Comparative analysis of the intracellular localization of c-Myc, c-Fos, and replicative proteins during cell cycle progression

Chemogenetic activation of the HPC-mPFC pathway improves cognitive dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide -induced brain injury

Rationale: Although sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common psychiatric complication in septic patients, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explored the role of the hippocampus (HPC) - medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pathway in cognitive dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide-induced brain injury. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was used to induce an animal model of SAE. We first identified neural projections from the HPC to the mPFC via a retrograde tracer and virus expression. The activation viruses (pAAV-CaMKIIα-hM3Dq-mCherry) were injected to assess the effects of specific activation of mPFC excitatory neurons on cognitive tasks and anxiety-related behaviors in the presence of clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). Activation of the HPC-mPFC pathway was evaluated via immunofluorescence staining of c-Fos-positive neurons in mPFC. Western blotting was performed to determine protein levels of synapse- associated factors. Results: We successfully identified a structural HPC-mPFC connection in C57BL/6 mice. LPS-induced sepsis induces cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behaviors. Chemogenetic activation of the HPC-mPFC pathway improved LPS-induced cognitive dysfunction but not anxiety-like behavior. Inhibition of glutamate receptors abolished the effects of HPC-mPFC activation and blocked activation of the HPC-mPFC pathway. The glutamate receptor-mediated CaMKII/CREB/BDNF/TrKB signaling pathway influenced the role of the HPC-mPFC pathway in sepsis-induced cognitive dysfunction. Conclusions: HPC-mPFC pathway plays an important role in cognitive dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide-induced brain injury. Specifically, the glutamate receptor-mediated downstream signaling appears to be an important molecular mechanism linking the HPC-mPFC pathway with cognitive dysfunction in SAE.

PIN1 Provides Dynamic Control of MYC in Response to Extrinsic Signals

PIN1 is a phosphorylation-directed member of the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) family that facilitates conformational changes in phosphorylated targets such as c-MYC (MYC). Following signaling events that mediate phosphorylation of MYC at Serine 62, PIN1 establishes structurally distinct pools of MYC through its trans-cis and cis-trans isomerization activity at Proline 63. Through these isomerization steps, PIN1 functionally regulates MYC's stability, the molecular timing of its DNA binding and transcriptional activity, and its subnuclear localization. Recently, our group showed that Serine 62 phosphorylated MYC can associate with the inner basket of the nuclear pore (NP) in a PIN1-dependent manner. The poised euchromatin at the NP basket enables rapid cellular response to environmental signals and cell stress, and PIN1-mediated trafficking of MYC calibrates this response. In this perspective, we describe the molecular aspects of PIN1 target recognition and PIN1's function in the context of its temporal and spatial regulation of MYC.

Post-translational modification localizes MYC to the nuclear pore basket to regulate a subset of target genes involved in cellular responses to environmental signals

In this study, Su et al. investigate how post-translational modifications of Myc that affect stability and oncogenic activity regulate its function. They show that Ser62 phosphorylation and PIN1-mediated isomerization of MYC dynamically regulate the spatial distribution of MYC in the nucleus, promoting its association with the inner basket of the nuclear pore in response to proliferative signals, where it recruits the histone acetyltransferase GCN5 to bind and regulate local gene acetylation and expression, thus providing new insights into how post-translational modification of MYC controls its spatial activity.

The transcription factor MYC (also c-Myc) induces histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and the release of paused RNA polymerase to broadly regulate transcription. MYC is subject to a series of post-translational modifications that affect its stability and oncogenic activity, but how these control MYC's function on the genome is largely unknown. Recent work demonstrates an intimate connection between nuclear compartmentalization and gene regulation. Here, we report that Ser62 phosphorylation and PIN1-mediated isomerization of MYC dynamically regulate the spatial distribution of MYC in the nucleus, promoting its association with the inner basket of the nuclear pore in response to proliferative signals, where it recruits the histone acetyltransferase GCN5 to bind and regulate local gene acetylation and expression. We demonstrate that PIN1-mediated localization of MYC to the nuclear pore regulates MYC target genes responsive to mitogen stimulation that are involved in proliferation and migration pathways. These changes are also present at the chromatin level, with an increase in open regulatory elements in response to stimulation that is PIN1-dependent and associated with MYC chromatin binding. Taken together, our study indicates that post-translational modification of MYC controls its spatial activity to optimally regulate gene expression in response to extrinsic signals in normal and diseased states.

Is Myc an Important Biomarker? Myc Expression in Immune Disorders and Cancer

The proto-oncogene Myc serves as a paradigm for understanding the dynamics of transcriptional regulation. Myc protein has been linked to immune dysfunction, cancer development and neoplastic transformation. We review recent research regarding functions of Myc as an important modulator in immune disorders, postallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and several cancers. Myc overexpression has been repeatedly linked to immune disorders and specific cancers, such as myasthenia gravis, psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, atherosclerosis, long-term allogeneic survival among HSCT patients, (primary) inflammatory breast cancer, (primary) ovarian carcinoma and hematological malignancies: acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, decreased expression of Myc has been observed in HSCT patients who did not survive. Understanding impaired or inappropriate expression of Myc may present a path for the discovery of new targets for therapeutic applications.

Nuclear functions of prefoldin

Prefoldin is a cochaperone, present in all eukaryotes, that cooperates with the chaperonin CCT. It is known mainly for its functional relevance in the cytoplasmic folding of actin and tubulin monomers during cytoskeleton assembly. However, both canonical and prefoldin-like subunits of this heterohexameric complex have also been found in the nucleus, and are functionally connected with nuclear processes in yeast and metazoa. Plant prefoldin has also been detected in the nucleus and physically associated with a gene regulator. In this review, we summarize the information available on the involvement of prefoldin in nuclear phenomena, place special emphasis on gene transcription, and discuss the possibility of a global coordination between gene regulation and cytoplasmic dynamics mediated by prefoldin.

