Inverse association of p16 INK4a and p14 ARF methylation of the CDKN2a locus in different Gleason scores of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Promoter hypermethylation is an important epigenetic mechanism in the regulation of several key modulators of prostate carcinoma progression. Recent studies suggest that the polycomb-group (PcG) protein BMI1 may have an impact on epigenetic regulation of several targets, including the CDKN2a locus. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the association of BMI1 expression, promoter methylation of CDKN2a (p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF)) and TMS1 with pathological variables (Gleason score, TNM stage, perineural invasion) in prostate cancer (PCa). RESULTS: Methylation of p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF) revealed an inverse association with Gleason score 7b and Gleason score 6. No significant association could be demonstrated for BMI1 -overexpression and promoter methylation of p16(INK4a), p14(ARF) and TMS1 as well as pT category. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the CDKN2a locus is a switch in PCa with methylation of p16(INK4a) being a marker for more aggressive tumours of Gleason score 7b, but no association with BMI overexpression was observed.

The BH3-only member Noxa causes apoptosis in melanoma cells by multiple pathways.

The molecular causes for resistance of melanoma to apoptosis are currently only partly understood. In the present study, we examined gene transfer and expression of the proapoptotic BH3-only protein Noxa as an alternative approach to chemotherapy and investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating Noxa-induced apoptosis. Noxa gene transfer caused dysregulation of both mitochondria and, as shown for the first time, also the endoplasmic reticulum, resulting in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, expression of Noxa not only triggered the classical mitochondrial caspase cascade, but also resulted in the activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase1 and its downstream effectors c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38. The activation of these kinases was abolished by antioxidants. Moreover, inhibition of the kinases by RNA interference or pharmacological inhibitors significantly attenuated Noxa-induced apoptosis. Thus, our data provide evidence for the involvement of multiple pathways in Noxa-induced apoptosis that are triggered at mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, and suggest Noxa gene transfer as a complementary approach to chemotherapy.

Identification of functional genes during Fas-mediated apoptosis using a randomly fragmented cDNA library.

We describe a general strategy for the identification of functional genes that, when downregulated, result in a selectable phenotype. This strategy is based on expression selection of cDNA fragments that counteract their cognate genes. A cDNA library containing random fragments expressed in human HepG2, A375 and CLS-354 cells was used to identify functional genes whose inhibition conferred resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis. Thirty-five clones were isolated, 28 of which were derived from unknown genes, that tagged 19 individual genes and 7 of which referred to known genes that tagged the apoptosis-related protein (APR)-1, -2 and indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3,-dioxygenase (IDO). The ability of APR-1-, -2- and IDO-derived antisense RNAs to induce resistance to Fas in HepG2, A375 and CLS-354 cells suggested that APR-1, -2 and IDO genes are involved in the machinery of Fas-mediated apoptosis. Our gene discovery strategy provides a generally applicable procedure to identify functional genes that interfere with apoptosis, and may therefore be clinically relevant for tumor therapy.

Uptake and trafficking of DNA in keratinocytes: evidence for DNA-binding proteins.

The skin is an interesting organ for human gene therapy due to accessibility, immunologic potential and synthesis capabilities. In this study, we attempted to visualize and measure the uptake of naked FITC-labeled plasmid by FACS analysis detecting up to 15% internalization in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cycloheximide treatment inhibited the uptake by >90%, suggesting a protein-mediated uptake. The inhibition of different internalization pathways demonstrated that blocking macropinocytosis (by amiloride and N,N-dimethylamylorid) reduced DNA uptake by >85%, while the inhibition of clathrin-coated pits (by chlorpromazine) and caveolae (by nystatin/filipin III) did not limit the uptake. Colocalization studies using confocal laser microscopy revealed a time-dependent accumulation of plasmid DNA in endosomes and lysosomes. When a green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression vector was used, specific GFP-RNA became detectable by reverse transcriptase-PCR, whereas measurable amounts of protein could not be identified in FACS experiments. To detect the potential DNA receptors on the keratinocyte surface, membrane proteins were extracted and subjected to South-Western blotting using digoxigenin-labeled calf thymus and lambda-phage DNA. Two DNA-binding proteins, ezrin and moesin, known as plasma membrane-actin linkers, were identified by one- and two-dimensional-South-Western blots and matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization-mass spectrometry. Ezrin and moesin are functionally associated with a number of transmembrane receptors such as the EGF, CD44 or ICAM-1 receptor. Taken together, naked plasmid DNA seems to enter human keratinocytes through different pathways, mainly by macropinocytosis. Two DNA-binding proteins were identified that seemed to be involved in binding/trafficking of internalized DNA.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of naked plasmid DNA in the skin: studies on dissemination and ectopic expression.

