Site-specific and temporally-regulated retinoblastoma protein dephosphorylation by protein phosphatase type 1

pRb is dephosphorylated at mitotic exit by the type 1 serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PP1). Here we demonstrate for the first time that mitotic pRb dephosphorylation is a sequential, temporally-regulated event. We also provide evidence that the three mammalian isoforms of PP1, alpha, gamma-1, and delta, differ in their respective preferences for site-specific pRb dephosphorylation and that the mitotic and G(1) PP1-isoform counterparts exhibit differential activities towards mitotic pRb. Finally, the physiological relevance of the striking contrast between the patterns of Thr821 and Thr826 dephosphorylation, sites known to be important for disrupting binding of LXCXE-containing proteins to pRb, is addressed.

Detection of the human herpesvirus 8-encoded cyclin protein in primary effusion lymphoma-derived cell lines

The human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8/KSHV), along with certain other herpesviruses, encodes a gene with cyclin homology. Although the functional significance of the encoded cyclin is not clear at present, various lines of evidence propose a role for this cyclin in latently infected cells and possibly in the induction of tumors that arise in HHV8-infected individuals. We provide evidence here that the cyclin protein is expressed in HHV8 positive primary effusion lymphoma (PEL)-derived cell lines and that its level of expression varies greatly between different lines. Our analysis indicates that the level of cyclin protein expression in different PEL cell lines may correlate with the level of transcript expression during latency but not in cells induced to undergo lytic replication. In highly expressing BC-3 cells the cyclin is complexed with cdk6, cdk4, cdk2, and cdk5 under both latent and lytic conditions, although subtle changes in the level of cdk association are seen after induction of the lytic cycle. Altogether our findings support the notion that the cyclin is a latency-associated gene product expressed in PEL tumor cells. They furthermore indicate that after lytic cycle induction, the level of cyclin transcript expression may not be a reliable indicator for the level of cyclin protein expression.

Viral cyclins

Cyclins are regulatory subunits of the cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs). Members of this serine-threonine kinase family regulate the progression of cells through the division cycle. Until some years ago, cyclins were presumed to be encoded exclusively by eukaryotic cells. However, sequencing in 1996 of a simian herpesvirus, the herpesvirus saimiri, uncovered an open reading frame with sequence similarity to cellular cyclins. What at the time was a surprise for virologists and cell biologists alike, has become an accepted occurrence now. Eight different cyclin-encoding viruses have been described to date. One of them is the recently discovered human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV) suspected to cause Kaposi's sarcoma and certain B cell-lymphoproliferations in man. The significance of virus-encoded cyclins in the viral life cycle is currently unclear. However, the link between specific cellular cyclins and cancer suggests that virus-encoded cyclins could be involved in oncogenic events associated with these cyclin-encoding viruses.

Binding of select forms of pRB to protein phosphatase type 1 independent of catalytic activity

The product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, pRB, is a demonstrated substrate for the type 1 serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PP1). Curiously, there has been a paucity of data supporting the idea that phosphorylated pRB can be found in a complex with PP1. To more fully characterize the association between these two proteins, we utilized a PP1-affinity chromatography approach to increase our ability to capture from mammalian cell lysate populations of pRB capable of binding to PP1. Western blot analysis of the bound proteins indicates that both faster migrating, hypophosphorylated pRB, as well as slower migrating, hyperphosphorylated pRB can bind. Phosphorylated pRB binding was confirmed by immunoprecipitation of eluted 32P-labeled pRB. In addition, Western blotting of eluted proteins with pRB phosphorylated-site-specific antibodies revealed select phosphorylated forms of pRB binding to PP1. Similar binding studies performed with toxin-inhibited PP1 indicate that catalytic activity of PP1 is not required for pRB binding. The significance of this finding with respect to the functional importance of this interaction is discussed.

Latent nuclear antigen of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus interacts with RING3, a homolog of the Drosophila female sterile homeotic (fsh) gene

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) is the likely infectious cause of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and some cases of multicentric Castleman's disease. Its latent nuclear antigen (LANA) is expressed in the nuclei of latently infected cells and may play a role in the persistence of episomal viral DNA in dividing cells. Here we report that LANA interacts with RING3, a nuclear protein and member of the Drosophila fsh (female sterile homeotic) family of proteins, some of which have previously been implicated in controlling gene expression. Binding of RING3 to LANA involves the ET domain, characteristic of fsh-related proteins, suggesting that this highly conserved region is involved in protein-protein interactions. The interaction between RING3 and LANA results in phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues located between amino acids 951 and 1107 in the carboxy-terminal region of LANA. However, RING3 is not itself a kinase but appears to recruit an as yet unidentified serine/threonine protein kinase into the complex which it forms with LANA.

