Specific expression of Bax-omega in pancreatic beta-cells is down-regulated by cytokines before the onset of apoptosis

Single-cell multi-omics defines the cell-type-specific impact of splicing aberrations in human hematopoietic clonal outgrowths

RNA splicing factors are recurrently mutated in clonal blood disorders, but the impact of dysregulated splicing in hematopoiesis remains unclear. To overcome technical limitations, we integrated genotyping of transcriptomes (GoT) with long-read single-cell transcriptomics and proteogenomics for single-cell profiling of transcriptomes, surface proteins, somatic mutations, and RNA splicing (GoT-Splice). We applied GoT-Splice to hematopoietic progenitors from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with mutations in the core splicing factor SF3B1. SF3B1mut cells were enriched in the megakaryocytic-erythroid lineage, with expansion of SF3B1mut erythroid progenitor cells. We uncovered distinct cryptic 3' splice site usage in different progenitor populations and stage-specific aberrant splicing during erythroid differentiation. Profiling SF3B1-mutated clonal hematopoiesis samples revealed that erythroid bias and cell-type-specific cryptic 3' splice site usage in SF3B1mut cells precede overt MDS. Collectively, GoT-Splice defines the cell-type-specific impact of somatic mutations on RNA splicing, from early clonal outgrowths to overt neoplasia, directly in human samples.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS1 promotes mycobacteria intracellular survival via reducing the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ and suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB). And the PE_PGRS family members of M. tuberculosis are closely associated with virulence and antigen presentation but with function largely elusive. PE_PGRS1(Rv0109) contained 7 Ca²⁺ binding domains of GGXGXD/NXUX (X is any amino acid), which can reduce intracellular Ca²⁺ surge. In addition, PE_PGRS1 can mitigate the activation of PERK branch in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by down-regulating the expression of CHOP, Bip, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, and ATF4. Interestingly, we found that two splicing variations of Bax/Bcl-2, Baxβ, and Bcl-2α, were differentially expressed after infection with Ms_PE_PGRS1, and may be involved in the regulation of apoptosis. Hence, this study identified that PE_PGRS1 is a novel calcium-associated protein that can decrease intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and the PERK axis. And the weakening of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis reduces THP-1 macrophages apoptosis, promotes the survival of mycobacteria in macrophages.

The role of Bax in the apoptosis of Leishmania-infected macrophages

BACKGROUND

Leishmania is a protozoan parasite that nests in macrophages and is responsible for the Leishmaniasis disease. In spite of different defense pathways, last strategy of macrophage for killing parasite is apoptosis process. By permeableizing the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). As breaching MOM releases apoptogenic factors like cytochrome-c which activate caspases that result in the destruction of the cell. In this review, we summarized the appropriate manuscripts regarding the bax includes, its different types and the effect of bax on the apoptosis of Leishmania and parasite-infected macrophages.

METHODS

Information about the role of BAX in the apoptosis of parasite-infected macrophage of recent articles were surveyed by searching computerized bibliographic database PubMed and Google Scholar entering the keywords BAX and leishmaniasis.

RESULTS

The common studies revealed Leishmania use different survival strategies for inhibiting macrophage apoptosis. As Leishmania by preventing homooligomerization or upregulating the anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 can prohibits proteins of host-cell apoptosis such as Bax that is required for mitochondrial permeabilisation during apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

With regard to the supportive role of bax in apoptosis and the preventive role of Leishmania in its function, it seems that expression of bax gene in parasite by technologies like transgenic or down regulating of anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 by miRNA could be prompted the apoptosis process of infected-macrophages and inhibited extensive spread of Leishmania and the resulting lesions.

