Sphingosine kinase-1/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1 signalling axis is induced by transforming growth factor-β1 and stimulates cell migration in RAW264.7 macrophages

Macrophage recruitment to sites of inflammation is an essential step in host defense. However, the signals regulating the mobilization of these cells are still not fully understood. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a pleiotropic bioactive lipid mediator, is known to regulate an array of biological activities in various cell types. Here, we investigated the roles of S1P and S1P receptors (S1PRs) in macrophage migration in vitro. Furthermore, we explored the cross-talk between transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and S1P signalling pathways in this process. We found that S1P exerted a powerful migratory action on RAW264.7 macrophages, as determined in Boyden chambers. Moreover, by employing RNA interference technology and pharmacological tools, we have demonstrated that S1PR1, but not S1PR2 and S1PR3, is required for S1P-induced macrophage migration. Importantly, we observed a pronounced increase in sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) mRNA expression and subsequently increase in S1P production, following transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulation in RAW264.7 macrophages. The expression of S1PR1, but not S1PR2 and S1PR3, was also significantly up-regulated after TGF-β1 stimulation. Interestingly, exogenously added S1P-induced up-regulation of SphK1 and the synthesis of additional S1P, suggesting a self-amplifying loop of S1P to enhance macrophage migration. In conclusion, our results reveal that SphK1/S1PR1 signalling axis is induced by TGF-β1 and stimulates cell migration in RAW 264.7 macrophages. This study provides new clues for the molecular mechanisms of macrophage recruitment during inflammation.     

Activation of H-Ras and Rac1 correlates with epidermal growth factor-induced invasion in Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells

There is considerable experimental evidence that hyperactive Ras proteins promote breast cancer growth and development including invasiveness, despite the low frequency of mutated forms of Ras in breast cancer. We have previously shown that H-Ras, but not N-Ras, induces an invasive phenotype mediated by small GTPase Rac1 in MCF10A human breast epithelial cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in aberrant growth and metastasis formation of many tumor types including breast cancer. The present study aims to investigate the correlation between EGF-induced invasiveness and Ras activation in four widely used breast cancer cell lines. Upon EGF stimulation, invasive abilities and H-Ras activation were significantly increased in Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, but not in MDA-MB-453 and T47D cell lines. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target H-Ras, we showed a crucial role of H-Ras in the invasive phenotype induced by EGF in Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, siRNA-knockdown of Rac1 significantly inhibited the EGF-induced invasiveness in these cells. Taken together, this study characterized human breast cancer cell lines with regard to the relationship between H-Ras activation and the invasive phenotype induced by EGF. Our data demonstrate that the activation of H-Ras and the downstream molecule Rac1 correlates with EGF-induced breast cancer cell invasion, providing important information on the regulation of malignant progression in mammary carcinoma cells.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha exerts pro-myogenic action in C2C12 myoblasts via sphingosine kinase/S1P2 signaling

In this study, we report that low doses of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) promote myogenesis in C2C12 myoblasts. Moreover, the cytokine increased sphingosine kinase (SphK) activity and induced SphK1 translocation to membranes. The inhibition of SphK functionality by various approaches abrogated the pro-myogenic effect of TNFalpha. Moreover, silencing of S1P(2) impaired the positive action of TNFalpha on myogenesis. These results represent the first evidence that SphK/S1P(2) axis is required for the regulation of myogenesis by TNFalpha. In view of the physiological role of TNFalpha in muscle regeneration, the present finding reinforces the notion that SphK/S1P(2) signaling is critically implicated in myogenesis.     

