Wild-type and mutant p53 differentially regulate NADPH oxidase 4 in TGF-ß-mediated migration of human lung and breast epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) induces the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) leading to increased cell plasticity at the onset of cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Mechanisms involved in TGF-ß-mediated EMT and cell motility are unclear. Recent studies showed that p53 affects TGF-ß/SMAD3-mediated signalling, cell migration, and tumorigenesis. We previously demonstrated that Nox4, a Nox family NADPH oxidase, is a TGF-ß/SMAD3-inducible source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) affecting cell migration and fibronectin expression, an EMT marker, in normal and metastatic breast epithelial cells. Our present study investigates the involvement of p53 in TGF-ß-regulated Nox4 expression and cell migration. METHODS: We investigated the effect of wild-type p53 (WT-p53) and mutant p53 proteins on TGF-ß-regulated Nox4 expression and cell migration. Nox4 mRNA and protein, ROS production, cell migration, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation were examined in three different cell models based on their p53 mutational status. H1299, a p53-null lung epithelial cell line, was used for heterologous expression of WT-p53 or mutant p53. In contrast, functional studies using siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous p53 were conducted in MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast epithelial cells that express p53-R280K and MCF-10A normal breast cells that have WT-p53. RESULTS: We found that WT-p53 is a potent suppressor of TGF-ß-induced Nox4, ROS production, and cell migration in p53-null lung epithelial (H1299) cells. In contrast, tumour-associated mutant p53 proteins (R175H or R280K) caused enhanced Nox4 expression and cell migration in both TGF-ß-dependent and TGF-ß-independent pathways. Moreover, knockdown of endogenous mutant p53 (R280K) in TGF-ß-treated MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast epithelial cells resulted in decreased Nox4 protein and reduced phosphorylation of FAK, a key regulator of cell motility. Expression of WT-p53 or dominant-negative Nox4 decreased TGF-ß-mediated FAK phosphorylation, whereas mutant p53 (R280K) increased phospho-FAK. Furthermore, knockdown of WT-p53 in MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells increased basal Nox4 expression, whereas p53-R280K could override endogenous WT-p53 repression of Nox4. Remarkably, immunofluorescence analysis revealed MCF-10A cells expressing p53-R280K mutant showed an upregulation of Nox4 in both confluent and migrating cells. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our findings define novel opposing functions for WT-p53 and mutant p53 proteins in regulating Nox4-dependent signalling in TGF-ß-mediated cell motility.

Cytochrome b558: the flavin-binding component of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase.

The phagocyte respiratory burst oxidase is a flavin-adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent dehydrogenase and an electron transferase that reduces molecular oxygen to superoxide anion, a precursor of microbicidal oxidants. Several proteins required for assembly of the oxidase have been characterized, but the identity of its flavin-binding component has been unclear. Oxidase activity was reconstituted in vitro with only the purified oxidase proteins p47phox, p67phox, Rac-related guanine nucleotide (GTP)-binding proteins, and membrane-bound cytochrome b558. The reconstituted oxidase required added FAD, and FAD binding was localized to cytochrome b558. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of the beta subunit of cytochrome b558 (gp91phox) with other flavoproteins revealed similarities to the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced) (NADPH)-binding domains. Thus flavocytochrome b558 is the only obligate electron transporting component of the NADPH oxidase.

Recombinant 47-kilodalton cytosol factor restores NADPH oxidase in chronic granulomatous disease.

A 47-kilodalton neutrophil cytosol factor (NCF-47k), required for activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase superoxide (O2-.) production, is absent in most patients with autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease (AR-CGD). NCF-47k cDNAs were cloned from an expression library. The largest clone predicted a 41.9-kD protein that contained an arginine and serine-rich COOH-terminal domain with potential protein kinase C phosphorylation sites. A 33-amino acid segment of NCF-47k shared 49% identity with ras p21 guanosine triphosphatase activating protein. Recombinant NCF-47k restored O2-. -producing activity to AR-CGD neutrophil cytosol in a cell-free assay. Production of active recombinant NCF-47k will enable functional regions of this molecule to be mapped.

Cloning of a 67-kD neutrophil oxidase factor with similarity to a noncatalytic region of p60c-src.