Antiproliferative function of p27kip1 is frequently inhibited in highly malignant Burkitt's lymphoma cells

Lack of detectable expression of p27kip1 cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor has previously been correlated with high degree of malignancy in human breast, colorectal, gastric and small cell lung carcinomas. Here we demonstrate that an inverse correlation between p27kip1 expression and tumour malignancy also exists in most types of human B cell lymphomas examined. A clear exception was Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), a highly malignant tumour which often expresses high levels of p27kip1. Analysis of p27kip1 derived from Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines expressing high levels of p27kip1, BL40 and BL41, in a cyclin E/cdk2 kinase inhibition assay demonstrated that p27kip1 is not permanently inactivated since heat treatment can restore the inhibitory activity of p27kip1. However, p27kip1 expressed in these two cell lines is largely sequestered in inactive complexes and we have no evidence that c-myc or Epstein-Barr virus are responsible for the sequestration of p27kip1 in these two cell lines although c-myc and EBV are two oncogenic agents often associated with Burkitt's lymphomas. Interestingly, we observed that high level p27kip1 expression often correlated with cyclin D3 overexpression both in vivo and in BL cell lines. The majority of p27kip1 in BL40 cells was complexed with cyclin D3 indicating that overexpressed cyclin D3 may at least be part of the sequestering activity for the inhibitory function of p27kip1. Furthermore, cyclinD3/cdk4 complex could sequester p27kip1 in a cyclin E/cdk2 kinase assay in vitro. Finally, we show that cyclin D3 transfected into an inducible p27kip1 cell line could overcome the G1 arrest mediated by p27kip1. These results argue that in addition to down-regulation of p27kip1 expression, some tumour cells can sequester and tolerate the antiproliferative function of p27kip1. They also suggest a novel role for the overexpression of D-type cyclins as one pathway allowing tumour cells to overcome the antiproliferative function of p27kip1.

Viral encoded cyclins

Cyclins are known effectors of cellular proliferation. While originally considered as the product of cellular genes, it is now clear that representatives of this class of proteins can be encoded by certain viruses. One of these viruses is HHV-8, a gamma herpesvirus implicated as a causative agent of Kaposi's Sarcoma and lymphomas in humans. The significance of the virally encoded cyclin proteins in viral propagation is as yet unclear. However, the fact that deregulation of cellular cyclin expression is a known event in tumour development suggests that the virally encoded cyclins could be part of a mechanism utilised by these viruses to induce tumour formation.

Modulation of cell proliferation by cytokeratins K10 and K16

The members of the large keratin family of cytoskeletal proteins are expressed in a carefully regulated tissue- and differentiation-specific manner. Although these proteins are thought to be involved in imparting mechanical integrity to epithelial cells, the functional significance of their complex differential expression is still unclear. Here we provide new data suggesting that the expression of particular keratins may influence cell proliferation. Specifically, we demonstrate that the ectopic expression of K10 inhibits the proliferation of human keratinocytes in culture, while K16 expression appears to promote the proliferation of these cells. Other keratins, such as K13 or K14, do not significantly alter this parameter. K10-induced inhibition is reversed by the coexpression of K16 but not that of K14. These results are coherent with the observed expression pattern of these proteins in the epidermis: basal, proliferative keratinocytes express K14; when they terminally differentiate, keratinocytes switch off K14 and start K10 expression, whereas in response to hyperproliferative stimuli, K16 replaces K10. The characteristics of this process indicate that K10 and K16 act on the retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway, as (i) K10-induced inhibition is hampered by cotransfection with viral oncoproteins which interfere with pRb but not with p53; (ii) K10-mediated cell growth arrest is rescued by the coexpression of specific cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), or cyclin-CDK complexes; (iii) K10-induced inhibition does not take place in Rb-deficient cells but is restored in these cells by cotransfection with pRb or p107 but not p130; (iv) K16 efficiently rescues the cell growth arrest induced by pRb in HaCaT cells but not that induced by p107 or p130; and (v) pRb phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression are reduced in K10-transfected cells and increased in K16-transfected cells. Finally, using K10 deletion mutants, we map this inhibitory function to the nonhelical terminal domains of K10, hypervariable regions in which keratin-specific functions are thought to reside, and demonstrate that the presence of one of these domains is sufficient to promote cell growth arrest.

Activation of cyclin A gene expression by the cyclin encoded by human herpesvirus-8

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, encodes a protein, referred to as HHV8-Vcyc, with sequence similarity to human G1 cyclins, in particular of the D type. HHV8-Vcyc is expressed in Kaposi's sarcoma and functional analysis suggests that it can activate cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk) and thereby trigger inactivation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), indicating that HHV8-Vcyc may contribute to the oncogenic potential of HHV-8. We show here that HHV8-Vcyc can activate transcription of the human cyclin A gene in quiescent cells, a property shared with known transforming oncogenes. Transcriptional activation by HHV8-Vcyc depends on an E2F-binding site in the cyclin A promoter, and cdk6 kinase activity is required. The ability of HHV8-Vcyc to activate cyclin A gene expression is shared by D-type cyclins and cyclin E. Unlike D-type cyclins, HHV8-Vcyc is unable to trigger phosphorylation of the pRb-related protein p107 and fails to induce dissociation of p107 from E2F. Unlike cyclin E, HHV8-Vcyc fails to interact physically with E2F complexes on the cyclin A promoter. These results provide additional evidence for the notion that the HHV-8-encoded cyclin differs in several properties from cellular G1 cyclins.

