肿瘤抑制因子CYLD的调控途径

CYLD（cylindromatosis）是近年发现的一种肿瘤抑制基因,CYLD丢失或突变可致肿瘤形成,多个研究显示,其表达蛋白CYLD可去泛素化TRAFs、NEMO及Bcl-3而抑制NF—κB、JNK等信号途径的激活,这二种途径在肿瘤的形成及发展中有着重要的促进作用,因此,CYLD是人体内一个重要的肿瘤抑制因子。同时CYLD也受NF—κB及IKKγ的反馈调控,这种相互调控对维持体内多种反应的平衡有着重要的作用。     

乙肝病毒X蛋白结合蛋白(HBXIP)增强肝癌细胞NF-κB转录活性的实验研究

前期研究结果表明,乙型肝炎病毒X蛋白结合蛋白(hepatitis B virus X-interacting protein,HBXIP)具有促进细胞增殖的作用.为了进一步阐明其分子机制,观察了HBXIP对核因子κB(NF-κB)转录活性的影响.实验中通过基因共转染将NF-κB报告基因质粒pNF-κB-Luc和HBXIP真核表达载体pcDNA3-hbxip导入人肝癌H7402细胞系中,进行荧光素酶活性分析.结果显示:H7402细胞过表达HBXIP后NF-κB的转录活性明显增强;此外,基因转染后经免疫印迹检测显示,与NF-κB二聚体结合的抑制亚基IκBα的磷酸化水平明显增加;同时,提取H7402细胞的核蛋白,然后应用免疫印迹检测细胞核中p65/NF-κB的水平.结果显示,H7402细胞中HBXIP过表达后细胞核中p65/NF-κB的水平明显增加.当应用RNA干扰技术抑制了细胞内源性的HBXIP基因表达后,则出现与上述结果相反的效果.上述结果提示,HBXIP可增加核内p65/NF-κB蛋白水平,进而发挥NF-κB促转录调控的作用.因此,HBXIP可通过调控NF-κB信号途径而促进细胞增殖.     

磷脂酰乙醇胺结合蛋白的基础和临床研究

磷脂酰乙醇胺结合蛋白 ( phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein, PEBP )是一类高度保守的多功能蛋白质,广泛存在于不同物种中.在同一物种的多种组织和不同类型细胞中均有表达.PEBP在多条信号转导通路中具有重要的调控作用.PEBP通过与Raf-1相互作用抑制MAPK信号通路的活性,因此也被称为Raf-1激酶抑制蛋白(RKIP);同时,PEBP还参与了PKC、G蛋白偶联受体和NF-κB信号通路的调控.在临床医学研究中发现,PEBP作为海马胆碱神经刺激肽(HCNP)的前体蛋白在阿尔采末病(AD)的形成过程中发挥重要作用.由于PEBP可以抑制肿瘤转移和促进肿瘤细胞凋亡,因此也被认为是一种肿瘤转移的抑制基因.新近研究表明,PEBP参与细胞周期的纺锤体检查点的调控,PEBP的缺失可导致染色体异常.在直肠结肠癌,PEBP基因启动子区的高甲基化可导致其不表达,这可能是癌症转移的分子基础.     

NF-κB信号转导途径与肿瘤抗凋亡关系的研究进展

细胞核因子κB(NF—κB)家族及其介导的细胞信号转导通路广泛调控着人类免疫和炎症反应中一系列基因的表达,同时也发现它对肿瘤的发生发展有着重要作用,特别是它可以调控一些细胞凋亡相关基因如TRAF家族、IAPs家族、Bcl-2家族及FLIP基因、p53基因、COX-2基因的转录表达,从而大大提高肿瘤细胞的抗凋亡能力。本文就近年来对NF—κB通路与肿瘤抗凋亡关系的研究进展作一综述。     

柯萨奇病毒B组5型非结构蛋白抑制NF-κB信号通路的作用机制研究

目的 柯萨奇病毒B组5型（CVB5）是手足口病的重要病原体之一,可导致发热、皮疹或疱疹等临床症状,重症者出现神经系统疾病,甚至死亡。天然免疫应答是机体抗病毒入侵的第一道防线,其中核因子κB (NF-κB)是宿主天然免疫反应中的重要蛋白质,然而关于CVB5感染后调控NF-κB介导信号通路的研究尚鲜有报道。方法 本研究通过检测启动子活性、促炎因子水平以及通路中关键蛋白表达等,阐明CVB5对NF-κB信号通路的调控作用机制。结果 CVB5感染可抑制促炎因子表达和p65的磷酸化。CVB5非结构蛋白（NSP）可抑制促炎因子表达以及重要蛋白p65和IκBα的磷酸化。经STRING11.1数据库预测表明,CVB5 3CD蛋白与宿主多聚胞嘧啶结合蛋白1 (PCBP1)具有相互作用,且PCBP1可促进IκBα和p65的磷酸化,抑制病毒复制。结论 CVB5 NSP可负调控NF-κB信号通路,且与3CD相互作用的PCBP1蛋白可通过调控NF-κB通路抑制CVB5复制。本研究探索病毒与宿主天然免疫应答的调控作用,从而为研制抗CVB5感染的药物提供作用靶点。     