Evaluation of Bax and Bak gene mutations and expression in breast cancer

Genetic analyses have provided evidence to suggest that Bax and Bak are the essential genes for apoptosis in mammalians cells. This study aimed to search for biomarkers in breast cancer to be used as prognostic markers for the disease. The Bak and Bax genes expressions were analyzed in 23 breast cancer patients by RT-PCR technique. SSCP technique was used to detect the mobility of the abnormal fragment in Bak exon 4. PCR for Bax promoter was digested with Tau 1 restriction enzyme to identify a single polymorphism G(-248)A. The expression of Bak gene is related to several clinical factors of breast cancer. The analysis of Bax RNA showed 4 isoforms of Bax with different distributions in the normal and tumor tissues. These isoforms were Bax α, d, δ, and ζ. Exon 4 had a normal pattern in all cases of breast cancer. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency distribution of the G(-248)A genotypes in the breast cancer tissues with grade 3+high, T2 stage, lobular +other, and PR −ve subgroups. In this study, Bak expression seems to lead to development of breast cancer and affects the disease progression. Also, Bax d and Bax δ could be used as risk factor and biomarker for breast cancer with the distribution of G284A.

Mechanisms of toxicity by proinflammatory cytokines in a novel human pancreatic beta cell line, 1.1B4

BACKGROUND

Molecular mechanisms of toxicity and cell damage were investigated in the novel human beta cell line, 1.1B4, after exposure to proinflammatory cytokines - IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α.

METHODS

MTT assay, insulin radioimmunoassay, glucokinase assay, real time reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, nitrite assay, caspase assay and comet assay were used to investigate mechanisms of cytokine toxicity.

RESULTS

Viability of 1.1B4 cells decreased after 18h cytokine exposure. Cytokines significantly reduced cellular insulin content and impaired insulin secretion induced by glucose, alanine, KCl, elevated Ca(2+), GLP-1 or forskolin. Glucokinase enzyme activity, regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) and PDX1 protein expression were significantly reduced by cytokines. mRNA expression of genes involved in secretory function - INS, GCK, PCSK2 and GJA1 was downregulated in cytokine treated 1.1B4 cells. Upregulation of transcription of genes involved in antioxidant defence - SOD2 and GPX1 was observed, suggesting involvement of oxidative stress. Cytokines also upregulated transcriptions of NFKB1 and STAT1, which was accompanied by a significant increase in NOS2 transcription and accumulation of nitrite in culture medium, implicating nitrosative stress. Oxidative and nitrosative stresses induced apoptosis was evident from increased % tail DNA, DNA fragmentation, caspase 3/7 activity, apoptotic cells and lower BCL2 protein expression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study delineates molecular mechanisms of cytokine toxicity in 1.1B4 cells, which agree with earlier observations using human islets and rodent beta cells.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study emphasizes the potential usefulness of this cell line as a human beta cell model for research investigating autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.

Deletion of protein kinase Cδ in mice modulates stability of inflammatory genes and protects against cytokine-stimulated beta cell death in vitro and in vivo

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Proinflammatory cytokines contribute to beta cell destruction in type 1 diabetes, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. The aim of the current study was to address the role of the protein kinase C (PKC) isoform PKCδ, a diverse regulator of cell death, in cytokine-stimulated apoptosis in primary beta cells.

METHODS

Islets isolated from wild-type or Prkcd(-/-) mice were treated with IL-1β, TNF-α and IFNγ and assayed for apoptosis, nitric oxide (NO) generation and insulin secretion. Activation of signalling pathways, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were determined by immunoblotting. Stabilisation of mRNA transcripts was measured by RT-PCR following transcriptional arrest. Mice were injected with multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) and fasting blood glucose monitored.

RESULTS

Deletion of Prkcd inhibited apoptosis and NO generation in islets stimulated ex vivo with cytokines. It also delayed the onset of hyperglycaemia in MLD-STZ-treated mice. Activation of ERK, p38, JNK, AKT1, the ER stress markers DDIT3 and phospho-EIF2α and the intrinsic apoptotic markers BCL2 and MCL1 was not different between genotypes. However, deletion of Prkcd destabilised mRNA transcripts for Nos2, and for multiple components of the toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signalling complex, which resulted in disrupted TLR2 signalling.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Loss of PKCδ partially protects against hyperglycaemia in the MLD-STZ model in vivo, and against cytokine-mediated apoptosis in vitro. This is accompanied by reduced NO generation and destabilisation of Nos2 and components of the TLR2 signalling pathway. The results highlight a mechanism for regulating proinflammatory gene expression in beta cells independently of transcription.

