Regulation of death complexes formation in tumor necrosis factor receptor signaling

TNFα stimulation triggers both cell death and survival programs. Since dysregulated apoptosis or cell growth can cause inflammatory diseases, cancer, or autoimmune disorders, it is important to understand the molecular mechanism of controlling cell death and survival by TNFR downstream signaling molecules. In this study, we used normal diploid cells, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), to mimic the general TNFα-resistant phenomenon seen under physiological conditions. We elucidated the TNFα-induced death signaling complexes in TNF α-resistant WT MEFs and TNFα-sensitive MEFs that were cFLIP-, RelA-, TRAF2- or RIP1-deficient. Consistent with TNFα-mediated killing, we detected TNFα-induced high molecular weight complexes containing caspase-8 and FADD by gel filtration in the deficient MEFs, especially in those devoid of cFLIP. In addition to the presence of caspase-8-FADD in the TNFα-induced-death complex in the deficient MEFs, we also detected an intermediate protein complex containing RIP1, TRAF2 and caspase-8. Moreover, we demonstrated a correlation between TNFα-sensitivity and death-inducing complex ability in two transformed cell lines, E1A- and Ras- transformed MEFs and PDGF-B-transformed NIH-3T3 cells with PDGF-B signaling inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor STI571. Taken together, our results suggest the involvement of cFLIP-, RelA-, RIP1-, or TRAF2-related mechanisms for preventing FADD-caspase-8 interaction in wild-type MEFs.     

Relevance of signaling molecules for apoptosis induction on influenza A virus replication

Apoptosis is an important mechanism to maintain homeostasis in mammals, and disruption of the apoptosis regulation mechanism triggers a range of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and developmental disorders. The severity of influenza A virus (IAV) infection is also closely related to dysfunction of apoptosis regulation. In the virus infected cells, the functions of various host cellular molecules involved in regulation of induction of apoptosis are modulated by IAV proteins to enable effective virus replication. The modulation of the intracellular signaling pathway inducing apoptosis by the IAV infection also affects extracellular mechanisms controlling apoptosis, and triggers abnormal host responses related to the disease severity of IAV infections. This review focuses on apoptosis related molecules involved in IAV replication and pathogenicity, the strategy of the virus propagation through the regulation of apoptosis is also discussed.     

Antiviral effects of sophoridine against coxsackievirus B3 and its pharmacokinetics in rats

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a major pathogen for acute and chronic viral myocarditis. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiviral effects of sophoridine, an alkaloid extracted from Chinese medicinal herb, Sophora flavescens, against CVB3, and the underlying pharmacokinetics. First, we determined the antiviral effects of sophoridine against CVB3 in in vitro (primarily cultured myocardial cells), in vivo (BALB/c mice) and serum pharmacological experiments. Then, we determined the pharmacokinetic behavior in serum samples of SD rats after oral administration by HPLC. Finally, we determined the effects of sophoridine on the production of cytokines in a murine viral myocarditis model by measuring mRNA expression of some important cytokines in hearts of infected BALB/c mice by RT-PCR. We found that sophoridine exhibited obvious antiviral effects both in vitro and in vivo, and serum samples obtained from rats with oral administration of sophoridine reduced the virus titers in infected myocardial cells. The serum concentration profile correlated closely with antiviral activity profile. Moreover, sophoridine significantly enhanced mRNA expression of IL-10 and IFN-gamma, but decreased TNF-alpha mRNA expression. In conclusion, sophoridine possesses antiviral activities against CVB3, by regulating cytokine expression, and it is likely that sophoridine itself, not its metabolites, is mainly responsible for the antiviral activities. Therefore, sophoridine may represent a potential therapeutic agent for viral myocarditis.     

Ligand-induced internalization of TNF receptor 2 mediated by a di-leucin motif is dispensable for activation of the NFκB pathway

Endocytosis is an important mechanism to regulate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling. In contrast to TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1; CD120a), the relevance of receptor internalization for signaling as well as the fate and route of internalized TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2; CD120b) is poorly understood. To analyze the dynamics of TNFR2 signaling and turnover at the plasma membrane we established a human TNFR2 expressing mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line in a TNFR1^−/−/TNFR2^−/− background. TNF stimulation resulted in a decrease of constitutive TNFR2 ectodomain shedding. We hypothesized that reduced ectodomain release is a result of TNF/TNFR2 complex internalization. Indeed, we could demonstrate that TNFR2 was internalized together with its ligand and cytoplasmic binding partners. Upon endocytosis the TNFR2 signaling complex colocalized with late endosome/lysosome marker Rab7 and entered the lysosomal degradation pathway. Furthermore, we identified a di-leucin motif in the cytoplasmic part of TNFR2 suggesting clathrin-dependent internalization of TNFR2. Internalization defective TNFR2 mutants are capable to signal, i.e. activate NFκB, demonstrating that the di-leucin motif dependent internalization is dispensable for this response. We therefore propose that receptor internalization primarily serves as a negative feed-back to limit TNF responses via TNFR2.     

