Activator Protein-1 Response Element Research Articles

MMP expression alteration and MMP-1 production control by syringic acid via AP-1 mechanism

BackgroundSyringic acid is a phenolic compound that can be produced through selective hydrolysis of eudesmic acid containing 20% sulfuric acid. The acid is obtained by breaking down components, such as anthocyanin and lignin acid, present in the oils of acai berries and other fruits. Recently, the anti-inflammatory, selective toxicity, anticancer, and antioxidant effects of syringic acid have been studied, but few studies on the effects of syringic acid on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells have been published. The present study investigated the antioxidant effects of syringic acid, as a potential cosmetic ingredient, on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression alteration and MMP production control through the activator protein-1 (AP-1) mechanism in HaCaT cells exposed to ultraviolet B radiation.MethodsA reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging assay using a luciferase reporter that utilizes the AP-1 response element, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used. To confirm if ROS in HaCaT cells damaged by ultraviolet B are eliminated by syringic acid, 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate was used to measure the ROS quantity. qRT-PCR analysis was used to measure the expressions of SOD1 mRNA, GPx1 mRNA, and catalase (CAT) mRNA, which are related to oxidation inhibition. To measure the anti-aging effects of syringic acid, qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of MMP mRNA, c-Jun, and c-Fos.ResultsROS were eliminated by syringic acid, and cell aging due to ultraviolet B was suppressed. Results of qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that syringic acid suppressed oxidation in HaCaT cells damaged by ultraviolet B. Further, syringic acid was found to suppress the expression of MMP mRNA, c-Jun, and c-Fos in a concentration-dependent manner. ELISA showed that MMP-1 production decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The luciferase reporter analysis revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in the transcriptional activity of AP-1 promoter caused by syringic acid.ConclusionsSyringic acid was shown to be involved in altering MMP expression and controlling MMP-1 production through the AP-1 mechanism. Thus, the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of syringic acid increased the survival rate of HaCaT cells damaged by ultraviolet B, suggesting that it can be used as a natural phytochemical in cosmetic products.

Tethering not required: the glucocorticoid receptor binds directly to activator protein-1 recognition motifs to repress inflammatory genes.

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-regulated transcription factor that controls the expression of extensive gene networks, driving both up- and down-regulation. GR utilizes multiple DNA-binding-dependent and -independent mechanisms to achieve context-specific transcriptional outcomes. The DNA-binding-independent mechanism involves tethering of GR to the pro-inflammatory transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) through protein-protein interactions. This mechanism has served as the predominant model of GR-mediated transrepression of inflammatory genes. However, ChIP-seq data have consistently shown GR to occupy AP-1 response elements (TREs), even in the absence of AP-1. Therefore, the current model is insufficient to explain GR action at these sites. Here, we show that GR regulates a subset of inflammatory genes in a DNA-binding-dependent manner. Using structural biology and biochemical approaches, we show that GR binds directly to TREs via sequence-specific contacts to a GR-binding sequence (GBS) half-site found embedded within the TRE motif. Furthermore, we show that GR-mediated transrepression observed at TRE sites to be DNA-binding-dependent. This represents a paradigm shift in the field, showing that GR uses multiple mechanisms to suppress inflammatory gene expression. This work further expands our understanding of this complex multifaceted transcription factor.

Concurrent Targeting of KRAS and AKT by MiR-4689 Is a Novel Treatment Against Mutant KRAS Colorectal Cancer.

