Cell cycle arrest by monochloramine through the oxidation of retinoblastoma protein

Impairment of cell cycle control has serious effects on inflammation, tissue repair, and carcinogenesis. We report here the G1 cell cycle arrest by monochloramine (NH2Cl), a physiological oxidant derived from activated neutrophils, and its mechanism. When Jurkat cells were treated with NH2Cl (70 microM, 10 min) and incubated for 24 h, the S phase population decreased significantly with a slight increase in the hypodiploid cell population. The G0/ G1 phase and G2/M phase populations did not show marked changes. Three hours after NH2Cl treatment, the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) was dephosphorylated especially at Ser780 and Ser795, both of which are important phosphorylation sites for the G1 checkpoint function. The phosphorylation at Ser807/811 showed no apparent change. The expression of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors showed no apparent change. Moreover, the kinase activity that phosphorylates pRB remained constant even after NH2Cl treatment. The protein phosphatase activity that dephosphorylates pRB showed a marginal increase. Notably, when the recombinant pRB was oxidized by NH2Cl in vitro, the oxidized pRB became difficult to be phosphorylated by kinases, especially at Ser780 and Ser795, but not at Ser807/811. Amino acid analysis of oxidized pRB showed methionine oxidation to methionine sulfoxide. The NH2Cl-treated Jurkat cell proteins also showed a decrease in methionine. These observations suggested that direct pRB oxidation was the major cause of NH2Cl-induced cell cycle arrest. In the presence of 2 mM NH4+, NaOCl (200 microM) or activated neutrophils also induced a G1 cell cycle arrest. As protein methionine oxidation has been reported in inflammation and aging, cell cycle modulation by pRB oxidation may occur in various pathological conditions.     

Functional heterogeneity is associated with the cell cycle status of murine hematopoietic stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are characterized by their ability to differentiate into all hematopoietic cell lineages while retaining their capacity for self renewal. One of the predictions of this model is the existence of a heterogeneous pool of HSCs, some members of which are destined to become lineage restricted progenitor cells while others function to renew the stem cell pool. To test whether HSCs are heterogeneous with respect to cell cycle status, we determined the fraction of phenotypically defined murine HSCs (Thy1.1lo Lin-/lo Sca- 1+) that contain > 2n amount of DNA as measured by propidium iodide staining, Hoechst dye uptake and [3H]thymidine labeling; that fraction is 18-22%. In contrast, in the developing fetal liver, 40% of HSCs are in the S/G2/M phases of the cell cycle. Those HSCs which exhibit a low level of staining with rhodamine 123 are almost exclusively in G0/G1 (97%) whereas only 70% of HSCs which stain brightly for rhodamine 123 are in G0/G1. The injection of 100 G0/G1 HSCs rescued 90% of lethally irradiated mice in contrast to 100 S/G2/M HSCs, which protected only 25% of lethally irradiated recipients. Enhanced long-term donor-derived multilineage reconstitution of the peripheral blood was observed in recipients of 100 G0/G1 HSCs compared to recipients of 100 S/G2/M cells. These data indicate that a significant proportion of HSCs are actively proliferating during steady state hematopoiesis and that this subpopulation of cells exhibits reduced stem cell activity.     

Cyclin E-cdk2 activation is associated with cell cycle arrest and inhibition of DNA replication induced by the thymidylate synthase inhibitor Tomudex

