Transcriptional regulation and structural organization of the human cytosolic phospholipase A(2) gene

Carbohydrate intake attenuates post-exercise plasma levels of cytochrome P450-generated oxylipins

Introduction

Oxylipins are bioactive oxidation products derived from n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the linoleic acid and α-linolenic desaturation pathways.

Purpose

This study determined if carbohydrate intake during prolonged and intensive cycling countered post-exercise increases in n-6 and n-3 PUFA-derived oxylipins.

Methods

The research design utilized a randomized, crossover, counterbalanced approach with cyclists (N = 20, overnight fasted state, 7:00 am start) who engaged in four 75-km time trials while ingesting two types of bananas (Cavendish, Mini-yellow), a 6% sugar beverage, and water only. Carbohydrate intake was set at 0.2 g/kg every 15 minutes, and blood samples were collected pre-exercise and 0 h-, 0.75 h-,1.5 h-, 3 h-, 4.5 h-, 21 h-, 45 h-post-exercise. Oxylipins were measured with a targeted liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometric method.

Results

Significant time effects and substantial fold-increases (immediately post-exercise/pre-exercise) were measured for plasma levels of arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and 43 of 45 oxylipins. Significant interaction effects (4 trials x 8 time points) were found for plasma ARA (P<0.001) and DHA (P<0.001), but not EPA (P = 0.255), with higher post-exercise values found in the water trial compared to the carbohydrate trials. Significant interaction effects were also measured for 12 of 45 oxylipins. The data supported a strong exercise-induced increase in plasma levels of these oxylipins during the water trial, with carbohydrate ingestion (both bananas types and the sugar beverage) attenuating oxylipin increases, especially those (9 of 12) generated from the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzyme system. These trials differences were especially apparent within the first three hours of recovery from the 75-km cycling bout.

Conclusions

Prolonged and intensive exercise evoked a transient but robust increase in plasma levels of oxylipins, with a significant attenuation effect linked to acute carbohydrate ingestion for 28% of these, especially those generated through the CYP enzyme system.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Institutes of Health, NCT02994628

Cytosolic phospholipase A₂: physiological function and role in disease

The group IV phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family is comprised of six intracellular enzymes (GIVA, -B, -C, -D, -E, and -F) commonly referred to as cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2)α, -β, -γ, -δ, -ε, and -ζ. They contain a Ser-Asp catalytic dyad and all except cPLA2γ have a C2 domain, but differences in their catalytic activities and subcellular localization suggest unique regulation and function. With the exception of cPLA2α, the focus of this review, little is known about the in vivo function of group IV enzymes. cPLA2α catalyzes the hydrolysis of phospholipids to arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids that are precursors of numerous bioactive lipids. The regulation of cPLA2α is complex, involving transcriptional and posttranslational processes, particularly increases in calcium and phosphorylation. cPLA2α is a highly conserved widely expressed enzyme that promotes lipid mediator production in human and rodent cells from a variety of tissues. The diverse bioactive lipids produced as a result of cPLA2α activation regulate normal physiological processes and disease pathogenesis in many organ systems, as shown using cPLA2α KO mice. However, humans recently identified with cPLA2α deficiency exhibit more pronounced effects on health than observed in mice lacking cPLA2α, indicating that much remains to be learned about this interesting enzyme.

Bleeding diathesis and gastro-duodenal ulcers in inherited cytosolic phospholipase-A2 alpha deficiency

Arachidonic acid (AA), when cleaved from phospholipids by cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha (cPLA2a), generates eicosanoids, with pro-hemostatic, pro-inflammatory, vasoactive and gastro-protective functions. We describe a patient (27-year-old man) and his twin-sister with early-onset bleeding diathesis and recurrent gastro-intestinal (GI) ulcers. Platelet aggregation/δ-granules secretion by collagen was impaired, but normal by AA; serum levels of thromboxane (Tx) B2 and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and urinary levels of 11-dehydro-TxB2 were extremely low. Patients were homozygous for 1723G>C transition in PLA2G4A gene, which changed the codon for Asp575 to His. GI ulcers affected 5/14 heterozygous (< 40 years) and 1/16 wild-type homozygous (> 60 years) family members; none had bleeding diathesis. The proband, his sister and mother also had mildly reduced factor XI levels. Platelet messenger RNA expression did not differ among subjects with different PLA2G4A genotypes. Conversely, platelet cPLA2a was undetectable by Western Blotting in the proband and his sister, and decreased in 1723G>C heterozygous subjects, suggesting that the variant is transcribed, but not translated or translated into an unstable protein. We described a syndromic form of deficiency of cPLA2a , characterised by recurrent GI ulcers and bleeding diathesis, associated with mild inherited deficiency of factor XI. Unlike other reported patients with cPLA2a deficiency, these patients had extremely low levels of platelet TxA2 biosynthesis.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors mediate apoptosis via cytosolic calcium-dependent phospholipase A₂ and migration in prostate cancer cell RM-1

Peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors (CRHRs) are G protein-coupled receptors that play different roles depending on tissue types. Previously, we discovered the mechanism of CRHR-mediated apoptosis of mouse prostate cancer cell line (RM-1) to be a change of Bcl-2:Bax ratio, and CRH was found to inhibit transforming growth factor β migration of breast cancer cells via CRHRs. In the present study, we investigated cytosolic calcium-dependent phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) bridging CRHR activations and Bcl-2:Bax ratio and the effect of CRHR activation on cell migration. Silencing of cPLA2 attenuated a CRHR1 agonist, CRH-induced apoptosis, and the decrease of the Bcl-2:Bax ratio, whereas silencing of cPLA2 aggravated CRHR2 agonist, Urocortin 2 (Ucn2)-inhibited apoptosis, and the increase of the Bcl-2:Bax ratio. CRH in a time- and concentration-dependent manner increased cPLA2 expression mainly through interleukin 1β (IL1β) upregulation. Ucn2 decreased cPLA2 expression through neither tumor necrosis factor α nor IL1β. CRH-suppressed decay of cPLA2 mRNA and Ucn2 merely suppressed its production. Overexpression of CRHR1 or CRHR2 in HEK293 cells correspondingly upregulated or downregulated cPLA2 expression after CRH or Ucn2 stimulation respectively. In addition, both CRH and Ucn2 induced migration of RM-1 cells. Our observation not only established a relationship between CRHRs and cell migration but also for the first time, to our knowledge, demonstrated that cPLA2 participates in CRHR1-induced apoptosis and CRHR2-inhibited apoptosis.

The role of TGF-β in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic oligoanovulation and hyperandrogenism and associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. In recent years, genetic studies have linked PCOS to a dinucleotide marker D19S884 in the fibrillin 3 gene. Fibrillins make up the major component of microfibrils in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and interact with molecules in the ECM to regulate transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling. Therefore, variations in fibrillin 3 and subsequent dysregulation of TGF-β may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Here, we review the evidence from genetic studies supporting the role of TGF-β in PCOS and describe how TGF-β dysregulation may contribute to (1) the fetal origins of PCOS, (2) reproductive abnormalities in PCOS, and (3) cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities in PCOS.

A distal enhancer controls cytokine-dependent human cPLA2α gene expression

Specific control of group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2α or PLA2G4A) expression modulates arachidonic acid production, thus tightly regulating the downstream effects of pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. The significance of this pathway in human disease is apparent in a range of pathologies from inflammation to tumorigenesis. While much of the regulation of cPLA2α has focused on posttranslational phosphorylation of the protein, studies on transcriptional regulation of this gene have focused only on proximal promoter regions. We have identified a DNase I hypersensitive site encompassing a 5' distal enhancer element containing a highly conserved consensus AP-1 site involved in transcriptional activation of cPLA2α by interleukin (IL)-1β. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), knockdown, knockout, and overexpression analyses have shown that c-Jun acts both in a negative and positive regulatory role. Transcriptional activation of cPLA2α occurs through the phosphorylation of c-Jun in conjunction with increased association of C/EBPβ with the distal novel enhancer. The association of C/EBPβ with the transcriptional activation complex does not require an obvious DNA binding site. These data provide new and important contributions to the understanding of cPLA2α regulation at the transcriptional level, with implications for eicosanoid metabolism, cellular signaling, and disease pathogenesis.

