H2O2 in plant peroxisomes: an in vivo analysis uncovers a Ca2+‐dependent scavenging system

Oxidative stress is a major challenge for all cells living in an oxygen‐based world. Among reactive oxygen species, H₂O₂, is a well known toxic molecule and, nowadays, considered a specific component of several signalling pathways. In order to gain insight into the roles played by H₂O₂ in plant cells, it is necessary to have a reliable, specific and non‐invasive methodology for its in vivo detection. Hence, the genetically encoded H₂O₂ sensor HyPer was expressed in plant cells in different subcellular compartments such as cytoplasm and peroxisomes. Moreover, with the use of the new green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐based Cameleon Ca²⁺ indicator, D3cpv–KVK–SKL, targeted to peroxisomes, we demonstrated that the induction of cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ increase is followed by Ca²⁺ rise in the peroxisomal lumen. The analyses of HyPer fluorescence ratios were performed in leaf peroxisomes of tobacco and pre‐ and post‐bolting Arabidopsis plants. These analyses allowed us to demonstrate that an intraperoxisomal Ca²⁺ rise in vivo stimulates catalase activity, increasing peroxisomal H₂O₂ scavenging efficiency.     

Phosphorylation of Cav1.2 on S1928 uncouples the L‐type Ca2+ channel from the β2 adrenergic receptor

Agonist‐triggered downregulation of β‐adrenergic receptors (ARs) constitutes vital negative feedback to prevent cellular overexcitation. Here, we report a novel downregulation of β₂AR signaling highly specific for Ca_v1.2. We find that β₂‐AR binding to Ca_v1.2 residues 1923–1942 is required for β‐adrenergic regulation of Ca_v1.2. Despite the prominence of PKA‐mediated phosphorylation of Ca_v1.2 S1928 within the newly identified β₂AR binding site, its physiological function has so far escaped identification. We show that phosphorylation of S1928 displaces the β₂AR from Ca_v1.2 upon β‐adrenergic stimulation rendering Ca_v1.2 refractory for several minutes from further β‐adrenergic stimulation. This effect is lost in S1928A knock‐in mice. Although AMPARs are clustered at postsynaptic sites like Ca_v1.2, β₂AR association with and regulation of AMPARs do not show such dissociation. Accordingly, displacement of the β₂AR from Ca_v1.2 is a uniquely specific desensitization mechanism of Ca_v1.2 regulation by highly localized β₂AR/cAMP/PKA/S1928 signaling. The physiological implications of this mechanism are underscored by our finding that LTP induced by prolonged theta tetanus (PTT‐LTP) depends on Ca_v1.2 and its regulation by channel‐associated β₂AR.     

Age attenuates the T‐type CaV3.2‐RyR axis in vascular smooth muscle

Caveolae position Ca_V3.2 (T‐type Ca²⁺ channel encoded by the α‐3.2 subunit) sufficiently close to RyR (ryanodine receptors) for extracellular Ca²⁺ influx to trigger Ca²⁺ sparks and large‐conductance Ca²⁺‐activated K⁺ channel feedback in vascular smooth muscle. We hypothesize that this mechanism of Ca²⁺ spark generation is affected by age. Using smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from mouse mesenteric arteries, we found that both Ca_v3.2 channel inhibition by Ni²⁺ (50 µM) and caveolae disruption by methyl‐ß‐cyclodextrin or genetic abolition of Eps15 homology domain‐containing protein (EHD2) inhibited Ca²⁺ sparks in cells from young (4 months) but not old (12 months) mice. In accordance, expression of Ca_v3.2 channel was higher in mesenteric arteries from young than old mice. Similar effects were observed for caveolae density. Using SMAKO Ca_v1.2^?/? mice, caffeine (RyR activator) and thapsigargin (Ca²⁺ transport ATPase inhibitor), we found that sufficient SR Ca²⁺ load is a prerequisite for the Ca_V3.2‐RyR axis to generate Ca²⁺ sparks. We identified a fraction of Ca²⁺ sparks in aged VSMCs, which is sensitive to the TRP channel blocker Gd³⁺ (100 µM), but insensitive to Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V3.2 channel blockade. Our data demonstrate that the VSMC Ca_V3.2‐RyR axis is down‐regulated by aging. This defective Ca_V3.2‐RyR coupling is counterbalanced by a Gd³⁺ sensitive Ca²⁺ pathway providing compensatory Ca²⁺ influx for triggering Ca²⁺ sparks in aged VSMCs.     