KRAS mutations are a major cause of drug resistance to molecular-targeted therapies. Aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling may cause dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) and gene regulatory networks, which leads to cancer initiation and progression. To address the functional relevance of miRNAs in mutant KRAS cancers, we transfected exogenous KRASG12V into human embryonic kidney 293 and MRC5 cells with wild-type KRAS and BRAF genes, and we comprehensively profiled the dysregulated miRNAs. The result showed that mature miRNA oligonucleotide (miR)-4689, one of the significantly down-regulated miRNAs in KRASG12V overexpressed cells, was found to exhibit a potent growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effect both in vitro and in vivo. miR-4689 expression was significantly down-regulated in cancer tissues compared to normal mucosa, and it was particularly decreased in mutant KRAS CRC tissues. miR-4689 directly targets v-ki-ras2 kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1(AKT1), key components of two major branches in EGFR pathway, suggesting KRAS overdrives this signaling pathway through inhibition of miR-4689. Overall, this study provided additional evidence that mutant KRAS functions as a broad regulator of the EGFR signaling cascade by inhibiting miR-4689, which negatively regulates both RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways. These activities indicated that miR-4689 may be a promising therapeutic agent in mutant KRAS CRC.

Characterization of sea bass FSHβ 5′ flanking region: transcriptional control by 17β-estradiol

The sea bass follicle-stimulating hormone 5' flanking region (sbFSHβ 5' FR) was cloned and characterized in order to study the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of the sbFSHβ gene. Analysis of the ~3.5kb of this region revealed the presence of several putative cis-acting elements, including steroid hormone response elements, cAMP response elements, pituitary-specific transcription factor response elements, activator protein-1 response elements and TATA sequence. Deleted constructs containing ~3.5kb of the sbFSHβ 5' FR fused to a luciferase reporter gene were transiently transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) and mouse mature gonadotrope (LβT2) cell lines. The sbFSHβ 5' FR was efficiently expressed under basal conditions in LβT2 but not in HEK 293, pointing to both positive and negative regulatory elements. In order to elucidate the estrogen-mediated sbFSHβ transcriptional activity, in vitro treatments with 17β-estradiol were carried out on primary cultures of pituitary cells and LβT2 cells transiently expressing luciferase under the control of sbFSHβ 5' FR. Overall, these results demonstrate that 17β-estradiol inhibits sbFSHβ gene expression directly at the level of the pituitary. However, it was also shown that estrogen did not induce changes of the sbFSH promoter-directed luciferase activity, suggesting that sbFSHβ 5'FR (~3.5kb) activity is cell type dependent and its estrogen regulation could require cis-acting elements located upstream of the promoter region, which is characterized in this article.

Inhibition of Egr-1 by siRNA in prostate carcinoma cell lines is associated with decreased expression of AP-1 and NF-κB

Previous studies suggest that the effects of Egr-1 on tumorigenesis are critically dependent on the levels of Egr-1 and the cellular context. For this reason, we examined the effects of blocking the Egr-1 activity by a short interfering RNA (siRNA) against Egr-1 on the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling in the PC-3 and LNCaP prostate carcinoma cell lines. We observed that the reduction in expression of Egr-1 in PC-3 and LNCaP cells by effects of the siRNA vector resulted in lower cell viability and increased apoptosis at 24 and 120 h after transfection. This reduced cell viability correlated well with a reduced activity of the NF-κB and AP-1 factors. We analyzed the expression and activity of these factors and found that p65 and IκB but not p50 were reduced in the siRNA-treated cells. Similarly, we found that c-Fos but not c-Jun was reduced in the siRNA treated cells. These effects were translated to reduced transcriptional activity of NF-κB over cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP) and p21 genes, as assayed by RT-PCR and of AP-1 over a luciferase reporter activated by AP-1 response elements. Egr-1 was also found to interact directly with p65 and IκB members of the NF-κB family, thereby was able to regulate directly their activity by post-transcriptional effects. These results suggest that Egr-1 may promote prostate cancer development by modulating the activity of factors NF-κB and AP-1, which are involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis.

