Cdc37/Hsp90 protein-mediated regulation of IRE1α protein activity in endoplasmic reticulum stress response and insulin synthesis in INS-1 cells

IRE1α is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localized signaling molecule critical for unfolded protein response. During ER stress, IRE1α activation is induced by oligomerization and autophosphorylation in its cytosolic domain, a process triggered by dissociation of an ER luminal chaperone, binding immunoglobulin-protein (BiP), from IRE1α. In addition, inhibition of a cytosolic chaperone protein Hsp90 also induces IRE1α oligomerization and activation in the absence of an ER stressor. Here, we report that the Hsp90 cochaperone Cdc37 directly interacts with IRE1α through a highly conserved cytosolic motif of IRE1α. Cdc37 knockdown or disruption of Cdc37 interaction with IRE1α significantly increased basal IRE1α activity. In INS-1 cells, Hsp90 inhibition and disruption of IRE1α-Cdc37 interaction both induced an ER stress response and impaired insulin synthesis and secretion. These data suggest that Cdc37-mediated direct interaction between Hsp90/Cdc37 and an IRE1α cytosolic motif is important to maintain basal IRE1α activity and contributes to normal protein homeostasis and unfolded protein response under physiological stimulation.     

Phosphorylation at Ser724 of the ER stress sensor IRE1α governs its activation state and limits ER stress–induced hepatosteatosis

Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) is an evolutionarily conserved sensor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mediates a key branch of the unfolded protein response in eukaryotic cells. It is an ER-resident transmembrane protein that possesses Ser/Thr protein kinase and endoribonuclease (RNase) activities in its cytoplasmic region. IRE1 is activated through dimerization/oligomerization and autophosphorylation at multiple sites, acting through its RNase activity to restore the functional capacity of the ER. However, it remains poorly defined in vivo how the autophosphorylation events of endogenous IRE1 govern its dynamic activation and functional output. Here, we generated a mouse model harboring a S724A knock-in mutation (Ern1^S724A/S724A) and investigated the importance of phosphorylation at Ser⁷²⁴ within the kinase activation loop of murine IRE1α. We found that in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and in primary hepatocytes, S724A mutation resulted in markedly reduced IRE1α autophosphorylation in parallel with blunted activation of its RNase activity to catalyze X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1) mRNA splicing. Furthermore, ablation of IRE1α phosphorylation at Ser⁷²⁴ exacerbated ER stress–induced hepatic steatosis in tunicamycin-treated Ern1^S724A/S724A mice. This was accompanied by significantly decreased hepatic production of spliced XBP1 protein but increased CCAAT-enhancer–binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) level, along with suppressed expression of key metabolic regulators of fatty acid β-oxidation and lipid secretion. These results demonstrate a critical role of phosphorylation at Ser⁷²⁴ of IRE1α in dynamically controlling its kinase activity, and thus its autophosphorylation state, which is coupled to activation of its RNase activity in counteracting hepatic steatosis under ER stress conditions.     

Effect of overexpression of kinase- or RNase-deficient OsIRE1 on the endoplasmic reticulum stress response in transgenic rice plants

IRE1 is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor protein in eukaryotes. In this study, we generated transgenic rice plants overexpressing three types of OsIRE1, including wild-type OsIRE1 (IRE1-OE) and two disrupted-IRE1s deficient in either kinase activity (K519A-OE) or RNase activity (K833A-OE), under the control of a constitutive promoter. Overexpression of wild-type IRE1 induced the ER stress response in transgenic rice even under non-stress conditions, whereas K519A-OE and K833A-OE had dominant negative effects on endogenous OsIRE1 expression in these transgenic plants. These lines exhibited phenotypes that were quite similar to those of OsIRE1 knock-down rice. These observations suggest that the two types of functionally disrupted OsIRE1 proteins behave as competitive inhibitors toward the ER stress response in transgenic rice plants. Furthermore, OsIRE1 may have a vital, as yet unidentified function, as determined through the characterization of the transgenic plants generated in this study.     