Gene therapy using naked DNA injected into muscle and skin is increasingly being used for vaccination and treatment purposes. Favorably, naked plasmid DNA does not exhibit the various limitations inherent to viral vectors, such as the elicitation of adverse immune responses and the risk of insertional mutagenesis. In order to assess the distribution and safety of naked plasmid DNA in a relevant animal model, we analyzed if intracutaneously injected plasmid DNA was transported to other organs and if ectopic expression occurred. When a "superdose" of a marker plasmid was injected intradermally, most organs were found transiently to contain the plasmid DNA for several days, whereas integration into the host genome was not detected. With the exception of ovary, however, mRNA expression only occurred in the skin, regional lymph nodes, and muscular tissues. From a safety standpoint, skin gene therapy with naked plasmid DNA can be considered safe due to the rapid biodegradation of plasmid DNA and the exclusive and transient expression of foreign genes in tissues known to take up DNA.

Adeno-associated virus expresses transgenes in hair follicles and epidermis.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are nonpathogenic, integrating DNA vectors capable of transducing dividing and nondividing cells with the potential of long-term expression. Evaluating this interesting vector system in the skin for the first time, we found that an AAV vector containing the lacZ gene (AAVlacZ) led to the expression of beta-galactosidase for more than 6 weeks following in vivo injection. Interestingly, expression was present not only in dividing and postmitotic epidermal keratinocytes but also in hair follicle epithelial cells and eccrine sweat glands. However, expression upon readministration was limited. Functional studies in swine using human erythropoietin were hampered by immunogenicity. Thus, AAV seems to be the only vector to date that efficiently targets hair follicle epithelial cells. It may also be useful when longer term expression in keratinocytes than that achievable by direct injection of plasmid DNA is desired.

Differential IL-10 receptor gene expression in acute versus chronic atopic eczema. Modulation by immunosuppressive drugs and cytokines in normal cultured keratinocytes.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The effects of the anticytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) are mediated by specific receptors. In this study we examined the role of the IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) in the pathophysiology of atopic eczema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose we analyzed the expression of IL-10R in the skin of patients with acute and chronic atopic eczema in comparison to the expression in healthy individuals using in situ binding experiments with fluorescently labeled IL-10 and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR specific for IL-10R1. In addition, we studied the influence of the Th2-associated cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4), the Th1-associated gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), the immunosuppressive drug FK506, the H1-antagonist loratadine and UVA irradiation on the expression of IL-10R1 in cultured normal human keratinocytes. RESULTS: We found that IL-10 receptor mRNA and protein are strongly downregulated in acute phase atopic lesions. Furthermore we could show that IL-4, IFN-gamma, FK506, loratadine and UVA enhance the mRNA levels of the IL-10R1 in vitro in normal cultured keratinocytes. We could also demonstrate restored IL-10R1 mRNA levels in lesional atopic skin of a patient after UVA1 therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate for the first time that IL-10 receptors may have a role in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema and its upregulation by FK506 and UVA could explain the therapeutic efficacy of these agents.

Cloning and characterization of hurpin (protease inhibitor 13): A new skin-specific, UV-repressible serine proteinase inhibitor of the ovalbumin serpin family.

Epidermal keratinocytes are the primary target of the midrange ultraviolet part (UVB, 280-320 nm) of terrestrial sunlight. Analysis of the resulting UV response at the transcriptional level by differential display PCR identified a formerly unrecognized large group of repressed genes. Among those UV-repressible genes, a novel serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) termed hurpin (HaCaT UV-repressible serpin) has been identified. The isolated full-length cDNAs harbour a 1176 bp open reading frame encoding a potential protein with 391 amino acid residues and a predicted molecular mass of approximately 44 kDa. The novel serpin has nearly 59 % amino acid identity with the squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 (SCCA1) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen 2 (SCCA2). In addition, it displays all of the structural features unique to the ovalbumin family of serpins (ov-serpins). The amino acid sequence of the hinge region in the reactive site loop suggests that hurpin has the potential for protease inhibition. The putative reactive center P1-P1'residues were identified as Thr356-Ser357 by alignment with other ov-serpins. The physiological target protease is unknown and the in vitro translated hurpin does not form SDS-stable complexes with a variety of known serine proteases. Expression of hurpin is restricted to epidermal cells where two distinct transcripts of 3.0 and 3.4 kb are detectable. Furthermore, expression of hurpin appears to be related to the activation or proliferation state of keratinocytes, since hurpin transcripts are more abundant in immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and in cultured normal human keratinocytes, compared to the expression in normal skin. Moreover, in psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and responsive to therapeutic UV irradiation, overexpression of hurpin is noted in psoriatic skin lesions compared to non-lesional skin.

