The PKCdelta -Abl complex communicates ER stress to the mitochondria - an essential step in subsequent apoptosis

Upregulation of rate-limiting enzymes in cholesterol metabolism by PKCδ mediates endothelial apoptosis in diabetic wound healing

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a prevalent complication of diabetes that poses significant challenges in terms of treatment and management. It is characterized by heightened endothelial apoptosis and impaired angiogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) in regulating endothelial apoptosis in diabetic wounds by promoting cholesterol biosynthesis. The expression of PKCδ was increased in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultivated in high glucose medium and skin tissue isolated from diabetic mice. High glucose-induced HUVECs apoptosis was reduced by PKCδ inhibition with siRNA or rottlerin. RNA-seq identified two enzymes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), as the downstream of PKCδ. PKCδ knockdown or inhibition suppressed the expression of HMGCS1 and HMGCR and lowered free cholesterol (FC) levels. Cholesterol restored high glucose-induced apoptosis in siRNA- or rottlerin-treated HUVECs. In vivo use of rosuvastatin calcium, an inhibitor of HMGCR, downregulated free cholesterol levels and accelerated the wound healing process. In conclusion, PKCδ expression in endothelial cells was activated by high glucose, which subsequently upregulates the expression of two enzymes catalyzing cholesterol biosynthesis, HMGCS1 and HMGCR. Enhanced cholesterol biosynthesis raises free cholesterol levels, promotes endothelial apoptosis, and finally delays wound healing.

Imatinib Attenuates Pentylenetetrazole Kindled and Pilocarpine Induced Recurrent Spontaneous Seizures in Mice

c-Abl is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that promotes intracellular apoptotic signaling in prolonged epileptic seizures. PTZ and pilocarpine-induced continuous epileptic convulsions cause neuronal death and gliosis. C-Abl is linked to oxidative stress, neuronal hyperexcitability, mitochondrial malfunction, and subsequent seizures. We investigated the involvement of c-Abl in epileptogenesis by employing its selective inhibitor Imatinib (1 & 3 mg/kg; i.p.) together with conventional medication valproate (110 mg/kg; i.p.) tends to be effective in decreasing seizures threshold provoked by PTZ for 15 days and pilocarpine for 37 days. Further, Imatinib was effective in preventing epileptic seizures arbitrated oxidative stress injury. Oxidative stress has been linked to excitotoxicity that is considered to pathogenic factor in epileptic brain damage. As ELIZA and biochemical estimations showed the high level of c-Abl as an indicator of neuronal oxidative and apoptosis under chronic PTZ & pilocarpine epileptic seizures marked by decreased antioxidants and elevated levels of caspase-3 that were successfully prevented with Imatinib treatment same as valproate (standard drug). Further, the aberrant c-Abl activation is also linked with neuroinflammation that is also predisposing factor in the development of seizures. Selective inhibition of c-Abl by Imatinib also showed anti-inflammatory activity marked with suppressed levels of NF-kB and pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-alpha, IL-1β, and IL-6) suggesting the neuroprotective effect of Imatinib same as valproate (standard drug) in epilepsy. Therefore, the current study provides preclinical evidence of Imatinib as a potential treatment for seizures, as well as an understanding of potential role of c-Ablin epilepsy.

c-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibition attenuate oxidative stress-induced pancreatic β-Cell dysfunction via glutathione antioxidant system

Chronic oxidative stress, which is caused by aberrant non-receptor tyrosine kinase (c-Abl) signaling, plays a key role in the progression of β-cell loss in diabetes mellitus. Recent studies, however, have linked ferroptotic-like death to the β-cell loss in diabetes mellitus. Here, we report that oxidative stress-driven reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) loss and proteasomal degradation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) promote ferroptotic-like cell damage through increased lipid peroxidation. Mechanistically, treatment with GNF2, a non-ATP competitive c-Abl kinase inhibitor, selectively preserves β-cell function by inducing the orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ). ERRγ-driven glutaminase 1 (GLS1) expression promotes the elevation of the GSH/GSSG ratio, and this increase leads to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation by GPX4. Strikingly, pharmacological inhibition of ERRγ represses the expression of GLS1 and reverses the GSH/GSSG ratio linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and increased lipid peroxidation mediated by GPX4 degradation. Inhibition of GLS1 suppresses the ERRγ agonist DY131-induced GSH/GSSG ratio linked to ferroptotic-like death owing to the loss of GPX4. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis showed enhanced ERRγ and GPX4 expression in the pancreatic islets of GNF2-treated mice compared to that in streptozotocin-treated mice. Altogether, our results provide the first evidence that the orphan nuclear receptor ERRγ-induced GLS1 expression augments the glutathione antioxidant system, and its downstream signaling leads to improved β-cell function and survival under oxidative stress conditions.

4-PBA rescues hyperoxaluria induced nephrolithiasis by modulating urinary glycoproteins: Cross talk between endoplasmic reticulum, calcium homeostasis and mitochondria

AIM

Urinary glycoproteins such as Tamm Horsfall Protein (THP) and Osteopontin (OPN) are well established key regulators of renal stone formation. Additionally, recent revelations have highlighted the influence of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and mitochondria of crucial importance in nephrolithiasis. However, till date conclusive approach highlighting the influence of ER stress on urinary glycoproteins and chaperone in nephrolithiasis remains elusive. Therefore, the present study was focussed on deciphering the possible effect of 4-PBA mitigating ER stress on urinary glycoproteins and calnexin (chaperone) with emphasis on interlinking calcium homeostasis in hyperoxaluric rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Post 9 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed, and renal tissues were investigated for urinary glycoproteins, calnexin, calcium homeostasis, ER environment, redox status, and mitochondrial linkage.

KEY FINDINGS

4-PBA appreciably reversed the altered levels of THP, OPN, and calnexin observed along with curtailing the disrupted calcium homeostasis when assessed for SERCA activity and intra-cellular calcium levels. Additionally, significant improvement in the perturbed ER environment as verified by escalated ER stress markers, disturbed protein folding-aggregation-degradation (congo red assay) pathway, and redox status was found post 4-PBA intervention. Interestingly, linkage of ER stress and mitochondria was established under hyperoxaluric conditions when assessed for protein levels of VDAC1 and GRP75.

SIGNIFICANCE

4-PBA treatment resulted in rectifying the repercussions of ER-mitochondrial caused distress when assessed for protein folding/aggregation/degradation events along with disturbed calcium homeostasis. The present study advocates the necessity to adopt a holistic vision towards hyperoxaluria with emphasis on glycoproteins and ER environment.

PKCα and PKCδ: Friends and Rivals

PKC comprises a large family of serine/threonine kinases that share a requirement for allosteric activation by lipids. While PKC isoforms have significant homology, functional divergence is evident among subfamilies and between individual PKC isoforms within a subfamily. Here, we highlight these differences by comparing the regulation and function of representative PKC isoforms from the conventional (PKCα) and novel (PKCδ) subfamilies. We discuss how unique structural features of PKCα and PKCδ underlie differences in activation and highlight the similar, divergent, and even opposing biological functions of these kinases. We also consider how PKCα and PKCδ can contribute to pathophysiological conditions and discuss challenges to targeting these kinases therapeutically.

Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Parkinson’s Disease and Future Prospects: A 2021 Update

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder pathologically distinguished by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Muscle rigidity, tremor, and bradykinesia are all clinical motor hallmarks of PD. Several pathways have been implicated in PD etiology, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired protein clearance, and neuroinflammation, but how these factors interact remains incompletely understood. Although many breakthroughs in PD therapy have been accomplished, there is currently no cure for PD, only trials to alleviate the related motor symptoms. To reduce or stop the clinical progression and mobility impairment, a disease-modifying approach that can directly target the etiology rather than offering symptomatic alleviation remains a major unmet clinical need in the management of PD. In this review, we briefly introduce current treatments and pathophysiology of PD. In addition, we address the novel innovative therapeutic targets for PD therapy, including α-synuclein, autophagy, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and others. Several immunomodulatory approaches and stem cell research currently in clinical trials with PD patients are also discussed. Moreover, preclinical studies and clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of novel and repurposed therapeutic agents and their pragmatic applications with encouraging outcomes are summarized. Finally, molecular biomarkers under active investigation are presented as potentially valuable tools for early PD diagnosis.

Multiple subcellular localizations and functions of protein kinase Cδ in liver cancer

Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is a member of the PKC family, and its implications have been reported in various biological and cancerous processes, including cell proliferation, cell death, tumor suppression, and tumor progression. In liver cancer cells, accumulating reports show the bi-functional regulation of PKCδ in cell death and survival. PKCδ function is defined by various factors, such as phosphorylation, catalytic domain cleavage, and subcellular localization. PKCδ has multiple intracellular distribution patterns, ranging from the cytosol to the nucleus. We recently found a unique extracellular localization of PKCδ in liver cancer and its growth factor-like function in liver cancer cells. In this review, we first discuss the structural features of PKCδ and then focus on the functional diversity of PKCδ based on its subcellular localization, such as the nucleus, cell surface, and extracellular space. These findings improve our knowledge of PKCδ involvement in the progression of liver cancer.

PKC Delta Activation Promotes Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ERS) and NLR Family Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 (NLRP3) Inflammasome Activation Subsequent to Asynuclein-Induced Microglial Activation: Involvement of Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein (TXNIP)/Thioredoxin (Trx) Redoxisome Pathway

A classical hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis is the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (αSyn) within Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, although its role in microglial dysfunction and resultant dopaminergic (DAergic) neurotoxicity is still elusive. Previously, we identified that protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) is activated in post mortem PD brains and experimental Parkinsonism and that it participates in reactive microgliosis; however, the relationship between PKCδ activation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the reactive microglial activation state in the context of α-synucleinopathy is largely unknown. Herein, we show that oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and PKCδ activation increased concomitantly with ERS markers, including the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF-4), serine/threonine-protein kinase/endoribonuclease inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (p-IRE1α), p-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) as well as increased generation of neurotoxic cytokines, including IL-1β in aggregated αSyn_agg-stimulated primary microglia. Importantly, in mouse primary microglia-treated with αSyn_agg we observed increased expression of Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous inhibitor of the thioredoxin (Trx) pathway, a major antioxidant protein system. Additionally, αSyn_agg promoted interaction between NLRP3 and TXNIP in these cells. In vitro knockdown of PKCδ using siRNA reduced ERS and led to reduced expression of TXNIP and the NLRP3 activation response in αSyn_agg-stimulated mouse microglial cells (MMCs). Additionally, attenuation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) via mito-apocynin and amelioration of ERS via the eIF2α inhibitor salubrinal (SAL) reduced the induction of the ERS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling axis, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction and ERS may act in concert to promote the αSyn_agg-induced microglial activation response. Likewise, knockdown of TXNIP by siRNA attenuated the αSyn_agg-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation response. Finally, unilateral injection of αSyn preformed fibrils (αSyn_PFF) into the striatum of wild-type mice induced a significant increase in the expression of nigral p-PKCδ, ERS markers, and upregulation of the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling axis prior to delayed loss of TH⁺ neurons. Together, our results suggest that inhibition of ERS and its downstream signaling mediators TXNIP and NLRP3 might represent novel therapeutic avenues for ameliorating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in PD and other synucleinopathies.

Mitochondrial Kinases and the Role of Mitochondrial Protein Phosphorylation in Health and Disease

The major role of mitochondria is to provide cells with energy, but no less important are their roles in responding to various stress factors and the metabolic changes and pathological processes that might occur inside and outside the cells. The post-translational modification of proteins is a fast and efficient way for cells to adapt to ever changing conditions. Phosphorylation is a post-translational modification that signals these changes and propagates these signals throughout the whole cell, but it also changes the structure, function and interaction of individual proteins. In this review, we summarize the influence of kinases, the proteins responsible for phosphorylation, on mitochondrial biogenesis under various cellular conditions. We focus on their role in keeping mitochondria fully functional in healthy cells and also on the changes in mitochondrial structure and function that occur in pathological processes arising from the phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins.

Current and emerging therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by gradual neurodegeneration and forfeiture of dopamine neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta which ultimately leads to depletion of dopamine levels. PD patients not only display motor features such as rigidity, tremor, and bradykinesia but also non-motor features such as depression, anxiety, etc. Various treatments are available for PD patients such as dopamine replacement are well established but it is only partially or transiently effective. As these therapies not able to restore dopaminergic neurons and delay the development of Parkinson's disease, therefore, the need for an effective therapeutic approach is crucial. The present review discusses a comprehensive overview of current novel targets for PD which includes molecular chaperone, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuromelanin, Ubiquitin-proteasome system, protein Abelson, Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C, and Cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript, etc. These approaches will help to identify new targets for the treatment of disease and may provide a ray of hope for PD patient treatment. Graphical abstract.

Functional proteomic analysis reveals roles for PKCδ in regulation of cell survival and cell death: Implications for cancer pathogenesis and therapy

Protein Kinase C-δ (PKCδ), regulates a broad group of biological functions and disease processes, including well-defined roles in immune function, cell survival and apoptosis. PKCδ primarily regulates apoptosis in normal tissues and non-transformed cells, and genetic disruption of the PRKCD gene in mice is protective in many diseases and tissue damage models. However pro-survival/pro-proliferative functions have also been described in some transformed cells and in mouse models of cancer. Recent evidence suggests that the contribution of PKCδ to specific cancers may depend in part on the oncogenic context of the tumor, consistent with its paradoxical role in cell survival and cell death. Here we will discuss what is currently known about biological functions of PKCδ and potential paradigms for PKCδ function in cancer. To further understand mechanisms of regulation by PKCδ, and to gain insight into the plasticity of PKCδ signaling, we have used functional proteomics to identify pathways that are dependent on PKCδ. Understanding how these distinct functions of PKCδ are regulated will be critical for the logical design of therapeutics to target this pathway.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates neuronal injury after spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion injury by targeting the CNPY2-endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been proven to exert protective effects on multiple organs in response to ischaemia-reperfusion injury, but the specific mechanism by which this occurs has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Dex attenuates spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Our team established a model of SCIRI and utilized the endoplasmic reticulum agonist thapsigargin. Dex (25 g/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 30 minutes before spinal cord ischaemia. After 45 minutes of ischaemia, the spinal cord was reperfused for 24 hours. To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Dex on SCIRI, neurological function scores were assessed in rats and apoptosis of spinal cord cells was determined by TUNEL staining. To determine whether the endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis pathway CNPY2-PERK was involved in the neuroprotective mechanism of Dex, the expression levels of related proteins (CNPY2, GRP78, PERK, CHOP, caspase-12, caspase-9 and caspase-3) were detected by western blot analysis and RT-PCR. We observed that Dex significantly increased the neurological function scores after SCIRI and decreased apoptosis of spinal cord cells. The expression of ERS-related apoptosis proteins was significantly increased by SCIRI but was significantly decreased in response to Dex administration. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that Dex may attenuate SCIRI by inhibiting the CNPY2-ERS apoptotic pathway.

