Hepatocytes lacking thioredoxin reductase 1 have normal replicative potential during development and regeneration

Withaferin A, a natural thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) inhibitor, synergistically enhances the antitumor efficacy of sorafenib through ROS-mediated ER stress and DNA damage in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Sorafenib (Sora), a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely recognized as a standard chemotherapy treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, drug resistance mechanisms hinder its anticancer efficacy. Derived from Withania somnifera, Withaferin A (WA) exhibits remarkable anti-tumor properties as a natural bioactive compound. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms that underlie the impacts of Sora and WA co-treatment on HCC.

METHODS

Cell proliferation was evaluated through colony formation and MTT assays. Flow cytometry was employed to determine cellular apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The evaluation of apoptosis-related protein levels, DNA damage, and endoplasmic reticulum stress was conducte utilizing IHC staining and western blotting. Moreover, the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, ATF4 siRNA, ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and TrxR1 shRNA were used to elucidate the underlying signaling pathways. To validate the antitumor effects of Sora/WA co-treatment, in vivo experiments were ultimately executed using Huh7 xenografts.

RESULTS

Sora/WA co-treatment demonstrated significant synergistic antitumor impacts both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, the enhanced antitumor impact of Sora by WA was achieved through the inhibition of TrxR1 activity, resulting in ROS accumulation. Moreover, ROS generation induced the activation of DNA damage and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, eventually triggering cellular apoptosis. Pre-treatment with the antioxidant NAC significantly inhibited ROS generation, ER stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis induced by Sora/WA co-treatment. Additionally, the inhibition of ATF4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated Sora/WA co-treatment-induced apoptosis. In vivo, Sora/WA co-treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth in HCC xenograft models and decreased TrxR1 activity in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that WA synergistically enhances the antitumor effect of Sora, offering promising implications for evolving treatment approaches for HCC.

The thioredoxin system determines CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity via redox-mediated regulation of ribonucleotide reductase activity

Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is critical for cell survival under replication stress (RS). CHK1 inhibitors (CHK1i's) in combination with chemotherapy have shown promising results in preclinical studies but have displayed minimal efficacy with substantial toxicity in clinical trials. To explore combinatorial strategies that can overcome these limitations, we perform an unbiased high-throughput screen in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line and identify thioredoxin1 (Trx1), a major component of the mammalian antioxidant-system, as a determinant of CHK1i sensitivity. We establish a role for redox recycling of RRM1, the larger subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), and a depletion of the deoxynucleotide pool in this Trx1-mediated CHK1i sensitivity. Further, the TrxR inhibitor auranofin, an approved anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug, shows a synergistic interaction with CHK1i via interruption of the deoxynucleotide pool. Together, we show a pharmacological combination to treat NSCLC that relies on a redox regulatory link between the Trx system and mammalian RNR activity.

Leveraging the redundancy of S-denitrosylases in response to S-nitrosylation of Caspases: experimental strategies and beyond

Redox-based protein posttranslational modifications, such as S-nitrosylation of critical, active site cysteine thiols have garnered significant clinical attention and research interest, reasoning for one of the crucial biological implications of reactive messenger molecule, nitric oxide in the cellular repertoire. The stringency of the S-(de)nitrosylation-based redox switch governs the activity and contribution of several susceptible enzymes in signal transduction processes and diverse pathophysiological settings, thus establishing it as a transient yet reasonable, and regulated mechanism of NO adduction and release. Notably, endogenous proteases like cytosolic and mitochondrial caspases with a molecular weight ranging from 33-55 kDa are susceptible to performing this biochemistry in the presence of major oxidoreductases, which further unveils the enormous redox-mediated regulational control of caspases in the etiology of diseases. In addition to advancing the progress of the current state of understanding of 'redox biochemistry' in the field of medicine and enriching the existing dynamic S-nitrosoproteome, this review stands as a testament to an unprecedented shift in the underpinnings for redundancy and redox relay between the major redoxin/ antioxidant systems, fine-tuning of which can command the apoptotic control of caspases at the face of nitro-oxidative stress. These intricate functional overlaps and cellular backups, supported rationally by kinetically favorable reaction mechanisms suggest the physiological relevance of identifying and involving such cognate substrates for cellular S-denitrosylases that can shed light on the bigger picture of extensively proposing targeted therapies and redox-based drug designing to potentially alleviate the side effects of NOx/ ROS in disease pathogenesis.

Insights into the Multifaceted Roles of Thioredoxin-1 System: Exploring Knockout Murine Models

Redox balance is increasingly identified as a major player in cellular signaling. A fundamentally simple reaction of oxidation and reduction of cysteine residues in cellular proteins is the central concept in this complex regulatory mode of protein function. Oxidation of key cysteine residues occurs at the physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but they are reduced by a supply of thiol antioxidant molecules including glutathione, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin. While these molecules show complex compensatory roles in experimental conditions, transgenic animal models provide a comprehensive picture to pinpoint the role of each antioxidant. In this review, we have specifically focused on the available literature on thioredoxin-1 system transgenic models that include thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase proteins. As the identification of thioredoxin protein targets is technically challenging, the true contribution of this system in maintaining cellular balance remains unidentified, including the role of this system in the brain.

Fluorescent Probes for Mammalian Thioredoxin Reductase: Mechanistic Analysis, Construction Strategies, and Future Perspectives

The modulation of numerous signaling pathways is orchestrated by redox regulation of cellular environments. Maintaining dynamic redox homeostasis is of utmost importance for human health, given the common occurrence of altered redox status in various pathological conditions. The cardinal component of the thioredoxin system, mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) plays a vital role in supporting various physiological functions; however, its malfunction, disrupting redox balance, is intimately associated with the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Accordingly, the dynamic monitoring of TrxR of live organisms represents a powerful direction to facilitate the comprehensive understanding and exploration of the profound significance of redox biology in cellular processes. A number of classic assays have been developed for the determination of TrxR activity in biological samples, yet their application is constrained when exploring the real-time dynamics of TrxR activity in live organisms. Fluorescent probes offer several advantages for in situ imaging and the quantification of biological targets, such as non-destructiveness, real-time analysis, and high spatiotemporal resolution. These benefits facilitate the transition from a poise to a flux understanding of cellular targets, further advancing scientific studies in related fields. This review aims to introduce the progress in the development and application of TrxR fluorescent probes in the past years, and it mainly focuses on analyzing their reaction mechanisms, construction strategies, and potential drawbacks. Finally, this study discusses the critical challenges and issues encountered during the development of selective TrxR probes and proposes future directions for their advancement. We anticipate the comprehensive analysis of the present TrxR probes will offer some glitters of enlightenment, and we also expect that this review may shed light on the design and development of novel TrxR probes.

