c-Jun Protects Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α from Degradation via Its Oxygen-Dependent Degradation Domain in a Nontranscriptional Manner

Hypoxia-induced activation of NDR2 underlies brain metastases from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The molecular mechanisms induced by hypoxia are misunderstood in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and above all the hypoxia and RASSF1A/Hippo signaling relationship. We confirmed that human NSCLC (n = 45) as their brain metastases (BM) counterpart are hypoxic since positive with CAIX-antibody (target gene of Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)). A severe and prolonged hypoxia (0.2% O2, 48 h) activated YAP (but not TAZ) in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (HBEC) lines by downregulating RASSF1A/kinases Hippo (except for NDR2) regardless their promoter methylation status. Subsequently, the NDR2-overactived HBEC cells exacerbated a HIF-1A, YAP and C-Jun-dependent-amoeboid migration, and mainly, support BM formation. Indeed, NDR2 is more expressed in human tumor of metastatic NSCLC than in human localized NSCLC while NDR2 silencing in HBEC lines (by shRNA) prevented the xenograft formation and growth in a lung cancer-derived BM model in mice. Collectively, our results indicated that NDR2 kinase is over-active in NSCLC by hypoxia and supports BM formation. NDR2 expression is thus a useful biomarker to predict the metastases risk in patients with NSCLC, easily measurable routinely by immunohistochemistry on tumor specimens.

c-Jun phosphorylated by JNK is required for protecting Gli2 from proteasomal-ubiquitin degradation by PGE2-JNK signaling axis

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway includes canonical and non-canonical activation manners. In colorectal cancer, we have previously shown that PGE2-JNK could initiate non-canonical activation of the Hh signaling pathway. In this study, we showed that c-Jun, a classic substrate of JNK, increased Gli2 protein stability after phosphorylated by PGE2. Suppressing the function of c-Jun or JNK indicated that c-Jun prevents Gli2 from protease degradation caused by PGE2-JNK. Moreoer, we revealed that less ubiquitination of Gli2 was detected in colorectal cancer cells treated with PGE2 while suppression of c-Jun restored the ubiquitination of Gli2. In addition, we observed that suppression of c-Jun significantly decreased Gli2 expression no matter when Gli2 remained in phosphorylation or non-phosphorylation state. These phenomena were recapitulated, when the endpoint of Gli2 expression was replaced by Gli2 ubiquitination. Furthermore, we demonstrated that restricting c-Jun function ablated the PGE2-provoked Hh activity and proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. These results elucidated that the evasion of Gli2 with phosphorylation from proteasomal-ubiquitin degradation needed the cooperation of phosphorylated c-Jun by kinase JNK, which contributed to promoting Hh activation and the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. This study provides a theoretical foundation to target PGE2 downstream for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Overactivated NRF2 induces pseudohypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing HIF-1α

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is highly expressed/activated in most hypoxic tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Another key transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), is also constitutively overactivated in HCC. In an attempt to determine whether HIF-1α and NRF2 could play complementary roles in HCC growth and progression, we investigated the crosstalk between these two transcription factors and underlying molecular mechanisms in cultured HCC cells and experimentally induced hepatocarcinogenesis as well as clinical settings. While silencing of HIF-1α in HepG2 human hepatoma cells did not alter the protein expression of NRF2, NRF2 knockdown markedly reduced the nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α without influencing its mRNA expression. In diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in wild type mice, there was elevated NRF2 expression with concomitant upregulation of HIF-1α. However, this was abolished in Nrf2 knockout mice. NRF2 and HIF-1α co-localized and physically interacted with each other as assessed by in situ proximity ligation and immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, the interaction between NRF2 and HIF-1α as well as their overexpression was found in tumor specimens obtained from HCC patients. In normoxia, HIF-1α undergoes hydroxylation by a specific HIF-prolyl hydroxylase domain protein (PHD), which facilitates ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of HIF-1α. NRF2 contributes to pseudohypoxia, by directly binding to the oxygen-dependent degradation (ODD) domain of HIF-1α, which hampers the PHD2-mediated hydroxylation, concomitant recruitment of von-Hippel-Lindau and ubiquitination of HIF-1α.

Natriuretic peptide receptor a promotes gastric malignancy through angiogenesis process

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks the third among global cancer-related mortality, especially in East Asia. Angiogenesis plays an important role in promoting tumor progression, and clinical trials have demonstrated that anti-angiogenesis therapy is effective in GC management. Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) functions significantly in promoting GC development and progression. Whether NPRA can promote angiogenesis of GC remains unclear. Tumor samples collection and immunohistochemical experiment showed that the expression of NPRA was positively correlated with the expression of CD31 and vessel density. In vivo and in vitro analysis showed that NPRA could promote GC-associated angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Results of Co-IP/MS showed that NPRA could prevent HIF-1α from being degraded by binding to HIF-1α. Protection of HIF-1α improved VEGF levels and thus promoted angiogenesis. In summary, NPRA protected HIF-1α from proteolysis by binding to HIF-1α, increased the expression of HIF-1α, and promoted GC angiogenesis. This study has discovered a new mechanism for NPRA to promote gastric cancer development and a new regulatory mechanism for HIF-1α.

Targeting the tumor microenvironment in B-cell lymphoma: challenges and opportunities

B-cell lymphoma is a group of hematological malignancies with high clinical and biological heterogeneity. The pathogenesis of B-cell lymphoma involves a complex interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is composed of stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Although the roles of the TME have not been fully elucidated, accumulating evidence implies that TME is closely relevant to the origination, invasion and metastasis of B-cell lymphoma. Explorations of the TME provide distinctive insights for cancer therapy. Here, we epitomize the recent advances of TME in B-cell lymphoma and discuss its function in tumor progression and immune escape. In addition, the potential clinical value of targeting TME in B-cell lymphoma is highlighted, which is expected to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

DHPAC, a novel microtubule depolymerizing agent, suppresses angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry formation of human non-small cell lung cancer

Angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) are the main causes of tumor metastasis and recurrence. In this study, we investigated the antiangiogenesis and anti-VM formation of a novel microtubule depolymerizing agent, DHPAC, as well as combretastatin A4 (CA4, a combretastatin derivate) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), subsequently elucidating the underlying mechanisms. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), DHPAC could enter cells and inhibit proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in the presence and absence of conditioned medium from H1299 cells. Interestingly, the inhibition was enhanced under the stimulation of the conditioned medium. Under hypoxia or normoxia, DHPAC suppressed signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation and reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and secretion from HUVECs, thus impeding the activation of the downstream signal transduction pathway of VEGF/VEGFR2. However, JNK inhibitors reversed the inhibitory effect of DHPAC on the angiogenesis, suggesting that DHPAC regulated angiogenesis through activating JNK. In H1299 cells, DHPAC could inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, and the formation of VM. In addition, DHPAC inhibited the phosphorylation of FAK and AKT and decreased the expressions of VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and Laminin 5, suggesting that DHPAC inhibited VM formation via the FAK/AKT signaling pathway. In addition, CA4 showed a similar effect as DHPAC against angiogenesis and VM formation. These new findings support the use of microtubule destabilizing agents as a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

The histone deacetylase HDAC1 activates HIF1α/VEGFA signal pathway in colorectal cancer

Tumor angiogenesis is a common feature of rapidly growing solid tumors, accelerated by tumor hypoxia. It is associated with subsequent metastasis, progression, poor prognosis, and aggressive phenotype in many types of cancer. The hypoxia-inducible factors/vascular endothelial growth factor 1(HIF1/VEGF) signal pathway plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis. Proteasome-mediated ubiquitin degradation pathway is one of the most important processes involved in regulating the level of cellular HIF-1α. Our study revealed that Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) directly inhibits the ubiquitination of HIF1α. Additionally, HDAC1 activates HIF1α/VEGFA signaling pathway, promoting s tumor angiogenesis. These findings have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of colorectal (CRC) tumor angiogenesis. HDAC1/HIF1α/VEGFA signaling pathway may provide a novel therapeutic window for CRC.

Ablation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis through enhanced c-Jun/HIF-1α signaling

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that binds to DNA as a heterodimer with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) after interaction with ligands, such as polycyclic and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and other xenobiotics. The endogenous ligands and functions of AHR have been the subject of many investigations. In the present study, the potential role of AHR signaling in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis by angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion was investigated in mice lacking the AHR gene (Ahr^-/-). We also assessed the hypothesis that fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) activator, reduces cardiac fibrosis through the c-Jun signaling. Male Ahr^-/- and age-matched wild-type mice (n = 8 per group) were infused with Ang II at 100 ng/kg/min daily for 2 weeks. Treatment with Ang II increased systolic blood pressure to comparable levels in Ahr^-/- and wild-type mice. However, Ahr^-/- mice developed severe cardiac fibrosis after Ang II infusion compared with wild-type mice. Ang II infusion also significantly increased the expression of endothelin in the left ventricles of Ahr^-/- mice, but not in wild-type mice, and significantly increased the c-Jun signaling in Ahr^-/- mice. Ang II infusion also significantly enhanced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the downstream target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the left ventricles of Ahr^-/- mice. These results suggested pathogenic roles for the AHR signaling pathway in the development of cardiac fibrosis. Treatment with fenofibrate reduced cardiac fibrosis and abrogated the effects of Ang II on the expression of endothelin, HIF-1α, and VEGF. The inhibitory effect of fenofibrate on cardiac fibrosis was mediated by suppression of VEGF expression through modulation of c-Jun/HIF-1α signaling.

Hypoxia-induced alterations in the lung ubiquitin proteasome system during pulmonary hypertension pathogenesis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a clinical disorder characterized by sustained increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure that can lead to right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and ultimately RV failure and death. The molecular pathogenesis of PH remains incompletely defined, and existing treatments are associated with suboptimal outcomes and persistent morbidity and mortality. Reports have suggested a role for the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in PH, but the extent of UPS-mediated non-proteolytic protein alterations during PH pathogenesis has not been previously defined. To further examine UPS alterations, the current study employed C57BL/6J mice exposed to normoxia or hypoxia for 3 weeks. Lung protein ubiquitination was evaluated by mass spectrometry to identify differentially ubiquitinated proteins relative to normoxic controls. Hypoxia stimulated differential ubiquitination of 198 peptides within 131 proteins (p < 0.05). These proteins were screened to identify candidates within pathways involved in PH pathogenesis. Some 51.9% of the differentially ubiquitinated proteins were implicated in at least one known pathway contributing to PH pathogenesis, and 13% were involved in three or more PH pathways. Anxa2, App, Jak1, Lmna, Pdcd6ip, Prkch1, and Ywhah were identified as mediators in PH pathways that undergo differential ubiquitination during PH pathogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report global changes in protein ubiquitination in the lung during PH pathogenesis. These findings suggest signaling nodes that are dynamically regulated by the UPS during PH pathogenesis. Further exploration of these differentially ubiquitinated proteins and related pathways can provide new insights into the role of the UPS in PH pathogenesis.

BRD7 inhibits the Warburg effect and tumor progression through inactivation of HIF1α/LDHA axis in breast cancer

The bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) was first identified as a tumor suppressor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and has critical roles in cancer development and progression. However, the regulatory roles and mechanisms of BRD7 in cancer metabolism are still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that BRD7 was lowly expressed in breast cancer tissues and was identified as a poor prognostic factor in breast cancer. Meanwhile, BRD7 could suppress cell proliferation, initiate cell apoptosis and reduce aerobic glycolysis, suggesting that BRD7 plays a tumor suppressive roles in breast cancer. Mechanistically, BRD7 could negatively regulate a critical glycolytic enzyme LDHA through directly interaction with its upstream transcription factor, HIF1α, facilitating degradation of HIF1α mediated by ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Moreover, restoring the expression of LDHA in breast cancer cells could reverse the effect of BRD7 on aerobic glycolysis, cell proliferation, and tumor formation, as well as the expression of cell cycle and apopotosis related molecules such as cyclin D1, CDK4, P21, and c-PARP both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that BRD7 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and represses the glycolysis and tumor progression through inactivation of HIF1α/LDHA transcription axis.

Functional cooperation between HIF-1α and c-Jun in mediating primary and acquired resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC cells with activating mutation of EGFR

OBJECTIVE

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) are important transcription factors regulating expression of genes involved in cell survival. HIF-1α and c-Jun are key components of HIF-1 and AP-1, respectively, and are regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated cell signaling and tumor microenvironmental cues. The roles of HIF-1α and c-Jun in development of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating mutation of EGFR have not been explored. In this study, we investigated the roles of HIF-1α and c-Jun in mediating primary and acquired resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC cells with activating mutation of EGFR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Changes in HIF-1α protein and in total and phosphorylated c-Jun levels in relation to changes in total and phosphorylated EGFR levels before and after gefitinib treatment were measured using Western blot analysis in NSCLC cells sensitive or resistant to gefitinib. The impact of overexpression of a constitutively expressed HIF-1α (HIF-1α/ΔODD) or a constitutively active c-Jun upstream regulator (SEK1 S220E/T224D mutant) on cell response to gefitinib was also examined. The effect of pharmacological inhibition of SEK1-JNK-c-Jun pathway on cell response to gefitinib was evaluated.