Modulation of Bcl-2-related protein expression in pancreatic beta cells by pro-inflammatory cytokines and its dependence on the antioxidative defense status

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are key mediators in the selective and progressive destruction of insulin-producing beta cells during type 1 diabetes development. However, the mechanisms of cytokine-induced beta cell apoptosis are not fully understood. This study demonstrates that pro-inflammatory cytokines strongly modified the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins Bad, Bim, and Bid in primary rat islets and insulin-producing RINm5F cells. Overexpression of mitochondrially located catalase (MitoCatalase) specifically increased basal Bcl-2 and decreased basal Bax expression, suppressed cytokine-mediated reduction of Bcl-2, and thereby prevented the release of cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and the activation of caspase-9 and -3. Thus, cytokine-mediated decrease of Bcl-2 expression and the sequentially changed Bax/Bcl-2 ratio are responsible for the release of pro-apoptotic mitochondrial factors, activation of caspase-9, and ultimately caspase-3. These results indicate that activation of the intrinsic/mitochondrial apoptosis pathway is essential for cytokine-induced beta cell death and the mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species, in particular mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide, differentially regulates the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.

Glucose represses PPARα gene expression via AMP-activated protein kinase but not via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the pancreatic β-cell

BACKGROUND

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) regulates the expression of fatty acid metabolism genes and is thought to play a role in the regulation of insulin secretion and lipid detoxification. We have examined the mechanism whereby glucose decreases PPARα gene expression in the pancreatic β-cell.

METHODS

INS832/13 β-cell and isolated rat islets were incubated at 3 and 20 mM glucose for 18 h in the absence or presence of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators and inhibitors, as well as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitors. In another set of experiments, INS832/13 were infected with an adenovirus expressing a dominant-negative form of AMPK. PPARα expression levels were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

Elevated glucose reduced the abundance of the PPARα transcript and protein, and its target genes acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) oxidase (ACO) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) in INS832/13 β-cell and isolated rat islets. Glucose reduced AMPK activity, while the AMPK activators 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside and metformin increased PPARα expression and suppressed the action of glucose. By contrast, the AMPK inhibitor compound C mimicked the glucose effect. A dominant negative form of AMPKα reduced the PPARα, ACO and UCP-2 transcripts to the same extent as elevated glucose. Pharmacological evidence indicated that glucose-regulated PPARα expression does not involve p38 MAPK, a target of AMPK in several cell types.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that glucose represses PPARα gene expression via AMPK, but not via p38 MAPK in the β-cell.

Zinc transporter gene expression is regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines: a potential role for zinc transporters in beta-cell apoptosis?

BACKGROUND

Beta-cells are extremely rich in zinc and zinc homeostasis is regulated by zinc transporter proteins. beta-cells are sensitive to cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) has been associated with beta-cell dysfunction and -death in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This study explores the regulation of zinc transporters following cytokine exposure.

METHODS

The effects of cytokines IL-1beta, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on zinc transporter gene expression were measured in INS-1-cells and rat pancreatic islets. Being the more sensitive transporter, we further explored ZnT8 (Slc30A8): the effect of ZnT8 over expression on cytokine induced apoptosis was investigated as well as expression of the insulin gene and two apoptosis associated genes, BAX and BCL2.

RESULTS

Our results showed a dynamic response of genes responsible for beta-cell zinc homeostasis to cytokines: IL-1beta down regulated a number of zinc-transporters, most strikingly ZnT8 in both islets and INS-1 cells. The effect was even more pronounced when mixing the cytokines. TNF-alpha had little effect on zinc transporter expression. IFN-gamma down regulated a number of zinc transporters. Insulin expression was down regulated by all cytokines. ZnT8 over expressing cells were more sensitive to IL-1beta induced apoptosis whereas no differences were observed with IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, or a mixture of cytokines.

