Impact of the arylhydrocarbon receptor on eugenol- and isoeugenol-induced cell cycle arrest in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT)

Fragrances such as eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) and isoeugenol (2-methoxy-4-propenylphenol), naturally found in reasonable quantities in the essential oils of different spices, are not only common causes of contact dermatitis but also known for their antiproliferative actions. Previously, we found a cell cycle arrest and an arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activation of cytochromes in immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) induced by both compounds. In the present study we investigated whether the cell cycle arrest of eugenol and isoeugenol is mediated by the AhR in HaCaT cells. Analysis of the cell cycle status by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) revealed an arrest of cells (32-34%) in the G0/G1 phase induced by both compounds. This was found in synchronized HaCaT cells, natural HaCaT, and siRNA AhR transfected HaCaT. The induced G0/G1 arrests were reduced in the presence of the highly selective AhR antagonist 3'-methoxy-4'-nitroflavone (MNF). In summary, these results, together with our previous findings that both compounds induce translocation of the AhR into the nucleus, provide good evidence that the effects of eugenol and isoeugenol in skin and keratinocytes are mediated by the AhR. Furthermore, these data suggest that the known growth suppressive effects of these compounds in some skin cells may be mediated by AhR interactions.     

Adeno-associated virus type 2 increases proteosome-dependent degradation of p21WAF1 in a human papillomavirus type 31b-positive cervical carcinoma line

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) seropositivity is negatively correlated with the development of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical cancer. We have begun analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying AAV2-mediated onco-suppression through cell cycle regulation in HPV-infected keratinocytes isolated from a low-grade cervical lesion. AAV2 superinfection of HPV type 31b (HPV31b)-positive cells at early times postinfection resulted in degradation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21(WAF1) protein in a proteosome-dependent manner. Downstream consequences of lowering p21(WAF1) levels included a proportional loss of cyclin E/CDK2 complexes bound to p21(WAF1). The loss of stable p21(WAF1)/cyclin E/CDK2 complexes coincided with an increase in CDK2-associated kinase activity and cyclin E levels. Both events have the potential to enhance the G(1)/S transition point mediated by active cyclin E/CDK2 complexes. Concurrently, cyclin A and E2F levels were decreased, conditions reminiscent of delayed entrance into the S phase of the cell cycle. On the other hand, infection of primary human foreskin keratinocytes with AAV2 resulted in upregulation of p21(WAF1) protein levels, reminiscent of a block in G(1) phase progression. We propose that by down regulating p21(WAF1), AAV2 initiates cell cycle activities leading to enhanced G(1)/S phase-like conditions which may be favorable for AAV2-specific functions and may lead to downstream interference with HPV-associated cervical cancer progression.     

Varicella-zoster virus infection of human foreskin fibroblast cells results in atypical cyclin expression and cyclin-dependent kinase activity

In its course of human infection, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infects rarely dividing cells such as dermal fibroblasts, differentiated keratinocytes, mature T cells, and neurons, none of which are actively synthesizing DNA; however, VZV is able to productively infect them and use their machinery to replicate the viral genome. We hypothesized that VZV alters the intracellular environment to favor viral replication by dysregulating cell cycle proteins and kinases. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins displayed a highly unusual profile in VZV-infected confluent fibroblasts: total amounts of CDK1, CDK2, cyclin B1, cyclin D3, and cyclin A protein increased, and kinase activities of CDK2, CDK4, and cyclin B1 were strongly and simultaneously induced. Cyclins B1 and D3 increased as early as 24 h after infection, concurrent with VZV protein synthesis. Confocal microscopy indicated that cyclin D3 overexpression was limited to areas of IE62 production, whereas cyclin B1 expression was irregular across the VZV plaque. Downstream substrates of CDKs, including pRb, p107, and GM130, did not show phosphorylation by immunoblotting, and p21 and p27 protein levels were increased following infection. Finally, although the complement of cyclin expression and high CDK activity indicated a progression through the S and G(2) phases of the cell cycle, DNA staining and flow cytometry indicated a possible G(1)/S blockade in infected cells. These data support earlier studies showing that pharmacological CDK inhibitors can inhibit VZV replication in cultured cells.     

Activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 by full length and low molecular weight forms of cyclin E in breast cancer cells

Cyclin E, a positive regulator of the cell cycle, controls the transition of cells from G(1) to S phase. Deregulation of the G(1)-S checkpoint contributes to uncontrolled cell division, a hallmark of cancer. We have reported previously that cyclin E is overexpressed in breast cancer and such overexpression is usually accompanied by the appearance of low molecular weight isoforms of cyclin E protein, which are not present in normal cells. Furthermore, we have shown that the expression of cyclin E low molecular weight isoforms can be used as a reliable prognostic marker for breast cancer to predict patient outcome. In this study we examined the role of cyclin E in directly activating cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2. For this purpose, a series of N-terminal deleted forms of cyclin E corresponding to the low molecular weight forms detected only in cancer cells were translated in vitro and mixed with cell extracts. These tumor-specific N-terminal deleted forms of cyclin E are able to activate CDK2. Addition of cyclin E into both normal and tumor cell extracts was shown to increase the levels of CDK2 activity, along with an increase in the amount of phosphorylated CDK2. The increase in CDK2 activity was because of cyclin E binding to endogenous CDK2 in complex with endogenous cyclin E, cyclin A, or unbound CDK2. The increase in CDK2 phosphorylation was through a pathway involving cyclin-activating kinase, but addition of cyclin E to an extract containing unphosphorylated CDK2 can still lead to increase in CDK2 activity. Our data suggest that the ability of high levels of full-length and low molecular weight forms of cyclin E to activate CDK2 may be one mechanism that leads to the constitutive activation of cyclin E.CDK2 complexes leading to G(1)/S deregulation and tumor progression.     

Spy1 Enhances Phosphorylation and Degradation of the Cell Cycle Inhibitor p27

The cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) p27Kip1 binds to cyclin E/CDK2 complexes and prevents premature S-phase entry. During late G₁ and throughout S phase, p27 phosphorylation at T187 leads to its subsequent degradation, which relieves CDK2 inhibition to promote cell cycle progression. However, critical events that trigger CDK2 complexes to phosphorylate p27 remain unclear. Utilizing recombinant proteins, we demonstrate that human Speedy (Spy1) activates CDK2 to phosphorylate p27 at T187 in vitro. Addition of Spy1 or Spy1/CDK2 to a preformed, inhibited cyclin E/CDK2/p27 complex also promoted this phosphorylation. Furthermore, Spy1 protected cyclin E/CDK2 from p27 inhibition toward histone H1, in vitro. Inducible Spy1 expression in U2OS cells reduced levels of endogenous p27 and exogenous p27WT, but not a p27T187A mutant. Additionally, Spy1 expression in synchronized HeLa cells enhanced T187 phosphorylation and degradation of endogenous p27 in late G₁ and throughout S phase. Our studies provide evidence that Spy1 expression enhances CDK2-dependent p27 degradation during late G₁ and throughout S phase.     

Indole-3-carbinol induces G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through aryl hydrocarbon receptor in THP-1 monocytic cell line

Objectives: The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in carcinogenesis has been studied recently. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is an AhR agonist and a potential anticancer agent. Here, we investigated the effects of I3C on cell cycle progression and apoptosis through activation of AhR on THP-1 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line.

Methods: MTT viability assay was used to measure the cytotoxic effects of I3C on THP-1 cells. Apoptosis and cell cycle assays were investigated using flow cytometry. Real time RT-PCR was conducted to measure the alterations in the expression of AhR gene, key genes associated with AhR activation (IL1β and CYP1A1) and major genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis including P27, P21, CDK2, P53, BCL2 and FasR.

