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Identification of novel Smad binding proteins.

The TGFbetas, a family of secreted polypeptide growth factors, are critical regulators of mammalian orofacial development. The importance of the TGFbetas in development of the orofacial region in mice is underscored by the resulting orofacial clefts in mice with targeted deletion of either TGFbeta2 or TGFbeta3 and most recently, a conditional knockout of the type II TGFbeta receptor (TbetaRII) gene. The TGFbetas signal via binding to specific cell surface receptors which, in turn, activates translocation of the nucleocytoplasmic Smad transcriptional regulators. Smads 2 and 3 are TGFbeta-specific transcriptional regulators that bind DNA through their conserved MH1 domains and activate or inhibit transcription of TGFbeta-responsive genes through their MH2 domains. To search for novel Smad binding proteins expressed in developing murine orofacial tissue, a yeast two-hybrid assay was utilized to screen a cDNA expression library constructed from fetal murine orofacial tissue. Several novel Smad binding proteins were identified. These include a putative zinc finger protein (ZNF198), peroxisomal biogenesis factor 6 (Pex6), eucaryotic translation initiation factor 4E nuclear import factor 1 (4-ET), and splicing factor 3b subunit 2 (SF3b2). Results of the yeast two-hybrid screen were verified by GST pull-down assays which confirmed the interaction of these proteins with the MH2 domain of Smad 3, and also indicated interaction of these proteins with additional Smad family members. The identification of these proteins as Smad binding partners allows exploration of new mechanisms whereby TGFbeta signaling may be regulated, and reveals additional potential interactions with other signaling pathways.

Animals↗

PGC-1alpha is induced by parathyroid hormone and coactivates Nurr1-mediated promoter activity in osteoblasts.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) potently activates cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA)-driven molecular cascades in osteoblasts. The NR4A/NGFI-B orphan nuclear receptor (NR) Nurr1 is a PTH-induced, cAMP-responsive primary response gene (PRG) that transactivates osteocalcin (Ocn) expression through a putative NGFI-B response element (NBRE) in the proximal promoter. As a true orphan NR, Nurr1's expression level and coactivator recruitment regulate its transactivation capacity. We postulated that Nurr1's induction through cAMP-PKA signaling might favor a coactivator that is likewise cAMP-dependent. A possible candidate is the cAMP-inducible coactivator PPARgamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha). We hypothesize that PGC-1alpha is a PTH-induced PRG that synergizes with Nurr1 to induce target gene transcription in osteoblasts. We show that 10 nM PTH for 2 h maximally induced PGC-1alpha mRNA in primary mouse osteoblasts (MOBs) and calvariae. Selective signaling agonists and antagonists demonstrated that PTH induced PGC-1alpha mRNA primarily through the cAMP-PKA pathway. Protein synthesis inhibition sustained PTH-induced PGC-1alpha expression. PGC-1alpha enhanced Nurr1-induced transactivation of a consensus 3xNBRE-luciferase construct and the rat (-1050)Ocn promoter-luciferase construct from 3.7- to 9.6- and 10.1-fold, respectively. This synergy required Nurr1-DNA binding, since a mutation of the Ocn promoter NBRE abolished both Nurr1- and Nurr1-PGC-1alpha-induced transactivation. Using GST pull-down assays, PGC-1alpha directly interacted with in vitro-generated and nuclear Nurr1. We conclude that PGC-1alpha is a PTH-induced, cAMP-dependent PRG that directly synergizes with Nurr1 to transactivate target genes in osteoblasts. Taken together with published data, our findings suggest that Nurr1 and PGC-1alpha may be pivotal mediators of cAMP-induced osteoblast gene expression and osteoblast function.

Animals↗

Hepatic fatty acid synthesis is suppressed in mice with fatty livers due to targeted apolipoprotein B38.9 mutation.

