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Characterization of a volume-sensitive chloride current in rat osteoblast-like (ROS 17/2.8) cells.

1. During osmotic swelling, cultured osteoblastic cells (ROS 17/2.8) exhibited activation of large amplitude Cl- currents in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Effects of hypotonic shock on cell volume and membrane conductance were rapidly reversed on return to isotonic conditions. 2. Voltage command pulses in the range -80 to +50 mV produce instantaneous activation of Cl- currents. At potentials more positive than +50 mV the current exhibited time-dependent inactivation. The instantaneous current-voltage relationship was outwardly rectifying. 3. The anion permeability sequence of the induced current was SCN- (2.2) > i- (1.9) > Br- (1.5) > Cl- (1.0) > F- (0.8) > gluconate- (0.2). This corresponds to Eisenman's sequence I. 4. The volume-sensitive Cl- current was effectively inhibited by the Cl- channel blockers 4,4'- diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB). Outward currents were more effectively suppressed by DIDS than inward currents. The concentrations for 50% inhibition (IC50) of outward and inward currents were 81 and 298 microM, respectively. NPPB was equally effective at inhibiting outward and inward currents (IC50 of 64 microM). The current was relatively insensitive to diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC), 500 microM producing only 22.5 +/- 4.0% inhibition. 5. Inhibitors of protein kinase A (H-89, 1 microM) and tyrosine kinase (tyrphostin A25, 200 microM) were without effect upon activation of Cl- currents in response to hypotonic shock. Under isotonic conditions, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ by ionomycin (1 microM) or activation of protein kinase C by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA, 0.1 microM) failed to evoke increases in basal Cl- conductance levels. 6. It is concluded that an outwardly rectifying Cl- conductance is activated upon osmotic swelling and may be involved in cell volume regulation of ROS 17/2.8 cells.

Animals↗

Two chimeric receptors of epidermal growth factor receptor and c-Ros that differ in their transmembrane domains have opposite effects on cell growth.

Two chimeric receptors, ER1 and ER2, were constructed. ER1 contains the extracellular and transmembrane (TM) domains derived from epidermal growth factor receptor and the cytoplasmic domain from c-Ros; ER2 is identical to ER1 except that its TM domain is derived from c-Ros. Both chimeras can be activated by epidermal growth factor and are capable of activating or phosphorylating an array of cellular signaling proteins. Both chimeras promote colony formation in soft agar with about equal efficiency. Surprisingly, ER1 inhibits while ER2 stimulates cell growth on monolayer culture. Cell cycle analysis revealed that all phases, in particular the S and G2/M phases, of the cell cycle in ER1 cells were elongated whereas G1 phase of ER2 cells was shortened threefold. Comparison of signaling pathways mediated by the two chimeras revealed several differences. Several early signaling proteins are activated or phosphorylated to a higher extent in ER1 than in ER2 cells in response to epidermal growth factor. ER1 is less efficiently internalized and remains tyrosine phosphorylated for a longer time than ER2. However, phosphorylation of the 66-kDa She protein, activation of mitogen activated protein kinase, and induction of c-fos and c-jun occur either to a lesser extent or for a shorter time in ER1 cells. Cellular protein phosphorylation patterns are also different in ER1 and ER2 cells. In particular, a 190-kDa Shc-associated protein is tyrosine phosphorylated in ER2 but not in ER1 cells. Our results indicate that the TM domains have a profound effect on the signal transduction and biological activity of those chimeric receptors. The results also imply that sustained stimulation of ER1 due to its retarded internalization apparently triggers an inhibitory response that dominantly counteracts the receptor-mediated mitogenic signals. These two chimeras, expressed at similar levels in the same cell type but having opposite effects on cell growth, provide an ideal system to study the mechanism by which a protein tyrosine kinase inhibits cell growth.

