NF-kappa B p100 (Lyt-10) is a component of H2TF1 and can function as an I kappa B-like molecule

Nfkb2 variants reveal a p100-degradation threshold that defines autoimmune susceptibility

NF-κB2/p100 (p100) is an inhibitor of κB (IκB) protein that is partially degraded to produce the NF-κB2/p52 (p52) transcription factor. Heterozygous NFKB2 mutations cause a human syndrome of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity, but whether autoimmunity arises from insufficiency of p52 or IκB function of mutated p100 is unclear. Here, we studied mice bearing mutations in the p100 degron, a domain that harbors most of the clinically recognized mutations and is required for signal-dependent p100 degradation. Distinct mutations caused graded increases in p100-degradation resistance. Severe p100-degradation resistance, due to inheritance of one highly degradation-resistant allele or two subclinical alleles, caused thymic medullary hypoplasia and autoimmune disease, whereas the absence of p100 and p52 did not. We inferred a similar mechanism occurs in humans, as the T cell receptor repertoires of affected humans and mice contained a hydrophobic signature of increased self-reactivity. Autoimmunity in autosomal dominant NFKB2 syndrome arises largely from defects in nonhematopoietic cells caused by the IκB function of degradation-resistant p100.

The multifaceted NF-kB: are there still prospects of its inhibition for clinical intervention in pediatric central nervous system tumors?

Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the basic biology and pathogenesis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, patients still have an extremely unfavorable prognosis. Over the years, a plethora of natural and synthetic compounds has emerged for the pharmacologic intervention of the NF-kB pathway, one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling cascades in human cancer with key roles in cell growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Here, we provide a review about the state-of-the-art concerning the dysregulation of this hub transcription factor in the most prevalent pediatric CNS tumors: glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Moreover, we compile the available literature on the anti-proliferative effects of varied NF-kB inhibitors acting alone or in combination with other therapies in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. As the wealth of basic research data continues to accumulate, recognizing NF-kB as a therapeutic target may provide important insights to treat these diseases, hopefully contributing to increase cure rates and lower side effects related to therapy.

NIK-IKK complex interaction controls NF-κB-dependent inflammatory activation of endothelium in response to LTβR ligation

NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK; also known as MAP3K14) is a central regulator of non-canonical NF-κB signaling in response to stimulation of TNF receptor superfamily members, such as the lymphotoxin-β receptor (LTβR), and is implicated in pathological angiogenesis associated with chronic inflammation and cancer. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized role of the LTβR-NIK axis during inflammatory activation of human endothelial cells (ECs). Engagement of LTβR-triggered canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signaling promoted expression of inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules, and increased immune cell adhesion to ECs. Sustained LTβR-induced inflammatory activation of ECs was NIK dependent, but independent of p100, indicating that the non-canonical arm of NF-κB is not involved. Instead, prolonged activation of canonical NF-κB signaling, through the interaction of NIK with IκB kinase α and β (also known as CHUK and IKBKB, respectively), was required for the inflammatory response. Endothelial inflammatory activation induced by synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients was significantly reduced by NIK knockdown, suggesting that NIK-mediated alternative activation of canonical NF-κB signaling is a key driver of pathological inflammatory activation of ECs. Targeting NIK could thus provide a novel approach for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

Emerging Roles for Noncanonical NF-κB Signaling in the Modulation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathobiology

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are common and debilitating manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is characterized by a radical imbalance in the activation of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways in the gut. These pathways are controlled by NF-κB, which is a master regulator of gene transcription. In IBD patients, NF-κB signaling is often dysregulated resulting in overzealous inflammation. NF-κB activation occurs through 2 distinct pathways, defined as either canonical or noncanonical. Canonical NF-κB pathway activation is well studied in IBD and is associated with the rapid, acute production of diverse proinflammatory mediators, such as COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6. In contrast to the canonical pathway, the noncanonical or "alternative" NF-κB signaling cascade is tightly regulated and is responsible for the production of highly specific chemokines that tend to be associated with less acute, chronic inflammation. There is a relative paucity of literature regarding all aspects of noncanonical NF-ĸB signaling. However, it is clear that this alternative signaling pathway plays a considerable role in maintaining immune system homeostasis and likely contributes significantly to the chronic inflammation underlying IBD. Noncanonical NF-κB signaling may represent a promising new direction in the search for therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated with IBD. However, significant mechanistic insight is still required to translate the current basic science findings into effective therapeutic strategies.

Asterias rubens: Evidence of NF-kappa B genes

In the present paper we show a survey of the Asterias rubens sea star genome for genes associated with NF-kappa-B proteins implied in the immune response. The NF-kappa B gene, into 2 subunits, was found in this invertebrate.

Mutations in NFKB2 and potential genetic heterogeneity in patients with DAVID syndrome, having variable endocrine and immune deficiencies

Background

DAVID syndrome is a rare condition combining anterior pituitary hormone deficiency with common variable immunodeficiency. NFKB2 mutations have recently been identified in patients with ACTH and variable immunodeficiency. A similar mutation was previously found in Nfkb2 in the immunodeficient Lym1 mouse strain, but the effect of the mutation on endocrine function was not evaluated.

Methods

We ascertained six unrelated DAVID syndrome families. We performed whole exome and traditional Sanger sequencing to search for causal genes. Lym1 mice were examined for endocrine developmental anomalies.

Results

Mutations in the NFKB2 gene were identified in three of our families through whole exome sequencing, and in a fourth by direct Sanger sequencing. De novo origin of the mutations could be demonstrated in three of the families. All mutations lie near the C-terminus of the protein-coding region, near signals required for processing of NFΚB2 protein by the alternative pathway. Two of the probands had anatomical pituitary anomalies, and one had growth and thyroid hormone as well as ACTH deficiency; these findings have not been previously reported. Two children of one of the probands carried the mutation and have to date exhibited only an immune phenotype. No mutations were found near the C-terminus of NFKB2 in the remaining two probands; whole exome sequencing has been performed for one of these. Lym1 mice, carrying a similar Nfkb2 C-terminal mutation, showed normal pituitary anatomy and expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC).

Conclusions

We confirm previous findings that mutations near the C-terminus of NFKB2 cause combined endocrine and immunodeficiencies. De novo status of the mutations was confirmed in all cases for which both parents were available. The mutations are consistent with a dominant gain-of-function effect, generating an unprocessed NFKB2 super-repressor protein. We expand the potential phenotype of such NFKB2 mutations to include additional pituitary hormone deficiencies as well as anatomical pituitary anomalies. The lack of an observable endocrine phenotype in Lym1 mice suggests that the endocrine component of DAVID syndrome is either not due to a direct role of NFKB pathways on pituitary development, or else that human and mouse pituitary development differ in its requirements for NFKB pathway function.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-014-0139-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

p100, a precursor of NF-κB2, inhibits c-Rel and reduces the expression of IL-23 in dendritic cells

Nuclear factor κB regulates various genes involved in the immune response, inflammation, cell survival, and development. NF-κB activation is controlled by proteins possessing ankyrin repeats, such as IκBs. A precursor of the NF-κB2 (p52) subunit, p100, contains ankyrin repeats in its C-terminal portion and has been found to act as a cytoplasmic inhibitor of RelA in the canonical pathway of NF-κB activation. Here, we demonstrate that p100 also suppresses c-Rel function in dendritic cells. Expression of the p19 and p40 subunits of IL-23, a c-Rel-dependent cytokine, was enhanced in p100-deficient cells, although expression of a RelA-dependent cytokine, TNF-α, was reduced. Nuclear translocation of c-Rel was enhanced in p100-deficient cells. p100, and not the processed p52 form, associated with c-Rel in the steady state and dissociated immediately after lipopolysaccharide stimulation in wild-type dendritic cells. Four hours after the stimulation, p100 was newly synthesized and associated with c-Rel again. In cells expressing both c-Rel and RelA, c-Rel is preferentially suppressed by p100.