Results: Our findings revealed that I3C inhibits the proliferation of THP-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with minimal toxicity over normal monocytes. The AhR target genes (CYP1A1, IL1β) were overexpressed upon I3C treatment (p?p?p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: I3C could exert its antileukemic effects through AhR activation which is associated with programed cell death and G1 cell cycle arrest in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Therefore, AhR could be targeted as a novel treatment possibility in AML.     

DNA damage invokes mismatch repair-dependent cyclin D1 attenuation and retinoblastoma signaling pathways to inhibit CDK2.

DNA-damage evokes cell cycle checkpoints, which function to maintain genomic integrity. The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) and mismatch repair complexes are known to contribute to the appropriate cellular response to specific types of DNA damage. However, the signaling pathways through which these proteins impact the cell cycle machinery have not been explicitly determined. RB-deficient murine embryo fibroblasts continued a high degree of DNA replication following the induction of cisplatin damage, but were inhibited for G(2)/M progression. This damage led to RB dephosphorylation/activation and subsequent RB-dependent attenuation of cyclin A and CDK2 activity. In both Rb+/+ and Rb -/- cells, cyclin D1 expression was attenuated following DNA damage. As cyclin D1 is a critical determinant of RB phosphorylation and cell cycle progression, we probed the pathway through which cyclin D1 degradation occurs in response to DNA damage. We found that attenuation of endogenous cyclin D1 is dependent on multiple mismatch repair proteins. We demonstrate that the mismatch repair-dependent attenuation of endogenous cyclin D1 is critical for attenuation of CDK2 activity and induction of cell cycle checkpoints. Together, these studies couple the activity of the retinoblastoma and mismatch repair tumor suppressor pathways through the degradation of cyclin D1 and dual attenuation of CDK2 activity.     

7-ketocholesterol is an endogenous modulator for the arylhydrocarbon receptor

We have identified 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) as an endogenous modulator that inhibits transactivation by the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through competitive binding against xenobiotic ligands. 7-KC binds AhR and displaces labeled dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo(p)dioxin (TCDD)). IC(50) is 5 x 10(-7) m in vivo and 7 x 10(-6) m in vitro. These figures are consistent with its concentration in human blood plasma and tissues. Association with 7-KC prevents AhR binding to DNA. 7-KC blocks the TCDD-mediated transactivation of stably expressed reporter gene constructs in T47-D cells as well as the expression of the endogenous CYP 1A1 gene in HepG2 cells and in primary porcine aortic endothelial cells. Injection of 7-KC to rats blocks the induction of CYP 1A1 messenger RNA and protein in endothelial cells from myocardial blood vessels. The differential sensitivity of mammalian species to toxic effects of AhR ligands, especially dioxin (TCDD), correlates with the expression of 7-hydroxycholesterol dehydrogenase, which synthesizes 7-KC from 7-hydroxycholesterol. The documented involvement of AhR ligands in cardiovascular diseases through lipid peroxidation and endothelium dysfunction can now be examined in the context of displacement of this protective modulator.     

The endocannabinoid system in human keratinocytes. Evidence that anandamide inhibits epidermal differentiation through CB1 receptor-dependent inhibition of protein kinase C,activation protein-1, and transglutaminase