3T3 Cells↗

Advanced glycation end products induce apoptosis in fibroblasts through activation of ROS, MAP kinases, and the FOXO1 transcription factor.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are elevated in aged and diabetic individuals and are associated with pathological changes associated with both. Previously we demonstrated that the AGE N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML)-collagen induced fibroblast apoptosis through the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial pathways and the global induction of proapoptotic genes. In the present study we investigated upstream mechanisms of CML-collagen-induced apoptosis. CML-collagen induced activation of the proapoptotic transcription factor FOXO1 compared with unmodified collagen. When FOXO1 was silenced, CML-collagen-stimulated apoptosis was reduced by approximately 75% compared with fibroblasts incubated with nonsilencing small interfering RNA, demonstrating the functional significance of FOXO1 activation (P < 0.05). CML-collagen but not control collagen also induced a 3.3-fold increase in p38 and a 5.6-fold increase in JNK(1/2) activity (P < 0.05). With the use of specific inhibitors, activation of p38 and JNK was shown to play an important role in CML-collagen-induced activation of FOXO1 and caspase-3. Moreover, inhibition of p38 and JNK reduced CML-collagen-stimulated apoptosis by 48 and 57%, respectively, and by 89% when used together (P < 0.05). In contrast, inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway enhanced FOXO1 activation. p38 and JNK stimulation by CML-collagen was almost entirely blocked when formation of ROS was inhibited and was partially reduced by NO and ceramide inhibitors. These inhibitors also reduced apoptosis to a similar extent. Together these data support a model in which AGE-induced apoptosis involves the formation of ROS, NO, and ceramide and leads to p38 and JNK MAP kinase activation, which in turn induces FOXO1 and caspase-3.

Animals↗

Electrolysis stimulates creatine transport and transporter cell surface expression in incubated mouse skeletal muscle: potential role of ROS.

Electrical field stimulation of isolated, incubated rodent skeletal muscles is a frequently used model to study the effects of contractions on muscle metabolism. In this study, this model was used to investigate the effects of electrically stimulated contractions on creatine transport. Soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles of male NMRI mice (35-50 g) were incubated in an oxygenated Krebs buffer between platinum electrodes. Muscles were exposed to [(14)C]creatine for 30 min after either 12 min of repeated tetanic isometric contractions (contractions) or electrical stimulation of only the buffer before incubation of the muscle (electrolysis). Electrolysis was also investigated in the presence of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Both contractions and (to a lesser degree) electrolysis stimulated creatine transport severalfold over basal. The amount of electrolysis, but not contractile activity, induced (determined) creatine transport stimulation. Incubation with SOD and catalase at 100 and 200 U/ml decreased electrolysis-induced creatine transport by approximately 50 and approximately 100%, respectively. The electrolysis effects on creatine uptake were completely inhibited by beta-guanidino propionic acid, a competitive inhibitor of (creatine for) the creatine transporter (CRT), and were accompanied by increased cell surface expression of CRT. Muscle glucose transport was not affected by electrolysis. The present results indicate that electrical field stimulation of incubated mouse muscles, independently of contractions per se, stimulates creatine transport by a mechanism that depends on electrolysis-induced formation of ROS in the incubation buffer. The increased creatine uptake is paralleled by an increased cell surface expression of the creatine transporter.

Animals↗

Osteogenic protein-1 enhances phenotypic expression in ROS 17/2.8 cells.

Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) stimulates bone morphogenesis in vivo and modulates osteoblast growth and differentiation in vitro. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with OP-1 resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation. In contrast, OP-1 treatment stimulated phenotypic differentiation in ROS 17/2.8 cells, as indicated by enhanced 1) alkaline phosphatase activity (4-fold); 2) alkaline phosphatase mRNA (5-fold); 3) parathyroid hormone receptor mRNA (2-fold), and 4) parathyroid hormone-stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation (2-fold). OP-1-induced changes in cell growth and gene expression were sensitive to cycloheximide and actinomycin D. Measurement of [3H]thymidine incorporation and alkaline phosphatase activity in situ revealed heterogeneity in the cellular responses to OP-1. Proliferating cells exhibited less alkaline phosphatase activity than nonproliferating cells, whereas cells expressing high levels of alkaline phosphatase incorporated little [3H]thymidine. Our data delineating the responses of mature differentiated osteoblasts to OP-1 suggest that potentiation of osteoblast differentiated function is an important component of bone morphogenesis in vivo.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Fish oil feeding alters liver gene expressions to defend against PPARalpha activation and ROS production.