An ErbB2/c-Src axis links bioenergetics with PRC2 translation to drive epigenetic reprogramming and mammary tumorigenesis

Dysregulation of histone modifications promotes carcinogenesis by altering transcription. Breast cancers frequently overexpress the histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2). However, the role of EZH2 in this setting is unclear due to the context-dependent functions of PRC2 and the heterogeneity of breast cancer. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying PRC2 overexpression in cancer are obscure. Here, using multiple models of breast cancer driven by the oncogene ErbB2, we show that the tyrosine kinase c-Src links energy sufficiency with PRC2 overexpression via control of mRNA translation. By stimulating mitochondrial ATP production, c-Src suppresses energy stress, permitting sustained activation of the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which increases the translation of mRNAs encoding the PRC2 subunits Ezh2 and Suz12. We show that Ezh2 overexpression and activity are pivotal in ErbB2-mediated mammary tumourigenesis. These results reveal the hitherto unknown c-Src/mTORC1/PRC2 axis, which is essential for ErbB2-driven carcinogenesis.

Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2) is frequently up-regulated in cancers. Here, the authors show that the tyrosine kinase c-Src stimulates mitochondrial function to signal energy sufficiency to mTORC1, increasing translation of the PRC2 subunits EZH2 and SUZ12 to support ErbB2-dependent tumours.

CaSR activates PKCδ to induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis via ER stress‑associated apoptotic pathways during ischemia/reperfusion

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can be activated by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in cardiomyocytes. Persistent ER stress, with an increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) concentration, leads to apoptosis. Protein kinase C (PKC) has a key role in myocardial damage by elevation of [Ca2+]i. The calcium‑sensing receptor (CaSR), a G protein‑coupled receptor, can increase the release of [Ca2+]i from the ER through the inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R). Intracellular calcium overload has been demonstrated to cause cardiac myocyte apoptosis during I/R. However, the associations between PKC, CaSR and ER stress are not clear. The present study examined the hypothesis that activation of PKCδ by CaSR participates in ER stress‑associated apoptotic pathways within myocardial I/R. Rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of ischemia in vivo, followed by reperfusion for 120 min. GdCl3 (a CaSR activator) was used to elevate the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, but the Ca2+ concentration in the ER was significantly decreased during I/R. Following exposure to GdCl3, expression levels of CaSR, glucose‑regulated protein 78 (GRP78), Caspase‑12, phosphorylated JNK and Caspase‑3 were increased, and the ratios of apoptotic myocardial cells were significantly increased. By contrast, following exposure to rottlerin, a PKCδ inhibitor, the expression levels of these proteins and the ratio of apoptotic myocardial cells were significantly reduced. The present study also demonstrated that PKCδ translocated into the ER to induce an ER stress response and participate in the ER stress‑related apoptosis pathway. These results confirmed that CaSR activated PKCδ to induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis through ER stress‑associated apoptotic pathways during I/R in vivo.

An integrated PKD1-dependent signaling network amplifies IRE1 prosurvival signaling

Following the accumulation of improperly folded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a condition known as ER stress in this compartment triggers an adaptive signaling pathway referred to as the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR aims at restoring ER homeostasis; if the ER stress cannot be resolved, apoptosis is triggered. However, the mechanisms responsible for regulating the balance between cell life and death decisions that occur after exposure to ER stress remain unclear. Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) has been reported to initiate protective signaling against oxidative stress or ischemia, two conditions that impinge on the induction of ER stress. In addition, the high levels of expression of PKD1, observed in highly proliferative cancers and tumors with poor prognosis, contribute to enhanced resistance to chemotherapy. In this study, we show that the ER stress inducers tunicamycin and thapsigargin lead to the activation of PKD1 in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells and in hepatoma HepG2 cells through a PKCδ-dependent mechanism. Moreover, our data indicate that PKD1 is required for the stabilization of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) and the subsequent regulation of its activity. PKD1 activation contributes to the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1, resulting in decreased IRE1-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation. This study unveils the existence of a novel PKD1-dependent prosurvival mechanism that is activated upon ER stress and selectively enhances IRE1 prosurvival signaling.

The Role of Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Protein Kinase C Delta in Infection and Inflammation

Protein Kinase C (PKC) is a family composed of phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinases that are master regulators of inflammatory signaling. The activity of different PKCs is context-sensitive and these kinases can be positive or negative regulators of signaling pathways. The delta isoform (PKCδ) is a critical regulator of the inflammatory response in cancer, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies implicate PKCδ as an important regulator of the inflammatory response in sepsis. PKCδ, unlike other members of the PKC family, is unique in its regulation by tyrosine phosphorylation, activation mechanisms, and multiple subcellular targets. Inhibition of PKCδ may offer a unique therapeutic approach in sepsis by targeting neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions. In this review, we will describe the overall structure and function of PKCs, with a focus on the specific phosphorylation sites of PKCδ that determine its critical role in cell signaling in inflammatory diseases such as sepsis. Current genetic and pharmacological tools, as well as in vivo models, that are used to examine the role of PKCδ in inflammation and sepsis are presented and the current state of emerging tools such as microfluidic assays in these studies is described.

Intracellular albumin overload elicits endoplasmic reticulum stress and PKC-delta/p38 MAPK pathway activation to induce podocyte apoptosis

Podocyte injury is closely related to proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, there is no conclusive understanding about the mechanisms involved in albumin overload and podocyte apoptosis response. In this study, we sought to explore the ways by which intracellular albumin can mediate podocyte apoptosis. Here, immortalized mouse podocytes were treated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) at different times and concentrations, in the presence or absence of SB203580 (0.1 µM, inhibitor of mitogen-activated-protein kinase – p38MAPK). Using immunofluorescence images, flow cytometry and immunoblotting, we observed a time-dependent intracellular accumulation of fluorescent albumin-FITC-BSA, followed by concentration-and time-dependent effect of intracellular albumin overload on podocyte apoptosis, which was mediated by increased expression of the chaperone glucose-regulated-protein 78 (GRP 78) and phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (pIRE1-α), as well as protein kinase C delta (PKC-δ), p38MAPK and cleaved caspase 12 expression. SB203580 prevented the cleavage of caspase 12 and the albumin-mediated podocyte apoptosis. These results suggest that intracellular albumin overload is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and upregulation of PKC-δ/p38MAPK/caspase 12 pathway, which may be a target for future therapeutic of albumin-induced podocyte apoptosis.