Tomudex (ZD1694) is a specific antifolate-based thymidylate synthase inhibitor active in a variety of solid tumor malignancies. Studies were carried out in vitro to evaluate downstream molecular alterations induced as a consequence of the potent and sustained inhibition of thymidylate synthase by Tomudex. Twenty-four hours following the initial 2-h treatment with Tomudex, human A253 head and neck squamous carcinoma cells, not expressing p53 and p21(WAF1), were accumulated with DNA content characteristic of early S phase of the cell cycle with a concomitant reduction of cells in G1 and G2/M phases. The changes in cyclin and cdk protein expression and their kinase activities were examined in control and drug-treated A253 cells. Tomudex treatment resulted in the decrease in p27(kip1) expression, with an increase in cyclin E and cdk2 protein expression and kinase activities 24 h after a 2-h exposure. Although cyclin A protein expression was markedly increased, cyclin A kinase activity was only slightly increased. Cyclin D1, cyclin B, cdk4, and cdc2 protein expression and kinase activities remain constant. Lack of activation of cyclin A- and B-cdc2 was associated with a reduced proportion of cells in G2/M phases. Increased cyclin E-cdk2 protein expression was accompanied by the inhibition of DNA synthesis, with a decrease in E2F-1 expression. These results propose that cyclin E-cdk2 kinase can negatively regulate DNA replication. The studies with dThyd rescue from cyclin E-cdk2 protein overexpression and growth inhibition by Tomudex indicate that increased cyclin E-cdk2 protein expression is associated with effective inhibition of thymidylate synthase and resultant dNTP pool imbalance. Provision of dThyd more than 24 h after exposure to Tomudex allowed cells to replicate DNA for a single cycle back to G1, but did not prevent the profound growth-inhibitory effect manifested in the following 5 days. Tomudex treatment resulted in a time-dependent induction of the megabase DNA fragments, followed by secondary 50- to 300-kb DNA fragmentation. The 50- to 300-kb DNA fragmentation may be derived from the inhibition of DNA synthesis associated with cyclin E-cdk2 activation. These results suggest that the megabase DNA fragmentation is induced as a consequence of inhibition of thymidylate synthase by Tomudex and kilobase DNA fragmentation may correlate with the reduction of p27(kip1) expression and the increase in cyclin E and cdk2 kinase activities. Activation of cyclin E and cdk2 kinases allows cells to transit from G1 to S phase accompanied by the inhibition of DNA synthesis. The changes in cell cycle regulatory proteins associated with growth inhibition and DNA damage by Tomudex are not p53 dependent.     

MyoD induced cell cycle arrest is associated with increased nuclear affinity of the Rb protein.

In studying the mechanism through which the myogenic determination protein MyoD prevents entry into the S phase of the cell cycle, we have found a relationship between MyoD and the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein. By direct needle microinjection of purified recombinant MyoD protein into quiescent fibroblasts, which were then induced to proliferate by serum, we found that MyoD arrested progression of the cell cycle, in agreement with studies utilizing expression constructs for MyoD. By studying temporal changes in cells injected with MyoD protein, it was found that MyoD did not prevent serum induced expression of the protooncogene c-Fos, an event that occurs in the G0 to G1 transition of the cycle. Injection of the MyoD protein as late as 8 h after the addition of serum still caused an inhibition in DNA synthesis, suggesting that MyoD inhibits the G1 to S transition as opposed to the G0 to G1 transition. MyoD injection did not prevent the expression of cyclin A. However MyoD injection did result in a block in the increase in Rb extractibility normally seen in late G1 phase cells. As this phenomenon is associated with the hyperphosphorylation of Rb at this point in the cell cycle and is correlated with progression into S phase, this provides further evidence that MyoD blocks the cycle late in G1.     

Cell cycle G2/M arrest and activation of cyclin-dependent kinases associated with low-dose paclitaxel-induced sub-G1 apoptosis

Paclitaxel is a potential anti-cancer agent for several malignancies including ovary, breast, and head and neck cancers. This study investigated the kinetics of paclitaxel-induced cell cycle perturbation in two human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines, NPC-TW01 and NPC-TW04. NPC cells treated with higher concentrations (0.1 or 1 μM) of paclitaxel showed obvious G2/M arrest and then converted to a cell population with reduced DNA content, which was detected as a sub-G2 peak in the flow cytometric histographs. If a low concentration (5 nM) of paclitaxel was used instead, transient G2/M arrest was observed in NPC cells, which subsequently converted to a sub-G1 form during the treatment period. Internucleosomal fragmentation and chromatin condensation were detectable in these sub-G1 and sub-G2 cells, suggesting that persistent or transient G2/M arrest is a prerequisite step for apoptosis elicited by varying doses of paclitaxel. The levels of cyclins A, B1, D1, E, CDK 1 (CDC 2), CDK 2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were unchanged in NPC cells following treatment with any concentration of paclitaxel; however, apoptosis-related cyclin B1-associated CDC 2 kinase was highly activated by paclitaxel even at concentrations as low as 5 nM, which is consistent with the finding that low-dose paclitaxel is also able to induce apoptosis in NPC cells. Activation of cyclin B1-associated CDC 2 kinase seems to be an important G2/M event required for paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, and this activation of cyclin B1/CDC 2 kinase could be attributed to the increased activity of CDK 7 kinase. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Stabilization of the retinoblastoma protein by A-type nuclear lamins is required for INK4A-mediated cell cycle arrest