应用siRNA技术探讨MCF-7乳腺癌细胞分泌的VEGF对树突状细胞的影响

为探讨MCF-7乳腺癌细胞分泌的血管内皮生长因子（ vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF）对树突状细胞（dendritic cell, DC）功能及其分化的影响,针对VEGF基因设计siRNA（small interfering RNA, siRNA),采用脂质体转染法以100 nmol/L最佳转染浓度导入MCF-7乳腺癌细胞（siRNA组）,以脂质体Lipofectamine　2000TM转染MCF-7 乳腺癌细胞培养上清培养正常DC作为对照（对照组）,采用ELISA法检测经siRNA 干扰VEGF基因后的MCF-7 乳腺癌细胞分泌的VEGF因子含量, Western 印迹检测VEGF蛋白表达,以探讨siRNA的基因沉默效果;以siRNA组和对照组培养上清分别培养外周血单个核细胞,用流式细胞仪检测所诱导DC表型CD1a、CD80、CD83、CD86和HLA-DR的表达,用MTT法检测转染前后两组DC 诱导的细胞毒性T淋巴细胞（cytotoxic T lymphocyte, CTL）对MCF-7细胞的细胞毒作用.结果显示,MCF-7 乳腺癌细胞培养上清能明显抑制正常DC分化成熟及抗原递呈能力,干扰VEGF基因后MCF-7 乳腺癌细胞培养上清对DC的影响明显降低,CD80、CD83、CD86和HLA-DR的表达较对照组显著升高,而CD1a表达下降（P＜0.01）.转染前后DC 诱导的CTL对MCF-7细胞的杀伤活性有明显差异（P＜0.01）.由此可见,siRNA可靶向抑制MCF-7乳腺癌细胞VEGF的表达,下调VEGF后的MCF-7 细胞上清对DC分化成熟及功能的抑制作用明显降低,从而推测VEGF在肿瘤的发生、发展和免疫抑制方面可能起着重要的作用.     

乳腺癌细胞EGFR表达水平与长春瑞滨敏感度的相关性研究

乳腺癌是较早开始个体化治疗的肿瘤之一。表皮细胞生长因子受体（epidermalgrowthfactorreceptor,EGFR）6~表达与乳腺癌组织学分期、生长速度呈正相关,可作为乳腺癌患者预后的指标之一。临床上,长春瑞滨（Vinorelbine,NVB）~要作为耐药性晚期乳腺癌的挽救性化疗药物,单药治疗亦具有一定疗效。该研究结果发现,乳腺癌组织EGFR表达与NVB的敏感性相关（P=0．001）,而与紫杉醇、阿霉素及5．氟尿嘧啶无相关性。EGFRFH性乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-435s对NVB耐药,而EGFR阳性细胞MCF-7则敏感．但是EGFR中和性抗体会降低敏感性。进一步研究发现,NVB会引起MCF-7表面EGFI滚达上调,以及胞内ERK1／2激酶的磷酸化,且这一效应会被抗EGFR抗体部分抑制。研究结果表明,乳腺癌细胞对NVB的敏感性与膜表面EGFR表达水平相关,提示EGFR可作为NVB治疗敏感性的预测分子。     

Role of sphingosine kinase 2 in cell migration toward epidermal growth factor

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), produced by two sphingosine kinase isoenzymes, denoted SphK1 and SphK2, is the ligand for a family of five specific G protein-coupled receptors that regulate cytoskeletal rearrangements and cell motility. Whereas many growth factors stimulate SphK1, much less is known of the regulation of SphK2. Here we report that epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated SphK2 in HEK 293 cells. This is the first example of an agonist-dependent regulation of SphK2. Chemotaxis of HEK 293 cells toward EGF was inhibited by N,N-dimethylsphingosine, a competitive inhibitor of both SphKs, implicating S1P generation in this process. Down-regulating expression of SphK1 in HEK 293 cells with a specific siRNA abrogated migration toward EGF, whereas decreasing SphK2 expression had no effect. EGF contributes to the invasiveness of human breast cancer cells, and EGF receptor expression is associated with poor prognosis. EGF also stimulated SphK2 in MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, however, down-regulation of SphK2 in these cells completely eliminated migration toward EGF without affecting fibronectin-induced haptotaxis. Our results suggest that SphK2 plays an important role in migration of MDA-MB-453 cells toward EGF.     

Sphingosine 1-phosphate transactivates c-Met as well as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in human gastric cancer cells

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transactivated by the stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a ligand of GPCR, is known as a tumor-promoting lipid, but its signaling pathways are not fully understood. We here demonstrated that S1P induces rapid and transient tyrosine phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-Met in gastric cancer cells, both of which have been proposed as prognostic markers of gastric cancers. The pathway of S1P-induced c-Met transactivation is Gi-independent and matrix metalloproteinase-independent, which differs from that of EGFR transactivation. Our results indicate that S1P acts upstream of various RTKs and thus may act as a potent stimulator of gastric cancer.     