Thioredoxin reductase 1 regulates hepatic inflammation and macrophage activation during acute cholestatic liver injury

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cholestatic liver diseases, including primary sclerosing cholangitis, are characterized by periportal inflammation with progression to hepatic fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis. We recently reported that the thioredoxin antioxidant response is dysregulated during primary sclerosing cholangitis. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of genetic and pharmacological targeting of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) on hepatic inflammation and liver injury during acute cholestatic injury.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Primary mouse hepatocytes and intrahepatic macrophages were isolated from 3-day bile duct ligated (BDL) mice and controls. Using wildtype and mice with a liver-specific deletion of TrxR1 (TrxR1LKO), we analyzed the effect of inhibition or ablation of TrxR1 signaling on liver injury and inflammation. Immunohistochemical analysis of livers from BDL mice and human cholestatic patients revealed increased TrxR1 staining in periportal macrophages and hepatocytes surrounding fibrosis. qPCR analysis of primary hepatocytes and intrahepatic macrophages revealed increased TrxR1 mRNA expression following BDL. Compared with sham controls, BDL mice exhibited increased inflammation, necrosis, and increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, fibrogenesis, the NLRP3 inflammatory complex, and increased activation of NFkB, all of which were ameliorated in TrxR1LKO mice. Importantly, following BDL, TrxR1LKO induced periportal hepatocyte expression of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant proteins and increased mRNA expression of basolateral bile acid transporters with reduced expression of bile acid synthesis genes. In the acute BDL model, the TrxR1 inhibitor auranofin (10 mg/kg/1 d preincubation, 3 d BDL) ameliorated BDL-dependent increases in Nlrp3, GsdmD, Il1β, and TNFα mRNA expression despite increasing serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bile acids, and bilirubin.

CONCLUSIONS

These data implicate TrxR1-signaling as an important regulator of inflammation and bile acid homeostasis in cholestatic liver injury.

S-Denitrosylation: A Crosstalk between Glutathione and Redoxin Systems

S-nitrosylation of proteins occurs as a consequence of the derivatization of cysteine thiols with nitric oxide (NO) and is often associated with diseases and protein malfunction. Aberrant S-nitrosylation, in addition to other genetic and epigenetic factors, has gained rapid importance as a prime cause of various metabolic, respiratory, and cardiac disorders, with a major emphasis on cancer and neurodegeneration. The S-nitrosoproteome, a term used to collectively refer to the diverse and dynamic repertoire of S-nitrosylated proteins, is relatively less explored in the field of redox biochemistry, in contrast to other covalently modified versions of the same set of proteins. Advancing research is gradually unveiling the enormous clinical importance of S-nitrosylation in the etiology of diseases and is opening up new avenues of prompt diagnosis that harness this phenomenon. Ever since the discovery of the two robust and highly conserved S-nitrosoglutathione reductase and thioredoxin systems as candidate denitrosylases, years of rampant speculation centered around the identification of specific substrates and other candidate denitrosylases, subcellular localization of both substrates and denitrosylases, the position of susceptible thiols, mechanisms of S-denitrosylation under basal and stimulus-dependent conditions, impact on protein conformation and function, and extrapolating these findings towards the understanding of diseases, aging and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. However, newer insights in the ever-expanding field of redox biology reveal distinct gaps in exploring the crucial crosstalk between the redoxins/major denitrosylase systems. Clarifying the importance of the functional overlap of the glutaredoxin, glutathione, and thioredoxin systems and examining their complementary functions as denitrosylases and antioxidant enzymatic defense systems are essential prerequisites for devising a rationale that could aid in predicting the extent of cell survival under high oxidative/nitrosative stress while taking into account the existence of the alternative and compensatory regulatory mechanisms. This review thus attempts to highlight major gaps in our understanding of the robust cellular redox regulation system, which is upheld by the concerted efforts of various denitrosylases and antioxidants.

Thioredoxin reductase selenoproteins from different organisms as potential drug targets for treatment of human diseases

Human thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is a selenoprotein with a central role in cellular redox homeostasis, utilizing a highly reactive and solvent-exposed selenocysteine (Sec) residue in its active site. Pharmacological modulation of TrxR can be obtained with several classes of small compounds showing different mechanisms of action, but most often dependent upon interactions with its Sec residue. The clinical implications of TrxR modulation as mediated by small compounds have been studied in diverse diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis and ischemia to cancer and parasitic infections. The possible involvement of TrxR in these diseases was in some cases serendipitously discovered, by finding that existing clinically used drugs are also TrxR inhibitors. Inhibiting isoforms of human TrxR is, however, not the only strategy for human disease treatment, as some pathogenic parasites also depend upon Sec-containing TrxR variants, including S. mansoni, B. malayi or O. volvulus. Inhibiting parasite TrxR has been shown to selectively kill parasites and can thus become a promising treatment strategy, especially in the context of quickly emerging resistance towards other drugs. Here we have summarized the basis for the targeting of selenoprotein TrxR variants with small molecules for therapeutic purposes in different human disease contexts. We discuss how Sec engagement appears to be an indispensable part of treatment efficacy and how some therapeutically promising compounds have been evaluated in preclinical or clinical studies. Several research questions remain before a wider application of selenoprotein TrxR inhibition as a first-line treatment strategy might be developed. These include further mechanistic studies of downstream effects that may mediate treatment efficacy, identification of isoform-specific enzyme inhibition patterns for some given therapeutic compounds, and the further elucidation of cell-specific effects in disease contexts such as in the tumor microenvironment or in host-parasite interactions, and which of these effects may be dependent upon the specific targeting of Sec in distinct TrxR isoforms.

NO news: S-(de)nitrosylation of cathepsins and their relationship with cancer

Tumor formation and progression have been much of a study over the last two centuries. Recent studies have seen different developments for the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease; some of which even promise survival of the patient. Cysteine proteases, mainly cathepsins have been unequivocally identified as putative worthy players of redox imbalance that contribute to the premonition and further progression of cancer by interfering in the normal extracellular and intracellular proteolysis and initiating a proteolytic cascade. The present review article focuses on the study of cancer so far, while establishing facts on how future studies focused on the cellular interrelation between nitric oxide (NO) and cancer, can direct their focus on cathepsins. For a tumor cell to thrive and synergize a cancerous environment, different mutations in the proteolytic and signaling pathways and the proto-oncogenes, oncogenes, and the tumor suppressor genes are made possible through cellular biochemistry and some cancer-stimulating environmental factors. The accumulated findings show that S-nitrosylation of cathepsins under the influence of NO-donors can prevent the invasion of cancer and cause cancer cell death by blocking the activity of cathepsins as well as the major denitrosylase systems using a multi-way approach. Faced with a conundrum of how to fill the gap between the dodging of established cancer hallmarks with cathepsin activity and gaining appropriate research/clinical accreditation using our hypothesis, the scope of this review also explores the interplay and crosstalk between S-nitrosylation and S-(de)nitrosylation of this protease and highlights the utility of charging thioredoxin (Trx) reductase inhibitors, low-molecular-weight dithiols, and Trx mimetics using efficient drug delivery system to prevent the denitrosylation or regaining of cathepsin activity in vivo. In foresight, this raises the prospect that drugs or novel compounds that target cathepsins taking all these factors into consideration could be deployed as alternative or even better treatments for cancer, though further research is needed to ascertain the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of this approach.