Role of protein kinase Cδ in dopaminergic neurotoxic events

The pro-apoptotic role of Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), a member of the novel PKC subfamily, has been well-documented in various pathological conditions. In the central nervous system, the possible role of PKCδ has been studied, mainly in the condition of dopaminergic loss. It has been suggested that the phosphorylation of PKCδ at tyrosine 311 residue (Tyr³¹¹) by redox-sensitive Src family kinases (SFKs) is critical for the caspase-3-mediated proteolytic cleavage, which produces the constitutively active cleaved form of PKCδ. Mitochondrial translocation of cleaved PKCδ has been suggested to facilitate mitochondria-derived apoptosis and oxidative burdens. Moreover, it has been suggested that PKCδ contribute to neuroinflammation through the transformation of microglia into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and the assembly of membrane NADPH oxidase in dopaminergic impairments. Interestingly, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors or neuroinflammogens have shown to induce PKCδ activation in dopaminergic systems. Thus, PKCδ activation may be one of the pivotal causes of neuropathologic events, and could amplify these processes further in a positive feedback manner. Furthermore, PKCδ may play an intermediary role in connecting each neuropathologic event. This review affords insight into the role of PKCδ in various dopaminergic neurotoxic models, which could provide a potential target for mitigating dopaminergic neurotoxicity.

Angiotensin II-induced podocyte apoptosis is mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress/PKC-δ/p38 MAPK pathway activation and trough increased Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 activity

Background

Angiotensin II (Ang II) contributes to the progression of renal diseases associated with proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis mainly by inducing podocyte apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated whether the chronic effects of Ang II via AT1 receptor (AT1R) would result in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/PKC-delta/p38 MAPK stimulation, and consequently podocyte apoptosis.

Methods

Wistar rats were treated with Ang II (200 ng·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, 42 days) and or losartan (10 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹, 14 days). Immortalized mouse podocyte were treated with 1 μM Ang II and/or losartan (1 μM) or SB203580 (0.1 μM) (AT1 receptor antagonist and p38 MAPK inhibitor) for 24 h. Kidney sections and cultured podocytes were used to evaluate protein expression by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and intracellular pH (pHi) was analyzed using microscopy combined with the fluorescent probe BCECF/AM.

Results

Compared with controls, Ang II via AT1R increased chaperone GRP 78/Bip protein expression in rat glomeruli (p < 0.001) as well as in podocyte culture (p < 0.01); increased phosphorylated eIf2-α (p < 0.05), PKC-delta (p < 0.01) and p38 MAPK (p < 0.001) protein expression. Furthermore, Ang II induced p38 MAPK-mediated late apoptosis and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (p < 0.001). Simultaneously, Ang II via AT1R induced p38 MAPK-NHE1-mediated increase of pHi recovery rate after acid loading.

Conclusion

Together, our results indicate that Ang II-induced podocyte apoptosis is associated with AT1R/ER stress/PKC-delta/p38 MAPK axis and enhanced NHE1-mediated pHi recovery rate.

Critical Roles of the Histone Methyltransferase MLL4/KMT2D in Murine Hepatic Steatosis Directed by ABL1 and PPARγ2

The pathophysiologic continuum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease begins with steatosis. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the gene regulatory program directing steatosis, how it is orchestrated at the chromatin level is unclear. PPARγ2 is a hepatic steatotic transcription factor induced by overnutrition. Here, we report that the histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase MLL4/KMT2D directs overnutrition-induced murine steatosis via its coactivator function for PPARγ2. We demonstrate that overnutrition facilitates the recruitment of MLL4 to steatotic target genes of PPARγ2 and their transactivation via H3 lysine 4 methylation because PPARγ2 phosphorylated by overnutrition-activated ABL1 kinase shows enhanced interaction with MLL4. We further show that Pparg2 (encoding PPARγ2) is also a hepatic target gene of ABL1-PPARγ2-MLL4. Consistently, inhibition of ABL1 improves the fatty liver condition of mice with overnutrition by suppressing the pro-steatotic action of MLL4. Our results uncover a murine hepatic steatosis regulatory axis consisting of ABL1-PPARγ2-MLL4, which may serve as a target of anti-steatosis drug development.

Control of nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of Ankrd54 by PKCδ

AIM

To identify and characterize the effect of phosphorylation on the subcellular localization of Ankrd54.

METHODS

HEK293T cells were treated with calyculin A, staurosporin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Cells were transfected with eGFP-tagged Ankrd54 with or without Lyn tyrosine kinase (wild-type, Y397F mutant, or Y508F mutant). The subcellular localization was assessed by immunofluorescence imaging of cells, immunoblotting of subcellular fractionations. The phosphorylation of Ankrd54 was monitored using Phos-tagTM gel retardation. Phosphorylated peptides were analysed by multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) proteomic analysis.

RESULTS

Activation of PKC kinases using PMA promoted nuclear export of Ankrd54 and correlated with increased Ankrd54 phosphorylation, assayed using Phos-tagTM gel retardation. Co-expression of an active form of the PKCδ isoform specifically promoted both phosphorylation and cytoplasmic localization of Ankrd54, while PKCδ, Akt and PKA did not. Alanine mutation of several serine residues in the amino-terminal region of Ankrd54 (Ser14, Ser17, Ser18, Ser19) reduced both PMA induced cytoplasmic localization and phosphorylation of Ankrd54. Using MRM proteomic analysis, phosphorylation of the Ser18 residue of Ankrd54 was readily detectable in response to PMA stimulation. PMA stimulation of cells co-expressing Ankrd54 and Lyn tyrosine kinase displayed increased co-immunoprecipitation and enhanced co-localization in the cytoplasm.

CONCLUSION

We identify phosphorylation by PKCδ as a major regulator of nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of Ankrd54, and its interaction with the tyrosine kinase Lyn.

Von Hippel-Lindau regulates interleukin-32β stability in ovarian cancer cells

Hypoxia-induced interleukin-32β (IL-32β) shifts the metabolic program to the enhanced glycolytic pathway. In the present study, the underlying mechanism by which hypoxia-induced IL-32β stability is regulated was investigated in ovarian cancer cells. IL-32β expression increased under hypoxic conditions in ovarian cancer cells as it did in breast cancer cells. The amount of IL-32β was regulated by post-translational control rather than by transcriptional activation. Under normoxic conditions, IL-32β was continuously eliminated through ubiquitin-dependent degradation by the von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase complex. Oxygen deficiency or reactive oxygen species (ROS) disrupted the interaction between IL-32β and VHL, leading to the accumulation of the cytokine. The fact that IL-32β is regulated by the energy-consuming ubiquitination system implies that it plays an important role in oxidative stress. We found that IL-32β reduced protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ)-induced apoptosis under oxidative stress. This implies that the hypoxia- and ROS-stabilized IL-32β contributes to sustain survival against PKCδ-induced apoptosis.