Functional complexity of the axonal growth cone: a proteomic analysis

The growth cone, the tip of the emerging neurite, plays a crucial role in establishing the wiring of the developing nervous system. We performed an extensive proteomic analysis of axonal growth cones isolated from the brains of fetal Sprague-Dawley rats. Approximately 2000 proteins were identified at ≥ 99% confidence level. Using informatics, including functional annotation cluster and KEGG pathway analysis, we found great diversity of proteins involved in axonal pathfinding, cytoskeletal remodeling, vesicular traffic and carbohydrate metabolism, as expected. We also found a large and complex array of proteins involved in translation, protein folding, posttranslational processing, and proteasome/ubiquitination-dependent degradation. Immunofluorescence studies performed on hippocampal neurons in culture confirmed the presence in the axonal growth cone of proteins representative of these processes. These analyses also provide evidence for rough endoplasmic reticulum and reveal a reticular structure equipped with Golgi-like functions in the axonal growth cone. Furthermore, Western blot revealed the growth cone enrichment, relative to fetal brain homogenate, of some of the proteins involved in protein synthesis, folding and catabolism. Our study provides a resource for further research and amplifies the relatively recently developed concept that the axonal growth cone is equipped with proteins capable of performing a highly diverse range of functions.

Nuclear transport of protein TTC4 depends on the cell cycle

TTC4 (tetratricopeptide repeat domain protein 4) is a putative tumor suppressor involved in the transformation of melanocytes. At present, the relationships between TTC4 and DNA replication proteins are largely unknown, as are the tissue distribution and subcellular localization of TTC4. Using reverse transcription with the polymerase chain reaction, we have observed that the murine TTC4 gene is ubiquitously expressed. Analysis of the TTC4 subcellular localization has shown that, upon overexpression, TTC4 localizes to the cytoplasm. Interestingly, co-expression with a known protein interaction partner, hampin/MSL1, results in the nuclear translocation of the TTC4 protein. The subcellular localization of endogenous TTC4 depends, however, on the cell cycle: it is mostly nuclear in the G1 and S phases and is evenly distributed between the nucleus and cytoplasm in G2. The nuclear transport of TTC4 is apparently a complex process dependent on interactions with other proteins during the progression of the cell cycle. Thus, the dynamic character of the nuclear accumulation of TTC4 might be a potential link with regard to its function in tumor suppression.

Heterodimerization with Jun family members regulates c-Fos nucleocytoplasmic traffic

c-Fos proto-oncoprotein forms AP-1 transcription complexes with heterodimerization partners such as c-Jun, JunB, and JunD. Thereby, it controls essential cell functions and exerts tumorigenic actions. The dynamics of c-Fos intracellular distribution is poorly understood. Hence, we have combined genetic, cell biology, and microscopic approaches to investigate this issue. In addition to a previously characterized basic nuclear localization signal (NLS) located within the central DNA-binding domain, we identified a second NLS within the c-Fos N-terminal region. This NLS is non-classic and its activity depends on transportin 1 in vivo. Under conditions of prominent nuclear localization, c-Fos can undergo nucleocytoplasmic shuttling through an active Crm-1 exportin-independent mechanism. Dimerization with the Jun proteins inhibits c-Fos nuclear exit. The strongest effect is observed with c-Jun probably in accordance with the relative stabilities of the different c-Fos:Jun dimers. Retrotransport inhibition is not caused by binding of dimers to DNA and, therefore, is not induced by indirect effects linked to activation of c-Fos target genes. Monomeric, but not dimeric, Jun proteins also shuttle actively. Thus, our work unveils a novel regulation operating on AP-1 by demonstrating that dimerization is crucial, not only for active transcription complex formation, but also for keeping them in the compartment where they exert their transcriptional function.

Optimizing the protein switch: altering nuclear import and export signals, and ligand binding domain

Ligand regulated localization controllable protein constructs were optimized in this study. Several constructs were made from a classical nuclear export signal (HIV-rev, MAPKK, or progesterone receptor) in combination with a SV40 T-antigen type nuclear import signal. Different ligand binding domains (LBDs from glucocorticoid receptor or progesterone receptor) were also tested for their ability to impart control over localization of proteins. This study was designed to create constructs which are cytoplasmic in the absence of ligand and nuclear in the presence of ligand, and also to regulate the amount of protein translocating to the nucleus on ligand induction. The balance between the strengths of import and export signals was critical for overall localization of proteins. The amount of protein entering the nucleus was also affected by the dose of ligand (10-100 nM). However, the overall import characteristics were determined by the strengths of localization signals and the inherent localization properties of the LBD used. This study established that the amount of protein present in a particular compartment can be regulated by the use of localization signals of various strengths. These optimized localization controllable protein constructs can be used to correct for diseases due to aberrant localization of proteins.

Intrathecal landiolol inhibits nociception and spinal c-Fos expression in the mouse formalin test

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine if intrathecal landiolol, a beta1-blocker, can modulate formalin-induced nociception and spinal c-Fos expression in mice, in the absence of anesthesia.