Deletion of Thioredoxin Reductase Disrupts Redox Homeostasis and Impairs β-Cell Function

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as mediators of pancreatic β-cell damage. While β-cells are thought to be vulnerable to oxidative damage, we have shown, using inhibitors and acute depletion, that thioredoxin reductase, thioredoxin, and peroxiredoxins are the primary mediators of antioxidant defense in β-cells. However, the role of this antioxidant cycle in maintaining redox homeostasis and β-cell survival in vivo remains unclear. Here, we generated mice with a β-cell specific knockout of thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1^fl/fl; Ins1^Cre/+ , βKO). Despite blunted glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, knockout mice maintain normal whole-body glucose homeostasis. Unlike pancreatic islets with acute Txnrd1 inhibition, βKO islets do not demonstrate increased sensitivity to ROS. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that Txnrd1-deficient β-cells have increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-regulated genes, and altered expression of genes involved in heme and glutathione metabolism, suggesting an adaptive response. Txnrd1-deficient β-cells also have decreased expression of factors controlling β-cell function and identity which may explain the mild functional impairment. Together, these results suggest that Txnrd1-knockout β-cells compensate for loss of this essential antioxidant pathway by increasing expression of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes, allowing for protection from excess ROS at the expense of normal β-cell function and identity.

Compensatory Protection of Thioredoxin-Deficient Cells from Etoposide-Induced Cell Death by Selenoprotein W via Interaction with 14-3-3

Selenoprotein W (SELENOW) is a 9.6 kDa protein containing selenocysteine (Sec, U) in a conserved Cys-X-X-Sec (CXXU) motif. Previously, we reported that SELENOW regulates various cellular processes by interacting with 14-3-3β at the U of the CXXU motif. Thioredoxin (Trx) is a small protein that plays a key role in the cellular redox regulatory system. The CXXC motif of Trx is critical for redox regulation. Recently, an interaction between Trx1 and 14-3-3 has been predicted. However, the binding mechanism and its biological effects remain unknown. In this study, we found that Trx1 interacted with 14-3-3β at the Cys32 residue in the CXXC motif, and SELENOW and Trx1 were bound at Cys191 residue of 14-3-3β. In vitro binding assays showed that SELENOW and Trx1 competed for interaction with 14-3-3β. Compared to control cells, Trx1-deficient cells and SELENOW-deficient cells showed increased levels of both the subG1 population and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage by etoposide treatment. Moreover, Akt phosphorylation of Ser473 was reduced in Trx1-deficient cells and was recovered by overexpression of SELENOW. These results indicate that SELENOW can protect Trx1-deficient cells from etoposide-induced cell death through its interaction with 14-3-3β.

Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibition for Cancer Therapy

The cytosolic selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1, TXNRD1), and to some extent mitochondrial TrxR2 (TXNRD2), can be inhibited by a wide range of electrophilic compounds. Many such compounds also yield cytotoxicity toward cancer cells in culture or in mouse models, and most compounds are likely to irreversibly modify the easily accessible selenocysteine residue in TrxR1, thereby inhibiting its normal activity to reduce cytosolic thioredoxin (Trx1, TXN) and other substrates of the enzyme. This leads to an oxidative challenge. In some cases, the inhibited forms of TrxR1 are not catalytically inert and are instead converted to prooxidant NADPH oxidases, named SecTRAPs, thus further aggravating the oxidative stress, particularly in cells expressing higher levels of the enzyme. In this review, the possible molecular and cellular consequences of these effects are discussed in relation to cancer therapy, with a focus on outstanding questions that should be addressed if targeted TrxR1 inhibition is to be further developed for therapeutic use. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Glutaredoxin: Discovery, redox defense and much more

Glutaredoxin, Grx, is a small protein containing an active site cysteine pair and was discovered in 1976 by Arne Holmgren. The Grx system, comprised of Grx, glutathione, glutathione reductase, and NADPH, was first described as an electron donor for Ribonucleotide Reductase but, from the first discovery in E.coli, the Grx family has impressively grown, particularly in the last two decades. Several isoforms have been described in different organisms (from bacteria to humans) and with different functions.

The unique characteristic of Grxs is their ability to catalyse glutathione-dependent redox regulation via glutathionylation, the conjugation of glutathione to a substrate, and its reverse reaction, deglutathionylation. Grxs have also recently been enrolled in iron sulphur cluster formation. These functions have been implied in various physiological and pathological conditions, from immune defense to neurodegeneration and cancer development thus making Grx a possible drug target.

This review aims to give an overview on Grxs, starting by a phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate Grxs, followed by an analysis of the mechanisms of action, the specific characteristics of the different human isoforms and a discussion on aspects related to human physiology and diseases.

Contributions of biliary epithelial cells to hepatocyte homeostasis and regeneration in zebrafish

Whether transdifferentiation of the biliary epithelial cells (BECs) to hepatocytes occurs under physiological conditions and contributes to liver homeostasis remains under long-term debate. Similar questions have been raised under pathological circumstances if a fibrotic liver is suffered from severe injuries. To address these questions in zebrafish, we established a sensitive lineage tracing system specific for the detection of BEC-derived hepatocytes. The BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation occurred and became minor contributors to hepatocyte homeostasis in a portion of adult individuals. The BEC-derived hepatocytes distributed in clusters in the liver. When a fibrotic liver underwent extreme hepatocyte damages, BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation acted as the major origin of regenerating hepatocytes. In contrast, partial hepatectomy failed to induce the BEC-to-hepatocyte conversion. In conclusion, based on a sensitive lineage tracing system, our results suggest that BECs are able to transdifferentiate into hepatocytes and contribute to both physiological hepatocyte homeostasis and pathological regeneration.