Amyloid β induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation in retinal pigment epithelial cells via NADPH oxidase‐ and mitochondria‐dependent ROS production

Amyloid β (Aβ)‐induced chronic inflammation is believed to be a key pathogenic process in early‐stage age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation triggered by Aβ is responsible for retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction in the onset of AMD; however, the detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NADPH oxidase‐ and mitochondria‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the process of Aβ_1–40‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LPS‐primed ARPE‐19 cells. The results showed that Aβ_1–40 could induce excessive ROS generation, MAPK/NF‐κB signaling activation and subsequently NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LPS‐primed ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, the inductive effect of Aβ_1–40 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation was mediated in a manner dependent on NADPH oxidase‐ and mitochondria‐derived ROS. Our findings may provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism by which Aβ contributes to the early‐stage AMD.     

Classic myrosinase‐dependent degradation of indole glucosinolate attenuates fumonisin B1‐induced programmed cell death in Arabidopsis

The mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) causes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which then leads to programmed cell death (PCD) in Arabidopsis. In the process of studying FB1‐induced biosynthesis of glucosinolates, we found that indole glucosinolate (IGS) is involved in attenuating FB1‐induced PCD. Treatment with FB1 elevates the expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of camalexin and IGS. Mutants deficient in aliphatic glucosinolate (AGS) or camalexin biosynthesis display similar lesions to Col‐0 upon FB1 infiltration; however, the cyp79B2 cyp79B3 double mutant, which lacks induction of both IGS and camalexin, displays more severe lesions. Based on the fact that the classic myrosinase β‐thioglucoside glucohydrolase (TGG)‐deficient double mutant tgg1 tgg2, rather than atypical myrosinase‐deficient mutant pen2‐2, is more sensitive to FB1 than Col‐0, and the elevated expression of TGG1, but not of PEN2, correlates with the decrease in IGS, we conclude that TGG‐dependent IGS hydrolysis is involved in FB1‐induced PCD. Indole‐3‐acetonitrile (IAN) and indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), the common derivatives of IGS, were used in feeding experiments, and this rescued the severe cell death phenotype, which is associated with reduced accumulation of ROS as well as increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and ROS‐scavenging ability. Despite the involvement of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in restricting FB1‐induced PCD, feeding of IAN and I3C attenuated FB1‐induced PCD in the IAA receptor mutant tir1‐1 just as in Col‐0. Taken together, our results indicate that TGG‐catalyzed breakdown products of IGS decrease the accumulation of ROS by their antioxidant behavior, and attenuate FB1 induced PCD in an IAA‐independent way.     

Improved oxidative tolerance in suspension‐cultured cells of C_4-pepctransgenic rice by H_2O_2 and Ca~(2+)under PEG-6000