CONCLUSION

The zinc transporting system in beta-cells is influenced by the exposure to cytokines. Particularly ZnT8, which has been associated with the development of diabetes, seems to be cytokine sensitive.

RX871024 reduces NO production but does not protect against pancreatic beta-cell death induced by proinflammatory cytokines

The imidazoline compound RX871024 reduces IL-1beta-induced NO production thereby protecting against IL-1beta-induced beta-cell apoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether imidazolines RX871024 and efaroxan protect beta-cells against death in the presence of a combination of the cytokines IL-1beta, IFNgamma, and TNFalpha. To address this issue, experiments involving different methods for detection of cell death, different concentrations of the cytokines, and a variety of conditions of preparation and culturing of ob/ob mouse islets and beta-cells have been carried out. Thoroughly performed experiments have not been able to demonstrate a protective effect of RX871024 and efaroxan on beta-cell death induced by the combination of cytokines. However, the inhibitory effect of RX871024 on NO production in ob/ob mouse islets and beta-cells was still observed in the presence of all three cytokines and correlated with the decrease in p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Conversely, efaroxan did not affect cytokine-induced NO production. Our data indicate that a combination of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IFNgamma, and TNFalpha, conditions modelling those that take place in type 1 diabetes, induces pancreatic beta-cell death that does not directly correlate with NO production and cannot be counteracted with imidazoline compounds.

Glucose suppresses superoxide generation in metabolically responsive pancreatic beta cells

High rates of glucose metabolism and mitochondrial electron transport have been associated with increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This mechanism was also proposed as a possible cause for dysfunction and death of pancreatic beta cells exposed to high glucose levels. We examined whether high rates of glucose metabolism increase ROS production in purified rat beta cells. Glucose up to 20 mm did not stimulate H(2)O(2) or superoxide production, whereas it dose-dependently increased cellular NAD(P)H and FADH(2) levels with an EC(50) around 8 mm. On the contrary, glucose concentration-dependently suppressed H(2)O(2) and superoxide formation, with a major effect between 0 and 5 mm, parallel to an increase in cellular NAD(P)H levels. This suppressive effect was more marked in beta cells with higher NAD(P)H responsiveness to glucose; it was not observed in glucagon-containing alpha cells, which lacked a glucose-induced increase in NAD(P)H. Suppression was also induced by the mitochondrial substrates leucine and succinate. Experiments with electron transport chain inhibitors indicate a role of respiratory complex I in ROS production at low mitochondrial activity and low NADH levels. Superoxide production at low glucose is potentially cytotoxic, because scavenging by the superoxide dismutase mimetic agent manganese(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin was found to reduce the rate of beta cell apoptosis. Analysis of islets cultured at 20 mm glucose confirmed that this condition does not induce ROS production in beta cells as a result of their increased rates of glucose metabolism. Our study indicates the need of beta cells for basal nutrients maintaining mitochondrial NADH production at levels that suppress ROS accumulation from an inadequate respiratory complex I activity and thus inhibit a potential apoptotic pathway.

Metformin-induced stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase in beta-cells impairs their glucose responsiveness and can lead to apoptosis

Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug that increases glucose utilization in insulin-sensitive tissues. The effect is in part attributable to a stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The present study demonstrates that metformin (0.5-2mM) also dose-dependently activates AMPK in insulin-producing MIN6 cells and in primary rat beta-cells, leading to increased phosphorylation of acetyl coA carboxylase (ACC). The maximal effect was reached within 12h and sustained up to 48h. After 24h exposure to metformin (0.5-1mM), rat beta-cells exhibited a reduced secretory and synthetic responsiveness to 10mM glucose, which was also the case following 24h culture with the AMPK-activator 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR; 1mM). Longer metformin exposure (>24h) resulted in a progressive increase in apoptotic beta-cells as was also reported for AICAR; metformin-induced apoptosis was reduced by compound C, an AMPK-inhibitor. As with AICAR, metformin activated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and caspase-3 prior to the appearance of apoptosis. It is concluded that metformin-induced AMPK-activation in beta-cells reduces their glucose responsiveness and may, following sustained exposure, result in apoptosis.