RB regulates the stability and the apoptotic function of p53 via MDM2

The binding of RB to MDM2 is shown to be essential for RB to overcome both the antiapoptotic function of MDM2 and the MDM2-dependent degradation of p53. The RB-MDM2 interaction does not prevent MDM2 from inhibiting p53-dependent transcription, but the RB-MDM2 complex still binds to p53. Since RB specifically rescues the apoptotic function but not the transcriptional activity of p53 from negative regulation by MDM2, transactivation by wild-type p53 is not required for the apoptotic function of p53. However, an RB-MDM2-p53 trimeric complex is active in p53-mediated transrepression. These data link directly the function of two tumor suppressor proteins and demonstrate a novel role of RB in regulating the apoptotic function of p53.

Degradation of p27(Kip) cdk inhibitor triggered by Kaposi's sarcoma virus cyclin-cdk6 complex

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV8) encodes a protein similar to cellular cyclins. This cyclin is most closely related to cellular D-type cyclins, but biochemically it behaves atypically in various respects. Complexes formed between the viral cyclin and the cyclin-dependent kinase subunit, cdk6, can phosphorylate a wider range of substrates and are resistant to cdk inhibitory proteins. We show here that the KSHV-cyclin-cdk6 complex phosphorylates p27(Kip) on a C-terminal threonine that is implicated in destabilization of this cdk inhibitor. Expression of the viral cyclin in tissue culture cells overcomes a cell cycle block by p27(Kip). However, full cell-cycle transit of these cells appears to depend on C-terminal phosphorylation of p27(Kip) and seems to involve transactivation of other cellular cyclin-dependent kinases. A p27(Kip)-phosphorylating cdk6 complex exists in cell lines derived from primary effusion lymphoma and in Kaposi's sarcoma, this indicating that virally induced p27(Kip) degradation may occur in KSHV-associated tumours.

pRB phosphorylation mutants reveal role of pRB in regulating S phase completion by a mechanism independent of E2F

Progression of cells into S phase is controlled by the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and relies on the functional inactivation of this tumour suppressor in late G1 via protein phosphorylation. We provide evidence here that, besides controlling entry of cells into S phase, pRB can operate to inhibit S phase completion. Differential arrays of phosphorylation appear to regulate these different events, suggesting that cycle progression at these two stages of the cell cycle may be achieved via activation of distinct downstream pRB effector pathways. In agreement with this hypothesis, pRB's ability to prevent S phase entry, but not its ability to inhibit S phase completion, correlates with repression of E2F-regulated promoters. Furthermore, ectopic expression of E2F or the E2F-regulated cyclin E gene promote S phase entry in cells expressing phosphorylation-defective pRB but neither is sufficient to trigger completion of S phase. Our findings raise the possibility that pRB, in addition to its well-established role in controlling a checkpoint in late G1, could be involved in the control of a further checkpoint operating during S phase and that implementation of this checkpoint relies on an as yet unidentified pRB effector distinct from E2F.

Control of pRB phosphorylation

Two opposing enzymatic reactions control the activity of the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein, pRB. Phosphorylation inactivates pRB's ability to sequester miscellaneous cellular proteins, mostly involved in regulating gene transcription, whereas pRB dephosphorylation restores this ability. For some time now it has been suspected that members of the cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase (cyclin/cdk) family mediate pRB inactivation. Recent results indicate that pRB phosphorylation is not executed by single kinase but by a combination of cyclin/cdks, each one phosphorylating a subset of pRB's phosphorylation sites. The different kinases appear to be activated by growth factors through distinct signal transduction pathways. This lends itself to an attractive model whereby pRB phosphorylation may constitute an integration point for these signalling pathways, perhaps allowing cell cycle progression only when concurrent activation of these signalling pathways has been achieved.

The cyclin encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus stimulates cdk6 to phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein and histone H1

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV or human herpesvirus 8) is a novel gammaherpesvirus implicated in the cause of Kaposi's sarcoma and certain malignancies of lymphatic origin. One of the candidate genes possibly involved in promoting tumor development is an open reading frame (ORF) with sequence similarity to human type D cyclin genes. This cyclin-like gene, when expressed in tissue culture cells, promotes phosphorylation and inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein and thereby may result in deregulation of cell division control. We report here the biochemical characterization of this cyclin (KSHV-cyc) and the kinase activity that it elicits upon expression in tissue culture cells. We demonstrate that the kinase activity associated with KSHV-cyc is sensitive to the cdk inhibitor p27 (KIP) and due to activation of cdk6. However, in contrast to cdk6 activated by cellular type D cyclins, the cdk6 activated by KSHV-cyc is capable of phosphorylating not only the retinoblastoma protein but also histone H1. This finding implies that activation by KSHV-cyc alters the substrate preference of this cdk. This may have important physiological consequences in that the kinase activity triggered by this viral cyclin may abrogate cell cycle checkpoints in addition to those targeted by cellular cyclin D-cdk6 kinase.