RESULTS

Downregulation of HIF-1α and total and phosphorylated c-Jun levels correlated with cell inhibitory response to gefitinib better than decrease in phosphorylated EGFR did in NSCLC cells with intrinsic or acquired resistance to gefitinib. Overexpression of HIF-1α/ΔODD or SEK1 S220E/T224D mutant conferred resistance to gefitinib. There exists a positive feed-forward regulation loop between HIF-1 and c-Jun. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 sensitized gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells to gefitinib.

CONCLUSIONS

HIF-1α and c-Jun functionally cooperate in development of resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC cells. The translational value of inhibiting HIF-1α/c-Jun cooperation in overcoming resistance to EGFR TKI treatment of NSCLC cells with activating mutation of EGFR deserves further investigation.

New microtubulin inhibitor MT189 suppresses angiogenesis via the JNK-VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling axis

The microtubulin inhibitor MT189 possesses anticancer activity and has been shown to overcome multidrug resistance. Here, we report that MT189 also inhibits angiogenesis. MT189 inhibited the proliferation, migration and differentiation of endothelial cells, with or without VEGF stimulation, and suppressed microvessel formation ex vivo and in vivo. MT189 reduced VEGF expression and secretion in both tumor and endothelial cells, under either hypoxic or normoxic conditions. The activation of VEGFR2 and downstream Src was thus abrogated in the MT189-treated endothelial cells. MT189 subsequently stabilized endothelial cell-cell junctions consist of VE-cadherin, β-catenin, vinculin, and actin. MT189 also disrupted endothelial cell-matrix junctions by inhibiting the turnover of focal adhesions containing FAK, paxillin, vinculin, and actin. Inhibition of JNK reversed MT189-mediated inhibition of endothelial migration and differentiation, JNK activation, the reduction of VEGF expression and secretion, and the decrease of Src and FAK phosphorylation. These results indicate that MT189 suppresses angiogenesis by reducing endothelial proliferation, migration, and differentiation via the JNK-VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling axis. Together with our previous report showing that MT189 exhibited anticancer activity via the JNK-MCL-1 pathway, these new findings further support MT189-based drug development for cancer therapy.

Loss of PIG3 increases HIF-1α level by promoting protein synthesis via mTOR pathway in renal cell carcinoma cells

PIG3 is a target of the tumor suppressor p53 and is thought to be involved in p53-mediated cell apoptosis. Although PIG3 is similar to oxidoreductases involved in generating ROS, whether PIG3 would regulate HIF-1α was never characterized directly. Here we demonstrated that knockdown of PIG3 by transfecting with specific siRNA could increase the expression of HIF-1α in several human cancer cell lines, including CAKI, FTC-133 and A549. It indicates that PIG3 may be involved in the regulation of HIF-1α. Furthermore, we revealed that PIG3-siliencing increased HIF-1α protein level through promoting its protein biosynthesis via mTOR pathway. In addition, the effect of PIG3 on the production of HIF-1α was further related to VEGF secretion and cell migration. PIG3-downregulation increased the secretion of VEGF and promoted the migration of renal cancer cells obviously. Taken together, these data suggest that PIG3 was involved in HIF-1α regulation, and reveal a novel signaling pathway of PIG3/HIF-1α in the regulation of cell migration in renal cell carcinoma.

Population transcriptomes reveal synergistic responses of DNA polymorphism and RNA expression to extreme environments on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in a predatory bird

Low oxygen and temperature pose key physiological challenges for endotherms living on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Molecular adaptations to high-altitude living have been detected in the genomes of Tibetans, their domesticated animals and a few wild species, but the contribution of transcriptional variation to altitudinal adaptation remains to be determined. Here we studied a top QTP predator, the saker falcon, and analysed how the transcriptome has become modified to cope with the stresses of hypoxia and hypothermia. Using a hierarchical design to study saker populations inhabiting grassland, steppe/desert and highland across Eurasia, we found that the QTP population is already distinct despite having colonized the Plateau <2000 years ago. Selection signals are limited at the cDNA level, but of only seventeen genes identified, three function in hypoxia and four in immune response. Our results show a significant role for RNA transcription: 50% of upregulated transcription factors were related to hypoxia responses, differentiated modules were significantly enriched for oxygen transport, and importantly, divergent EPAS1 functional variants with a refined co-expression network were identified. Conservative gene expression and relaxed immune gene variation may further reflect adaptation to hypothermia. Our results exemplify synergistic responses between DNA polymorphism and RNA expression diversity in coping with common stresses, underpinning the successful rapid colonization of a top predator onto the QTP. Importantly, molecular mechanisms underpinning highland adaptation involve relatively few genes, but are nonetheless more complex than previously thought and involve fine-tuned transcriptional responses and genomic adaptation.

A compendium of proteins that interact with HIF-1α

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is the founding member of a family of transcription factors that function as master regulators of oxygen homeostasis. HIF-1 is composed of an O₂-regulated HIF-1α subunit and a constitutively expressed HIF-1β subunit. This review provides a compendium of proteins that interact with the HIF-1α subunit, many of which regulate HIF-1 activity in either an O₂-dependent or O₂-independent manner.

Chemotherapy regimen based on sorafenib combined with 5-FU on HIF-1α and VEGF expression and survival in advanced gastric cancer patients

The present study investigated the effect of combined sorafenib chemotherapy on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and survival time of patients with advanced gastric cancer. From January 2010 to December 2011, 92 patients diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer were selected and randomly divided into the treatment group and control group. The treatment group was treated with sorafenib chemotherapy combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and the control group received 5-FU. The treatment course was 3-4 cycles. During the same period, 46 healthy persons admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Huaian were selected as the controls. A volume of 3-4 ml peripheral blood from each patient and control was collected before and after treatment. The expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in peripheral blood were measured by ELISA. The survival time of patients with advanced gastric cancer was followed and analyzed. Compared with healthy controls, serum levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were significantly higher in patients with advanced gastric cancer (P<0.05). After chemotherapy combined with sorafenib, the peripheral blood levels of HIF-1α and VEGF decreased significantly in the treatment group (P<0.05). The 5-year survival rate of patients in the two groups was followed. Compared with the control group, the 1-year survival rate of the treatment group was significantly higher (P<0.05). In conclusion, chemotherapy combined with sorafenib can effectively reduce serum levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in patients with advanced gastric cancer, and improve their 1-year survival rate and prognosis. Therefore, it has significant clinical application value.