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Developed sensitivity system to trace BECs derived hepatocytes in liver homeostasis

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BECs convert to hepatocytes in liver homeostasis but are individually heterogeneous

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BECs are the primary regeneration sources in the extreme injury of the fibrotic liver

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BECs fail to contribute to new hepatocytes after partial hepatectomy

Effects of Mammalian Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitors

The mammalian thioredoxin system is driven by NADPH through the activities of isoforms of the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD, TrxR), which in turn help to keep thioredoxins (TXN, Trx) and further downstream targets reduced. Due to a wide range of functions in antioxidant defense, cell proliferation, and redox signaling, strong cellular aberrations are seen upon the targeting of TrxR enzymes by inhibitors. However, such inhibition can nonetheless have rather unexpected consequences. Accumulating data suggest that inhibition of TrxR in normal cells typically yields a paradoxical effect of increased antioxidant defense, with metabolic pathway reprogramming, increased cellular proliferation, and altered cellular differentiation patterns. Conversely, inhibition of TrxR in cancer cells can yield excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in cell death and thus anticancer efficacy. The observed increases in antioxidant capacity upon inhibition of TrxR in normal cells are in part dependent upon activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor, while exaggerated ROS levels in cancer cells can be explained by a non-oncogene addiction of cancer cells to TrxR1 due to their increased endogenous production of ROS. These separate consequences of TrxR inhibition can be utilized therapeutically. Importantly, however, a thorough knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying effects triggered by TrxR inhibition is crucial for the understanding of therapy outcomes after use of such inhibitors. The mammalian thioredoxin system is driven by thioredoxin reductases (TXNRD, TrxR), which keeps thioredoxins (TXN, Trx) and further downstream targets reduced. In normal cells, inhibition of TrxR yields a paradoxical effect of increased antioxidant defense upon activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor. In cancer cells, however, inhibition of TrxR yields excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels resulting in cell death and thus anticancer efficacy, which can be explained by a non-oncogene addiction of cancer cells to TrxR1 due to their increased endogenous production of ROS. These separate consequences of TrxR inhibition can be utilized therapeutically.

Glutathione-glutaredoxin is an efficient electron donor system for mammalian p53R2-R1-dependent ribonucleotide reductase

Deoxyribonucleotides are DNA building blocks and are produced de novo by reduction of ribose to deoxyribose. This reduction is catalyzed by ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), a heterodimeric tetramer enzyme in mammalian cells, having one of two free radical-containing subunits called R2 and p53R2. R2 is S-phase specific and used for DNA replication, whereas p53R2 functions in DNA repair and mitochondrial DNA synthesis. The larger RNR subunit, R1, has catalytically active cysteine thiols in its buried active site and a C-terminal swinging arm, with a Cys-Leu-Met-Cys sequence suggested to act as a shuttle dithiol/disulfide for electron transport. After each catalytic cycle the active site contains a disulfide, which has to be reduced for turnover. Thioredoxin (Trx) and glutaredoxin (Grx) systems have been implicated as electron donors for the RNR disulfide reduction via the swinging arm. Using mouse R1-R2 and R1-p53R2 complexes, we found here that the catalytic efficiency of the GSH-Grx system is 4-6 times higher than that of the Trx1 system. For both complexes, the V _max values for Grx are strongly depended on GSH concentrations. The GSH disulfide resulting from the Grx reaction was reduced by NADPH and GSH reductase and this enzyme was essential because reaction with GSH alone yielded only little activity. These results indicate that C-terminal shuttle dithiols of mammalian R1 have a crucial catalytic role and that the GSH-Grx system favors the R1-p53R2 enzyme for DNA replication in hypoxic conditions, mitochondrial DNA synthesis, and in DNA repair outside the S-phase.

NADPH-dependent and -independent disulfide reductase systems

Over the past seven decades, research on autotrophic and heterotrophic model organisms has defined how the flow of electrons ("reducing power") from high-energy inorganic sources, through biological systems, to low-energy inorganic products like water, powers all of Life's processes. Universally, an initial major biological recipient of these electrons is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-phosphate, which thereby transits from an oxidized state (NADP+) to a reduced state (NADPH). A portion of this reducing power is then distributed via the cellular NADPH-dependent disulfide reductase systems as sequential reductions of disulfide bonds. Along the disulfide reduction pathways, some enzymes have active sites that use the selenium-containing amino acid, selenocysteine, in place of the common but less reactive sulfur-containing cysteine. In particular, the mammalian/metazoan thioredoxin systems are usually selenium-dependent as, across metazoan phyla, most thioredoxin reductases are selenoproteins. Among the roles of the NADPH-dependent disulfide reductase systems, the most universal is that they provide the reducing power for the production of DNA precursors by ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). Some studies, however, have uncovered examples of NADPH-independent disulfide reductase systems that can also support RNR. These systems are summarized here and their implications are discussed.

The thioredoxin-1 system is essential for fueling DNA synthesis during T-cell metabolic reprogramming and proliferation

The thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) system is an important contributor to cellular redox balance and is a sensor of energy and glucose metabolism. Here we show critical c-Myc-dependent activation of the Trx1 system during thymocyte and peripheral T-cell proliferation, but repression during T-cell quiescence. Deletion of thioredoxin reductase-1 (Txnrd1) prevents expansion the CD4⁻CD8⁻ thymocyte population, whereas Txnrd1 deletion in CD4⁺CD8⁺ thymocytes does not affect further maturation and peripheral homeostasis of αβT cells. However, Txnrd1 is critical for expansion of the activated T-cell population during viral and parasite infection. Metabolomics show that TrxR1 is essential for the last step of nucleotide biosynthesis by donating reducing equivalents to ribonucleotide reductase. Impaired availability of 2′-deoxyribonucleotides induces the DNA damage response and cell cycle arrest of Txnrd1-deficient T cells. These results uncover a pivotal function of the Trx1 system in metabolic reprogramming of thymic and peripheral T cells and provide a rationale for targeting Txnrd1 in T-cell leukemia.

Thioredoxin (Trx), Trx reductase, Txnip and NADPH together comprise the Trx system. Here the authors make a T cell-specific thioredoxin reductase-1 knockout mouse to show how this system reprograms cellular metabolism to enable T cell development, proliferation and responses.

The A to Z of modulated cell patterning by mammalian thioredoxin reductases

Mammalian thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs) are selenocysteine-containing proteins (selenoproteins) that propel a large number of functions through reduction of several substrates including the active site disulfide of thioredoxins (Trxs). Well-known enzymatic systems that in turn are supported by Trxs and TrxRs include deoxyribonucleotide synthesis through ribonucleotide reductase, antioxidant defense through peroxiredoxins and methionine sulfoxide reductases, and redox modulation of a number of transcription factors. Although these functions may be essential for cells due to crucial roles in maintenance of cell viability and proliferation, findings during the last decade reveal that mammals have major redundancy in their cellular reductive systems. The synthesis of glutathione (GSH) and reductive functions of GSH-dependent pathways typically act in parallel with Trx-dependent pathways, with only one of these systems often being sufficient to support viability. Importantly, this does not imply that a modulation of the Trx system will remain without consequences, even when GSH-dependent pathways remain functional. As suggested by several recent findings, the Trx system in general and the TrxRs in particular, function as key regulators of signaling pathways. In this review article we will discuss findings that collectively suggest that modulation in mammalian systems of cytosolic TrxR1 (TXNRD1) or mitochondrial TrxR2 (TXNRD2) influence cell patterning and cellular stress responses. Effects of lower activities include increased adipogenesis, insulin responsiveness, glycogen accumulation, hyperproliferation, and distorted embryonic development, while increased activities correlate with decreased proliferation and extended lifespan, as well as worse cancer prognosis. The molecular mechanisms that underlie these diverse effects, involving regulation of protein phosphorylation cascades and of key transcription factors that guide cellular differentiation pathways, will be discussed. We conclude that the selenium-dependent oxidoreductases TrxR1 and TrxR2 should be considered as key components of signaling pathways that control cell differentiation and cellular stress responses.

