Actinomycin D synergizes with Doxorubicin in triple-negative breast cancer by inducing P53-dependent cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

There are three major subtypes of breast cancer, ER+, HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), namely ER-, PR-, HER2-. TNBC is the most aggressive breast cancer with poor prognosis and no target drug up to now. Actinomycin D (ActD) is a bioactive metabolite of marine bacteria that has been reported to have antitumor activity. The aim of study is to investigate whether ActD has a synergetic effect on TNBC with Doxorubicin (Dox), the major chemotherapeutic drug for TNBC, and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

TNBC cell lines HCC1937, MDA-MB-436 and nude mice were used in the study. Drug synergy determination, LDH assay, MMP assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, Flow cytometry, Flexible docking and CESTA assay were carried out. The expression of proteins associated with apoptosis was checked by Western blot and siRNA experiments were performed to investigate the role of P53 and PUMA induced by drugs.

RESULTS

There was much higher apoptosis rate of cells in the ActD + Dox group than that in ActD group or Dox group. Expression of MDM2 and BCL-2 was reduced while expression of P53, PUMA and BAX were increased in the groups treated with ActD + Dox or Dox compared to the control group. Furthermore, P53 siRNA or PUMA siRNA tremendously abrogated the cell apoptosis in the groups treated by ActD, Dox and ActD + Dox. Flexible docking and CESTA showed that ActD can bind MDM2.

CONCLUSIONS

ActD had a synergetic effect on TNBC with Dox via P53-dependent apoptosis and it may be a new choice for treatment of TNBC.

Changes in the conflicting nongenomic effects of progesterone in rat myometrium during pregnancy

AIMS

Although the functions of progesterone in the myometrium are well-established, the nongenomic effects of progesterone in pregnant myometrial contractions are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate changes in the nongenomic effects of progesterone during pregnancy.

MAIN METHODS

Myometrial strips were obtained from non-pregnant, pregnant, and postpartum rats, and the nongenomic effects of progesterone in the myometrium during pregnancy were examined. Additionally, the influence of actinomycin D and cycloheximide and the effects of Org OD-02-0 (a specific membrane progesterone receptor (mPR) agonist) in the myometrium were investigated. Moreover, DNA microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to identify genes involved in progesterone-induced effects in the myometrium.

KEY FINDINGS

Progesterone did not cause rhythmic contractions in non-pregnant myometrium but induced rhythmic contractions in pregnant myometrium, with the effects peaking at 20 d + 8 h of pregnancy. However, myometrial contractions decreased after delivery and were restored to non-pregnant levels at 7 d postpartum. Additionally, progesterone stably inhibited high KCl-induced myometrial contractions during pregnancy. Moreover, the nongenomic effects of progesterone were unaffected by actinomycin D or cycloheximide, and Org OD-02-0 effectively mimicked these effects. DNA microarray analysis and qRT-PCR revealed a significant increase in mPRβ gene expression during pregnancy. However, mPRα, mPRγ, mPRδ, and mPRε expression levels remained unchanged.

SIGNIFICANCE

The stimulatory nongenomic effect of progesterone, which was inducible and mPRβ-dependent during pregnancy, may be involved in parturition. The inhibitory effect, which was constitutive and depended on other mPRs, may be involved in pregnancy maintenance.

Inhibitory Effect on RT-PCR and Restriction Enzyme Activity by Ommochrome and Its Mechanism

To explore the physiological role and/or pharmacological effects of ommochrome, which is a natural organic pigment widely distributed in Protostomia, we attempted to investigate the influence of ommochrome on RT-PCR and activities of restriction enzymes. It was found that ommin, an ommochrome purified from the diapause eggs of Bombyx mori, inhibited the RT-PCR and restriction enzyme activities. The mechanism of these inhibitory reactions is assumed to be the direct binding of ommochrome to DNA rather than acting against the enzymes because, similarly to actinomycin D, there is a phenoxazine ring in the structure of ommin that is known to be intercalated to DNA. To reveal the ommin/DNA interaction, it was investigated by computational approaches such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and free energy calculation. From the computational analyses, it was expected that ommin would bind to DNA with almost the same strength as actinomycin D and intercalate into DNA. This is the first report on the pharmacological effect of ommochrome and its inhibitory mechanism obtained from biochemical and computational analyses.

Escherichia coli as a Model for the Description of the Antimicrobial Mechanism of a Cationic Polymer Surface: Cellular Target and Bacterial Contrast Response

In this study, we use Escherichia coli as a model to investigate the antimicrobial mechanism of a film made of a copolymer based on monomethylether poly(ethylene glycol), methyl methacrylate, and 2-dimethyl(aminoethyl) methacrylate, whose surface is active towards Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The polymer contains not quaternized amino groups that can generate a charged surface by protonation when in contact with water. For this purpose, we adopted a dual strategy based on the analysis of cell damage caused by contact with the polymer surface and on the evaluation of the cell response to the surface toxic action. The lithic effect on the protoplasts of E. coli showed that the polymer surface can affect the structure of cytoplasmic membranes, while assays of calcein leakage from large unilamellar vesicles at different phospholipid compositions indicated that action on membranes does not need a functionally active cell. On the other hand, the significant increase in sensitivity to actinomycin D demonstrates that the polymer interferes also with the structure of the outer membrane, modifying its permeability. The study on gene expression, based on the analysis of the transcripts in a temporal window where the contact with the polymer is not lethal and the damage is reversible, showed that some key genes of the synthesis and maintenance of the outer membrane structure ( fabR, fadR, fabA, waaA, waaC, kdsA, pldA, and pagP), as well as regulators of cellular response to oxidative stress ( soxS), are more expressed when bacteria are exposed to the polymer surface. All together these results identified the outer membrane as the main cellular target of the antimicrobial surface and indicated a specific cellular response to damage, providing more information on the antimicrobial mechanism. In this perspective, data reported here could play a pivotal role in a microbial growth control strategy based not only on the structural improvements of the materials but also on the possibility of intervening on the cellular pathways involved in the contrast reaction to these and other polymers with similar mechanisms.

Identification of the Actinomycin D Biosynthetic Pathway from Marine-Derived Streptomyces costaricanus SCSIO ZS0073

Bioactive secondary metabolites from Streptomycetes are important sources of lead compounds in current drug development. Streptomyces costaricanus SCSIO ZS0073, a mangrove-derived actinomycete, produces actinomycin D, a clinically used therapeutic for Wilm's tumor of the kidney, trophoblastic tumors and rhabdomyosarcoma. In this work, we identified the actinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) acn by detailed analyses of the S. costaricanus SCSIO ZS0073 genome. This organism produces actinomycin D with a titer of ~69.8 μg mL-1 along with traces of actinomycin Xoβ. The acn cluster localized to a 39.8 kb length region consisting of 25 open reading frames (ORFs), including a set of four genes that drive the construction of the 4-methyl-3-hydroxy-anthranilic acid (4-MHA) precursor and three non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) that generate the 4-MHA pentapeptide semi-lactone, which, upon dimerization, affords final actinomycin D. Furthermore, the acn cluster contains four positive regulatory genes acnWU4RO, which were identified by in vivo gene inactivation studies. Our data provide insights into the genetic characteristics of this new mangrove-derived actinomycin D bioproducer, enabling future metabolic engineering campaigns to improve both titers and the structural diversities possible for actinomycin D and related analogues.

