Cellular response induced by a galactose-specific adhesin of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli in INT-407 cells

In the present study, the role of a fimbrial galactose-specific adhesin of the T7 strain of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC-T7) in the signal transduction pathways in human small intestinal epithelial cells (INT-407) was explored. The adhesin was purified by anion exchange chromatography using a Mono Q HR5/5 column in the AKTA purifier system. The characteristic stacked brick pattern of aggregative adherence of EAEC-T7 to INT-407 cells was found to be inhibited in the presence of immunoglobulin G against the purified adhesin as well as d -galactose. The adhesin induced a significant increase in the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]_i in INT-407 cells, which was reduced in the presence of dantrolene (inhibitor of intracellular calcium stores), verapamil, calciseptin (calcium channel blockers) as well as neomycin [inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC)]. Further, an increased level of PLCγ1 and inositol 1,4,5-tri phosphate as well as enhanced activity of protein kinase C (PKC) in the adhesin-stimulated cells were found to be downregulated in the presence of neomycin and U73122 (inhibitors of PLC) and H-7 (inhibitor of PKC), respectively. The adhesin could also induce interleukin-8 secretion from INT-407 cells, which was inhibited in the presence of dantrolene as well as staurosporin (inhibitor of PKC). Collectively, our results have suggested that the galactose-specific adhesin-induced signal transduction pathway might play a crucial role in the EAEC-induced pathogenesis.     

The vanilloid capsaicin induces IL-6 secretion in prostate PC-3 cancer cells

Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), a constituent of green and red peppers, has been linked with suppression of tumorigenesis through a mechanism that is not well understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of capsaicin on the production of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 by PC-3 cells at both protein and mRNA levels which were evaluated by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Capsaicin-treated PC-3 cells increased the synthesis and secretion of IL-6 which was abrogated by the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV1) antagonist capsazepine, as well as by inhibitors of PKC-α, phosphoinositol-3 phosphate kinase (PI-3K), Akt and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK). We analyzed the role of capsaicin in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion by PC-3 cells which was increased at shorter times than IL-6 production. Furthermore, incubation of PC-3 cells with an anti-TNF-α antibody blocked the capsaicin-induced IL-6 secretion. These results raise the possibility that capsaicin-mediated IL-6 increase in prostate cancer PC-3 cells is regulated at least in part by TNF-α secretion and signaling pathway involving Akt, ERK and PKC-α activation.     

Inactivation of Mxi1 induces Il-8 secretion activation in polycystic kidney

The Mxi1 proteins are biochemical and biological antagonists of c-myc oncoprotein. It has been reported that the overexpression pattern of c-myc might be similar to a molecular feature of early and late stages of human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. We identified the cyst phenotype in Mxi1-deficient mice aged 6-12 months using H&E staining. Some chemokines containing a protein domain similar to human IL-8, which is associated with the inflammatory response, were subsequently selected from the up-regulated genes. We confirmed the expression level of these chemokines and measured protein concentrations of IL-8 using ELISA in the Mxi1-knockdown cells. IL-8 was found to be significantly increased in Mxi1-knockdown cells. We found that p38 MAP kinase activation was involved in the signal transduction of the Mxi1-inactivated secretion of IL-8. Therefore, we could suggest that the inactivation of Mxi1 leads to the inflammatory response and has the potential to induce polycystic renal disease.     

PAR2 triggers IL-8 release via MEK/ERK and PI3-kinase/Akt pathways in GI epithelial cells

Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) plays pro-inflammatory roles in many organs including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To clarify the downstream pro-inflammatory signaling of PAR2 in the GI tract, we examined interleukin-8 (IL-8) release and the underlying cellular signaling following PAR2 stimulation in human colorectal cancer-derived HCT-15 cells and human gastric adenocarcinoma-derived MKN-45 cells. A PAR2-activating peptide, but not a PAR2-inactive scrambled peptide or a PAR1- activating peptide, caused IL-8 release in these GI epithelial cells. The PAR2-triggered IL-8 release was suppressed by inhibitors of MEK (U0126) or PI3-kinase (LY294002), and PAR2 stimulation indeed activated the downstream kinases, ERK and Akt. U0126 blocked the phosphorylation of ERK, but not Akt, and LY294002 blocked the phosphorylation of Akt, but not ERK. Together, PAR2 triggers IL-8 release via two independent signaling pathways, MEK/ERK and PI3-kinase/Akt, suggesting a role of PAR2 as a pro-inflammatory receptor in the GI tract.     