Targeting the Selenoprotein Thioredoxin Reductase 1 for Anticancer Therapy

The cytosolic selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1, encoded in human by TXNRD1) is implied to have several different roles in relation to cancer. Its physiologic functions may protect normal cells from carcinogenesis, but may also promote cancer progression if carcinogenesis nonetheless occurs. With distinct links to Nrf2 signaling, ribonucleotide reductase-dependent production of deoxyribonucleotides and its support of several antioxidant systems counteracting oxidative stress, the metabolic pathways regulated, and affected by TrxR1, are altogether of crucial importance in cancer. These pathways and causal relationships are at the same time highly intricate. In spite of the complexity in the cellular redox networks, several observations discussed in this chapter suggest that specific targeting of TrxR1 may be promising as a mechanistic principle for anticancer therapy.

Ebselen and analogs as inhibitors of Bacillus anthracis thioredoxin reductase and bactericidal antibacterials targeting Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a disease associated with a very high mortality rate in its invasive forms.

METHODS

We studied a number of ebselen analogs as inhibitors of B. anthracis thioredoxin reductase and their antibacterial activity on Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

RESULTS

The most potent compounds in the series gave IC(50) values down to 70 nM for the pure enzyme and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) down to 0.4 μM (0.12 μg/ml) for B. subtilis, 1.5 μM (0.64 μg/ml) for S. aureus, 2 μM (0.86 μg/ml) for B. cereus and 10 μg/ml for M. tuberculosis. Minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were found at 1-1.5 times the MIC, indicating a general, class-dependent, bactericidal mode of action. The combined bacteriological and enzymological data were used to construct a preliminary structure-activity-relationship for the benzoisoselenazol class of compounds. When S. aureus and B. subtilis were exposed to ebselen, we were unable to isolate resistant mutants on both solid and in liquid medium suggesting a high resistance barrier.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that ebselen and analogs thereof could be developed into a novel antibiotic class, useful for the treatment of infections caused by B. anthracis, S. aureus, M. tuberculosis and other clinically important bacteria. Furthermore, the high barrier against resistance development is encouraging for further drug development.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

We have characterized the thioredoxin system from B. anthracis as a novel drug target and ebselen and analogs thereof as a potential new class of antibiotics targeting several important human pathogens.

Dietary methionine can sustain cytosolic redox homeostasis in the mouse liver

Across phyla, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) transfers intracellular reducing power to thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) and glutathione reductase (GR), thereby supporting fundamental housekeeping and antioxidant pathways. Here we show that a third, NADPH-independent, pathway can bypass the need for TrxR1 and GR in mammalian liver. Most mice genetically engineered to lack both TrxR1 and GR in all hepatocytes (“TR/GR-null livers”) remain long-term viable. TR/GR-null livers cannot reduce oxidized glutathione disulfide but still require continuous glutathione synthesis. Inhibition of cystathionine gamma-lyase causes rapid necrosis of TR/GR-null livers, indicating that methionine-fueled trans-sulfuration supplies the necessary cysteine precursor for glutathione synthesis via an NADPH-independent pathway. We further show that dietary methionine provides the cytosolic disulfide reducing power and all sulfur amino acids in TR/GR-null livers. Although NADPH is generally considered an essential reducing currency, these results indicate that hepatocytes can adequately sustain cytosolic redox homeostasis pathways using either NADPH or methionine.

Sec-containing TrxR1 is essential for self-sufficiency of cells by control of glucose-derived H2O2

It is commonly recognized that diabetic complications involve increased oxidative stress directly triggered by hyperglycemia. The most important cellular protective systems against such oxidative stress have yet remained unclear. Here we show that the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), encoded by the Txnrd1 gene, is an essential enzyme for such protection. Individually grown Txnrd1 knockout (Txnrd1^−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) underwent massive cell death directly linked to glucose-induced H₂O₂ production. This death and excessive H₂O₂ levels could be reverted by reconstituted expression of selenocysteine (Sec)-containing TrxR1, but not by expression of Sec-devoid variants of the enzyme. Our results show that Sec-containing TrxR1 is absolutely required for self-sufficient growth of MEFs under high-glucose conditions, owing to an essential importance of this enzyme for elimination of glucose-derived H₂O₂. To our knowledge, this is the first time a strict Sec-dependent function of TrxR1 has been identified as being essential for mammalian cells.

Hydrodynamic delivery of Cre protein to lineage-mark or time-stamp mouse hepatocytes in situ

Cre-responsive fluorescent marker alleles are powerful tools for cell lineage tracing in mice; however their utility is limited by regulation of Cre activity. When targeting hepatocytes, hydrodynamic delivery of a Cre-expression plasmid can convert Cre-responsive alleles without inducing the intracellular or systemic antiviral responses often associated with viral-derived Cre-expression vectors. In this method, rapid high-volume intravenous inoculation induces hepatocyte-targeted uptake of extracellular molecules. Here we tested whether hydrodynamic delivery of Cre protein or Cre fused to the HIV-TAT cell-penetrating peptide could convert Cre-responsive reporters in hepatocytes of mice. Hydrodynamic delivery of 2 nmol of either Cre or TAT-Cre protein converted the reporter allele in 5 to 20% of hepatocytes. Neither protein gave detectable Cre activity in endothelia, non-liver organs, or non-hepatocyte cells in liver. Using mice homozygous for a Cre-responsive marker that directs red- (Cre-naïve) or green- (Cre-converted) fluorescent proteins to the nucleus, we assessed sub-saturation Cre-activity. One month after hydrodynamic inoculation with Cre protein, 58% of hepatocyte nuclei that were green were also red, indicating that less than half of the hepatocytes that had obtained enough Cre to convert one marker allele to green were able to convert all alleles. For comparison, one month after hydrodynamic delivery of a Cre-expression plasmid with a weak promoter, only 26% of the green nuclei were also red. Our results show that hydrodynamic delivery of Cre protein allows rapid allelic conversion in hepatocytes, but Cre-activity is sub-saturating so many cells will not convert multiple Cre-responsive alleles.

Thioredoxin and glutaredoxin-mediated redox regulation of ribonucleotide reductase

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the rate-limiting enzyme in DNA synthesis, catalyzes reduction of the different ribonucleotides to their corresponding deoxyribonucleotides. The crucial role of RNR in DNA synthesis has made it an important target for the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs. Taking account of the recent developments in this field of research, this review focuses on the role of thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems in the redox reactions of the RNR catalysis.

