Nociceptor neurons direct goblet cells via a CGRP-RAMP1 axis to drive mucus production and gut barrier protection.

Neuroepithelial crosstalk is critical for gut physiology. However, the mechanisms by which sensory neurons communicate with epithelial cells to mediate gut barrier protection at homeostasis and during inflammation are not well understood. Here, we find that Nav1.8+CGRP+ nociceptor neurons are juxtaposed with and signal to intestinal goblet cells to drive mucus secretion and gut protection. Nociceptor ablation led to decreased mucus thickness and dysbiosis, while chemogenetic nociceptor activation or capsaicin treatment induced mucus growth. Mouse and human goblet cells expressed Ramp1, receptor for the neuropeptide CGRP. Nociceptors signal via the CGRP-Ramp1 pathway to induce rapid goblet cell emptying and mucus secretion. Notably, commensal microbes activated nociceptors to control homeostatic CGRP release. In the absence of nociceptors or epithelial Ramp1, mice showed increased epithelial stress and susceptibility to colitis. Conversely, CGRP administration protected nociceptor-ablated mice against colitis. Our findings demonstrate a neuron-goblet cell axis that orchestrates gut mucosal barrier protection.

Mitochondria-Targeted Triphenylphosphonium-Based Compounds: Syntheses, Mechanisms of Action, and Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications.

Mitochondria are recognized as one of the most important targets for new drug design in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Currently, the most effective way to deliver drugs specifically to mitochondria is by covalent linking a lipophilic cation such as an alkyltriphenylphosphonium moiety to a pharmacophore of interest. Other delocalized lipophilic cations, such as rhodamine, natural and synthetic mitochondria-targeting peptides, and nanoparticle vehicles, have also been used for mitochondrial delivery of small molecules. Depending on the approach used, and the cell and mitochondrial membrane potentials, more than 1000-fold higher mitochondrial concentration can be achieved. Mitochondrial targeting has been developed to study mitochondrial physiology and dysfunction and the interaction between mitochondria and other subcellular organelles and for treatment of a variety of diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. In this Review, we discuss efforts to target small-molecule compounds to mitochondria for probing mitochondria function, as diagnostic tools and potential therapeutics. We describe the physicochemical basis for mitochondrial accumulation of lipophilic cations, synthetic chemistry strategies to target compounds to mitochondria, mitochondrial probes, and sensors, and examples of mitochondrial targeting of bioactive compounds. Finally, we review published attempts to apply mitochondria-targeted agents for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Real-time measurements of amino acid and protein hydroperoxides using coumarin boronic acid.

Hydroperoxides of amino acid and amino acid residues (tyrosine, cysteine, tryptophan, and histidine) in proteins are formed during oxidative modification induced by reactive oxygen species. Amino acid hydroperoxides are unstable intermediates that can further propagate oxidative damage in proteins. The existing assays (oxidation of ferrous cation and iodometric assays) cannot be used in real-time measurements. In this study, we show that the profluorescent coumarin boronic acid (CBA) probe reacts with amino acid and protein hydroperoxides to form the corresponding fluorescent product, 7-hydroxycoumarin. 7-Hydroxycoumarin formation was catalase-independent. Based on this observation, we have developed a fluorometric, real-time assay that is adapted to a multiwell plate format. This is the first report showing real-time monitoring of amino acid and protein hydroperoxides using the CBA-based assay. This approach was used to detect protein hydroperoxides in cell lysates obtained from macrophages exposed to visible light and photosensitizer (rose bengal). We also measured the rate constants for the reaction between amino acid hydroperoxides (tyrosyl, tryptophan, and histidine hydroperoxides) and CBA, and these values (7-23 M(-1) s(-1)) were significantly higher than that measured for H2O2 (1.5 M(-1) s(-1)). Using the CBA-based competition kinetics approach, the rate constants for amino acid hydroperoxides with ebselen, a glutathione peroxidase mimic, were also determined, and the values were within the range of 1.1-1.5 × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1). Both ebselen and boronates may be used as small molecule scavengers of amino acid and protein hydroperoxides. Here we also show formation of tryptophan hydroperoxide from tryptophan exposed to co-generated fluxes of nitric oxide and superoxide. This observation reveals a new mechanism for amino acid and protein hydroperoxide formation in biological systems.

