Nerve growth factor withdrawal-induced cell death in neuronal PC12 cells resembles that in sympathetic neurons

Previous studies have shown that in neuronal cells the developmental phenomenon of programmed cell death is an active process, requiring synthesis of both RNA and protein. This presumably reflects a requirement for novel gene products to effect cell death. It is shown here that the death of nerve growth factor-deprived neuronal PC12 cells occurs at the same rate as that of rat sympathetic neurons and, like rat sympathetic neurons, involves new transcription and translation. In nerve growth factor-deprived neuronal PC12 cells, a decline in metabolic activity, assessed by uptake of [3H]2-deoxyglucose, precedes the decline in cell number, assessed by counts of trypan blue-excluding cells. Both declines are prevented by actinomycin D and anisomycin. In contrast, the death of nonneuronal (chromaffin-like) PC12 cells is not inhibited by transcription or translation inhibitors and thus does not require new protein synthesis. DNA fragmentation by internucleosomal cleavage does not appear to be a consistent or significant aspect of cell death in sympathetic neurons, neuronal PC12 cells, or nonneuronal PC12 cells, notwithstanding that the putative nuclease inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid protects sympathetic neurons, as well as neuronal and nonneuronal PC12 cells, from death induced by trophic factor removal. Both phenotypic classes of PC12 cells respond to aurintricarboxylic acid with similar dose-response characteristics. Our results indicate that programmed cell death in neuronal PC12 cells, but not in nonneuronal PC12 cells, resembles programmed cell death in sympathetic neurons in significant mechanistic aspects: time course, role of new protein synthesis, and lack of a significant degree of DNA fragmentation.

Active cell death in hormone-dependent tissues

Active cell death (ACD) in hormone-dependent tissues such as the prostate and mammary gland is readily induced by hormone ablation and by treatment with anti-androgens or anti-estrogens, calcium channel agonists and TGF beta. These agents induce a variety of genes within the hormone-dependent epithelial cells including TRPM-2, transglutaminase, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Hsp27 and several other unidentified genes. Not all epithelial cells in the glands are equally sensitive to the induction of ACD. In the prostate, the secretory epithelial cells that are sensitive to hormone ablation are localized in the distal region of the prostatic ducts, and are in direct contact with the neighboring stroma. In contrast, the epithelial cells in the proximal regions of the ducts are more resistant to hormone ablation, probably because the permissive effects of the stroma are attenuated by the presence of the basal epithelial cells, which are intercalated between the epithelium and stroma. The underlying biology of ACD in prostate and mammary glands, and its relevance to hormone resistance, is discussed in this review.

Distinct sites of production and deposition of the putative cell death marker clusterin in the human thymus

Clusterin is a multifunctional protein endowed with cell-aggregating, complement-inhibitory, and lipid-binding properties. Since several studies have demonstrated highly increased clusterin gene expression in epithelial and nervous tissues regressing as a consequence of tissue involution and apoptotic cell death, clusterin is also considered as a specific marker of dying cells. To determine whether clusterin expression is also upregulated during thymocyte death occurring during the negative selection process we analyzed the cellular distribution of clusterin mRNA and protein by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry in the human thymus. We observed that the expression of clusterin mRNA was confined to cells present in the thymic medulla, concentrated mainly around Hassal's bodies. Immunostaining of adjacent sections with antikeratin Ab revealed that cells containing clusterin mRNA were predominantly epithelial. By contrast no clusterin mRNA was found in thymocytes by in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis of total RNA from purified thymocyte populations. Clusterin protein colocalized with the membrane attack complex of complement and vitronectin in the center of the largest Hassal's bodies, but was not detectable by immunocytochemistry in or at the surface of epithelial cells. Our results demonstrate that clusterin gene expression does not take place in apoptotic thymocytes, and therefore that clusterin synthesis by the dying cell is probably not a prerequisite to its death. However, synthesis of clusterin by medullary epithelial cells may be related to their terminal differentiation, and, furthermore, its presence in Hassal's bodies raises the possibility that the secreted protein is involved in the disposal of cell debris resulting from thymocyte apoptosis.

Evidence that glucocorticoid- and cyclic AMP-induced apoptotic pathways in lymphocytes share distal events

WEHI7.2 murine lymphocytes undergo apoptotic death when exposed to glucocorticoids or elevated levels of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), and these pathways are initiated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and protein kinase A, respectively. We report the isolation and characterization of a novel WEHI7.2 variant cell line, WR256, which was selected in a single step for growth in the presence of dexamethasone and arose at a frequency of approximately 10(-10). The defect was not GR-related, as WR256 expressed functional GR and underwent GR-dependent events associated with apoptosis, such as hormone-dependent gene transcription and inhibition of cell proliferation. Moreover, the glucocorticoid-resistant phenotype was stable in culture and did not revert after treatment with 5-azacytidine or upon stable expression of GR cDNA. In addition, WR256 did not exhibit the diminished mitochondrial activity commonly associated with apoptosis. Interestingly, WR256 was also found to be resistant to 8-bromo-cAMP and forskolin despite having normal levels of protein kinase A activity and the ability to induce cAMP-dependent transcription. We examined the steady-state transcript levels of bcl-2, a gene whose protein product acts dominantly to inhibit thymocyte apoptosis, to determine whether elevated bcl-2 expression could account for the resistant phenotype. Our data showed that bcl-2 RNA levels were similar in the two cell lines and not altered by either dexamethasone or 8-bromo-cAMP treatment. These results suggest that WR256 exhibits a "deathless" phenotype and has a unique defect in a step of the apoptotic cascade that may be common to the glucocorticoid- and cAMP-mediated cell death pathways.

Evidence that glucocorticoid- and cyclic AMP-induced apoptotic pathways in lymphocytes share distal events

WEHI7.2 murine lymphocytes undergo apoptotic death when exposed to glucocorticoids or elevated levels of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), and these pathways are initiated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and protein kinase A, respectively. We report the isolation and characterization of a novel WEHI7.2 variant cell line, WR256, which was selected in a single step for growth in the presence of dexamethasone and arose at a frequency of approximately 10(-10). The defect was not GR-related, as WR256 expressed functional GR and underwent GR-dependent events associated with apoptosis, such as hormone-dependent gene transcription and inhibition of cell proliferation. Moreover, the glucocorticoid-resistant phenotype was stable in culture and did not revert after treatment with 5-azacytidine or upon stable expression of GR cDNA. In addition, WR256 did not exhibit the diminished mitochondrial activity commonly associated with apoptosis. Interestingly, WR256 was also found to be resistant to 8-bromo-cAMP and forskolin despite having normal levels of protein kinase A activity and the ability to induce cAMP-dependent transcription. We examined the steady-state transcript levels of bcl-2, a gene whose protein product acts dominantly to inhibit thymocyte apoptosis, to determine whether elevated bcl-2 expression could account for the resistant phenotype. Our data showed that bcl-2 RNA levels were similar in the two cell lines and not altered by either dexamethasone or 8-bromo-cAMP treatment. These results suggest that WR256 exhibits a "deathless" phenotype and has a unique defect in a step of the apoptotic cascade that may be common to the glucocorticoid- and cAMP-mediated cell death pathways.