Cell cycle-dependent gene networks for cell proliferation activated by nuclear CK2α complexes.

Nuclear expression of protein kinase CK2α is reportedly elevated in human carcinomas, but mechanisms underlying its variable localization in cells are poorly understood. This study demonstrates a functional connection between nuclear CK2 and gene expression in relation to cell proliferation. Growth stimulation of quiescent human normal fibroblasts and phospho-proteomic analysis identified a pool of CK2α that is highly phosphorylated at serine 7. Phosphorylated CK2α translocates into the nucleus, and this phosphorylation appears essential for nuclear localization and catalytic activity. Protein signatures associated with nuclear CK2 complexes reveal enrichment of apparently unique transcription factors and chromatin remodelers during progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing profiling demonstrated recruitment of CK2α to active gene loci, more abundantly in late G1 phase than in early G1, notably at transcriptional start sites of core histone genes, growth stimulus-associated genes, and ribosomal RNAs. Our findings reveal that nuclear CK2α complexes may be essential to facilitate progression of the cell cycle, by activating histone genes and triggering ribosomal biogenesis, specified in association with nuclear and nucleolar transcriptional regulators.

Astrocyte-Derived Exosomal microRNA miR-200a-3p Prevents MPP+-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death Through Down-Regulation of MKK4.

Astrocytes release exosomes that regulate neuronal cell function. 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) is a well-known neurotoxin used to induce cell death in in vitro Parkinson's disease models, and microRNA (miRNA) transferred by released exosomes can regulate its mechanisms. Here, we demonstrated that exosomes released from normal astrocytes (ADEXs), but not exosomes derived from MPP+-stimulated astrocytes (MPP+-ADEXs), significantly attenuate MPP+-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells and primary mesencephalic dopaminergic neuron cultures, and reduce expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), an important upstream kinase in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase cell death pathway. Similar neuroprotective results were obtained from primary hippocampal neuron cultures, an in vitro glutamate excitotoxicity model. Through small-RNA sequencing of exosomal miRNA, we identified miR-200a-3p as the most down-regulated miRNA expressed in MPP+-ADEXs. miRNA target analysis and reporter assay confirmed that miR-200a-3p targets MKK4 through binding to two independent sites on the 3'-UTR of Map2k4/MKK4 mRNA. Treatment with miR-200a-3p mimic suppressed both MKK4 mRNA and protein expressions, and attenuated cell death in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells and glutamate-treated hippocampal neuron cultures. Our results suggest that normal astrocytes release miR-200a-3p which exhibits a neuroprotective effect through down-regulation of MKK4.

Prenylated quinolinecarboxylic acid derivative prevents neuronal cell death through inhibition of MKK4.

The development of neuroprotective agents is necessary for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report PQA-11, a prenylated quinolinecarboxylic acid (PQA) derivative, as a potent neuroprotectant. PQA-11 inhibits glutamate-induced cell death and caspase-3 activation in hippocampal cultures, as well as inhibits N-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide- and amyloid ß1-42-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. PQA-11 also suppresses mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling activated by these neurotoxins. Quartz crystal microbalance analysis and in vitro kinase assay reveal that PQA-11 interacts with MKK4, and inhibits its sphingosine-induced activation. The administration of PQA-11 by intraperitoneal injection alleviates 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in mice. These results suggest that PQA-11 is a unique MKK4 inhibitor with potent neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. PQA-11 may be a valuable lead for the development of novel neuroprotectants.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species suppress humoral immune response through reduction of CD19 expression in B cells in mice.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the modulation of diverse processes including immune responses. To evaluate the effects of metabolic ROS produced by mitochondria on B-cell function and development, we created transgenic (Tg) mice expressing a phosphorylation-defective mutant of succinate dehydrogenase A in B cells (bSDHAY215F ). Splenic B cells in male, but not female, bSDHAY215F mice produced three times more ROS than those in the control mice, and had decreased production of IgM, IgG1 , and IgG3 , and affinity maturation of IgG1 against T-cell-dependent antigens. Following immunization, the male bSDHAY215F mice further displayed suppressed germinal center (GC) formation, and proliferation of GC B cells. Signaling analysis revealed defects in the intrinsic BCR responses, such as activation of Lyn, Btk, and PLCγ2, thus resulting in reduced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Notably, the expression levels of B-cell co-receptor CD19 and its interaction with Lyn after BCR ligation were significantly reduced in B cells from male bSDHAY215F mice. These results suggest that mitochondrial ROS suppress humoral immune responses through reduction of CD19 expression and resultant BCR signaling in B cells. Therefore, B-cell immunity may be more labile to oxidative stress in male mice than in female mice.

Prenylated quinolinecarboxylic acid derivative suppresses immune response through inhibition of PAK2.