High-throughput assays for superoxide and hydrogen peroxide: design of a screening workflow to identify inhibitors of NADPH oxidases.

Recent progress characterizing the reaction mechanism(s) of fluorescent probes with reactive oxygen species has made it possible to rigorously analyze these reactive species in biological systems. We have developed rapid high throughput-compatible assays for monitoring cellular production of superoxide radical anion and hydrogen peroxide using hydropropidine and coumarin boronic acid probes, respectively. Coupling plate reader-based fluorescence measurements with HPLC-based simultaneous monitoring of superoxide radical anion and hydrogen peroxide provides the basis for the screening protocol for NADPH oxidase (Nox) inhibitors. Using this newly developed approach along with the medium-throughput plate reader-based oximetry and EPR spin trapping as confirmatory assays, it is now eminently feasible to rapidly and reliably identify Nox enzyme inhibitors with a markedly lower rate of false positives. These methodological advances provide an opportunity to discover selective inhibitors of Nox isozymes, through enhanced conceptual understanding of their basic mechanisms of action.

Mental Health and Black Male Graduate Students.

The purpose of this study was to understand how masculinity and race impact mental health among Black male graduate students. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews recruited Black male graduate students enrolled at a private university in the southern United States. Data were collected over zoom and recorded. Interviews were transcribed and the data were analyzed for similar themes. Twenty-nine Black male graduate students 23 to 51 were recruited. Participants reported the three main elements that impacted their mental health were (1) expectations, (2) pressure, and (3) being strong. These findings suggest that colleges need to develop programming to help Black men learn how to handle racial discrimination in positive ways. Additionally, findings also highlight the need for culturally relevant mental health services that let Black men know seeking help is ok and is what men do.

Global profiling of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in biological systems: high-throughput real-time analyses.

Herein we describe a high-throughput fluorescence and HPLC-based methodology for global profiling of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in biological systems. The combined use of HPLC and fluorescence detection is key to successful implementation and validation of this methodology. Included here are methods to specifically detect and quantitate the products formed from interaction between the ROS/RNS species and the fluorogenic probes, as follows: superoxide using hydroethidine, peroxynitrite using boronate-based probes, nitric oxide-derived nitrosating species with 4,5-diaminofluorescein, and hydrogen peroxide and other oxidants using 10-acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine (Amplex® Red) with and without horseradish peroxidase, respectively. In this study, we demonstrate real-time monitoring of ROS/RNS in activated macrophages using high-throughput fluorescence and HPLC methods. This global profiling approach, simultaneous detection of multiple ROS/RNS products of fluorescent probes, developed in this study will be useful in unraveling the complex role of ROS/RNS in redox regulation, cell signaling, and cellular oxidative processes and in high-throughput screening of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Additive effects of mitochondrion-targeted cytochrome CYP2E1 and alcohol toxicity on cytochrome c oxidase function and stability of respirosome complexes.