To understand the molecular responses of PC(Overexpressing the maize C4-pepc gene, which encodes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC)), to drought stress at cell level, we analyzed changes in the levels of signaling molecules(hydrogen peroxide(H2O2), calcium ion(Ca2t), and nitric oxide(NO)) in suspension-cultured PC and wild-type(WT)rice(Oryza sativa L.) cell under drought stress induced by 20%polyethylene glycol 6000(PEG-6000). Results demonstrated that PC improved drought tolerance by enhancing antioxidant defense, retaining higher relative water content, survival percentages, and dry weight of cells. In addition, PEPC activity in PC under PEG treatment was strengthened by addition of H2O2 inhibitor, dimethylthiourea(DMTU) and NO synthesis inhibitor, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide(c PTIO), respectively, while that in PC was weakened by addition of free calcium chelator, ethylene glycol-bis(b-aminoethylether)-N,N,N0,N0-tetraacetic acid(EGTA)t calcium channel outflow inhibitor, ruthenium red(RR) t plasma membrane channel blocker La(NO3)3, but EGTA t RR did Reseanot. Results also showed that NO and Ca2 twas lying downstream of H2O2 in drought-induced signaling. Calcium ion was also involved in the expression of C4-pepc in PC. These results suggested that PC could improve oxidative tolerance in suspension-cultured cells and the acquisition of this tolerance required downregulation of H2O2 and the entry of extracellular Ca2 tinto cells across the plasma membrane for regulation of PEPC activity and C4-pepc expression.     

Phenyl 2‐pyridyl ketoxime induces cellular senescence‐like alterations via nitric oxide production in human diploid fibroblasts

Phenyl‐2‐pyridyl ketoxime (PPKO) was found to be one of the small molecules enriched in the extracellular matrix of near‐senescent human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). Treatment of young HDFs with PPKO reduced the viability of young HDFs in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and resulted in senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining and G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, the levels of some senescence‐associated proteins, such as phosphorylated ERK1/2, caveolin‐1, p53, p16^ink4a, and p21^waf1, were elevated in PPKO‐treated cells. To monitor the effect of PPKO on cell stress responses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was examined by flow cytometry. After PPKO treatment, ROS levels transiently increased at 30 min but then returned to baseline at 60 min. The levels of some antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, peroxiredoxin II and glutathione peroxidase I, were transiently induced by PPKO treatment. SOD II levels increased gradually, whereas the SOD I and III levels were biphasic during the experimental periods after PPKO treatment. Cellular senescence induced by PPKO was suppressed by chemical antioxidants, such as N‐acetylcysteine, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy, and L‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine. Furthermore, PPKO increased nitric oxide (NO) production via inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in HDFs. In the presence of NOS inhibitors, such as L‐NG‐nitroarginine methyl ester and L‐NG‐monomethylarginine, PPKO‐induced transient NO production and SA‐β‐gal staining were abrogated. Taken together, these results suggest that PPKO induces cellular senescence in association with transient ROS and NO production and the subsequent induction of senescence‐associated proteins .     

Gilteritinib induces PUMA‐dependent apoptotic cell death via AKT/GSK‐3β/NF‐κB pathway in colorectal cancer cells

As a highly potent and highly selective oral inhibitor of FLT3/AXL, gilteritinib showed activity against FLT3D835 and FLT3‐ITD mutations in pre‐clinical testing, although its role on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells is not yet fully elucidated. We examined the activity of gilteritinib in suppressing growth of CRC and its enhancing effect on other drugs used in chemotherapy. In this study, we observed that, regardless of p53 status, treatment using gilteritinib induces PUMA in CRC cells via the NF‐κB pathway after inhibition of AKT and activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β). PUMA was observed to be vital for apoptosis in CRC cells through treatment of gilteritinib. Moreover, enhancing induction of PUMA through different pathways could mediate chemosensitization by using gilteritinib. Furthermore, PUMA deficiency revoked the antitumour role of gilteritinib in vivo. Thus, our results indicate that PUMA mediates the antitumour activity of gilteritinib in CRC cells. These observations are critical for the therapeutic role of gilteritinib in CRC.     