Development of new immunosuppressing agents is necessary in organ transplantation or immune diseases. Because Ppc-1 exhibits a suppressing effect on interleukin-2 (IL2) production in Jurkat cells, we synthesized and screened Ppc-1 derivatives that preserve prenylated quinolinecarboxylic acid (PQA) structure, and identified compound 18 (PQA-18) as a novel molecule with immunosuppressing effect. PQA-18 suppressed not only IL2 but also IL4, IL6, and tumor necrosis factor-α production in human peripheral lymphocytes without affecting cell viability. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis and in vitro kinase assay revealed that PQA-18 inhibits kinase activity of p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2). Administration of PQA-18 by intraperitoneal injection suppressed the population of a subset of regulatory T cells and the immunoglobulin (Ig) production against T cell-dependent antigens in mice. Treatment with the PQA-18 ointment on Nc/Nga mice, a model of human atopic dermatitis, improved skin lesions and serum IgE levels. These results suggest that PQA-18 is a unique PAK2 inhibitor with potent immunosuppressing effects in vitro and in vivo. PQA-18 may be a valuable lead for the development of novel immunosuppressants.

Phosphorylation of flotillin-1 by mitochondrial c-Src is required to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species.

We have shown that mitochondrial c-Src regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by phosphorylating the succinate dehydrogenase A of respiratory complex II (CxII). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ROS production regulated by c-Src in the CxII, we investigated the CxII protein complex derived from cells treated with Src family kinase inhibitor PP2. We identified flotillin-1 as a c-Src target that prevents ROS production from CxII. Phosphorylation-site analysis suggests Tyr56 and Tyr149 on flotillin-1 as sites for phosphorylation by c-Src. A comparison of cells expressing flotillin-1 and its phosphorylation defective mutants confirms the requirement for flotillin-1 phosphorylation for its interaction with CxII and subsequent reduction in ROS production. Our findings suggest a critical role of flotillin-1 in ROS production mediated by c-Src.

Mitochondrial c-Src regulates cell survival through phosphorylation of respiratory chain components.

Mitochondrial protein tyrosine phosphorylation is an important mechanism for the modulation of mitochondrial functions. In the present study, we have identified novel substrates of c-Src in mitochondria and investigated their function in the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation. The Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 {amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl) pyrazolo [3,4d] pyrimidine} exhibits significant reduction of respiration. Similar results were obtained from cells expressing kinase-dead c-Src, which harbours a mitochondrial-targeting sequence. Phosphorylation-site analysis selects c-Src targets, including NDUFV2 (NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] flavoprotein 2) at Tyr(193) of respiratory complex I and SDHA (succinate dehydrogenase A) at Tyr(215) of complex II. The phosphorylation of these sites by c-Src is supported by an in vivo assay using cells expressing their phosphorylation-defective mutants. Comparison of cells expressing wild-type proteins and their mutants reveals that NDUFV2 phosphorylation is required for NADH dehydrogenase activity, affecting respiration activity and cellular ATP content. SDHA phosphorylation shows no effect on enzyme activity, but perturbed electron transfer, which induces reactive oxygen species. Loss of viability is observed in T98G cells and the primary neurons expressing these mutants. These results suggest that mitochondrial c-Src regulates the oxidative phosphorylation system by phosphorylating respiratory components and that c-Src activity is essential for cell viability.

Dysregulation of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase coupled with lipid peroxidation.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease of unknown etiology. We previously revealed increased oxidative stress and high expression of antioxidant proteins in culture cell lines established from lesional lung tissues with IPF (Kabuyama Y, Oshima K, Kitamura T, Homma M, Yamaki J, Munakata M, Homma Y. Genes Cells 12: 1235-1244, 2007). In this study, we show that IPF cells contain high levels of free cholesterol and its peroxidized form as compared with normal TIG7 lung fibroblasts, suggesting that radical oxygen species (ROS) are generated within specific organelles. To understand the molecular basis underlying the generation of ROS in IPF cells, we performed proteomic analysis of mitochondrial proteins from TIG and IPF cells. This analysis shows that the phosphorylation of Ser586 of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) is significantly reduced in IPF cells. Similar results are obtained from immunoblotting with anti-pS586 antibody. Kinase activity toward a peptide containing Ser586 from IPF cells is significantly lower than that from TIG cells. Furthermore, a phosphorylation-negative mutant (S586A) VLCAD shows reduced electron transfer activity and a strong dominant-negative effect on fatty acid beta-oxidation. The ectopic expression of the S586A mutant induced human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells to produce significantly high amounts of oxidized lipids and hydrogen peroxide. HEK293 cells expressing the S586A mutant exhibit a reduction in cell growth and an enhancement in apoptosis. These results suggest a novel regulatory mechanism for homeostatic VLCAD activity, whose dysregulation might be involved in the production of oxidative stress and in the pathogenesis of IPF.