Mutations in the LMNA gene, which encodes all A-type lamins, including lamin A and lamin C, cause a variety of tissue-specific degenerative diseases termed laminopathies. Little is known about the pathogenesis of these disorders. Previous studies have indicated that A-type lamins interact with the retinoblastoma protein (pRB). Here we probe the functional consequences of this association and further examine links between nuclear structure and cell cycle control. Since pRB is required for cell cycle arrest by p16(ink4a), we tested the responsiveness of multiple lamin A/C-depleted cell lines to overexpression of this CDK inhibitor and tumor suppressor. We find that the loss of A-type lamin expression results in marked destabilization of pRB. This reduction in pRB renders cells resistant to p16(ink4a)-mediated G(1) arrest. Reintroduction of lamin A, lamin C, or pRB restores p16(ink4a)-responsiveness to Lmna(-/-) cells. An array of lamin A mutants, representing a variety of pathologies as well as lamin A processing mutants, was introduced into Lmna(-/-) cells. Of these, a mutant associated with mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD R527H), as well as two lamin A processing mutants, but not other disease-associated mutants, failed to restore p16(ink4a) responsiveness. Although our findings do not rule out links between altered pRB function and laminopathies, they fail to support such an assertion. These findings do link lamin A/C to the functional activation of a critical tumor suppressor pathway and further the possibility that somatic mutations in LMNA contribute to tumor progression.     

Hyperoxia induces macrophage cell cycle arrest by adhesion-dependent induction of p21Cip1 and activation of the retinoblastoma protein

Hyperoxia induces growth arrest, apoptosis, necrosis, and morphological changes (spreading and adhesion) in various types of cells. The mechanism of hyperoxia-induced cell growth arrest has not been well elucidated, especially in macrophages. One possible mechanism is a role of cell adhesion in hyperoxia-induced cell cycle arrest. To evaluate this finding, macrophages were cultured in normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (95% O2) in adhesion or low adhesion conditions. Incubation of macrophages in hyperoxia induced cell cycle arrest. The hyperoxia-induced cell cycle arrest was prevented by low adhesion conditions. To evaluate pathways potentially involved in hyperoxia-induced growth arrest, we measured extracellular regulated kinase and retinoblastoma protein activation and p21Cip1 and p53 accumulation. Hyperoxia strongly induced activation of extracellular regulated kinase and retinoblastoma protein as well as up-regulation of p21Cip1. These effects of hyperoxia were attenuated under low adhesion conditions, suggesting a role for integrin-dependent signaling. The induction of p21Cip1 and activation of retinoblastoma protein occurred via a p53-independent mechanism. These results suggest that adhesion-dependent pathways are required for hyperoxia-induced cell cycle arrest in macrophages.     

Fluorescence kinetics in HeLa cells after treatment with cell cycle arrest inducers visualized with Fucci (fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator)

Fucci (fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator) is able to visualize dynamics of cell cycle progression in live cells; G1- and S-/G2-/M-phase cells expressing Fucci emit red and green fluorescence, respectively. This system could be applied to cell kinetic analysis of tumour cells in the field of cancer therapy; however, it is still unclear how fluorescence kinetics change after various treatments, including exposure to anticancer agents. To explore this, we arrested live HeLa cells expressing the Fucci probes at various cell cycle stages and observed the fluorescence, in conjunction with flow cytometric analysis. X-irradiation, HU (hydroxyurea) and nocodazole arrest cells at G2/M boundary, early S-phase and early M-phase, respectively. Although X-irradiation and HU treatment induced similar accumulation kinetics of green fluorescent cells, nocodazole treatment induced an abnormal red fluorescence at M phase, followed by accumulation of both red and green fluorescent cells with 4N DNA content. We conclude that certain agents that disrupt normal cell cycle regulation could cause unexpected fluorescence kinetics in the Fucci system.     