Humans and genetically engineered mice with hypobetalipoproteinemia due to truncation-producing mutations of the apolipoprotein B (apoB) gene frequently have fatty livers, because the apoB defect impairs the capacity of livers to export triglycerides (TGs). We assessed the adaptation of hepatic lipid metabolism in our apoB-38.9-bearing mice. Hepatic TG contents were 2- and 4-fold higher in heterozygous and homozygous mice, respectively, compared with wild-type mice. Respective in vivo hepatic fatty acid synthetic rates were reduced to 40% and 15% of the wild-type rate. Hepatic mRNAs for sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase-1 were coordinately decreased. FAS and SREBP-1c mRNA levels were strongly and positively correlated with each other and inversely correlated with hepatic TGs, suggesting that impaired TG export is a potent inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis. In contrast, levels of plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate and of hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha mRNAs were not altered, implying that beta-oxidation was not affected. Fasting followed by refeeding increased hepatic fatty acid synthesis 56-fold over fasting in normal and heterozygous mice but only 24-fold in homozygous mice. Parallel changes occurred in FAS and SREBP-1c mRNAs. Thus, impairment of very low density lipoprotein export downregulates hepatic fatty acid synthesis, but the adaptation is incomplete, resulting in fatty livers. The signals mediating suppression of FAS and SREBP-1c levels remain to be identified.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

[Mechanisms and clinical effects of pioglatizone as a new agent for the treatment of type-2 diabetes].

Thiazolidinediones (TDZs, glitazones) form a new substance group in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. As a result of influences on insulin signalling, glucose transport, hepatic glucose metabolism and modulation of the peroxisome proliferator activating receptor (PPAR-gamma), TZDs augment the effect of insulin in insulin-sensitive target tissues. Pioglitazone (CAS 111025-46-8 resp. 112529-15-4; Actos) is a member of the group of glitazones. According to existing clinical data, pioglitazone at a once daily oral dose of 15 to 45 mg, as monotherapy or in combination with sulphonylureas, metformin or exogenous insulin, has a pronounced and reproducible blood sugar-lowering effect. As well as improving glucose metabolism, pioglitazone has a beneficial effect on insulin resistance and the plasma levels of free fatty acids, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol which is clinically relevant. Pioglitazone is well tolerated: treatment of 4300 type 2 diabetics worldwide has not revealed any evidence of hepatotoxic potential. Owing to their pathophysiological mode of action, glitazones have the potential to reduce the incidence of long-term diabetic complications in addition to their blood sugar-reducing effect.

Animals↗

Inhibition of IkappaB kinase and IkappaB phosphorylation by 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) in activated murine macrophages.

Activation of the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) induces the expression of gene products involved in host defense, among them type 2 nitric oxide synthase. Treatment of cells with 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15dPGJ(2)) inhibited the LPS- and IFN-gamma-dependent synthesis of NO, a process that was not antagonized by similar concentrations of prostaglandin J(2), prostaglandin E(2), or rosiglitazone, a peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligand. Incubation of activated macrophages with 15dPGJ(2) inhibited the degradation of IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta and increased their levels in the nuclei. NF-kappaB activity, as well as the transcription of NF-kappaB-dependent genes, such as those encoding type 2 nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2, was impaired under these conditions. Analysis of the steps leading to IkappaB phosphorylation showed an inhibition of IkappaB kinase by 15dPGJ(2) in cells treated with LPS and IFN-gamma, resulting in an impaired phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, at least in the serine 32 residue required for targeting and degradation of this protein. Incubation of partially purified activated IkappaB kinase with 2 microM 15dPGJ(2) reduced by 83% the phosphorylation in serine 32 of IkappaBalpha, suggesting that this prostaglandin exerts direct inhibitory effects on the activity of the IkappaB kinase complex. These results show rapid actions of 15dPGJ(2), independent of peroxisomal proliferator receptor gamma activation, in macrophages challenged with low doses of LPS and IFN-gamma.

Animals↗

Protein translocation machineries of peroxisomes.

Targeting of peroxisomal matrix and membrane proteins is performed by distinct transport machineries and requires the concerted action of at least 23 peroxins. Cargo recognition takes place in the cytosol and the multiple binding sites for peroxisomal signal sequence receptors at the peroxisomal membrane reflect the existence of an import cascade where the cargo-loaded receptors successively interact with different components of the import machinery. These interactions are likely to trigger conformational changes of the proteins within the import cascade which are required for the consecutive steps of peroxisomal protein import: docking, translocation, cargo release and receptor recycling.

Animals↗

Estrogen-related receptor-gamma and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha regulate estrogen-related receptor-alpha gene expression via a conserved multi-hormone response element.