METHODS

Thirty-two mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: the control group (n = 8) received intrathecal normal saline 10 microL, while the other three groups (n = 8 for each) received intrathecal landiolol at escalating doses of 250 microg.kg(-1), 500 microg.kg(-1) and 750 microg.kg(-1) respectively, immediately after induction of anesthesia with isoflurane. After awakening, inflammatory pain was induced by 10 microL of 5% formalin solution injected into the dorsal surface of the right hind paw. The nociceptive behaviours including licking, biting and lifting of the injected paw were cumulatively recorded as seconds of behaviours/min during phase I (0-10 min) and phase II (10-45 min). The c-Fos protein expressions in the spinal dorsal horn were detected with immunohistochemical techniques in the control and landiolol 750 microg.kg(-1) groups.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, intrathecal injection of landiolol 750 microg.kg(-1) significantly decreased pain-related behaviours in phase I, while intrathecal landiolol 250 microg.kg(-1), 500 microg.kg(-1) and 750 microg.kg(-1) significantly decreased pain-related behaviours in phase II during the formalin test. The numbers of c-Fos immunoreactive nuclei in the L5 spinal dorsal horn were significantly lower in the landiolol 750 microg.kg(-1) group compared to the control group (landiolol 750 microg.kg(-1) 2.4 +/- 1.1 vs control 9.2 +/- 3.9; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present study indicates that intrathecally administered landiolol produces significant antinociceptive effects in the formalin test. Although further studies exploring the detailed mechanism are needed, these data suggest a potential role of beta1-adrenoreceptors in spinal nociceptive processing.

Spatiotemporal regulation of c-Fos by ERK5 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR1, and its biological role

c-Fos is regulated by phosphorylation and multiple turnover mechanisms. We found that c-Fos was ubiquitylated in the cytoplasm during IL-6/gp130 stimulation under MEK inhibition and sought the mechanisms involved in the regulation. We show that sustained ERK5 activity and the E3 ligase UBR1 regulate the stability and subcellular localization of c-Fos. UBR1, rapidly induced by STAT3, interacts with and ubiquitylates c-Fos in the cytoplasm for its accelerated degradation. ERK5 inhibits the nuclear export of c-Fos by phosphorylating Thr232 in the c-Fos NES(221-233) and disrupts the interaction of c-Fos with UBR1 by phosphorylating Ser32. Moreover, UBR1 depletion in HeLa cells, which constitutively express UBR1 at a high level, enhances both c-Fos expression and cell growth, whereas ERK5 depletion reduces both of them. Interestingly, an NES mutant of c-Fos, but not wild-type, substitutes ERK5 activity for HeLa cell proliferation. Thus, this spatiotemporal regulation of c-Fos by ERK5 and UBR1 is critical for the regulation of c-Fos/AP-1.

Ovol1 regulates the growth arrest of embryonic epidermal progenitor cells and represses c-myc transcription

Transcriptional control plays a key role in regulating epidermal proliferation and differentiation. Although ample information has been obtained on how epidermal homeostasis is controlled in adult skin, less is known about the control of proliferation/differentiation of epidermal stem/progenitor cells in the developing embryo. Ovol1, encoding a zinc finger protein homologous to Drosophila melanogaster Ovo, is expressed in embryonic epidermal progenitor cells that are transiting from proliferation to terminal differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate a function for Ovol1 in interfollicular epidermal development. In its absence, developing epidermis fails to properly restrict the proliferative potential of progenitor cells, and cultured keratinocytes fail to efficiently undergo growth arrest in response to extrinsic growth-inhibitory signals. We present molecular evidence that c-myc expression is up-regulated in Ovol1-deficient suprabasal cells and that Ovol1 represses c-myc transcription by directly binding to its promoter. Collectively, our findings indicate that Ovol1 is required for proliferation exit of committed epidermal progenitor cells and identify c-myc as an Ovol1 target.

Rapamycin causes activation of protein phosphatase-2A1 and nuclear translocation of PCNA in CD4+ T cells

Rapamycin is a powerful immunosuppressant that causes cell cycle arrest in T cells and several other cell types. Despite its important clinical role, the mechanism of action of rapamycin is not fully understood. Here, we show that rapamycin causes the activation of protein phosphatase-2A1 which forms a complex with proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in a CD4+ T cell line. Rapamycin also induces PCNA translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, an effect which is antagonized by okadaic acid, an inhibitor of type 2A protein phosphatases. These findings provide evidence for the existence of a signal transduction pathway that links a rapamycin-activated type 2A protein phosphatase to the control of DNA synthesis, DNA repair, cell cycle, and cell death via PCNA.

Cytoplasmic c-Fos induced by the YXXQ-derived STAT3 signal requires the co-operative MEK/ERK signal for its nuclear translocation

A STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3)- and a MEK/Erk-mediated signal can be activated by cytokines, including IL-6 (interleukin-6), PDGF, and EGF. Recently, STAT3 and an ERK-signal were shown to co-operatively activate the c-fos gene. Activation of a truncated form of the IL-6 receptor subunit, gp130, that had only one YXXQ motif, induced both c-Fos and JunB in NIH3T3 cells through STAT3 without an apparent increase in the AP-1 (activator protein-1) activity. In contrast, concomitant stimulation of the STAT3 signal and a MEK/Erk-signal markedly increased AP-1 activity with enhanced c-Fos expression. Surprisingly, the c-Fos induced by the YXXQ-signal alone was localized to the cytoplasm, from which it translocated into the nucleus following TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate) treatment in a MEK/Erk-dependent manner. c-Fos that was expressed from a constitutive promoter localized to the nucleus and did not move into the cytoplasm in response to the YXXQ-signal. Rather, the YXXQ-signal was required during c-Fos production for it to be retained in the cytoplasm. Thus, the YXXQ-signal induces c-Fos expression through STAT3 and anchors the new c-Fos in the cytoplasm. In addition, the YXXQ-signal and an Erk signal co-operatively cause c-Fos activation in the nucleus.