RNF13, a RING Finger Protein,Mediates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced Apoptosis through the Inositol-requiring Enzyme (IRE1α)/c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase Pathway

Disturbance of homeostasis at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causes stress to cells that in turn triggers an adaptive signaling pathway termed unfolded protein response for the purpose of restoring normal cellular physiology or initiating signaling events leading to apoptosis. Identification of those genes that are involved in the unfolded protein response-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway would be valuable toward elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between ER stress and apoptosis. We initiated a genetic screen by using the retroviral insertion mutation system to search for genes whose inactivation confers resistance to apoptosis induction by staurosporine. Using this approach, RING finger protein 13 (RNF13) was identified. Interestingly, RNF13 is highly enriched in ER. RNF13 knockdown cells are resistant to apoptosis and JNK activation triggered by ER stress. Conversely, overexpression of RNF13 induces JNK activation and caspase-dependent apoptosis. The RING and transmembrane domains of RNF13 are both required for its effects on JNK activation and apoptosis. Moreover, systematic analysis of the involvement of individual signaling components in the ER stress pathway using knockdown approach reveals that RNF13 acts upstream of the IRE1α-TRAF2 signaling axis for JNK activation and apoptosis. Finally, RNF13 co-immunoprecipitates with IRE1α, and the intact RING domain is also required for mediating its interaction. Together, our data support a model that RNF13 is a critical mediator for facilitating ER stress-induced apoptosis through the activation of the IRE1α-TRAF2-JNK signaling pathway.     

The unknown face of IRE1α – Beyond ER stress

IRE1α (Inositol Requiring kinase Enzyme 1 alpha), a transmembrane protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a master regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. The fate determining steps during ER stress-induced apoptosis are greatly attributed to IRE1α’s endoribonuclease and kinase activities. Apart from its role as a chief executioner in ER stress, recent studies have shown that upon activation in the presence or absence of ER stress, IRE1α executes multiple cellular processes such as differentiation, immune response, progression and repression of the cell cycle. Besides its crucial role in protein misfolding, the versatile contributions of IRE1α in other cellular functions are greatly unknown. In this review, we have discussed the structural conservation of IRE1 among eukaryotes, the mechanisms underlying its activation and the recent understandings of the non-apoptotic functions of IRE1 other than ER stress-induced cell death.     

The unfolded protein response regulates an angiogenic response by the kidney epithelium during ischemic stress

Ischemic injuries permanently affect kidney tissue and challenge cell viability, promoting inflammation and fibrogenesis. Ischemia results in nutrient deprivation, which triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, ultimately resulting in the unfolded protein response (UPR). The aim of this study was to test whether the UPR could promote an angiogenic response independently of the HIF-1α pathway during ischemic stress in the human kidney epithelium. Glucose deprivation induced the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and angiogenin (ANG) in human kidney epithelial cells independently of HIF-1α. Glucose deprivation, but not hypoxia, triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress and activated the UPR. RNA interference-mediated inhibition of the gene encoding the kinase PERK decreased VEGFA and bFGF expression, but neither gene was affected by the inhibition of IRE1α or ATF6. Furthermore, we show that the expression of angiogenin, which inhibits protein synthesis, is regulated by both IRE1α and PERK, which could constitute a complementary function of the UPR in the repression of translation. In a rat model of acute ischemic stress, we show that the UPR is activated in parallel with VEGFA, bFGF, and ANG expression and independently of HIF-1α.     

Free cholesterol-induced macrophage apoptosis is mediated by inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha-regulated activation of Jun N-terminal kinase

Macrophage death in advanced atherosclerotic lesions leads to lesional necrosis, possible plaque rupture, and acute vascular occlusion. A likely cause of macrophage death is the accumulation of free cholesterol (FC) leading to activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis. Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) is an integral membrane protein of the ERthat is a key signaling step in cholesterol-induced apoptosis in macrophages, activated by stress in the ER. However, the role of IRE1α in the regulation of ER stress-induced macrophage death and the mechanism for this process are largely unclear. In this study, a cell culture model was used to explore the mechanisms involved in the ER stress pathway of FC-induced macrophage death. The results herein showed that FC loading of macrophages leads to an apoptotic response that is partially dependent on initiation by activation of IRE1α. Taken together, these results showed that the IRE1-apoptosis-signaling kinase 1-c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase cascade pathway was required in this process. Moreover, the data suggested a novel cellular mechanism for cholesterol-induced macrophage death in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. The critical function of this signaling cascade is indicated by prevention of ER stress-induced apoptosis after inhibition of IRE1α, or c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase.     

Alternative function of a protein kinase homology domain in 2', 5'-oligoadenylate dependent RNase L.

