Abl depletion via autophagy mediates the beneficial effects of quercetin against Alzheimer pathology across species.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-associated neurodegenerative disorder and the most frequent form of dementia in our society. Aging is a complex biological process concurrently shaped by genetic, dietary and environmental factors and natural compounds are emerging for their beneficial effects against age-related disorders. Besides their antioxidant activity often described in simple model organisms, the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of different dietary compounds remain however largely unknown. In the present study, we exploit the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a widely established model for aging studies, to test the effects of different natural compounds in vivo and focused on mechanistic aspects of one of them, quercetin, using complementary systems and assays. We show that quercetin has evolutionarily conserved beneficial effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology: it prevents Amyloid beta (Aß)-induced detrimental effects in different C. elegans AD models and it reduces Aß-secretion in mammalian cells. Mechanistically, we found that the beneficial effects of quercetin are mediated by autophagy-dependent reduced expression of Abl tyrosine kinase. In turn, autophagy is required upon Abl suppression to mediate quercetin's protective effects against Aß toxicity. Our data support the power of C. elegans as an in vivo model to investigate therapeutic options for AD.

Identification and Biological Characterization of the Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine Derivative SI388 Active as Src Inhibitor.

Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) whose involvement in cancer, including glioblastoma (GBM), has been extensively demonstrated. In this context, we started from our in-house library of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines that are active as Src and/or Bcr-Abl TK inhibitors and performed a lead optimization study to discover a new generation derivative that is suitable for Src kinase targeting. We synthesized a library of 19 compounds, 2a-s. Among these, compound 2a (SI388) was identified as the most potent Src inhibitor. Based on the cell-free results, we investigated the effect of SI388 in 2D and 3D GBM cellular models. Interestingly, SI388 significantly inhibits Src kinase, and therefore affects cell viability, tumorigenicity and enhances cancer cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation.

Caspase-8 and Tyrosine Kinases: A Dangerous Liaison in Cancer.

Caspase-8 is a cysteine-aspartic acid protease that has been identified as an initiator caspase that plays an essential role in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer and Caspase-8 expression is silenced in some tumors, consistent with its central role in apoptosis. However, in the past years, several studies reported an increased expression of Caspase-8 levels in many tumors and consistently identified novel "non-canonical" non-apoptotic functions of Caspase-8 that overall promote cancer progression and sustain therapy resistance. These reports point to the ability of cancer cells to rewire Caspase-8 function in cancer and raise the question of which are the signaling pathways aberrantly activated in cancer that may contribute to the hijack of Caspase-8 activity. In this regard, tyrosine kinases are among the first oncogenes ever identified and genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic studies indeed show that they represent a class of signaling molecules constitutively activated in most of the tumors. Here, we aim to review and discuss the role of Caspase-8 in cancer and its interplay with Src and other tyrosine kinases.

Caspase-8 as a novel mediator linking Src kinase signaling to enhanced glioblastoma malignancy.

Caspase-8 is a cysteine protease that plays an essential role in apoptosis. Consistently with its canonical proapoptotic function, cancer cells may genetically or epigenetically downregulate its expression. Unexpectedly, Caspase-8 is often retained in cancer, suggesting the presence of alternative mechanisms that may be exploited by cancer cells to their own benefit. In this regard, we reported that Src tyrosine kinase, which is aberrantly activated in many tumors, promotes Caspase-8 phosphorylation on Tyrosine 380 (Y380) preventing its full activation. Here, we investigated the significance of Caspase-8 expression and of its phosphorylation on Y380 in glioblastoma, a brain tumor where both Caspase-8 expression and Src activity are often aberrantly upregulated. Transcriptomic analyses identified inflammatory response as a major target of Caspase-8, and in particular, NFκB signaling as one of the most affected pathways. More importantly, we could show that Src-dependent phosphorylation of Caspase-8 on Y380 drives the assembly of a multiprotein complex that triggers NFκB activation, thereby inducing the expression of inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors. Remarkably, phosphorylation on Y380 sustains neoangiogenesis and resistance to radiotherapy. In summary, our work identifies a novel interplay between Src kinase and Caspase-8 that allows cancer cells to hijack Caspase-8 to sustain tumor growth.

Redox activation of ATM enhances GSNOR translation to sustain mitophagy and tolerance to oxidative stress.