Dynamic interplay between O-glycosylation and O-phosphorylation of nucleocytoplasmic proteins: a new paradigm for metabolic control of signal transduction and transcription

The glycosylation of serine and threonine residues with beta-O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is an abundant posttranslational modification of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins in multicellular eukaryotes. This highly dynamic glycosylation/deglycosylation of protein is catalyzed by the nucleocytoplasmic enzymes, UDP-G1cNAc: polypeptide O-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OGT)/O-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. OGT is required for embryonic stem cell viability and mouse ontogeny, thus O-GlcNAc is essential for the life of eukaryotes. The gene encoding O-GlcNAcase maps to a locus important to late-onset Alzheimer's disease. All known O-GlcNAc-modified proteins are also phosphoproteins that form reversible multimeric protein complexes. There is both a global and often site-specific reciprocal relationship between O-GlcNAc and O-phosphate in many cellular responses to stimuli. Thus, regulation of the protein-protein interaction(s) and/or protein function by dynamic glycosylation/phosphorylation has been hypothesized. In this chapter, we will review the current status of dynamic glycosylation/phosphorylation of several important regulatory proteins including c-Myc, estrogen receptors, Sp1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and beta-catenin. Various aspects of subcellular localization, association with binding partners, activity, and/or turnover of these proteins appear to be regulated by dynamic glycosylation/ phosphorylation in response to cellular signals or stages.

The myc oncogene: MarvelouslY Complex

The activated product of the myc oncogene deregulates both cell growth and death check points and, in a permissive environment, rapidly accelerates the affected clone through the carcinogenic process. Advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of Myc action are highlighted in this review. With the revolutionary developments in molecular diagnostic technology, we have witnessed an unprecedented advance in detecting activated myc in its deregulated, oncogenic form in primary human cancers. These improvements provide new opportunities to appreciate the tumor subtypes harboring deregulated Myc expression, to identify the essential cooperating lesions, and to realize the therapeutic potential of targeting Myc. Knowledge of both the breadth and depth of the numerous biological activities controlled by Myc has also been an area of progress. Myc is a multifunctional protein that can regulate cell cycle, cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, transformation, genomic instability, and angiogenesis. New insights into Myc's role in regulating these diverse activities are discussed. In addition, breakthroughs in understanding Myc as a regulator of gene transcription have revealed multiple mechanisms of Myc activation and repression of target genes. Moreover, the number of reported Myc regulated genes has expanded in the past few years, inspiring a need to focus on classifying and segregating bona fide targets. Finally, the identity of Myc-binding proteins has been difficult, yet has exploded in the past few years with a plethora of novel interactors. Their characterization and potential impact on Myc function are discussed. The rapidity and magnitude of recent progress in the Myc field strongly suggests that this marvelously complex molecule will soon be unmasked.

Pattern of expression of c-Myc, Max and Bin1 in human anagen hair follicles

BACKGROUND

We recently reported the presence of c-Myc immunoreactivity in two distinct regions of the inner root sheath (IRS) of human anagen hair follicles; they corresponded to the regions where keratinocytes of Henle's and Huxley's layers enter the terminal differentiation phase that will lead to their exfoliation in the pilary canal. These regions were denoted lower (LR) ring and upper ring (UR).

OBJECTIVES

To extend these observations to other genes connected to c-Myc and specifically to Max and Bin1. Max is the best known heterodimeric partner of c-Myc, interacting with its C-terminal domain, and Bin1 is an adaptor protein interacting with its N-terminal domain.

METHODS

Human anagen hair follicles were processed for c-Myc, Max and Bin1 immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The presence of different isoforms of Bin1 was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis of sections cut in several planes, including tangential, demonstrated the presence of a third ring of c-Myc-positive cells (intermediate ring; IR) in the cuticle of the IRS corresponding to the region where this thin layer undergoes keratinization. Max immunoreactivity was observed in the three layers of the IRS starting in the lower bulbar region and ending in each of them at the level of the corresponding c-Myc-positive ring. Bin1 immunoreactivity was clearly distinguished only in Huxley's layer and in the cuticle, starting in some cells below the UR and terminating at the level of the latter. The companion layer of the outer root sheath was also labelled up to the infundibular region. Max and Bin1 immunostaining were less consistently observed in other skin adnexae and in the epidermis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the asynchronous differentiation along the axis of the hair follicle of the different layers of the IRS and of the companion layer involves the expression of different genes that are interrelated in the so-called 'Myc network'. The specific localization of c-Myc in the IRS only at the level of the discrete and limited regions of the three rings appears to be the hallmark of the switch from differentiation to terminal differentiation/cell deletion.

c-Myc expression in human anagen hair follicles

The hair follicle represents a very attractive organ system for studying the precise balance between cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and death of cells, because it periodically and regularly regenerates, retaining its morphogenetic signals throughout its life. One of the most intriguing oncogenes which is able to induce both cell growth and apoptosis, depending upon the environmental conditions, is c-myc. The aim of the present study was to investigate its presence and localization in human hair follicles by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Our observations demonstrated the consistent presence of two clusters of c-Myc-expressing cells in anagen follicles, located in two annular regions of the inner root sheath, at the border between cells characterized by putative trichohyalin granules and cells which are keratinized. The lower group belongs to Henle's layer, while the upper group belongs to Huxley's layer. c-Myc oncoprotein seems to favour apoptosis/differentiation and may be a marker for terminal differentiation of trichocytes, at least in the inner root sheath. Our findings agree with the interpretation that the complex morphology of the hair follicle reflects its complex function; the extrusion of a highly organized multicellular structure, the hair shaft, driven by another highly organized multicellular structure, the inner root sheath.