Chronic granulomatous diseases (CGDs) are characterized by recurrent infections resulting from impaired superoxide production by a phagocytic cell, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced) (NADPH) oxidase. Complementary DNAs were cloned that encode the 67-kilodalton (kD) cytosolic oxidase factor (p67), which is deficient in 5% of CGD patients. Recombinant p67 (r-p67) partially restored NADPH oxidase activity to p67-deficient neutrophil cytosol from these patients. The p67 cDNA encodes a 526-amino acid protein with acidic middle and carboxyl-terminal domains that are similar to a sequence motif found in the noncatalytic domain of src-related tyrosine kinases. This motif was recently noted in phospholipase C-gamma, nonerythroid alpha-spectrin (fodrin), p21ras-guanosine triphophatase-activating protein (GAP), myosin-1 isoforms, yeast proteins cdc-25 and fus-1, and the 47-kD phagocyte oxidase factor (p47), which suggests the possibility of common regulatory features.

Identification of a thermolabile component of the human neutrophil NADPH oxidase. A model for chronic granulomatous disease caused by deficiency of the p67-phox cytosolic component.

Mild heating of human neutrophils inactivates the respiratory burst oxidase, producing a defect in superoxide production and bacterial killing comparable to that seen in patients afflicted with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). We have now investigated the mechanism and specificity of this inactivation by examining the effect of mild heating on the known oxidase components: the membrane-bound subunits of the cytochrome b558 (gp91-phox and p22-phox) and the two cytosolic oxidase factors (p47-phox and p67-phox). Heating (46 degrees C for 7.5 min) caused intact neutrophils to lose greater than 85% of their capacity to produce superoxide, a defect which was localized to the cytosolic, but not the membrane, fraction. Complementation studies with CGD cytosols deficient in either p47-phox or p67-phox suggested that the defective component of heat-inactivated cytosol was p67-phox. This was confirmed by experiments showing that recombinant p67-phox, but not p47-phox, exhibited lability at 46 degrees C and completely reconstituted oxidase activity of heat-treated cytosol. These studies indicate that mild heating of either intact neutrophils or normal neutrophil cytosol results in a selective inactivation of p67-phox, providing a model oxidase system for the extremely rare p67-phox-deficient form of CGD.

Delineation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase through studies of chronic granulomatous diseases of childhood.

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase is a complex system consisting of membrane and cytosolic components that must assemble at the membrane for proper activation. Studies of patients with chronic granulomatous diseases of childhood have enabled the molecular characterization of these components, which has led to studies defining their interaction during NADPH complex assembly. Understanding NADPH oxidase assembly provides an opportunity to develop therapeutics for the regulation of this important reaction of inflammation.

Specificity of p47phox SH3 domain interactions in NADPH oxidase assembly and activation.

The delineation of molecular structures that dictate Src homology 3 (SH3) domain recognition of specific proline-rich ligands is key to understanding unique functions of diverse SH3 domain-containing signalling molecules. We recently established that assembly of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase involves multiple SH3 domain interactions between several oxidase components (p47phox, p67phox, and p22phox). p47phox was shown to play a central role in oxidase activation in whole cells by mediating interactions with both the transmembrane component p22phox and cytosolic p67phox. To understand the specific roles of each SH3 domain of p47phox in oxidase assembly and activation, we mutated critical consensus residues (Tyr167 or Tyr237-->Leu [Y167L or Y237L], W193R or W263R, and P206L or P276L) on each of their binding surfaces. The differential effects of these mutations indicated that the first SH3 domain is responsible for the p47phox-p22phox interaction and plays a predominant role in oxidase activity and p47phox membrane assembly, while the second p47phox SH3 domain interacts with the NH2-terminal domain of p67phox. Binding experiments using the isolated first SH3 domain also demonstrated its involvement in intramolecular interactions within p47phox and showed a requirement for five residues (residues 151 to 155) on its N-terminal boundary for binding to p22phox. The differential effects of nonconserved-site mutations (W204A or Y274A and E174Q or E244Q) on whole-cell oxidase activity suggested that unique contact residues within the third binding pocket of each SH3 domain influence their ligand-binding specificities.

Comparison of nonerythroid alpha-spectrin genes reveals strict homology among diverse species.