NF-кB和IκB在不同动物类群中的结构及功能研究进展

哺乳动物核转录因子NF-кB(Nuclear factor of kappa B)家族蛋白在免疫系统中扮演着重要的角色,通过调节与淋巴细胞发育以及生存相关基因的表达参与免疫应答、肿瘤生成和细胞凋亡等生物学进程。IκB(Inhibitor of kappa B)是NF-κB的一种抑制剂,在静息状态下保持NF-κB非活化的状态。当细胞受到外源信号触发时,经过一系列信号传递,IκB发生磷酸化,失去对NF-κB的抑制作用,从而使其入核调控基因表达。作为重要的功能蛋白,NF-κB和IκB在低等到高等动物中均有表达,并且在功能上也相对保守。本文选取了从无脊椎动物到脊椎动物中几种具有代表性动物的NF-κB和IκB的相关研究进行综述,以期为相关领域的研究工作提供参考。     

柯萨奇病毒B3蛋白酶2A干扰核因子κB p65的二聚体形成和核转移

为探讨柯萨奇病毒B3(CVB3)蛋白酶2A是否通过干扰核因子κB(NF-κB)的核定位而影响细胞因子表达,构建CVB3蛋白酶2A的表达载体pcDNA3.1-2A。将此表达载体与核转录因子NF-κB基因启动子荧光素酶报告基因载体pGL3-NF-κB promotor-Luc共转染细胞,经肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)刺激,检测荧光素酶表达;通过免疫荧光和蛋白免疫印迹检测CVB3蛋白酶2A对NF-κB核定位和二聚体形成的影响。结果显示,CVB3蛋白酶2A可减少NF-κB二聚体形成,并干扰其核转移。本研究证实,CVB3蛋白酶2A可通过干扰NF-κB二聚体形成和核转移而影响细胞因子分泌。     

骨桥蛋白通过NF-κB上调钙蛋白酶小亚基1促进肝癌细胞迁移

骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN)参与调控多种信号途径激活转移相关基因,进而促进细胞迁移.钙蛋白酶小亚基1(calpain small subunit1,Capn4)与肿瘤转移密切相关,在许多肿瘤及其转移组织中高表达.为了探讨OPN促进肝癌细胞迁移的分子机制,应用报告基因检测、RT-PCR、免疫印迹及伤口愈合等方法检测了肝癌细胞中OPN对Capn4的调控作用及其对肝癌细胞迁移的影响.结果显示,在HepG2细胞中过表达OPN后,Capn4的启动子转录活性显著增强,同时mRNA及蛋白质表达水平也明显上调.在HepG2细胞中应用siRNA干扰OPN的表达可导致Capn4启动子转录活性受到明显抑制,同时mRNA及蛋白质表达水平也显著下调.应用核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)的抑制剂PDTC可抑制由过表达OPN导致的HepG2细胞中Capn4的上调.伤口愈合实验显示,OPN可以通过上调Capn4促进肝癌细胞迁移.因此,研究发现,OPN通过NF-κB上调Capn4的表达,进而促进肝癌细胞的迁移,这一发现对进一步阐明肝癌细胞迁移的分子机制具有重要意义.     

沉默DEPDC1基因表达对鼻咽癌细胞系HNE-1生长和细胞周期的影响

为探讨沉默DEPDC,基因表达对鼻咽癌细胞系HNE．1生长和细胞周期的影响,该实验设计合成靶向DEPDCl的小分子干扰RNA（smallinterferingRNA,siRNA）转染人鼻咽癌HNE-1细胞。转染后,采用荧光定量PCR、免疫印迹、MTT及流式细胞术方法检测细胞内DEPDCl的表达量以及细胞周期、生长增殖、凋亡的变化及其可能机制。结果显示,转染DEPDClsiRNA后,DEPDC1基因在mRNA及蛋白水平的表达量明显降低;大量细胞被阻滞于G2／M期,生长增殖减慢,凋亡增加。荧光定量PCR结果表明,抑制NF—KB激活的A20基因表达量明显上调,受NF-κB调控的肿瘤相关靶基因的表达量下降,包括C-MYC、MMP9、ICAM-1、BCL-2基因。由此说日月,沉默DEPDC1基因可以影响HNE-1细胞的周期,抑制其生长增殖,促进凋亡,其机制可能与抑制NF-κB通路有关。     

A novel function of BCL-2 overexpression in regulatory volume decrease. Enhancing swelling-activated Ca(2+) entry and Cl(-) channel activity