Repression of NF-kappaB impairs HeLa cell proliferation by functional interference with cell cycle checkpoint regulators

NF-kappaB is an inducible transcription factor, which is regulated by interaction with inhibitory IkappaB proteins. Previous studies linked the activity of NF-kappaB to the proliferative state of the cell. Here we have analysed the function of NF-kappaB in the cell cycle. Inhibition of NF-kappaB in HeLa cells by stable overexpression of a transdominant negative IkappaB-alpha protein reduced cell growth. A kinetic analysis of the cell cycle revealed a retarded G1/S transition. The IkappaB-alpha overexpressing cell clones showed a decreased percentage of cells in the S phase and an impaired incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). The amounts of cyclins A, B1, D1, D3, and E were unchanged, but the G1-specific proteins cyclin D2 and cdk2 were strongly elevated in the IkappaB-alpha overexpressing cell clones. These cell clones also displayed an increase in cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity, pointing to a cell cycle arrest at the late G1 phase. IkappaB-alpha overexpression crosstalked to cell cycle checkpoints via a reduction of transcription factor p53 and elevation of p21WAF. Surprisingly, the IkappaB-alpha overexpressing cells showed an enrichment of c-Myc in the nucleoli, although the total amount of c-Myc protein was unchanged. These experiments identify an important contribution of the NF-kappaB/IkappaB system for the growth of HeLa cells.

New Myc-interacting proteins: a second Myc network emerges

Despite its intensive investigation for almost two decades, c-Myc remains a fascinating and enigmatic subject. A large and compelling body of evidence indicates that c-Myc is a transcription factor with central roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, but its exact function has remained elusive. In this review we survey recent advances in the identification and analysis of c-Myc-binding proteins, which suggest insights into the transcriptional roles of c-Myc but which also extend the existing functional paradigms. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of c-Myc mediates interaction with Max and physiological recognition of DNA target sequences, events needed for all biological actions. Recently described interactions between the CTD and other cellular proteins, including YY-1, AP-2, BRCA-1, TFII-I, and Miz-1, suggest levels of regulatory complexity beyond Max in controlling DNA recognition by c-Myc. The N-terminal domain (NTD), which includes the evolutionarily conserved and functionally crucial Myc Box sequences (MB1 and MB2), contains the transcription activation domain (TAD) of c-Myc as well as regions required for transcriptional repression, cell cycle regulation, transformation, and apoptosis. In addition to interaction with the retinoblastoma family protein p107, the NTD has been shown to interact with alpha-tubulin and the novel adaptor proteins Binl, MM-1, Pam, TRRAP, and AMY-1. The structure of these proteins and their effects on c-Myc actions suggest links to the transcriptional regulatory machinery as well as to cell cycle regulation, chromatin modeling, and apoptosis. Investigations of this emerging NTD-based network may reveal how c-Myc is regulated and how it affects cell fate, as well as providing tools to distinguish the physiological roles of various Myc target genes.

Determination of copy number of c-Myc protein per cell by quantitative Western blotting

The protooncogene c-Myc plays a key role in growth control, differentiation, and apoptosis. An abnormally high expression of c-myc has been found to be associated with many neoplasms. c-Myc gene expression is usually measured at the mRNA level. Few studies have been published on quantitative Myc protein determination. A major drawback of ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) methods is the uncertainty of the specificity of the antibody reaction. In contrast, antibody specificity can be easily controlled by Western/immunoblotting. Here we describe a method to quantify c-Myc protein in primary human IMR90 lung fibroblasts based on Western blotting. Using a high-resolution polyacrylamide gel, we were able to differentiate the cellular c-Myc protein (64 kDa) from a c-Myc internal standard (65 kDa). We determined both the total c-Myc protein content per cell and its distribution in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions. About 4000 c-Myc protein molecules were detected in the cytoplasmic fraction and 29,000 copies in the nuclear fraction for proliferating human lung fibroblasts IMR90. The ratio of nuclear (active) to cytoplasmic (inactive) c-Myc protein changed from 17:1 for proliferating cells to 2.5:1 for confluent cells.

Molecular analysis of human interleukin-9 receptor transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Identification of a splice variant encoding for a nonfunctional cell surface receptor

Genetic studies on mouse models of asthma have identified interleukin-9 (IL9) as a determining factor in controlling bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a hallmark of the disease. Recently, the human IL9 receptor (hIL9R) gene locus has also been implicated in determining susceptibility to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma. In order to evaluate the structure and function of the encoded product, we analyzed receptor transcripts derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 50 unrelated donors. Sequence analysis of the entire coding region identified a splice variant that contains an in frame deletion of a single residue at codon 173 (DeltaQ). This variant could be permanently expressed in a cytokine-dependent murine T-cell line but lacked the ability to induce proliferation in response to human IL9. In situ analyses of cells expressing the wild-type and DeltaQ receptors found both forms to be expressed at the cell surface, but the DeltaQ receptor was unable to bind hIL9 and could not be recognized by N-terminal specific antibodies. These findings demonstrate that hIL9RDeltaQ presents an altered structure and function and suggests its potential role in down-regulating IL9 signaling in effector cells and associated biological processes.