Lineage context switches the function of a C. elegans Pax6 homolog in determining a neuronal fate

The sensory nervous system of C. elegans comprises cells with varied molecular and functional characteristics, and is, therefore, a powerful model for understanding mechanisms that generate neuronal diversity. We report here that VAB-3, a C. elegans homolog of the homeodomain-containing protein Pax6, has opposing functions in regulating expression of a specific chemosensory fate. A homeodomain-only short isoform of VAB-3 is expressed in BAG chemosensory neurons, where it promotes gene expression and cell function. In other cells, a long isoform of VAB-3, comprising a Paired homology domain and a homeodomain, represses expression of ETS-5, a transcription factor required for expression of BAG fate. Repression of ets-5 requires the Eyes Absent homolog EYA-1 and the Six-class homeodomain protein CEH-32. We determined sequences that mediate high-affinity binding of ETS-5, VAB-3 and CEH-32. The ets-5 locus is enriched for ETS-5-binding sites but lacks sequences that bind VAB-3 and CEH-32, suggesting that these factors do not directly repress ets-5 expression. We propose that a promoter-selection system together with lineage-specific expression of accessory factors allows VAB-3/Pax6 to either promote or repress expression of specific cell fates in a context-dependent manner. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.

Single cell dielectrophoresis study of apoptosis progression induced by controlled starvation

Nutrient depletion in fed-batch cultures and at the end of batch cultures is among the main causes of stress on cells and a trigger of apoptosis. In this study, we investigated changes in the cytoplasm conductivity of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells under controlled starvation. Employing a single-cell dielectrophoresis (DEP) cytometer, we measured the DEP response of CHO cells incubated in a medium without glucose and glutamine over a 48-h period. Using the measured data in conjunction with numerical simulations, we determined the cytoplasm conductivity of viable and apoptotic cell subpopulations. The results show that a small subpopulation of apoptotic cells emerges after 24 to 36 h of starvation and increases rapidly over a short period of time, <12 h. The apoptotic cells have a dramatically lower cytoplasm conductivity, ∼0.05 S/m, than viable cells, ∼0.45 S/m. Viability of starvation cultures was measured by fluorescent cytometry, DEP cytometry, and trypan blue exclusion assays. DEP, Annexin V, caspase-8, and 7-AAD assays show a similar decline in viability after 36 h of starvation and indicate a very low viability after 48 h. Trypan blue exclusion assay fails to detect early-stage viability decline and estimates a much higher viability after 48 h.

Structural model, functional modulation by ivermectin and tissue localization of Haemonchus contortus P-glycoprotein-13

Haemonchus contortus, one of the most economically important parasites of small ruminants, has become resistant to the anthelmintic ivermectin. Deciphering the role of P-glycoproteins in ivermectin resistance is desirable for understanding and overcoming this resistance. In the model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, P-glycoprotein-13 is expressed in the amphids, important neuronal structures for ivermectin activity. We have focused on its ortholog in the parasite, Hco-Pgp-13. A 3D model of Hco-Pgp-13, presenting an open inward-facing conformation, has been constructed by homology with the Cel-Pgp-1 crystal structure. In silico docking calculations predicted high affinity binding of ivermectin and actinomycin D to the inner chamber of the protein. Following in vitro expression, we showed that ivermectin and actinomycin D modulated Hco-Pgp-13 ATPase activity with high affinity. Finally, we found in vivo Hco-Pgp-13 localization in epithelial, pharyngeal and neuronal tissues. Taken together, these data suggest a role for Hco-Pgp-13 in ivermectin transport, which could contribute to anthelmintic resistance.

Triggering Apoptosis in Hematopoietic Cells with Cytotoxic Drugs

Cytotoxic agents are commonly added to cultured cells in the laboratory to investigate their efficacy, mechanism of action, and therapeutic potential. Most of these agents trigger cell death by apoptosis, which is also the most common form of cell death during development, aging, homeostasis, and eradication of disease. Treatment of cells with cytotoxic agents is therefore useful for investigating basic mechanisms of cell death in the human body. Actinomycin D, a cytotoxic agent isolated from Streptomyces, induces apoptosis in a variety of cell lines including the histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937. Treatment of U937 cells with actinomycin D provides an ideal model of drug-induced apoptosis that can also be used as a positive control for comparison with other treatments.

ATP11C Facilitates Phospholipid Translocation across the Plasma Membrane of All Leukocytes

Organization of the plasma membrane into specialized substructures in different blood lineages facilitates important biological functions including proper localization of receptors at the plasma membrane as well as the initiation of crucial intracellular signaling cascades. The eukaryotic plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer that consists of asymmetrically distributed phospholipids. This asymmetry is actively maintained by membrane-embedded lipid transporters, but there is only limited data available about the molecular identity of the predominantly active transporters and their substrate specificity in different leukocyte subsets. We demonstrate here that the P4-type ATPase ATP11C mediates significant flippase activity in all murine leukocyte subsets. Loss of ATP11C resulted in a defective internalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in comparison to control cells. The diminished flippase activity caused increased PS exposure on 7-aminoactinomycin D- (7-AAD-) viable pro-B cells freshly isolated from the bone marrow of ATP11C-deficient mice, which was corrected upon a 2-hour resting period in vitro. Despite the impaired flippase activity in all immune cell subsets, the only other blood cell type with an accumulation of PS on the surface were viable 7-AAD- developing T cells but this did not result in any discernable effect on their development in the thymus. These findings show that all leukocyte lineages exhibit flippase activity, and identify ATP11C as an aminophospholipid translocase in immune cells.

[Assessment of Binding Properties of Actinomycin and Its Derivatives with DNA Molecule Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation Method]

Molecular dynamics simulation method was used to assess an influence of actinomycins (antibiotics used in chemotherapy for treatment of some oncology diseases) on DNA fragment elasticity. Also the efficiency of binding of actinomycin to DNA fragment was estimated. Energetic contributions of different substitutions of hydroxyl and amino-group to the phenoxazine ring of actinomycin were studied to analyze dynamic behavior and stability of antibiotic-DNA fragment complexes. Young modulus values were calculated for structures: DNA/DNA-actinomycin/DNA-7-hydroxyactinomycin/DNA-7-aminoactinomycin. Free energy calculations were performed for the formation of actinomycin- and two actinomycin analogues-DNA fragment complexes. Our results suggest that the inserted substitutions stabilize the structure of a DNA fragment via the formation of additional hydrogen bonds.

Interactions of antineoplastic antibiotics and DNA

Basic concepts of interaction of antineoplastic antibiotics with DNA are discussed and information concerning the effects of actinomycins, olivomycin and related antibiotics, anthracyclines, sibiromycin, mitomycin C, bruneomycin, and bleomycin is summarized.

Molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and other sexually transmitted bacteria in semen of male partners of infertile couples in Tunisia: the effect on semen parameters and spermatozoa apoptosis markers

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasmas, and Ureaplasmas in semen samples of the male partners of infertile couples and to investigate whether Chlamydia trachomatis could initiate apoptosis in human spermatozoa. A total of 85 males partners of infertile couples undergoing routine semen analysis according to World Health Organization guidelines were included. Specimens were examined for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum by Real time PCR (qPCR). Semen specimens were analysed for the appearance of apoptotic markers (sperm DNA fragmentation, activated caspase 3 levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm)) using flow cytometry. C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, U. urealyticum, M genitalium were detected in semen samples of 13 (15.2%), 5 (5.8%), 5 (5.8%) and 3 (3.5%) male partners of infertile couples, respectively. M. hominis and U. parvum were detected in semen sample of only one patient (1.1%). The semen of infertile men positive for C. trachomatis showed lower mean of semen count and lower rapid progressive motility (category [a]) of spermatozoa compared to uninfected men with statistically significances (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). Flow cytometry analyses demonstrated a significant increase of the mean rate of semen with low ΔΨm and caspase 3 activation of infertile men positive for C. trachomatis compared to uninfected men (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). DNA fragmentation was also increased in sperm of infertile men positive for C. trachomatis compared to uninfected men but without statistical significances (p = 0.62). Chlamydial infection was associated to loss of ΔΨm and caspase 3activation. Thus, C. trachomatis infection could be incriminated in apoptosis induction of spermatozoa. These effects may explain the negative direct impact of C. trachomatis infection on sperm fertilizing ability.

Endothelin-1 stimulates resistin gene expression

Resistin and endothelin (ET)-1 have been reported to inhibit adipogenesis and regulate adipocyte insulin resistance, respectively. Although both hormones interact with each other, the exact signaling pathway of ET-1 to act on resistin gene expression is still unknown. Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in ET-1-stimulated resistin gene expression. The up-regulation of resistin mRNA expression by ET-1 depends on concentration and timing. The concentration of ET-1 that increased resistin mRNA levels by 100%-250% was approximately 100 nM for a range of 0.25-12 hours of treatment. Treatment with actinomycin D blocked ET-1-increased resistin mRNA levels, suggesting that the effect of ET-1 requires new mRNA synthesis. Treatment with an inhibitor of the ET type-A receptor, such as N-[1-Formyl-N-[N-[(hexahydro-1H-azepin-1-yl)carbonyl]-L-leucyl]-D-tryptophyl]-D-tryptophan (BQ610), but not with the ET type-B receptor antagonist N-[(cis-2,6-Dimethyl-1-piperidinyl)carbonyl]-4-methyl-L-leucyl-1-(methoxycarbonyl)-D-tryptophyl-D-norleucine (BQ788), blocked ET-1, increased the levels of resistin mRNA, and phosphorylated levels of downstream signaling molecules, such as ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), protein kinase B (AKT), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Moreover, pretreatment of specific inhibitors of either ERK1/2 (1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-aminophenylthio]butadiene [U0126] and 2-(2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one [PD98059], two inhibitors of MEK1), JNKs (SP600125), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT (LY294002 and Wortmannin), or Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 ((E)-2-Cyano-3-(3,4-dihydrophenyl)-N-(phenylmethyl)-2-propenamide, AG490) prevented ET-1-increased levels of resistin mRNA and reduced the ET-1-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNKs, AKT, and STAT3, respectively. However, the p38 kinase antagonist 4-[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]pyridine (SB203580) did not alter the effect of ET-1. These results imply that ET type-A receptor, ERK1/2, JNKs, AKT, and JAK2, but not ET type-B receptor or p38, are necessary for the ET-1 stimulation of resistin gene expression. In vivo observations that ET-1 increased resistin mRNA and protein levels in sc and epididymal adipose tissues support the in vitro findings.

A flow cytometry-based assay for the evaluation of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in cancer cells

The development of new therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for cancer therapy will rise in the following years. The evaluation of biological activity of mAbs is required during drug development and during drug production as quality control test. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a desirable activity of anticancer mAbs. Here, we describe a flow cytometry-based method to quantify ADCC that combines the staining of cancer cells, effector cells, and dead cells, with specific dyes. This method is inexpensive, has low background, and avoids the use of radioisotopes.

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase-deficient mice show increased susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55

In this report, we have addressed the role of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) deficiency in the mediation of central nervous system autoimmunity. We demonstrate that SOD1-deficient C57Bl/6 mice develop more severe autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35-55, compared with wild type mice. This alteration in the disease phenotype was not due to aberrant expansion of MOG-specific T cells nor their ability to produce inflammatory cytokines; rather lymphocytes generated in SOD1-deficient mice were more prone to spontaneous cell death when compared with their wild type littermate controls. The data point to a role for SOD1 in the maintenance of self-tolerance leading to the suppression of autoimmune responses.

Spectroscopic studies of dactinomycin and vinorelbine binding to deoxyribonucleic acid and chromatin

Dactinomycin and vinorelbine are anticancer drugs, widely used as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of various cancers. This study represents an attempt to compare the effect of these drugs on DNA and soluble chromatin employing UV/vis, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy techniques. The results demonstrated that the absorbance at 260 and 210 nm was decreased and quenching of drugs with DNA and chromatin chromospheres induced reduction of fluorescence emission intensity. Circular dichroism profiles showed that the binding of drugs induced structural changes in both positive and negative extremes of DNA and chromatin revealing release or displacement of histone proteins from chromatin upon dactinomycin binding whereas vinorelbine preceded the chromatin into compaction. The results suggest that dactinomycin shows higher affinity to DNA compared to chromatin, whereas, vinorelbine recognizes the chromatin structure with higher affinity than free DNA. Also chromatin proteins play a fundamental role in drug-chromatin complex process.

Rapid screening and characterization of metabolites from a marine-derived actinomycete by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A rapid and reliable method has been optimized and established for the analysis of the metabolites from a marine actinomycete by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/QTOF MS/MS). From MS/MS spectra, the product ions of [M + H](+) were recorded to provide abundant structural information of the mother nucleus and peptide moieties. Using the QTOF MS/MS and in-source collision-induced dissociation (in-source CID) techniques, three main metabolites including actinomycin D, actinomycin V and actinomycin I were determined and characterized by elemental compositions of precursor and product ions (<7 ppm). Additionally, this method provided information about the compositions of the peptide residues and the sequences of the amino acid from a series of fragment ions. It proved useful for the identification of the metabolites in marine samples which have similar structures especially when there were no reference compounds available.