It takes two to tango: IκBs, the multifunctional partners of NF-κB

The inhibitory IκB proteins have been discovered as fundamental regulators of the inducible transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). As a generally excepted model, stimulus-dependent destruction of inhibitory IκBs and processing of precursor molecules, both promoted by components of the signal integrating IκB kinase complex, are the key events for the release of various NF-κB/Rel dimers and subsequent transcriptional activation. Intense research of more than 20 years provides evidence that the extending family of IκBs act not simply as reversible inhibitors of NF-κB activation but rather as a complex regulatory module, which assures feedback regulation of the NF-κB system and either can inhibit or promote transcriptional activity in a stimulus-dependent manner. Thus, IκB and NF-κB/Rel family proteins establish a complex interrelationship that allows modulated NF-κB-dependent transcription, tailored to the physiological environment.

Loss of negative feedback control of nuclear factor-kappaB2 activity in lymphocytes leads to fatal lung inflammation

Proteolytic processing of the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB2 precursor protein p100 generates the active NF-kappaB2 subunit p52, which in turn transcriptionally up-regulates p100 expression. p100 also functions as an IkappaB molecule capable of repressing p52 activity. The biological significance of this negative feedback control loop has yet to be demonstrated in vivo. Here we show that mice deficient in p100 but with constitutive expression of p52 in lymphocytes developed fatal lung inflammation characterized by diffuse alveolar damage with marked peribronchial fibrosis. In contrast, their littermates with only p100 deficiency or constitutive expression of p52 in lymphocytes developed mild lung inflammation with perivascular lymphocyte infiltration and had a normal life span. The fatal lung inflammation is associated with high-level induction of interferon-gamma and its inducible inflammatory chemokines, suggesting the involvement of a T-helper-1 immune response. These findings demonstrate the physiological relevance of the NF-kappaB2 p100 precursor protein in limiting the potentially detrimental effects of constitutive NF-kappaB2 signaling in lymphocytes.

TRAF3 and its biological function

Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is one of the most enigmatic members in the TRAF family that consists of six members, TRAF1 to 6. Despite its similarities with other TRAFs in terms of structure and protein-protein association, overexpression of TRAF3 does not induce activation of the commonly known TRAF-inducible signaling pathways, namely NF-kappaB and JNK. This lack of a simple functional assay in combination with the mysterious early lethality of the TRAF3-deficient mice has made the study of the biological function of TRAF3 challenging for almost ten years. Excitingly, TRAF3 has been identified recently to perform two seemingly distinct roles. Namely, TRAF3 functions as a negative regulator of the NF-kappaB pathway and separately, as a positive regulator of type I IFN production, placing itself as a critical regulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Loss of a gimap/ian gene leads to activation of NF-kappaB through a MAPK-dependent pathway

The diabetes-prone biobreeding (BB-DP) rat contains the lyp mutation which results in lymphopenia and promotes the progression of a T cell-mediated autoimmune attack of the pancreas in certain rat strains. This mutation has been mapped to a gene which bears homology to human Gimap5/Ian5 and results in the truncation and loss of activity of this protein. The lymphopenic state induced by the loss of this protein has led to the proposal that Gimap5 has an anti-apoptotic function. Previously we described an additional phenotype of incomplete activation mediated by the loss of Gimap5 function. Here we further characterize this incomplete activation phenotype and map a potential signal transduction pathway leading to activation. We show that CD5 expression on peripheral T cells is elevated in Gimap5 animals, while thymocyte expression remains similar between the two strains. Additionally, we show that NF-kappaB but not NFAT is activated in unstimulated Gimap5 mutant T cells as compared to unstimulated wild type T cells. Mapping this activation to its upstream source we show that activation of NF-kappaB is correlated with an activation of IKK. Using a variety of kinase inhibitors we further map this increase in IKK to an increase in MEK activation. Finally, to counter the possibility that activation is an indirect consequence of the lymphopenic environment, we created bone marrow chimeras in which Gimap5 mutant T cells developed in a normal environment and show that these cells retain their activated phenotype. Together, we interpret these data as demonstrating that the activation caused by loss of Gimap5 is a cell intrinsic phenomenon caused, in part, by a MEK-dependent activation of IKK. This, in turn, would suggest that Gimap5 functions to promote both T cell survival and quiescence and that these pathways are biochemically linked.

Interleukin 1 activates STAT3/nuclear factor-kappaB cross-talk via a unique TRAF6- and p65-dependent mechanism

Interleukins (IL) 1 and 6 are important cytokines that function via the activation, respectively, of the transcription factors NF-kappaB and STAT3. We have observed that a specific type of kappa B DNA sequence motif supports both NF-kappaB p65 homodimer binding and cooperativity with non-tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT3. This activity, in contrast to that mediated by kappaB DNA motifs that do not efficiently bind p65 homodimers, is shown to be uniquely dependent upon signal transduction through the carboxyl terminus of TRAF6. Furthermore, STAT3 and p65 are shown to physically interact, in vivo, and this interaction appears to inhibit the function of "classical" STAT3 GAS-like binding sites. The distinct p50 form of NF-kappaB is also shown to interact with STAT3. However, in contrast to p65, p50 cooperates with STAT3 bound to GAS sites. These data argue for a novel transcription factor cross-talk mechanism that may help resolve inconsistencies previously reported regarding the mechanism of IL-1 inhibition of IL-6 activity during the acute-phase response.

The IkappaB function of NF-kappaB2 p100 controls stimulated osteoclastogenesis

The prototranscription factor p100 represents an intersection of the NF-kappaB and IkappaB families, potentially serving as both the precursor for the active NF-kappaB subunit p52 and as an IkappaB capable of retaining NF-kappaB in the cytoplasm. NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) controls processing of p100 to generate p52, and thus NIK-deficient mice can be used to examine the biological effects of a failure in such processing. We demonstrate that treatment of wild-type osteoclast precursors with the osteoclastogenic cytokine receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) increases both expression of p100 and its conversion to p52, resulting in unchanged net levels of p100. In the absence of NIK, p100 expression is increased by RANKL, but its conversion to p52 is blocked, leading to cytosolic accumulation of p100, which, acting as an IkappaB protein, binds NF-kappaB complexes and prevents their nuclear translocation. High levels of unprocessed p100 in osteoclast precursors from NIK-/- mice or a nonprocessable form of the protein in wild-type cells impair RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Conversely, p100-deficient osteoclast precursors show enhanced sensitivity to RANKL. These data demonstrate a novel, biologically relevant means of regulating NF-kappaB signaling, with upstream control and kinetics distinct from the classical IkappaBalpha pathway.