Differential phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein by G1/S cyclin-dependent kinases

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein, pRB, is inactivated by phosphorylation. While existing evidence is strong that such phosphorylation is mediated by one or more cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) active during G1/S, it remains unclear which of the various CDKs is responsible. We show here that three candidate pRB-inactivating kinases, CDK4-cyclin D1, CDK2-cyclin E, and CDK2-cyclin A, phosphorylate pRB differentially, each on a subset of authentic pRB phosphorylation sites. Notably, two neighboring pRB phosphate acceptors, threonine 821 and threonine 826, which have previously been implicated in the regulation of LXCXE protein binding, are phosphorylated by different CDKs. We demonstrate that phosphorylation by either CDK2-cyclin A, which phosphorylates T821, or CDK4-cyclin D1, which phosphorylates threonine 826, can disable pRB for subsequent binding of an LXCXE protein. However, only one of these two kinases, CDK2-cyclin A, can dissociate a pre-existing LXCXE protein-pRB complex. We provide evidence that prior binding of an LXCXE protein blocks access to certain residues specifically targeted by CDK4-cyclin D1, explaining the inability of this kinase to resolve such complexes. While these results are not direct proof of the relevance of differential pRB phosphorylation in cells, our findings support a model whereby full phosphorylation of pRB may require the action of more than one kinase and explains how such differential phosphorylation by different CDKs might translate into a differential regulation of downstream effector pathways.

Ras signalling is required for inactivation of the tumour suppressor pRb cell-cycle control protein

Ras proteins act as molecular switches, responding to signals by entering the active GTP-bound, rather than the inactive GDP-bound, state. The inhibition of normal Ras proteins by microinjection of neutralizing antibody or expression of dominant-negative mutants has shown that Ras signalling is required for growth factors to stimulate DNA synthesis [1] [2], but the link between Ras and the cell-cycle machinery is not clear. Regulation of the phosphorylation state of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), the product of the tumour suppressor gene Rb, is a key event in the progression of cells from G1 phase into S phase. In growth-arrested or early G1 cells, pRb is hypophosphorylated and binds to transcription factors of the E2F family [3]. These pRb-E2F complexes act to suppress gene transcription required for entry into DNA synthesis either by preventing E2F from stimulating transcription or by actively repressing transcription [4]. During G1, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) become activated and phosphorylate pRb at multiple sites, leading to the dissolution of pRb-E2F complexes and gene transcription [5]. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that Ras signalling is required for the inactivation of pRb. A neutralizing antibody directed against p21Ras was microinjected into cells derived from mutant mouse embryos that lack Rb or CDK inhibitors (CDKIs). Cells without pRb or the p16 CDKI were more resistant to the inhibitory effects of the anti-Ras antibody. DNA synthesis in some tumour cell lines was completely resistant to the anti-Ras injection, indicating that p21Ras is required for pRb inactivation but also has other functions in cell-cycle progression.

Monoclonal antibodies specific for underphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein identify a cell cycle regulated phosphorylation site targeted by CDKs

The growth suppressive activity of the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein is controlled by cell cycle dependent phosphorylation. However, while many in vivo phosphorylation sites have been mapped, the identities of those residues whose phosphorylation is regulated remain elusive. We have mapped the epitopes of three independent monoclonal antibodies that recognise a distinction between differentially phosphorylated pRB sub-populations. All three antibodies recognise an identical epitope which encompasses an essential serine positioned within a consensus site for proline directed kinase phosphorylation. We provide evidence that this residue, serine 608 of pRB, is an authentic phosphorylation site that can be phosphorylated in vitro by cyclin A-CDK2 and cyclin D1-CDK4 kinases but not by cyclin E-CDK2 kinase or the mitogen activated kinase ERK2. Phosphorylation at this residue seems to be cell cycle regulated, occurring prior to entry into the S phase.