The expression of estrogen-related receptor-alpha (ERRalpha) is stimulated by estrogen in selective tissues. Recently, a correlation between ERRalpha expression and the induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) in the liver of fasting animals and in cold-stressed brown-fat tissues and skeletal muscle was shown. To explore the molecular mechanisms of ERRalpha regulation by diverse signals, the promoter of the human ERRalpha gene was cloned and characterized. Mutation and deletion analyses revealed that a 53 bp region containing repeated core element AGGTCA motifs of the ERRalpha gene serves as a multi-hormone response element (MHRE) for several nuclear receptors in transient co-transfection studies of human endometrial carcinoma (HEC-1B) cells. Among the nuclear receptors tested, ERRgamma bound to and robustly stimulated the transcription of reporters containing at least two AGGTCA motifs. Ectopic expression of PGC-1alpha in HEC-1B cells strongly activated the reporter containing the MHRE, presumably via the endogenous nuclear receptor binding to the element. Reducing the endogenous level of ERRgamma by small interfering RNA, and increasing the ERRgamma level by ectopic expression, substantially decreased and increased respectively the transactivation capability of PGC-1alpha. The activation function 2 domain of the ERRgamma and the L2 and L3 motifs of PGC-1alpha were essential to transactivate the MHRE. Additionally, PGC-1alpha increases the amount of endogenous ERRgamma bound to the MHRE region as determined by a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The present study demonstrates that the MHRE of the ERRalpha gene is a target for ERRgamma transactivation, which is enhanced by PGC-1alpha.

Animals↗

Prostate cancer chemoprevention: Strategies for designing efficient clinical trials.

A chemoprevention (CP) strategy has evolved for conducting efficient clinical trials for prostate cancer (PCa) prevention. It integrates five key components, including agents, biomarkers, cohorts, designs, and endpoints. The rationale for the CP strategy relates to the natural history of prostate cancer. There is a wide array of natural and synthetic agents that hold promise for inhibiting, reversing, or modulating the transition from normal to precancer and from precancer to cancer. These agent classes include antiandrogens, antiestrogens, phytoestrogens, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory (proapoptotic) agents, antiproliferation/antidifferentiation agents, signal transduction modulators of receptor tyrosine kinase and ras farnesylation, antiangiogenesis agents, insulinlike growth factor (IGF)-1, peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor modulators (-gamma and -delta), and gene-based interventions. Biomarkers and endpoints are guided by the level of evidence required (eg, phase 1, 2, 3). Two candidate surrogate endpoints (SE) based on histology are high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and computer-assisted image analysis of dysplastic lesions. Phase 1 trials use standard endpoints of safety, pharmacokinetics and limited pharmacodynamics. Phase 2 trials use endpoints of modulation of biomarkers and correlation with histology. Phase 3 trials use endpoints of clinical benefit, such as cancer incidence reduction and quality of life. Validation of a biomarker as a SE involves correlation of the biomarker with clinical benefit. Cohorts (target populations) for phase 2/3 trials include the general population of men over age 50 with a normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA), subjects with a strong family history of PCa, subjects with elevated PSA/negative biopsy, and subjects with HGPIN/negative biopsy. These at-risk populations reflect key individual risk factors (age, race, serum PSA [free/total]; serum IGF-1/IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3; 1, 25(OH)(2) D3; family history of PCa; carriers of PCa susceptibility genes [ELAC2, CYP3A4, SRD5A2, etc.]; and histology such as atypia and HGPIN) that could be combined into a multivariate risk model for PCa. The probability of cancer risk (recurrence) is a key factor that impacts on the clinical trial design (power, sample size, and primary endpoint). Multivariate predictive mathematical models for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy by decreasing sample size and time to clinical outcomes maximize trial efficiency and identify the patients most likely to benefit from secondary prevention. The two large primary prevention trials, Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial/Seleninium and Vitamin E Chemoprevention Trial (PCPT/ SELECT), in low- and average-risk subjects have sample sizes of 18,000 to 32,000, with a treatment duration of 7 years to detect a 25% reduction in biopsy-proven PCa. Subjects with HGPIN have the highest known cancer risk (approximately 50% at 3 years), and thus require a small sample size (n = 450) to detect a 33% reduction in cancer incidence. A schema involving three sequential trials for agent registration is described. In summary, a CP strategy that incorporates well-defined agents, clinical and validated SE, and high-risk cohorts defined by genetic and acquired risk factors in a series of well-designed randomized controlled trials provides an efficient pathway for evaluating and approving new agents for PCa prevention.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-beta as a target for wound healing drugs: what is possible?