Targeting ABL-IRE1α Signaling Spares ER-Stressed Pancreatic β Cells to Reverse Autoimmune Diabetes

In cells experiencing unrelieved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the ER transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease (RNase)-IRE1α-endonucleolytically degrades ER-localized mRNAs to promote apoptosis. Here we find that the ABL family of tyrosine kinases rheostatically enhances IRE1α's enzymatic activities, thereby potentiating ER stress-induced apoptosis. During ER stress, cytosolic ABL kinases localize to the ER membrane, where they bind, scaffold, and hyperactivate IRE1α's RNase. Imatinib-an anti-cancer tyrosine kinase inhibitor-antagonizes the ABL-IRE1α interaction, blunts IRE1α RNase hyperactivity, reduces pancreatic β cell apoptosis, and reverses type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. A mono-selective kinase inhibitor that allosterically attenuates IRE1α's RNase-KIRA8-also efficaciously reverses established diabetes in NOD mice by sparing β cells and preserving their physiological function. Our data support a model wherein ER-stressed β cells contribute to their own demise during T1D pathogenesis and implicate the ABL-IRE1α axis as a drug target for the treatment of an autoimmune disease.

Cadmium-induced heme-oxygenase-1 expression plays dual roles in autophagy and apoptosis and is regulated by both PKC-δ and PKB/Akt activation in NRK52E kidney cells

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protects cells against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress. However, the mechanism underlying this protection is not well understood. In this study, we elucidated the role of HO-1 in Cd-induced cytotoxicity. Exposure of NRK52E cells to Cd induced protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt, protein kinase C (PKC)-δ, and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3αb phosphorylation, and eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2α dephosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt resulted in HO-1 suppression and eIF2α activation, which partially suppressed CHOP and PARP-1 cleavage, but promoted autophagy and decreased cell viability. Pharmacological inactivation of PKC-δ markedly suppressed Cd-induced phospho-serine (p-Ser) GSK3αβ, and HO-1, and partially inhibited PARP-1 cleavage, but massively induced autophagy and decreased cell viability. Pharmacological upregulation of p-Ser GSK3αβ enhanced Cd-induced HO-1, CHOP, and PARP-1 cleavage, but decreased autophagy. Genetic deficiency of GSK3β suppressed HO-1 and PARP-1 cleavage and increased autophagy. Genetic suppression of HO-1 reduced Cd-induced PARP-1 cleavage, but increased LC3-II. Cd exposure led to accumulation of p-PKC-δ, p-Ser GSK3αβ, and HO-1 in the nucleus and particulate fractions, suggesting that they have dual functions in response to Cd. N-acetylcysteine treatment suppressed Cd-induced activation of PKC-δ and Akt. These results indicate that HO-1 induced by Cd exposure is regulated by PKC-δ, p-Ser GSK3αβ, and PKB/Akt, which restrain autophagic cell death, but mildly induce apoptosis in NRK52E cells. Together, the results suggest that HO-1 expression in response to Cd maintains cellular homeostasis during oxidative stress.

Multifunctional roles of PKCδ: Opportunities for targeted therapy in human disease

The serine-threonine protein kinase, protein kinase C-δ (PKCδ), is emerging as a bi-functional regulator of cell death and proliferation. Studies in PKCδ-/- mice have confirmed a pro-apoptotic role for this kinase in response to DNA damage and a tumor promoter role in some oncogenic contexts. In non-transformed cells, inhibition of PKCδ suppresses the release of cytochrome c and caspase activation, indicating a function upstream of apoptotic pathways. Data from PKCδ-/- mice demonstrate a role for PKCδ in the execution of DNA damage-induced and physiologic apoptosis. This has led to the important finding that inhibitors of PKCδ can be used therapeutically to reduce irradiation and chemotherapy-induced toxicity. By contrast, PKCδ is a tumor promoter in mouse models of mammary gland and lung cancer, and increased PKCδ expression is a negative prognostic indicator in Her2+ and other subtypes of human breast cancer. Understanding how these distinct functions of PKCδ are regulated is critical for the design of therapeutics to target this pathway. This review will discuss what is currently known about biological roles of PKCδ and prospects for targeting PKCδ in human disease.

Regulation of mitochondrial functions by protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation

The mitochondria are double membrane-bound organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. They generate most of the cell’s energy supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are critical mechanisms in the regulation of cell signaling networks and are essential for almost all the cellular functions. For many decades, mitochondria were considered autonomous organelles merely functioning to generate energy for cells to survive and proliferate, and were thought to be independent of the cellular signaling networks. Consequently, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation processes of mitochondrial kinases and phosphatases were largely neglected. However, evidence accumulated in recent years on mitochondria-localized kinases/phosphatases has changed this longstanding view. Mitochondria are increasingly recognized as a hub for cell signaling, and many kinases and phosphatases have been reported to localize in mitochondria and play important functions. However, the strength of the evidence on mitochondrial localization and the activities of the reported kinases and phosphatases vary greatly, and the detailed mechanisms on how these kinases/phosphatases translocate to mitochondria, their subsequent function, and the physiological and pathological implications of their localization are still poorly understood. Here, we provide an updated perspective on the recent advancement in this area, with an emphasis on the implications of mitochondrial kinases/phosphatases in cancer and several other diseases.

Akt is translocated to the mitochondria during etoposide-induced apoptosis of HeLa cells

Akt, or protein kinase B, is a key serine-threonine kinase, which exerts anti-apoptotic effects and promotes cell proliferation in response to various stimuli. Recently, however, it was demonstrated that Akt exhibits a proapoptotic role in certain contexts. During etoposide‑induced apoptosis of HeLa cells, Akt enhances the interaction of second mitochondria‑derived activator of caspases/direct IAP binding protein with low pI (Smac/DIABLO) and X‑linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein by phosphorylating Smac at serine 67, and thus promotes apoptosis. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying Akt regulation in etoposide‑mediated apoptosis remain to be determined. The present study investigated whether etoposide triggers the translocation of Akt into the mitochondria. It was found that Akt activity was increased and sustained during apoptosis triggered by etoposide in HeLa cells. During apoptosis, Akt was translocated from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria in a phosphoinositide 3‑kinase-dependent manner at the early and late stages of apoptosis. Concomitantly, the depletion of Akt in the nuclear fraction was observed after etoposide treatment from analysis of confocal microscopy. The results suggest that etoposide‑stimulated Akt is translocated into the mitochondria, thereby possibly enhancing its interaction with Smac and promoting apoptosis in HeLa cells. These results indicate that Akt may be a promising candidate for a pro-apoptotic approach in cancer treatment.

