IGF-IR signaling attenuates the age-related decline of diastolic cardiac function.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) signaling has been implicated to play an important role in regulation of cardiac growth, hypertrophy, and contractile function and has been linked to the development of age-related congestive heart failure. Here, we address the question to what extent cardiomyocyte-specific IGF-I signaling is essential for maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of the adult murine heart. To investigate the effects of IGF-I signaling in the adult heart without confounding effects due to IGF-I overexpression or adaptation during embryonic and early postnatal development, we inactivated the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) by a 4-hydroxytamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase in adult cardiac myocytes. Efficient inactivation of the IGF-IR (iCMIGF-IRKO) as assessed by Western analysis and real-time PCR went along with reduced IGF-I-dependent Akt and GSK3ß phosphorylation. Functional analysis by conductance manometry and MRI revealed no functional alterations in young adult iCMIGF-IRKO mice (age 3 mo). However, when induced in aging mice (11 mo) diastolic cardiac function was depressed. To address the question whether insulin signaling might compensate for the defective IGF-IR signaling, we inactivated ß-cells by streptozotocin. However, the diabetes-associated functional depression was similar in control and iCMIGF-IRKO mice. Similarly, analysis of the cardiac gene expression profile on 44K microarrays did not reveal activation of overt adaptive processes. Endogenous IGF-IR signaling is required for conservation of cardiac function of the aging heart, but not for the integrity of cardiac structure and function of young hearts.

Cytokine levels in CSF and neuropsychological performance in HIV patients.

HIV-associated dementia and its precursors are frequently observed complications of HIV infection, even in the presence of combination antiretroviral treatment (cART). The development, surveillance and treatment of this condition are still not completely understood. Cytokines, as immunological transmitters, may be one key to gaining a deeper understanding of the disease. A total of 33 HIV-positive male patients were evaluated by neuropsychological testing, lumbar and venous puncture, neuroimaging and neurological examination. The cytokine content in the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) was examined by a solid-phase protein array. The Digit-Symbol Test, contraction time analysis, Rey-Osterrieth Figure and Grooved-Pegboard Test showed inferior results in the presence of an inflammatory CSF environment, whereas neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory conditions were correlated to better results in contraction time analysis. Higher CSF levels of cytokines were independently correlated with the duration of HIV infection. The study showed a correlation of cytokine levels in the CSF of HIV patients with test results of their neuropsychological functioning. The effect was pronounced with regard to the more complex executive tasks. Determining CSF cytokine levels may be a useful supplement to the assessment of HIV patients and contribute helpful information to predict neurocognitive performance. Therapeutic strategies to ameliorate a negative impact of an altered cytokine milieu may aid in slowing the evolution of neurocognitive dysfunction.

Myoglobin-deficient mice activate a distinct cardiac gene expression program in response to isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy.

Myoglobin knockout mice (myo-/-) adapt to the loss of myoglobin by the activation of a variety of compensatory mechanisms acting on the structural and functional level. To analyze to what extent myo-/- mice would tolerate cardiac stress we used the model of chronic isoproterenol application to induce cardiac hypertrophy in myo-/- mice and wild-type (WT) controls. After 14 days of isoproterenol infusion cardiac hypertrophy in WT and myo-/- mice reached a similar level. WT mice developed lung edema and left ventricular dilatation suggesting the development of heart failure. In contrast, myo-/- mice displayed conserved cardiac function and no signs of left ventricular dilatation. Analysis of the cardiac gene expression profiles using 40K mouse oligonucleotide arrays showed that isoproterenol affected the expression of 180 genes in WT but only 92 genes of myo-/- hearts. Only 40 of these genes were regulated in WT as well as in myo-/- hearts. In WT hearts a pronounced induction of genes of the extracellular matrix occurred suggesting a higher level of cardiac remodeling. myo-/- hearts showed altered transcription of genes involved in carbon metabolism, inhibition of apoptosis and muscular repair. Interestingly, a subset of genes that was altered in myo-/- mice already under basal conditions was differentially expressed in WT hearts under isoproterenol treatment. In summary, our data show a high capacity of myoglobin-deficient mice to adapt to catecholamine induced cardiac stress which is associated with activation of a distinct cardiac gene expression program.

Measurement of soluble inflammatory mediators in cerebrospinal fluid of human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients at distinct stages of infection by solid-phase protein array.