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) dysfunction has been implicated in the manifestation of many diseases and illnesses, ranging from obesity to cancer. Herein, we discuss the role of PPARbeta, one of the three PPAR isotypes, during wound healing. While PPARbeta expression is undetectable in unchallenged and healthy adult interfollicular mouse skin, it is robustly re-activated in stress situations, such as upon phorbol ester treatment, hair plucking and cutaneous wounding. The inflammatory reaction associated with a skin injury activates the keratinocytes at the edges of the wound. This activation involves PPARbeta, whose expression and activity as transcription factor are up-regulated by pro-inflammatory signals. The re-activation of PPARbeta influences three important properties of the activated keratinocytes that are vital for rapid wound closure, namely, survival, migration and differentiation. The anti-apoptotic and, thus, survival role of PPARbeta is mediated by the up-regulation of expression of integrin-linked kinase and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1. Both kinases are required for the full activation of the Akt1 survival cascade. Therefore, the up-regulation of PPARbeta, early after injury, appears to be important to maintain a sufficient number of viable keratinocytes at the wound edge. At a later stage of wound repair, the stimulation of keratinocyte migration and differentiation by PPARbeta is also likely to be important for the formation of a new epidermis at the wounded area. Consistent with these observations, the entire wound healing process is delayed in PPARbeta +/- mice and wound closure is retarded by 2-3 days. The multiple roles of PPARbeta in the complex keratinocyte response after injury and during skin repair certainly justify a further exploration of its potential as a target for wound healing drugs.

Animals↗

Modified fatty acids and their possible therapeutic targets in malignant diseases.

Fatty acids and other lipids have multiple roles in the cell, functioning as structural components, participating in intracellular signalling and serving as metabolic fuel. Various compounds that influence cellular lipid metabolism can reduce the growth of malignant cells, and dietary as well as pharmacological strategies for modulating lipid metabolism have therefore been suggested as possible approaches for cancer prevention and treatment. By chemically modifying fatty acids (e.g., butyrates, retinoids), new potential anticancer agents have been produced that possess increased metabolic stability and more specific and potent biological activity compared to the natural fatty acids. Possible therapeutic targets for such modified fatty acids include: i) Histone deacetylase; ii) nuclear hormone receptors (retinoid receptors), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; iii) cyclooxygenase-2; iv) intracellular signalling involving protein farnesylation and Ras activation; and v) various mitochondrial functions. Although several fatty acid derivatives have been thoroughly investigated in experimental models, clinical data on toxicity and pharmacological interactions are not available for the majority of these agents. However, several promising novel compounds are now being evaluated in preclinical and early clinical studies, and future research will hopefully reveal new formulations and therapy schedules that will improve the outcome of patients with malignant disorders.

Animals↗

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands inhibit nuclear but not cytosolic extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase-regulated steps in vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration involves adhesion, locomotion, and invasion regulated by various signaling molecules, among which the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) play a critical role. We have shown that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligands troglitazone and rosiglitazone inhibit VSMC migration downstream of ERK MAPK. The purpose of the current study was to more specifically determine which step(s) in VSMC migration are targeted by inhibition of the ERK MAPK pathway or activation of PPAR-gamma. VSMC adhesion was not affected by the ERK MAPK pathway inhibitor PD98059 or PPAR-gamma ligands. Phosphorylation and activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) play important roles in cell locomotion. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced MLCK phosphorylation (1.7-fold) was completely blocked by PD98059 at 30 microM (p < 0.05), but not by troglitazone or rosiglitazone. PDGF-directed migration (5.8-fold) was inhibited by PD98059 (-88% at 30 microM) and the MLCK inhibitor ML9 (0.1-1 microM, -84% at 1 microM) (all p < 0.05). The transcription factor Ets-1 mediates matrix metalloproteinase induction required for tissue invasion by VSMC. PDGF (20 ng/ml) stimulated an Ets-1 protein expression (14-fold at 60 min) in VSMC, which was inhibited by PD98059 (-72% at 30 microM), troglitazone (-69% at 20 microM), and rosiglitazone (-54% at 10 microM) (all p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry of rat aortae 2 h after balloon injury showed a dramatic upregulation of Ets-1, which was markedly inhibited in animals that had received troglitazone treatment. In contrast, phosphorylated ERK MAPK was not affected by troglitazone. These data are consistent with PPAR-gamma ligands exerting their anti-migratory effects downstream of ERK MAPK activation by blocking nuclear events, such as Ets-1 expression, required for cell invasion in response to arterial injury.