ERK activation mediates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis after DNA damage independently of p53

In response to DNA damage, ataxia-telangiectasia mutant and ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad-3 activate p53, resulting in either cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. We report here that DNA damage stimuli, including etoposide (ETOP), adriamycin (ADR), ionizing irradiation (IR), and ultraviolet irradiation (UV) activate ERK1/2 (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase in primary (MEF and IMR90), immortalized (NIH3T3) and transformed (MCF-7) cells. ERK activation in response to ETOP was abolished in ATM-/- fibroblasts (GM05823) and was independent of p53. The MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 prevented ERK activation but not p53 stabilization. Maximal ERK activation in response to DNA damage was not attenuated in MEF(p53-/-). However, ERK activation contributes to either cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in response to low or high intensity DNA insults, respectively. Inhibition of ERK activation by PD98059 or U0126 attenuated p21(CIP1) induction, resulting in partial release of the G(2)/M cell cycle arrest induced by ETOP. Furthermore, PD98059 or U0126 also strongly attenuated apoptosis induced by high dose ETOP, ADR, or UV. Conversely, enforced activation of ERK by overexpression of MEK-1/Q56P sensitized cells to DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that DNA damage activates parallel ERK and p53 pathways in an ATM-dependent manner. These pathways might function cooperatively in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.     

4-Deoxyraputindole C induces cell death and cell cycle arrest in tumor cell lines

Several molecules extracted from natural products exhibit different biological activities, such as ion channel modulation, activation of signaling pathways, and anti-inflammatory or antitumor activity. In this study, we tested the antitumor ability of natural compounds extracted from the Raputia praetermissa plant. Among the compounds tested, an alkaloid, here called compound S4 (4-Deoxyraputindole C), showed antitumor effects against human tumor lineages. Compound S4 was the most active against Raji, a lymphoma lineage, promoting cell death with characteristics that including membrane permeabilization, dissipation of the mitochondrial potential, increased superoxide production, and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. The use of cell death inhibitors such as Z-VAD-FMK (caspase inhibitor), necrostatin-1 (receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 inhibitor), E-64 (cysteine peptidases inhibitor), and N-acetyl- L -cysteine (antioxidant) did not decrease compound S4-dependent cell death. Additionally, we tested the effect of cellular activity on adherent human tumor cells. The highest reduction of cellular activity was observed in A549 cells, a lung carcinoma lineage. In this lineage, the effect on the reduction of the cellular activity was due to cell cycle arrest, without plasma membrane permeabilization, loss of the mitochondrial potential or lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Compound S4 was able to inhibit cathepsin B and L by a nonlinear competitive (negative co-operativity) and simple-linear competitive inhibitions, respectively. The potency of inhibition was higher against cathepsin L. Compound S4 promoted cell cycle arrest at G ₀ and G ₂ phase, and increase the expression of p16 and p21 proteins. In conclusion, compound S4 is an interesting molecule against cancer, promoting cell death in the human lymphoma lineage Raji and cell cycle arrest in the human lung carcinoma lineage A549.     

Amniotic membrane-derived cells inhibit proliferation of cancer cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest

Cells derived from the amniotic foetal membrane of human term placenta have drawn particular attention mainly for their plasticity and immunological properties, which render them interesting for stem-cell research and cell-based therapeutic applications. In particular, we have previously demonstrated that amniotic mesenchymal tissue cells (AMTC) inhibit lymphocyte proliferation in vitro and suppress the generation and maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Here, we show that AMTC also significantly reduce the proliferation of cancer cell lines of haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic origin, in both cell-cell contact and transwell co-cultures, therefore suggesting the involvement of yet-unknown inhibitory soluble factor(s) in this 'cell growth restraint'. Importantly, we provide evidence that the anti-proliferative effect of AMTC is associated with induction of cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. Gene expression analyses demonstrate that AMTC can down-regulate cancer cells' mRNA expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression, such as cyclins (cyclin D2, cyclin E1, cyclin H) and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK4, CDK6 and CDK2), whilst they up-regulate cell cycle negative regulator such as p15 and p21, consistent with a block in G0/G1 phase with no progression to S phase. Taken together, these findings warrant further studies to investigate the applicability of these cells for controlling cancer cell proliferation in vivo.     