Regulation and activity of the retinoblastoma protein family in growth factor-deprived and TGF(beta)-treated keratinocytes

The retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and the pRB-related pocket proteins p130 and p107, when bound to DNA via the E2F family of transcription factors, suppress transcription and through this may mediate growth arrest. We show here that in HaCat cells arrested by treatment with TGFbeta the only pocket protein associating with DNA-bound E2F is pRB. This contrasts the situation in HaCat cells arrested via growth factor withdrawal, where we find that both pRB and p130 can bind. The above implies that p130 participates in regulating E2F-dependent genes upon growth factor deprivation but not upon TGFbeta arrest. More importantly perhaps, in TGFbeta-arrested cells pRB alone in association with its partner E2Fs may be in charge and sufficient to control E2F-dependent gene transcription. Although p130 is not associated with a DNA-binding E2F complex in TGFbeta-treated cells, it is present in such cells in its underphosphorylated form. We provide evidence for a serum-induced process that may regulate p130 by a mechanism independent of p130 hyperphosphorylation.

Identification of a Myc-dependent step during the formation of active G1 cyclin-cdk complexes

Activation of conditional alleles of Myc can induce proliferation in quiescent cells. We now report that induction of Myc in density-arrested fibroblasts triggers rapid hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein and activation of both cyclin D1- and cyclin E-associated kinase activities in the absence of significant changes in the amounts of cyclin-cdk complexes. Kinase activation by Myc is blocked by inhibitors of transcription and requires intact DNA binding and heterodimerization domains of Myc. Activation of cyclin E-cdk2 kinase in serum-starved cells occurs in two steps. The first is induced by Myc and involves the release of a 120 kDa cyclin E-cdk2 complex from a 250 kDa inactive complex that is present in starved cells. This is necessary, but not sufficient, to generate full kinase activity, as cdc25 phosphatase activity is limiting in the absence of external growth factors. In vivo cdc25 activity can be supplied by the addition of growth factors. In vitro recombinant cdc25a strongly activates the 120 kDa, but only poorly activates the 250 kDa cyclin E-cdk2 complex. Our data show that two distinct signals, one of which is supplied by Myc, are necessary for consecutive steps during growth factor-induced formation of active cyclin E-cdk2 complexes in G(o)-arrested rodent fibroblasts.

Distinct sub-populations of the retinoblastoma protein show a distinct pattern of phosphorylation

Phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) is assumed to regulate its growth-controlling function. Moreover, hypophosphorylated and hyperphosphorylated forms of pRB can be distinguished by virtue of the distinct affinities with which they bind to the cell nucleus. This property allows the identification of individual cell nuclei that contain pRB in one or the other form. We show here that after cells emerge from a quiescent (G0) state, conversion of their complement of pRB into a hyperphosphorylated form occurs in late G1, preceding entry into S phase by several hours. Thus, contrary to earlier reports, pRB phosphorylation is not co-ordinated with the G1-S transition and may not directly regulate it. A distinct set of phosphopeptides is found exclusively in those forms of pRB that show the loose nuclear association characteristic of the hyperphosphorylated form of pRB. Another set of phosphopeptides is found with both hypophosphorylated and hyperphosphorylated forms. This suggests the existence of distinct patterns of phosphorylation that are associated with different subsets of pRB molecules. We conclude that substantial phosphorylation of pRB exists in G1 even prior to the hyperphosphorylation point. Cyclin-dependent kinases can cause a liberation of pRB from cell nuclei in vitro. Phosphorylation by members of this kinase family is therefore likely to be directly involved in the change in nuclear affinity in vivo and the associated changes in pRB functioning.

Regulation of retinoblastoma protein functions by ectopic expression of human cyclins

The retinoblastoma susceptibility gene (RB) product, the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), functions as a regulator of cell proliferation. Introduction of the RB gene into SAOS-2 osteosarcoma cells, which lack functional pRb, prevents cell cycle progression. Such growth-suppressive functions can be modulated by phosphorylation of pRb, which occurs via cell cycle-regulated kinases. We show that constitutively expressed cyclins A and E can overcome pRb-mediated suppression of proliferation. pRb becomes hyperphosphorylated in cells overexpressing these cyclins, and this phosphorylation is essential for cyclin A- and cyclin E-mediated rescue of pRb-blocked cells. This suggests that G1 and S phase cyclins can act as regulators of pRb function in the cell cycle by promoting pRb phosphorylation.

The retinoblastoma protein and the regulation of cell cycling

Increasing attention has been focused on how the retinoblastoma (RB) protein regulates cell growth. Recent evidence indicates that it is a substrate for phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase-cyclin complexes and suggests that this phosphorylation modulates the ability of this protein to regulate transit through the cell cycle, perhaps in its G1 phase.

G1/S phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein is associated with an altered affinity for the nuclear compartment

Hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) is assumed to be a regulatory event leading to the inactivation of its growth-repressing functions. We demonstrate a functional alteration linked to the phosphorylation status of the protein. The un- or under-phosphorylated species are tightly associated with the nuclear structure. The association is resistant to digestion with nucleases, and release requires elevated salt concentrations. In contrast, the hyperphosphorylated species are eluted under hypotonic buffer conditions. The conversion from low salt-resistant to low salt-extractable pRB occurs with transition through the G1/S boundary of the cell cycle and thus parallels the reported onset of pRB phosphorylation. The ability to form a tight nuclear association is impaired in several naturally occurring pRB mutants, all of which show alterations within the binding region for viral oncoproteins. We suggest that the tight nuclear interaction is essential for the growth-regulating functions of pRB and may be preempted by viral oncoproteins.