Tanshinone I inhibits tumor angiogenesis by reducing Stat3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 and hypoxia-induced HIF-1α accumulation in both endothelial and tumor cells

Tanshinone I (Tanshinone-1), a major active principle of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), has been shown to overcome tumor drug resistance and metastasis. Here we report that tanshinone-1 inhibits angiogenesis. Tanshinone-1 inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells, rat aortic ring sprouting and the neovascularization of the chick chorioallantoic membrane in a concentration-dependent manner. In endothelial cells, tanshinone-1 almost completely inhibited phosphorylation of Stat3 at Tyr705 regardless of hypoxia or normoxia but only slightly decreased the hypoxia-induced HIF-1α accumulation. In tumor cells, contrastively, tanshinone-1 could not only make phosphorylation of Stat3 at Tyr705 disappear but also reduce the hypoxia-induced accumulation of HIF-1α to its baseline levels at normoxia. Consequently, VEGF secretion from tumor cells was reduced, which could potentiate the direct inhibition of tanshinone-1 on endothelial cells. Together with its overcoming tumor drug resistance and metastasis, our results reveal unique characteristics of tanshinone-1 and its improved derivatives as promising angiogenesis inhibitors.

Triptolide Induces Cell Killing in Multidrug-Resistant Tumor Cells via CDK7/RPB1 Rather than XPB or p44

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major cause of tumor treatment failure; therefore, drugs that can avoid this outcome are urgently needed. We studied triptolide, which directly kills MDR tumor cells with a high potency and a broad spectrum of cell death. Triptolide did not inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug efflux and reduced P-gp and MDR1 mRNA resulting from transcription inhibition. Transcription factors including c-MYC, SOX-2, OCT-4, and NANOG were not correlated with triptolide-induced cell killing, but RPB1, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, was critical in mediating triptolide's inhibition of MDR cells. Triptolide elicited antitumor and anti-MDR activity through a universal mechanism: by activating CDK7 by phosphorylating Thr170 in both parental and MDR cell lines and in SK-OV-3 cells. The CDK7-selective inhibitor BS-181 partially rescued cell killing induced by 72-hour treatment of triptolide, which may be due to partial rescue of RPB1 degradation. We suggest that a precise phosphorylation site on RPB1 (Ser1878) was phosphorylated by CDK7 in response to triptolide. In addition, XPB and p44, two transcription factor TFIIH subunits, did not contribute to triptolide-driven RPB1 degradation and cell killing, although XPB was reported to covalently bind to triptolide. Several clinical trials are underway to test triptolide and its analogues for treating cancer and other diseases, so our data may help expand potential clinical uses of triptolide, as well as offer a compound that overcomes tumor MDR. Future investigations into the primary molecular target(s) of triptolide responsible for RPB1 degradation may suggest novel anti-MDR target(s) for therapeutic development. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1495-503. ©2016 AACR.

Senescent peritoneal mesothelium induces a pro-angiogenic phenotype in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in a mouse xenograft model in vivo

It is believed that senescent cells contribute to the progression of primary and metastatic tumors, however, the exact mechanisms of this activity remain elusive. In this report we show that senescent human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) alter the secretory profile of ovarian cancer cells (A2780, OVCAR-3, SKOV-3) by increasing the release of four angiogenic agents: CXCL1, CXCL8, HGF, and VEGF. Proliferation and migration of endothelial cells subjected to conditioned medium generated by: cancer cells modified by senescent HPMCs; cancer cells co-cultured with senescent HPMCs; and by early-passage HPMCs from aged donors, were markedly intensified. The same was the case for the vascularization, size and number of tumors that developed in the mouse peritoneum upon injection of ovarian cancer cells with senescent HPMCs. When the identified pro-angiogenic proteins were neutralized in conditioned medium from the cancer cells, both aspects of endothelial cell behavior intensified in vitro in response to senescent HPMCs were markedly reduced. The search for mediators of senescent HPMC activity using specific neutralizing antibodies and recombinant exogenous proteins showed that the intensified angiogenic potential of cancer cells was elicited by IL-6 and TGF-β1. At the transcriptional level, increased proliferation and migration of endothelial cells exposed to cancer cells modified by senescent HPMCs was regulated by HIF-1α, NF-κB/p50 and AP-1/c-Jun. Collectively, our findings indicate that senescent HPMCs may promote the progression of ovarian cancer cells by reprogramming their secretory phenotype towards increased production of pro-angiogenic agents and subsequent increase in the angiogenic capabilities of the vascular endothelium.

Brain-expressed X-linked 2 Is Pivotal for Hyperactive Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated Tumorigenesis

Frequent alteration of upstream proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes activates mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and causes cancer. However, the downstream effectors of mTOR remain largely elusive. Here we report that brain-expressed X-linked 2 (BEX2) is a novel downstream effector of mTOR. Elevated BEX2 in Tsc2(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, Pten(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, Tsc2-deficient rat uterine leiomyoma cells, and brains of neuronal specific Tsc1 knock-out mice were abolished by mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Furthermore, BEX2 was also increased in the liver of a hepatic specific Pten knock-out mouse and the kidneys of Tsc2 heterozygous deletion mice, and a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). mTOR up-regulation of BEX2 was mediated in parallel by both STAT3 and NF-κB. BEX2 was involved in mTOR up-regulation of VEGF production and angiogenesis. Depletion of BEX2 blunted the tumorigenesis of cells with activated mTOR. Therefore, enhanced STAT3/NF-κB-BEX2-VEGF signaling pathway contributes to hyperactive mTOR-induced tumorigenesis. BEX2 may be targeted for the treatment of the cancers with aberrantly activated mTOR signaling pathway.

Roles of PI3K/Akt and c-Jun signaling pathways in human papillomavirus type 16 oncoprotein-induced HIF-1α, VEGF, and IL-8 expression and in vitro angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer cells

Background and Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 infection may be related to non-smoking associated lung cancer. Our previous studies have found that HPV-16 oncoproteins promoted angiogenesis via enhancing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. In this study, we further investigated the roles of PI3K/Akt and c-Jun signaling pathways in it.