The mobile FG nucleoporin Nup98 is a cofactor for Crm1-dependent protein export

Nup98 is a mobile nucleoporin that forms distinct dots in the nucleus, and, although a role for Nup98 in nuclear transport has been suggested, its precise function remains unclear. Here, we show that Nup98 plays an important role in Crm1-mediated nuclear protein export. Nuclear, but not cytoplasmic, dots of EGFP-tagged Nup98 disappeared rapidly after cell treatment with leptomycin B, a specific inhibitor of the nuclear export receptor, Crm1. Mutational analysis demonstrated that Nup98 physically and functionally interacts with Crm1 in a RanGTP-dependent manner through its N-terminal phenylalanine-glycine (FG) repeat region. Moreover, the activity of the Nup98-Crm1 complex was modulated by RanBP3, a known cofactor for Crm1-mediated nuclear export. Finally, cytoplasmic microinjection of anti-Nup98 inhibited the Crm1-dependent nuclear export of proteins, concomitant with the accumulation of anti-Nup98 in the nucleus. These results clearly demonstrate that Nup98 functions as a novel shuttling cofactor for Crm1-mediated nuclear export in conjunction with RanBP3.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of novel actinomycin D analogs with amino acid substituted in the cyclic depsipeptides

The actinomycin D (AMD) analogs in which the D-valine residues (the second amino acid residue in the cyclic depsipeptide of AMD) and the N-methyl-L-valine residues (the fifth amino acid residue in the cyclic depsipeptide of AMD) were replaced with D-Phe or l- and D-forms N-methylvalines, N-methylisoleucine, N-methylleucine, N-methylphenylalanine, N-methylalanine, and sarcosine were synthesized. The antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic activities of these compounds in vitro were investigated. The results showed that most D-valine substituted analogs had much lower antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic activities in vitro than AMD itself, but three N-methyl-L-valine substituted analogs had comparable or even more remarkable cytotoxic activities in vitro than AMD. Acute toxicities and antitumor effects of the N-methyl-L-valine substituted analogs in mice were also examined. The result showed that the acute toxicity of compound 4 L-methylleucine(5)-AMD analog is comparable to AMD itself and that of compound 3(L-Methylisoleucine(5)-AMD analog) is slightly more toxic, about 1.25-fold than AMD. However, the acute toxicity of compound 5 D-methylleucine5-AMD analog is about 2-fold lower than AMD. This suggested that the N-methyl-D-amino acid replacement in the cyclic ring might play a vital role in their decreased acute toxicities, and perhaps the N-methyl-D-leucine substituent is more favorable, though there may be a slight loss of antitumor activity. This finding may be helpful for the design and development of more potent antitumor agents together with low acute toxicity, and suggests that the N-methyl-D-leucine substituent has the potential to be used as antitumor drug lead.

[Hairpin oligonucleotides as actinomycin carriers]

The redistribution of actinomycin from hairpin oligonucleotide HP1 to dissolved DNA and DNA inside the cell has been discovered and investigated. It was found that the penetration of the antibiotic in a complex with HP1 into cancer cells takes place more effectively than that of the antibiotic separately. It is suggested that hairpin oligonucleotides can serve as molecular carriers of heterocyclic antibiotics to cancer cells.

[Identification and analysis of an actinomycete strain suppressing Clavibacter michiganensis subsp, michiganensis]

OBJECTIVE

To identify and analyze bioactive compounds of an actinomycete strain Z-L-22 suppressing Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, the causal agent of bacterial canker of tomato.

METHODS

Morphological, biological and biochemical characterization, chemotaxonomy analysis and 16S rDNA sequences homology analysis were performed to identify the strain Z-L-22. Bioactive compounds were separated and retrieved by thin layer chromatography. Paper chromatography and confirmation tests were used to identify the antibiotic. PCR was carried out using the primers targeted to synthetase of the antibiotic.

RESULTS

Strain Z-L-22 belonged to Streptomyces sp. and was similar to Streptomyces setonii. Two main bioactive components were isolated by thin layer chromatography, which were all identified as actinomycin. New actinomycin synthetase gene was cloned using the primers designed from actinomycin synthetase conserve domain.

CONCLUSION

Strain Z-L-22 was classified as Streptomyces setonii. Actinomycin produced by Streptomyces setonii was first reported.

Kinetic and equilibrium analysis of the myosin ATPase

The myosin superfamily consists of more than 35 classes (each consisting of multiple isoforms) that have diverse cellular activities. The reaction pathway of the actin-activated myosin ATPase appears to be conserved for all myosin isoforms, but the rate and equilibrium constants that define the ATPase pathway vary significantly across the myosin superfamily, resulting in kinetic differences that that allow myosins to carry out diverse mechanical functions. Therefore, it is important to determine the lifetimes and relative populations of the key biochemical intermediates to obtain an understanding of a particular myosin's cellular function. This chapter provides procedures for determining the overall and individual rate and equilibrium constants of the actomyosin ATPase cycle, including actomyosin binding and dissociation, ATP binding, ATP hydrolysis, phosphate release, and ADP release and binding. Many of the methods described in the chapter are applicable to the characterization of other ATPase enzymes.

Optimization of actinomycin V production by Streptomyces triostinicus using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm

Artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) were applied to optimize the medium components for the production of actinomycin V from a newly isolated strain of Streptomyces triostinicus which is not reported to produce this class of antibiotics. Experiments were conducted using the central composite design (CCD), and the data generated was used to build an artificial neural network model. The concentrations of five medium components (MgSO(4), NaCl, glucose, soybean meal and CaCO(3)) served as inputs to the neural network model, and the antibiotic yield served as outputs of the model. Using the genetic algorithm, the input space of the neural network model was optimized to find out the optimum values for maximum antibiotic yield. Maximum antibiotic yield of 452.0 mg l(-1) was obtained at the GA-optimized concentrations of medium components (MgSO(4) 3.657; NaCl 1.9012; glucose 8.836; soybean meal 20.1976 and CaCO(3) 13.0842 gl(-1)). The antibiotic yield obtained by the ANN/GA was 36.7% higher than the yield obtained with the response surface methodology (RSM).

Inhibition of apoptosis by Heliothis virescens ascovirus (HvAV-3e): characterization of orf28 with structural similarity to inhibitor of apoptosis proteins

Ascoviruses (AVs) induce a unique pathology in their insect host cells causing cleavage of the cells into virion-containing vesicles. The mechanism by which AVs induce vesicle formation is poorly understood. It is postulated that the virus initially induces apoptosis leading to cell fragmentation. The apoptotic bodies are however, rescued by the virus to form the vesicles. Here we show that Heliothis virescens AV (HvAV-3e) is able to inhibit chemically induced apoptosis from around 16 h after infection. Analysis of the genome of the virus indicated the presence of a putative inhibitor of apoptosis (orf28) gene that encodes a protein with an imperfect baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis repeat (BIR) and a RING domain. Transiently expressed orf28 did not inhibit chemically induced apoptosis suggesting that the protein may not serve as an inhibitor of apoptosis. Nevertheless, RNA interference studies revealed that the gene is probably essential for virus pathology and replication.

Enhanced production of antimicrobial compounds by three salt-tolerant actinobacterial strains isolated from the Sundarbans in a niche-mimic bioreactor

A novel reactor system, the rotating disk bioreactor (RDBR), was used to mimic the niche environmental conditions of three salt-tolerant estuarine actinobacteria isolated from the Sundarbans region off the Bay of Bengal, designated MS310 (99% similar in its 16S rRNA gene sequence to Streptomyces parvallus), MS3/20 and MS1/7. The RDBR, operated at a rotational speed of one revolution per day, 50% submergence of discs, aeration rate of 1.0 vvm, and with a sucrose-containing medium, faithfully mimicked the intertidal estuarine habitat of these marine isolates, and supported biofilm formation and production of antimicrobial metabolites-in particular, actinomycin D by MS310. Onset of antibiotic production by MS310 occurs at 20 h in the RDBR compared to 55 h in a conventional stirred-tank bioreactor (STBR). Furthermore, peak antimicrobial activity is attained much earlier in the RDBR with MS310 (at 45 h) than that reported with a terrestrial strain of S. parvallus grown in a STBR (at 144 h). Peak antimicrobial activity of metabolites produced by MS1/7 and MS3/20 were also attained earlier in the RDBR (at 25 and 12 h, respectively) than in a STBR (at 80 and 28 h, respectively). Antibiotic synthesis in the three isolates, in general, appears to be associated with their growth. Overall, the RDBR may be considered the preferred alternative to the STBR for production of antimicrobials by biofilm-forming estuarine bacteria for its much higher surface/volume ratio, lower costs, and easy operability.