Downregulation of c-myc RNA is not a prerequisite for reduced cell proliferation, but is associated with G1 arrest in B-lymphoid cell lines

We related the effects of c-myc expression on the ability of growth inhibitors to block the cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. In two different B-cell lines, there was an association between the accumulation of cells in the middle to late G1 phase of the cell cycle and a rapid transient downregulation of c-myc mRNA levels. The phorbol ester TPA and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin reduced the c-myc RNA, levels and after 3 days of treatment a proportion of the cells accumulated in G1. In contrast, neither interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha nor the monoclonal antibody 33-1 against DQ major histocompatibility antigens changed the cell-cycle distribution or regulated the c-myc RNA levels. Yet, all five growth inhibitors reduced the proliferation to approximately the same extent. The growth reduction was not accompanied by definite differentiation, as judged by the absence of the B-cell differentiation marker B1 (CD20).     

Role of the retinoblastoma protein in cell cycle arrest mediated by a novel cell surface proliferation inhibitor

A novel cell regulatory sialoglycopeptide (CeReS-18), purified from the cell surface of bovine cerebral cortex cells has been shown to be a potent and reversible inhibitor of proliferation of a wide array of fibroblasts as well as epithelial-like cells and nontransformed and transformed cells. To investigate the possible mechanisms by which CeReS-18 exerts its inhibitory action, the effect of the inhibitor on the posttranslational regulation of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (RB), a tumor suppressor gene, has been examined. It is shown that CeReS-18 mediated cell cycle arrest of both human diploid fibroblasts (HSBP) and mouse fibroblasts (Swiss 3T3) results in the maintenance of the RB protein in the hypophosphorylated state, consistent with a late G1 arrest site. Although their normal nontransformed counterparts are sensitive to cell cycle arrest mediated by CeReS-18, cell lines lacking a functional RB protein, through either genetic mutation or DNA tumor virus oncoprotein interaction, are less sensitive. The refractory nature of these cells is shown to be independent of specific surface receptors for the inhibitor, and another tumor suppressor gene (p53) does not appear to be involved in the CeReS-18 inhibition of cell proliferation. The requirement for a functional RB protein product, in order for CeReS-18 to mediate cell cycle arrest, is discussed in light of regulatory events associated with density-dependent growth inhibition. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Cytotoxic effect of Erythroxylum daphnites extract is associated with G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Plant-derived molecules showing antineoplastic effects have recently gained increased attention as potential adjuvants to traditional therapies for various cancers. Cerrado biome in Brazil contains high floral biodiversity, but knowledge about the potential therapeutic effects of compounds derived from that flora is still limited. The present study investigated the antineoplastic activity of Erythroxylum daphnites Mart., a Brazilian native plant from Cerrado biome, in the SCC-9 oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Cells were treated with various concentrations of hexane extract of Erythroxylum daphnites leaves (EDH) and assessed for cytotoxicity, proliferation, and apoptosis. Thin layer chromatography was conducted to characterize the substances present in EDH. Our results showed that EDH exerted anti-proliferative effects in SCC-9 cells by stabilizing the cell cycle at G₁ phase in association with reduced intracellular levels of cyclins D and E and increased level of p21. EDH also demonstrated pro-apoptotic properties, as shown by an increased expression of caspase-3. Triterpenes were the major constituents of EDH. Our findings demonstrated a cytotoxic effect of EDH against SCC-9 cells in vitro mediated by the restraint of cellular proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Taken together, these findings support EDH constituents as potential therapeutic adjuvants for oral cancer.     

Caspase inhibition blocks cell death and results in cell cycle arrest in cytokine-deprived hematopoietic cells

Cytokine deprivation has been classically used to study molecular processes of apoptosis. Following interleukin (IL)-3 withdrawal in FL5.12 cells, Bax undergoes a conformational change that results in its mitochondria targeting, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-9, and apoptosis. Cells overexpressing Casp9DN (dominant negative caspase-9) or treated with the caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh increased viability but failed to increase clonogenic survival. We find that caspase-inhibited cells had a significant fraction of viable cells (herein termed "rescued" cells) that failed to initiate cell division after IL-3 add back. The "rescued" cells had reduced mitochondrial potential, stained for active Bax, and had reduced staining with dihydroethidium, an agent sensitive to superoxide levels. Readdition of IL-3 after deprivation demonstrated that Bax activation was reversed, whereas altered 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide and dihydroethidium staining persisted for days. Furthermore, the "rescued" cells were resistant to rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration. The cells were highly sensitive to 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis and proposed anti-cancer agent. We conclude that the inhibition of caspase-9 allows cells to retain viability, but cells have prolonged mitochondrial dysfunction and enter a unique nondividing state that shares some properties with malignant cells.     