Regulation of human microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 by IL-1β requires a distal enhancer element with a unique role for C/EBPβ

The studies of PGE2 (prostaglandin E2) biosynthesis have focused primarily on the role of cyclo-oxygenases. Efforts have shifted towards the specific PGE2 terminal synthases, particularly mPGES-1 (microsomal PGE synthase 1), which has emerged as the crucial inducible synthase with roles in pain, cancer and inflammation. mPGES-1 is induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines with studies focusing on the proximal promoter, mediated specifically through Egr-1 (early growth-response factor 1). Numerous studies demonstrate that the mPGES-1 promoter (PTGES) alone cannot account for the level of IL-1β (interleukin 1β) induction. We identified two DNase I-hypersensitive sites within the proximal promoter near the Egr-1 element and a novel distal site near −8.6 kb. Functional analysis of the distal site revealed two elements that co-operate with basal promoter expression and a stimulus-dependent enhancer. A specific binding site for C/EBPβ (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β) in the enhancer was directly responsible for inducible enhancer activity. ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) analysis demonstrated constitutive Egr-1 binding to the promoter and induced RNA polymerase II and C/EBPβ binding to the promoter and enhancer respectively. Knockout/knockdown studies established a functional role for C/EBPβ in mPGES-1 gene regulation and the documented interaction between Egr-1 and C/EBPβ highlights the proximal promoter co-operation with a novel distal enhancer element in regulating inducible mPGES-1 expression.

cPLA(2)α gene activation by IL-1β is dependent on an upstream kinase pathway, enzymatic activation and downstream 15-lipoxygenase activity: a positive feedback loop

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2)α (cPLA(2)α) is the most widely studied member of the Group IV PLA(2) family. The enzyme is Ca(2+)-dependent with specificity for phospholipid substrates containing arachidonic acid. As the pinnacle of the arachidonic acid pathway, cPLA(2)α has a primary role in the biosynthesis of a diverse family of eicosanoid metabolites, with potent physiological, inflammatory and pathological consequences. cPLA(2)α activity is regulated by pro-inflammatory stimuli through pathways involving increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels, phosphorylation coupled to increased enzymatic activity and de novo gene transcription. This study addresses the signal transduction pathways for protein phosphorylation and gene induction following IL-1β stimulation in human fetal lung fibroblasts. Our results utilizing both inhibitors and kinase-deficient cells demonstrate that cPLA(2)α is phosphorylated within 10min of IL-1β treatment, an event requiring p38 MAPK as well as the upstream kinase, MKK3/MKK6. Inhibition of p38 MAPK also blocks the phosphorylation of a downstream, nuclear kinase, MSK-1. Our results further demonstrate that the activities of both cPLA(2)α and a downstream lipoxygenase (15-LOX2) are required for IL-1β-dependent induction of cPLA(2)α mRNA expression. Overall, these data support an MKK3/MKK6→p38 MAPK→MSK-1→cPLA(2)α→15-LOX2-dependent, positive feedback loop where a protein's enzymatic activity is required to regulate its own gene induction by a pro-inflammatory stimulus.

Induction of Galphas contributes to the paradoxical stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha expression by cortisol in human amnion fibroblasts

Cytosolic phospholipase A (cPLA(2alpha)) catalyzes the formation of arachidonic acid in prostaglandin synthesis. In contrast to the well-described down-regulation of cPLA(2alpha), up-regulation of cPLA(2alpha) by glucocorticoids has been reported in human amnion fibroblasts, which may play a key role in parturition. The mechanisms underlying this paradoxical induction of cPLA(2alpha) by glucocorticoids remain largely unknown. Using cultured human amnion fibroblasts, we found that the induction of cPLA(2alpha) by cortisol required ongoing transcription and synthesis of at least one other protein. The induction of cPLA(2alpha) by cortisol was abolished by mutagenesis of a glucocorticoid response element (GRE) in the promoter. The same GRE was found mediating the classical inhibition of cPLA(2alpha) expression by cortisol in human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL-1). Cortisol increased Galpha(s) expression in amnion fibroblasts but not in HFL-1 cells. Inhibition of Galpha(s) with NF449 attenuated the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein-1 (CREB-1) and the induction of cPLA(2alpha) by cortisol in amnion fibroblasts. Both glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and CREB-1 were found bound to the GRE upon cortisol stimulation of amnion fibroblasts. The induction of cPLA(2alpha) by cortisol was blocked by GR antagonist RU486 or protein kinase A inhibitor H89 or dominant-negative CREB-1. In conclusion, cortisol activates the cAMP/protein kinase A/CREB-1 pathway via Galpha(s) induction, and the phosphorylated CREB-1 interacts with GR at the GRE to promote cPLA(2alpha) expression in amnion fibroblasts.