Methods

Human NSCLC cell lines, A549 and NCI-H460, were stably transfected with pEGFP-16 E6 or E7 plasmids. Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of HIF-1α, p-Akt, p-P70S6K, p-P85S6K, p-mTOR, p-JNK, and p-c-Jun proteins. VEGF and IL-8 protein secretion and mRNA levels were determined by ELISA and Real-time PCR, respectively. The invitro angiogenesis was observed by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) tube formation assay. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to analyze the interaction between c-Jun and HIF-1α.

Results

HPV-16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins promoted the activation of Akt, P70S6K, P85S6K, mTOR, JNK, and c-Jun. LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, inhibited HPV-16 oncoprotein-induced activation of Akt, P70S6K, and P85S6K, expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, and IL-8, and invitro angiogenesis. c-Jun knockdown by specific siRNA abolished HPV-16 oncoprotein-induced HIF-1α, VEGF, and IL-8 expression and invitro angiogenesis. Additionally, HPV-16 oncoproteins promoted HIF-1α protein stability via blocking proteasome degradation pathway, but c-Jun knockdown abrogated this effect. Furthermore, HPV-16 oncoproteins increased the quantity of c-Jun binding to HIF-1α.

Conclusions

PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and c-Jun are involved in HPV-16 oncoprotein-induced HIF-1α, VEGF, and IL-8 expression and invitro angiogenesis. Moreover, HPV-16 oncoproteins promoted HIF-1α protein stability possibly through enhancing the interaction between c-Jun and HIF-1α, thus making a contribution to angiogenesis in NSCLC cells.

The effects of CoCl2 on HIF-1α protein under experimental conditions of autoprogressive hypoxia using mouse models

It is well known that cobalt chloride (CoCl2) can enhance the stability of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. The aim of this study is to detect the effect of CoCl2 on the hypoxia tolerance of mice which were repeatedly exposed to autoprogressive hypoxia. Balb/c mice were randomly divided into groups of chemical pretreatment and normal saline (NS), respectively injected with CoCl2 and NS 3 h before exposure to hypoxia for 0 run (H0), 1 run (H1), and 4 runs (H4). Western Blot, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), extracellular recordings population spikes in area cornus ammonis I (CA 1) of mouse hippocampal slices and real-time were used in this study. Our results demonstrated that the tolerance of mice to hypoxia, the changes of HIF-1α protein level and HIF-1 DNA binding activity in mice hippocampus, the mRNA level of erythropoietin (EPO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the disappearance time of population spikes of hippocampal slices were substantially different between the control group and the CoCl2 group. Over-induction of HIF-1α by pretreatment with CoCl2 before hypoxia did not increase the hypoxia tolerance.

MCL-1 degradation mediated by JNK activation via MEKK1/TAK1-MKK4 contributes to anticancer activity of new tubulin inhibitor MT189

Colchicine site-targeted tubulin inhibitors are a promising type of anticancer drugs. MT189 is a new derivative of MT119, a previously reported colchicine site-binding antitubulin agent. In this study, MT189 was demonstrated to retain the property of MT119 in disrupting microtubulin via binding to the colchicine site, causing mitotic arrest and inducing apoptosis, and to display 8.7-fold enhanced proliferative inhibition in a panel of cancer cells. MT189 was shown to elicit in vivo anticancer effects on MDA-MB-231 xenografts in nude mice, and the tumor growth was suppressed by 35.9% over 14 days. MT189 led to degradation of MCL-1, a member of the antiapoptotic BCL-2 protein family. Its overexpression reduced but its silenced expression increased the apoptotic induction followed by the treatment with MT189. Moreover, the treatment with MT189 caused activation of the MEKK1/TAK1-MKK4-JNK signaling pathway. The activated JNK resulted in phosphorylation of MCL-1, which facilitated its ubiquitination-mediated degradation. Our results show that MT189 inhibits microtubulin polymerization by binding to the colchicine site. Relief of apoptotic suppression by MCL-1 degradation together with mitotic arrest contributes to the anticancer activity of MT189.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and MAPK co-regulate activation of hepatic stellate cells upon hypoxia stimulation

Background

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) plays a key role in pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. During liver injury, hypoxia in local micro-environment is inevitable. Hif-1α is the key transcriptional regulation factor that induces cell’s adaptive responses to hypoxia. Recently, it was reported that MAPK is involved in regulation of Hif-1α activity.

Aims

To explore whether Hif-1α regulates HSC activation upon hypoxia, and whether MAPK affects Hif-1α-regulated signaling cascades, thus providing new targets for preventing liver fibrosis.

Methods

Hif-1α expression in livers of Schistosomajaponicum infected BALB/c mice was detected with western blot and immunohistochemistry. A rat cell line of HSC, HSC-T6, was cultured in 1% oxygen. HSC activation, including F-actin reorganization, increase of vimentin and α-SMA, was detected with western blot or immunocytochemistry. Cells were transfected with specific siRNA to Hif-1α, expression of activation markers, transcription of fibrosis-promoting cytokines, secretion of collagen I were detected with western blot, Real Time PCR and ELISA. Lysate from HSC-T6 cells pretreated with PD98059, a specific MEK1 pharmacological inhibitor, was subjected to detect Hif-1α ubiquitination and nuclear translocation with western blot and immunoprecipitation.

Results and Conclusions

Hif-1α apparently increased in liver tissues of Schistosomajaponicum infected mice. 1% O₂ induced F-actin reorganization, increase of Hif-1α, vimentin and α-SMA in HSC-T6 cells. Hif-1α Knockdown inhibited HSC-T6 activation, transcription of IL-6, TGF-β and CTGF and secretion of collagen I from HSC-T6 cells upon hypoxia. Inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation enhanced Hif-1α ubiquitination, and inhibited Hif-1α translocation into nucleus. Conclusively, Hif-1α and MAPK participate in HSC activation upon hypoxia.