Hepatocyte growth factor induces epithelial cell motility through transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent inducer of motility in epithelial cells. Since we have previously found that activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an absolute prerequisite for induction of motility of corneal epithelial cells after wounding, we investigated whether induction of motility in response to HGF is also dependent on activation of the EGFR. We now report that HGF induces transactivation of the EGFR in an immortalized line of corneal epithelial cells, in human skin keratinocytes, and in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. EGFR activation is unconditionally required for induction of motility in corneal epithelial cells, and for induction of a fully motile phenotype in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Activation of the EGFR occurs through amphiregulin and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor. Early after HGF stimulation, blocking EGFR activation does not inhibit extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation by HGF, but the converse is seen after approximately 1 h, indicating the existence of EGFR-dependent and -independent routes of ERK1/2 activation. In summary, HGF induces transactivation of the EGFR in epithelial cells, and this is a prerequisite for induction of full motility.     

Sphingosine kinase type 2 activation by ERK-mediated phosphorylation

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a potent lipid mediator, is a ligand for a family of five G protein-coupled receptors (S1P(1-5)) that have been shown to regulate a variety of biological responses important for cancer progression. The cellular level of S1P is low and tightly regulated in a spatio-temporal manner through its synthesis catalyzed by two sphingosine kinases, denoted SphK1 and SphK2. Many stimuli activate and translocate SphK1 to the plasma membrane by mechanisms that are dependent on its phosphorylation. Much less is known about activation of SphK2. Here we demonstrate that epidermal growth factor (EGF) as well as the protein kinase C activator, phorbol ester, induce rapid phosphorylation of hSphK2 which was markedly reduced by inhibition of MEK1/ERK pathway. Down-regulation of ERK1 blocked EGF-induced phosphorylation of SphK2. Recombinant ERK1 phosphorylated hSphK2 in vitro and increased its enzymatic activity. ERK1 also was found to be in a complex with hSphK2 in vivo. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that hSphK2 is phosphorylated on Ser-351 and Thr-578 by ERK1 and that phosphorylation of these residues is important for EGF-stimulated migration of MDA-MB-453 cells. These studies provide the first clues to the mechanism of agonist-mediated SphK2 activation and enhance understanding of the regulation of SphK2 activity by phosphorylation and its role in movement of human breast cancer cells toward EGF.     

Involvement of released sphingosine 1-phosphate/sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor axis in skeletal muscle atrophy

Skeletal muscle (SkM) atrophy is caused by several and heterogeneous conditions, such as cancer, neuromuscular disorders and aging. In most types of SkM atrophy overall rates of protein synthesis are suppressed, protein degradation is consistently elevated and atrogenes, such as the ubiquitin ligase Atrogin-1/MAFbx, are up-regulated. The molecular regulators of SkM waste are multiple and only in part known.Sphingolipids represent a class of bioactive molecules capable of modulating the destiny of many cell types, including SkM cells. In particular, we and others have shown that sphingosine 1phosphate (S1P), formed by sphingosine kinase (SphK), is able to act as trophic and morphogenic factor in myoblasts.Here, we report the first evidence that the atrophic phenotype observed in both muscle obtained from mice bearing the C26 adenocarcinoma and C2C12 myotubes treated with dexamethasone was characterized by reduced levels of active phospho-SphK1. The importance of SphK1 activity is also confirmed by the specific pharmacological inhibition of SphK1 able to increase Atrogin-1/MAFbx expression and reduce myotube size and myonuclei number. Furthermore, we found that SkM atrophy was accomplished by significant increase of S1P transporter Spns2 and in changes in the pattern of S1P receptor (S1PRs) subtype expression paralleled by increased Atrogin-1/MAFbx expression, suggesting a role for the released S1P and of specific S1PR-mediated signaling pathways in the control of the ubiquitin ligase. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence that SphK1/released S1P/S1PR axis acts as a molecular regulator of SkM atrophy, thereby representing a new possible target for therapy in many patho-physiological conditions.     