Prolonged culture in low glucose induces apoptosis of rat pancreatic beta-cells through induction of c-myc

Prolonged culture in low-glucose concentrations (</=5mM) induces apoptosis in pancreatic beta-cells by a poorly defined mechanism. We now show that, in both purified rat beta-cells and isolated rat islets, culture in the presence of 3 or 5mM (G3-G5) instead of 10mM glucose (G10) induces a large increase in c-myc expression before onset of a caspase-dependent apoptosis. These effects were prevented by addition of leucine and glutamine to G3 and G5, and were mimicked by addition of the mitochondrial poison azide to G10. In contrast, inhibition of Ca(2+) influx and insulin secretion with diazoxide under control conditions did not stimulate islet c-myc expression nor beta-cell apoptosis. In rat beta-cells, adenovirus-mediated c-myc overexpression increased their rate of apoptosis, whereas antisense-c-myc expression reduced low-glucose-induced apoptosis by approximately 50%. In the insulin producing MIN6 cell line, apoptosis induction by either low glucose or an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was associated with c-myc mRNA and protein upregulation. In conclusion, stimulation of beta-cell apoptosis by prolonged culture at low glucose partly results from early and sustained induction of beta-cell c-myc expression. These effects may be due to sustained restriction in nutrient-derived metabolic signals.

Interleukin-6 protects MIN6 beta cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis

Host nonspecific beta cell injury by cytokines has been implicated in the process of early islet graft dysfunction. Islet transplant destruction by cytokines released from inflammatory cells that infiltrate the graft is thought to be mainly mediated by NF-kappaB-dependent nitric oxide (NO) production by the islet. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of IL-6 in making a beta cell resistant to cytokine-induced apoptosis by decreasing the NF-kappaB-dependent NO production and compared the result with that of the expression of a dominant negative inhibitor of NF-kappaB (DN NF-kappaB). Incubation of MIN6 cells with IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha (cytomix) increased production of nitrites, with increased expression of iNOS mRNA. When treated with cytomix, the DN NF-kappaB-transfected mutant demonstrated significantly less nitrite production and apoptosis than parent MIN6. NO production was effectively blocked by IL-6 as well as by N-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA). Inhibition of the NO production led to decreased rate of apoptosis accompanied by downregulation of the proapoptotic molecule Bax and increased expression of the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L). These data indicate that cytokine-induced cell death in the MIN6 beta cell line involves mechanisms that are, in part, NF-kappaB- and NO-dependent. Inhibition of the NO production by the incubation of the MIN6 cells by the pretreatment of IL-6 or l-NMMA is cytoprotective and can be used as a substitute for the expression of DN NF-kappaB.

Variations in IB1/JIP1 expression regulate susceptibility of beta-cells to cytokine-induced apoptosis irrespective of C-Jun NH2-terminal kinase signaling

We previously reported that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) alone does not cause apoptosis of beta-cells, whereas when combined with gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), it exerts a distinct apoptotic effect. Studies in beta-cell lines indicated that IL-1beta reduced expression of islet brain (IB)-1/JNK interacting protein (JIP)-1, a JNK scaffold protein with antiapoptotic action. We examined whether variations in IB1/JIP-1 expression in purified primary beta-cells affect their susceptibility to cytokine-induced apoptosis. Exposure to IL-1beta for 24 h decreased cellular IB1/JIP-1 content by 66 +/- 17%; this IL-1beta effect was maintained in the presence of TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma, which did not influence IB1/JIP-1 levels by themselves. Addition of IL-1beta to TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma increased apoptosis from 20 +/- 2% to 59 +/- 5%. A similar increase in TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis was produced by adenoviral expression of antisense IB1/JIP-1 and was not further enhanced by addition of IL-1beta, indicating that IL-1beta-mediated suppression of IB1/JIP-1 in beta-cells increases their susceptibility to cytokine-induced apoptosis. However, adenovirally mediated overexpression of IB1/JIP-1 also potentiated TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the antiapoptotic effect of IB1/JIP-1 depends on well-defined cellular levels. We conclude that the IB1/JIP-1 level in beta-cells can control their susceptibility to apoptosis independent of JNK signaling.