Identification of molecular candidates and interaction networks via integrative toxicogenomic analysis in a human cell line following low-dose exposure to the carcinogenic metals cadmium and nickel

Cadmium and nickel have been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. Given their prevalence in the environment, the fact that cadmium and nickel may cause diseases including cancer even at low doses is a cause for concern. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the toxicological effects induced by low-dose exposure to cadmium and nickel remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, it has recently been recognized that integrative analysis of DNA, mRNA and proteins is required to discover biomarkers and signaling networks relevant to human toxicant exposure. In the present study, we examined the deleterious effects of chronic low-dose exposure of either cadmium or nickel on global profiling of DNA copy number variation, mRNA and proteins. Array comparative genomic hybridization, gene expression microarray and functional proteomics were conducted, and a bioinformatics tool, which predicted signaling pathways, was applied to integrate data for each heavy metal separately and together. We found distinctive signaling networks associated with subchronic low-dose exposure to cadmium and nickel, and identified pathways common to both. ACTB, HSP90AA1, HSPA5 and HSPA8, which are key mediators of pathways related to apoptosis, proliferation and neoplastic processes, were key mediators of the same pathways in low-dose nickel and cadmium exposure in particular. CASP-associated signaling pathways involving CASP3, CASP7 and CASP9 were observed in cadmium-exposed cells. We found that HSP90AA1, one of the main modulators, interacted with HIF1A, AR and BCL2 in nickel-exposed cells. Interestingly, we found that HSP90AA1 was involved in the BCL2-associated apoptotic pathway in the nickel-only data, whereas this gene interacted with several genes functioning in CASP-associated apoptotic signaling in the cadmium-only data. Additionally, JUN and FASN were main modulators in nickel-responsive signaling pathways. Our results provide valuable biomarkers and distinctive signaling networks that responded to subchronic low-dose exposure to cadmium and nickel.

Pro-life role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase at rostral ventrolateral medulla in experimental brain stem death

Background

Based on an experimental brain stem death model, we demonstrated previously that activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/ mitogen-activated protein kinase signal-interacting kinase 1/2 (MNK1/2) cascade plays a pro-life role in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), the origin of a life-and-death signal detected from systemic arterial pressure, which sequentially increases (pro-life) and decreases (pro-death) to reflect progressive dysfunction of central cardiovascular regulation during the advancement towards brain stem death in critically ill patients. The present study assessed the hypothesis that, in addition to ERK1/2, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), the other two mammalian members of MAPKs that are originally identified as stress-activated protein kinases, are activated specifically by MAPK kinase 4 (MAP2K4) or MAP2K6 and play a pro-life role in RVLM during experimental brain stem death. We further delineated the participation of phosphorylating activating transcriptional factor-2 (ATF-2) and c-Jun, the classical transcription factor activated by JNK or p38MAPK, in this process.

Results

An experimental model of brain stem death that employed microinjection of the organophosphate insecticide mevinphos (Mev; 10 nmol) bilaterally into RVLM of Sprague–Dawley rats was used, alongside cardiovascular, pharmacological and biochemical evaluations. Results from ELISA showed that whereas the total JNK, p38MAPK, MAP2K4 and MAP2K6 were not affected, augmented phosphorylation of JNK at Thr183 and Tyr185 and p38MAPK at Thr180 and Tyr182, accompanied by phosphorylation of their upstream activators MAP2K4 at Ser257 and Thr261 and MAP2K6 at Ser207 and Thr211 in RVLM occurred preferentially during the pro-life phase of experimental brain stem death. Moreover, the activity of transcription factors ATF-2 at Thr71 and c-Jun at Ser73, rather than Elk-1 at Ser383 in RVLM were also augmented during the pro-life phase. Furthermore, pretreatment by microinjection into the bilateral RVLM of specific JNK inhibitors, JNK inhibitor I (100 pmol) or SP600125 (5 pmol), or specific p38MAPK inhibitors, p38MAPK inhibitor III (500 pmol) or SB203580 (2 nmol), exacerbated the depressor effect and blunted the augmented life-and-death signal exhibited during the pro-life phase. On the other hand, pretreatment with the negative control for JNK or p38MAPK inhibitor, JNK inhibitor I negative control (100 pmol) or SB202474 (2 nmol), was ineffective in the vehicle-controls and Mev-treatment groups.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that activation of JNK or p38MAPK in RVLM by their upstream activators MAP2K4 or MAP2K6 plays a preferential pro-life role by sustaining the central cardiovascular regulatory machinery during experimental brain stem death via phosphorylation and activation of nuclear transcription factor ATF-2 or c-Jun.

Early genetic responses in rat vascular tissue after simulated diving

Diving causes a transient reduction of vascular function, but the mechanisms behind this are largely unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze genetic reactions that may be involved in acute changes of vascular function in divers. Rats were exposed to 709 kPa of hyperbaric air (149 kPa Po(2)) for 50 min followed by postdive monitoring of vascular bubble formation and full genome microarray analysis of the aorta from diving rats (n = 8) and unexposed controls (n = 9). Upregulation of 23 genes was observed 1 h after simulated diving. The differential gene expression was characteristic of cellular responses to oxidative stress, with functions of upregulated genes including activation and fine-tuning of stress-responsive transcription, cytokine/cytokine receptor signaling, molecular chaperoning, and coagulation. By qRT-PCR, we verified increased transcription of neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (Nr4a3), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (Serpine1), cytokine TWEAK receptor FN14 (Tnfrsf12a), transcription factor class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 40 (Bhlhe40), and adrenomedullin (Adm). Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF1 subunit HIF1-α was stabilized in the aorta 1 h after diving, and after 4 h there was a fivefold increase in total protein levels of the procoagulant plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1) in blood plasma from diving rats. The study did not have sufficient power for individual assessment of effects of hyperoxia and decompression-induced bubbles on postdive gene expression. However, differential gene expression in rats without venous bubbles was similar to that of all the diving rats, indicating that elevated Po(2) instigated the observed genetic reactions.

Interleukin 6 destabilizes atherosclerotic plaques by downregulating prolyl-4-hydroxylase α1 via a mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun pathway

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pivotal cytokine that regulates extracellular matrix metabolism by ameliorating the modification of collagen content, important in fibrous caps of atherosclerotic plaque. Prolyl-4-hydroxylase α1 (P4Hα1) is a key intracellular enzyme required for synthesis of collagen in animals. We investigated the relationship of IL-6 and P4Hα1 in atherosclerosis-prone mice and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and a perivascular constrictive silica collar was placed on the right common carotid artery to induce atherosclerotic lesions, then mice were divided into two groups for transfection with empty lentivirus or IL-6 lentivirus. HASMCs were transfected with small interfering RNA or treated with recombinant human IL-6. IL-6 significantly downregulated collagen, P4Hα1 and smooth muscle cell contents in atherosclerotic mouse arteries. Macrophage and lipid contents in the atherosclerotic area were significantly increased with IL-6 treatment. IL-6 significantly downregulated P4Hα1 expression in HASMCs through an RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and c-Jun was involved in the process. Our findings highlight IL-6 destabilize atherosclerotic plaques in mice by downregulating P4Hα1 via an RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 MAPK and c-Jun pathway.