Differential activation of the IkappaBalpha and mouse mammary tumor virus promoters by progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors

The glucocorticoid and progesterone receptors (GR and PR) are structurally homologous and bind a common hormone response element (HRE). The mechanisms by which receptors activate specific promoters when multiple steroids are present in a cell is a critical question in endocrinology. To investigate how co-existing steroid receptors regulate gene transcription, we have compared two hormone-responsive promoters in T47D/A1-2 human breast cancer cells expressing both the GR and PR. The promoters chosen were those for the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) and the gene for IkappaBalpha, the inhibitor of the ubiquitous transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB). Several differences between glucocorticoid and progestin activation of the IkappaBalpha and MMTV promoters were revealed. Both steroids activated the endogenous IkappaBalpha promoter, while only glucocorticoids activated a stably integrated MMTV promoter. In combination, progestins enhanced glucocorticoid activation of IkappaBalpha, but antagonized glucocorticoid activation of MMTV. These differences in steroid receptor competition were further demonstrated when levels of the PR were reduced by prolonged treatment with progestin. Under these conditions, the PR no longer competes effectively with the GR for activation of the MMTV promoter. However, on the IkappaBalpha promoter, the GR and PR still activate the promoter in a cooperative fashion. Another difference between the two promoters is their chromatin structure. In this cell line, the MMTV promoter chromatin is "closed" and insensitive to restriction enzyme cleavage, while the IkappaBalpha promoter is "open." Using PR antagonists, we demonstrate that at least one cofactor complex, the BRG-1 chromatin remodeling complex, differentially contributes to activation of both promoters.

RelB cellular regulation and transcriptional activity are regulated by p100

RelB mediates the constitutive nuclear pool of NF-kappaB transcriptional activity in myeloid and lymphoid cells, which is believed to be secondary to its weak interaction with the classical NF-kappaB inhibitor proteins, the IkappaBs. In other cell types, RelB is located in the cytosol, thus suggesting that RelB is also regulated by an inhibitory protein(s). In this study, it is demonstrated that RelB is associated in the cytosol with p100 but not with IkappaBalpha, IkappaBbeta, IkappaBepsilon, nor p105. Its cytosolic control is not affected by stimuli that lead to RelA nuclear translocation, and RelB nuclear localization is prevented by p100, but not by p105 or IkappaBalpha. Structure function analysis p100-RelB interactions indicates that p100 amino acids 623-900 are required for effective interaction and repression of nuclear translocation and RelB driven NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. Moreover, this carboxyl-portion of p100 contains a nuclear export signal(s), which is required for effective retrieval of RelB from the nucleus. Finally, overexpression of NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, a kinase that has recently been shown to induce p100 processing, possibly through IKKalpha activation, causes nuclear translocation of RelB protein. Thus, these studies indicate that p100 is a bone fide inhibitor of RelB and that this transcription factor may be regulated by NF-kappaB-inducing kinase and/or IKKalpha.

Glucocorticoid receptor activation of the I kappa B alpha promoter within chromatin

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that induces expression of many genes. The GR has been useful for understanding how chromatin structure regulates steroid-induced transcription in model systems. However, the effect of glucocorticoids on chromatin structure has been examined on few endogenous mammalian promoters. We investigated the effect of glucocorticoids on the in vivo chromatin structure of the glucocorticoid-responsive I kappa B alpha gene promoter, the inhibitor of the ubiquitous transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B). Glucocorticoids inhibit NF kappa B activity in some tissues by elevating the levels of I kappa B alpha. We found that glucocorticoids activated the I kappa B alpha promoter in human T47D/A1-2 cells containing the GR. We then investigated the chromatin structure of the I kappa B alpha promoter in the absence and presence of glucocorticoids with the use of micrococcal nuclease, restriction enzyme, and deoxyribonuclease (DNaseI) analyses. In untreated cells, the promoter assembles into regularly positioned nucleosomes, and glucocorticoid treatment did not alter nucleosomal position. Restriction enzyme accessiblity studies indicated that the I kappa B alpha promoter is assembled as phased nucleosomes that adopt an "open" chromatin architecture in the absence of hormone. However, glucocorticoids may be required for transcription factor binding, because DNaseI footprinting studies suggested that regulatory factors bind to the promoter upon glucocorticoid treatment.

Zinc-metallothionein levels are correlated with enhanced glucocorticoid responsiveness in mouse cells exposed to ZnCl(2), HgCl(2), and heat shock

Metallothioneins (MTs) are the major low molecular weight, zinc-binding proteins in mammalian cells. It has been hypothesized that they play a role in the function of zinc-dependent signal transduction proteins and transcription factors. We investigated the capacity of zinc and other metal ions and conditions to increase both Zn-associated MT levels and the receptiveness of cells to transcriptional activation mediated by the zinc-dependent glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We studied, in a GR-responsive mouse mammary-tumor cell line, the ability of dexamethasone (DEX) to stimulate transcription of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene controlled by a mouse mammary-tumor virus promoter. In cells pretreated with 20 to 100 microM ZnCl(2), DEX-induced CAT activity correlated with zinc-induced MT levels. However, 0.05 to 0.5 microM CdCl(2) had no effect on CAT activity, despite an increase in Cd-associated MT. Copper-associated MT was detected in cells treated with 20 microM CuCl(2,) but there was no change in the level of Zn-MT, nor was CAT activity altered in cells exposed to 5 to 20 microM CuCl(2). These results may reflect a functional difference between zinc-associated MT, and MT associated with other metals. Significantly more CAT activity was observed in both heat-shocked cells and in cells exposed to 40 or 50 nM HgCl(2). Although absolute amounts of MT were unchanged by these two treatments, a higher percentage of total cellular zinc was associated with the MT protein fractions after treatment. Changes in GR levels could not account for variations in CAT activity. These data indicate that hormonal signalling can be altered by exposure to metal salts and heat shock, and the effect is correlated with the level of Zn-MT.

17 beta-estradiol inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced nuclear factor-kappa B activation by increasing nuclear factor-kappa B p105 level in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) exerts many cytological effects on a wide range of cells. TNF-alpha can activate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). Activation of NF-kappa B by TNF-alpha mediates many functions of TNF-alpha. The NF-kappa B inhibitor, I kappa B alpha, negatively regulates the activity of NF-kappa B. In MCF-7 cells (an estrogen and TNF-alpha receptor positive cell line), treatment with 17 beta-estradiol (E(2)) inhibited TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappa B DNA binding activity in the gel retardation assays. But, the level of the I kappa B alpha and the TNF-alpha receptor, TNF-R1, were not obviously affected. The NF-kappa B precursor, NF-kappa B p105, has been shown to be associated with NF-kappa B in the cytoplasm and efficiently blocks its nuclear translocation and activation. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with E(2) increased the level of NF-kappa B p105 protein. The anti-estrogen, 4OH-tamoxifen, treatment inhibited E(2)-induced NF-kappa B p105 expression. Our findings indicate that NF-kappa B p105 plays a role in modulating the functions of TNF-alpha in the estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells.