Participation of ATP7A in macrophage mediated oxidation of LDL

ATP7A primarily functions to egress copper from cells, thereby supplying this cofactor to secreted copper-accepting enzymes. This ATPase has attracted significant attention since the discovery of its mutation leading to human Menkes disease and the demonstration of its distribution in various tissues. Recently, we reported that ATP7A is expressed in the human vasculature. In the present study, we investigated the cellular expression of ATP7A in atherosclerotic lesions of LDL receptor (-/-) mice. Subsequently, we examined the role of ATP7A in regulating the oxidation of LDL in a macrophage cell model. We observed that ATP7A is expressed in atherosclerotic murine aorta and colocalizes with macrophages. To investigate the function of ATP7A, we downregulated ATP7A expression in THP-1 derived macrophages using small interfering RNA (siRNA). ATP7A downregulation attenuated cell-mediated oxidation of LDL. Moreover, downregulation of ATP7A resulted in decreased expression and enzymatic activity of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) alpha (cPLA(2)alpha), a key intracellular enzyme involved in cell-mediated LDL oxidation. In addition, cPLA(2)alpha promoter activity was decreased after downregulation of ATP7A, suggesting that ATP7A transcriptionally regulates cPLA(2)alpha expression. Finally, cPLA(2)alpha overexpression increased LDL oxidation, which was blocked by coadministration of ATP7A siRNA oligonucleotides. These findings suggest a novel mechanism linking ATP7A to cPLA(2)alpha and LDL oxidation, suggesting that this copper transporter could play a previously unrecognized role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Nucleolin regulates c-Jun/Sp1-dependent transcriptional activation of cPLA2alpha in phorbol ester-treated non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

The expression of cPLA2 is critical for transformed growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is known that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated signal transduction pathway is thought to be involved in the oncogene action in NSCLC and enzymatic activation of cPLA2. However, the transcriptional regulation of cPLA2alpha in PMA-activated NSCLC is not clear. In this study, we found that PMA induced the mRNA level and protein expression of cPLA2alpha. In addition, two Sp1-binding sites of cPLA2alpha promoter were required for response to PMA and c-Jun overexpression. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) of c-Jun and nucleolin inhibited PMA induced the promoter activity and protein expression of cPLA2alpha. Furthermore, PMA stimulated the formation of c-Jun/Sp1 and c-Jun/nucleolin complexes as well as the binding of these transcription factor complexes to the cPLA2alpha promoter. Although Sp1-binding sites were required for the bindings of Sp1 and nucleolin to the promoter, the binding of nucleolin or Sp1 to the promoter was independent of each other. Our results revealed that c-Jun/nucleolin and c-Jun/Sp1 complexes play an important role in PMA-regulated cPLA2alpha gene expression. It is likely that nucleolin binding at place of Sp1 on gene promoter could also mediate the regulation of c-Jun/Sp1-activated genes.

Tetrahydrofurandiol stimulation of phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase, and cyclooxygenase gene expression and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell proliferation

BACKGROUND

We characterized an endocrine disruptor from ground corncob bedding material that interferes with male and female sexual behavior and ovarian cyclicity in rats and stimulates estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cell proliferation. The agents were identified as an isomeric mixture of tetrahydrofurandiols (THF-diols; 9,12-oxy-10,13-dihydroxy-octadecanoic acid and 10,13-oxy-9,12-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid). Synthetic THF-diols inhibited rat male and female sexual behavior at oral concentrations of 0.5-1 ppm, and stimulated MCF-7 human breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro.

OBJECTIVES

Because THF-diols are derived from lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways, we suspected that these compounds may regulate cell proliferation by modulating specific enzymatic sites involved in linoleic acid metabolism including phospholipase A(2) (PLA2), lipoxygenases (LOX-5 and LOX-12), cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), and closely coupled enzymes including aromatase (AROM).

METHODS

MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were treated with inhibitors for PLA2 (quinacrine), lipoxygenases (LOX-5 and LOX-12; baicalein, REV-5091, nordihydroguaiaretic acid), cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2, indomethacin), and AROM (formestane). The effects of these enzyme inhibitors on cell proliferation in response to THF-diols or estradiol (E(2)) were assessed. THF-diol modulation of the expression (RNA and protein) of these enzymes was also evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

The enzyme inhibition and gene expression (RNA and protein) studies identified PLA2, LOX-5, LOX-12, COX-2, and perhaps AROM as likely sites of THF-diol regulation in MCF-7 cells. COX-1 was not affected by THF-diol treatment.