Icariside II,a novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor,protects against H2O2‐induced PC12 cells death by inhibiting mitochondria‐mediated autophagy

Oxidative stress is a major cause of cellular injury in a variety of human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, removal of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) or suppression of ROS generation may be effective in preventing oxidative stress‐induced cell death. This study was designed to investigate the effect of icariside II (ICS II), a novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)‐induced death of highly differentiated rat neuronal PC12 cells, and to further examine the underlying mechanisms. We found that ICS II pre‐treatment significantly abrogated H₂O₂‐induced PC12 cell death as demonstrated by the increase of the number of metabolically active cells and decrease of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Furthermore, ICS II inhibited H₂O₂‐induced cell death through attenuating intracellular ROS production, mitochondrial impairment, and activating glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) as demonstrated by reduced intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels, restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), decreased p‐tyr216‐GSK‐3β level and increased p‐ser9‐GSK‐3β level respectively. The GSK‐3β inhibitor SB216763 abrogated H₂O₂‐induced cell death. Moreover, ICS II significantly inhibited H₂O₂‐induced autophagy by the reducing autophagosomes number and the LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio, down‐regulating Beclin‐1 expression, and up‐regulating p62/SQSTM1 and HSP60 expression. The autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyl adenine (3‐MA) blocked H₂O₂‐induced cell death. Altogether, this study demonstrated that ICS II may alleviate oxidative stress‐induced autophagy in PC12 cells, and the underlying mechanisms are related to its antioxidant activity functioning via ROS/GSK‐3β/mitochondrial signalling pathways.     

Grape seed extract enhances eNOS expression and NO production through regulating calcium‐mediated AKT phosphorylation in H2O2‐treated endothelium

GSE (grape seed extract) has been shown to exhibit protective effects against cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis, although the underlying molecular mechanisms of action are unknown. Herein, we assessed the ability of GSE to enhance eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression and NO (nitric oxide) production in H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide)‐treated HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). GSE enhanced eNOS expression and NO release in H₂O₂‐treated cells in a dose‐dependent manner. GSE inhibited intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) and reduced intracellular calcium in a dose‐dependent manner in H₂O₂‐treated cells, as shown by confocal microscopy. ROS was inhibited in cells pretreated with 5.0 μM GSE, 2.0 μM TG (thapsigargin) and 20.0 μM 2‐APB (2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) instead of 0.25 μM extracellular calcium. In addition, GSE enhanced eNOS expression and reduced ROS production via increasing p‐AKT (AKT phosphorylation) with high extracellular calcium (13 mM). In conclusion, GSE protected against endothelial injury by up‐regulation of eNOS and NO expression via inhibiting InsP₃Rs (inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors)‐mediated intracellular excessive calcium release and by activating p‐AKT in endothelial cells.     

Putative roles of Ca2+‐independent phospholipase A2 in respiratory chain‐associated ROS production in brain mitochondria: influence of docosahexaenoic acid and bromoenol lactone

Ca²⁺‐independent phospholipase A₂ (iPLA₂) is hypothesized to control mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Here, we modulated the influence of iPLA₂‐induced liberation of non‐esterified free fatty acids on ROS generation associated with the electron transport chain. We demonstrate enzymatic activity of membrane‐associated iPLA₂ in native, energized rat brain mitochondria (RBM). Theoretically, enhanced liberation of free fatty acids by iPLA₂ modulates mitochondrial ROS generation, either attenuating the reversed electron transport (RET) or deregulating the forward electron transport of electron transport chain. For mimicking such conditions, we probed the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a major iPLA₂ product on ROS generation. We demonstrate that the adenine nucleotide translocase partly mediates DHA‐induced uncoupling, and that low micromolar DHA concentrations diminish RET‐dependent ROS generation. Uncoupling proteins have no effect, but the adenine nucleotide translocase inhibitor carboxyatractyloside attenuates DHA‐linked uncoupling effect on RET‐dependent ROS generation. Under physiological conditions of forward electron transport, low micromolar DHA stimulates ROS generation. Finally, exposure of RBM to the iPLA₂ inhibitor bromoenol lactone (BEL) enhanced ROS generation. BEL diminished RBM glutathione content. BEL‐treated RBM exhibits reduced Ca²⁺ retention capacity and partial depolarization. Thus, we rebut the view that iPLA₂ attenuates oxidative stress in brain mitochondria. However, the iPLA₂ inhibitor BEL has detrimental activities on energy‐dependent mitochondrial functions.