Flavins and flavoproteins: applications in medicine

The potential of flavoproteins as targets of pharmacological treatments is immense. In this review we present an overview of the current research progress on medical interventions based on flavoproteins with a special emphasis on cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders.

The thioredoxin antioxidant system

The thioredoxin (Trx) system, which is composed of NADPH, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and thioredoxin, is a key antioxidant system in defense against oxidative stress through its disulfide reductase activity regulating protein dithiol/disulfide balance. The Trx system provides the electrons to thiol-dependent peroxidases (peroxiredoxins) to remove reactive oxygen and nitrogen species with a fast reaction rate. Trx antioxidant functions are also shown by involvement in DNA and protein repair by reducing ribonucleotide reductase, methionine sulfoxide reductases, and regulating the activity of many redox-sensitive transcription factors. Moreover, Trx systems play critical roles in the immune response, virus infection, and cell death via interaction with thioredoxin-interacting protein. In mammalian cells, the cytosolic and mitochondrial Trx systems, in which TrxRs are high molecular weight selenoenzymes, together with the glutathione-glutaredoxin (Grx) system (NADPH, glutathione reductase, GSH, and Grx) control the cellular redox environment. Recently mammalian thioredoxin and glutathione systems have been found to be able to provide the electrons crossly and to serve as a backup system for each other. In contrast, bacteria TrxRs are low molecular weight enzymes with a structure and reaction mechanism distinct from mammalian TrxR. Many bacterial species possess specific thiol-dependent antioxidant systems, and the significance of the Trx system in the defense against oxidative stress is different. Particularly, the absence of a GSH-Grx system in some pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus aureus makes the bacterial Trx system essential for survival under oxidative stress. This provides an opportunity to kill these bacteria by targeting the TrxR-Trx system.

Thioredoxins, glutaredoxins, and peroxiredoxins--molecular mechanisms and health significance: from cofactors to antioxidants to redox signaling

Thioredoxins (Trxs), glutaredoxins (Grxs), and peroxiredoxins (Prxs) have been characterized as electron donors, guards of the intracellular redox state, and "antioxidants". Today, these redox catalysts are increasingly recognized for their specific role in redox signaling. The number of publications published on the functions of these proteins continues to increase exponentially. The field is experiencing an exciting transformation, from looking at a general redox homeostasis and the pathological oxidative stress model to realizing redox changes as a part of localized, rapid, specific, and reversible redox-regulated signaling events. This review summarizes the almost 50 years of research on these proteins, focusing primarily on data from vertebrates and mammals. The role of Trx fold proteins in redox signaling is discussed by looking at reaction mechanisms, reversible oxidative post-translational modifications of proteins, and characterized interaction partners. On the basis of this analysis, the specific regulatory functions are exemplified for the cellular processes of apoptosis, proliferation, and iron metabolism. The importance of Trxs, Grxs, and Prxs for human health is addressed in the second part of this review, that is, their potential impact and functions in different cell types, tissues, and various pathological conditions.

A Txnrd1-dependent metabolic switch alters hepatic lipogenesis, glycogen storage, and detoxification

Besides helping to maintain a reducing intracellular environment, the thioredoxin (Trx) system impacts bioenergetics and drug metabolism. We show that hepatocyte-specific disruption of Txnrd1, encoding Trx reductase-1 (TrxR1), causes a metabolic switch in which lipogenic genes are repressed and periportal hepatocytes become engorged with glycogen. These livers also overexpress machinery for biosynthesis of glutathione and conversion of glycogen into UDP-glucuronate; they stockpile glutathione-S-transferases and UDP-glucuronyl-transferases; and they overexpress xenobiotic exporters. This realigned metabolic profile suggested that the mutant hepatocytes might be preconditioned to more effectively detoxify certain xenobiotic challenges. Hepatocytes convert the pro-toxin acetaminophen (APAP, paracetamol) into cytotoxic N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). APAP defenses include glucuronidation of APAP or glutathionylation of NAPQI, allowing removal by xenobiotic exporters. We found that NAPQI directly inactivates TrxR1, yet Txnrd1-null livers were resistant to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Txnrd1-null livers did not have more effective gene expression responses to APAP challenge; however, their constitutive metabolic state supported more robust GSH biosynthesis, glutathionylation, and glucuronidation systems. Following APAP challenge, this effectively sustained the GSH system and attenuated damage.

Nuclear double-fluorescent reporter for in vivo and ex vivo analyses of biological transitions in mouse nuclei

Cre-responsive dual-fluorescent alleles allow in situ marking of cell lineages or genetically modified cells. Here we report a dual-fluorescent allele, ROSA nT-nG , which directs nuclear accumulation of tdTomato in Cre-naïve lineages. Cre converts the allele to ROSA nG , which drives nuclear EGFP accumulation. Conditions were established for analyzing marked nuclei by flow cytometry on the basis of red-green fluorescence and ploidy, with a particular focus on liver nuclei. Hydrodynamic delivery of a Cre-expression plasmid was used to time-stamp arbitrary hepatocytes for lineage tracing. The distinct green fluorescence of nuclei from Cre-exposed lineages facilitated analyses of ploidy transitions within clones. To assess developmental transitions in liver nuclei, ROSA nT-nG was combined with the hepatocyte-specific AlbCre transgene, facilitating discrimination between hepatocyte and nonhepatocyte nuclei. Nuclei extracted from postnatal day 2 (P2) livers were 41 % green and 59 % red and reached a stable level of 84 % green by P22. Until P20, green nuclei were >98 % diploid (2N); at P40 they were ~56 % 2N, 43 % 4N, and <1 % 8N; and by P70 they reached a stable distribution of ~46 % 2N, 45 % 4N, and 9 % 8N. In conclusion, ROSA nT-nG will facilitate in vivo and ex vivo studies on liver and will likely be valuable for studies on tissues like muscle, kidney, or brain in which cells are refractory to whole-cell flow cytometry, or like trophectoderm derivatives or cancers in which cells undergo ploidy transitions.