Alcohol treatment induces oxidative stress by a combination of increased production of partially reduced oxygen species and decreased cellular antioxidant pool, including GSH. Recently, we showed that mitochondrion-targeted CYP2E1 augments alcohol-mediated toxicity, causing an increase in reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress. Here, we show that cytochrome c oxidase (CcO), the terminal oxidase of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is a critical target of CYP2E1-mediated alcohol toxicity. COS-7 and Hep G2 cell lines expressing predominantly mitochondrion-targeted (Mt(++)) CYP2E1 and livers from alcohol-treated rats showed loss of CcO activity and increased protein carbonylation, which was accompanied by a decline in the steady state levels of subunits I, IVI1, and Vb of the CcO complex. This was also accompanied by reduced mitochondrial DNA content and reduced mitochondrial mRNA. These changes were more prominent in Mt(++) cells in comparison with wild type (WT) CYP2E1-expressing or ER(+) (mostly microsome-targeted) cells. In addition, mitochondrion-specific antioxidants, ubiquinol conjugated to triphenyl phosphonium, triphenylphosphonium conjugated carboxyl proxyl, and the CYP2E1 inhibitor diallyl sulfide prevented the loss of CcO activity and the CcO subunits, most likely through reduced oxidative damage to the enzyme complex. Our results suggest that damage to CcO and dissociation of respirosome complexes are critical factors in alcohol-induced toxicity, which is augmented by mitochondrion-targeted CYP2E1. We propose that CcO is one of the direct and immediate targets of alcohol-induced toxicity causing respiratory dysfunction.

Mitochondrial-targeted nitroxides disrupt mitochondrial architecture and inhibit expression of peroxiredoxin 3 and FOXM1 in malignant mesothelioma cells.

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an intractable tumor of the peritoneal and pleural cavities primarily linked to exposure to asbestos. Recently, we described an interplay between mitochondrial-derived oxidants and expression of FOXM1, a redox-responsive transcription factor that has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in solid malignancies. Here we have investigated the effects of nitroxides targeted to mitochondria via triphenylphosphonium (TPP) moieties on mitochondrial oxidant production, expression of FOXM1 and peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3), and cell viability in MM cells in culture. Both Mito-carboxy-proxyl (MCP) and Mito-TEMPOL (MT) caused dose-dependent increases in mitochondrial oxidant production that was accompanied by inhibition of expression of FOXM1 and PRX3 and loss of cell viability. At equivalent concentrations TPP, CP, and TEMPOL had no effect on these endpoints. Live cell ratiometric imaging with a redox-responsive green fluorescent protein targeted to mitochondria (mito-roGFP) showed that MCP and MT, but not CP, TEMPOL, or TPP, rapidly induced mitochondrial fragmentation and swelling, morphological transitions that were associated with diminished ATP levels and increased production of mitochondrial oxidants. Mdivi-1, an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission, did not rescue mitochondria from fragmentation by MCP. Immunofluorescence microscopy experiments indicate a fraction of FOXM1 coexists in the cytoplasm with mitochondrial PRX3. Our results indicate that MCP and MT inhibit FOXM1 expression and MM tumor cell viability via perturbations in redox homeostasis caused by marked disruption of mitochondrial architecture, and suggest that both compounds, either alone or in combination with thiostrepton or other agents, may provide credible therapeutic options for the management of MM.

Mitochondria-targeted vitamin E analogs inhibit breast cancer cell energy metabolism and promote cell death.

BACKGROUND: Recent research has revealed that targeting mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism is a promising chemotherapeutic strategy. Key to successful implementation of this chemotherapeutic strategy is the use of new and improved mitochondria-targeted cationic agents that selectively inhibit energy metabolism in breast cancer cells, while exerting little or no long-term cytotoxic effect in normal cells. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and alterations in bioenergetic metabolism induced by mitochondria-targeted vitamin E analog (Mito-chromanol, Mito-ChM) and its acetylated ester analog (Mito-ChMAc). Assays of cell death, colony formation, mitochondrial bioenergetic function, intracellular ATP levels, intracellular and tissue concentrations of tested compounds, and in vivo tumor growth were performed. RESULTS: Both Mito-ChM and Mito-ChMAc selectively depleted intracellular ATP and caused prolonged inhibition of ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate in breast cancer cells, but not in non-cancerous cells. These effects were significantly augmented by inhibition of glycolysis. Mito-ChM and Mito-ChMAc exhibited anti-proliferative effects and cytotoxicity in several breast cancer cells with different genetic background. Furthermore, Mito-ChM selectively accumulated in tumor tissue and inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model of human breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that mitochondria-targeted small molecular weight chromanols exhibit selective anti-proliferative effects and cytotoxicity in multiple breast cancer cells, and that esterification of the hydroxyl group in mito-chromanols is not a critical requirement for its anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effect.