Sphingosine kinase type 1 promotes estrogen-dependent tumorigenesis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells

The sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), formed by phosphorylation of sphingosine, has been implicated in cell growth, suppression of apoptosis, and angiogenesis. In this study, we have examined the contribution of intracellular S1P to tumorigenesis of breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. Enforced expression of sphingosine kinase type 1 (SPHK1) increased S1P levels and blocked MCF-7 cell death induced by anti-cancer drugs, sphingosine, and TNF-alpha. SPHK1 also conferred a growth advantage, as determined by proliferation and growth in soft agar, which was estrogen dependent. While both ERK and Akt have been implicated in MCF-7 cell growth, SPHK1 stimulated ERK1/2 but had no effect on Akt. Surprisingly, parental growth of MCF-7 cells was only weakly stimulated by S1P or dihydro-S1P, ligands for the S1P receptors which usually mediate growth effects. When injected into mammary fat pads of ovariectomized nude mice implanted with estrogen pellets, MCF-7/SPHK1 cells formed more and larger tumors than vector transfectants with higher microvessel density in their periphery. Collectively, our results suggest that SPHK1 may play an important role in breast cancer progression by regulating tumor cell growth and survival.     

The sphingosine kinase inhibitor SKI-V suppresses cervical cancer cell growth

Overexpression and/or overactivation of sphingosine kinase 1/2 (SphK1/2) is important for tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer. The current study examined the potential activity and signaling mechanisms of SKI-V, a non-lipid small molecule SphK inhibitor, against cervical cancer cells. In different primary and immortalized cervical cancer cells, SKI-V exerted significant anti-cancer activity by inhibiting cell viability, colony formation, proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell migration. Significant apoptosis activation was detected in SKI-V-treated cervical cancer cells. Significantly, SKI-V also provoked programmed necrosis cascade in cervical cancer cells, as it induced mitochondrial p53-cyclophilin-D-adenine nucleotide translocator-1 (ANT1) complexation, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, reactive oxygen species production and the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the medium. Further, SKI-V blocked SphK activation and induced ceramide accumulation in primary cervical cancer cells, without affecting SphK1/2 expression. SKI-V-induced cytotoxicity in cervical cancer cells was largely inhibited by sphingosine-1-phosphate or the SphK1 activator K6PC-5, but was sensitized by adding the short-chain ceramide C6. Moreover, SKI-V inhibited Akt-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) activation in primary cervical cancer cells, and its cytotoxicity was mitigated by a constitutively-active Akt. In vivo, daily intraperitoneal injection of SKI-V significantly inhibited subcutaneous primary cervical cancer xenograft growth in nude mice. Together, the SphK inhibitor SKI-V suppresses cervical cancer growth in vitro and in vivo.     

Suppression of type 1 Insulin-like growth factor receptor expression by small interfering RNA inhibits A549 human lung cancer cell invasion in vitro and metastasis in xenograft nude mice

Cancer invasion and metastasis, involving a variety of pathological processes andcytophysiological changes,contribute to the high mortality of lung cancer.The type 1 insulin-like growthfactor receptor (IGF-1R),associated with cancer progression and invasion,is a potential anti-invasion andanti-metastasis target in lung cancer.To inhibit the invasive properties of lung cancer cells,we successfullydown-regulated IGF-1R gene expression in A549 human lung cancer cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA)technology,and evaluated its effects on invasion-related gene expression,tumor cell in vitro invasion,andmetastasis in xenograft nude mice.A549 cells transfected with a plasmid expressing hairpin siRNA forIGF-1R showed a significantly decreased IGF-1R expression at the mRNA level as well as the proteinlevel.In biological assays,transfected A549 cells showed a significant reduction of cell-matrix adhesion,migration and invasion.Consistent with these results,we found that down-regulation of IGR-1Rconcomitantly accompanied by a large reduction in invasion-related gene expressions,including MMP-2,MMP-9,u-PA,and IGF-1R specific downstream p-Akt.Direct tail vein injections of plasmid expressinghairpin siRNA for IGF- 1R significantly inhibited the formation of lung metastases in nude mice.Our resultsshowed the therapeutic potential of siRNA as a method for gene therapy in inhibiting lung cancer invasionand metastasis.     