The many hats of protein kinase Cδ: one enzyme with many functions

A large number of protein substrates are phosphorylated by each protein kinase under physiological and pathological conditions. However, it remains a challenge to determine which of these phosphorylated substrates of a given kinase is critical for each cellular response. Genetics enabled the generation of separation-of-function mutations that selectively cause a loss of one molecular event without affecting others, thus providing some tools to assess the importance of that one event for the measured physiological response. However, the genetic approach is laborious and not adaptable to all systems. Furthermore, pharmacological tools of the catalytic site are not optimal due to their non-selective nature. In the present brief review, we discuss some of the challenges in drug development that will regulate the multifunctional protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ).

Ethambutol induces impaired autophagic flux and apoptosis in the rat retina

Ethambutol (EMB), an effective first-line antituberculosis agent, can cause serious visual impairment or irreversible vision loss in a significant number of patients. However, the mechanism underlying this ocular cytotoxicity remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that there were statistically significant dose- and time-dependent increases in the number of cytoplasmic vacuoles and the level of cell death in EMB-treated RGC-5 cells (retinal ganglion cells). The protein kinase C (PKC)δ inhibitor rottlerin markedly reduced the EMB-induced activation of caspase-3 and the subsequent apoptosis of RGC-5 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of class III PI3K, Beclin-1, p62 and LC3-II were upregulated, and LC3 immunostaining results showed activation of the early phase and inhibition of the late stage of autophagy in retinas of the EMB-intraperitoneal (IP)-injected rat model. We further demonstrated that exposure to EMB induces autophagosome accumulation, which results from the impaired autophagic flux that is mediated by a PKCδ-dependent pathway, inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and leads to apoptotic death in retina neuronal cells. These results indicate that autophagy dysregulation in retinal neuronal cells might play a substantial role in EMB-induced optic neuroretinopathy.

Summary: This study provides the first evidence that EMB induces autophagosome accumulation, which results from the impaired autophagic flux that is mediated by a PKCδ-dependent pathway, and leads to apoptotic death in retina neuronal cells.

Role of Sphingolipids and Metabolizing Enzymes in Hematological Malignancies

Sphingolipids such as ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingomyelin have been emerging as bioactive lipids since ceramide was reported to play a role in human leukemia HL-60 cell differentiation and death. Recently, it is well-known that ceramide acts as an inducer of cell death, that sphingomyelin works as a regulator for microdomain function of the cell membrane, and that sphingosine-1-phosphate plays a role in cell survival/proliferation. The lipids are metabolized by the specific enzymes, and each metabolite could be again returned to the original form by the reverse action of the different enzyme or after a long journey of many metabolizing/synthesizing pathways. In addition, the metabolites may serve as reciprocal bio-modulators like the rheostat between ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate. Therefore, the change of lipid amount in the cells, the subcellular localization and the downstream signal in a specific subcellular organelle should be clarified to understand the pathobiological significance of sphingolipids when extracellular stimulation induces a diverse of cell functions such as cell death, proliferation and migration. In this review, we focus on how sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes cooperatively exert their function in proliferation, migration, autophagy and death of hematopoetic cells, and discuss the way developing a novel therapeutic device through the regulation of sphingolipids for effectively inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell death in hematological malignancies such as leukemia, malignant lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Cantharidin Induces Apoptosis Through the Calcium/PKC-Regulated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Human Bladder Cancer Cells

Bladder cancer is a common malignancy worldwide. However, there is still no effective therapy for bladder cancer. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of cantharidin [a natural toxin produced (pure compound) from Chinese blister beetles (Mylabrisphalerata or Mylabriscichorii) and Spanish flies (Cantharis vesicatoria)] in human bladder cancer cell lines (including: T24 and RT4 cells). Treatment of human bladder cancer cells with cantharidin significantly decreased cell viability. The increase in the expressions of caspase-3 activity and cleaved form of caspase-9/-7/-3 were also increased in cantharidin-treated T24 cells. Furthermore, cantharidin increased the levels of phospho-eIF2α and Grp78 and decreased the protein expression of procaspase-12, which was accompanied by the increase in calpain activity in T24 cells. Cantharidin was capable of increasing the intracellular Ca 2+ and the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) in T24 cells. The addition of BAPTA/AM (a Ca 2+ chelator) and RO320432 (a selective cell-permeable PKC inhibitor) effectively reversed the increase in caspase-3 and calpain activity, the phosphorylation levels of PKC and eIF2α and Grp78 protein expression, and the decrease in procaspase-12 expression induced by cantharidin. Importantly, cantharidin significantly decreased the tumor volume (a dramatic 71% reduction after 21 days of treatment) in nude mice xenografted with T24 cells. Taken together, these results indicate cantharidin induced human bladder cancer cell apoptosis through a calcium/PKC-regulated ER stress pathway. These findings suggest that cantharidin may be a novel and potential anticancer agent targeting on bladder cancer cells.

Caspase-3-resistant uncleavable form of acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32B potentiates leukemic cell apoptosis

One member of the highly conserved acidic leucine‑rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32 kDa (ANP32) family of proteins, ANP32B, is critical for normal development, as demonstrated by a study in ANP32B‑deficient mice. Another study indicated that ANP32B was a direct substrate of caspase‑3, and was primarily cleaved at the sequence Ala‑Glu‑Val‑Asp, following Asp‑163. To investigate the significance of ANP32B cleavage in apoptosis, leukemic U937T cell lines were generated with inducible expression of ANP32B(wild type; WT), the uncleavable mutant ANP32B(D163A) and the N‑terminal fragment ANP32B(1‑163). Notably, overexpression of ANP32B(WT) and ANP32B(D163A) moderately increased and significantly enhanced etoposide‑induced apoptosis and caspase‑3 activation, whereas expression of ANP32B(1‑163) produced no effect. Two hypotheses have been generated, which may explain the distinct roles of the various ANP32B forms: i) ANP32B(WT) and ANP32B(D163A) localize in the nucleus while ANP32B(1‑163) mainly resides in the cytosol; or ii) ANP32B(WT) and ANP32B(D163A), but not ANP32B(1‑163), inhibit the expression of the anti‑apoptotic protein Bcl‑2. Based on these observations, caspase‑3‑resistant uncleavable ANP32B(D163A) is hypothesized to be pro‑apoptotic in leukemic cells.

Drp1 stabilizes p53 on the mitochondria to trigger necrosis under oxidative stress conditions in vitro and in vivo

Oxidative-stress-induced necrosis is considered to be one of the main pathological mediators in various neurological disorders, such as brain ischaemia. However, little is known about the mechanism by which cells modulate necrosis in response to oxidative stress. In the present study, we showed that Drp1 (dynamin-related protein 1), a primary mitochondrial fission protein, stabilizes the well-known stress gene p53 and is required for p53 translocation to the mitochondria under conditions of oxidative stress. We found that Drp1 binding to p53 induced mitochondria-related necrosis. In contrast, inhibition of Drp1 hyperactivation by Drp1 siRNA reduced necrotic cell death in cell cultures exposed to oxidative stress. Most significantly, we demonstrated that inhibition of Drp1 by the Drp1 peptide inhibitor P110, which was developed recently by our group, abolished p53 association with the mitochondria and reduced brain infarction in rats subjected to brain ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel mechanism of Drp1 hyperactivation in the induction of mitochondrial damage and subsequent cell death. We propose that a Drp1 inhibitor such as P110 is a possible therapeutic agent for diseases in which hyperactivated Drp1 contributes to the pathology.