Perlecan Domain V induces VEGf secretion in brain endothelial cells through integrin α5β1 and ERK-dependent signaling pathways

Perlecan Domain V (DV) promotes brain angiogenesis by inducing VEGF release from brain endothelial cells (BECs) following stroke. In this study, we define the specific mechanism of DV interaction with the α₅β₁ integrin, identify the downstream signal transduction pathway, and further investigate the functional significance of resultant VEGF release. Interestingly, we found that the LG3 portion of DV, which has been suggested to possess most of DV’s angio-modulatory activity outside of the brain, binds poorly to α₅β₁ and induces less BEC proliferation compared to full length DV. Additionally, we implicate DV’s DGR sequence as an important element for the interaction of DV with α₅β₁. Furthermore, we investigated the importance of AKT and ERK signaling in DV-induced VEGF expression and secretion. We show that DV increases the phosphorylation of ERK, which leads to subsequent activation and stabilization of eIF4E and HIF-1α. Inhibition of ERK activity by U0126 suppressed DV-induced expression and secretion of VEGR in BECs. While DV was capable of phosphorylating AKT we show that AKT phosphorylation does not play a role in DV’s induction of VEGF expression or secretion using two separate inhibitors, LY294002 and Akt IV. Lastly, we demonstrate that VEGF activity is critical for DV increases in BEC proliferation, as well as angiogenesis in a BEC-neuronal co-culture system. Collectively, our findings expand our understanding of DV’s mechanism of action on BECs, and further support its potential as a novel stroke therapy.

Newly discovered angiogenesis inhibitors and their mechanisms of action

In the past decade, the success of angiogenesis inhibitors in clinical contexts has established the antiangiogenic strategy as an important part of cancer therapy. During that time period, we have discovered and reported 17 compounds that exert potent inhibition on angiogenesis. These compounds exhibit tremendous diversity in their sources, structures, targets and mechanisms. These studies have generated new models for further modification and optimization of inhibitory compounds, new information for mechanistic studies and a new drug candidate for clinical development. In particular, through studies on the antiangiogenic mechanism of pseudolaric acid B, we discovered a novel mechanism by which the stability of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α is regulated by the transcription factor c-Jun. We also completed a preclinical study of AL3810, a compound with the potential to circumvent tumor drug resistance to a certain extent. All of these findings will be briefly reviewed in this article.

Pseudolaric acid B-driven phosphorylation of c-Jun impairs its role in stabilizing HIF-1alpha: a novel function-converter model

We have recently discovered that c-Jun executes a non-transcriptional function to stabilize hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and that pseudolaric acid B (PAB) accelerates HIF-1α degradation and phosphorylates c-Jun at Ser63/73. In this study, PAB was used as a probe to investigate whether and how the Ser63/73 phosphorylation of c-Jun regulates its functions. The PAB-induced reduction of HIF-1α protein was rescued through supplying additional non-phosphorylated c-Jun. However, c-Jun siRNA, which reduced both the PAB-driven phosphorylated c-Jun and the total c-Jun protein, did not prevent the PAB-induced decrease in HIF-1α. HIF-1α was revealed to be co-immunoprecipitated only with the non-phosphorylated c-Jun. PAB increased the phosphorylated c-Jun while reducing the non-phosphorylated c-Jun at Ser63/73, which impaired its function in stabilizing HIF-1α. Consequently, PAB led to the degradation of HIF-1α, thus resulting in the decreased HIF-1α-dependent expression of mdr-1 and VEGF. We accordingly propose a function-converter model of c-Jun: the Ser63/73 phosphorylation serves as a function converter to convert c-Jun from its non-transcriptional function to its transcriptional function.

HIF-VEGF pathways are critical for chronic otitis media in Junbo and Jeff mouse mutants

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the commonest cause of hearing loss in children, yet the underlying genetic pathways and mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. Ventilation of the middle ear with tympanostomy tubes is the commonest surgical procedure in children and the best treatment for chronic OME, but the mechanism by which they work remains uncertain. As hypoxia is a common feature of inflamed microenvironments, moderation of hypoxia may be a significant contributory mechanism. We have investigated the occurrence of hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) mediated responses in Junbo and Jeff mouse mutant models, which develop spontaneous chronic otitis media. We found that Jeff and Junbo mice labeled in vivo with pimonidazole showed cellular hypoxia in inflammatory cells in the bulla lumen, and in Junbo the middle ear mucosa was also hypoxic. The bulla fluid inflammatory cell numbers were greater and the upregulation of inflammatory gene networks were more pronounced in Junbo than Jeff. Hif-1α gene expression was elevated in bulla fluid inflammatory cells, and there was upregulation of its target genes including Vegfa in Junbo and Jeff. We therefore investigated the effects in Junbo of small-molecule inhibitors of VEGFR signaling (PTK787, SU-11248, and BAY 43-9006) and destabilizing HIF by inhibiting its chaperone HSP90 with 17-DMAG. We found that both classes of inhibitor significantly reduced hearing loss and the occurrence of bulla fluid and that VEGFR inhibitors moderated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the inflamed middle ear mucosa. The effectiveness of HSP90 and VEGFR signaling inhibitors in suppressing OM in the Junbo model implicates HIF–mediated VEGF as playing a pivotal role in OM pathogenesis. Our analysis of the Junbo and Jeff mutants highlights the role of hypoxia and HIF–mediated pathways, and we conclude that targeting molecules in HIF–VEGF signaling pathways has therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic OM.

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the commonest cause of hearing loss in children, and treatment using grommets remains the commonest surgical procedure in children. Chronic forms of OM are known from human population studies to have a significant genetic component, but little is known of the underlying genes or pathways involved. We have analyzed two chronic OM mouse models, the Junbo and Jeff mutants, and have found that both demonstrate hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) mediated responses. There is upregulation of inflammatory pathways in the mutant middle ears and in Junbo elevation of cytokines that modulate Hif-1α. Hif-1α levels are raised in the middle ear as well as downstream targets of HIF such as Vegfa. We explored the effects of small-molecule inhibitors of HSP90 and VEGF receptor signaling in the Junbo mutant and found significant reductions in hearing loss, the occurrence of bulla fluid, and moderation of vascular changes in the inflamed middle ear mucosa with the VEGF receptor inhibitors. The study of the Junbo and Jeff mutants demonstrates the role of hypoxia and HIF mediated pathways in OM pathogenesis, and it indicates that targeting the HIF–VEGF pathway may represent a novel approach to therapeutic intervention in chronic OM.