Accelerated proliferative senescence of rat embryo fibroblasts after stable transfection of multiple copies of the c-Myc DNA-binding sequence

The protooncogene c-myc positively regulates cellular proliferation whereas it exhibits negative effects on both cellular senescence and differentiation. Ectopic overexpression of c-myc in transfection experiments or titration of the c-myc mRNA by antisense oligonucleotides has demonstrated that small changes of the concentration of cellular c-myc mRNA or protein levels can be crucial for these processes. In view of the role of c-Myc as a transcription factor, most of these effects may be mediated via its binding to specific DNA sequences. Here we studied the cellular reactions after manipulating the cellular concentration of c-Myc DNA-binding sites. Multiple copies of the c-Myc-binding sequence GACCACGTGGTC or, alternatively, the control sequence GACCAGCTGGTC that displays only a poor affinity for c-Myc were stably introduced into the genome of rat embryo fibroblasts. Transfection with the c-Myc-binding sequence yielded much lower clone numbers and sizes than transfection with the control sequence. After polyclonal selection and further subcultivation cells transfected with c-Myc-binding sequence exhibited a reduced growth rate and achieved less than two-thirds of the cumulative population doublings before becoming senescent and irreversibly growth arrested compared to the controls. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that 30 binding sequences on average were integrated into the cellular genome. Our results can be interpreted as competition of the ectopically introduced c-Myc-binding sequences with the functional genomic ones and assume that a fairly low number of the latter exist in the normal cellular genome. Hence, only a low copy number of introduced c-Myc-binding sequences is sufficient to cause signs of accelerated proliferative senescence.

c-Raf kinase binds to N-terminal domain of c-Myc

We have demonstrated that the 50 N-terminal amino acids of c-Myc bind a kinase activity, which phosphorylates Myc in vitro predominantly on Thr8. We also have shown that c-Raf, a widely known Ser/Thr kinase, involved in the Ras signaling pathway, binds to the same portion of c-Myc in vitro. In addition we were able to precipitate native c-Myc/Raf complex from various cell lysates. Physical interaction of Myc and Raf may potentially be a part of their well-known functional cooperation.

Differential regulation of bcl-2, bax, c-fos, junB, and krox-24 expression in the cerebellum of Purkinje cell degeneration mutant mice

Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) is an autosomal recessive mutation in the mouse characterized by an almost complete loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons between postnatal days 22 and 28. The pcd gene has not been identified, however, a relationship between activation of specific genes and cell death has been suggested in other models of neuronal cell death. In the present study we analyzed the expression of several candidate cell death effector genes (bax, c-fos, junB, krox-24) and a cell death repressor gene (bcl-2) in the cerebellum of pcd homozygotes and wild-type mice. At postnatal day 22, when Purkinje cells start to degenerate, levels of c-fos, junB, and krox-24 mRNA increased about 5-fold in mutants. To the contrary, the amount of bcl-2 mRNA declined and bax transcripts remained unchanged compared to wild-type animals. Immunoreactivity for c-Fos and Jun could be detected exclusively in cerebellar Purkinje neurons of pcd mice but not in wild-types, whereas the number of Bcl-2 immunopositive Purkinje cells decreased significantly in mutants. Both double labeling experiments and immunostaining of consecutive sections revealed lack of colocalization of Jun with Bcl-2. These results demonstrate an induction of members of the fos and jun family and a downregulation of antiapoptotic bcl-2 in cerebellar Purkinje neurons that are destined to die. Fos and Jun transcription factor proteins may be implicated in the regulation of bcl-2 expression and in the signal cascade leading to Purkinje cell death.

Immunogold labeling of oncogenic and tumor related proteins

Immunogold labeling electron microscopy technique has been used to study the ultrastructural localization of oncogenic proteins: Mos, Met, Ski, and the tumor-associated protein, Muc1, as well as their relationship with other tumor-related proteins. By pre- and postembedding immunogold labeling electron microscopy techniques, we showed that the Mos protein pp39mos colocalized with microtubule bundles, suggesting that microtubulin or microtubule-associated protein(s) may be the substrate of Mos. Met protein was labeled at the microvilli of the lumen that are formed in cultured T47D cells, implying its potential involvement in lumen formation. Ski localization experiments revealed a unique globular structure "Ski body" that is present inside the nucleus of interphase chicken embryo fibroblast infected with Ski cDNA FB29 and FB2-29. Ski bodies were also found scattered in the cytoplasm of metaphase FB29 and FB2-29 Ski expressing chicken embryo fibroblasts. In T47D cells, tumor-associated protein Muc1 was associated with both the plasma membrane and the membranes of secretory vesicles in the cytoplasm. In MUC1 infected NIH3T3 cells, however, labeling showed that in addition to the plasma membrane and the membranes of secretory vesicles, some Muc1 gold spheres were seen inside the secretory vesicles, suggesting that the subcellular localization of the protein may vary in different cell types.

Comparison of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining and BrdUrd-labelling index under different proliferative conditions in vitro by flow cytometry

PC10 is a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The staining pattern in immunochemistry depends on fixation and detergent extraction treatment. The aim of this study was to validate the flow cytometric PCNA assay against Bromodeoxyuridine-labelling index (BrdUrd-LI) under different proliferative conditions in vitro. Expression of PCNA in methanol fixed cells with, and without, prior detergent extraction with EDTA/Triton was compared to BrdUrd-labelling index in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and human Caski tumour cells in exponential phase and under confluent conditions. Serum stimulation and serum starvation conditions were studied. The results for BrdUrd-LI and PCNA-index after extraction showed good correlation for 3T3 fibroblasts and for Caski cells, with some differences for serum withdrawn Caski cells. There was no correlation between the number of cells that were positive for PCNA without extraction and BrdUrd-LI. Spheroid cells with G1-DNA-content showed an almost synchronous recruitment and progression through the cell cycle after trypsination and replating. Tightly bound PCNA paralleled this synchronicity whereas total PCNA did not change significantly. The results demonstrate that immunochemical detection of non-extractable PCNA-index gives similar results as compared with BrdUrd-labelling index under different proliferative conditions in vitro for different monolayer cell lines, whereas without extraction PCNA does not correlate with BrdUrd-LI in these fast growing cell lines due to its long half-life. PCNA expression parallels the progression through the cell cycle in V79 spheroids, a primitive model of tumour growth.