CD14-dependent lipopolysaccharide-induced beta-defensin-2 expression in human tracheobronchial epithelium

The induction of host antimicrobial molecules following binding of pathogen components to pattern recognition receptors such as CD14 and the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is a key feature of innate immunity. The human airway epithelium is an important environmental interface, but LPS recognition pathways have not been determined. We hypothesized that LPS would trigger beta-defensin (hBD2) mRNA in human tracheobronchial epithelial (hTBE) cells through a CD14-dependent mechanism, ultimately activating NF-kappa B. An average 3-fold increase in hBD2 mRNA occurs 24 h after LPS challenge of hTBE cells. For the first time, we demonstrate the presence of CD14 mRNA and cell surface protein in hTBE cells and show that CD14 neutralization abolishes LPS induction of hBD2 mRNA. Furthermore, we demonstrate TLR mRNA in hTBE cells and NF-kappa B activation following LPS. Thus, LPS induction of hBD2 in hTBE cells requires CD14, which may complex with a TLR to ultimately activate NF-kappa B.

Dexamethasone inhibits IL-1 beta gene expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by blocking NF-kappa B/Rel and AP-1 activation

In the present study, the mechanism by which dexamethasone (DEX) inhibited IL-1beta gene expression in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. The decrease in LPS-induced IL-1beta mRNA expression was demonstrated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Since the promoter in IL-1beta gene contains binding motifs for NF-kappaB/Rel, AP-1, NF-IL6, and CREB/ATF, which appear to be important in LPS-mediated IL-1beta induction, the effects of DEX on the activation of these transcription factors were examined. Treatment of DEX to RAW 264.7 cells induced a dose-related inhibition of NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity, while neither NF-IL6 nor CREB/ATF activation was affected by DEX. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with DEX inhibited DNA binding of NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 proteins to their cognate DNA sites as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). DEX treatment caused a significant reduction in nuclear c-rel, p65, and p50 protein contents, and these decreases were paralleled by the accumulation of cytoplasmic c-rel, p65, and p50. DEX treatment of RAW 264.7 cells did not inhibit the nuclear translocation of c-jun and c-fos. We found that the inhibition of IL-1beta production by DEX is not related to p38, which is important in the IL-1beta induction. These results suggest that DEX may inhibit IL-1beta gene expression by a mechanism involving the blocking of LPS-induced NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 activation.

The mouse mammary tumor virus promoter adopts distinct chromatin structures in human breast cancer cells with and without glucocorticoid receptor

Steroid receptors represent a class of transcription regulators that act in part by overcoming the often repressive nature of chromatin to modulate gene activity. The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter is a useful model for studying transcriptional regulation by steroid hormone receptors in the context of chromatin. The chromatin architecture of the promoter prevents the assembly of basal transcription machinery and binding of ubiquitous transcription factors. However, in human breast carcinoma T47D cells lacking the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), but expressing the progesterone receptor (PR), nucleosome B (nuc B) assumes a constitutively hypersensitive chromatin structure. This correlation led us to test the hypothesis that the chromatin structure of nuc B was dependent on GR expression in T47D cells. To examine this possibility, we stably co-transfected the MMTV promoter and the GR into T47D cells that lacked both the GR and the PR. We found that in T47D cells that lack both the GR and the PR or express only the GR, nuc B assumes a constitutively "open" chromatin structure, which allows hormone independent access by restriction endonucleases and transcription factors. These results suggest that in GR(+)/pr(-) T47D cells, the MMTV chromatin structure permits GR transcriptional activation, independent of chromatin remodeling.

Trophoblast giant cells express NF-kappa B2 during early mouse development

To investigate whether transcription factors of the NF-kappa B family could play a role in early mammalian development, we have analyzed the expression of nfkb1, nfkb2, c-Rel, RelA, RelB, and bcl-3 from 6.5- to 10.5-day mouse embryo implantation sites. Our study shows that nfkb2 mRNA and protein are specifically localized in trophoblast giant cells throughout the stages analyzed. Trophoblast giant cells obtained upon in vitro cultures of 7.5-day ectoplacental cones display NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity that is supershifted by the anti-NF-kappa B2 antibody. Trophoblast giant cells are embryo-derived cells that form an interface between embryonic and maternal tissues during early mouse development; they are involved in decidual remodeling and expansion of the embryonic cavity, placenta formation, and possibly avoidance of maternal immune response to the embryo. Our study suggests that NF-kappa B2 could play a role in the modulation of genes expressed in trophoblast giant cells during the course of early embryogenesis, and therefore be relevant for tissue remodeling and morphogenesis of placenta.

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding mouse IkappaBbeta

IkappaBbeta is a member of the IkappaB family of structurally related proteins that are important regulators of the inducible transcription factor NF-kappaB. In the present study, the mouse IkappaBbeta gene was cloned and sequenced, and its structure determined. The mouse IkappaBbeta gene contains six exons and five introns that span 7435 nucleotides. A single major transcription initiation site is located 59 nucleotides upstream of the initiating methionine. A translation termination codon and a single polyadenylation signal are found within exon 6. The exon/intron structure of IkappaBbeta and IkappaBalpha genes were compared and found to be very similar, with individual ankyrin repeats being maintained on corresponding exons. This suggests a close evolutionary relationship between these two IkappaB isoforms. The significance of this evolutionary relationship is discussed.

A functional role of I kappa B-epsilon in endothelial cell activation

The NF-kappa B inhibitor I kappa B-epsilon is a new member of the I kappa B protein family, but its functional role in regulating NF-kappa B-mediated induction of adhesion molecule expression is unknown. In vascular endothelial cells, I kappa B-epsilon associates predominantly with the NF-kappa B subunit Rel A and to a lesser extent with c-Rel, whereas I kappa B-alpha and I kappa B-beta associate with Rel A only. Following stimulation with TNF-alpha, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), N-acetylcysteine, and dexamethasone prevented I kappa B kinase-induced I kappa B-alpha, but not I kappa B-beta or I kappa B-epsilon phosphorylation and degradation. Since the activation of NF-kappa B is required for the induction of adhesion molecule expression, we examined the role of I kappa B-epsilon in the transactivation of promoters from VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin. Using reporter gene constructs of adhesion molecule promoters, PDTC inhibited VCAM-1 and E-selectin, but to a lesser extent, ICAM-1 promoter activity. Subcloning of kappa B cis-acting elements of VCAM-1, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 into a heterologous promoter construct revealed that PDTC inhibited VCAM-1 and E-selectin, but to a lesser extent, ICAM-1 kappa B promoter activity. By electrophoretic mobility shift assay, NF-kappa B heterodimers containing c-Rel specifically bind to the kappa B motif in the ICAM-1, but not VCAM-1 or E-selectin promoter. Indeed, overexpression of c-Rel induced ICAM-1 kappa B promoter activity to a greater extent than that of E-selectin and overexpression of I kappa B-epsilon inhibited ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 promoter activity in endothelial cells. These findings indicate that c-Rel-associated I kappa B-epsilon is involved in the induction of ICAM-1 expression.