Thioredoxin and thioredoxin target proteins: from molecular mechanisms to functional significance

The thioredoxin (Trx) system is one of the central antioxidant systems in mammalian cells, maintaining a reducing environment by catalyzing electron flux from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate through Trx reductase to Trx, which reduces its target proteins using highly conserved thiol groups. While the importance of protecting cells from the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species is clear, decades of research in this field revealed that there is a network of redox-sensitive proteins forming redox-dependent signaling pathways that are crucial for fundamental cellular processes, including metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Trx participates in signaling pathways interacting with different proteins to control their dynamic regulation of structure and function. In this review, we focus on Trx target proteins that are involved in redox-dependent signaling pathways. Specifically, Trx-dependent reductive enzymes that participate in classical redox reactions and redox-sensitive signaling molecules are discussed in greater detail. The latter are extensively discussed, as ongoing research unveils more and more details about the complex signaling networks of Trx-sensitive signaling molecules such as apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, Trx interacting protein, and phosphatase and tensin homolog, thus highlighting the potential direct and indirect impact of their redox-dependent interaction with Trx. Overall, the findings that are described here illustrate the importance and complexity of Trx-dependent, redox-sensitive signaling in the cell. Our increasing understanding of the components and mechanisms of these signaling pathways could lead to the identification of new potential targets for the treatment of diseases, including cancer and diabetes.

Thioredoxin system in cell death progression

SIGNIFICANCE

The thioredoxin (Trx) system, comprising nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, Trx reductase (TrxR), and Trx, is critical for maintaining cellular redox balance and antioxidant function, including control of oxidative stress and cell death.

RECENT ADVANCES

Here, we focus on the research progress that is involved in the regulation of apoptosis by Trx systems. In mammalian cells, cytosolic Trx1 and mitochondrial Trx2 systems are the major disulfide reductases supplying electrons to enzymes for cell proliferation and viability. The reduced/dithiol form of Trxs binds to apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and inhibits its activity to prevent stress- and cytokine-induced apoptosis. When Trx is oxidized, it dissociates from ASK1 and apoptosis is stimulated. The binding of Trx by its inhibitor Trx interacting protein (TXNIP) also contributes to the apoptosis process by removing Trx from ASK1. TrxRs are large homodimeric selenoproteins with an overall structure which is similar to that of glutathione reductase, and contain an active site GCUG in the C-terminus.

CRITICAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

In the regulation of cell death processes, Trx redox state and TrxR activities are key factors that determine the cell fate. The high reactivity of Sec in TrxRs and its accessible location make TrxR enzymes emerge as targets for pharmaceutic drugs. TrxR inactivation by covalent modification does not only change the redox state and activity of Trx, but may also convert TrxR into a reactive oxygen species generator. Numerous electrophilic compounds including some environmental toxins and pharmaceutical drugs inhibit TrxR. We have classified these compounds into four types and propose some useful principles to understand the reaction mechanism of the TrxR inhibition by these compounds.

Thiophosphate and selenite conversely modulate cell death induced by glutathione depletion or cisplatin: effects related to activity and Sec contents of thioredoxin reductase

Thiophosphate (SPO(3)) was recently shown to promote cysteine insertion at Sec (selenocysteine)-encoding UGA codons during selenoprotein synthesis. We reported previously that irreversible targeting by cDDP [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) or cisplatin] of the Sec residue in TrxR1 (thioredoxin reductase 1) contributes to cDDP cytotoxicity. This effect could possibly be attenuated in cells expressing less reactive Sec-to-cysteine-substituted TrxR1 variants, or pronounced in cells with higher levels of Sec-containing TrxR1. To test this, we supplemented cells with either SPO(3) or selenium and subsequently determined total as well as specific activities of cellular TrxR1, together with extent of drug-induced cell death. We found that cDDP became less cytotoxic after incubation of A549 or HCT116 cells with lower SPO(3) concentrations (100-300 μM), whereas higher SPO(3) (>300 μM) had pronounced direct cytotoxicity. NIH 3T3 cells showed low basal TrxR1 activity and high susceptibility to SPO(3) cytotoxicity, or to glutathione depletion. Supplementing NIH 3T3 cells with selenite, however, gave increased cellular TrxR1 activity with concomitantly decreased dependence on glutathione, whereas the susceptibility to cDDP increased. The results suggest molecular mechanisms by which the selenium status of cells can affect their glutathione dependence while modulating the cytotoxicity of drugs that target TrxR1.

Glutathione and glutaredoxin act as a backup of human thioredoxin reductase 1 to reduce thioredoxin 1 preventing cell death by aurothioglucose

Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) in cytosol is the only known reductant of oxidized thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) in vivo so far. We and others found that aurothioglucose (ATG), a well known active-site inhibitor of TrxR1, inhibited TrxR1 activity in HeLa cell cytosol but had no effect on the viability of the cells. Using a redox Western blot analysis, no change was observed in redox state of Trx1, which was mainly fully reduced with five sulfhydryl groups. In contrast, auranofin killed cells and oxidized Trx1, also targeting mitochondrial TrxR2 and Trx2. Combining ATG with ebselen gave a strong synergistic effect, leading to Trx1 oxidation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and cell death. We hypothesized that there should exist a backup system to reduce Trx1 when only TrxR1 activity was lost. Our results showed that physiological concentrations of glutathione, NADPH, and glutathione reductase reduced Trx1 in vitro and that the reaction was strongly stimulated by glutaredoxin1. Simultaneous depletion of TrxR activity by ATG and glutathione by buthionine sulfoximine led to overoxidation of Trx1 and loss of HeLa cell viability. In conclusion, the glutaredoxin system and glutathione have a backup role to keep Trx1 reduced in cells with loss of TrxR1 activity. Monitoring the redox state of Trx1 shows that cell death occurs when Trx1 is oxidized, followed by general protein oxidation catalyzed by the disulfide form of thioredoxin.

Thioredoxin reductase 1 protects against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis via control of cellular redox homeostasis

Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) controls the redox state of protein thiols in mammalian cells and has been shown to have roles in both preventing and promoting cancer. To define the role of this selenoenzyme in hepatocellular carcinoma development, we examined tumor incidence in the liver of mice with tissue-specific knockout of mouse TR1 subjected to the liver carcinogen, diethylnitrosamine (DEN). TR1-deficient livers manifested ~90% tumor incidence compared with ~16% in control livers. The TR1-dependent effect was observed independent of sex, and, in control mice, tumorigenesis did not affect the expression of TR1. On the other hand, we observed upregulation of another selenoenzyme, glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPx2), and components of the glutathione (GSH) system, including those that generate reduced GSH. Overall, this study shows that TR1 protects against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis via the control of the cellular redox state, whereas its role in promoting this type of cancer is minimal.

The yin and yang of nrf2-regulated selenoproteins in carcinogenesis

The NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor which regulates the major cellular defense systems and thereby contributes to the prevention of many diseases including cancer. Selenium deficiency is associated with a higher cancer risk making also this essential trace element a promising candidate for cancer prevention. Two selenoproteins, thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) and glutathione peroxidase-2 (GPx2), are targets for Nrf2. Selenium deficiency activates Nrf2 as does a TrxR1 knockout making a synergism between both systems plausible. Although this might hold true for healthy cells, the interplay may turn into the opposite in cancer cells. The induction of the detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes by Nrf2 will make cancer cells chemoresistant and will protect them against oxidative damage. The essential role of TrxR1 in maintaining proliferation makes its upregulation in cancer cells detrimental. The anti-inflammatory potential of GPx2 will help to inhibit cancer initiation and inflammation-triggered promotion, but its growth supporting potential will also support tumor growth. This paper considers beneficial and adverse consequences of the activation of Nrf2 and the selenoproteins which appear to depend on the cancer stage.