Inhibition of macrophage fatty acid β-oxidation exacerbates palmitate-induced inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) such as palmitate activate inflammatory pathways and elicit an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in macrophages, thereby contributing to the development of insulin resistance linked to the metabolic syndrome. This study addressed the question of whether or not mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) affects macrophage responses to SFA.

METHODS

We modulated the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A) in macrophage-differentiated THP-1 monocytic cells using genetic or pharmacological approaches, treated the cells with palmitate and analysed the proinflammatory and ER stress signatures.

RESULTS

To inhibit FAO, we created THP-1 cells with a stable knockdown (KD) of CPT1A and differentiated them to macrophages. Consequently, in CPT1A-silenced cells FAO was reduced. CPT1A KD in THP-1 macrophages increased proinflammatory signalling, cytokine expression and ER stress responses after palmitate treatment. In addition, in human primary macrophages CPT1A KD elevated palmitate-induced inflammatory gene expression. Pharmacological inhibition of FAO with etomoxir recapitulated the CPT1A KD phenotype. Conversely, overexpression of a malonyl-CoA-insensitive CPT1A M593S mutant reduced inflammatory and ER stress responses to palmitate in THP-1 macrophages. Macrophages with a CPT1A KD accumulated diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols after palmitate treatment, while ceramide accumulation remained unaltered. Moreover, lipidomic analysis of ER phospholipids revealed increased palmitate incorporation into phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine classes associated with the CPT1A KD.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our data indicate that FAO attenuates inflammatory and ER stress responses in SFA-exposed macrophages, suggesting an anti-inflammatory impact of drugs that activate FAO.

Inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation diminishes Huntington's disease-associated neurodegeneration

Huntington's disease (HD) is the result of expression of a mutated Huntingtin protein (mtHtt), and is associated with a variety of cellular dysfunctions including excessive mitochondrial fission. Here, we tested whether inhibition of excessive mitochondrial fission prevents mtHtt-induced pathology. We developed a selective inhibitor (P110-TAT) of the mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). We found that P110-TAT inhibited mtHtt-induced excessive mitochondrial fragmentation, improved mitochondrial function, and increased cell viability in HD cell culture models. P110-TAT treatment of fibroblasts from patients with HD and patients with HD with iPS cell-derived neurons reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and corrected mitochondrial dysfunction. P110-TAT treatment also reduced the extent of neurite shortening and cell death in iPS cell-derived neurons in patients with HD. Moreover, treatment of HD transgenic mice with P110-TAT reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, motor deficits, neuropathology, and mortality. We found that p53, a stress gene involved in HD pathogenesis, binds to DRP1 and mediates DRP1-induced mitochondrial and neuronal damage. Furthermore, P110-TAT treatment suppressed mtHtt-induced association of p53 with mitochondria in multiple HD models. These data indicate that inhibition of DRP1-dependent excessive mitochondrial fission with a P110-TAT-like inhibitor may prevent or slow the progression of HD.

Dual effect of capsaicin on cell death in human osteosarcoma G292 cells

Thirty percent of osteosarcoma patients die within 5 years. New agents that induce apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells might be therapeutically useful. Here, we characterized the apoptotic mechanism induced by capsaicin in G292 osteosarcoma cells. Our results show that capsaicin induces an increase in the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration which is independent of the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration and depletes intracellular Ca(2+) stores, suggesting the presence of endoplasmic reticulum transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1. Capsaicin also activates the mitochondrial caspase 3-dependent death cascade. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin, evokes autophagy, as do capsaicin or thapsigargin, a sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase inhibitor that causes Ca(2+) store depletion. Capsaicin-induced cell death is completely inhibited by co-treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk and increased by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, suggesting the existence of an autophagy-dependent anti-apoptotic mechanism. Capsaicin also induces ERK phosphorylation, which acts as a downstream effector of autophagy. 3-Methyladenine or PD98059, an ERK kinase inhibitor, restores capsaicin-induced cell death in the presence of Z-VAD-fmk, suggesting that inhibition of autophagy activates a second cell death pathway that is caspase-independent. Taken together, our data show that capsaicin causes Ca(2+) depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and simultaneously activates the mitochondrial caspase-dependent death cascade and autophagy-dependent ERK activation and that the latter counteracts a second death signaling pathway that is caspase-independent.

Functional and morphological impact of ER stress on mitochondria

Over the past years, knowledge and evidence about the existence of crosstalks between cellular organelles and their potential effects on survival or cell death have been constantly growing. More recently, evidence accumulated showing an intimate relationship between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. These close contacts not only establish extensive physical links allowing exchange of lipids and calcium but they can also coordinate pathways involved in cell life and death. It is now obvious that ER dysfunction/stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) as well as mitochondria play major roles in apoptosis. However, while the effects of major ER stress on cell death have been largely studied and reviewed, it becomes more and more evident that cells might regularly deal with sublethal ER stress, a condition that does not necessarily lead to cell death but might affect the function/activity of other organelles such as mitochondria. In this review, we will particularly focus on these new, interesting and intriguing metabolic and morphological events that occur during the early adaptative phase of the ER stress, before the onset of cell death, and that remain largely unknown. Relevance and implication of these mitochondrial changes in response to ER stress conditions for human diseases such as type II diabetes and Alzheimer's disease will also be considered.

Role of protein kinase C δ in ER stress and apoptosis induced by oxidized LDL in human vascular smooth muscle cells

During atherogenesis, excess amounts of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) accumulate in the subendothelial space where they undergo oxidative modifications. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) alter the fragile balance between survival and death of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) thereby leading to plaque instability and finally to atherothrombotic events. As protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) is pro-apoptotic in many cell types, we investigated its potential role in the regulation of VSMC apoptosis induced by oxLDL. We found that human VSMC silenced for PKCδ exhibited a protection towards oxLDL-induced apoptosis. OxLDL triggered the activation of PKCδ as shown by its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. PKCδ activation was dependent on the reactive oxygen species generated by oxLDL. Moreover, we demonstrated that PKCδ participates in oxLDL-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent apoptotic signaling mainly through the IRE1α/JNK pathway. Finally, the role of PKCδ in the development of atherosclerosis was supported by immunohistological analyses showing the colocalization of activated PKCδ with ER stress and lipid peroxidation markers in human atherosclerotic lesions. These findings highlight a role for PKCδ as a key regulator of oxLDL-induced ER stress-mediated apoptosis in VSMC, which may contribute to atherosclerotic plaque instability and rupture.