Reaction between peroxynitrite and triphenylphosphonium-substituted arylboronic acid isomers: identification of diagnostic marker products and biological implications.

Aromatic boronic acids react rapidly with peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) to yield phenols as major products. This reaction was used to monitor ONOO(-) formation in cellular systems. Previously, we proposed that the reaction between ONOO(-) and arylboronates (PhB(OH)2) yields a phenolic product (major pathway) and a radical pair PhB(OH)2O(•-)···(•)NO2 (minor pathway). [Sikora, A. et al. (2011) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 24, 687-697]. In this study, we investigated the influence of a bulky triphenylphosphonium (TPP) group on the reaction between ONOO(-) and mitochondria-targeted arylboronate isomers (o-, m-, and p-MitoPhB(OH)2). Results from the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping experiments unequivocally showed the presence of a phenyl radical intermediate from meta and para isomers, and not from the ortho isomer. The yield of o-MitoPhNO2 formed from the reaction between o-MitoPhB(OH)2 and ONOO(-) was not diminished by phenyl radical scavengers, suggesting a rapid fragmentation of the o-MitoPhB(OH)2O(•-) radical anion with subsequent reaction of the resulting phenyl radical with (•)NO2 in the solvent cage. The DFT quantum mechanical calculations showed that the energy barrier for the dissociation of the o-MitoPhB(OH)2O(•-) radical anion is significantly lower than that of m-MitoPhB(OH)2O(•-) and p-MitoPhB(OH)2O(•-) radical anions. The nitrated product, o-MitoPhNO2, is not formed by the nitrogen dioxide radical generated by myeloperoxidase in the presence of the nitrite anion and hydrogen peroxide, indicating that this specific nitrated product may be used as a diagnostic marker product for ONOO(-). Incubation of o-MitoPhB(OH)2 with RAW 264.7 macrophages activated to produce ONOO(-) yielded the corresponding phenol o-MitoPhOH as well as the diagnostic nitrated product, o-MitoPhNO2. We conclude that the ortho isomer probe reported here is most suitable for specific detection of ONOO(-) in biological systems.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant and glycolysis inhibition: synergistic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Mito-carboxy proxyl (Mito-CP), a lipophilic cationic nitroxide, accumulates in the mitochondria because of the large negative transmembrane potential. Studies have shown that these agents act by disrupting the energy-producing mechanism, inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, and also enhancing the action of other chemotherapeutic agents in cancer cells. We hypothesized that the combination of Mito-CP and glycolysis inhibitor, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), would synergistically inhibit HCC in vitro. HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes were treated with various combinations of Mito-CP and 2-DG. Cell cytotoxicity was measured using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and ATP bioluminescence assay. In addition, caspase 3/7 enzymatic activity was examined after treatment. Mito-CP and 2-DG induced synergistic cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, whereas primary cells remained viable and unaffected after treatment. The intracellular ATP levels of HepG2 cells were suppressed within 6 h of combination treatment, whereas primary cells maintained higher levels of ATP. Dose-dependent increases in caspase 3/7 activity occurred in HepG2 cells in a time-dependent manner, showing the initiation of cell death through the apoptotic pathway. These findings indicate that a combination of Mito-CP and 2-DG effectively inhibits HCC growth in vitro. The increase in caspase 3/7 activity supports the occurrence of 2-DG-induced and Mito-CP-induced apoptotic death in HCC. The inability of the compounds to induce cytotoxicity or suppress the production of ATP in primary hepatocytes provides a selective and synergistic approach for the treatment of HCC.

Mitochondrial metabolism and ROS generation are essential for Kras-mediated tumorigenicity.