Different effects of IFN gamma and IFN alpha/beta on "immediate early" gene expression of HSV-1

The effects of interferon gamma (IFN gamma) on early steps of herpes simplex virus (Type 1; HSV-1) replication in primary cultures of splenic mouse macrophages were analyzed and compared to IFN alpha/beta. Pretreatment of macrophages with recombinant murine IFN gamma led to a dose-dependent reduction in the yield of progeny virus. Inhibition of protein synthesis was observed for HSV-1 alpha, beta and gamma-proteins. Expression of the "immediate early" (IE) gene IE3 (ICP4) was investigated in detail. Steady-state level of the RNA and transcriptional activity of the gene in IFN gamma-treated cells were comparable to control-infected cells except for a delay in their kinetics. This is in contrast to IFN alpha/beta, which leads to a stable decrease in IE3 transcripts. Since IFN gamma causes a stable decrease in the IE3 gene product ICP4, our data suggest a translational inhibition of HSV-1 IE gene expression in IFN gamma-treated macrophages. Thus, IFN gamma and IFN alpha/beta inhibit HSV-1 replication by different mechanisms which may lead to a synergistic enhancement of inhibition after combined treatment.

Persistent replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in JOK-1 cells

Infection of the human B cell line JOK-1 with herpes simplex virus type 1 persisted over a period of more than 12 months (to date). Although limited cytopathic effects were seen, viral infection did not lead to extinction of the culture. Infectious centre assays, performed at various times after infection, revealed that only a small proportion of cells (1 to 10%) produced infectious virus particles. However, immunofluorescence studies showed that at any given time considerably more cells than calculated by infectious centre assays contained the immediate early viral protein ICP4 and expressed viral glycoproteins. These observations were confirmed by in situ hybridization analyses which revealed the presence of viral DNA even in cells not producing infectious particles. Since no evidence for the involvement of interferon could be found, some other so far unknown intrinsic property of the cells must be responsible for the restriction of virus replication and/or maturation.

Beta interferon subtype 1 induction by tumor necrosis factor

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induces an antiviral state in various cell lines. This antiviral state is quite similar to that established by interferon (IFN), e.g., TNF treatment of HEp-2 cells induces 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity. Both antiviral activity and synthetase induction are greatly reduced when TNF treatment occurs in the presence of a beta interferon subtype 1 (IFN-beta 1)-neutralizing antiserum. However, no one has yet directly demonstrated IFN-beta 1 induction, either as an antiviral activity in supernatants from TNF-treated cells or as IFN-specific mRNA by Northern (RNA) blot analysis. We have adopted a recently described in vitro DNA amplification protocol for the detection of specific RNAs. By applying this method to RNA from HEp-2 cells, we could demonstrate increased levels of IFN-beta 1-specific transcripts after TNF treatment. Dose response and kinetics of IFN-beta 1 induction coincided with the TNF-induced antiviral state. Nuclear run-on analysis showed enhanced transcriptional activity of the IFN-beta 1 gene in TNF-treated cells. Our data substantiate a role of IFN-beta 1 as mediator of the biological activity of TNF in HEp-2 cells.

Isolation and functional characterization of the murine interferon-beta 1 promoter

A murine cosmid clone harboring the single-copy interferon-beta 1 (IFN-beta 1) gene and extended flanking sequences was isolated. The functional IFN-beta 1 promoter is contained within a 170-bp DNA fragment located 5' of the coding sequence. This was shown by fusion of this fragment to a heterologous reporter gene and transient as well as stable expression in mouse L and monkey CV-1 cells. With the help of these functional assays, it could be demonstrated that the 5'-flanking sequences are the target for the typical regulatory action of common type I IFN activators. DNA sequencing reveals a considerable homology to the human IFN-beta 1 promoter within the 280 upstream base pairs. The homology is particularly pronounced within the DNA region containing the virus responsive element (VRE). This phenomenon may explain the similarity of both genes in the mode of regulation. The mouse promoter fragment compared with the human equivalent was shown to be several times more efficient in transcriptional activation in murine and primate cells.

Interferon treatment inhibits onset of herpes simplex virus immediate-early transcription

Pretreatment of primary cultures of splenic mouse macrophages with murine IFN-alpha/beta leads to a stable inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1. Analysis of viral DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis identifies expression of "immediate-early" genes as a major target of IFN-mediated inhibition. Determination of viral DNA in the nuclei early after infection, i.e., before onset of DNA replication, suggests that virus uptake, transport to the nucleus, and DNA stability are not decreased in IFN-pretreated macrophages. Nuclear runoff transcription analysis shows a significant reduction of immediate-early transcription rates following IFN treatment. End-specific probes for the ICP4 gene locate the inhibition to the onset of transcription. Northern blot analysis reveals a decrease in ICP4 transcripts in accordance with the observed inhibition of transcription. The observed inhibition of early gene transcription may be a consequence of decreased immediate-early gene expression.