Transcriptional regulatory effects of lymphoma-associated NFKB2/lyt10 protooncogenes

C-terminal truncations of the NFKB2 p100 gene product have been observed in a number of cases of human cutaneous T cell lymphomas, as well as human B-cell lymphomas and myelomas. The contribution of these alterations to lymphomagenesis is not understood; however, truncation at amino acid 666 to generate 80 - 85 kD proteins in the HUT78 cell line is associated with addition of a short (serine-alanine-serine) fusion at the 3' end of p80HT, as well as with increased expression of NFKB2 mRNA. We therefore examined the effects of p80HT on the regulation of NFKB2 expression, as well as the properties of a series of other tumor-associated, and site directed mutations of NFKB2. While p80HT had not itself acquired novel transcriptional activation properties with respect to the NFKB2 P1 or P2 promoters or the IL-6 kappaB promoter, p80HT had lost the potent inhibitory (IkappaB-like) activity associated with the wild-type, p100 gene product. Loss of the inhibitory property depended on the SAS residues in the fusion protein, direct truncation at aa666 was fully inhibitory, as was a substitution of three alanines for the SAS residues. The presence of as few as two C-terminal ankyrin motifs was sufficient for inhibition of NF-kappaB-mediated transcriptional activation. Assays of a series of additional lymphoma-associated NF-kappaB-2 truncation suggested that the C-terminal truncation associated with these proteins was also associated with a loss of the IkappaB-like activities of p100 NF-kappaB-2, for at least some NF-kappaB target promoters. Thus, the loss of IkappaB-like activity of lymphoma-associated NFKB2 mutations may play an important role in the genesis of a subset of human lymphomas.

Oxidative stress and gene regulation

Reactive oxygen species are produced by all aerobic cells and are widely believed to play a pivotal role in aging as well as a number of degenerative diseases. The consequences of the generation of oxidants in cells does not appear to be limited to promotion of deleterious effects. Alterations in oxidative metabolism have long been known to occur during differentiation and development. Experimental perturbations in cellular redox state have been shown to exert a strong impact on these processes. The discovery of specific genes and pathways affected by oxidants led to the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species serve as subcellular messengers in gene regulatory and signal transduction pathways. Additionally, antioxidants can activate numerous genes and pathways. The burgeoning growth in the number of pathways shown to be dependent on oxidation or antioxidation has accelerated during the last decade. In the discussion presented here, we provide a tabular summary of many of the redox effects on gene expression and signaling pathways that are currently known to exist.

LPS pretreatment ameliorates peritonitis-induced myocardial inflammation and dysfunction: role of myocytes

Peritonitis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) produces a systemic inflammatory response that can be largely mitigated by pretreatment of the animals with lipopolysaccharide (LPS tolerance). Although cells of myeloid origin and endothelial cells have been shown to contribute to the development of LPS tolerance, little is known regarding the potential role of parenchymal cells in this phenomenon. The major aim of the present study was to assess whether cardiac parenchymal cells (myocytes) contribute to the development of LPS tolerance. Six hours after induction of CLP rats were neutropenic and acidotic, the myocardium contained a leukocyte infiltrate [myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was increased], and myocardial contractile function was impaired (left ventricular developed pressure was decreased). In animals that were pretreated with LPS these manifestations of sepsis were largely reversed. Further studies focused on the responses of cardiac myocytes to CLP and whether myocytes contributed to the development of LPS tolerance. Myocytes were isolated from rat hearts 6 h after induction of CLP. These myocytes 1) exhibited an impaired ability to shorten in response to pacing, 2) contained the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB in their nuclei, 3) increased their surface levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and 4) were hyperadhesive for neutrophils. All of these events did not occur in myocytes obtained from animals that were pretreated with LPS before induction of CLP. These findings indicate that LPS tolerance can be induced in myocytes with respect to polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion, presumably by an inability of CLP to mobilize NF-kappaB to the myocyte nuclei and, thereby, preventing an increase in surface levels of ICAM-1.

IkappaBalpha gene transfer is cytotoxic to squamous-cell lung cancer cells and sensitizes them to tumor necrosis factor-alpha-mediated cell death

Current paradigms in cancer therapy suggest that activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) by a variety of stimuli, including some cytoreductive agents, may inhibit apoptosis. Thus, inhibiting NF-kappaB activation may sensitize cells to anticancer therapy, thereby providing a more effective treatment for certain cancers. E-1-deleted adenoviral (Ad) vectors encoding a "superrepressor" form of the NF-kappaB inhibitor IkappaBalpha (AdIkappaBalphaSR) or beta-galactosidase (AdLacZ) were tested alone and in combination with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in lung cancer cells for sensitization of the cells to death. Following transduction with AdIkappaBalphaSR, lung cancer cells expressed IkappaBalphaSR in a dose-dependent manner. Probing nuclear extracts of lung cancer cells with NF-kappaB-sequence-specific oligonucleotides indicated that there was a minimal amount of NF-kappaB in the nucleus at baseline and an expected and dramatic increase in nuclear NF-kappaB following exposure of cells to TNF-alpha. Control E-1-deleted AdLacZ did not promote NF-kappaB activation. Importantly, AdIkappaBalphaSR-mediated gene transfer resulted in the complete block of nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB by specific binding of its p65/relA component with transgenic IkappaBalphaSR. At the cellular level, transduction with AdIkappaBalphaSR resulted in increased cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells as opposed to transduction with equivalent doses of AdLacZ. In addition, whereas the parental cells were resistant to TNF-alpha-mediated cytotoxicity, IkappaBalphaSR-transduced cells could be sensitized to TNF-alpha. Consequently, AdIkappaBalphaSR transduction followed by exposure to TNF-alpha uniformly resulted in the death of non-small-cell lung cancer cells. These data suggest that novel approaches incorporating IkappaBalpha gene therapy may have a role in the treatment of lung cancer.