Fish oil rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases partly by reduction of blood triglyceride concentration. This favorable effect mainly results from the combined effects of inhibition of lipogenesis by decrease of SREBP-1 and stimulation of fatty acid oxidation by activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) in liver. However, because fish oil is easily peroxidized to form hydroperoxides and increases oxidative stress, some defense mechanism(s) against oxidative stress might occur. To understand these complex effects of fish oil diet, the gene expression profile of mice liver was analyzed using high-density oligonucleotide arrays. High-fat diet (60% of total energy intake) as either safflower oil or fish oil (tuna) was given to mice. After 6 mo of feeding, expression levels of a total of 6,521 genes were analyzed. In fish oil diet compared with safflower oil diet, immune reaction-related genes, antioxidant genes (several glutathione transferases, uncoupling protein 2, and Mn-superoxide dismutase), and lipid catabolism-related genes upregulated, whereas cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis-related genes and 17-alpha hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase and sulfotransferases related to production of endogenous PPARalpha ligands and reactive oxygen species (ROS) downregulated markedly. Because upregulation of these antioxidant genes and downregulation of sulfotransferases were also observed in mice administered fenofibrate, altered gene expression related to antioxidant system observed in fish oil feeding was mediated directly and indirectly by PPARalpha activation. However, downregulation of 17-alpha hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase was not due to PPARalpha activation. These data indicate that fish oil feeding downregulated the endogenous PPARalpha-activation system and increased antioxidant gene expressions to protect against ROS excess.

Animals↗

Diminished arteriolar responses in nitrate tolerance involve ROS and angiotensin II.

Our purpose was to evaluate hyporesponsivity to nitric oxide (NO)-induced dilation in small arterioles during nitrate tolerance. An Alza osmotic pump was implanted in the left flank of adult rats (n = 56) for continuous administration of nitroglycerin (140 microg/h) or vehicle (propylene glycol). On postoperative day 3, arcade (approximately 50-microm diameter) and terminal (approximately 20 microm) arterioles were observed in the cremaster preparation with in vivo video microscopy. Local vascular responses were obtained with micropipette-applied NO donors, with and without superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn(III) tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP), or losartan. On day 3, NO-mediated dilation was significantly attenuated in nitroglycerin-treated rats. Attenuation was greater in the terminal arterioles compared with the arcades. Control responses were restored by SOD, MnTBAP, or losartan, suggesting a role for elevated angiotensin II and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as mediators of the attenuated NO dilation (nitrate tolerance). Addition of losartan to the drinking water likewise prevented nitrate tolerance. In summary, terminal arterioles are affected by nitrates to a greater extent than the arcade arterioles that feed them, in a process dependent on angiotensin II and ROS.

Angiotensin II↗

Cell death during ischemia: relationship to mitochondrial depolarization and ROS generation.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury induces cell death, but the responsible mechanisms are not understood. This study examined mitochondrial depolarization and cell death during ischemia and reperfusion. Contracting cardiomyocytes were subjected to 60-min ischemia followed by 3-h reperfusion. Mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) was assessed with tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester. During ischemia, DeltaPsi(m) decreased to 24 +/- 5.5% of baseline, but no recovery was evident during reperfusion. Cell death assessed by Sytox Green was minimal during ischemia but averaged 66 +/- 7% after 3-h reperfusion. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition, was not protective. However, pharmacological antioxidants attenuated the fall in DeltaPsi(m) during ischemia and cell death after reperfusion and decreased lipid peroxidation as assessed with C11-BODIPY. Cell death was also attenuated when residual O(2) was scavenged from the perfusate, creating anoxic ischemia. These results suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were important for the decrease in DeltaPsi(m) during ischemia. Finally, 143B-rho(0) osteosarcoma cells lacking a mitochondrial electron transport chain failed to demonstrate a depletion of DeltaPsi(m) during ischemia and were significantly protected against cell death during reperfusion. Collectively, these studies identify a central role for mitochondrial ROS generation during ischemia in the mitochondrial depolarization and subsequent cell death induced by ischemia and reperfusion in this model.

Animals↗

Calcium and ROS-mediated activation of transcription factors and TNF-alpha cytokine gene expression in macrophages exposed to ultrafine particles.