In Vivo Bioluminescence Imaging Reveals Redox-Regulated Activator Protein-1 Activation in Paraventricular Nucleus of Mice With Renovascular Hypertension

Renovascular hypertension in mice is characterized by an elevation in hypothalamic angiotensin II levels. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a major cardioregulatory site implicated in the neurogenic component of renovascular hypertension. Increased superoxide (O(2)(-·)) production in the PVN is involved in angiotensin II-dependent neurocardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. Here, we tested the hypothesis that excessive O(2)(-·) production and activation of the redox-regulated transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) in PVN contributes to the development and maintenance of renovascular hypertension. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent implantation of radiotelemeters, bilateral PVN injections of an adenovirus (Ad) encoding superoxide dismutase (AdCuZnSOD) or a control gene (LacZ), and unilateral renal artery clipping (2-kidney, one-clip [2K1C]) or sham surgery. AP-1 activity was longitudinally monitored in vivo by bioluminescence imaging in 2K1C or sham mice that had undergone PVN-targeted microinjections of an Ad encoding the firefly luciferase (Luc) gene downstream of AP-1 response elements (AdAP-1Luc). 2K1C evoked chronic hypertension and an increase in O(2)(-·) production in the PVN. Viral delivery of CuZnSOD to the PVN not only prevented the elevation in O(2)(-·) but also abolished renovascular hypertension. 2K1C also caused a surge in AP-1 activity in the PVN, which paralleled the rise in O(2)(-·) production in this brain region, and this was prevented by treatment with AdCuZnSOD. Finally, Ad-mediated expression of a dominant-negative inhibitor of AP-1 activity in the PVN prevented 2K1C-evoked hypertension. These results implicate oxidant signaling and AP-1 transcriptional activity in the PVN as key mediators in the pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension.

The activator protein 1 binding motifs within the human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early enhancer are functionally redundant and act in a cooperative manner with the NF-{kappa}B sites during acute infection.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes a rapid induction of c-Fos and c-Jun, the major subunits of activator protein 1 (AP-1), which in turn have been postulated to activate the viral immediate-early (IE) genes. Accordingly, the major IE promoter (MIEP) enhancer, a critical control region for initiating lytic HCMV infection and reactivation from the latent state, contains one well-characterized AP-1 site and a second candidate interaction site. In this study we explored the role of these AP-1 elements in the context of the infection. We first show that the distal candidate AP-1 motif binds c-Fos/c-Jun heterodimers (AP-1 complex) and confers c-Fos/c-Jun-mediated activity to a core promoter. Site-directed mutagenesis studies indicate that both AP-1 response elements are critical for 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-enhanced MIEP activity in transient-transfection assays. In marked contrast to the results obtained with the isolated promoter, disruption of the AP-1 recognition sites of the MIEP in the context of the infectious HCMV genome has no significant influence on the expression of the MIE protein IE1 or viral replication in different cell types. Moreover, a chimeric murine CMV driven by the HCMV MIEP (hMCMV-ES) with the two AP-1 binding sites mutated is not compromised in virulence, is able to grow and disseminate to different organs of the newborn mice as efficiently as the parental virus, and is competent in reactivation. We show, however, that combined inactivation of the enhancer AP-1 and NF-κB recognition sites leads to an attenuation of the hMCMV-ES in the neonatal murine infection model, not observed when each single element is abolished. Altogether, these results underline the functional redundancy of the MIEP elements, highlighting the plasticity of this region, which probably evolved to ensure maximal transcriptional performance across many diverse environments.

Inhibition of transcriptional activity of c-JUN by SIRT1

c-JUN is a major component of heterodimer transcription factor AP-1 (Activator Protein-1) that activates gene transcription in cell proliferation, inflammation and stress responses. SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) is a histone deacetylase that controls gene transcription through modification of chromatin structure. However, it is not clear if SIRT1 regulates c-JUN activity in the control of gene transcription. Here, we show that SIRT1 associated with c-JUN in co-immunoprecipitation of whole cell lysate, and inhibited the transcriptional activity of c-JUN in the mammalian two hybridization system. SIRT1 was found in the AP-1 response element in the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) promoter DNA leading to inhibition of histone 3 acetylation as shown in a ChIP assay. The SIRT1 signal was reduced by the AP-1 activator PMA, and induced by the SIRT1 activator Resveratrol in the promoter DNA. SIRT1-mediaetd inhibition of AP-1 was demonstrated in the MMP9 gene expression at the gene promoter, mRNA and protein levels. In mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) with SIRT1 deficiency (SIRT1 −/−), mRNA and protein of MMP9 were increased in the basal condition, and the inhibitory activity of Resveratrol was significantly attenuated. Glucose-induced MMP9 expression was also inhibited by SIRT1 in response to Resveratrol. These data consistently suggest that SIRT1 directly inhibits the transcriptional activity of AP-1 by targeting c-JUN.