The denitrosylase S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) has been suggested to sustain mitochondrial removal by autophagy (mitophagy), functionally linking S-nitrosylation to cell senescence and aging. In this study, we provide evidence that GSNOR is induced at the translational level in response to hydrogen peroxide and mitochondrial ROS. The use of selective pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA demonstrates that GSNOR induction is an event downstream of the redox-mediated activation of ATM, which in turn phosphorylates and activates CHK2 and p53 as intermediate players of this signaling cascade. The modulation of ATM/GSNOR axis, or the expression of a redox-insensitive ATM mutant influences cell sensitivity to nitrosative and oxidative stress, impairs mitophagy and affects cell survival. Remarkably, this interplay modulates T-cell activation, supporting the conclusion that GSNOR is a key molecular effector of the antioxidant function of ATM and providing new clues to comprehend the pleiotropic effects of ATM in the context of immune function.

ATM plays antioxidant, boosting mitophagy via denitrosylation.

Mitophagy is a selective process aimed at removing damaged or burned-out mitochondria; it is activated upon different stimuli and plays a fundamental role in preventing overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that might be generated by dysfunctional mitochondria. From this angle, mitophagy can be considered a fully-fledged antioxidant process. Such a surrogate antioxidant function is recently emerging, being shared among many molecular pathways and players that are usually not included among - and, formally, do not directly act as - antioxidants. ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) is a prototype of this class of "neglected" antioxidants. In spite of its well-known role in DNA damage response, many phenotypes of ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) patients are, indeed, related to chronic oxidative stress, arguing for an additional antioxidant role of ATM. In a recent study, we discovered the mechanism through which ATM exerts antioxidant activity. In particular, we provided evidence that this involves ADH5/GSNOR (alcohol dehydrogenase 5 (class III), chi polypeptide), which, in turn, sustains mitophagy via PARK2 denitrosylation, and protects the cell from detrimental effects due to ROS.

SRC Kinase in Glioblastoma News from an Old Acquaintance.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most recalcitrant brain tumors characterized by a tumor microenvironment (TME) that strongly supports GBM growth, aggressiveness, invasiveness, and resistance to therapy. Importantly, a common feature of GBM is the aberrant activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and of their downstream signaling cascade, including the non-receptor tyrosine kinase SRC. SRC is a central downstream intermediate of many RTKs, which triggers the phosphorylation of many substrates, therefore, promoting the regulation of a wide range of different pathways involved in cell survival, adhesion, proliferation, motility, and angiogenesis. In addition to the aforementioned pathways, SRC constitutive activity promotes and sustains inflammation and metabolic reprogramming concurring with TME development, therefore, actively sustaining tumor growth. Here, we aim to provide an updated picture of the molecular pathways that link SRC to these events in GBM. In addition, SRC targeting strategies are discussed in order to highlight strengths and weaknesses of SRC inhibitors in GBM management, focusing our attention on their potentialities in combination with conventional therapeutic approaches (i.e., temozolomide) to ameliorate therapy effectiveness.

When S-Nitrosylation Gets to Mitochondria: From Signaling to Age-Related Diseases.

Significance: Cysteines have an essential role in redox signaling, transforming an oxidant signal into a biological response. Among reversible cysteine post-translational modifications, S-nitrosylation acts as a redox-switch in several pathophysiological states, such as ischemia/reperfusion, synaptic transmission, cancer, and muscular dysfunctions. Recent Advances: Growing pieces of in vitro and in vivo evidence argue for S-nitrosylation being deeply involved in development and aging, and playing a role in the onset of different pathological states. New findings suggest it being an enzymatically regulated cellular process, with deep impact on mitochondrial structure and function, and in cellular metabolism. In light of this, the recent discovery of the denitrosylase S-nitrosoCoA (coenzyme A) reductase takes on even greater importance and opens new perspectives on S-nitrosylation as a general mechanism of cellular homeostasis. Critical Issues: Based on these recent findings, we aim at summarizing and elaborating on the established and emerging crucial roles of S-nitrosylation in mitochondrial metabolism and mitophagy, and provide an overview of the pathophysiological effects induced by its deregulation. Future Directions: The identification of new S-nitrosylation targets, and the comprehension of the mechanisms through which S-nitrosylation modulates specific classes of proteins, that is, those impinging on diverse mitochondrial functions, may help to better understand the pathophysiology of aging, and propose lines of intervention to slow down or extend the onset of aging-related diseases.

ATM Kinase-Dependent Regulation of Autophagy: A Key Player in Senescence?