Lymphotoxin beta receptor induces interleukin 8 gene expression via NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation

The human lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, is essential for not only the development and organization of secondary lymphoid tissues, but also for chemokine release. Even though LTbetaR was shown to recruit TNF-receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 2, 3, and 5, and to induce cell apoptosis or NF-kappaB activation, however, the downstream signaling leading to chemokine expression is not illustrated yet. In this study, we find that overexpression of LTbetaR in HEK293 cells increases IL-8 promoter activity and leads to IL-8 release. LTbetaR-induced IL-8 gene expression requires NF-kappaB (-80 to -71) and AP-1 (-126 to -12) binding sites located in IL-8 promoter, and NF-kappaB is more crucial than AP-1 for IL-8 gene expression. Reporter assay with dominant-negative mutants of TRAFs reveals that TRAF2, 3, and 5, as well as the downstream signal molecules NIK, IKKalpha, and IKKbeta, are involved in IL-8 gene expression. LTbetaR-mediated IL-8 response was inhibited by the dominant-negative mutants of ASK1, MKK4, MKK7, and JNK, but not by those of MEKK1, TAK1, MEK, ERK, and p38 MAPK. This suggests that IL-8 induction by LTbetaR is via TRAFs-elicited signaling pathways, including NIK/IKK-dependent NF-kappaB activation and ASK/MKK/JNK-dependent AP-1 activation.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide induces IL-8 production in human colonic epithelial cells via MAP kinase-dependent and PKA-independent pathways

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been shown to be a key regulator of intestinal epithelial functions such as mucus and chloride secretion, paracellular permeability, and cell proliferation. However, its regulatory role in intestinal epithelial chemokine production remains unknown. The aim of this study was (1) to determine whether VIP can modulate intestinal epithelial interleukin-8 (IL-8) production and (2) to identify intracellular mediators responsible for this effect. In the human colonic epithelial cell line HT29-Cl.16E, VIP stimulates IL-8 secretion dose-dependently and IL-8 mRNA level at 10(-9) M. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor PKI did not abolish the effect of VIP. However, inhibition of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways reduced the VIP-stimulated IL-8 secretion and mRNA level. Together, our results showed that VIP stimulates IL-8 production in intestinal epithelial cells via PKA-independent and MAPK-dependent pathways. These data suggest that VIPergic pathways can play an immunomodulatory role in intestinal epithelial cells, by regulating epithelial IL-8 secretion.     

House dust mite allergen Der f 1 induces IL-8 in human basophilic cells via ROS-ERK and p38 signal pathways

Der f 1, a major house dust mite allergen and member of the papain-like cysteine protease family, can provoke immune responses with its proteolytic activity. To understand the role of Der f 1 in inflammatory immune responses, we studied the mechanism of the regulation of interleukin (IL)-8 expressions in human basophilic cell KU812 by proteolytically active recombinant Der f 1. Not only production of IL-8 mRNA was induced but also the DNA binding activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 were increased in Der f 1-treated KU812. Furthermore, Der f 1 induction of IL-8 expression was sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of ERK and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Der f 1 also activated ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and rapidly induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, but not p38, suggesting that secretion of IL-8 in KU812 cells treated with Der f 1 is dependent on ROS, ERK MAPK and p38 MAPK. We describe the mechanism of Der f 1-induced IL-8 secretion from human basophilic cells, which are thought to be important for allergic inflammation independent of IgE antibodies. These findings improve our understanding of the inflammatory immune response in human basophils to protease allergens.     