Extracellular calcium regulates parathyroid hormone-related peptide expression in osteoblasts and osteoblast progenitor cells

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) has been shown to have anabolic effects on bone in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. On the cellular level PTHrP promotes the recruitment of osteogenic cells and prevents apoptotic death of osteoblasts and osteocytes. The calcium concentration is considerably higher in the vicinity of resorbing osteoclasts than in the plasma. Therefore the osteoblasts are likely to be confronted by elevated extracellular calcium concentrations in the areas of resorptive activity. The present study was designed to assess the possibility that extracellular calcium could regulate PTHrP expression in osteoblastic cells. Adult human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) were cultured and differentiated by standard methods. The PTHrP release into the culture media was measured by an immunoradiometric assay and the expression of PTHrP, osteocalcin and Runx2 mRNA was assayed by real-time PCR. Increasing the extracellular calcium from 1 mM to 5 mM for 24 h resulted in a 4-6-fold increase in the PTHrP release. PTHrP mRNA was also increased by elevated calcium levels. The effect of calcium stimulation on PTHrP release could be seen within 60 min of treatment. The extracellular calcium sensing receptor (CaR) agonist neomycin mimicked the effects of calcium and the MEK/MAPK inhibitor PD98059 abolished the effect of calcium and neomycin. High extracellular calcium increased the mineralization of hMSC and the expression of osteocalcin, but this effect was not mimicked by neomycin. Our results show that in hMSC, elevated extracellular calcium levels increases both released PTHrP and PTHrP mRNA expression. The effect of calcium on PTHrP can be mimicked by activation of the CaR and can be diminished by inhibition of the MAPK signalling pathway.

Analysis of actinomycin D-DNA model complexes using a quantum-chemical criterion: Mulliken overlap populations

The binding of the antitumoral drug actinomycin D to single- and double-stranded DNA was investigated using molecular modeling in the frame of MM+ molecular mechanics and AM1 semi-empirical method. Two other programs, especially conceived to analyze hydrogen-bonding patterns in biological macromolecules, HBexplore, based on geometrical criteria and SHB_interactions, based on quantum-chemical criteria (Mulliken overlap populations), were also used. The results account for the non-cooperative intercalative binding process previously investigated, and outline the contribution of specific hydrogen bonding as well as CH...O(N) and other atom-atom intermolecular interactions to the stabilization of the actinomycin D-DNA complexes. They also support the hemi-intercalation model proposed in literature for the actinomycin D-ssDNA complex.

Ghrelin treatment of chronic kidney disease: improvements in lean body mass and cytokine profile

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and can result in cachexia with loss of muscle and fat stores. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of treating a model of cancer cachexia with ghrelin and a ghrelin receptor agonist. Currently, we examine a surgical model of CKD in rats, resulting in uremia and decreased accrual of lean body mass. Treatment with ghrelin and two ghrelin receptor agonists (BIM-28125 and BIM-28131) resulted in increased food intake and an improvement in lean body mass accrual that was related in part to a decrease in muscle protein degradation as assessed by muscle levels of the 14-kDa actin fragment resulting from cleaved actomyosin. Additionally, there was a decrease in circulating inflammatory cytokines in nephrectomized animals treated with ghrelin relative to saline treatment. Ghrelin-treated animals also had a decrease in the expression of IL-1 receptor in the brainstem and a decrease in expression of prohormone convertase-2, an enzyme involved in the processing of proopiomelanocortin to the anorexigenic peptide alpha-MSH. We conclude that ghrelin treatment in uremia results in improved lean mass accrual in part due to suppressed muscle proteolysis and possibly related to antiinflammatory effects.

Regulation of insulin gene expression and insulin production in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Compared to mammals, little is known about insulin gene expression in fish. Using transient transfection experiments and mammalian insulinoma cell lines we demonstrate that transcription of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) insulin gene is (a) regulated in a beta-cell-specific manner; and (b) not sensitive to the glucose stimulations. Deletion analysis of the 1575 bp 5' insulin gene flanking sequence revealed that cooperative interactions between regulatory elements within the proximal (-1 to -396 bp) and the distal (-396 bp to -1575 bp) promoter regions were necessary for induction of the beta-cell-specific transcription. Effects of glucose and arginine on endogenous insulin secretion, translation, and transcription in isolated tilapia Brockmann bodies were determined using Northern hybridization, Western analysis, and quantitative RT-PCR. Similar to the regulation of mammalian insulin, we found that increases of glucose (1-70 mM) and arginine (0.4-25 mM) induced insulin secretion. However, transcription of the insulin gene was activated only by extremely high concentrations of glucose and arginine added simultaneously. When stimulated for 24 h with low concentrations of both inducers or with either of them added separately, tilapia beta-cells were able to replenish secreted insulin and to maintain insulin stores at a constant level without elevations of the insulin mRNA levels. Since the basal level of insulin mRNA was approximately 3.7-fold higher in tilapia beta-cells than it is in mammalian beta-cells, insulin production in tilapia cells probably relies on an enlarged intracellular insulin mRNA pool and does not require the transcriptional activation of the insulin gene.

Photobleaching reveals complex effects of inhibitors on transcribing RNA polymerase II in living cells

RNA polymerase II transcribes most eukaryotic genes. Photobleaching studies have revealed that living Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the catalytic subunit of the polymerase tagged with the green fluorescent protein contain a large rapidly exchanging pool of enzyme, plus a smaller engaged fraction; genetic complementation shows this tagged polymerase to be fully functional. We investigated how transcriptional inhibitors--some of which are used therapeutically--affect the engaged fraction in living cells using fluorescence loss in photobleaching; all were used at concentrations that have reversible effects. Various kinase inhibitors (roscovitine, DRB, KM05283, alsterpaullone, isoquinolinesulfonamide derivatives H-7, H-8, H-89, H-9), proteasomal inhibitors (lactacystin, MG132), and an anti-tumour agent (cisplatin) all reduced the engaged fraction; an intercalator (actinomycin D), two histone deacetylase inhibitors (trichostatin A, sodium butyrate), and irradiation with ultra-violet light all increased it. The polymerase proves to be both a sensitive sensor and effector of the response to these inhibitors.