Increasing evidence suggests a strong interplay between autophagy and genomic stability. Recently, several papers have demonstrated a molecular connection between the DNA Damage Response (DDR) and autophagy and have explored how this link influences cell fate and the choice between apoptosis and senescence in response to different stimuli. The aberrant deregulation of this interplay is linked to the development of pathologies, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) is the product of a gene that is lost in Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare genetic disorder characterized by ataxia and cerebellar neurodegeneration, defects in the immune response, higher incidence of lymphoma development, and premature aging. Importantly, ATM kinase plays a central role in the DDR, and it can finely tune the balance between senescence and apoptosis: activated ATM promotes autophagy and in particular sustains the lysosomal-mitochondrial axis, which in turn promotes senescence and inhibits apoptosis. Therefore, ATM is the key factor that enables cells to escape apoptosis by entering senescence through modulation of autophagy. Importantly, unlike apoptotic cells, senescent cells are viable and have the ability to secrete proinflammatory and mitogenic factors, thus influencing the cellular environment. In this review we aim to summarize recent advances in the understanding of molecular mechanisms linking DDR and autophagy to senescence, pointing out the role of ATM kinase in these cellular responses. The significance of this regulation in the pathogenesis of Ataxia-Telangiectasia will be discussed.

nNOS/GSNOR interaction contributes to skeletal muscle differentiation and homeostasis.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of correct skeletal muscle function due, at least in part, to S-nitrosylation of specific protein targets. Similarly, we recently provided evidence for a muscular phenotype in mice lacking the denitrosylase S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR). Here, we demonstrate that nNOS and GSNOR are concomitantly expressed during differentiation of C2C12. They colocalizes at the sarcolemma and co-immunoprecipitate in cells and in myofibers. We also provide evidence that GSNOR expression decreases in mouse models of muscular dystrophies and of muscle atrophy and wasting, i.e., aging and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, suggesting a more general regulatory role of GSNOR in skeletal muscle homeostasis.

Caspase-8: A Novel Target to Overcome Resistance to Chemotherapy in Glioblastoma.

Caspase-8 was originally identified as a central player of programmed cell death triggered by death receptor stimulation. In that context, its activity is tightly regulated through several mechanisms, with the best established being the expression of FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) family proteins and the Src-dependent phosphorylation of Caspase-8 on Tyr380. Loss of apoptotic signaling is a hallmark of cancer and indeed Caspase-8 expression is often lost in tumors. This event may account not only for cancer progression but also for cancer resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Intriguingly, other tumors, such as glioblastoma, preferentially retain Caspase-8 expression, and high levels of Caspase-8 expression may correlate with a worse prognosis, suggesting that in this context this protease loses its apoptotic activity and gains additional functions. Using different cellular systems, it has been clearly shown that in cancer Caspase-8 can exhibit non-canonical functions, including promotion of cell adhesion, migration, and DNA repair. Intriguingly, in glioblastoma models, Caspase-8 can promote NF-κB-dependent expression of several cytokines, angiogenesis, and in vitro and in vivo tumorigenesis. Overall, these observations suggest that some cancer cells may hijack Caspase-8 function which in turn promote cancer progression and resistance to therapy. Here we aim to highlight the multiple functions of Caspase-8 and to discuss whether the molecular mechanisms that modulate the balance between those functions may be targeted to dismantle the aberrant activity of Caspase-8 and to restore its canonical apoptotic functionality.

Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase in the Control of Oxidative Stress, Mitochondria, and Autophagy in Cancer: A Maestro With a Large Orchestra.

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) plays a central role in the DNA damage response (DDR) and mutations in its gene lead to the development of a rare autosomic genetic disorder, ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) characterized by neurodegeneration, premature aging, defects in the immune response, and higher incidence of lymphoma development. The ability of ATM to control genome stability several pointed to ATM as tumor suppressor gene. Growing evidence clearly support a significant role of ATM, in addition to its master ability to control the DDR, as principle modulator of oxidative stress response and mitochondrial homeostasis, as well as in the regulation of autophagy, hypoxia, and cancer stem cell survival. Consistently, A-T is strongly characterized by aberrant oxidative stress, significant inability to remove damaged organelles such as mitochondria. These findings raise the question whether ATM may contribute to a more general hijack of signaling networks in cancer, therefore, playing a dual role in this context. Indeed, an unexpected tumorigenic role for ATM, in particular, tumor contexts has been demonstrated. Genetic inactivation of Beclin-1, an autophagy regulator, significantly reverses mitochondrial abnormalities and tumor development in ATM-null mice, independently of DDR. Furthermore, ATM sustains cancer stem cells survival by promoting the autophagic flux and ATM kinase activity is enhanced in HER2-dependent tumors. This mini-review aims to shed new light on the complexity of these new molecular circuits through which ATM may modulate cancer progression and to highlight a novel role of ATM in the control of proteostasis.