Different antitumor mechanisms of interferon-alpha in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia and renal cell cancer

There is increasing evidence for the therapeutic effectiveness of Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in malignant diseases. However, the antitumor mechanisms of IFN-alpha are not known. Using two examples, hairy Cell leukemia (HCL) and renal cell cancer (RCC), it is shown that the requirements for successful IFN-alpha therapy of HCL and RCC are different. In HCL low doses of IFN-alpha are sufficient to treat the disease. The reduction of hairy cells in peripheral blood is detectable within the first week of treatment. The endogenous IFN-alpha production in these patients is impaired as demonstrated by the lack of IFN-alpha induction and by low levels of 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A possible reason for deficient endogenous IFN-alpha production is the lack of monocytes in HCL patients. It is likely that therapy with low doses of IFN-alpha substitutes for the endogenous IFN-alpha deficiency. In RCC comparatively high doses of IFN-alpha are necessary for a clinical response. There may be differences between the effectiveness of natural and recombinant alpha interferons. High doses given within a week seem to be more important than high single doses, which therefore suggests the need of daily treatment. Responses of RCC to IFN-alpha therapy are usually seen several months after the beginning of therapy. These differences in the effectiveness of IFN-alpha therapy for HCL and RCC suggest that IFN-alpha acts differently in the treatment of each disease.

Selection and characterization of interferon-sensitive cells derived from an interferon-resistant NIH 3T3 line

We have developed a selection protocol to isolate interferon (IFN)-sensitive subclones directly from an IFN-resistant cell population. The protocol uses encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) as a selection agent in combination with pretreatment with low doses of IFN and subsequent growth in the presence of virus-neutralizing antiserum. We have applied this protocol to the partially IFN-resistant NIH 3T3 clone 1 line and have obtained a number of IFN-sensitive subclones. Sensitivity to IFN was restricted to protection against EMCV. Replication of vesicular stomatitis virus as well as cell growth were resistant to IFN treatment as in the original clone 1 line. We have compared levels of 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase, dsRNA-activated protein kinase and 2-5A-dependent RNase in some IFN-sensitive subclones and found no difference from the resistant clone 1 cells. Markedly decreased levels of 2-5A-dependent RNase and thus a defective 2-5A pathway have been implicated as a possible cause for the partial resistance of clone 1 cells to IFN. Since the selected IFN-sensitive subclones are of the same phenotype in this respect as the clone 1 line we suggest that inhibition of EMCV in these lines occurs through a mechanism independent of the 2-5A system.

Role of interferon in persistent infection of macrophages with herpes simplex virus

Splenic macrophage cultures from C57BL/6 mice resistant to infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) in vivo survived HSV infection in vitro. In contrast, macrophages from HSV-susceptible DBA/2 mice were completely lysed by the virus. During prolonged culturing, macrophages from C57BL/6 mice continued to produce infectious virus, indicating establishment of a persistent infection. At this time, interferon (IFN) was undetectable. However, as shown directly by the addition of an anti-IFN serum and indirectly by an increased activity of (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase, IFN was involved in the maintenance of the persistent infection. During the acute phase of virus infection, viral DNA replication was identical in macrophages from resistant or susceptible mice. Later, viral DNA content and the number of cells expressing HSV antigens decreased in macrophages from C57BL/6 mice. However, single cells remained to express viral proteins and to produce infectious particles. The results show that macrophages can be persistently infected with HSV due to their genetically controlled properties.

Antiviral effects of recombinant tumour necrosis factor in vitro

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) was first described as a factor in the serum of mice injected with tubercle bacilli (BCG) and several days later with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The gene encoding TNF has recently been cloned and pure recombinant human TNF is now available. TNF is known for its in vivo antitumour effect and in vitro cytotoxicity on certain transformed cell lines. Similarities in amino acid sequence and biological activity to lymphotoxin and cachectin have been reported, and very recently a growth-factor-like activity on diploid fibroblasts was observed. There is no similarity between these proteins and interferons (IFNs), which are also induced during in vivo induction of TNF. Here we describe the antiviral activity of pure recombinant human TNF in a typical in vitro antiviral assay which we discovered while investigating the possible role of TNF as an inducer of IFN.