Abstract 1367: Altered Transmural Expression Of I Kr In Cardiac Memory Is Regulated By The Transcription Factor, Activator Protein-1

Introduction: We previously reported that the transient outward current (I to ) and mRNA and protein levels of its accessory subunit KChIP2 decrease in ventricular pacing-induced cardiac memory (CM). These changes appear dependent on a decrease of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). We have also reported that the transmural gradients of the delayed rectifier potassium current component, I kr and the mRNA and protein of its subunit ERG (all showing epicardium (EPI) > endocardium (ENDO)), are diminished in CM. However, there is no CREB binding site in the ERG promoter region to explain the change in ERG. We now tested the hypothesis that 1) the normal transmural gradient of ERG expression in canine left ventricle (LV) is paralleled by a transmural gradient of the Activator protein-1 (AP-1) components c-Jun and c-Fos, and 2) altered transmural expression of c-Jun and c-Fos parallels the altered transmural ERG in CM. Methods: We screened 2000bp upstream from the first exon of ERG for transcription factor binding sites. Then 10 dogs were chronically instrumented with LV posterior wall and LA pacing electrodes. Five underwent 3w AV-sequential pacing (CM), and 5, 3w of atrial pacing (Sham). CM was quantified as change in T wave vector displacement (TVD). At 3w biopsies were taken 1–2 cm from the LV pacing site. Real time PCR was used to determine c-Jun and c-Fos. Results: Screening revealed an AP-1 response element upstream to the ERG promoter region, supporting the hypothesis that c-Jun and c-Fos might be reasonable candidate transcription factors here. TVD increased in CM compared to Sham. As previously, mRNA and protein transmural gradients of ERG decreased in CM. C-jun and c-Fos exhibited transmural gradients, EPI>ENDO, in Sham (Table ). This gradient was lost in CM. Conclusion AP-1 is a transcription factor for ERG and the altered ERG transmural gradient in CM may be regulated by the altered c-Jun and c-Fos gradient. T vector displacement (TVD) and mRNA of c-Jun and c-Fos

JNK-AP-1 pathway involved in interleukin-1β-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide secretion in human type II alveolar epithelial cells

In a previous study, we found that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) could be induced by proinflammatory factor IL-1β in A549 human type II alveolar (AEII) epithelial cells. We investigated the mechanism of IL-1β-induced CGRP secretion and found that the PKC-p38 MAPK-NF-κB pathway was involved. In the present study, we found that IL-1β stimulation induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity within 15 min in A549 cells. In investigating whether JNK was involved in IL-1β-induced CGRP secretion, the JNK II inhibitor SP600125 was used and it significantly attenuated IL-1β-induced CGRP secretion and c-Jun activity, which was elevated after IL-1β stimulation from mRNA to protein level. EMSA results showed the activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1) after 2-h IL-1β stimulation, and the JNK II inhibitor blocked c-Jun and AP-1 activity. Bioinformatic analysis showed five predicted AP-1 binding sites on the promoter of β-CGRP; deletion analysis identified an AP-1 consensus site at −643 bp relative to the initiation site, which mediates the β-CGRP gene transcription in response to IL-1β. These data suggest that besides the PKC-p38 MAPK-NF-κB pathway, the JNK-AP-1 pathway is involved in IL-1β-induced CGRP secretion in A549 human type II alveolar epithelial cells, and a 643-bp site upstream of the transcription start site on the promoter of β-CGRP is the AP-1 response element.