Cell cycle dependent morphology changes and associated mitochondrial DNA redistribution in mitochondria of human cell lines

Mitochondria of osteosarcoma cells (143B) in culture have variable morphologies, classified according to the shape and size of the organelle as reticular, fragmented or intermediate. Synchronization and release from G0 has shown that the morphology of mitochondria oscillates between the reticular and fragmented state in a cell cycle dependent manner. Cells in G1 have reticular mitochondria while those in S phase have fragmented mitochondria. By using a novel method of fluorescence in situ hybridization, the morphology of mitochondria was correlated with mitochondrial DNA distribution. MtDNA molecules were seen in clusters of two to four along mitochondrial filaments. In the fully fragmented state, each mitochondrion contained at least one cluster. We discuss the importance of fission and fusion events in regulating the morphology of mitochondria, segregation of mtDNA and maintenance of the organelle's functional unity.     

Alpha-lipoic acid induces p27Kip-dependent cell cycle arrest in non-transformed cell lines and apoptosis in tumor cell lines

alpha-Lipoic acid is a naturally-occurring co-factor found in a number of multi-enzyme complexes regulating metabolism. We report here that alpha-lipoic acid induces hyperacetylation of histones in vivo and has differential effects on the growth and viability of normal versus transformed cell lines. The human tumor cell lines FaDu and Jurkat, as well as a Ki-v-Ras-transformed Balb/c-3T3 murine mesenchymal cell line, all initiated apoptosis following exposure to alpha-lipoic acid. In contrast, treatment of non-transformed cell lines with alpha-lipoic acid resulted only in reversible cell cycle arrest in G0/G1. Treatment with butyrate, another short-chain fatty acid, induced a G0/G1 arrest in both transformed and non-transformed cell lines. alpha-Lipoic acid caused a post-translational elevation in the levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1. Studies using p27Kip1-deficient MEF cells demonstrated that p27Kip1 was required for the alpha-lipoic acid-mediated cell cycle arrest. The mechanism of apoptosis was independent of Fas-mediated signaling, as alpha-lipoic acid-treated Jurkat cell mutants deficient in Fas or FADD retained sensitivity to apoptosis. The differential selectivity of the pro-apoptotic effects of alpha-lipoic acid for transformed cells supports its potential use in the treatment of neoplastic disorders.     

Homeotic factor ATBF1 induces the cell cycle arrest associated with neuronal differentiation

The present study aimed to elucidate the function of AT motif-binding factor 1 (ATBF1) during neurogenesis in the developing brain and in primary cultures of neuroepithelial cells and cell lines (Neuro 2A and P19 cells). Here, we show that ATBF1 is expressed in the differentiating field in association with the neuronal differentiation markers beta-tubulin and MAP2 in the day E14.5 embryo rat brain, suggesting that it promotes neuronal differentiation. In support of this, we show that ATBF1 suppresses nestin expression, a neural stem cell marker, and activates the promoter of Neurod1 gene, a marker for neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, we show that in Neuro 2A cells, overexpressed ATBF1 localizes predominantly in the nucleus and causes cell cycle arrest. In P19 cells, which formed embryonic bodies in the floating condition, ATBF1 is mainly cytoplasmic and has no effect on the cell cycle. However, the cell cycle was arrested when ATBF1 became nuclear after transfer of P19 cells onto adhesive surfaces or in isolated single cells. The nuclear localization of ATBF1 was suppressed by treatment with caffeine, an inhibitor of PI(3)K-related kinase activity of ataxa-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene product. The cytoplasmic localization of ATBF1 in floating/nonadherent cells is due to CRM1-dependent nuclear export of ATBF1. Moreover, in the embryonic brain ATBF1 was expressed in the cytoplasm of proliferating stem cells on the ventricular zone, where cells are present at high density and interact through cell-to-cell contact. Conversely, in the differentiating field, where cell density is low and extracellular matrix is dense, the cell-to-matrix interaction triggered nuclear localization of ATBF1, resulting in the cell cycle arrest. We propose that ATBF1 plays an important role in the nucleus by organizing the neuronal differentiation associated with the cell cycle arrest.