Ultrafine (Uf) particles are a component of particulate air pollution suggested to be responsible for the health effects associated with elevations of this pollutant. We have previously suggested that Uf particles, through the induction of oxidative stress, may induce inflammation in the lung, thus exacerbating preexisting illness in susceptible individuals. Alveolar macrophages are considered to play a key role in particlemediated inflammation and lung disease. The effect of Uf particles on rat alveolar macrophages and human blood monocytes was investigated with reference to the roles of calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS). TNF-alpha protein release, intracellular calcium concentration, TNF-alpha mRNA expression, and transcription factor activation were studied as end points after treatment of rat alveolar macrophages or peripheral blood monocytes. The calcium channel blocker verapamil, the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, the calmodulin inhibitor W-7, and the antioxidants Trolox and Nacystelin (NAL) were included in combination with Uf particles. Verapamil reduced intracellular calcium concentration in rat alveolar macrophages on stimulation with Uf particles. This effect was also apparent with transcription factor AP-1 activation. All antagonists and antioxidants reduced Uf-stimulated nuclear localization of the p50 and p65 subunits of NF-kappaB in human monocytes. Verapamil, BAPTA-AM, and NAL reduced Uf-stimulated TNF-alpha protein release, whereas only verapamil reduced Uf-stimulated mRNA expression in rat alveolar macrophages. In human monocytes, verapamil, Trolox, BAPTA-AM, and W-7 reduced Uf-stimulated TNF-alpha protein release. These findings suggest that Uf particles may exert proinflammatory effects by modulating intracellular calcium concentrations, activation of transcription factors, and cytokine production through a ROS-mediated mechanism.

Acetylcysteine↗

Bleomycin initiates apoptosis of lung epithelial cells by ROS but not by Fas/FasL pathway.

Epithelial cells are considered to be a main target of bleomycin-induced lung injury, which leads to fibrosis in vivo. We studied the characteristics of in vitro bleomycin-induced apoptosis in a mouse lung epithelial (MLE) cell line. Bleomycin caused an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial leakage, and apoptosis. These were associated with elevated caspase-8 and resultant caspase-9 activity and with upregulation of Fas expression. Glutathione and inhibitors of caspase-8 or caspase-9, but not of FasL, inhibited these effects, suggesting their dependence on ROS, caspase-8 and -9, in a Fas/FasL-independent pathway. However, postbleomycin-exposed MLE cells were more sensitive to Fas-mediated apoptosis. These results demonstrate that the initial bleomycin-induced oxidative stress causes a direct apoptotic effect in lung epithelial cells involving a regulatory role of caspase-8 on caspase-9. Fas represents an amplification mechanism, and not a direct trigger of bleomycin-induced epithelial cell apoptosis.

Animals↗

Differential induction of c-fos, c-jun, and apoptosis in lung epithelial cells exposed to ROS or RNS.

Reactive oxygen (ROS) or nitrogen (RNS) species can affect epithelial cells to cause acute damage and an array of pulmonary diseases. The goal of this study was to determine patterns of early response gene expression and functional end points of exposure to nitric oxide (NO.), H2O2, or peroxynitrite (ONOO-) in a line of rat lung epithelial (RLE) cells. Our focus was on c-fos and c-jun protooncogenes, as these genes play an important role in proliferation or apoptosis, possible end points of exposure to reactive metabolites in lung. Our data demonstrate that NO. generated by spermine 1,3-propanediamine N-14-[1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazino]-butyl] or S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine as well as H2O2 cause increased c-fos and c-jun mRNA levels, nuclear proteins, and complexes binding the activator protein-1 recognition sequence in RLE cells. These agents also lead to apoptosis and increased membrane permeability. In contrast, exogenously administered ONOO- or 3-morpholinosydnonimine do not induce protooncogenes or apoptosis in RLE cells despite nitration oftyrosines. We conclude that ROS and RNS can elicit distinct molecular and phenotypic responses in a target cell of pulmonary disease.

Animals↗

Initial characterization of a neutral metalloproteinase, active on native 3/4-collagen fragments, synthesized by ROS 17/2.8 osteoblastic cells, periodontal fibroblasts, and identified in gingival crevicular fluid.

Analysis of collagenolytic activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has revealed the presence of an enzyme capable of fragmenting native 3/4- and 1/4-collagen cleavage products generated by collagenase. An enzyme with similar activity was also identified in media conditioned by fibroblasts from rat periodontal ligament and gingiva, and by rat osteoblastic cells (ROS 17/2.8, 17/2A, 17/2B). In culture, the enzyme was secreted in a latent form that could be activated by organomercurials. For further characterization of this novel enzyme (MMP-V), the osteoblast proteinase was partially purified. ROS 17/2.8 conditioned medium was harvested daily and the 25%-60% sat. ammonium sulfate fraction chromatographed on an AcA 54 gel filtration column. Latent forms of MMP-V (apparent Mr approximately 54 k) and collagenase (Mr approximately 54 k) were resolved from gelatinase (Mr approximately 76 k) and two collagenase inhibitors (Mr approximately 62 k, approximately 36 k). Activated MMP-V degraded native 3/4-collagen fragments from collagen types I and II in a step-wise manner and was active on denatured collagen. MMP-V showed a divalent cation requirement, was active at neutral pH, and was inhibited by collagenase inhibitor and fetal bovine serum, but not by serine, thiol, or carboxyl proteinase inhibitors. These properties indicate that MMP-V is a member of the matrix-degrading, neutral-metalloproteinase family of enzymes which include collagenase, gelatinase, stromelysin, and telopeptidase. The enzyme may function in the degradation of collagen fibrils by cleaving proteinase-resistant 3/4-collagen fragments that are stabilized by association with neighboring collagen molecules.