The spectrins are a family of widely distributed filamentous proteins. In association with actin, spectrins form a supporting and organizing scaffold for cell membranes. Using antibodies specific for human brain alpha-spectrin (alpha-fodrin), we have cloned a rat brain alpha-spectrin cDNA from an expression library. Several closely related human clones were also isolated by hybridization. Comparison of sequences of these and other overlapping nonerythroid and erythroid alpha-spectrin genes demonstrated that the nonerythroid genes are strictly conserved across species, while the mammalian erythroid genes have diverged rapidly. Peptide sequences deduced from these cDNAs revealed that the nonerythroid alpha-spectrin chain, like the erythroid spectrin, is composed of multiple 106-amino-acid repeating units, with the characteristic invariant tryptophan as well as other charged and hydrophobic residues in conserved locations. However, the carboxy-terminal sequence varies markedly from this internal repeat pattern and may represent a specialized functional site. The nonerythroid alpha-spectrin gene was mapped to human chromosome 9, in contrast to the erythroid alpha-spectrin gene, which has previously been assigned to a locus on chromosome 1.

Plant and human neutrophil oxidative burst complexes contain immunologically related proteins.

Generation of the microbicidal oxidative burst in human neutrophils requires participation of four proteins, a membrane bound flavocytochrome beta-558, two soluble proteins termed p47-phox and p67-phox, and the Ras-related GTPase Rac. Because plant cells exposed to pathogens produce a similar oxidative burst, we have looked for similarities between the oxidase complexes of the two systems. Antibodies against human neutrophil p47-phox and p67-phox were used to immunoblot cell extracts from several plant cell lines and were found to cross-react with proteins of the same molecular weight. Furthermore, plant cell lines not previously shown to produce an oxidative burst, yet found to express these immunoreactive proteins, rapidly generated hydrogen peroxide in response to elicitation. Finally, diphenylene iodonium (DPI) and alpha-naphthol, known specific inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase in neutrophils, also inhibited the oxidative burst in soybean cell suspensions with similar Ki values (about 15 microM and 30 microM respectively). These results provide evidence for involvement of proteins related to the neutrophil oxidase complex in the defense-related oxidative burst of plants.

The requirement of p47 phosphorylation for activation of NADPH oxidase by opsonized zymosan in human neutrophils.

Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, staurosporine or 1,5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7), inhibited NADPH oxidase activity and phosphorylation of 47 kDa protein (p47) in PMA-stimulated neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner. These PKC inhibitors, at the same doses, did not affect oxidase activity and caused only partial inhibition of p47 phosphorylation in OZ-stimulated neutrophils. There was residual (20%) phosphorylated p47 in the membranes of OZ-stimulated cells in the presence of PKC inhibitors, at concentrations which caused total inhibition of oxidase activity and p47 phosphorylation in PMA-stimulated neutrophils. In the presence of ionomycin, which increased intracellular calcium ion concentrations, staurosporine was less effective in inhibiting both superoxide generation and p47 phosphorylation stimulated by PMA, similar to its effect in OZ-stimulated cells. The results indicate that some phosphorylation of p47 always accompanied oxidase activation induced by PMA or OZ, though the degree of phosphorylation of membrane-bound p47 does not directly correlate with rates of superoxide production.

Elevated NADPH-oxidase activity in neutrophils from bile-duct-ligated rats: changes in the kinetic parameters and in the oxidase cytosolic factor p47.

Stimulated superoxide generation was 2-fold higher in neutrophils from 20 rats with common bile-duct ligation (CBDL) compared to that of 20 sham-operated control rats. In order to study the mechanism of the higher NADPH oxidase activity in CBDL rats, the kinetic parameters of NADPH oxidase were analyzed. The Vmax of the NADPH oxidase in CBDL rat neutrophils was significantly higher than that of control rat neutrophils (10.2 and 5.3 nmol/min, respectively). The membrane and cytosol fractions of the oxidase were studied in a cell-free system. Neutrophil cytosol from CBDL rats added to neutrophil membranes from either CBDL or control rats produced 22.4 +/- 1.6 and 21.0 +/- 1.4 nmol/10(6) cells per 10 min, respectively. When neutrophil cytosol from control rats was mixed with neutrophil membranes from control or CBDL rats the generation of superoxide was 10.6 +/- 1.4 and 10.0 +/- 1.5 nmol/10(6) cells per 10 min, respectively. These results suggest that the cytosol components of the oxidase regulate its activity. By immunoblot analysis it was shown that the amount of the cytosolic factor p47 in neutrophils of CBDL rats is higher than that present in an equal number of neutrophils from control rats.

