Release of cytochrome c and activation of pro-caspase-9 following lysosomal photodamage involves Bid cleavage.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocols employing lysosomal sensitizers induce apoptosis via a mechanism that causes cytochrome c release prior to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). The current study was designed to determine how lysosomal photodamage initiates mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in murine hepatoma 1c1c7 cells. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that the photosensitizer N-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) localized to the lysosomes. Irradiation of cultures preloaded with NPe6 induced the rapid destruction of lysosomes, and subsequent cleavage/activation of Bid, pro-caspases-9 and -3. Pro-caspase-8 was not activated. Release of cytochrome c occurred at about the time of Bid cleavage and preceded the loss of DeltaPsi(m). Extracts of purified lysosomes catalyzed the in vitro cleavage of cytosolic Bid, but not pro-caspase-3 activation. Pharmacological inhibition of cathepsin B, L and D activities did not suppress Bid cleavage or pro-caspases-9 and -3 activation. These studies demonstrate that photodamaged lysosomes trigger the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by releasing proteases that activate Bid.

Sensitivity of myelomonocytic leukemia cells to arsenite-induced cell cycle disruption, apoptosis, and enhanced differentiation is dependent on the inter-relationship between arsenic concentration, duration of treatment, and cell cycle phase.

Arsenite treatment has been found to induce clinical remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Although the potential therapeutic value of arsenite may lie in triggering apoptosis, it has not been established that cytotoxicity is the sole mechanism of action. We have used a myelomonocytic leukemia cell line (U937) to characterize the concentration-dependent effects of arsenite on cell growth, viability, apoptosis, and differentiation. Arsenite has multiple effects on U937 cells. Low concentrations of arsenite (i.e., < or = 1 microM) potentiate vitamin-D(3)-induced differentiation. Two markers of monocyte differentiation, Mac-1 expression and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, are increased in arsenite-exposed, D(3)-costimulated cells. Concentrations of arsenite >10 microM rapidly induce the death of cells irrespective of cell cycle phase. Intermediate concentrations of arsenite (i.e., 5 to 10 microM) are cytostatic initially. Cell cycle analysis using elutriated, synchronous cell populations revealed that intermediate concentrations of arsenite delay both G(1) and G(2) transit. G(2) cells appear to be most sensitive to arsenite, in that transit through G(2)/M is more delayed than transit through G(1), and apoptosis is induced in these cells as they emerge from an aberrant G(2)/M. Arsenite-induced apoptosis was caspase-3 dependent. Arsenite-mediated cytotoxicity was reduced in the presence of the broad caspase inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp-fluoromethylketone; however, caspase inhibition did not reverse arsenite-induced cytostasis. Thus, arsenite has multiple effects on U937 cells that are dependent on concentration and cell cycle phase. Specifically, cell cycle transit and differentiation are more sensitive to arsenite than is the induction of apoptosis.

Bryostatin 1 down-regulates mdr1 and potentiates vincristine cytotoxicity in diffuse large cell lymphoma xenografts.

The down-regulation of multidrug resistance (mdr1) gene expression as detected by competitive reverse transcription-PCR and the antitumor activity of bryostatin 1 (Bryo1) are investigated in a newly established cell line from a patient with relapsed diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL). The cell line (WSU-DLCL2) grows in liquid culture and forms s.c. tumors in mice with severe combined immune deficiency. WSU-DLCL2 is a mature B-cell line (IgG lambda) that is negative for EBV nuclear antigen, expresses the multidrug resistance phenotype, and has t(14;18)(q32;q21) plus other chromosomal aberrations. Exposure of the WSU-DLCL2 cells to Bryo1 in culture reversed the multidrug resistance phenotype within 24 h. A functional assay revealed a 4-fold increase in [3H]vincristine accumulation in Bryo1-treated cells compared with control. Vincristine (VCR), doxorubicin, Bryo1, and 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine showed no clinically significant activity when given alone to WSU-DLCL2-bearing severe combined immune deficiency mice. However, when given 24 h before each cytotoxic agent, Bryo1 substantially increased the antitumor activity of VCR but not 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the expression of P-glycoprotein in WSU-DLCL2 tumors taken from Bryo1-treated animals compared with untreated controls. In vivo, a competitive reverse transcription-PCR assay revealed decreased mdr1 RNA expression 24 h after Bryo1 treatment. These findings taken together indicate that Bryo1-induced down-regulation of mdr1 might be one mechanism by which Bryo1 potentiates VCR activity. The sequential use of both agents resulted in clinically significant antitumor activity in this lymphoma model.