TGF-beta1 inhibits NF-kappaB activity through induction of IkappaB-alpha expression in human salivary gland cells: a possible mechanism of growth suppression by TGF-beta1

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is the prototype of a large superfamily of signaling molecules involved in the inhibition of proliferation of multiple epithelial cell types. Although accumulated evidence indicates the mechanisms of the antimitogenic effect of TGF-beta in a variety of cell types, the signal transduction mechanism underlying the regulation of NF-kappaB transcription factor by TGF-beta is largely unknown. Because NF-kappaB is not only involved in inflammatory responses but also mediates cell growth, we have investigated the effect of TGF-beta1 on the activity of NF-kappaB and the role of the inhibitory IkappaB-alpha protein in the growth of the human salivary gland cell clones NS-SV-AC, HSGc, and cl-1. NF-kappaB, which is usually maintained in an inactive state by protein-protein interaction with IkappaB, was found to be constitutively active in salivary gland cell lines. Upon treatment of cell clones with TGF-beta1, the NF-kappaB activity in NS-SV-AC and HSGc, but not in cl-1, which lacks the expression of TGF-beta type II receptor, was suppressed. In NS-SV-AC and HSGc, this inhibition was mediated by the induction of IkappaB-alpha at the mRNA and protein levels. The blocking of NF-kappaB subunit with a specific antisense oligonucleotide reduced the growth rate of all of the cell clones, including cl-1. Introduction of a mutated form of IkappaB-alpha cDNA into NS-SV-AC suppressed the growth rate of this cell clone. These results indicate that TGF-beta1 downregulates NF-kappaB activity through the induction of IkappaB-alpha expression in human salivary gland cells and that inhibition of NF-kappaB activity suppresses the growth rate of these cells.

Involvement of double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase in the synergistic activation of nuclear factor-kappaB by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and gamma-interferon in preneuronal cells

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) cooperate during a variety of biological responses and ultimately synergistically enhance the expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Recently, we demonstrated that IFN-gamma can significantly potentiate TNF-alpha-induced nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB nuclear translocation in neuronal derived and endothelial cell lines. The mechanism by which these two cytokines exert their synergistic effect on NF-kappaB involves the de novo degradation of the NF-kappaB inhibitor, IkappaBbeta. The double-stranded RNA-dependent kinase PKR is IFN-inducible and has been implicated in the activation of NF-kappaB; therefore, we examined the possibility that PKR may play a role in the synergistic activation of NF-kappaB during TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma cotreatment. The PKR inhibitor 2-aminopurine (2-AP) inhibited TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma-induced NF-kappaB nuclear translocation in neuronal derived cells but not in endothelial cells. The induced degradation of IkappaBbeta, which is normally observed upon TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma cotreatment, was blocked completely by 2-AP in neuronal derived cells. Also, 2-AP treatment or overexpression of a catalytically inactive PKR inhibited the TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma-induced synergistic activation of kappaB-dependent gene expression. Our results suggest that the signal generated by IFN-gamma during TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma cotreatment may require PKR to elicit enhanced NF-kappaB activity, and this signal may affect the stability of the IkappaBbeta protein.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 gene expression during human smooth muscle cell differentiation is independent of NF-kappaB activation

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) gene expression in cytokine-activated cells depends on two kappaB elements. Since VCAM-1 expression appears developmentally regulated and cytokine-inducible in smooth muscle cells (SMCs), we have studied the role of NF-kappaB in differentiated SMC VCAM-1 expression. Confluent SMCs were cultured either in a serum-free medium in order to induce differentiation, or in medium with serum, stimulated or not by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). The expression of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, a SMC marker, and VCAM-1 was induced concomitantly in serum-free medium, whereas only VCAM-1 expression was induced by cytokine-treatment. We showed that the p50 and p65 subunits of NF-kappaB were localized in the cytoplasm of differentiating SMCs, whereas they were translocated into the nucleus of TNF-alpha-activated SMCs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with VCAM-1 gene kappaB elements failed to detect any induction of DNA-protein complex with nuclear extracts of differentiating SMCs in contrast to the cytokine-activated SMC nuclear extracts. Furthermore, VCAM-1 mRNA induction was inhibited in TNF-alpha-stimulated SMCs, but not in differentiating SMCs, by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB protein activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that in contrast to TNF-alpha activation, NF-kappaB is not involved in VCAM-1 gene expression during SMC differentiation.

Anoxia/reoxygenation-induced tolerance with respect to polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion to cultured endothelial cells. A nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated phenomenon

Exposing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) results in an increase in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion to HUVECs. This A/R-induced hyperadhesion is completely prevented by a previous (24 hours earlier) exposure of HUVECs to A/R. This phenomenon has been termed "A/R tolerance." Exposing HUVECs to A/R induces an increase in nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) in HUVEC nuclei within 4 hours. Interfering with either NF-kappaB activation (proteasome inhibitor) or translocation (double-stranded oligonucleotides containing NF-kappaB binding sequence) prevents the development of A/R tolerance (ie, the increase in A/R-induced PMN adhesion to HUVECs is the same after the first and second A/R challenges). NO production by HUVECs is increased after the second A/R challenge, but not after the first A/R challenge. Inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) during the second A/R challenge prevents the development of A/R tolerance with respect to PMN adhesion. However, while HUVECs contained endothelial NOS protein, no inducible NOS was detected in either tolerant or nontolerant cells. Further studies indicated that inhibition of GTP-cyclohydrolase I (an enzyme involved in de novo synthesis of an important cofactor for NOS activity, tetrahydrobiopterin) prevented the generation of NO in A/R-tolerant cells. Extracellular generation of NO (NO donor) did not effect the hyperadhesion response induced by the initial A/R challenge. A/R also induced an oxidant stress in naive HUVECs, but not in A/R-tolerant HUVECs. Inhibition of NOS during the second A/R insult results in the generation of an oxidant stress similar to that observed after the first A/R challenge. Taken together, the findings of the present study are consistent with a role for NF-kappaB in the development of A/R tolerance (with respect to PMN adhesion), perhaps by transcriptional regulation of GTP-cyclohydrolase. The increased NO production during the second A/R insult reduces PMN adhesion most likely by reducing the intracellular oxidant stress induced by A/R.

Molecular mechanism of basic calcium phosphate crystal-induced activation of human fibroblasts. Role of nuclear factor kappab, activator protein 1, and protein kinase c

Synovial fluid basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are markers of severe joint degeneration in osteoarthritis. BCP crystals cause mitogenesis of articular cells and stimulate matrix metalloprotease production, thus promoting degradation of articular tissues. Previous work suggested that BCP crystal-induced cell activation required intracellular crystal dissolution, induction of proto-oncogene expression, and activation of signal transduction pathways involving protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Here we further elucidate the mechanisms of BCP crystal-induced cell activation as BCP crystals activate transcription factors nuclear factor kappaB and activator protein 1 in human fibroblasts. We confirm the role of protein kinase C in BCP crystal-induced mitogenesis in human fibroblasts. In contrast, we demonstrate that BCP crystals do not activate signal transduction pathways involving protein tyrosine kinases or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. These data further define the mechanism of cell activation by BCP crystals and confirm its selectivity, an observation that may have therapeutic implications.

A Proteasome Inhibitor, an Antioxidant, or a Salicylate, but not a Glucocorticoid, Blocks Constitutive and Cytokine-Inducible Expression of P-Selectin in Human Endothelial Cells

Proteasome inhibitors, antioxidants, salicylates, or glucocorticoids block the cytokine-induced expression of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. These pharmacological agents have been assumed to inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules primarily by blocking activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. We found that the proteasome inhibitor ALLN, the antioxidant PDTC, or sodium salicylate, but not the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, inhibited both the constitutive and the interleukin-4– or oncostatin M–induced expression of the adhesion molecule P-selectin in human endothelial cells. ALLN, PDTC, or sodium salicylate decreased P-selectin expression without a detectable requirement for inhibition of NF-κB activation or for an intact κB element in the P-selectin gene. These results extend the potential anti-inflammatory utility of such drugs to inhibition of P-selectin expression and suggest that they have important actions that do not involve the NF-κB system.