Enhanced and selective killing of chronic myelogenous leukemia cells with an engineered BCR-ABL binding protein and imatinib

The oncoprotein Bcr-Abl stimulates prosurvival pathways and suppresses apoptosis from its exclusively cytoplasmic locale, but when targeted to the mitochondrial compartment of leukemia cells, Bcr-Abl was potently cytotoxic. Therefore, we designed a protein construct to act as a mitochondrial chaperone to move Bcr-Abl to the mitochondria. The chaperone (i.e., the 43.6 kDa intracellular cryptic escort (iCE)) contains an EGFP tag and two previously characterized motifs: (1) an optimized Bcr-Abl binding motif that interacts with the coiled-coil domain of Bcr (ccmut3; 72 residues), and (2) a cryptic mitochondrial targeting signal (cMTS; 51 residues) that selectively targets the mitochondria in oxidatively stressed cells (i.e., Bcr-Abl positive leukemic cells) via phosphorylation at a key residue (T193) by protein kinase C. While the iCE colocalized with Bcr-Abl, it did not relocalize to the mitochondria. However, the iCE was selectively toxic to Bcr-Abl positive K562 cells as compared to Bcr-Abl negative Cos-7 fibroblasts and 1471.1 murine breast cancer cells. The toxicity of the iCE to leukemic cells was equivalent to 10 μM imatinib at 48 h and the iCE combined with imatinib potentiated cell death beyond imatinib or the iCE alone. Substitution of either the ccmut3 or the cMTS with another Bcr-Abl binding domain (derived from Ras/Rab interaction protein 1 (RIN1; 295 residues)) or MTS (i.e., the canonical IMS derived from Smac/Diablo; 49 residues) did not match the cytotoxicity of the iCE. Additionally, a phosphorylation null mutant of the iCE also abolished the killing effect. The mitochondrial toxicity of Bcr-Abl and the iCE in Bcr-Abl positive K562 leukemia cells was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of 7-AAD, TUNEL, and annexin-V staining. DNA segmentation and cell viability were assessed by microscopy. Subcellular localization of constructs was determined using confocal microscopy (including statistical colocalization analysis). Overall, the iCE was highly active against K562 leukemia cells and the killing effect was dependent upon both the ccmut3 and functional cMTS domains.

Protein kinase cδ in apoptosis: a brief overview

Protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ), a member of the lipid-regulated serine/threonine PKC family, has been implicated in a wide range of important cellular processes. In the past decade, the critical role of PKCδ in the regulation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways has been widely explored. In most cases, over-expression or activation of PKCδ results in the induction of apoptosis. The phosphorylations and multiple cell organelle translocations of PKCδ initiate apoptosis by targeting multiple downstream effectors. During apoptosis, PKCδ is proteolytically cleaved by caspase-3 to generate a constitutively activated catalytic fragment, which amplifies apoptosis cascades in nucleus and mitochondria. However, PKCδ also exerts its anti-apoptotic and pro-survival roles in some cases. Therefore, the complicated role of PKCδ in apoptosis appears to be stimulus and cell type dependent. This review is mainly focused on how PKCδ gets activated in diverse ways in response to apoptotic signals and how PKCδ targets different downstream regulators to sponsor or restrain apoptosis induction.

Sulforaphane synergistically enhances the cytotoxicity of arsenic trioxide in multiple myeloma cells via stress-mediated pathways

Persistent paraprotein production in plasma cells necessitates a highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that is unusually susceptible to perturbations in protein synthesis. This biology is believed to account for the exquisite sensitivity of multiple myeloma (MM) to the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ). Despite remarkable response rates to BTZ in MM, BTZ carries the potential for serious side-effects and development of resistance. We, therefore, sought to identify therapeutic combinations that effectively disrupt proteostasis in order to provide new potential treatments for MM. We found that sulforaphane, a dietary isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, inhibits TNFα-induced Iκβ proteasomal degradation in a manner similar to BTZ. Like BTZ, sulforaphane synergistically enhances the cytotoxicity of arsenic trioxide (ATO), an agent with clinical activity in MM. ATO and sulforaphane co-treatment augmented apoptotic induction as demonstrated by cleavage of caspase-3, -4 and PARP. The enhanced apoptotic response was dependent upon production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as demonstrated by glutathione depletion and partial inhibition of the apoptotic cascade after pretreatment with the radical scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). Combination treatment resulted in enhanced ER stress signaling and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), indicative of perturbation of proteostasis. Specifically, combination treatment caused elevated expression of the molecular chaperone HSP90 (heat shock protein 90) along with increased PERK (protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase) and eIF2α phosphorylation and XBP1 (X-box binding protein 1) splicing, key indicators of UPR activation. Moreover, increased splicing of XBP1 was apparent upon combination treatment compared to treatment with either agent alone. Sulforaphane in combination with ATO effectively disrupts protein homeostasis through ROS generation and induction of ER stress to culminate in inhibition of protein secretion and apoptotic induction in MM. Our results suggest that sulforaphane deserves further investigation in combination with ATO in the treatment of MM.

Src kinases are important regulators of mitochondrial functions

Mitochondria produce the most part of the energy used by the cells. This energetic production occurs through the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process. Mitochondrial functions such as OXPHOS need to be tightly regulated to respect the needs of cells. Phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins now appears as a major regulation pathway of mitochondrial functions. Several kinases and phosphatases are specifically targeted to mitochondria where they modulate mitochondrial functions. However, we still poorly understand the extent of tyrosine phosphorylation events on mitochondrial metabolism. Among the tyrosine-kinases observed in mitochondria, Src kinases emerge as key players. In the past years, several mitochondrial proteins were shown to be substrates of Src kinases. Notably, these kinases can impact greatly OXPHOS and apoptosis. Important regulators of Src kinases activity are also observed in mitochondria. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings on how overall mitochondrial tyrosine phosphorylation events and more specifically Src kinases can influence mitochondrial functions. The different mechanisms of Src kinases regulation and translocation into mitochondria will be also discussed. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Bioenergetic dysfunction, adaptation and therapy.

Selective targeting of c-Abl via a cryptic mitochondrial targeting signal activated by cellular redox status in leukemic and breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

The tyrosine kinase c-Abl localizes to the mitochondria under cell stress conditions and promotes apoptosis. However, c-Abl has not been directly targeted to the mitochondria. Fusing c-Abl to a mitochondrial translocation signal (MTS) that is activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) will selectively target the mitochondria of cancer cells exhibiting an elevated ROS phenotype. Mitochondrially targeted c-Abl will thereby induce malignant cell death.

METHODS

Confocal microscopy was used to determine mitochondrial colocalization of ectopically expressed c-Abl-EGFP/cMTS fusion across three cell lines (K562, Cos-7, and 1471.1) with varying levels of basal (and pharmacologically modulated) ROS. ROS were quantified by indicator dye assay. The functional consequences of mitochondrial c-Abl were assessed by DNA accessibility to 7-AAD using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The cMTS and cMTS/c-Abl fusions colocalized to the mitochondria in leukemic (K562) and breast (1471.1) cancer phenotypes (but not Cos-7 fibroblasts) in a ROS and PKC dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm and extend oxidative stress activated translocation of the cMTS by demonstrating that the cMTS and Abl/cMTS fusion selectively target the mitochondria of K562 leukemia and mammary adenocarcinoma 1471.1 cells. c-Abl induced K562 leukemia cell death when targeted to the matrix but not the outer membrane of the mitochondria.