Probing ligand binding to duplex DNA using KMnO4 reactions and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

An electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) strategy employing the thymine-selective KMnO4 oxidation reaction to detect conformational changes and ligand binding sites in noncovalent DNA/drug complexes is reported. ESI-MS/MS is used to detect specific mass shifts of the DNA ions that are associated with the oxidation of thymines. This KMnO4 oxidation/ESI-MS/MS approach is an alternative to conventional gel-based oxidation methods and affords excellent sensitivity while eliminating the reliance on radiolabeled DNA. Comparison of single-strand versus duplex DNA indicates that the duplexes exhibit a significant resistance to the reaction, thus confirming that the oxidation process is favored for unwound or single-strand regions of DNA. DNA complexes containing different drugs including echinomycin, actinomycin-D, ethidium bromide, Hoechst 33342, and cis-C1 were subjected to the oxidation reaction. Echinomycin, a ligand with a bisintercalative binding mode, was found to induce the greatest KMnO4 reactivity, while Hoechst 33342, a minor groove binder, caused no increase in the oxidation of DNA. The oxidation of echinomycin/DNA complexes containing duplexes with different sequences and lengths was also assessed. Duplexes with thymines closer to the terminal ends of the duplex demonstrated a greater increase in the degree of oxidation than those with thymines in the middle of the sequence. Collisional activated dissociation (CAD) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) experiments were used to determine the site of oxidation based on oligonucleotide fragmentation patterns.

Characterization of cyclin L1 as an immobile component of the splicing factor compartment

Cyclin L1 and cyclin L2 are two closely related members of the cyclin family that contain C-terminal arginine- and serine-rich (RS) domains and are localized in the splicing factor compartment (nuclear speckles). Here we applied photobleaching techniques to show that a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein of cyclin L1, in contrast to cyclin L2, was not mobile within the nucleus of living COS7 cells. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterize the intranuclear localization and mobility properties of cyclin L1 in different cellular states, and 2) dissect the structural elements required for immobilization of cyclin L1. Transcriptional arrest by actinomycin D caused accumulation of GFP-cyclin L2 in rounded and enlarged nuclear speckles but did not affect the subnuclear pattern of distribution of GFP-cyclin L1. Although immobile in most phases of the cell cycle, GFP-cyclin L1 was diffusely distributed and highly mobile in the cytoplasm of metaphase cells. By analysis of a series of chimeras, deletion constructs, and a point mutant, a segment within the RS domain of cyclin L1 was identified to be necessary for the immobility of the protein in nuclear speckles. This study provides the first characterization of an immobile component of nuclear speckles.

[The effect of long-term preservation of microbial cells immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel on their viability and biosynthesis of target metabolites]

The effect of cell storage at -18 degrees C for 18-24 months on reproductive capacity was investigated for various microorganisms (gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi) immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel. To examine the viability of immobilized cells after defrosting, the bioluminescent method of intracellular ATP determination was used. A high level of metabolic activity of immobilized cells after various periods of storage was recorded for Streptomyces anulatus, Rhizopus orvzae, and Escherichia coli, which are producers of the antibiotic aurantin, L(+)-lactic acid, and the recombinant enzyme organophosphate hydrolase, respectively. It was shown that the initial concentration of immobilized cells in cryogel granules plays an important role in the survival of Str. anulatus and Pseudomonas putida after 1.5 years of storage. It was found that, after slow defrosting in the storage medium at 50C for 18 h of immobilized cells of the yeast Saccharomvces cerevisiae that had been stored for nine months, the number of reproductive cells increased due to the formation of ascospores.

Functional analysis of neutralizing antibodies against Clostridium perfringens epsilon-toxin

The Clostridium perfringens epsilon-toxin causes a severe, often fatal illness (enterotoxemia) characterized by cardiac, pulmonary, kidney, and brain edema. In this study, we examined the activities of two neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against the C. perfringens epsilon-toxin. Both antibodies inhibited epsilon-toxin cytotoxicity towards cultured MDCK cells and inhibited the ability of the toxin to form pores in the plasma membranes of cells, as shown by staining cells with the membrane-impermeant dye 7-aminoactinomycin D. Using an antibody competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a peptide array, and analysis of mutant toxins, we mapped the epitope recognized by one of the neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to amino acids 134 to 145. The antibody competition ELISA and analysis of mutant toxins suggest that the second neutralizing monoclonal antibody also recognizes an epitope in close proximity to this region. The region comprised of amino acids 134 to 145 overlaps an amphipathic loop corresponding to the putative membrane insertion domain of the toxin. Identifying the epitopes recognized by these neutralizing antibodies constitutes an important first step in the development of therapeutic agents that could be used to counter the effects of the epsilon-toxin.

Mdm2 is required for inhibition of Cdk2 activity by p21, thereby contributing to p53-dependent cell cycle arrest

p53 is extensively posttranslationally modified in response to various types of cellular stress. Such modifications have been implicated in the regulation of p53 protein levels as well as its DNA binding and transcriptional activities. Treatment of cells with doxorubicin causes phosphorylation and acetylation of p53, transcriptional upregulation of p21 and other target genes, and growth arrest. In contrast, downregulation of Mdm2 by a small interfering RNA (siRNA) approach led to increased levels of p53 lacking phosphorylation at serine 15 and acetylation at lysine 382. Levels of binding of p53 to the p21 promoter were comparable following treatment with doxorubicin or Mdm2 siRNA. Moreover, p53 was transcriptionally active and capable of inducing or repressing a variety of its target genes. Surprisingly, p53 upregulated by Mdm2 siRNA had no effect on cell cycle progression. Although comparable in level to that achieved by treatment with the p53 activators actinomycin D and nutlin-3, the increases in p53 and p21 after downregulation of Mdm2 were not sufficient to trigger cell cycle arrest. This version of p21 was capable of interacting with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) but failed to inhibit its activity. Taken together, these results argue that Mdm2 is needed for full inhibition of Cdk2 activity by p21, thereby positively contributing to p53-dependent cell cycle arrest.

HIV Tat protein increases Bcl-2 expression in monocytes which inhibits monocyte apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha-related apoptosis-induced ligand

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of HIV Tat protein on Bcl-2 expression in human monocytes, and observe apoptosis of Tat-stimulated monocytes induced by TNF-alpha-related apoptosis-induced ligand (TRAIL).

METHODS

Western blot was used to detect Bcl-2 expression in monocytes stimulated by HIV Tat protein, and Annexin V and 7-AAD staining were used to detect apoptosis of monocytes induced by TRAIL.

RESULTS

HIV Tat protein increased Bcl-2 expression in human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Annexin V staining showed that 51.54% of monocytes underwent apoptosis after being treated with 100 ng/ml recombinant TRAIL. When monocytes were prestimulated with HIV Tat, only 15.46% of monocytes underwent apoptosis. This effect can be inhibited by polyclonal anti-Tat serum. 7-AAD staining showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

HIV Tat protein increases Bcl-2 expression in monocytes which inhibited apoptosis induced by TRAIL. HIV Tat protein may play an important role in the mechanisms of HIV-persistent infection in monocytes.