Otto Warburg's theory on the origins of cancer postulates that tumor cells have defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and therefore rely on high levels of aerobic glycolysis as the major source of ATP to fuel cellular proliferation (the Warburg effect). This is in contrast to normal cells, which primarily utilize oxidative phosphorylation for growth and survival. Here we report that the major function of glucose metabolism for Kras-induced anchorage-independent growth, a hallmark of transformed cells, is to support the pentose phosphate pathway. The major function of glycolytic ATP is to support growth under hypoxic conditions. Glutamine conversion into the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate alpha-ketoglutarate through glutaminase and alanine aminotransferase is essential for Kras-induced anchorage-independent growth. Mitochondrial metabolism allows for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are required for Kras-induced anchorage-independent growth through regulation of the ERK MAPK signaling pathway. We show that the major source of ROS generation required for anchorage-independent growth is the Q(o) site of mitochondrial complex III. Furthermore, disruption of mitochondrial function by loss of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) gene reduced tumorigenesis in an oncogenic Kras-driven mouse model of lung cancer. These results demonstrate that mitochondrial metabolism and mitochondrial ROS generation are essential for Kras-induced cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.

Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of an orally active apocynin derivative in pre-clinical models of Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor debilitation, which affects several million people worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that glial cell activation and its inflammatory response may contribute to the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in PD. Currently, there are no neuroprotective agents available that can effectively slow the disease progression. Herein, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of diapocynin, an oxidative metabolite of the naturally occurring agent apocynin, in a pre-clinical 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. METHODS: Both pre-treatment and post-treatment of diapocynin were tested in the MPTP mouse model of PD. Diapocynin was administered via oral gavage to MPTP-treated mice. Following the treatment, behavioral, neurochemical and immunohistological studies were performed. Neuroinflammatory markers, such as ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), gp91phox and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were measured in the nigrostriatal system. Nigral tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons as well as oxidative markers 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and striatal dopamine levels were quantified for assessment of the neuroprotective efficacy of diapocynin. RESULTS: Oral administration of diapocynin significantly attenuated MPTP-induced microglial and astroglial cell activation in the substantia nigra (SN). MPTP-induced expression of gp91phox and iNOS activation in the glial cells of SN was also completely blocked by diapocynin. Notably, diapocynin markedly inhibited MPTP-induced oxidative markers including 3-NT and 4-HNE levels in the SN. Treatment with diapocynin also significantly improved locomotor activity, restored dopamine and its metabolites, and protected dopaminergic neurons and their nerve terminals in this pre-clinical model of PD. Importantly, diapocynin administered 3 days after initiation of the disease restored the neurochemical deficits. Diapocynin also halted the disease progression in a chronic mouse model of PD. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results demonstrate that diapocynin exhibits profound neuroprotective effects in a pre-clinical animal model of PD by attenuating oxidative damage and neuroinflammatory responses. These findings may have important translational implications for treating PD patients.

Boronate probes as diagnostic tools for real time monitoring of peroxynitrite and hydroperoxides.

Boronates, a group of organic compounds, are emerging as one of the most effective probes for detecting and quantifying peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Boronates react with peroxynitrite nearly a million times faster than with hydrogen peroxide. Boronate-containing fluorogenic compounds have been used to monitor real time generation of peroxynitrite in cells and for imaging hydrogen peroxide in living animals. This perspective highlights potential applications of boronates and other fluorescent probes to high-throughput analyses of peroxynitrite and hydroperoxides in toxicological studies.

Peroxynitrite is the major species formed from different flux ratios of co-generated nitric oxide and superoxide: direct reaction with boronate-based fluorescent probe.