Involvement of thioredoxin reductase 1 in the regulation of redox balance and viability of rheumatoid synovial cells.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic and systemic disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells, which ultimately lead to the destruction of cartilage and bone. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that lead to RA, we analyzed synovial cells established from patients with RA by oligonucleotide microarrays. Gene expression profiles clearly suggested that oxidative stress is enhanced in RA synovial cells, which was confirmed by measuring cellular levels of reactive oxygen species. One of the highly up-regulated proteins in RA synovial cells was thioredoxin reductase 1 (TRXR1), a protein that plays an important role in antioxidant defense system. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that TRXR1 suppresses hydrogen peroxide and inhibits apoptosis of RA synovial cells. Thus, our results reveal a novel pathophysiologic function of RA synovial cells as a generator of oxidative stress, and a self-defense mechanism against self-generated oxidative stress.

Characterization of circulating DNA in healthy human plasma.

BACKGROUND: The importance of circulating DNA has been recognized since the detection of mutated oncogene products in cancer patients; however, there is little information about circulating DNA in normal human plasma. We characterized circulating DNA in normal human plasma to obtain basic information. METHODS: Circulating DNA was purified from plasma samples obtained from 10 healthy donors and examined. Purified DNA was cloned and their sequence determined and analyzed. The terminal structure was examined by a labeling method. RESULTS: The DNA levels in normal plasma samples were quite low (3.6-5.0 ng/ml). All 556 clones analyzed were independent, and obtained from various chromosomes and various regions of the gene. The mean values of their length and GC content were 176 bp and 53.7%, respectively. Their 5' and 3' ends were rich in C and G, respectively, and they presented as 5' protruding forms of double-stranded DNA in plasma. CONCLUSION: Circulating DNA in normal human plasma is derived from apoptotic cells but not from necrotic cells. Structural characteristics of the circulating DNA might be associated with their stability in plasma.

Involvement of selenoprotein P in the regulation of redox balance and myofibroblast viability in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic progressive lung disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by the expansion of myofibroblasts and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix in the lung parenchyma. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that lead to IPF, we analyzed myofibroblasts established from patients with IPF by oligonucleotide microarrays. Gene expression profiles clearly suggested that lipid peroxidation is enhanced in myofibroblasts, which was confirmed by measuring cellular lipid hydroperoxides. One of the most highly up-regulated proteins in myofibroblasts was selenoprotein P, an antioxidant protein not previously associated with IPF. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that selenoprotein P reduces lipid hydroperoxides and maintains the viability of myofibroblasts. Thus, our results reveal a novel pathophysiologic function of myofibroblasts as a generator of lipid hydroperoxides, and a self-defense mechanism against self-generated oxidative stress.

Two cases of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, one with and the other without pre-eclampsia.

Two cases of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) are reported. One was a 26-year-old woman, who had pre-eclampsia and developed cortical blindness and subsequent eclampsia at 28 weeks' gestation. The other was a 27-year-old woman, who had no pre-eclampsia and developed loss of consciousness and subsequent systemic convulsion at 36 weeks' gestation. On brain magnetic resonance imaging, they both had high signal intensity on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, and normal signal intensity on diffusion-weighted image of the posterior lobe, which almost disappeared with the amelioration of clinical symptoms thereafter. RPLS is considered to be the result of vasogenic brain edema caused by hypertension. Two hypotheses are conceived to explain the emergence of RPLS without hypertension. The first suggests that an immunotolerant condition such as pregnancy can easily cause vasogenic edema without the elevation of blood pressure. The second suggests that hypertension exists but cannot be detected because it is extremely acute and transient.

CK2 phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5 potentiates cell cycle progression.

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous eukaryotic Ser/Thr protein kinase that plays an important role in cell cycle progression. Although its function in this process remains unclear, it is known to be required for the G(1) and G(2)/M phase transitions in yeast. Here, we show that CK2 activity changes notably during cell cycle progression and is increased within 3 h of serum stimulation of quiescent cells. During the time period in which it exhibits high enzymatic activity, CK2 associates with and phosphorylates a key molecule for translation initiation, eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 5. Using MS, we show that Ser-389 and -390 of eIF5 are major sites of phosphorylation by CK2. This is confirmed using eIF5 mutants that lack CK2 sites; the phosphorylation levels of mutant eIF5 proteins are significantly reduced, relative to WT eIF5, both in vitro and in vivo. Expression of these mutants reveals that they have a dominant-negative effect on phosphorylation of endogenous eIF5, and that they perturb synchronous progression of cells through S to M phase, resulting in a significant reduction in growth rate. Furthermore, the formation of mature eIF5/eIF2/eIF3 complex is reduced in these cells, and, in fact, restricted diffusional motion of WT eIF5 was almost abolished in a GFP-tagged eIF5 mutant lacking CK2 phosphorylation sites, as measured by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. These results suggest that CK2 may be involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression by associating with and phosphorylating a key molecule for translation initiation.