Animals↗

Prostacyclin-mediated activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta in colorectal cancer.

There is evidence from both genetic and pharmacologic studies to suggest that the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme plays a causal role in the development of colorectal cancer. However, little is known about the identity or role of the eicosanoid receptor pathways activated by COX-derived prostaglandins (PG). We previously have reported that COX-2-derived prostacyclin promotes embryo implantation in the mouse uterus via activation of the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) delta. In light of the recent finding that PPARdelta is a target of beta-catenin transactivation, it is important to determine whether this signaling pathway is operative during the development of colorectal cancer. Analysis of PPARdelta mRNA in matched normal and tumor samples revealed that expression of PPARdelta, similar to COX-2, is up-regulated in colorectal carcinomas. In situ hybridization studies demonstrate that PPARdelta is expressed in normal colon and localized to the epithelial cells at the very tips of the mucosal glands. In contrast, expression of PPARdelta mRNA in colorectal tumors was more widespread with increased levels in transformed epithelial cells. Analysis of PPARdelta and COX-2 mRNA in serial sections suggested they were colocalized to the same region within a tumor. Finally, transient transfection assays established that endogenously synthesized prostacyclin (PGI(2)) could serve as a ligand for PPARdelta. In addition, the stable PGI(2) analog, carbaprostacyclin, and a synthetic PPARdelta agonist induced transactivation of endogenous PPARdelta in human colon carcinoma cells. We conclude from these observations that PPARdelta, similar to COX-2, is aberrantly expressed in colorectal tumors and that endogenous PPARdelta is transcriptionally responsive to PGI(2). However, the functional consequence of PPARdelta activation in colon carcinogenesis still needs to be determined.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Identification of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) as a novel downstream target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/GSK-3beta pathway.

The signaling pathway of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, which is involved in cell survival, proliferation, and growth, has become a major focus in targeting cancer therapeutics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) was previously identified as a gene induced by several anti-tumorigenic compounds including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligands, and dietary compounds. NAG-1 has been shown to exhibit anti-tumorigenic and/or pro-apoptotic activities in vivo and in vitro. In this report, we showed a PI3K/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) pathway regulates NAG-1 expression in human colorectal cancer cells as assessed by the inhibition of PI3K, AKT, and GSK-3beta. PI3K inhibition by LY294002 showed an increase in NAG-1 protein and mRNA expression, and 1l-6-hydroxymethyl-chiro-inositol 2(R)-2-O-methyl-3-O-octadecylcarbonate (AKT inhibitor) also induced NAG-1 expression. LY294002 caused increased apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell growth arrest in HCT-116 cells. Inhibition of GSK-3beta, which is negatively regulated by AKT, using AR-A014418 and lithium chloride completely abolished LY294002-induced NAG-1 expression as well as the NAG-1 promoter activity. Furthermore, the down-regulation of GSK-3 gene using small interference RNA resulted in a decline of the NAG-1 expression in the presence of LY294002. These data suggest that expression of NAG-1 is regulated by PI3K/AKT/GSK-3beta pathway in HCT-116 cells and may provide a further understanding of the important role of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3beta pathway in tumorigenesis.

Apoptosis↗

A novel partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) recruits PPARgamma-coactivator-1alpha, prevents triglyceride accumulation, and potentiates insulin signaling in vitro.