Hydrogen Peroxide Stimulates Proliferation and Migration of Human Prostate Cancer Cells through Activation of Activator Protein-1 and Up-regulation of the Heparin Affin Regulatory Peptide Gene

It is becoming increasingly recognized that hydrogen peroxide (HP) plays a role in cell proliferation and migration. In the present study we found that exogenous HP significantly induced human prostate cancer LNCaP cell proliferation and migration. Heparin affin regulatory peptide (HARP) seems to be involved in the stimulatory effect of HP, because the latter had no effect on stably transfected LNCaP cells that did not express HARP. Moreover, HP significantly increased HARP mRNA and protein amounts in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Curcumin and activator protein-1 (AP-1) decoy oligonucleotides abrogated both HP-induced HARP expression and LNCaP cell proliferation and migration. HP increased luciferase activity of the 5'-flanking region of the HARP gene introduced in a reporter gene vector, an effect that was abolished when even one of the two putative AP-1 binding sites of the HARP promoter was mutated. The effect of HP seems to be due to the binding of Fra-1, JunD, and phospho-c-Jun to the HARP promoter. These results support the notion that HARP is important for human prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration, establish the role of AP-1 in the up-regulation of HARP expression by low concentrations of HP, and characterize the AP-1 dimers involved.

Combining RNA interference and kinase inhibitors against cell signalling components involved in cancer.

BackgroundThe transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) has been implicated in a large variety of biological processes including oncogenic transformation. The tyrosine kinases of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) constitute the beginning of one signal transduction cascade leading to AP-1 activation and are known to control cell proliferation and differentiation. Drug discovery efforts targeting this receptor and other pathway components have centred on monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors. Resistance to such inhibitors has already been observed, guiding the prediction of their use in combination therapies with other targeted agents such as RNA interference (RNAi). This study examines the use of RNAi and kinase inhibitors for qualification of components involved in the EGFR/AP-1 pathway of ME180 cells, and their inhibitory effects when evaluated individually or in tandem against multiple components of this important disease-related pathway.MethodsAP-1 activation was assessed using an ME180 cell line stably transfected with a beta-lactamase reporter gene under the control of AP-1 response element following epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. Immunocytochemistry allowed for further quantification of small molecule inhibition on a cellular protein level. RNAi and RT-qPCR experiments were performed to assess the amount of knockdown on an mRNA level, and immunocytochemistry was used to reveal cellular protein levels for the targeted pathway components.ResultsIncreased potency of kinase inhibitors was shown by combining RNAi directed towards EGFR and small molecule inhibitors acting at proximal or distal points in the pathway. After cellular stimulation with EGF and analysis at the level of AP-1 activation using a β-lactamase reporter gene, a 10–12 fold shift or 2.5–3 fold shift toward greater potency in the IC50 was observed for EGFR and MEK-1 inhibitors, respectively, in the presence of RNAi targeting EGFR.ConclusionEGFR pathway components were qualified as targets for inhibition of AP-1 activation using RNAi and small molecule inhibitors. The combination of these two targeted agents was shown to increase the efficacy of EGFR and MEK-1 kinase inhibitors, leading to possible implications for overcoming or preventing drug resistance, lowering effective drug doses, and providing new strategies for interrogating cellular signalling pathways.

Transcriptional coactivation of c-Jun by the KSHV-encoded LANA

AbstractThe Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV)–encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) modulates viral and cellular gene expression, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), a growth factor for KSHV-associated diseases. LANA-driven IL-6 expression is dependent on the activator protein 1 (AP1) response element (RE) within the IL-6 promoter. We show that LANA activates the AP1 RE in a Jun-dependent fashion and that LANA enhances the transcriptional activity of a GAL4-Jun fusion protein. Coimmunoprecipitation studies documented a physical interaction between LANA and c-Jun in transiently transfected 293 cells as well as the KSHV-infected BCBL-1 primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell line. Taken together, these data indicate that LANA is a transcriptional coactivator of c-Jun. In addition, electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that LANA induces binding of a c-Jun-Fos heterodimer to the AP1 RE, but does not itself bind to the AP1 RE. RNA interference experiments confirmed that LANA activates the AP1 RE, stimulates binding of a c-Jun-Fos heterodimer to the AP1 RE, and induces expression of IL-6. These data indicate that LANA is a transcriptional coactivator of c-Jun, a function that may have implications for the pathogenesis of KSHV-associated diseases.