The objective of this study was to evaluate immune cytokine expression in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-associated dementia (HAD) using a novel cytokine array assay. HIV-1 induces a condition resembling classical subcortical dementia, known as HAD. The immune mechanisms contributing to HAD have not been elucidated. Cytokine expression in CSF was determined by solid-phase protein array in 33 neurologically asymptomatic HIV-positive male patients and were compared to levels in non-HIV controls and patients with HAD. Neurological examinations and lumbar and venous punctures were conducted in all patients and controls. Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, and IL-10, were up-regulated in all treated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients independent of neurological status compared to controls. In contrast, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-1alpha, IL-15, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were highly expressed in patients with HAD compared to undemented HIV-positive patients. These results show that solid-phase protein array can detect immunological changes in patients infected with HIV. Cytokine expression levels differ in different disease stages and in patients on different treatment paradigms. Pending further validation on a larger number of patients, this method may be a useful tool in CSF diagnostics and the longitudinal evaluation of patient with HAD.

NF-kappaB regulates spatial memory formation and synaptic plasticity through protein kinase A/CREB signaling.

Synaptic activity-dependent de novo gene transcription is crucial for long-lasting neuronal plasticity and long-term memory. In a forebrain neuronal conditional NF-kappaB-deficient mouse model, we demonstrate here that the transcription factor NF-kappaB regulates spatial memory formation, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. Gene profiling experiments and analysis of regulatory regions identified the alpha catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), an essential memory regulator, as a new NF-kappaB target gene. Consequently, NF-kappaB inhibition led to a decrease in forskolin-induced CREB phosphorylation. Collectively, these results disclose a novel hierarchical transcriptional network involving NF-kappaB, PKA, and CREB that leads to concerted nuclear transduction of synaptic signals in neurons, accounting for the critical function of NF-kappaB in learning and memory.

Gαi3 signaling is associated with sexual dimorphic expression of the clock-controlled output gene Dbp in murine liver.

The albumin D-box binding protein (DBP) is a member of the PAR bZip (proline and acidic amino acid-rich basic leucine zipper) transcription factor family and functions as important regulator of circadian core and output gene expression. Gene expression of DBP itself is under the control of E-box-dependent binding by the Bmal1-Clock heterodimer and CRE-dependent binding by the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB). However, the signaling mechanism mediating CREB-dependent regulation of DBP expression in the peripheral clock remains elusive. In this study, we examined the role of the GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor)/Gαi3 (Galphai3) controlled cAMP-CREB signaling pathway in the regulation of hepatic expression of core clock and clock-regulated genes, including Dbp. Analysis of circadian gene expression revealed that rhythmicity of hepatic transcript levels of the majority of core clock (including Per1) and clock-regulated genes were not affected by Gαi3 deficiency. Consistently, the period length of primary Gαi3 deficient tail fibroblasts expressing a Bmal1-Luciferase reporter was not affected. Interestingly, however, Gαi3 deficient female but not male mice showed a tendentiously increased activation of CREB (nuclear pSer133-CREB) accompanied by an advanced peak in Dbp gene expression and elevated mRNA levels of the cytochrome P450 family member Cyp3a11, a target gene of DBP. Accordingly, selective inhibition of CREB led to a strongly decreased expression of DBP and CYP3A4 (human Cyp3a11 homologue) in HepG2 liver cells. In summary, our data suggest that the Gαi3-pCREB signalling pathway functions as a regulator of sexual-dimorphic expression of DBP and its xenobiotic target enzymes Cyp3a11/CYP3A4.

MicroRNA-15b regulates mitochondrial ROS production and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype through sirtuin 4/SIRT4.

Mammalian sirtuins are involved in the control of metabolism and life-span regulation. Here, we link the mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT4 with cellular senescence, skin aging, and mitochondrial dysfunction. SIRT4 expression significantly increased in human dermal fibroblasts undergoing replicative or stress-induced senescence triggered by UVB or gamma-irradiation. In-vivo, SIRT4 mRNA levels were upregulated in photoaged vs. non-photoaged human skin. Interestingly, in all models of cellular senescence and in photoaged skin, upregulation of SIRT4 expression was associated with decreased levels of miR-15b. The latter was causally linked to increased SIRT4 expression because miR-15b targets a functional binding site in the SIRT4 gene and transfection of oligonucleotides mimicking miR-15b function prevented SIRT4 upregulation in senescent cells. Importantly, increased SIRT4 negatively impacted on mitochondrial functions and contributed to the development of a senescent phenotype. Accordingly, we observed that inhibition of miR-15b, in a SIRT4-dependent manner, increased generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and modulated mRNA levels of nuclear encoded mitochondrial genes and components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Thus, miR-15b is a negative regulator of stress-induced SIRT4 expression thereby counteracting senescence associated mitochondrial dysfunction and regulating the SASP and possibly organ aging, such as photoaging of human skin.