Determination of the critical region of KRAS-induced actin-interacting protein for the interaction with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor

Concanavalin A (ConA), a Ca²⁺/Mn²⁺-dependent and mannose/glucose-binding legume lectin, has drawn a rising attention for its remarkable anti-proliferative and anti-tumor activities to a variety of cancer cells. ConA induces programmed cell death via mitochondria-mediated, P73-Foxo1a-Bim apoptosis and BNIP3-mediated mitochondrial autophagy. Through IKK-NF-κB-COX-2, SHP-2-MEK-1-ERK, and SHP-2-Ras-ERK anti-angiogenic pathways, ConA would inhibit cancer cell survival. In addition, ConA stimulates cell immunity and generates an immune memory, resisting to the same genotypic tumor. These biological findings shed light on new perspectives of ConA as a potential anti-neoplastic agent targeting apoptosis, autophagy and anti-angiogenesis in pre-clinical or clinical trials for cancer therapeutics.     

HSP90 is required for TAK1 stability but not for its activation in the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway

The protein kinase transforming-growth-factor-β-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) is a key regulator in the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway and is activated by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We describe the identification of TAK1 as a client protein of the 90 kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp90)/cell division cycle protein 37 (Cdc37) chaperones. However, Hsp90 is not required for the activation of TAK1 as short exposure to the Hsp90 inhibitor, 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) did not affect its activation by LPS or IL-1. Prolonged treatment of cells with 17-AAG inhibits Hsp90 and downregulates TAK1. Our results suggest that Hsp90 is required for the folding and stability of TAK1 but is displaced and no longer required when TAK1 is complexed to TAK1-binding protein-1 (TAB1).

Structured summary

MINT-6797182:

TAK1 (uniprotkb:O43318-2) physically interacts (MI:0218) with CDC37 (uniprotkb:Q16543) and HSP90 (uniprotkb:P07900) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

MINT-6797194:

TAK1 (uniprotkb:O43318-2) physically interacts (MI:0218) with TAB1 (uniprotkb:Q15750), HSP90 (uniprotkb:P07900) and CDC37 (uniprotkb:Q16543) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

MINT-6797248:

TAK1 (uniprotkb:Q62073) physically interacts (MI:0218) with HSP90 (uniprotkb:P07901), CDC37 (uniprotkb:Q61081), TAB2 (uniprotkb:Q99K90) and TAB1 (uniprotkb:Q8CF89) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

MINT-6797232:

TAK1 (uniprotkb:O43318-2) physically interacts (MI:0218) with HSP90 (uniprotkb:P07900) and CDC37 (uniprotkb:Q16543) by pull down (MI:0096)

MINT-6797216:

TAK1 (uniprotkb:O43318-2) physically interacts (MI:0218) with TAB2 (uniprotkb:Q9NYJ8), CDC37 (uniprotkb:Q16543), HSP90 (uniprotkb:P07900) and TAB1 (uniprotkb:Q15750) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

     

Battling for Ribosomes: Translational Control at the Forefront of the Antiviral Response

In the early stages of infection, gaining control of the cellular protein synthesis machinery including its ribosomes is the ultimate combat objective for a virus. To successfully replicate, viruses unequivocally need to usurp and redeploy this machinery for translation of their own mRNA. In response, the host triggers global shutdown of translation while paradoxically allowing swift synthesis of antiviral proteins as a strategy to limit collateral damage. This fundamental conflict at the level of translational control defines the outcome of infection. As part of this special issue on molecular mechanisms of early virus–host cell interactions, we review the current state of knowledge regarding translational control during viral infection with specific emphasis on protein kinase RNA-activated and mammalian target of rapamycin-mediated mechanisms. We also describe recent technological advances that will allow unprecedented insight into how viruses and host cells battle for ribosomes.     

Mass Spectrometry-based Structural Analysis and Systems Immunoproteomics Strategies for Deciphering the Host Response to Endotoxin

One cause of sepsis is systemic maladaptive immune response of the host to bacteria and specifically, to Gram-negative bacterial outer-membrane glycolipid lipopolysaccharide (LPS). On the host myeloid cell surface, proinflammatory LPS activates the innate immune system via Toll-like receptor-4/myeloid differentiation factor-2 complex. Intracellularly, LPS is also sensed by the noncanonical inflammasome through caspase-11 in mice and 4/5 in humans. The minimal functional determinant for innate immune activation is the membrane anchor of LPS called lipid A. Even subtle modifications to the lipid A scaffold can enable, diminish, or abolish immune activation. Bacteria are known to modify their LPS structure during environmental stress and infection of hosts to alter cellular immune phenotypes. In this review, we describe how mass spectrometry-based structural analysis of endotoxin helped uncover major determinations of molecular pathogenesis. Through characterization of LPS modifications, we now better understand resistance to antibiotics and cationic antimicrobial peptides, as well as how the environment impacts overall endotoxin structure. In addition, mass spectrometry-based systems immunoproteomics approaches can assist in elucidating the immune response against LPS. Many regulatory proteins have been characterized through proteomics and global/targeted analysis of protein modifications, enabling the discovery and characterization of novel endotoxin-mediated protein translational modifications.     