Regulation of human ornithine decarboxylase expression following prolonged quiescence: role for the c-Myc/Max protein complex

WI-38 cells can remain quiescent for long periods of time and still be induced to reenter the cell cycle by the addition of fresh serum. However, the longer these cells remain growth arrested, the more time they require to enter S phase. This prolongation of the prereplicative phase has been localized to a point early in G1, after the induction of "immediate early" G1 genes such as c-fos and c-jun but before maximal expression of "early" G1 genes such as ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Understanding the molecular basis for ODC mRNA induction can therefore provide information about the molecular events which regulate the progression of cells out of long-term quiescence into G1 and subsequently into DNA synthesis. Studies utilizing electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) of nuclear extracts from short- and long-term quiescent WI-38 cells identified a region of the human ODC promoter at -491 bp to -474 bp which exhibited a protein binding pattern that correlated with the temporal pattern of ODC mRNA expression. The presence of a CACGTG element within this fragment, studies with antibodies against c-Myc and Max, the use of purified recombinant c-Myc protein in the mobility shift assay, and antisense studies suggest that these proteins can specifically bind this portion of the human ODC promoter in a manner consistent with growth-associated modulation of the expression of ODC and other early G1 genes following prolonged quiescence. These studies suggest a role for the c-Myc/Max protein complex in regulating events involved in the progression of cells out of long-term quiescence into G1 and subsequently into S.

Gene activation studied by immunological methods

Gene activation can be studied at several levels: transcription (mRNA), translation (proteins), or phenotypical alterations (functional activity or morphology). These levels can be studied in situ or biochemically by the use of specific probes for normal or altered DNA, mRNA, or proteins. Immunological probes are potent tools for studies of alterations induced by xenobiotics in target organs. When the effects of xenobiotics are studied in whole tissue, the cellular heterogeneity of the organ must be taken into account. For this reason, combined in situ and biochemical techniques are necessary. Antibodies to normal or altered cellular constituents are used for identification, quantitation, and cellular localization of proteins and modified DNA. Many xenobiotics alter gene activation by interactions with DNA. After activation, 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) forms DNA adducts, which can be identified immunologically. Combined with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse labeling, techniques have been developed to demonstrate reduced adduct concentrations in proliferating cells and preneoplastic foci in the livers of AAF-fed rats. Carcinogen-induced DNA modifications are implicated as a major mechanism of altered gene activation in neoplasia, leading to phenotypical alterations. Also, cellular differentiation may be affected by xenobiotics. Differentiation-associated markers can be used for studies of gene activation. In mouse skin, the keratins K1 and K10 are only expressed in suprabasal, differentiating cells. BrdU pulse chase experiments combined with double immunofluorescence have revealed that K1 and K10 are sequentially turned on 18 to 24 hr after DNA synthesis and are followed by suprabasal migration. After a single application of the tumor promotor 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), cell migration starts directly after mitosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nerve growth factor regulates the subcellular localization of the nerve growth factor-inducible protein PC4 in PC12 cells

The immediate early gene (IEG) PC4, which encodes a protein related to gamma interferon, is activated at the onset of the neuronal differentiation induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) in PC12 cells. With an antibody raised to a bacterial beta gal-PC4 fusion protein, the PC4 protein is detected as an immunoreactive molecular species of 49 kDa, whose synthesis is rapidly induced by NGF in parallel with the induction of its mRNA. Immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and subfractionation studies indicate that the PC4 immunoreactivity is localized in the cytoplasm of PC12 cells, where it is increased transiently by NGF within 3 hr of treatment. In addition, the PC4 immunoreactivity presents an NGF-dependent pattern of intracellular localization. In fact, within 3 hr after addition of NGF, PC4 is also significantly expressed on the inner face of the plasma membrane, to which it is physically associated. After longer NGF treatment, PC4 disappears from the plasma membrane and appears in the nucleus, with reduced cytoplasmic expression. Localization in the nucleus is reversed by removal of NGF and closely parallels changes in the state of differentiation of the cell. The existence within the PC4 protein of a consensus sequence for the addition of myristic acid and of a putative sequence for the nuclear localization suggests possible mechanisms for the NGF-dependent redistribution. For an NGF-inducible IEG product, such growth factor-dependent localization of PC4 is a novel type of regulation in the pathways from the NGF receptor to the adjacent membrane proteins and to the nucleus.

Increase of c-fos and ras oncoproteins in the denervated neuropil of the rat dentate gyrus