Genetic demonstration of p47phox-dependent superoxide anion production in murine vascular smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND: Previous investigations provide evidence that an enzyme related to the phagocyte NADPH oxidase produces superoxide in the blood vessel wall. These data, however, are confounded by observations that both NADPH and NADH serve as substrates for superoxide production in vascular cells. To clarify this issue, we compared the superoxide-generating capabilities of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) derived from wild-type (p47phox(+/+); phagocyte oxidase) mice with those from mice that lack p47phox (p47phox(-/-); "knockout"), an essential component of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. METHODS AND RESULTS: VSMCs were derived from aortic explants harvested from p47phox(+/+) or p47phox(-/-) mice. VSMCs from p47phox(+/+) but not those from p47phox(-/-) mice produced superoxide after stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate. Consistent with this, p47phox was detected only in p47phox(+/+) VSMCs. p47phox-transduced p47phox(-/-) but not enhanced green fluorescent protein-transduced p47phox(-/-) VSMCs generated significant levels of superoxide after stimulation by angiotensin II or platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). Enhanced expression of recombinant p47phox in p47phox-transduced p47phox(-/-) cells correlated with superoxide production in these cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide direct functional proof that an oxidase requiring the p47phox component mediates superoxide release from VSMCs in the blood vessel wall in response to angiotensin II or PDGF-BB.

P47(phox)-deficient NADPH oxidase defect in neutrophils of diabetic mouse strains, C57BL/6J-m db/db and db/+.

Deficiencies in neutrophil NADPH oxidase proteins have been demonstrated in humans with chronic granulomatous disease. However, no spontaneous mutation in murine NADPH oxidase has been reported. In this study we report that neutrophils from the diabetic mouse strains, C57BL/6J-m heterozygous lean (lepr(db/+)) and homozygous obese (lepr(db/db)) mice produced no superoxide on stimulation. An absence of intact p47(phox) but not other oxidase proteins was observed in both mouse strains through the use of immunoblotting. Molecular analysis by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction identified three abnormal p47phox mRNA transcripts. Sequencing of genomic DNA of p47(phox) revealed a point mutation at the -2 position of exon 8, which is consistent with aberrant splicing of the p47(phox) transcript. These results indicate that the C57BL/6J-m db/db and db/+ mice are the first spontaneously derived murine model of NADPH oxidase deficiency involving a p47(phox) mutation.

Genetic, biochemical, and clinical features of chronic granulomatous disease.

The reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex allows phagocytes to rapidly convert O2 to superoxide anion which then generates other antimicrobial reactive oxygen intermediates, such as H2O2, hydroxyl anion, and peroxynitrite anion. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) results from a defect in any of the 4 subunits of the NADPH oxidase and is characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections and abnormal tissue granuloma formation. Activation of the NADPH oxidase requires translocation of the cytosolic subunits p47phox (phagocyte oxidase), p67phox, and the low molecular weight GT-Pase Rac, to the membrane-bound flavocytochrome, a heterodimer composed of the heavy chain gp91phox and the light chain p22phox. This complex transfers electrons from NADPH on the cytoplasmic side to O2 on the vacuolar or extracellular side, thereby generating superoxide anion. Activation of the NADPH oxidase requires complex rearrangements between the protein subunits, which are in part mediated by noncovalent binding between src-homology 3 domains (SH3 domains) and proline-rich motifs. Outpatient management of CGD patients relies on the use of prophylactic antibiotics and interferon-gamma. When infection is suspected, aggressive effort to obtain culture material is required. Treatment of infections involves prolonged use of systemic antibiotics, surgical debridement when feasible, and, in severe infections, use of granulocyte transfusions. Mouse knockout models of CGD have been created in which to examine aspects of pathophysiology and therapy. Gene therapy and bone marrow transplantation trials in CGD patients are ongoing and show great promise.