A Proteasome Inhibitor, an Antioxidant, or a Salicylate, but not a Glucocorticoid, Blocks Constitutive and Cytokine-Inducible Expression of P-Selectin in Human Endothelial Cells

Proteasome inhibitors, antioxidants, salicylates, or glucocorticoids block the cytokine-induced expression of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. These pharmacological agents have been assumed to inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules primarily by blocking activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. We found that the proteasome inhibitor ALLN, the antioxidant PDTC, or sodium salicylate, but not the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, inhibited both the constitutive and the interleukin-4– or oncostatin M–induced expression of the adhesion molecule P-selectin in human endothelial cells. ALLN, PDTC, or sodium salicylate decreased P-selectin expression without a detectable requirement for inhibition of NF-κB activation or for an intact κB element in the P-selectin gene. These results extend the potential anti-inflammatory utility of such drugs to inhibition of P-selectin expression and suggest that they have important actions that do not involve the NF-κB system.

Control of NF-kappa B activity by the I kappa B beta inhibitor

The transcription factor NF-kappa B is maintained in an inactive cytoplasmic state by I kappa B inhibitors. In mammalian cells, I kappa B alpha and I kappa B beta proteins have been purified and shown to be the inhibitors of NF-kappa B through their association with the p65 or c-Rel subunits. In addition, we have isolated a third NF-kappa B inhibitor, I kappa B epsilon (1). Upon treatment with a large variety of inducers, I kappa B alpha, I kappa B beta are proteolytically degraded, resulting in NF-kappa B translocation into the nucleus. Here we show that in E29.1 T cell hybridoma I kappa B alpha and I kappa B beta are equally associated with p65 and that I kappa B beta is degraded in response to TNF alpha in contrast to what has been originally published. Our data also suggest that, unlike I kappa B alpha, I kappa B beta is constitutively phosphorylated and resynthesized as a hypophosphorylated form. The absence of slow migrating forms of I kappa B beta following stimulation suggests that the phosphorylation does not necessarily constitute the signal-induced event which targets the molecule for proteolysis.

Gastric hyperplasia and increased proliferative responses of lymphocytes in mice lacking the COOH-terminal ankyrin domain of NF-kappaB2

The nfkb2 gene encodes the p100 precursor which produces the p52 protein after proteolytic cleavage of its COOH-terminal domain. Although the p52 product can act as an alternative subunit of NF-kappaB, the p100 precursor is believed to function as an inhibitor of Rel/NF-kappaB activity by cytoplasmic retention of Rel/NF-kappaB complexes, like other members of the IkappaB family. However, the physiological relevance of the p100 precursor as an IkappaB molecule has not been understood. To assess the role of the precursor in vivo, we generated, by gene targeting, mice lacking p100 but still containing a functional p52 protein. Mice with a homozygous deletion of the COOH-terminal ankyrin repeats of NF-kappaB2 (p100(-/-)) had marked gastric hyperplasia, resulting in early postnatal death. p100(-/-) animals also presented histopathological alterations of hematopoietic tissues, enlarged lymph nodes, increased lymphocyte proliferation in response to several stimuli, and enhanced cytokine production in activated T cells. Dramatic induction of nuclear kappaB-binding activity composed of p52-containing complexes was found in all tissues examined and also in stimulated lymphocytes. Thus, the p100 precursor is essential for the proper regulation of p52-containing Rel/NF-kappaB complexes in various cell types and its absence cannot be efficiently compensated for by other IkappaB proteins.

Reconstitution of the NF-kappa B system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for isolation of effectors by phenotype modulation

NF-kappa B is a ubiquitous transcription factor that contributes to the induction of many genes playing a central role in immune and inflammatory responses. The NF-kappa B proteins are subject to multiple regulatory influences including post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and proteolytic processing. A very important component of this regulation is the control of their subcellular localization: cytoplasmic retention of NF-kappa B is achieved through interaction with I kappa B molecules. In response to extracellular signals, these molecules undergo degradation, NF-kappa B translocates to the nucleus and activates its target genes. To investigate novel proteins involved in this dynamic response, we have reconstituted the NF-kappa B/I kappa Beta system in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have successively introduced p65, the main transcriptional activator of the NF-kappa B family, which leads to the activation of two reporter genes controlled by kappa B sites, and the I kappa B alpha inhibitory protein, which abolishes this activation. By transforming such a yeast strain with a cDNA library we have performed a genetic screen for cDNAs encoding proteins capable of either dissociating the p65/I kappa B alpha complex or directly transactivating the expression of the reporter genes. The efficiency of our screen was demonstrated by the isolation of a cDNA encoding the p105 precursor of the p50 subunit of NF-kappa B. We also used this system to test stimuli known to activate signalling pathways in yeast, in order to investigate whether the related mammalian cascades might be involved in NF-kappa B activation. We showed that yeast endogenous kinase cascades activated by pheromone, hypo- or hyperosmotic shock cannot modulate NF-kappa B activity in our system, and that the p38 human MAP kinase does not act directly on the p65/I kappa B alpha complex.

Regulation of IkappaBbeta degradation. Similarities to and differences from IkappaBalpha

The transcription factor NF-kappaB (nuclear factor-kappaB) is neutralized in nonstimulated cells through cytoplasmic retention by IkappaB inhibitors. In mammalian cells, two major forms of IkappaB proteins, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta, have been identified. Upon treatment with a large variety of inducers, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta are proteolytically degraded, resulting in NF-kappaB translocation into the nucleus. Recent observations suggest that phosphorylation of serines 32 and 36 and subsequent ubiquitination of lysines 21 and 22 of IkappaBalpha control its signal-induced degradation. In this study we provide evidence that critical residues in the NH2-terminal region of IkappaBbeta (serines 19 and 23) as well as its COOH-terminal PEST region control IkappaBbeta proteolysis. However Lys-9, the unique lysine residue in the NH2-terminal region of IkappaBbeta, is not absolutely required for its degradation. We also demonstrate that following stimulation, an underphosphorylated nondegradable form of IkappaBbeta accumulates. Surprisingly, our data suggest that unlike IkappaBalpha, IkappaBbeta is constitutively phosphorylated on one or two of the critical NH2-terminal serine residues. Thus, phosphorylation of these sites is necessary for degradation but does not necessarily constitute the signal-induced event that targets the molecule for proteolysis.