Partial agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), also termed selective PPARgamma modulators, are expected to uncouple insulin sensitization from triglyceride (TG) storage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These agents shall thus avoid adverse effects, such as body weight gain, exerted by full agonists such as thiazolidinediones. In this context, we describe the identification and characterization of the isoquinoline derivative PA-082, a prototype of a novel class of non-thiazolidinedione partial PPARgamma ligands. In a cocrystal with PPARgamma it was bound within the ligand-binding pocket without direct contact to helix 12. The compound displayed partial agonism in biochemical and cell-based transactivation assays and caused preferential recruitment of PPARgamma-coactivator-1alpha (PGC1alpha) to the receptor, a feature shared with other selective PPARgamma modulators. It antagonized rosiglitazone-driven transactivation and TG accumulation during de novo adipogenic differentiation of murine C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells. The latter effect was mimicked by overexpression of wild-type PGC1alpha but not its LXXLL-deficient mutant. Despite failing to promote TG loading, PA-082 induced mRNAs of genes encoding components of insulin signaling and adipogenic differentiation pathways. It potentiated glucose uptake and inhibited the negative cross-talk of TNFalpha on protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation in mature adipocytes and HepG2 human hepatoma cells. PGC1alpha is a key regulator of energy expenditure and down-regulated in diabetics. We thus propose that selective recruitment of PGC1alpha to favorable PPARgamma-target genes provides a possible molecular mechanism whereby partial PPARgamma agonists dissociate TG accumulation from insulin signaling.

Adipocytes↗

WNT and cyclooxygenase-2 cross-talk accelerates adenoma growth.

Both Wnt and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) pathways are activated in most sporadic and familial colorectal cancers, especially in those with chromosomal instability. We have recently shown that a common target of both signaling pathways, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-delta, is involved in intestinal adenoma growth. Activation of this receptor by synthetic agonist (GW501516) or COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accelerates intestinal adenoma growth in Apc(Min) mice. Moreover, these effects are lost in Apc(Min) mice lacking PPARdelta. These findings implicate PPARdelta as a focal point of cross-talk between the Wnt and prostaglandin signaling pathways. Based on this work it looks as if PPARdelta agonists currently in development for treatment of dyslipidemias and obesity may increase the risk of tumor formation in humans. By contrast, antagonists of PPARdelta may provide a novel approach for prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Adenoma↗

PPAR delta functions as a prostacyclin receptor in blastocyst implantation.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), members of the nuclear hormone superfamily, are the target of extensive investigation because of their role in various pathophysiological processes. Recently, a novel biological function of PPAR delta, a less studied member of the family, was observed in the mouse. Evidence suggests that cyclooxygenase 2-derived prostacyclin mediates blastocyst implantation via this receptor. In this review, this new function of PPAR delta in implantation is highlighted, and future directions to investigate its mechanism of action are discussed.

Animals↗

Expression of COX-2 and Wnt pathway genes in adenomas of familial adenomatous polyposis patients treated with meloxicam.

BACKGROUND: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal, dominantly inherited predisposition to colorectal cancer caused by germline mutations within the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, a key member of the Wnt signalling pathway. A new class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the specific cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors, have recently been applied for the treatment of FAP patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expressions of the Wnt members and targets APC, c-myc, cyclin D1 and COX-2, as measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, have been evaluated in fresh samples of normal colorectal mucosa and matched adenoma tissue of six unrelated FAP patients before and after treatment with meloxicam. RESULTS: A significant up-regulation of COX-2 in adenomas after treatment with meloxicam was found. Furthermore, in adenomas, a down-regulation of APC after treatment and a tight correlation of the expressions of the two Wnt targets, c-myc and cyclin D1, in both stages of treatment were observed. CONCLUSION: A feedback loop mediated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma is discussed as being responsible for the up-regulation of COX-2

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

The role of hepatocyte RXR alpha in xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor-mediated pathways.

Nuclear receptors constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) cross talk and serve as xenobiotic sensors to form a safety net against the toxic effects of harmful substances. Retinoid x receptor alpha (RXRalpha) dimerizes with CAR and PXR. In order to analyze the role of RXRalpha in these xeno-sensor-mediated pathways, hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice were challenged by CAR and PXR ligands including androstanol, 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP), and pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN). We demonstrate that hepatocyte RXRalpha deficiency prevents TCPOBOP-induced hepatomegaly and morphological changes. We also show that in vivo the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes including CYP2A5, CYP2B10, CYP3A1, but not CYP2E1 and CYP2D6, are the RXRalpha target genes. Androstanol, TCPOBOP, and PCN can differentially regulate the expression of these CYP450 genes. In addition, the most active peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARalpha) ligand, Wy14,643, also regulates some of the xeno-sensor target genes such as CYP2A5 and CYP2B10 in vivo. Thus, the ligands of different nuclear receptors can regulate common CYP450 genes and hepatocyte RXRalpha is essential for xenobiotic metabolism in vivo.

Androstanols↗