DISCUSSION

THF-diol stimulation of MCF-7 cell proliferation is mediated through effects on the expression of the PLA2, COX-2, LOX-5, and LOX-12 genes and/or their respective enzyme activities. The products of these enzymes, including prostaglandins, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) and hydroxyoctadecenoic acids (HODEs), are well-established mitogens in normal and malignant cells. Therefore, it is likely that these compounds are involved in the mechanism of action of THF-diols in breast cancer cells. Although the formestane inhibition studies suggested that AROM activity might be modulated by THF-diols, this was not confirmed by the gene expression studies.

Paradox of glucocorticoid-induced cytosolic phospholipase A2 group IVA messenger RNA expression involves glucocorticoid receptor binding to the promoter in human amnion fibroblasts

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are well-known anti-inflammatory drugs inhibiting prostaglandin production. Paradoxically, GCs are reported to stimulate cytosolic phosphoplipase A2 group IVA (PLA2G4A) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) expression in human amnion fibroblasts. This study was designed to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid-induced PLA2G4A expression in human amnion fibroblasts. Our data showed that cortisol (0.01 approximately 1 microM) increased PLA2G4A mRNA level in a dose-dependent manner in human amnion fibroblasts, which was blocked by glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 (1 microM) as well as by the mRNA transcription inhibitor 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside (DRB; 75 microM). Concurrently, cortisol (0.01 approximately 1 microM) decreased rather than increased proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels, including interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), in a dose-dependent manner in human amnion fibroblasts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that glucocorticoid receptor was bound to PLA2G4A promoter in human amnion fibroblasts upon cortisol stimulation. This was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay showing that nuclear protein extracted from human amnion fibroblasts upon cortisol stimulation could bind the synthesized oligonucleotide sequence corresponding to PLA2G4A promoter region from -95 bp to -65 bp bearing the putative glucocorticoid response element. This binding was super shifted by glucocorticoid receptor antibody. In conclusion, we demonstrated in this study that cortisol increased PLA2G4A mRNA level via GR-dependent ongoing transcription in human amnion fibroblasts by activating the binding of GR to PLA2G4A promoter directly, and this effect appeared unlikely to be secondary to the effect of cortisol on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human amnion fibroblasts.

85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 group IValpha gene promoter polymorphisms in patients with severe asthma: a gene expression and case-control study

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) group IValpha is a critical enzyme involved in the liberation of arachidonic acid from cellular membranes. cPLA(2)(-/-) mice have reduced allergen-induced bronchoconstriction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The goal of this study was to investigate polymorphisms of the (CA)(n) and (T)(n) microsatellites and surrounding regions in the cPLA(2)alpha gene promoter. We analysed the cPLA(2) promoter regions containing (CA)(n) and (T)(n) repeats in 87 patients with severe asthma and in 48 control subjects by bidirectional sequencing. Functional studies were performed utilizing reporter genes derived from subjects with varying numbers of these repeats, and on constructs with a series of deletions. We found that the (CA)(n) and (T)(n) regions are polymorphic and that constructs with CA or T repeats or CA and T repeats deleted revealed, respectively, a 41.8 +/- 7%, 22.3 +/- 5% and 100 +/- 20% increase in reporter gene activity. A lower number of CA or T repeats caused higher cPLA(2) promoter luciferase activity. The group of shorter alleles of the (CA)(n) microsatellite region (n = 12-18) (P(cor) = 0.00006), and the group of shorter alleles of (T)(n) repeats region (n = 17-38) (P(cor) = 0.0039) occurred significantly more often in patients with severe asthma. We also found novel SNPs in positions -292 C > G, -185 A > C, -180 T > C and -165 A > C. Two of them were associated with the severe asthma phenotype: -180T allele (P(cor) = 0.03996) and -185 A allele (P(cor) = 0.03966). These results demonstrate that (CA)(n) and (T)(n) repeats may have an influence on cPLA(2) transcription which might play a role in severe asthma pathogenesis.

Interferon gamma-induced gene expression of the novel secretory phospholipase A2 type IID in human monocyte-derived macrophages is inhibited by lipopolysaccharide

Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) is a superfamily of enzymes that may play a major role in airways inflammation. We investigated the effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on the gene expression of 19 different PLA(2) types in human monocyte-derived macrophages and nasal epithelial cells (RPMI 2650). The cells were stimulated with IFN-gamma for different lengths of time (up to 48 h), and the mRNA levels of the different PLA(2) types were determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and normalized to those of the house-keeping gene, GAPDH. It appeared that IFN-gamma clearly increased the expression of secretory PLA(2) IID (but not IIA) in macrophages, while both PLA(2) IID and IIA were upregulated in RPMI 2650 cells. Moreover, after 18 h, the mRNA levels of cytosolic PLA(2) IVA were 2-3 times higher in IFN-gamma-stimulated macrophages than controls, while there was no such effect of IFN-gamma in RPMI 2650 cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) augmented the increased gene expression of PLA(2) IVA but decreased both the basal and the IFN-gamma-induced PLA(2) IID mRNA expression in macrophages (but not in RPMI 2650 cells). The NF-kappaB inhibitor Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and the phoshatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin were employed to get an insight into the mechanism behind these observations. Incubation of macrophages with PDTC had no effect on the LPS impairment of PLA(2) IID gene expression, but inhibited the LPS mediated activation of PLA(2) IVA. No significant effect was noted of PDTC on IFN-gamma stimulation, while PI3K had no effect at all on any of the stimuli used. Furthermore, LPS (but not IFN-gamma) increased the mRNA levels of the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB inhibitors alpha and xi in macrophages, but not in RPMI 2650 cells. These findings indicate that (a) the gene expression of secretory types PLA(2) IID and IIA in response to IFN-gamma is much dependent on cell type, and (b) the regulation of PLA(2) type IID in human macrophages is clearly different from that of PLA(2) type IVA. (c) PLA(2) IVA is probably under control of both NF-kappaB and IFN-gamma-responsive elements (GRE) or IFN-gamma-activating sites (GAS). The possibility that PLA(2) IID is involved in cytokine-mediated inflammation in the nasal mucosa is inferred, as is the potential role of PLA(2) IID in the host defense against LPS-containing bacteria.

Uric acid inhibits renal proximal tubule cell proliferation via at least two signaling pathways involving PKC, MAPK, cPLA2, and NF-kappaB

The accumulation of uric acid, an end-product of purine metabolism, is responsible for the many deleterious effects observed in gouty arthritis, including renal injury. Here, we present evidence that under conditions of hyperuricemia (>10(-4) M uric acid) [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into primary renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs) is inhibited, and we delineate the signaling pathways involved. Elevated uric acid was observed to stimulate MAPK phosphorylation. The uric acid induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation was also blocked by H-7 (a PKC inhibitor), indicating that p38 MAPK was a downstream target of PKC. Evidence that cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) was involved further downstream included 1) the stimulatory effect of uric acid on [(3)H]-labeled arachidonic acid (AA) release; 2) the stimulation of AA release in response to uric acid was blocked by the PKC inhibitor H-7 as well as by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580; and 3) the uric acid-induced inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation was prevented by SB 203580, as well as by the cPLA(2) inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, and mepacrine (another PLA(2) inhibitor). Evidence of a uric acid-induced activation of NF-kappaB as well as PLA(2) was obtained. Moreover the uric acid-induced inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation was also blocked by two NF-kappaB inhibitors, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and SN 50. However, SN 50 did not block the uric acid induced [(3)H]AA release. Thus the inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation caused by uric acid can be explained by two distinct mechanisms, the activation of NF-kappaB as well as the activation of PLA(2).

The role of phospholipases A2 in schizophrenia

A range of neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia based on the antidopaminergic activities of antipsychotic medications, and chemicals that can induce psychotic-like symptoms, such as ketamine or PCP. Such neurotransmitter systems often mediate their cellular response via G-protein-coupled release of arachidonic acid (AA) via the activation of phospholipases A2 (PLA2s). The interaction of three PLA2s are important for the regulation of the release of AA--phospholipase A2 Group 2 A, phospholipase A2 Group 4A and phospholipase A2 Group 6A. Gene variations of these three key enzymes have been associated with schizophrenia with conflicting results. Preclinical data suggest that the activity of these three enzymes are associated with monoaminergic neurotransmission, and may contribute to the differential efficacy of antipsychotic medications, as well as other biological changes thought to underlie schizophrenia, such as altered neurodevelopment and synaptic remodelling. We review the evidence and discuss the potential roles of these three key enzymes for schizophrenia with particular emphasis on published association studies.