A microarray analysis of developmentally regulated genes during macronuclear differentiation in the stichotrichous ciliate Stylonychia lemnae.

After sexual reproduction in ciliated protozoa a new macronucleus differentiates from a micronuclear derivative. In the course of macronuclear development dramatic DNA- and chromatin reorganisation processes occur, which include splicing of DNA sequences such as IES (internal eliminated sequences) and transposon-like elements during formation of polytene chromosomes, degradation of the polytene chromosomes and specific elimination of micronuclear-specific DNA, de novo addition of telomeres and specific amplification of DNA sequences. In order to understand the molecular basis of this nuclear differentiation process, analysis of developmentally regulated genes seems to be a necessary prerequisite. We performed a microarray analysis to identify genes differentially expressed during macronuclear differentiation. 467 sequences from cDNA libraries were identified as possible candidates from which 384 sequences were further characterised by sequence analysis. These sequences were identified, if possible, by DNA and protein BLAST analysis. Expression of one of these sequences was silenced by RNAi and a preliminary functional analysis performed. Results presented in this study provide the basis for a functional characterisation of genes differentially expressed during this nuclear differentiation process.

Microarray analysis of tumor necrosis factor alpha induced gene expression in U373 human glioblastoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) is able to induce a variety of biological responses in the nervous system including inflammation and neuroprotection. Human astrocytoma cells U373 have been widely used as a model for inflammatory cytokine actions in the nervous system. Here we used cDNA microarrays to analyze the time course of the transcriptional response from 1 h up to 12 h post TNF treatment in comparison to untreated U373 cells. TNF activated strongly the NF-kappaB transcriptional pathway and is linked to other pathways via the NF-kappaB target genes JUNB and IRF-1. Part of the TNF-induced gene expression could be inhibited by pharmacological inhibition of NF-kappaB with pyrrolidine-dithiocarbamate (PDTC). NF-kappaB comprises a family of transcription factors which are involved in the inducible expression of genes regulating neuronal survival, inflammatory response, cancer and innate immunity. RESULTS: In this study we show that numerous genes responded to TNF (> 880 from 7500 tested) with a more than two-fold induction rate. Several novel TNF-responsive genes (about 60% of the genes regulated by a factor > or = 3) were detected. A comparison of our TNF-induced gene expression profiles of U373, with profiles from 3T3 and Hela cells revealed a striking cell-type specificity. SCYA2 (MCP-1, CCL2, MCAF) was induced in U373 cells in a sustained manner and at the highest level of all analyzed genes. MCP-1 protein expression, as monitored with immunofluorescence and ELISA, correlated exactly with microarray data. Based on these data and on evidence from literature we suggest a model for the potential neurodegenerative effect of NF-kappaB in astroglia: Activation of NF-kappaB via TNF results in a strongly increased production of MCP-1. This leads to a exacerbation of neurodegeneration in stoke or Multiple Sclerosis, presumably via infiltration of macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of genes regulated more than 3-fold were previously not linked to tumor necrosis factor alpha as a search in published literature revealed. Striking co-regulation for several functional groups such as proteasome and ribosomal proteins were detected.

Inactivation of CD73 promotes atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

AIMS: CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) is expressed by a broad range of immune cells and attenuates inflammation in several acute disease models. This study therefore explored the role of CD73-derived adenosine in a model of chronic vascular inflammation such as atherogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: CD73(-/-) mice were backcrossed into the apolipoprotein E (ApoE(-/-)) background. In CD73(-/-)/ApoE(-/-) double mutants, atherosclerotic lesion formation was increased by ∼50% compared with ApoE(-/-). However, the cellular composition and extracellular matrix of the plaques did not differ. Surprisingly, we found significant activity and expression of CD73 in the plaque of ApoE(-/-) mice which increased over time. CD73 co-localized with macrophages, Tregs, and cells of mesenchymal origin. Genome-wide microarray analysis of the aorta lacking CD73 revealed upregulation of endothelin-1 (Edn1) mRNA together with changes of genes in lipid metabolism and the Wnt and nuclear factor kappa B pathways. Measurement of plasma levels verified the upregulation of Edn1 in CD73(-/-) and double mutants. Plasma triglycerides (TG) were also found to be significantly elevated in the CD73(-/-)/ApoE(-/-) mice compared with ApoE(-/-) controls. CONCLUSION: Lack of CD73 promotes atherogenesis most likely by de-inhibition of resident macrophages and T cells. Elevated Edn1 and TG levels may have contributed. This establishes CD73-derived adenosine as a direct or indirect regulator of atherogenesis.