Hepatocyte DNA replication in growing liver requires either glutathione or a single allele of txnrd1

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) activity requires an electron donor, which in bacteria, yeast, and plants is usually either reduced thioredoxin (Trx) or reduced glutaredoxin. Mice lacking glutathione reductase are viable and, although mice lacking thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) are embryonic-lethal, several studies have shown that mouse cells lacking the txnrd1 gene, encoding TrxR1, can proliferate normally. To better understand the in vivo electron donor requirements for mammalian RNR, we here investigated whether replication of TrxR1-deficient hepatocytes in mouse livers either employed an alternative source of Trx-reducing activity or, instead, solely relied upon the glutathione (GSH) pathway. Neither normal nor genetically TrxR1-deficient livers expressed substantial levels of mRNA splice forms encoding cytosolic variants of TrxR2, and the TrxR1-deficient livers showed severely diminished total TrxR activity, making it unlikely that any alternative TrxR enzyme activities complemented the genetic TrxR1 deficiency. To test whether the GSH pathway was required for replication, GSH levels were depleted by administration of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) to juvenile mice. In controls not receiving BSO, replicative indexes were similar in hepatocytes having two, one, or no functional alleles of txnrd1. After BSO treatment, hepatocytes containing either two or one copies of this gene were also normal. However, hepatocytes completely lacking a functional txnrd1 gene exhibited severely reduced replicative indexes after GSH depletion. We conclude that hepatocyte proliferation in vivo requires either GSH or at least one functional allele of txnrd1, demonstrating that either the GSH- or the TrxR1-dependent redox pathway can independently support hepatocyte proliferation during liver growth.

Contributions of new hepatocyte lineages to liver growth, maintenance, and regeneration in mice

The contributions that de novo differentiation of new hepatocyte lineages makes to normal liver physiology are unknown. In this study, a system that uniquely marks cells during a finite period following primary activation of a serum albumin gene promoter/enhancer-driven Cre recombinase (albCre) transgene was used to investigate birthrates of new hepatocyte lineages from albumin (Alb)-naive precursors in mice. Elapsed time was measured with a two-color fluorescent marker gene that converts from expressing tandem dimer Tomato (tdT; a red fluorescent protein) to expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) following primary exposure to Cre. The accumulation of GFP and the decay of tdT each contributed to a regular fluorescence transition, which was calibrated in vivo. In normal adults, this system revealed that a steady-state level of 0.076% of all hepatocytes had differentiated within the previous 4 days from albCre-naive cell lineages. In comparison with resting adult livers, the relative abundance of these newborn hepatocytes was elevated 3.7-fold in the growing livers of juveniles and 8.6-fold during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in adults.

CONCLUSION

Newborn hepatocyte lineages arising from Alb-naive cells contribute to liver maintenance under normal conditions. Hepatocyte lineage birthrates can vary in response to the liver's physiological status.

Adaptive dysfunction of selenoproteins from the perspective of the triage theory: why modest selenium deficiency may increase risk of diseases of aging

The triage theory proposes that modest deficiency of any vitamin or mineral (V/M) could increase age-related diseases. V/M-dependent proteins required for short-term survival and/or reproduction (i.e., "essential") are predicted to be protected on V/M deficiency over other "nonessential" V/M-dependent proteins needed only for long-term health. The result is accumulation of insidious damage, increasing disease risk. We successfully tested the theory against published evidence on vitamin K. Here, we review about half of the 25 known mammalian selenoproteins; all of those with mouse knockout or human mutant phenotypes that could be used as criteria for a classification of essential or nonessential. Five selenoproteins (Gpx4, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Dio3, and Sepp1) were classified as essential and 7 (Gpx1, Gpx 2, Gpx 3, Dio1, Dio2, Msrb1, and SelN) nonessential. On modest selenium (Se) deficiency, nonessential selenoprotein activities and concentrations are preferentially lost, with one exception (Dio1 in the thyroid, which we predict is conditionally essential). Mechanisms include the requirement of a special form of tRNA sensitive to Se deficiency for translation of nonessential selenoprotein mRNAs except Dio1. The same set of age-related diseases and conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and immune dysfunction, are prospectively associated with modest Se deficiency and also with genetic dysfunction of nonessential selenoproteins, suggesting that Se deficiency could be a causal factor, a possibility strengthened by mechanistic evidence. Modest Se deficiency is common in many parts of the world; optimal intake could prevent future disease.

Noble metal targeting of thioredoxin reductase--covalent complexes with thioredoxin and thioredoxin-related protein of 14 kDa triggered by cisplatin

Palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and gold (Au) are noble metals, two of which have established medical use. Pt has anticancer efficacy, predominantly as cisplatin, whereas the gold compound auranofin is used against arthritis. Both compounds inhibit the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), but Pd has not been studied in this regard. Using salts of Pd, Pt, and Au as well as cisplatin and auranofin we found that Pd and Au were strikingly more potent inhibitors of recombinant TrxR1 than Pt. The TrxR-related nonselenoprotein glutathione reductase in pure form (but less so in a cellular context), as well as cellular thioredoxin (Trx) activities, were inhibited by the gold salt KAuCl(4) but were little affected by auranofin or the other compounds. In an analysis of three cancer cell lines, the extent of inhibition of TrxR activity and decrease in cell viability depended upon the choice of both noble metal and ligand and also seemed independent of p53 status. During treatment of cells with cisplatin, covalent complexes of TrxR1 with either Trx1 or TRP14 (Trx-related protein of 14kDa) were formed, as verified by Western blot analyses and mass spectrometry. These results reveal that Au and Pd are strong inhibitors of TrxR, but Pt and cisplatin trigger highly specific cellular effects on the Trx system, including covalent cross-linking of TrxR1 with Trx1 and TRP14.

The use of thiols by ribonucleotide reductase

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the rate-limiting de novo synthesis of 2'-deoxyribonucleotides from the corresponding ribonucleotides and thereby provides balanced deoxyribonucleotide pools required for error-free DNA replication and repair. The essential role of RNR in DNA synthesis and the use of DNA as genetic material has made it an important target for the development of anticancer and antiviral agents. The most well known feature of the universal RNR reaction in all kingdoms of life is the involvement of protein free radicals. Redox-active cysteines, thiyl radicals, and thiol redox proteins of the thioredoxin superfamily play major roles in the catalytic mechanism. The involvement of cysteine residues in catalysis is common to all three classes of RNR. Taking account of the recent progress in this field of research, this review focuses on the use of thiols in the redox mechanism of RNR enzymes.