Hypoxia-sensitive domain in the human cytosolic phospholipase A2 promoter

Transcription from the human cytosolic phospholipase A2 gene has been observed to be hypoxia sensitive in endothelial cells cultured from the human cerebral microvasculature. DNA sequence analysis of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 promoter revealed the presence of a distal cluster of potential hypoxia-inducible factor-1-DNA binding sites homologous to 5'-NCGTG-3', located between -1087 and -996 bp of the major start of transcription at +1 bp (Genbank U08374). Gel shift assay showed strong hypoxia-inducible factor-1-DNA binding to only a single site within this cluster, and promoter deletion analysis indicated the functional importance of this chromatin domain in conveying oxygen sensitivity to cytosolic phospholipase A2 gene transcription. Non-functional hypoxia inducible factor-1-DNA binding sites flanking a single functional hypoxia-inducible factor-1-DNA binding site in this hypoxia-sensitive domain may promote oxygen sensitivity via transcription factor clustering or Circe effects.

Lung Krüppel-like factor (LKLF) is a transcriptional activator of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha promoter

Increased expression of cPLA2 (cytosolic phospholipase A2) has been shown to be the cause of tumorigenesis of NSCLC (non-small-cell lung cancer). Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that oncogenic forms of Ras increase transcription of cPLA2 in normal lung epithelial cells and NSCLC lines through activation of the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) family. We have also defined a minimal region of the cPLA2 promoter that is critical for this induction. To identify potential transcription factors that bind to this region and regulate expression, a yeast one-hybrid screen was performed with a rat lung cDNA library. Multiple members of the Krüppel family were identified, with LKLF (lung Krüppel-like factor) being isolated a number of times. Overexpression of LKLF in lung epithelial cells or Drosophila SL-2 cells increased cPLA2 promoter activity. Conversely, expression of a dominant negative form of LKLF inhibited induction of cPLA2 promoter activity by oncogenic Ras in normal lung epithelial cells and NSCLC. By electrophoretic mobility-shift assay analysis, it was found that LKLF bound to a GC-rich region of the cPLA2 promoter located between -37 and -30 upstream from the transcription start site. Expression of siRNA (small interfering RNA) directed against LKLF inhibited basal expression of cPLA2 in lung epithelial cells and blocked induction by H-Ras. In NSCLC, siRNA against LKLF co-operated with siRNA against Sp1 (stimulatory protein 1) to inhibit cPLA2 promoter activity. Finally, recombinant LKLF was a substrate for ERKs. These results indicate that LKLF is an important regulator of cPLA2 expression and participates in the induction of this protein, which is critical for increased eicosanoid production associated with lung tumorigenesis.

The role of TFIID, the initiator element and a novel 5' TFIID binding site in the transcriptional control of the TATA-less human cytosolic phospholipase A2-alpha promoter

Human cytosolic phospholipase A2-alpha (cPLA2-alpha) is a critical enzyme in the liberation of arachidonic acid (AA) from cellular membranes and the subsequent formation of prostaglandins (PGs), leukotrienes (LTs), hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) and platelet activating factor in many different cell types. Much is known of the effect of posttranslational phosphorylation and calcium binding events on the enzymatic activity of cPLA2-alpha, but to date little is known about its specific transcriptional control. Through the use of reporter gene constructs and eletrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), this study determined the minimal promoter required for basal transcriptional activity of the human cPLA2-alpha promoter to include base pairs -40 through the transcription start site (TSS). In addition, it confirms the importance of an initiator (Inr) element at the TSS by deletion reporter gene analysis, and further identifies bases -3 (C) and -2 (T) as critical bases in the Inr function by mutation reporter gene analysis. Finally, this study describes a novel AAGGAG motif at -30 to -35 which is bound by TATA-box binding protein (TBP) and is critical for basal transcriptional activity.

Involvement of p38 and p42/44 MAP kinases and protein kinase C in the interferon-gamma and interleukin-1alpha-induced phosphorylation of 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A(2) in primary human bronchial epithelial cells

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) play an important role in the modulation of acute and chronic airway inflammation. Both IFN-gamma and IL-1 are known to increase the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from airway epithelial cells, suggesting that AA metabolites may mediate the cytokine-induced inflammation. This study was designed to examine the direct effect of IFN-gamma and IL-alpha on the phosphorylation of 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and AA release in primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. Treatment with IFN-gamma and IL-1alpha for 15 min induced a rapid increase of AA release from NHBE cells, which was blocked by the cPLA(2) inhibitor MAFP (p<0.05) but not by the sPLA(2) inhibitor LY311727 or iPLA(2) inhibitor HELSS. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis showed that both IFN-gamma and IL-1alpha induced a rapid phosphorylation of cPLA(2). The IFN-gamma and IL-1alpha-induced cPLA(2) phosphorylation and AA release in the NHBE cells were inhibited by the p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580, p42/44 MAPK inhibitor PD98059 and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I. These results demonstrate the involvement of p38 and p42/44 MAPKs as well as PKC in the IFN-gamma and IL-1alpha-induced cPLA(2) phosphorylation and AA release in human airway epithelial cells.