Baculovirus mediated expression of human phagocytic cell oxidase cytochrome b558 in sf9 insect cells.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) results from deficient production of components of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Most commonly affected is cytochrome b558, a heterodimer composed of a 22-kDa protein (p22phox) noncovalently bound to a 91-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein (gp91phox). CGD phagocytes lack both p22phox and gp91phox peptides when either gene is affected, suggesting that both peptides must be produced for individual subunit stability. Both genes have been cloned, but eukaryotic expression of recombinant gp91phox has not been reported. To investigate the stability and interaction of cytochrome b558 subunits, we introduced p22phox and gp91phox cDNA into recombinant baculoviruses. Recombinant gp91phox (rgp91phox) and p22phox (rp22phox) were detected individually and together in the same cells by in situ immunofluorescence and by SDS-PAGE immunoblotting of membranes from sf9 cells infected with baculovirus constructs. Formation of rp22phox/rgp91phox complexes was demonstrated by coprecipitation using subunit-specific antibodies. This study demonstrates for the first time that cDNA encoding either subunit is capable of initiating production of stable recombinant cytochrome b558 subunits in eukaryotic cells.

Lipids and proteins in the Rathke's gland secretions of the North American mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum).

Lipids and proteins in the Rathke's gland secretions of the North American mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum, Kinosternidae) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), respectively. Analysis by GC-MS indicates 2,3-dihydroxypropanal and C3-C24 free or esterified fatty acids. Analysis by SDS-PAGE indicates a major protein component with an approximate molecular mass of 60 kDa and minor components ranging from ca. 23 to 34 kDa. The major component of K. subrubrum glandular secretions exhibits a mobility that matches that of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi, Cheloniidae), suggesting that these proteins are evolutionarily conserved.

Expression of specific isoforms of protein 4.1 in erythroid and non-erythroid tissues.

Protein 4.1 in red cells is an important submembrane linking protein that binds to spectrin actin complexes at one end of its structure and to transmembrane proteins, such as glycophorin, at the other. Protein 4.1 thus contributes to the strength and flexibility of the erythrocyte membrane, a fact dramatically exemplified by the appearance of hereditary hemolytic anemias in patients with absent or abnormal protein 4.1. Recently, protein 4.1 forms have been discovered in many non-erythroid tissues. Their intracellular locations raise the possibility that these isoforms might have different functions. We have thus conducted comparative analysis of erythroid and non-erythroid protein 4.1 forms by cloning and sequencing erythroid and lymphoid protein 4.1 cDNAs. The lymphoid protein 4.1 isoforms exhibit at least five nucleotide sequence motifs that appear to be either inserted or deleted relative to the erythroid mRNA sequence by alternative splicing of a common mRNA precursor. One of these motifs, located within the spectrin-actin binding domain, is found only in erythroid cells and is specifically produced during erythroid cell maturation. The selective expression of this alternatively spliced mRNA during erythroid maturation implies the existence of a lineage specific splicing mechanism whose activity is triggered by terminal maturation. Two motifs alter the 5' untranslated region of the "prototypical" erythroid mRNA in such a way as to permit synthesis of a novel larger isoform. This form appears to localize preferentially in the nucleus. We thus conclude that a single gene gives rise to multiple protein 4.1 isoforms with potentially diverse locations and functions.

Reactive oxygen species mediate inflammatory cytokine release and EGFR-dependent mucin secretion in airway epithelial cells exposed to Pseudomonas pyocyanin.

Despite the long-appreciated in vivo role of the redox-active virulence factor pyocyanin in Pseudomonas airway infections and the importance of airway epithelial cells in combating bacterial pathogens, little is known about pyocyanin's effect on airway epithelial cells. We find that exposure of bronchiolar epithelial cells to pyocyanin results in MUC2/MUC5AC induction and mucin secretion through release of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors (interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, heparin-bound epidermal growth factor, tissue growth factor-α, tumor necrosis factor-α) that activate the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. These changes are mediated by reactive oxygen species produced by pyocyanin. Microarray analysis identified 286 pyocyanin-induced genes in airway epithelial cells, including many inflammatory mediators elevated in cystic fibrosis (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-monocyte CSF, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), serum amyloid, IL-23) and several novel pyocyanin-responsive genes of potential importance in the infection process (IL-24, CXCL2, CXCL3, CCL20, CXCR4). This comprehensive study uncovers numerous details of pyocyanin's proinflammatory action and establishes airway epithelial cells as key responders to this microbial toxin.