Adult↗

ROS as signalling molecules in T cells--evidence for abnormal redox signalling in the autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis.

Reactive oxygen species are recognised as important signalling molecules within cells of the immune system. This is, at least in part, due to the reversible activation of kinases, phosphatases and transcription factors by modification of critical thiol residues. However, in the chronic inflammatory disease rheumatoid arthritis, cells of the immune system are exposed to increased levels of oxidative stress and the T cell becomes refractory to growth and death stimuli. This contributes to the perpetuation of the immune response. As many of the effective therapies used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis modulate intracellular redox state, this raises the question of whether increased oxidative stress is causative of T-cell hyporesponsiveness. To address this hypothesis, this review considers the putative sources of ROS involved in normal intracellular signalling in T cells and the evidence in support of abnormal ROS fluxes contributing to T-cell hyporesponsiveness.

Antigens↗

Free radical stress in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and its role in cellular sensitivity to ROS-generating anticancer agents.

2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a new anticancer agent currently in clinical trials, has been demonstrated to inhibit superoxide dismutase (SOD) and to induce apoptosis in leukemia cells through a free radical-mediated mechanism. Because the accumulation of superoxide (O(2)-) by inhibition of SOD depends on the cellular generation of O(2)-, we hypothesized that the endogenous production of superoxide may be a critical factor that affects the antileukemia activity of 2-ME. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between cellular O(2)- contents and the cytotoxic activity of 2-ME in primary leukemia cells from 50 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Quantitation of O(2)- revealed that the basal cellular O(2)- contents are heterogeneous among patients with CLL. The O(2)- levels were significantly higher in CLL cells from patients with prior chemotherapy. CLL cells with higher basal O(2)- contents were more sensitive to 2-ME in vitro than those with lower O(2)- contents. There was a significant correlation between the 2-ME-induced O(2)- increase and the loss of cell viability. Importantly, addition of arsenic trioxide, a compound capable of causing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, significantly enhanced the activity of 2-ME, even in the CLL cells that were resistant to 2-ME alone. These results suggest that the cellular generation of O(2)- plays an important role in the cytotoxic action of 2-ME and that it is possible to use exogenous ROS-producing agents such as arsenic trioxide in combination with 2-ME to enhance the antileukemia activity and to overcome drug resistance. Such a combination strategy may have potential clinical applications.

2-Methoxyestradiol↗

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib induces apoptosis in mantle-cell lymphoma through generation of ROS and Noxa activation independent of p53 status.

Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B-cell lymphoma with an aggressive course and generally poor prognosis. Conventional chemotherapy has little efficacy. Bortezomib is a novel, reversible, and highly specific proteasome inhibitor that appears as a new hope for MCL treatment. We have analyzed the in vitro sensitivity to bortezomib in 4 MCL cell lines and in primary tumor cells from 10 MCL patients. Bortezomib induced phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondrial depolarization, ROS generation, Bax and Bak conformational changes, and caspase activation. In addition, ROS scavengers, but not pancaspase inhibitors, blocked all apoptosis hallmarks. Protein and mRNA-expression analysis, revealed marked up-regulation of the BH3-only protein Noxa, between 4 to 6 hours after bortezomib addition, independent of p53 status. However, this up-regulation was faster and higher in cells with functional p53. Noxa RNA interference markedly decreased sensitivity to bortezomib, pointing to this protein as a key mediator between proteasome inhibition and mitochondrial depolarization in MCL cells. Noxa interacts with the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 and promotes Bak release from Mcl-1, suggesting that up-regulation of Noxa might counteract Mcl-1 accumulation after bortezomib treatment. These findings should be useful to extend the therapeutic strategies in MCL patients and to improve their prognosis.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

The tyrphostin adaphostin interacts synergistically with proteasome inhibitors to induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanism.