A pathway involving protein kinase Cδ up-regulates cytosolic phospholipase A2α in airway epithelium

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha) catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycerophospholipids at the sn-2 position to liberate fatty acids. Although cPLA(2)alpha has been implicated in various cellular processes, the detailed mechanism of its expression remains to be elucidated. Here we report that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) up-regulates cPLA(2)alpha in A549 airway epithelium cells, and that this effect is sensitive to rottlerin, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta). Consistent with this observation, a dominant negative mutant of PKCdelta reduced cPLA(2)alpha induction in response to PMA. Up-regulation of cPLA(2)alpha by PMA was also inhibited by PDTC, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), and degradation of IkappaB and subsequent activation of NF-kappaB occurred in response to PMA treatment. These findings indicate that PMA induces expression of cPLA(2)alpha at the transcriptional level via an NF-kappaB-dependent mechanism. In addition, activation of the NF-kappaB promoter by PMA was diminished by pretreatment with DPI, a flavoenzyme inhibitor as well as by rottlerin, suggesting a role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as PKCdelta. Consistent with this, PMA stimulated the production of ROS and this was blocked by inhibiting PKCdelta. Our results suggest that PKCdelta and ROS lie upstream of NF-kappaB, and we conclude that a PKCdelta-ROS-NF-kappaB cascade plays a pivotal role in cPLA(2)alpha induction by PMA.

Role of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) in prostaglandin E(2) production by lung fibroblasts

Prostaglandin (PG)E2 acts in an autocrine fashion to suppress proliferation of lung fibroblasts and production of collagen, and may negatively regulate pulmonary fibrosis. The role of Group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha (cPLA2 alpha) in PGE2 production was investigated by comparing lung fibroblasts from wild-type and cPLA2 alpha-deficient mice. Arachidonic acid release from wild-type mouse lung fibroblasts (MLF+/+) was stimulated by serum, A23187 plus phorbol-myristate acetate (PMA), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) plus platelet-derived growth factor, but was > or = 80% lower from cPLA2 alpha-deficient MLF (MLF-/-). Transforming growth factor-beta increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) expression to similar levels in MLF+/+ and MLF-/-, but MLF+/+ produced an order of magnitude more PGE2 than MLF-/- in response to A23187/PMA or platelet-derived growth factor/LPA. MLF+/+ synthesized less collagen than MLF-/-, supporting a role for PGE2 in suppressing collagen production. An SV40 immortalized line developed from MLF+/+ released arachidonic acid and expressed COX2 to levels similar to those of primary fibroblasts but produced 30-fold lower amounts of PGE2. Unlike primary fibroblasts, immortalized cells were deficient in microsomal PGE synthase (mPGES) but expressed slightly higher levels of cytosolic PGES. The results demonstrate a primary role for cPLA2 alpha in providing arachidonic acid for PGE2 production in mouse lung fibroblasts and support a role for this pathway in regulating collagen production.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced release of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins in liver macrophages: regulation by Group IV cytosolic phospholipase A2, but not by Group V and Group IIA secretory phospholipase A2

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a delayed release (lag phase of 2-4 h) of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandin (PG) D2 in rat liver macrophages. Group IV cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) becomes phosphorylated within minutes after the addition of LPS. The phosphorylated form of cPLA2 shows an enhanced in vitro activity. The Ca2+ dependence of cPLA2 activity is not affected by phosphorylation of the enzyme. In addition, LPS induces an enhanced expression of cPLA2 mRNA (after 2-4 h) and an enhanced expression of cPLA2 protein (after 8 h). The cellular cPLA2 activity is enhanced about twofold 24 h after LPS treatment. Liver macrophages constitutively express mRNAs encoding Groups V and IIA secretory PLA2 (sPLA2). LPS has no effect on the levels of Groups V and IIA sPLA2 mRNA expression. Despite mRNA expression, Groups V and IIA sPLA2 protein and sPLA2 activity are not detectable in unstimulated or LPS-stimulated liver macrophages. Collectively, these and earlier [Mediators Inflammation 8 (1999) 295.] results suggest that in liver macrophages the LPS-induced delayed release of AA and prostanoids is mediated by phosphorylation and an enhanced expression of cPLA2, a de novo expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, but not by the actions of Group V or Group IIA sPLA2.