Anandamide (AEA), a prominent member of the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors (endocannabinoids), is known to affect several functions of brain and peripheral tissues. A potential role for AEA in skin pathophysiology has been proposed, yet its molecular basis remains unknown. Here we report unprecedented evidence that spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) have the biochemical machinery to bind and metabolize AEA, i.e. a functional type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R), a selective AEA membrane transporter (AMT), an AEA-degrading fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and an AEA-synthesizing phospholipase D (PLD). We show that, unlike CB1R and PLD, the activity of AMT and the activity and expression of FAAH increase while the endogenous levels of AEA decrease in HaCaT and NHEK cells induced to differentiate in vitro by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) plus calcium. We also show that exogenous AEA inhibits the formation of cornified envelopes, a hallmark of keratinocyte differentiation, in HaCaT and NHEK cells treated with TPA plus calcium, through a CB1R-dependent reduction of transglutaminase and protein kinase C activity. Moreover, transient expression in HaCaT cells of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene under control of the loricrin promoter, which contained a wild-type or mutated activating protein-1 (AP-1) site, showed that AEA inhibited AP-1 in a CB1R-dependent manner. Taken together, these data demonstrate that human keratinocytes partake in the peripheral endocannabinoid system and show a novel signaling mechanism of CB1 receptors, which may have important implications in epidermal differentiation and skin development.     

The Epstein-Barr virus immediate-early protein BZLF1 induces expression of E2F-1 and other proteins involved in cell cycle progression in primary keratinocytes and gastric carcinoma cells

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immediate-early protein BZLF1 mediates the switch between the latent and lytic forms of EBV infection and has been previously shown to induce a G(1)/S block in cell cycle progression in some cell types. To examine the effect of BZLF1 on cellular gene expression, we performed microarray analysis on telomerase-immortalized human keratinocytes that were mock infected or infected with a control adenovirus vector (AdLacZ) or a vector expressing the EBV BZLF1 protein (AdBZLF1). Cellular genes activated by BZLF1 expression included E2F-1, cyclin E, Cdc25A, and a number of other genes involved in cell cycle progression. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that BZLF1 induced expression of E2F-1, cyclin E, Cdc25A, and stem loop binding protein (a protein known to be primarily expressed during S phase) in telomerase-immortalized keratinocytes. Similarly, BZLF1 increased expression of E2F-1, cyclin E, and stem loop binding protein (SLBP) in primary tonsil keratinocytes. In contrast, BZLF1 did not induce E2F-1 expression in normal human fibroblasts. Cell cycle analysis revealed that while BZLF1 dramatically blocked G(1)/S progression in normal human fibroblasts, it did not significantly affect cell cycle progression in primary human tonsil keratinocytes. Furthermore, in EBV-infected gastric carcinoma cells, the BZLF1-positive cells had an increased number of cells in S phase compared to the BZLF1-negative cells. Thus, in certain cell types (but not others), BZLF1 enhances expression of cellular proteins associated with cell cycle progression, which suggests that an S-phase-like environment may be advantageous for efficient lytic EBV replication in some cell types.     

Roscovitine, a novel cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, characterizes restriction point and G2/M transition in tobacco BY-2 cell suspension

Although the developmental programs of plants and animals differ, key regulatory components of their cell cycle have been conserved. Particular attention has been paid to the role of the complexes between highly conserved cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases in regulating progression through the cell cycle. The recent demonstration that roscovitine is a potent and selective inhibitor of the animal cyclin-dependent kinases cdc2 (CDK1), CDK2 and CDK5 prompted an investigation into its effects on progression through the plant cell cycle. Roscovitine induced arrests both in late G1 and late G2 phase in BY-2 tobacco cell suspensions. Both blocks were fully reversible when roscovitine was used at concentrations similar to those used in the animal system. Stationary-phase cells subcultured in the presence of roscovitine were arrested at a 2C DNA content. This arrest was more efficient without exogenous addition of plant growth regulator. Roscovitine induced a block in G1 earlier than that induced by aphidicolin. S-phase synchronized cells treated with roscovitine were arrested at a 4C DNA content at the G2/ M transition. The expression analysis of a mitotic cyclin (NTCYC1) indicated that the roscovitine-induced G2 block probably occurs in late G2. Finally, cells in metaphase were insensitive to roscovitine. The purified CDK/cyclin kinase activities of late G1 and early M arrested cells were inhibited in vitro by roscovitine. The implications of these experimental observations for the requirement for CDK activity during progression through the plant cell cycle are discussed.     