Antiviral activity of prostaglandin A on encephalomyocarditis virus-infected cells: a unique effect unrelated to interferon

Antiviral effects of prostaglandins of the A series (PGAs) on Sendai, vaccinia and vesicular stomatitis viruses have previously been reported and a relationship between the antiviral actions of PGAs and interferons has been suggested. We have investigated the antiviral activity of PGAs on encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus. Using single-cycle assays of virus replication our results indicate that PGAs only inhibit when present in the culture medium after the cells are infected, and that they are most effective during incubation periods including from 3 to 5 h post-infection. Furthermore, viral RNA synthesis is blocked in infected cells treated with PGA and, as a result, viral antigens are greatly reduced in the cytoplasm of the cells 5 h post-infection. Since the antiviral effect of PGAs is unperturbed by actinomycin D, when cellular RNA synthesis is greatly reduced, it appears unlikely that induction of new cellular proteins is the reason for the antiviral activity of PGAs. In separate experiments we were unable to demonstrate directly the induction of interferon, or of the two dsRNA-dependent enzymes, 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase and protein kinase, which are greatly increased in interferon-treated cells. Thus, we conclude that the antiviral activity of PGAs is unrelated to the antiviral action of interferons and involves a unique mechanism independent of cellular protein synthesis.

Integration of different keratins into the same filament system after microinjection of mRNA for epidermal keratins into kidney epithelial cells

We have isolated poly (A)+ RNA, highly enriched in keratin mRNA from bovine muzzle epidermis, and injected it into epithelial cells of a different type, i.e., cultured kidney epithelial cells of the same (MDBK) or taxonomically distant (PtK2) species. Both recipient cell lines contain keratin polypeptides that are different from those present in epidermal cells. Using keratin subtype-specific antibodies in immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, we show that foreign keratin mRNAs when injected into a different type of epithelial cell can recruit polyribosomes and are translated together with the keratin mRNAs of the host cell. Foreign epidermal keratins are excluded from vimentin filaments and other structures but readily coassemble with the endogenous keratins and appear to be integrated into the meshwork of the preexisting kidney-type keratin filaments. Our observations indicate that different sets of keratin polypeptides from the same or different species can coassemble in the living cell into a common filament system. Thus we have developed a procedure that allows experimental alteration of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton within living epithelial cells.

Significance of two desmosome plaque-associated polypeptides of molecular weights 75 000 and 83 000

Isolated desmosomes from bovine epidermis contain two major polypeptides of mol. wts. 75 000 (D6) and 83 000 (D5) which, like the desmoplakins of mol. wt. greater than 200 000, are associated with the insoluble desmosomal plaque structure. We have characterized these two polypeptides and examined their significance by peptide map comparisons and translation of bovine epidermal mRNA in vitro. Polypeptide D5 is different from polypeptide D6 by its apparent mol. wt., its isoelectric pH (approximately 6.35, whereas D6 is a basic polypeptide isoelectric at pH approximately 8.5) and its peptide map. By all these criteria desmosomal polypeptides D5 and D6 are also different from cytokeratins, desmoplakins and the glycosylated desmosomal proteins. Both polypeptides are synthesized from different mRNAs separable by gel electrophoresis on agarose: mRNA coding for polypeptide D5 is approximately 3500 nucleotides long, that for D6 is significantly shorter (estimated to 3050 nucleotides), and both contain relatively large proportions of non-coding sequences. The translational products of these mRNAs co-migrate, on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, with the specific polypeptides from bovine epidermis, indicating that they are genuine polypeptides and are not the result of considerable post-translational processing or modification of precursor molecules. The cell and tissue distribution of these two cytoskeletal proteins and possible functions are discussed.

Myocardial ischemia: the pathogenesis of irreversible cell injury in ischemia

Cells made ischemic rapidly manifest many distinct structural and functional alterations as a consequence of the depletion of their energy stores. In attempting to determine which of these are causally related to the eventual cell death, the authors have emphasized the relationship to the reversibility of the ischemic injury. Two phenomena have consistently characterized irreversibly in contrast to reversibly injured ischemic cells: the inability to restore mitochondrial function and evidence of plasma membrane damage. Studies in the authors' laboratory are reviewed that have focused on the pathogenesis, biochemical nature, and the relationship to irreversible cell injury of both of these alterations. A number of mitochondrial abnormalities are related to changes in long-chain acyl-CoA metabolism with inhibition of adenine nucleotide translocation and potentiation of a Ca2+-dependent increase in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane. These changes are reversible upon reoxygenation only when the large increase in intracellular Ca2+ content that accompanies the phospholipid depletion from other cellular membranes is prevented. This disorder in phospholipid metabolism is felt to be the critical lesion that produces irreversible cell injury in ischemia. It affects the endoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticular membranes of liver and myocardial cells, respectively, and probably the plasma membranes of both. It is prevented by pretreatment with chlorpromazine. An activation of endogenous phospholipases by an elevated, cytosolic free Ca2+ ion concentration is suggested as the mechanism underlying this phospholipid disturbance. The central role of intracellular Ca2+ in the initiation and functional consequences of ischemic cell injury are emphasized.