MMP-12 induces IL-8/CXCL8 secretion through EGFR and ERK1/2 activation in epithelial cells

Macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12) is described to be involved in pulmonary inflammatory response. To determine the mechanisms linking MMP-12 and inflammation, we examined the effect of recombinant human MMP-12 (rhMMP-12) catalytic domain on IL-8/CXCL8 production in cultured human airway epithelial (A549) cells. Stimulation with rhMMP-12 resulted in a concentration-dependent IL-8/CXCL8 synthesis 6 h later. Similar results were also observed in cultured BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells. In A549 cells, synthetic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors prevented rhMMP-12-induced IL-8/CXCL8 release. We further demonstrated that in A549 cells, rhMMP-12 induced transient, peaking at 5 min, activation of ERK1/2. Selective MEK inhibitors (U0126 and PD-98059) blocked both IL-8/CXCL8 release and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. IL-8/CXCL8 induction and ERK1/2 activation were preceded by EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine phosphorylation, within 2 min, and reduced by selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (AG-1478 and PD168393) by a neutralizing EGFR antibody and by small interfering RNA oligonucleotides directed against EGFR, implicating EGFR activation. In addition, we observed an activation of c-Fos in A549 cells stimulated by rhMMP-12, dependent on ERK1/2. Using small interfering technique, we showed that c-Fos is involved in rhMMP-12-induced IL-8/CXCL8 production. From these results, we conclude that one mechanism, by which MMP-12 induces IL-8/CXCL8 release from the alveolar epithelium, is the EGFR/ERK1/2/activating protein-1 pathway.     

双歧杆菌对肠上皮细胞生长和白介素-8分泌功能的影响

目的探讨双歧杆菌对人肠上皮细胞株HT29生长及其IL-8分泌水平的影响。方法HT29细胞在96孔板上生长24h后分为正常细胞对照组、高剂量双歧杆菌共培养组（细菌终浓度为1×10^10CFU／m1）、低剂量双歧杆菌共培养组（细菌终浓度为1×10^6CFU／ml）、轮状病毒感染对照组,分别加入不同剂量双歧杆菌和感染轮状病毒共培养,继续培养24h,光镜下观察细胞生长状态,MTT比色法检测细胞活性情况,ELISA检测细胞培养上清中IL-8表达水平。结果光镜下观察到双歧杆菌与HT29细胞共培养后细胞形态无明显改变,共培养24h后MTT检测双歧杆菌对HT29细胞增殖和调亡无明显影响,但轮状病毒感染对照组细胞病变脱落,活细胞数量明显减少。共培养6h,其余3组细胞培养上清中IL-8分泌较正常细胞对照组增加（P〈0．05）,高剂量双歧杆菌组增加较低剂量双歧杆菌组差异有显著性（P〈0．05）,但两个剂量组均明显低于轮状病毒感染阳性对照组的IL-8分泌增加水平（P〈0．05）;感染后24h,细胞培养上清中IL-8分泌水平高于正常细胞对照组（P〈0．05）,但高、低剂量双歧杆菌组之间差异无显著性（P〉0．05）,两个剂量组IL-8分泌增加水平均明显低于轮状病毒感染阳性对照组（P〈0．01）。结论两歧双歧杆菌共培养不影响HT29细胞的生长,双歧杆菌能够促进HT29细胞分泌细胞因子IL-8,但明显低于致病微生物刺激引起的细胞因子分泌水平改变,这种促进作用无时间-剂量依赖关系,提示双歧杆菌与肠道内致病微生物对肠道免疫功能的影响不同,双歧杆菌促进肠上皮细胞分泌IL-8可能与其参与的肠道黏膜免疫系统发育成熟相关。     

Immunomodulated signaling in macrophages: Studies on activation of Raf-1, MAPK, cPLA_2 and secretion of IL-12