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP suppress TNFalpha-induced hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting FADD up-regulation via a protein kinase A-dependent pathway

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) suppress apoptosis in many cell types, including hepatocytes. We have previously shown that membrane-permeable cAMP and cGMP analogs attenuate tumor necrosis factor alpha plus actinomycin D (TNFalpha/ActD)-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes at a step upstream of caspase activation and cytochrome c release. Recently we have also shown that FADD levels increase 10 folds in response to TNFalpha/ActD. Therefore we hypothesized that cAMP and cGMP would inhibit FADD upregulation. We show here that cyclic nucleotide analogs dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP) and 8-bromo-cGMP (Br-cGMP) inhibit cell death and the cleavages of multiple caspases including caspase-10, -9, -8, -3, and -2, as well as suppress FADD protein up-regulation in TNFalpha/ActD-induced apoptosis. The inhibitory effects of cAMP were seen at lower concentrations than cGMP. Both cAMP and cGMP prevented FADD overexpression and cell death in hepatocytes transfected with the FADD gene. A protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, KT 5720, reversed the inhibition of FADD protein levels induced by cAMP or cGMP. In conclusion, our findings indicate that cAMP and cGMP prevent TNFalpha/ActD-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes and that this occurs in association with a near complete inhibition of the upregulation of FADD via a PKA-dependent mechanism.

Prompt non-stacking binding of actinomycin D to hairpin oligonucleotide HP1 and slow redistribution from HP1 to DNA

Complexes of actinomycin D (AMD) and 7-amino-actinomycin D (7AAMD) with model hairpin oligonucleotide HP1 and various types of DNA in aqueous solutions were investigated by steady-state, polarized, time-resolved and stopped-flow fluorimetry, and photometry. Prompt non-stacking binding of the actinomycins inside HP1 was observed. No energy transfer from nucleotides to 7AAMD in the complex was detected, most likely because of the absence of stacking intercalation. Complex formation of AMD or 7AAMD and HP1 was followed by the transition from a random flexible conformation of the hairpin to a more compact rigid structure, and subsequently to hypochromism. Strong competition between AMD and 7AAMD for a cavity in HP1 was observed. The decrease in the 7AAMD emission after addition of DNA to the 7AAMD/HP1 complex indicates that actinomycins can be redistributed from HP1 to DNA, i.e. hairpin oligonucleotides can serve as molecular carriers of actinomycins.

Equol and para-ethyl-phenol stimulate prostaglandin F(2alpha) secretion in bovine corpus luteum: intracellular mechanisms of action

Corpus luteum (CL) is a reproductive gland that plays a crucial endocrine role in the regulation of the estrous cycle, fertility, and pregnancy in cattle. The main function of CL is secretion of progesterone (P4), an important hormone for establishment a successful pregnancy, whereas prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)), 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and testosterone (T) are implicated in the regulation of luteolysis. It has been shown that phytoestrogens may disrupt numerous reproductive functions on several levels of regulation and via different intracellular mechanisms. Using a cell-culture system of steroidogenic cells of the bovine CL, we determined effects of active phytoestrogen metabolites (equol and para-ethyl-phenol) on PGF(2alpha), P4, and T synthesis in steroidogenic CL cells. Moreover, we examined the intracellular mechanisms of phytoestrogen metabolite actions. Phytoestrogen metabolites did not affect P4 production in steroidogenic CL cells. However, PGF(2alpha) and T were significantly stimulated by metabolites of phytoestrogens in the bovine steroidogenic CL cells. To study the intracellular mechanism of endogenous E(2) and phytoestrogen metabolites action, steroidogenic cells were preincubated with a phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122), a protein kinase C inhibitor (staurosporine), an estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI) and a transcription inhibitor (actinomycin D) for 0.5h, and then stimulated with para-ethyl-phenol, equol or E(2). Only U73122 and staurosporine totally reduced the stimulatory effect of E(2) on PGF(2alpha) production by the cells. ICI and actinomycin D only partially reduced E(2) action on CL cells. In contrast, the stimulatory effect of phytoestrogen metabolites was totally inhibited by ICI and actinomycin D. Moreover, in contrast to E(2) action, phytoestrogen metabolites did not cause intracellular calcium mobilization in the cells. The present study demonstrated that phytoestrogen metabolites stimulate PGF(2alpha) secretion in steroidogenic cells of the bovine CL via the estrogen receptor-dependent, genomic pathway.

Evaluation of the Reactivity of Apoptosis Markers Before and After Cryopreservation in Cord Blood CD34+Cells

Umbilical cord blood (CB) CD34(+) cells, on the basis of flow cytometry analysis, are comprised of multiple populations. In in vitro assays, only CD34(regular) FSC(high) cells are functional and low percentages of nonfunctional CD34(regular) FSC(low) cells were determined to be present in liquid-stored CB. Liquid-stored CD34(regular) FSC(high) cells prior to cryopreservation were judged to be functional by the formation of erythroid and myeloid colonies and transmigration assays. We have further evaluated the occurrence of apoptosis in CB CD34(+) cells using various apoptotic markers to understand better the influence of storage conditions that could be utilized with transplantation of CB. Of the CD34(regular) FSC(low) cells shown in the present study, 20-45% were labeled with the apoptotic reagents annexin-V, fluorescent caspase peptide substrates, and the anti-mitochondrial antibody APO2.7, but these cells were minimally stained with 7-aminoactinomycin-D (7-AAD). These apoptotic reagents identify different cellular targets, indicating the initiation of the apoptotic cascade prior to cryopreservation/thawing. Following cryopreservation and thawing, the apoptotic markers SYTO-16, tetramethyl rhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), and 7-AAD showed the presence of apoptotic cells. After cryopreservation/thawing, enumeration of CB CD34(+) cells was reduced 10-65% when excluding cells positive for apoptotic markers. We attempted to limit the progression of apoptosis observed after cryopreservation/thawing by the addition of anti-apoptotic reagents z-VAD-fmk (100 microM) and Q-VD-OPH (100 microM) (peptide inhibitors of caspases) without or with the inclusion of survival reagents for CD34(+) cells-stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), stem cell factor (SCF), thrombopoietin, and diprotin A, an inhibitor of CD26 prior to cryopreservation. The expression of apoptosis markers was minimally affected even when using combinations of caspase inhibitors/ CD34(+) cell survival cytokines in an attempt to block apoptosis caused by cryopreservation/thawing. Decreases in apoptosis marker reactivity following cryopreservation were not observed except for a reduced expression of APO2.7 reactivity with z-VAD-fmk and Q-VD-OPH caspase inhibitors. The ability of the inhibitors of apoptosis of CD34(+) cells to generate CFU-GM, CFU-MK, or BFUE colonies was also unaffected except with z-VAD-fmk (100 microM) and Q-VD-OPH (100 microM). The occurrence of apoptosis, as measured by flow cytometry with selected apoptotic markers, suggests a reduction in the number of viable CD34(+) cells.

The binding of DNA intercalating and non-intercalating compounds to A-form and protonated form of poly(rC).poly(rG): spectroscopic and viscometric study

Polymorphic RNA conformations may serve as potential targets for structure specific antiviral agents. As an initial step in the development of such drugs, the interaction of a wide variety of compounds which are characterized to bind to DNA through classical or partial intercalation or by mechanism of groove binding, with the A-form and the protonated form of poly(rC).poly(rG), been evaluated by multifaceted spectroscopic and viscometric techniques. Results of this study suggest that (i) ethidium intercalates to the A-form of RNA, but does not intercalate to the protonated form, (ii) methylene blue intercalates to the protonated form of the RNA but does not intercalate to the A-form, (iii) actinomycin D does not bind to either conformations of the RNA, and (iv) berberine binds to the protonated form by partial intercalation process, while its binding to the A-form is very weak. The DNA groove binder distamycin A has much higher affinity to the protonated form of the RNA compared to the A-form and binds to both structures by non-intercalative mechanism. We conclude that the binding affinity characteristics of these DNA binding molecules to the RNA conformations are vastly different and may serve as data for the development of RNA based antiviral drugs.