miR-200c-3p靶向FOSL1增加乳腺癌细胞化疗敏感性

化疗耐受是乳腺癌复发转移率居高不下、综合治疗效果难以提高的主要瓶颈。前期研究证实,miR-200c-3p在乳腺癌敏感细胞MCF-7中的表达量显著高于耐药细胞MCF-7/5Fu,提示miR-200c-3p可能参与乳腺癌化疗增敏,但是具体机制不详。生物信息学预测联合双荧光素酶报告基因实验证实,miR-200c-3p靶向调控FOSL1,且在多种肿瘤中miR-200c-3p与FOSL1表达负相关。实时荧光定量PCR技术和Western印迹技术证实,FOSL1在耐药细胞MCF-7/5Fu中的表达量显著高于亲本细胞MCF-7。在MCF-7细胞中,过表达FOSL1能够显著提高该细胞对5-Fu的化疗耐受;在MCF-7/5Fu中,使用siRNA技术沉默FOSL1,将提高该细胞对5-Fu的化疗敏感性。此外,MTT实验还发现,miR-200c-3p抑制剂能够显著上调MCF-7细胞对5-Fu的耐受,但是在此细胞中干扰FOSL1的表达,又可以增加其对5-Fu的化疗敏感性;miR-200c-3p mimics显著增加MCF-7/5Fu细胞的化疗敏感性,上调FOSL1表达后又可逆转miR-200c-3p mimics的化疗增敏作用。总之,miR-200-3p能够通过靶向FOSL1增加乳腺癌细胞对5-fluorouridine化疗敏感性。     

Development of hydroxy-based sphingosine kinase inhibitors and anti-inflammation in dextran sodium sulfate induced colitis in mice

Sphingosine kinase (SphK)-catalyzed production of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) regulates cell growth, survival and proliferation as well as inflammatory status in animals. In recent study we reported the N′-(3-(benzyloxy)benzylidene)-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzohydrazide scaffold as a potent SphK inhibitor. As a continuation of these efforts, 51 derivatives were synthesized and evaluated by SphK1/2 inhibitory activities for structure–activity relationship (SAR) study. Among them, 33 was identified as the most potent SphK inhibitor. Potency of 33 was also observed to efficiently decrease SphK1/2 expression in human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116) and significantly inhibit dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis as well as the decreased expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in mouse models. Collectively, 33 was validated as an effective SphK inhibitor, which can be served as anti-inflammatory agent to probably treat inflammatory bowel diseases in human.     

New insights into the roles and regulation of SphK2 as a therapeutic target in cancer chemoresistance

Chemoresistance is a complicated process developed by most cancers and accounts for the majority of relapse and metastasis in cancer. The main mechanisms of chemoresistance phenotype include increased expression and/or activated drug efflux pumps, altered DNA repair, altered metabolism of therapeutics as well as impaired apoptotic signaling pathways. Aberrant sphingolipid signaling has also recently received considerable attention in chemoresistance. Sphingolipid metabolites regulate main biological processes such as apoptosis, cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Two sphingosine kinases, SphK1 and SphK2, convert sphingosine to sphingosine-1-phosphate, an antiapoptotic bioactive lipid mediator. Numerous evidence has revealed the involvement of activated SphK1 in tumorigenesis and resistance, however, contradictory results have been found for the role of SphK2 in these functions. In some studies, overexpression of SphK2 suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis. In contrast, some others have shown cell proliferation and tumor promotion effect for SphK2. Our understanding of the role of SphK2 in cancer does not have a sufficient integrity. The main focus of this review will be on the re-evaluation of the role of SphK2 in cell death and chemoresistance in light of our new understanding of molecular targeted therapy. We will also highlight the connections between SphK2 and the DNA damage response. Finally, we will provide our insight into the regulatory mechanisms of SphKs by two main categories, micro and long, noncoding RNAs as the novel players of cancer chemoresistance.     

Export and functions of sphingosine-1-phosphate

The sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), has emerged as a critical player in a number of fundamental biological processes and is important in cancer, angiogenesis, wound healing, cardiovascular function, atherosclerosis, immunity and asthma, among others. Activation of sphingosine kinases, enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of sphingosine to S1P, by a variety of agonists, including growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and antigen, increases intracellular S1P. Many of the biological effects of S1P are mediated by its binding to five specific G protein-coupled receptors located on the cell surface in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. Therefore, understanding the mechanism by which intracellularly generated S1P is released out of cells is both interesting and important. In this review, we will discuss how S1P is formed and released. We will focus particularly on the current knowledge of how the S1P gradient between tissues and blood is maintained, and the role of ABC transporters in S1P release.