Alteration in the gene expression pattern of primary monocytes after adhesion to endothelial cells.

Monocytes originate from precursors made in the bone and remain in the circulation for nearly 24 h. Much effort has been done to identify the molecules regulating transendothelial migration of monocytes during inflammatory conditions. In contrast, considerably less is known about the process of constitutive monocyte emigration although nearly 340 million monocytes leave the circulation each day in healthy individuals. Previous studies indicated that chemokines were up-regulated in monocytes cocultured with endothelial cells that induce the retraction of the latter cell type, thereby increasing vascular permeability. Thus, we hypothesized that the utilities required for efficient constitutive monocyte extravasation are generated by monocytes themselves because of adhesion to naïve endothelial cells. To test this hypothesis, cDNA microarray analysis was performed to determine the changes in the gene expression pattern of primary monocytes that have been attached to endothelial cells compared with monocytes that were held in suspension, and we were able to identify three major groups of genes. The first group includes genes such as matrix metalloproteinase 1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and tissue transglutaminase 2, which are likely required for monocyte extravasation. The second group consists of genes that are expressed in phagocytes such as caveolin-1 and CD74. Finally, the third group comprises genes that are expressed in cells of endothelial tissue and cartilage including E-selectin, fibronectin-1, matrix Gla protein, and aggrecanase-2. In summary, we conclude that adhesion of peripheral blood monocytes to naïve endothelial cells has two effects: mandatory extravasation-specific genes are regulated, and the differentiation program of monocytes is initiated.

Long-term depression activates transcription of immediate early transcription factor genes: involvement of serum response factor/Elk-1.

Long-term depression (LTD) is one of the paradigms used in vivo or ex vivo for studying memory formation. In order to identify genes with potential relevance for memory formation we used mouse organotypic hippocampal slice cultures in which chemical LTD was induced by applications of 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). The induction of chemical LTD was robust, as monitored electrophysiologically. Gene expression analysis after chemical LTD induction was performed using cDNA microarrays containing >7,000 probes. The DHPG-induced expression of immediate early genes (c-fos, junB, egr1 and nr4a1) was subsequently verified by TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatic analysis suggested a common regulator element [serum response factor (SRF)/Elk-1 binding sites] within the promoter region of these genes. Indeed, here we could show a DHPG-dependent binding of SRF at the SRF response element (SRE) site within the promoter region of c-fos and junB. However, SRF binding to egr1 promoter sites was constitutive. The phosphorylation of the ternary complex factor Elk-1 and its localization in the nucleus of hippocampal neurones after DHPG treatment was shown by immunofluorescence using a phosphospecific antibody. We suggest that LTD leads to SRF/Elk-1-regulated gene expression of immediate early transcription factors, which could in turn promote a second broader wave of gene expression.

Induction of a metastatogenic tumor cell type by neurotransmitters and its pharmacological inhibition by established drugs.

The active migration of tumor cells, a crucial requirement for metastasis development and cancer progression, is regulated by signal substances including neurotransmitters. We investigated the migration of tumor cells within a three-dimensional collagen matrix using time-lapse videomicroscopy and computer-assisted analysis of the migration path. Tumor cell migration is induced by norepinephrine, dopamine and substance P. We show that this induced migration, using MDA-MB-468 breast and PC-3 prostate carcinoma cells, can be inhibited by using specific, clinically established receptor antagonists to the beta2-adrenoceptor, the D2 receptor, or the neurokinin-1 receptor, respectively. All of the investigated neurotransmitters significantly activated the cyclic adenosine-monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB). Furthermore, microarray analysis revealed changes of gene expression toward a highly motile tumor cell type, including an upregulation of the alpha2 integrin, which is an essential adhesion receptor for collagen in migration. The gene for the tumor suppressor gelsolin was downregulated. These 2 critical alterations were confirmed on the protein level by flow-cytometry and immunoblotting, respectively. Neurotransmitters thus induce a metastatogenic tumor cell type by directly regulating gene expression and increased migratory activity, which can be prevented by established neurotransmitter antagonists.