Cell death in the injured brain: Roles of metallothioneins

In traumatic brain injury (TBI), the primary, irreversible damage associated with the moment of impact consists of cells dying from necrosis. This contributes to fuelling a chronic central nervous system (CNS) inflammation with increased formation of proinflammatory cytokines, enzymes and reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS promote oxidative stress, which leads to neurodegeneration and ultimately results in programmed cell death (secondary injury). Since this delayed, secondary tissue loss occurs days to months following the primary injury it provides a therapeutic window where potential neuroprotective treatment could alleviate ongoing neurodegeneration, cell death and neurological impairment following TBI. Various neuroprotective drug candidates have been described, tested and proven effective in pre-clinical studies, including glutamate receptor antagonists, calcium-channel blockers, and caspase inhibitors. However, most of the scientific efforts have failed in translating the experimental results into clinical trials. Despite intensive research, effective neuroprotective therapies are lacking in the clinic, and TBI continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality.This paper provides an overview of the TBI pathophysiology leading to cell death and neurological impairment. We also discuss endogenously expressed neuroprotectants and drug candidates, which at this stage may still hold the potential for treating brain injured patients.     

Emerging role of NF-κB signaling in the induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)

The major hallmark of cellular senescence is an irreversible cell cycle arrest and thus it is a potent tumor suppressor mechanism. Genotoxic insults, e.g. oxidative stress, are important inducers of the senescent phenotype which is characterized by an accumulation of senescence-associated heterochromatic foci (SAHF) and DNA segments with chromatin alterations reinforcing senescence (DNA-SCARS). Interestingly, senescent cells secrete pro-inflammatory factors and thus the condition has been called the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Emerging data has revealed that NF-κB signaling is the major signaling pathway which stimulates the appearance of SASP. It is known that DNA damage provokes NF-κB signaling via a variety of signaling complexes containing NEMO protein, an NF-κB essential modifier, as well as via the activation of signaling pathways of p38MAPK and RIG-1, retinoic acid inducible gene-1. Genomic instability evoked by cellular stress triggers epigenetic changes, e.g. release of HMGB1 proteins which are also potent enhancers of inflammatory responses. Moreover, environmental stress and chronic inflammation can stimulate p38MAPK and ceramide signaling and induce cellular senescence with pro-inflammatory responses. On the other hand, two cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p16INK4a and p14ARF, are effective inhibitors of NF-κB signaling. We will review in detail the signaling pathways which activate NF-κB signaling and trigger SASP in senescent cells.     

Recent progresses in gene delivery-based bone tissue engineering

Gene therapy has converged with bone engineering over the past decade, by which a variety of therapeutic genes have been delivered to stimulate bone repair. These genes can be administered via in vivo or ex vivo approach using either viral or nonviral vectors. This article reviews the fundamental aspects and recent progresses in the gene therapy-based bone engineering, with emphasis on the new genes, viral vectors and gene delivery approaches.     

Proteomic analysis of B-cell malignancies

The identification of proteins aberrantly expressed in malignant B-cells can potentially be used to develop new diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic targets. Proteomic studies of B-cell malignancies have made significant progress, but further studies are needed to increase our coverage of the B-cell malignant proteome. To achieve this goal we stress the advantages of using sub-cellular fractionation, protein separation, quantitation and affinity purification techniques to identify hitherto unidentified signalling and regulatory proteins. For example, proteomic analysis of B-cell plasma membranes isolated from patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) identified the voltage-gated proton channel (HVCN1,[1]). This protein has now been characterised as a key modulator of B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling and abrogation of HVCN1 function could have a role in the treatment of B-cell malignancies dependent on maintained BCR signalling [2]. Similarly, proteomic studies on cell lysates from prognostic subtypes of CLL, distinguished by the absence (UM-CLL) or presence (M-CLL) of somatic hypermutation of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus identified nucleophosmin 1 (NMP1) as a potential prognostic marker [3,4]. Thus, targeted proteomic analysis on selected organelles or sub-cellular compartments can identify novel proteins with unexpected localisation or function in malignant B-cells that could be developed for clinical purposes.     

Multiorgan autoimmunity in a Turner syndrome patient with partial monosomy 2q and trisomy 10p

Turner syndrome is a condition caused by numeric and structural abnormalities of the X chromosome, and is characterized by a series of clinical features, the most common being short stature and gonadal dysgenesis. An increased frequency of autoimmune diseases as well as an elevated incidence of autoantibodies has been observed in Turner patients.