There is much interest in the nitration and oxidation reaction mechanisms initiated by superoxide radical anion (O(2)()) and nitric oxide ((*)NO). It is well known that O(2) and (*)NO rapidly react to form a potent oxidant, peroxynitrite anion (ONOO(-)). However, indirect measurements with the existing probes (e.g. dihydrorhodamine) previously revealed a bell-shaped response to co-generated (*)NO and O(2) fluxes, with the maximal yield of the oxidation or nitration product occurring at a 1:1 ratio. These results raised doubts on the formation of ONOO(-) per se at various fluxes of (*)NO and O(2). Using a novel fluorogenic probe, coumarin-7-boronic acid, that reacts stoichiometrically and rapidly with ONOO(-) (k = 1.1 x 10(6) m(-1)s(-1)), we report that ONOO(-) formation increased linearly and began to plateau after reaching a 1:1 ratio of co-generated (*)NO and O(2) fluxes. We conclude that ONOO(-) is formed as the primary intermediate during the reaction between (*)NO and O(2) co-generated at different fluxes.

The antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 negatively regulates autophagy and growth arrest induced by the anticancer redox agent mitoquinone.

Mitoquinone (MitoQ) is a synthetically modified, redox-active ubiquinone compound that accumulates predominantly in mitochondria. We found that MitoQ is 30-fold more cytotoxic to breast cancer cells than to healthy mammary cells. MitoQ treatment led to irreversible inhibition of clonogenic growth of breast cancer cells through a combination of autophagy and apoptotic cell death mechanisms. Relatively limited cytotoxicity was seen with the parent ubiquinone coenzyme Q(10.) Inhibition of cancer cell growth by MitoQ was associated with G(1)/S cell cycle arrest and phosphorylation of the checkpoint kinases Chk1 and Chk2. The possible role of oxidative stress in MitoQ activity was investigated by measuring the products of hydroethidine oxidation. Increases in ethidium and dihydroethidium levels, markers of one-electron oxidation of hydroethidine, were observed at cytotoxic concentrations of MitoQ. Keap1, an oxidative stress sensor protein that regulates the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2, underwent oxidation, degradation, and dissociation from Nrf2 in MitoQ-treated cells. Nrf2 protein levels, nuclear localization, and transcriptional activity also increased following MitoQ treatment. Knockdown of Nrf2 caused a 2-fold increase in autophagy and an increase in G(1) cell cycle arrest in response to MitoQ but had no apparent effect on apoptosis. The Nrf2-regulated enzyme NQO1 is partly responsible for controlling the level of autophagy. Keap1 and Nrf2 act as redox sensors for oxidative perturbations that lead to autophagy. MitoQ and similar compounds should be further evaluated for novel anticancer activity.

Reaction between peroxynitrite and boronates: EPR spin-trapping, HPLC Analyses, and quantum mechanical study of the free radical pathway.

Recently, we showed that peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) reacts directly and rapidly with aromatic and aliphatic boronic acids (k ≈ 10(6) M(-1)s(-1)). Product analyses and substrate consumption data indicated that ONOO(-) reacts stoichiometrically with boronates, yielding the corresponding phenols as the major product (∼85-90%), and the remaining products (10-15%) were proposed to originate from free radical intermediates (phenyl and phenoxyl radicals). Here, we investigated in detail the minor, free radical pathway of boronate reaction with ONOO(-). The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping technique was used to characterize the free radical intermediates formed from the reaction between boronates and ONOO(-). Using 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP) and 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DEPMPO) spin traps, phenyl radicals were trapped and detected. Although phenoxyl radicals were not detected, the positive effects of molecular oxygen, and inhibitory effects of hydrogen atom donors (acetonitrile, and 2-propanol) and general radical scavengers (GSH, NADH, ascorbic acid, and tyrosine) on the formation of phenoxyl radical-derived nitrated product, suggest that the phenoxyl radical was formed as the secondary species. We propose that the initial step of the reaction involves the addition of ONOO(-) to the boron atom in boronates. The anionic intermediate undergoes both heterolytic (major pathway) and homolytic (minor pathway) cleavage of the peroxy (O-O) bond to form phenol and nitrite as a major product (via a nonradical mechanism), or a radical pair PhB(OH)(2)O(•-)···(•)NO(2) as a minor product. It is conceivable that phenyl radicals are formed by the fragmentation of the PhB(OH)(2)O(•-) radical anion. According to the DFT quantum mechanical calculations, the energy barrier for the dissociation of PhB(OH)(2)O(•-) radical anion to form phenyl radical is only a few kcal/mol, suggesting rapid and spontaneous fragmentation of the PhB(OH)(2)O(•-) radical anion in aqueous media. Biological implications of the minor free radical pathway are discussed in the context of ONOO(-) detection, using the boronate probes.