The cellular function of the oncogene bcl-2, a key regulator of apoptosis, is still debated. The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between BCL-2 overexpression and cell volume regulation by using two independent models, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells stably transfected with BCL-2 and MDCK clones with inducible BCL-2 expression by the lac operator/repressor. BCL-2 overexpression enhanced the capability of regulatory volume decrease (RVD), a cellular defensive process against hypotonic stress. In various clones of MDCK cells, hypotonic stress induced an outwardly rectified Cl(-) current that was significantly up-regulated by BCL-2 overexpression. Other fundamental characteristics of this channel were similar among different MDCK clones, such as sensitivity to Cl(-) channel inhibitor, anion permeability, and time-dependent inactivation at more positive potential. Most importantly, BCL-2 overexpression up-regulates the swelling-activated Ca(2+) transient that is a critical signaling for normal RVD and the activation of swelling-activated Cl(-) channel in MDCK cells. BCL-2 overexpression also enhances the capacitative Ca(2+) entry that can be differentiated from the swelling-activated Ca(2+) transient by kinetic analysis and sensitivity to Gd(3+). Moreover, neutralization of endogenous BCL-2 by antibody blocks the normal RVD response and the activation of swelling-activated Cl(-) channel in human cervical cancer HT-3 cells. These results provide a new insight into the novel function of BCL-2 overexpression in the regulation of cell volume and ion flux.     

Telomerase activity in response to mild oxidative stress

We have analysed telomerase activity to determine whether it can be modified when BCL-2 is endogenously overexpressed in response to a mild oxidative stress treatment as part of a survival mechanism, in contrast with an exogenous bcl-2 overexpression due to a retroviral infection. Endogenous bcl-2 overexpression was induced after a low oxidative insult of H2O2 in mice primary lung fibroblasts and L929 cell, whereas bcl-2 exogenous overexpression was performed using a retroviral infection in L929 cells. Telomerase activity was quantified in Bcl-2 overexpressing cells by the TRAP assay. When the cells were treated with different H2O2 concentrations, only those exposed to 50 μM showed increased telomerase activity. This correlates with BCL-2 expression as part of the endogenous response to mild oxidative stress. Oxidative stress generated during the toxic mechanism of chemotherapeutic drugs might induce BCL-2 increment, enhancing telomerase activity and reactivating the oncogenic process. Clinical trials should take into consideration the possibility of telomerase activation following increased BCL-2 expression when treating patients with ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation by anti-cancer drugs.     

BCL-2 improves oxidative phosphorylation and modulates adenine nucleotide translocation in mitochondria of cells harboring mutant mtDNA

Members of the BCL-2-related antiapoptotic family of proteins have been shown previously to regulate ATP/ADP exchange across the mitochondrial membranes and to prevent the loss of coupled mitochondrial respiration during apoptosis. We have found that BCL-2/BCL-x(L) can also improve mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in cells harboring pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes. The effect of BCL-2 overexpression in mutated cells was independent from apoptosis and was presumably associated with a modulation of adenine nucleotide exchange between mitochondria and cytosol. These results suggest that BCL-2 can regulate respiratory functions in response to mitochondrial distress by regulating the levels of adenine nucleotides.     

Life span shortening of normal fibroblasts by overexpression of BCL-2: a result of potent increase in cell death

It is well known that BCL-2 protects against cell death by both apoptosis and necrosis. The culture of bcl-2-transfected normal fibroblasts showed a shorter life span by about 12 population doubling levels compared to that of vector transfectants (64 vs 76 population doubling levels, respectively). An MTT assay revealed that BCL-2-overexpressing cells (HCA2/bcl-2) showed more severe growth suppression due to hydrogen peroxide or doxorubicin treatment than vector control cells (HCA2/vector). We observed a significant number of dead cells in the HCA2/bcl-2 culture, but not in the HCA2/vector culture. Other BCL-2 family proteins with both antiapoptotic and proapoptotic activity and other apoptosis-related factors were maintained at similar levels, indicating that overexpression of BCL-2 is the major reason that normal fibroblasts are sensitized to cell death. A broad caspase inhibitor (z-Val-Ala-Asp-fmk) and inhibitors of specific caspases (acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-CHO, acetyl-Ile-Glu-Thr-Asp-CHO, and acetyl-Leu-Glu-His-Asp-CHO) suppressed cell death of HCA2/bcl-2 effectively, suggesting involvement of caspase 3-, 8-, and 9-dependent pathways in cell death and that the form of death is apoptosis. Unexpectedly, involvement of active MEK in cell death was shown by the use of its inhibitor, suggesting that crosstalk between BCL-2 and the MAP kinase cascade regulates death as well as life span.     

Deficiency of pro-apoptotic Hrk attenuates programmed cell death in the developing murine nervous system but does not affect Bcl-x deficiency-induced neuron apoptosis

The BCL-2 family includes both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, which regulate programmed cell death during development and in response to various apoptotic stimuli. The BH3-only subgroup of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family members is critical for the induction of apoptotic signaling, by binding to and neutralizing anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. During embryonic development, the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-X(L) plays a critical role in the survival of neuronal populations by regulating the multi-BH domain protein BAX. In this study, the authors investigated the role of Harakiri (HRK), a relatively recently characterized BH3-only molecule in disrupting the BAX-BCL-X(L) interaction during nervous system development. Results indicate that HRK deficiency significantly reduces programmed cell death in the nervous system. However, HRK deficiency does not significantly attenuate the widespread apoptosis seen in the Bcl-x (-/-) embryonic nervous system, indicating that other BH3-only molecules, alone or in combination, may regulate BAX activation in immature neurons.