The retinoblastoma gene product (Rb) induces binding of a conformationally inactive nuclear factor-kappaB

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) regulates expression of several viral and cellular genes including the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat, major histocompatibility complex class I, and interleukin 2Ralpha cytokine genes. Here we report that the retinoblastoma gene product (Rb) stimulates binding of the NF-kappaB p50 homodimer. The addition of Rb protein to an in vitro gel shift binding assay stimulated p50 binding greater than 10-fold. Interestingly, by analyzing NF-kappaB-dependent transcription activity in vitro, we demonstrate that Rb suppresses transcriptional activity of p50. Chymotrypsin analysis suggests that Rb induces a conformational change in the NF-kappaB-DNA complex, resulting in binding of a transcriptionally inactive complex. Finally, we demonstrate by coimmunoprecipitation analysis that the Rb-p50 complex is present in Jurkat cell extracts. Our results suggest that Rb may play an important role in regulation of NF-kappaB transcriptional activity.

Contextual dependence of steroid receptor function on an androgen-responsive enhancer

The enhancer of the mouse sex-limited protein (Slp) gene includes a consensus hormone response element (HRE) that interacts with several auxiliary elements for steroid induction. The 160-bp fragment. C' delta 2, confers response to androgen or glucocorticoid in transfection, while a 120-bp subfragment, C' delta 9, is activated only by androgen in some cells. Site-directed mutants were tested to identify elements affecting differential response of androgen or glucocorticoid receptors (AR, GR). While most mutations of C' delta 2 affected induction by either steroid similarly, disruptions of the consensus HRE or an octamer-like sequence were more severe for GR than AR activity. An HRE half-site was critical to androgen-specific induction of C' delta 9 but had little impact in the nonspecific C' delta 2 context. In DNase I footprinting, full-length AR and GR bound similarly to the consensus HRE but dissimilarly to nonconsensus sites. Intriguingly, NF-kappa B bound the region of C' delta 2 absent from C' delta 9. Expression of I kappa B decreased response of C' delta 2, but not C' delta 9, confirming a permissive role of NF-kappa B in steroid activation. In this case, different factors may associate with receptors in the presence of NF-kappa B than those that confer androgen specificity in NF-kappa B's absence, suggesting that exclusion of some factors from a specific transcription complex is as crucial as inclusion of others. This dissection of C' delta 2 and C' delta 9 in vitro reveals subtle distinctions in AR and GR interactions that may underlie specific hormonal response in vivo.

The v-rel oncogene promotes malignant T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in transgenic mice

The oncogene product from the avian reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T, v-Rel, is a member of the Rel/ NF-kappa B family of transcription factors. The mechanism by which v-Rel induces oncogenic transformation remains unclear. Several attempts to transform mammalian cells with v-Rel have failed, suggesting that v-Rel transformation may be a species-specific event. However, here we demonstrate that v-Rel, but not a truncated c-Rel, expressed under the control of the lck promoter, efficiently induced malignancies in transgenic mice. Most of the animals died before 10 months of age and developed immature, multicentric aggressive T-cell leukemia/lymphomas. Most tumors contain CD4+CD8+ cells or CD4-CD8+ cells, which have an immature rather than a mature peripheral phenotype. No tumor development was observed in control littermates and transgenic mice expressing a truncated form of c-Rel. Tumor formation was correlated with the presence of constitutive p50/v-Rel DNA binding activity and overexpression of several kappa B-regulated genes in v-rel transgenic thymocytes. However, v-Rel is also transforming in transgenic thymocytes lacking p50, indicating that p50/v-Rel heterodimer formation is not essential for the transforming activity of v-Rel. The transforming activity of v-Rel in p50 null mice has been identified as v-Rel/v-Rel homodimers. Since tumors represent immature T-lymphocytes, constitutive v-Rel expression appears to be leukemogenic at earlier stages of T-cell development. These v-Rel mice should aid in the study of lymphoma development, T-cell development and NF-kappa B regulation.

Glucocorticoid-mediated gene suppression of rat cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant CINC/gro, a member of the interleukin-8 family, through impairment of NF-kappa B activation

The glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibited the production of the rat cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant CINC/gro, a counterpart of human melanoma growth-stimulating activity that belongs to the interleukin-8 (IL-8) family, in the normal rat kidney epithelial cell line NRK-52E stimulated with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), lipopolysaccharide, or tumor necrosis factor alpha. The accumulation of CINC/gro mRNA induced by these activators was also decreased comparably by dexamethasone. A nuclear run-on assay revealed that dexamethasone decreased the IL-1 beta-induced transcription of the CINC/gro gene. The half-life of CINC/gro mRNA transcripts did not change significantly after exposure to dexamethasone, suggesting that this glucocorticoid acts mainly at the transcriptional level. Transfection with luciferase expression vectors containing 5'-deleted and mutated CINC/gro gene sequences demonstrated that the 5'-flanking region containing the NF-kappa B binding site is involved in the IL-1 beta- and dexamethasone-induced activation and repression of the CINC/gro gene expression, respectively. Furthermore, a tandem repeat of the NF-kappa B sequence in the CINC/gro gene conferred the inducibility by IL-1 beta and suppression of luciferase activity by dexamethasone. In an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, dexamethasone diminished the IL-1 beta-induced formation of NF-kappa B complexes, which consisted of p65 and p50. Western blotting revealed that dexamethasone inhibited the IL-1 beta-induced translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, while the nuclear level of NF-kappa B p50 remained almost unchanged. In addition, the degradation of I kappa B-alpha induced by IL-1 beta was not inhibited by dexamethasone. These results indicated that the suppression of the CINC/gro gene transcription by glucocorticoid occurs through the impairment of NF-kappa B activation, possibly by interference with the translocation of NF-kappa B p65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, thereby suppressing transactivation of the CINC/gro gene.

Regulation of the human P-selectin promoter by Bcl-3 and specific homodimeric members of the NF-kappa B/Rel family

P-selectin, an adhesion receptor for leukocytes, is constitutively expressed by megakaryocytes and endothelial cells. Synthesis of P-selectin is also increased by some inflammatory mediators. We characterized a previously identified kappa B site (-218GGGGGTGACCCC-207) in the promoter of the human P-selectin gene. The kappa B site was unique in that it bound constitutive nuclear protein complexes containing p50 or p52, but not inducible nuclear protein complexes containing p65. Furthermore, the element bound recombinant p50 or p52 homodimers, but not p65 homodimers. Methylation interference analysis indicated that p50 or p52 homodimers contacted the guanines at positions -218 to -214 on the coding strand and at -210 to -207 on the noncoding strand. Changes in the three central residues at -213 to -211 altered binding specificity for members of the NF-kappa B/Rel family. Mutations that eliminated binding to NF-kappa B/Rel proteins reduced by approximately 40% the expression of a reporter gene driven by the P-selectin promoter in transfected bovine aortic endothelial cells. Overexpression of p52 enhanced P-selectin promoter activity, and co-overexpression of Bcl-3 further induced promoter activity in a kappa B site-dependent manner. In contrast, overexpression of p50 repressed promoter activity; this repression was prevented by co-overexpression of Bcl-3. Similar phenomena were observed with reporter gene constructs driven by two tandem P-selectin kappa B sequences linked to the SV40 minimal promoter. These data suggest that Bcl-3 differentially regulates the effects of p50 and p52 homodimers bound to the kappa B site of the P-selectin promoter. This site may be a prototype for kappa B elements in other genes that bind specifically to p50 and/or p52 homodimers.