Reactive oxygen species control senescence-associated matrix metalloproteinase-1 through c-Jun-N-terminal kinase.

The lifetime exposure of organisms to oxidative stress influences many aging processes which involve the turnover of the extracellular matrix. In this study, we identify the redox-responsive molecular signals that drive senescence-associated (SA) matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression. Precise biochemical monitoring revealed that senescent fibroblasts increase steady-state (H(2)O(2)) 3.5-fold (13.7-48.6 pM) relative to young cells. Restricting H(2)O(2) production through low O(2) exposure or by antioxidant treatments prevented SA increases in MMP-1 expression. The H(2)O(2)-dependent control of SA MMP-1 is attributed to sustained JNK activation and c-jun recruitment to the MMP-1 promoter. SA JNK activation corresponds to increases and decreases in the levels of its activating kinase (MKK-4) and inhibitory phosphatase (MKP-1), respectively. Enforced MKP-1 expression negates SA increases in JNK phosphorylation and MMP-1 production. Overall, these studies define redox-sensitive signaling networks regulating SA MMP-1 expression and link the free radical theory of aging to initiation of aberrant matrix turnover.

Lipid peroxyl radicals mediate tyrosine dimerization and nitration in membranes.

Protein tyrosine dimerization and nitration by biologically relevant oxidants usually depend on the intermediate formation of tyrosyl radical ((*)Tyr). In the case of tyrosine oxidation in proteins associated with hydrophobic biocompartments, the participation of unsaturated fatty acids in the process must be considered since they typically constitute preferential targets for the initial oxidative attack. Thus, we postulate that lipid-derived radicals mediate the one-electron oxidation of tyrosine to (*)Tyr, which can afterward react with another (*)Tyr or with nitrogen dioxide ((*)NO(2)) to yield 3,3'-dityrosine or 3-nitrotyrosine within the hydrophobic structure, respectively. To test this hypothesis, we have studied tyrosine oxidation in saturated and unsaturated fatty acid-containing phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes with an incorporated hydrophobic tyrosine analogue BTBE (N-t-BOC l-tyrosine tert-butyl ester) and its relationship with lipid peroxidation promoted by three oxidation systems, namely, peroxynitrite, hemin, and 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride. In all cases, significant tyrosine (BTBE) oxidation was seen in unsaturated PC liposomes, in a way that was largely decreased at low oxygen concentrations. Tyrosine oxidation levels paralleled those of lipid peroxidation (i.e., malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides), lipid-derived radicals and BTBE phenoxyl radicals were simultaneously detected by electron spin resonance spin trapping, supporting an association between the two processes. Indeed, alpha-tocopherol, a known reactant with lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO(*)), inhibited both tyrosine oxidation and lipid peroxidation induced by all three oxidation systems. Moreover, oxidant-stimulated liposomal oxygen consumption was dose dependently inhibited by BTBE but not by its phenylalanine analogue, BPBE (N-t-BOC l-phenylalanine tert-butyl ester), providing direct evidence for the reaction between LOO(*) and the phenol moiety in BTBE, with an estimated second-order rate constant of 4.8 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1). In summary, the data presented herein demonstrate that LOO(*) mediates tyrosine oxidation processes in hydrophobic biocompartments and provide a new mechanistic insight to understand protein oxidation and nitration in lipoproteins and biomembranes.