Protoporphyrin IX-dependent photodynamic production of endogenous ROS stimulates cell proliferation

Photodynamic therapy using methyl 5-aminolevulinate (MAL) as a precursor of the photosensitizing agent protoporphyrin IX is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of different pathologies, including cancer. In this therapeutic modality, MAL treatment promotes the forced accumulation of the endogenous photoactive compound protoporphyrin IX in target malignant cells. Subsequent irradiation of treated tissues with an appropriate visible light source induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that, once accumulated above a critical level, promote cell death. Here we demonstrate that a photodynamic treatment with low MAL concentrations can be used to promote a moderate production of endogenous ROS, which efficiently stimulates cell growth in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). We also show that this proliferative response requires Src kinase activity and is associated to a transient induction of cyclin D1 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that a combination of light and a photoactive compound can be used to modulate cell cycle progression through Src kinase activation and that a moderate intracellular increase of photogenerated ROS efficiently stimulates cell proliferation.     

周期蛋白和周期蛋白依赖性激酶及相关激酶抑制剂在细胞周期进程中的调控机制研究进展

在细胞发育过程中,细胞周期起着至关重要的作用。细胞周期进程主要受细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶(cyclin dependent kinase, CDK)、周期蛋白和内源性CDK抑制剂(cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors,CKI)调控。其中,CDK是主要的细胞周期调节因子,可与周期蛋白结合形成周期蛋白-CDK复合物,从而使数百种底物磷酸化,调控分裂间期和有丝分裂进程。各类细胞周期蛋白的活性异常,可引起不受控制的癌细胞增殖,导致癌症的发生与发展。因此,了解CDK的活性变化情况、周期蛋白-CDK的组装以及CKI的作用,将有助于了解细胞周期进程中潜在的调控过程,为癌症与疾病的治疗和CKI治疗药物的研发提供基础。本文关注了CDK激活和灭活的关键事件,并总结了周期蛋白-CDK在特定时期及位置的调控过程,以及相关CKI治疗药物在癌症及疾病中的研究进展,最后简单阐述了细胞周期进程研究面临的问题和存在的挑战,以期为后续细胞周期进程的深入研究提供参考和思路。     

Phospholipase C delta 1 regulates cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression from G1- to S-phase by control of cyclin E-CDK2 activity

In the present study, we examined the role of PLC delta 1 (phospholipase C delta 1) in the regulation of cellular proliferation. We demonstrate that RNAi (RNA interference)-mediated knockdown of endogenous PLC delta 1, but not PLC beta 3 or PLC epsilon, induces a proliferation defect in Rat-1 and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The decreased proliferation was not due to an induction of apoptosis or senescence, but was associated with an approx. 60% inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Analysis of the cell cycle with BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine)/propidium iodide-labelled FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) demonstrated an accumulation of cells in G(0)/G(1)-phase and a corresponding decrease in cells in S-phase. Further examination of the cell cycle after synchronization by serum-starvation demonstrated normal movement through G(1)-phase but delayed entry into S-phase. Consistent with these findings, G(1) cyclin (D2 and D3) and CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4) levels and associated kinase activity were not affected. However, cyclin E-associated CDK2 activity, responsible for G(1)-to-S-phase progression, was inhibited. This decreased activity was accompanied by unchanged CDK2 protein levels and paradoxically elevated cyclin E and cyclin E-associated CDK2 levels, suggesting inhibition of the cyclin E-CDK2 complex. This inhibition was not due to altered stimulatory or inhibitory phosphorylation of CDK2. However, p27, a Cip/Kip family CKI (CDK inhibitor)-binding partner, was elevated and showed increased association with CDK2 in PLC delta 1-knockdown cells. The result of the present study demonstrate a novel and critical role for PLC delta 1 in cell-cycle progression from G(1)-to-S-phase through regulation of cyclin E-CDK2 activity and p27 levels.