Little is known about the mechanism and signal transduction by LPS-mediated immunomodulation of murine peritoneal macrophages. It is found that the signal molecules of the down-stream of Ras, Raf-1, MAPK p44, and MAPK p42 are phosphorylated, and cPLA2 is activated with a significant increase of the release of [ H3 ] AA by macrophages in response to LPS and PMA. Compared with the very recent finding that LPS and PMA trigger the activation and translocation of PKC-α and PKC-ε, these findings suggest that there is a connection between PKC signaling pathway and the Raf-1/MAPK pathway and that the activation of these main signaling events may be closely related to the secretion of IL-12 during LPS-induced modulation of macrophages.     

Altered metabolism of ppGpp in quinone-treated E. coli: Possible role of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

The bacteriostatic quinone 6-amino-7-chloro-5,8-dioxoquinoline inhibits leucyl-tRNA synthetase in vivo and in vitro (Ogilvie et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta $\text{407}$, 357–364; 1975). In this report it is shown that the quinone also interferes with the metabolism of ppGpp. Quinone treatment of E. coli MRE 600 causes the same phenotypic pattern as found in spoT^? mutants: overproduction of ppGpp and a drastic increase of its half-life; the formation of pppGpp, the possible degradation product of ppGpp, is blocked. A model is discussed to explain how the inhibition of leucyl-tRNA synthetase could account for the altered metabolism of ppGpp.     

Immunomodulated signaling in macrophages: Studies on activation of Raf-1, MAPK, cPLA2 and secretion of IL-12

Little is known about the mechanism and signal transduction by LPS-mediated immunomodulation of murine peritoneal macrophages. It is found that the signal molecules of the down-stream of Ras, Raf-1, MAPK p44, and MAPK p42 are phosphorylated, and cPLA₂ is activated with a significant increase of the release of [ H³ ] AA by macrophages in response to LPS and PMA. Compared with the very recent finding that LPS and PMA trigger the activation and translocation of PKC-α and PKC-ε, these findings suggest that there is a connection between PKC signaling pathway and the Raf-1/MAPK pathway and that the activation of these main signaling events may be closely related to the secretion of IL-12 during LPS-induced modulation of macrophages. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shanghai Joint Laboratory of Life Science, Shanghai Institute of CeIl Biology, and Director’s Foundations of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology.     

Knockdown of aquaporin-8 induces mitochondrial dysfunction in 3T3-L1 cells

BackgroundAquaporin-8 (AQP8), a member of the aquaporin water channel family, is expressed in various tissue and cells, including liver, testis, and pancreas. AQP8 appears to have functions on the plasma membrane and/or on the mitochondrial inner membrane. Mitochondrial AQP8 with permeability for water, H₂O₂ and NH₃ has been expected to have important role in various cells, but its information is limited to a few tissues and cells including liver and kidney. In the present study, we found that AQP8 was expressed in the mitochondria in mouse adipose tissues and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and investigated its role by suppressing its gene expression.MethodsAQP8-knocked down (shAQP8) cells were established using a vector expressing short hairpin RNA. Cellular localization of AQP8 was examined by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption and ATP level measurements.ResultsIn 3T3-L1 cells, AQP8 was expressed in the mitochondria. In shAQP8 cells, mRNA and protein levels of AQP8 were decreased by about 75%. The shAQP8 showed reduced activities of complex IV and ATP synthase; it is probable that the impaired mitochondrial water handling in shAQP8 caused suppression of the electron transport and ADP phosphorylation through inhibition of the two steps which yield water. The reduced activities of the last two steps of oxidative phosphorylation in shAQP8 cause low routine and maximum capacity of respiration and mitochondrial hyperpolarization.ConclusionMitochondrial AQP8 contributes to mitochondrial respiratory function probably through maintenance of water homeostasis.General significanceThe AQP8-knocked down cells we established provides a model system for the studies on the relationships between water homeostasis and mitochondrial function.