When the entorhinal cortical input to the rat dentate gyrus is destroyed, the process of sprouting and synaptogenesis begins within the denervated dendritic laminae. The present study used immunohistochemical methods to determine whether there was an increase in the oncoproteins c-fos and ras within the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus during this period of terminal growth and synapse formation. Animals were prepared for immunolabeling one, three, six and 30 days after unilateral lesion of the entorhinal cortex. Rats were perfused with paraformaldehyde fixative and brain sections were incubated with antibodies to either c-fos or ras oncoprotein. Qualitative light microscopic analysis showed a marked increase in both c-fos and ras proteins over the denervated zone at three days postlesion when compared to both the intact contralateral control and the naive control. At one- and six-day postlesion intervals there was also an increase in labeling over the denervated neuropil with each oncoprotein; however, the intensity of label was reduced relative to that of the three-day time interval. No increase in labeling over the denervated zone was visible for either antibody at 30 days postlesion. The high level of both c-fos and ras labeling in the denervated molecular layer was confirmed with Western blot analysis of dissected molecular layers from lesioned and contralateral control hippocampi. Controls for antibody and method specificity showed that the labeling was specific for c-fos and ras proteins. The high level of c-fos labeling over the denervated molecular layer was uniform with scattered punctate sites of reaction product interspersed in the neuropil. Glial cell bodies in the neuropil contained the highest levels of c-fos oncoprotein. The granule cell nuclei showed an apparent reduction in the level of c-fos labeling at one, three and six days postlesion when compared with the nuclear staining of naive control cases. At 30 days postlesion, high levels of labeling over the denervated zone were not visible and c-fos localization had returned to the typical predominant nuclear sites seen in controls. Ras oncoprotein localization was diffuse in the cell processes of the molecular layer, with intermittent glial labeling within the denervated zone. No cell nuclei labeling was observed with antibodies to ras protein. These results show that both c-fos and ras oncoproteins are increased within the denervated neuropil of the dentate gyrus during sprouting and synapse formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Spontaneous and induced homologous recombination between lacZ chromosomal direct repeats in CV-1 cells

A lacZ substrate for intrachromosomal homologous recombination was generated at a specific site within the genome of CV-1 cells by FLP recombinase-mediated gene targeting. A histochemical stain was used to detect cells that contained recombined lacZ genes. The spontaneous rate of homologous recombination was approximately 1 x 10(-5) events per cell generation. Recombination was induced 30-fold in cells following exposure to mitomycin C (MMC) and by serum starvation. These results demonstrate the utility of the FLP recombinase in modifying the genome of mammalian cells in a predetermined manner and show that homologous recombination between direct repeats is increased in cells as a result of the withdrawal of serum growth factors.

Butyrate synchronization of hepatocytes: modulation of cycling and cell cycle regulated gene expression

To develop a model for studies of liver growth control, we characterized cell cycle synchronization of liver-derived cells with sodium butyrate. Exposure of cultured HTC (rat hepatoma) cells to 5 mM butyrate arrested cell growth in a reversible manner. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that butyrate-treated HTC cells were restricted in G0/G1, as well as S/G2M phases. After release from butyrate arrest, HTC cells underwent synchronous cycles of DNA synthesis and transited through S phase. Inhibition of cell growth by butyrate was associated with a complex pattern of cell cycle regulated gene expression, including a decoupling of c-fos and c-jun gene expression. Transcription of c-fos, as well as c-jun increased with butyrate arrest, whereas steady rate mRNA levels of c-jun only were increased, suggesting additional regulation of c-fos. In addition, butyrate-arrested cells exhibited a transcriptionally determined accumulation of H3 histone, C-Ha-ras and ornithine decarboxylase mRNAs, suggesting that cell cycle-related check points following the onset of S phase were modulated. An increase in c-myc mRNA levels in butyrate-arrested cells was post-transcriptionally regulated. After release from butyrate-arrest, the abundance of immediate early, as well as S phase regulated, gene expression changed coordinately with S phase cell transitions. Thus, exposure of HTC cells to butyrate modulates cell cycle regulated gene expression, inhibits cycling, and results in accumulation of cells in specific compartments. Synchronization of liver cells with butyrate should, therefore, provide a useful model for defining cell cycle-related events in response to various mitogenic stimuli.

Inhibitory effects of magnesium hydroxide on c-myc expression and cell proliferation induced by methylazoxymethanol acetate in rat colon

The effects of magnesium hydroxide were examined on methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate-induced c-myc expression and cell proliferation of colonic mucosal epithelium in rats. Rats were divided into four groups and treated as follows: MAM acetate alone (25 mg/kg i.p. injection, five times, once a week for 5 weeks), MAM acetate and feeding of 0.2% magnesium hydroxide in diet, magnesium hydroxide alone and non-treatment. At 4, 8 and 16 weeks after the start of experiment, 10 rats in each group were sacrificed. Magnesium hydroxide inhibited the MAM-induced expression of c-myc proto-oncogene, and also suppressed the increased bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labelling indexes induced by MAM acetate in colon mucosa in initiation and post-initiation phase. These results suggest that the anti-carcinogenic effect of magnesium hydroxide on rat colon carcinogenesis induced by MAM acetate may be related to the inhibition of the carcinogen-induced expression of c-myc proto-oncogene and cell proliferation.

PCNA-binding to DNA at the G1/S transition in proliferating cells of the developing cerebral wall

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen is a nuclear protein essential to DNA synthesis in eukaryotic cells. It is known to form part of a multi-protein complex which binds to DNA from the outset of S-phase of the cell cycle. We define in this analysis the interval of proliferating cell nuclear antigen binding to DNA (strictly speaking, the interval through which proliferating cell nuclear antigen is stained immunohistochemically after ethanol fixation) with respect to the stages of the cell cycle in the intact mammalian brain. The epithelium of the developing cerebral wall is favourable for such an analysis because nuclei at the same stage of the cell division cycle are spatially aligned with each other at the same depth of the epithelium. Therefore spatial location of a nucleus within the epithelium is a reliable indicator of the stage of the cell cycle for that nucleus. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen-DNA binding in this epithelium is initiated in the final 5% (26 min) of G1-phase and continues through the initial 35% (1.3 h) of S-phase. This phasic pattern of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-DNA binding, as revealed for the first time in the intact cerebral wall, approximates closely the phasic pattern as it has been characterized until now only in vitro in vertebrate cell lines. This analysis illustrates the potential of the cerebral proliferative epithelium for study of the molecular events of the cell cycle under in vivo conditions of histogenetic regulation.