Cytokine-mediated down-regulation of the transcription factor cAMP-response element-binding protein in pancreatic beta-cells

Cytokines are known to induce apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells. Impaired expression of the anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 is one of the mechanisms involved. In this study, we identified a defect involving transcription factor cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) in the expression of bcl-2. Exposure of mouse pancreatic beta-cell line, MIN6 cells, to cytokines (interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma) led to a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in Bcl-2 protein and mRNA levels. Cytokines decreased (56%) the activity of the bcl-2 promoter that contains a cAMP-response element (CRE) site. Similar decreases were seen with a luciferase reporter gene driven by tandem repeats of CRE and a CREB-specific Gal4-luciferase reporter, suggesting a defect at the level of CREB. The active phospho form (serine 133) of CREB diminished significantly (p < 0.01) in cells exposed to cytokines. Examination of signaling pathways upstream of CREB revealed a reduction in the active form of Akt. Cytokine-induced decrease of bcl-2 promoter activity was partially restored when cells were cotransfected with a constitutively active form of Akt. Several end points of cytokine action including decreases in phospho-CREB, phospho-Akt, and BCl-2 levels and activation of caspase-9 were observed in isolated mouse islets. Overexpression of wild-type CREB in MIN6 cells by plasmid transfection and adenoviral infection led to protection against cytokine-induced apoptosis. Adenoviral transfer of dominant-negative forms of CREB, on the other hand, resulted in activation of caspase-9 and exaggeration of cytokine-induced beta-cell apoptosis. Together, these results point to CREB as a novel target for strategies aimed at improving the survival of beta-cells.

AICA-riboside induces apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells through stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Prolonged exposure of beta cells to low glucose concentrations triggers their apoptosis and is known to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in beta cell lines. We examined whether prolonged activation of AMPK can trigger apoptosis in rodent beta cells.

METHODS

Primary beta cells were FACS-purified from rats, and from wild-type and AMPK(alpha2)-deficient mice. AMPK activation in beta cells was induced by the adenosine analog AICA-riboside and detected by immunoblotting using a phosphospecific antibody. Apoptosis of rodent beta cells was monitored by FACS analysis of beta cell DNA content, by direct counting of apoptotic cells using fluorescence microscopy, or by measurement of their caspase-3 activity.

RESULTS

Dose-dependent and time-dependent apoptosis of the cells, concommittant with an activation of caspase-3, were suppressed by the caspase inhibitors zVAD-fmk and zDEVD-fmk. Apoptosis induction by AICA-riboside was also prevented by adding the MAPK-inhibitor SB203580 which blocked the AICA-riboside-induced phosphorylation of AMPK. Beta cells isolated from AMPK-(alpha2)-deficient mice were resistant against AICA-riboside induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Sustained activation of AMPK by AICA-riboside can trigger a caspase-dependent apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells.

Sustained activation of AMP-activated protein kinase induces c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and apoptosis in liver cells

The aim of this work was to study the effect of a sustained activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on liver cell survival. AMPK activation was achieved by incubating FTO2B cells with AICA-riboside, which is transformed into ZMP, an AMP analogue, or by adenoviral transfection of hepatocytes with a constitutively active form of AMPK. Prolonged AMPK activation triggered apoptosis and activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and caspase-3. Experiments with iodotubercidin, dicoumarol and z-VAD-fmk, which inhibited AMPK, JNK and caspase activation, respectively, supported the notion that prolonged AMPK activation in liver cells induces apoptosis through an activation pathway that involves JNK and caspase-3.