Fifty-Hertz Magnetic Field Affects the Epigenetic Modulation of the miR-34b/c in Neuronal Cells.

The exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) has been associated to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are still undefined. Since epigenetic modulation has been recently encountered among the key events leading to neuronal degeneration, we here aimed at assessing if the control of gene expression mediated by miRNAs, namely miRs-34, has any roles in driving neuronal cell response to 50-Hz (1 mT) magnetic field in vitro. We demonstrate that ELF-MFs drive an early reduction of the expression level of miR-34b and miR-34c in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, as well as in mouse primary cortical neurons, by affecting the transcription of the common pri-miR-34. This modulation is not p53 dependent, but attributable to the hyper-methylation of the CpG island mapping within the miR-34b/c promoter. Incubation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine or glutathione ethyl-ester fails to restore miR-34b/c expression, suggesting that miRs-34 are not responsive to ELF-MF-induced oxidative stress. By contrast, we show that miRs-34 control reactive oxygen species production and affect mitochondrial oxidative stress triggered by ELF-MFs, likely by modulating mitochondria-related miR-34 targets identified by in silico analysis. We finally demonstrate that ELF-MFs alter the expression of the α-synuclein, which is specifically stimulated upon ELF-MFs exposure via both direct miR-34 targeting and oxidative stress. Altogether, our data highlight the potential of the ELF-MFs to tune redox homeostasis and epigenetic control of gene expression in vitro and shed light on the possible mechanism(s) producing detrimental effects and predisposing neurons to degeneration.

S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase Plays Opposite Roles in SH-SY5Y Models of Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Oxidative and nitrosative stresses have been reported as detrimental phenomena concurring to the onset of several neurodegenerative diseases. Here we reported that the ectopic modulation of the denitrosylating enzyme S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) differently impinges on the phenotype of two SH-SY5Y-based in vitro models of neurodegeneration, namely, Parkinson's disease (PD) and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). In particular, we provide evidence that GSNOR-knocking down protects SH-SY5Y against PD toxins, while, by contrast, its upregulation is required for G93A-SOD1 expressing cells resistance to NO-releasing drugs. Although completely opposite, both conditions are characterized by Nrf2 localization in the nuclear compartment: in the first case induced by GSNOR silencing, while in the second one underlying the antinitrosative response. Overall, our results demonstrate that GSNOR expression has different effect on neuronal viability in dependence on the stimulus applied and suggest that GSNOR could be a responsive gene downstream of Nrf2 activation.

Mature Erythrocytes of Iguana iguana (Squamata, Iguanidae) Possess Functional Mitochondria.

Electron microscopy analyses of Iguana iguana blood preparations revealed the presence of mitochondria within erythrocytes with well-structured cristae. Fluorescence microscopy analyses upon incubation with phalloidin-FITC, Hoechst 33342 and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm)-sensitive probe MitoTracker Red indicated that mitochondria i) widely occur in erythrocytes, ii) are polarized, and iii) seem to be preferentially confined at a "perinuclear" region, as confirmed by electron microscopy. The analysis of NADH-dependent oxygen consumption showed that red blood cells retain the capability to consume oxygen, thereby providing compelling evidence that mitochondria of Iguana erythrocytes are functional and capable to perform oxidative phosphorylation.

S-nitrosation and ubiquitin-proteasome system interplay in neuromuscular disorders.

Protein S-nitrosation is deemed as a prototype of posttranslational modifications governing cell signaling. It takes place on specific cysteine residues that covalently incorporate a nitric oxide (NO) moiety to form S-nitrosothiol derivatives and depends on the ratio between NO produced by NO synthases and nitrosothiol removal catalyzed by denitrosating enzymes. A large number of cysteine-containing proteins are found to undergo S-nitrosation and, among them, the enzymes catalyzing ubiquitination, mainly the class of ubiquitin E3 ligases and the 20S component of the proteasome, have been reported to be redox modulated in their activity. In this review we will outline the processes regulating S-nitrosation and try to debate whether and how it affects protein ubiquitination and degradation via the proteasome. In particular, since muscle and neuronal health largely depends on the balance between protein synthesis and breakdown, here we will discuss the impact of S-nitrosation in the efficiency of protein quality control system, providing lines of evidence and speculating about its involvement in the onset and maintenance of neuromuscular dysfunctions.