Advanced retinoblastoma treatment: targeting hypoxia by inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in LH(BETA)T(AG) retinal tumors

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to analyze the dose response of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin, on tumor burden and hypoxia, and study the treatment effect on vasculature in LH_BETAT_AG retinal tumors.

Methods:

This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and follows Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology guidelines. Eighteen-week-old LH_BETAT_AG retinal tumor eyes (n = 30) were evaluated. Mice were divided into five groups and received periocular injections once weekly for two consecutive weeks of: a) 80% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide, vehicle control), b) 0.00333 mg/kg, c) 0.167 mg/kg, d) 3.33 mg/kg, and e) 6.67 mg/kg of rapamycin. Tumor sections were analyzed for hypoxia, tumor burden, and vasculature with immunohistochemistry techniques.

Results:

Reduction in tumor burden and hypoxia was significantly different between rapamycin doses and control (P < 0.002). Eyes treated with rapamycin at 0.167, 3.33, and 6.67 mg/kg showed a significant decrease in tumor burden in comparison with the vehicle control group (P = 0.019, P = 0.001, P = 0.009, respectively) and the 0.00333 mg/kg dose response (P = 0.023, P = 0.001, P = 0.010, respectively). Eyes treated with rapamycin at 3.33 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in the amount of hypoxia in comparison with the lower concentration groups (0.00333 and 0.167 mg/kg) of rapamycin (P = 0.024 and P = 0.052, respectively). The number of mature vessels was significantly lower in the 3.33 mg/kg treated versus vehicle control (P = 0.015; equal variances assumed, t-test for equality of means). The number of neovessels was not significantly different between both groups (P = 0.092).

Conclusion:

Inhibition of mTOR was shown to reduce tumor burden, hypoxia, and vasculature in the LH_BETAT_AG retinoblastoma tumor model. Rapamycin may have a role in combination with chemotherapy or other adjuvant therapies to enhance retinoblastoma tumor control.

Enforced expression of miR-125b affects myelopoiesis by targeting multiple signaling pathways

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by sequence-specific targeting of multiple mRNAs. Although lineage-, maturation-, and disease-specific miRNA expression has been described, miRNA-dependent phenotypes and miRNA-regulated signaling in hematopoietic cells are largely unknown. Combining functional genomics, biochemical analysis, and unbiased and hypothesis-driven miRNA target prediction, we show that lentivirally over-expressed miR-125b blocks G-CSF-induced granulocytic differentiation and enables G-CSF-dependent proliferation of murine 32D cells. In primary lineage-negative cells, miR-125b over-expression enhances colony-formation in vitro and promotes myelopoiesis in mouse bone marrow chimeras. We identified Stat3 and confirmed Bak1 as miR-125b target genes with approximately 30% and 50% reduction in protein expression, respectively. However, gene-specific RNAi reveals that this reduction, alone and in combination, is not sufficient to block G-CSF-dependent differentiation. STAT3 protein expression, DNA-binding, and transcriptional activity but not induction of tyrosine-phosphorylation and nuclear translocation are reduced upon enforced miR-125b expression, indicating miR-125b-mediated reduction of one or more STAT3 cofactors. Indeed, we identified c-Jun and Jund as potential miR-125b targets and demonstrated reduced protein expression in 32D/miR-125b cells. Interestingly, gene-specific silencing of JUND but not c-JUN partially mimics the miR-125b over-expression phenotype. These data demonstrate coordinated regulation of several signaling pathways by miR-125b linked to distinct phenotypes in myeloid cells.

Increased accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α with reduced transcriptional activity mediates the antitumor effect of triptolide

Background

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a critical transcription factor to reduced O₂ availability, has been demonstrated to be extensively involved in tumor survival, aggressive progression, drug resistance and angiogenesis. Thus it has been considered as a potential anticancer target. Triptolide is the main principle responsible for the biological activities of the Traditional Chinese Medicine tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. Triptolide possesses great chemotherapy potential for cancer with its broad-spectrum anticancer, antiangiogenesis, and drug-resistance circumvention activities. Numerous biological molecules inhibited by triptolide have been viewed as its possible targets. However, the anticancer action mechanisms of triptolide remains to be further investigated. Here we used human ovarian SKOV-3 cancer cells as a model to probe the effect of triptolide on HIF-1α.

Results

Triptolide was observed to inhibit the proliferation of SKOV-3 cells, and meanwhile, to enhance the accumulation of HIF-1α protein in SKOV-3, A549 and DU145 cells under different conditions. Triptolide did not change the kinetics or nuclear localization of HIF-1α protein or the 26 S proteasome activity in SKOV-3 cells. However, triptolide was found to increase the levels of HIF-1α mRNA. Unexpectedly, the HIF-1α protein induced by triptolide appeared to lose its transcriptional activity, as evidenced by the decreased mRNA levels of its target genes including VEGF, BNIP3 and CAIX. The results were further strengthened by the lowered secretion of VEGF protein, the reduced sprout outgrowth from the rat aorta rings and the inhibitory expression of the hypoxia responsive element-driven luciferase reporter gene. Moreover, the silencing of HIF-1α partially prevented the cytotoxicity and apoptosis triggered by triptolide.

Conclusions

The potent induction of HIF-1α protein involved in its cytotoxicity, together with the suppression of HIF-1 transcriptional activity, indicates the great therapeutic potential of triptolide as an anticancer drug. Meanwhile, our data further stress the possibility that HIF-1α functions in an unresolved nature or condition.

JNK contributes to Hif-1alpha regulation in hypoxic neurons

Hypoxia is an established factor of neurodegeneration. Nowadays, attention is directed at understanding how alterations in the expression of stress-related signaling proteins contribute to age dependent neuronal vulnerability to injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Hif-1alpha, a major neuroprotective factor, and JNK signaling, a key pathway in neurodegeneration, relate to hypoxic injury in young (6DIV) and adult (12DIV) neurons. We could show that in young neurons as compared to mature ones, the protective factor Hif-1alpha is more induced while the stress protein phospho-JNK displays lower basal levels. Indeed, changes in the expression levels of these proteins correlated with increased vulnerability of adult neurons to hypoxic injury. Furthermore, we describe for the first time that treatment with the D-JNKI1, a JNK-inhibiting peptide, rescues adult hypoxic neurons from death and contributes to Hif-1alpha upregulation, probably via a direct interaction with the Hif-1alpha protein.