Differential modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine receptors by N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-cyano-3-hydroxy-crotonic acid amide (A77 1726), the physiologically active metabolite of the novel immunomodulator leflunomide.

N-(trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-cyano-3-hydroxy-crotonic acid amide (A77 1726), the physiologically active metabolite of leflunomide, has been described to exert antiproliferative effects in vitro and anti-inflammatory actions in several animal models. Currently, its use is being evaluated in clinical trials in psoriasis, which is characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation and infiltration of inflammatory cells. We studied the effects of A77 1726 on growth and gene expression in cultured epidermal cells by 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) incorporation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Northern blot hybridizations and flow cytometry. A77 1726 inhibited epidermal proliferation at concentrations above 5 microM after 24 hr. However, the cells were still fully viable at a concentration of 100 microM. The drug caused a dose-dependent reduction in the mRNA level of the type A receptor for the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8-RA) and, in contrast, induced gene expression of the receptor for the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (IL-10R) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of the p53 gene, which is a negative cell cycle regulator, were up-regulated by A77 1726. These data suggest that A77 1726 exerts its anti-inflammatory action via the modulation of epidermal gene expression.

1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 and calcipotriol induce IL-10 receptor gene expression in human epidermal cells.

Psoriasis is a common hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin disease with a prevalence of 0.5-3%. Lesional skin is characterized by pathological overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and its receptor and the decreased presence of negative regulatory control factors like the anti-oncogene p53. The expression of these genes can be modulated in the opposite direction by antipsoriatic drugs. Another possible candidate gene is the receptor for the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (IL-10R). Recently, vitamin D3 and its analogues have attracted interest as new therapeutic agents in the treatment of psoriasis. In extension of these findings we studied here the effect of the physiologically active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) and its synthetic analogue calcipotriol (MC 903) on the expression of the IL-10R in HaCaT cells by RT-PCR. IL-10 receptor gene expression was effectively induced in the range of 10(-8)-10(-9) M. Upregulation by calcitriol was about 10-fold, by calcipotriol 12-fold. Induction of the receptor for the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 may be involved in the antipsoriatic action of vitamin D derivatives.

Demonstration and functional analysis of IL-10 receptors in human epidermal cells: decreased expression in psoriatic skin, down-modulation by IL-8, and up-regulation by an antipsoriatic glucocorticosteroid in normal cultured keratinocytes.

The chronic skin disease psoriasis is characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation. The exact etiology of the disease is still unknown. At the molecular level, overexpression of growth factors and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and the corresponding receptor has been described in psoriatic plaques. On the other hand, the loss of inhibitory control mechanisms is involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, as exemplified by the reduced mRNA levels for the cell cycle inhibitor p53 found in lesional skin. Here we extend these findings to a cytokine with negative regulatory functions, IL-10. Only under certain conditions are human keratinocytes able to synthesize IL-10. In skin, pathological overexpression of IL-10 was described om atopic dermatitis. IL-10 exerts its effects via a specific receptor (IL-10R). We show here for the first time the presence and functionality of IL-10R in epidermal cells and its dramatically decreased expression in acute exanthematic psoriatic epidermis by in vitro and in situ binding studies. These results were substantiated using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR, demonstrating decreased expression of the IL-10R gene in psoriatic skin, its down-modulation by the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8, and its pharmacological induction in cultured cells. Biological responsiveness of epidermal cells toward IL-10 could also be demonstrated by a reduction of the growth rate and inhibition of IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression. Our results provide the first evidence for a role of the IL-10R gene in the homeostasis of the epidermis and substantiate the concept of a loss of negative regulatory peptides as a step in the eruption of psoriasis.