Interactions between the tyrphostin adaphostin and proteasome inhibitors (eg, MG-132 and bortezomib) were examined in multiple human leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) specimens. Cotreatment of Jurkat cells with marginally toxic concentrations of adaphostin and proteasome inhibitors synergistically potentiated mitochondrial damage (eg, cytochrome c release), caspase activation, and apoptosis. Similar interactions occurred in other human leukemia cell types (eg, U937, HL-60, Raji). These interactions were associated with a marked increase in oxidative damage (eg, ROS generation), down-regulation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, and JNK activation. Adaphostin/MG-132 lethality as well as mitochondrial damage, down-regulation of Raf/MEK/ERK, and activation of JNK were attenuated by the free-radical scavenger NAC, suggesting that oxidative damage plays a functional role in antileukemic effects. Ectopic expression of Raf-1 or constitutively active MEK/ERK or genetic interruption of the JNK pathway significantly diminished adaphostin/MG-132-mediated lethality. Interestingly, enforced Raf or MEK/ERK activation partially diminished adaphostin/MG-132-mediated ROS generation, suggesting the existence of an amplification loop. Finally, the adaphostin/MG-132 regimen displayed similar toxicity toward 5 primary AML samples but not normal hematopoietic progenitors (eg, bone marrow CD34+ cells). Collectively, these findings suggest that potentiating oxidative damage by combining adaphostin with proteasome inhibitors warrants attention as an antileukemic strategy.

Adamantane↗

Malonate as a ROS product is associated with pyruvate carboxylase activity in acute myeloid leukaemia cells.

BACKGROUND: The role of anaplerotic nutrient entry into the Krebs cycle via pyruvate carboxylase has been the subject of increased scrutiny and in particular whether this is dysregulated in cancer. Here, we use a tracer-based NMR analysis involving high-resolution (1)H-(13)C-HSQC spectra to assess site-specific label incorporation into a range of metabolite pools, including malate, aspartate and glutamate in the acute myeloid leukaemia cell line K562. We also determine how this is affected following treatment with the redeployed drug combination of the lipid-regulating drug bezafibrate and medroxyprogesterone (BaP). RESULTS: Using the tracer-based approach, we assessed the contribution of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) vs. pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity in the derivation of Krebs cycle intermediates. Our data show that PC activity is indeed high in K562 cells. We also demonstrate a branched entry to the Krebs cycle of K562 cells with one branch running counterclockwise using PC-derived oxaloacetate and the other clockwise from the PDH activity. Finally, we show that the PC activity of K562 cells exclusively fuels the ROS-induced decarboxylation of oxaloacetate to malonate in response to BaP treatment; resulting in further Krebs cycle disruption via depletion of oxaloacetate and malonate-mediated inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) resulting in a twofold reduction of fumarate. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends the interest in the PC activity in solid cancers to include leukaemias and further demonstrates the value of tracer-based NMR approaches in generating a more accurate picture of the flow of carbons and metabolites within the increasingly inappropriately named Krebs cycle. Moreover, our studies indicate that the PC activity in cancer cells can be exploited as an Achilles heel by using treatments, such as BaP, that elevate ROS production.

AML↗

A novel gene, Jpk, induces apoptosis in F9 murine teratocarcinoma cell through ROS generation.

A novel gene Jpk (Jopock) has been originally isolated through yeast 1 hybridization technique as a trans-acting factor interacting with the position-specific regulatory element of a murine Hoxa-7. Northern analysis revealed that the Jpk was expressed at day 7.0 post coitum (p.c.) during early gastrulation. Previously it has been shown that a trace amount of JPK protein led bacterial cells to death. In eukaryotic F9 cells, Jpk also led the cell to death-generating DNA ladder: fewer than 50% of the cells survived after 72-h transfection. Flow cytometric analysis with cells stained with each Annexin V/7-amino-actinomycin D (7-AAD), MitoTracker, and hydroethidine (HE) revealed that Jpk induced apoptotic cell death in a time-dependent manner, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, respectively. Additionally, Jpk seemed to regulate the Bcl family at the transcriptional level when RT-PCR was performed. Although the precise mechanism is not clear, these results altogether suggest that Jpk is a potent inducer of apoptosis through generation of ROS as well as concomitant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Animals↗