Nongenomic effects of mineralocorticoid receptor activation in the cardiovascular system

Fifteen years ago Wehling and colleagues showed unequivocal rapid effects of aldosterone, neither mimicked by cortisol nor blocked by spironolactone, and postulated that these nongenomic effects are mediated via a membrane receptor distinct from the classical mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Several recent studies have challenged this view. Alzamora et al. showed 11beta-hydroxysteroid denydrogenase 1 and 2 (11betaHSD1, 11betaHSD2) expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells, and that aldosterone rapidly raises intracellular pH via sodium-hydrogen exchange; cortisol is without effect and spironolactone does not block the aldosterone response. When, however, 11betaHSD activity is blocked by carbenoxolone, cortisol shows agonist effects indistinguishable from aldosterone; in addition, the effect of both aldosterone and cortisol is blocked by the open E-ring, water soluble MR antagonist RU28318. In rabbit cardiomyocytes, aldosterone increases intracellular [Na+] by activating Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport, with secondary effects on Na+/K+ pump activity. Pump current rises approximately 10-fold within 15', is unaffected by actinomycin D or the MR antagonist canrenone, and not elevated by cortisol. Pump current is, however, completely blocked by the open E-ring, water soluble MR antagonist K+ canrenoate and stoichometrically by cortisol. PKCepsilon agonist peptides (but not PKCalpha, PKCdelta or scrambled PKCepsilon peptides) mimic the effect of aldosterone, and PKCepsilon antagonist peptides block the effect. Very recently, cortisol has been shown to mimic the effect of aldosterone when cardiomyocyte redox state is altered by the installation of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) via the pipet, paralleling the effect of carbenoxolone on vascular smooth cells and suggesting possible pathophysiologic roles for an always glucocorticoid occupied MR.

Paracrine regulation of growth hormone gene expression by gonadotrophin release in grass carp pituitary cells: functional implications, molecular mechanisms and signal transduction

Growth hormone (GH) is known to stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) release via paracrine interactions between somatotrophs and gonadotrophs. However, it is unclear if LH can exert a reciprocal effect to modulate somatotroph functions. Here we examined the paracrine effects of LH on GH gene expression using grass carp pituitary cells as a cell model. LH receptors were identified in grass carp somatotrophs and their activation by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increased 'steady-state' GH mRNA levels. Removal of endogenous LH by immunoneutralization using LH antiserum inhibited GH release and GH mRNA expression. GH secretagogues, including gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and apomorphine, were effective in elevating GH mRNA levels but these stimulatory actions were blocked by LH antiserum. In pituitary cells pretreated with actinomycin D, the half-life of GH mRNA was not affected by hCG but was enhanced by LH immunoneutralization. Treatment with LH antiserum also suppressed basal levels of mature GH mRNA and primary transcripts. hCG increased cAMP synthesis in carp pituitary cells and hCG-induced GH mRNA expression was mimicked by forskolin but suppressed by inhibiting adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A. Similarly, the stimulatory actions of hCG and forskolin on GH mRNA expression were blocked by inhibiting Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and MAP kinase (MAPK), including P42/44(MAPK) and P38 (MAPK). These results suggest that LH is essential for the maintenance of GH release, GH gene expression, and somatotroph responsiveness to GH-releasing factors. The paracrine actions of LH on GH mRNA expression are mediated by a concurrent increase in GH gene transcription and GH mRNA turnover, probably through JAK2/MAPK coupled to the cAMP-dependent pathway.

Induction of apoptosis in myeloid progenitors by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Spontaneous apoptosis of normal purified bone marrow CD34+ cells induced by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) via the Fas pathway appears to be mediated by caspase-1 and caspase-8 activity. In seeking an alternative explanation for this observation, the present study examined CD34+ cell growth with different cytokines, cytokine concentrations, caspase inhibitors, cell crowding and different media. Exposure of the normal CD34+ cells to different concentrations of GM-CSF and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increased apoptosis at lower concentrations. However, these GM-CSF effects were suppressed by G-CSF. Investigation of the association between apoptosis and crowding and different media showed that: 1) G-CSF and GM-CSF are equally effective as survival factors, and 2) the percentage of apoptotic cells in liquid culture was markedly lower than that found in methylcellulose culture. Finally, immunofluorescence staining showed that Fas was expressed at 10 ng/mL GM-CSF, while Bcl-2 expression was detected at 100 ng/mL. These findings suggest that cytokine concentration, cell culture conditions, cell crowding and cell interactions all are important factors in GM-CSF-induced apoptosis.

[Actinomycin D and its mechanisms of action]

Actinomycin D is a well-known antibiotic of the actinomycin group that exhibits high antibacterial and antitumor activity. Actinomycin D has been widely used in clinical practice since 1954 as an anticancer drug for treating many tumors and it is also a useful tool in biochemistry and molecular biology. According to the Internet bibliographic database -- MEDLINE, actinomycins, and mainly actinomycin D, have been the subject of about 3300 science papers so far, and this paper is a review of the information concerning the mechanisms of action of actinomycin D. There are several mechanisms of its action that are responsible for its cytotoxic and antitumor action, these being associated with DNA functionality, leading to RNA and, consequently, protein synthesis inhibition. The two main mechanisms are intercalation to DNA and the stabilization of cleavable complexes of topoisomerases I and II with DNA, in which a phenoxazone ring localizes between GpC base pair sequence in DNA and polypeptide lactones rings occupy a position in the minor groove of the DNA helix or the drug penetrates to a place in the DNA structure where topoisomerase binds with DNA, respectively. Moreover, the slow dissociation of actinomycin D from DNA complexes, its photodynamic activity and free radical formation, as well as other biochemical effects of activity of actinomycin D may be, as suggested, important factors that influence the biological activity of this drug. In the literature not enough convincing evidence has been proposed that could indicate one particular mechanism of action as responsible for the biological activity of actinomycin D.

Identification of copper(II) binding sites in actinomycin D, a cytostatic drug – correlation of coordination with DNA damage

Actinomycin D (AD) is a potent anticancer drug widely applied in therapy, which however exhibits very high toxicity in humans. As the character of donors present in the AD molecule seems to be very favorable for Cu(II) ions, we undertook the coordination study on the Cu(II)-AD system. Potentiometric experiments proved a formation of very stable complexes and with the use of spectroscopic methods the identification of the binding sites was made. The values of potential energy minima, provided by theoretical modeling, confirmed the feasibility of formation of the complexes in water solution. We also demonstrated a significant effect of Cu(II) ions on AD interactions with DNA. The strand-nicking activity was observed. This process could be correlated with the speciation of complex forms. We also found out that in the presence of H2O2, low levels of Cu(II)-AD complexes induce the formation of considerable amounts of linearised plasmid. In consequence, the hypothesis is proposed that the physiologically available cupric ions may participate in the drug-induced toxic effects.