RNase L is the 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A)-dependent endoribonuclease that functions in interferon action and apoptosis. One of the intriguing, albeit unexplained, features of RNase L is its significant homology to protein kinases. Despite the homology, however, no protein kinase activity was detected during activation and RNA cleavage reactions with human RNase L. Similarly, the kinase plus ribonuclease domains of RNase L produced no detectable protein kinase activity in contrast to the phosphorylation obtained with homologous domains of the related kinase and endoribonuclease, yeast IRE1p. In addition, neither ATP nor pA(2'p5'A)3was hydrolyzed by RNase L. To further investigate the function of the kinase homology in RNase L, the conserved lysine at residue 392 in protein kinase-like domain II was replaced with an arginine residue. The resulting mutant, RNase LK392R, showed >100-fold decreases in 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease activity without reducing 2-5A- or RNA-binding activities. The greatly reduced activity of RNase LK392Rwas correlated to a defect in the ability of RNase L to dimerize. These results demonstrate a critical role for lysine 392 in the activation and dimerization of RNase L, thus suggesting that these two activities are intimately linked.     

IRE1α induces thioredoxin-interacting protein to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and promote programmed cell death under irremediable ER stress

When unfolded proteins accumulate to irremediably high levels within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), intracellular signaling pathways called the unfolded protein response (UPR) become hyperactivated to?cause programmed cell death. We discovered that?thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is?a critical node in this "terminal UPR." TXNIP becomes rapidly induced by IRE1α, an ER bifunctional kinase/endoribonuclease (RNase). Hyperactivated IRE1α increases TXNIP mRNA stability by reducing levels of a TXNIP destabilizing microRNA, miR-17. In turn, elevated TXNIP protein activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, causing procaspase-1 cleavage and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) secretion. Txnip gene deletion reduces pancreatic β cell death during ER stress and suppresses diabetes caused by proinsulin misfolding in the Akita mouse. Finally, small molecule?IRE1α RNase inhibitors suppress TXNIP production to block IL-1β secretion. In summary, the IRE1α-TXNIP pathway is used in the terminal UPR to promote sterile inflammation and programmed cell death and may be targeted to develop effective treatments for cell degenerative diseases.     

Influenza A viral replication is blocked by inhibition of the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) stress pathway

Known therapies for influenza A virus infection are complicated by the frequent emergence of resistance. A therapeutic strategy that may escape viral resistance is targeting host cellular mechanisms involved in viral replication and pathogenesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, also known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), is a primitive, evolutionary conserved molecular signaling cascade that has been implicated in multiple biological phenomena including innate immunity and the pathogenesis of certain viral infections. We investigated the effect of influenza A viral infection on ER stress pathways in lung epithelial cells. Influenza A virus induced ER stress in a pathway-specific manner. We showed that the virus activates the IRE1 pathway with little or no concomitant activation of the PERK and the ATF6 pathways. When we examined the effects of modulating the ER stress response on the virus, we found that the molecular chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) significantly inhibits influenza A viral replication. In addition, a specific inhibitor of the IRE1 pathway also blocked viral replication. Our findings constitute the first evidence that ER stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of influenza A viral infection. Decreasing viral replication by modulating the host ER stress response is a novel strategy that has important therapeutic implications.     

A Combined “Omics” Approach Identifies N-Myc Interactor as a Novel Cytokine-induced Regulator of IRE1α Protein and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase in Pancreatic Beta Cells

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease with a strong inflammatory component. The cytokines interleukin-1β and interferon-γ contribute to beta cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes. These cytokines induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), contributing to the loss of beta cells. IRE1α, one of the UPR mediators, triggers insulin degradation and inflammation in beta cells and is critical for the transition from “physiological” to “pathological” UPR. The mechanisms regulating inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α) activation and its signaling for beta cell “adaptation,” “stress response,” or “apoptosis” remain to be clarified. To address these questions, we combined mammalian protein-protein interaction trap-based IRE1α interactome and functional genomic analysis of human and rodent beta cells exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines to identify novel cytokine-induced regulators of IRE1α. Based on this approach, we identified N-Myc interactor (NMI) as an IRE1α-interacting/modulator protein in rodent and human pancreatic beta cells. An increased expression of NMI was detected in islets from nonobese diabetic mice with insulitis and in rodent or human beta cells exposed in vitro to the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interferon-γ. Detailed mechanistic studies demonstrated that NMI negatively modulates IRE1α-dependent activation of JNK and apoptosis in rodent and human pancreatic beta cells. In conclusion, by using a combined omics approach, we identified NMI induction as a novel negative feedback mechanism that decreases IRE1α-dependent activation of JNK and apoptosis in cytokine-exposed beta cells.