Possible interaction between activator protein-1 and proto-oncogene B-cell lymphoma gene 6 in breast cancer patients resistant to tamoxifen

About 75% of breast tumors are positive for the estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PgR) or both, and estrogen is the main stimulant in the development and growth of these tumors. Tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor antagonist has been endocrine treatment for hormone-sensitive breast cancer for more than 20 years. However, the underlying cause of treatment failure in many breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen is resistance to tamoxifen. The mechanisms of tamoxifen and the molecular events responsible for resistance to tamoxifen are not fully understood. Two ER subtypes, ERα and ERβ, activate the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) response elements, and through interactions between ERs and the AP-1 transcription factors c-fos and c-jun, these transcription factors regulate the genes involved in many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, cell motility, and apoptosis. Thus, the interaction between ERs and AP-1 could be important clinically and could have bearing on the response to tamoxifen. Tamoxifen acts as an agonist on genes under the control of an AP-1 response elements when ERα or ERβ is expressed. AP-1 blockade supresses mitogenic signals from multiple different peptide growth factors as well as estrogen, and inhibits the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Tamoxifen actually activate the AP-1 transcription factor. Increased AP-1 activity in breast cancer cells can lead to tamoxifen resistance. The proto-oncogene B-cell lymphoma gene 6 (BCL-6) has been characterized as a regulator of B-lymphocyte growth and development. BCL-6 is also expressed in the mammary epithelium in nonpregnant animals and during early pregnancy and is expressed in 68% of histologically high-grade ductal breast carcinomas, which are clinically the most aggressive. BCL-6 is a potent repressor of transcriptional activity mediated by AP-1 factors. We hypothesize that increased BCL-6 in breast cancer cells might block tamoxifen resistance by repressing AP-1, eventually resulting in apoptosis. We also suggest that BCL-6 expression must be analyzed in ER-positive breast cancer patients and the results must be correlated with predictive and prognostic factors and survival.

Transcriptional synergism on the pS2 gene promoter between a p160 coactivator and estrogen receptor-alpha depends on the coactivator subtype, the type of estrogen response element, and the promoter context.

The pS2 gene is estrogen responsive in hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2) in the presence of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). The estrogenic activity is mediated through an estrogen response element (ERE) in the 5'-flanking region of the pS2 gene; however, an activator protein 1 (AP1) response element located close to the ERE in the pS2 promoter has also proven essential for a maximum response to estrogen. In the present study, we show estrogen-induced synergistic activity by the p160 coactivator steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), mediated via the ERE and the AP1 response element in the pS2 promoter. In addition, we present data that support an interaction between the ERE and the AP1 motif via SRC-1. The related but distinct p160 coactivator, transcriptional intermediary factor-2, was a more potent activator of pS2 gene expression. In addition, transcriptional intermediary factor-2 was less dependent on an intact AP1 response element in the pS2 promoter than SRC-1. Furthermore, the type of ERE in the pS2 promoter influenced the potentiation by SRC-1, supported by less dependence on the AP1 motif when the natural ERE was substituted for by a consensus ERE. These results highlight several mechanisms whereby fine-tuning of estrogen responsiveness of an individual gene may be achieved.

Stimulation of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) attenuates cardiac fibrosis and endothelin-1 production in pressure-overloaded rat hearts.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) production is increased in hypertrophied hearts accompanied with fibrosis. ET-1 is a potent mitogen of fibroblasts and ET receptor antagonists are reported to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts and cardiac fibrosis. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha), one of the nuclear hormone receptors, suppresses activator protein-1 (AP-1), one of the nuclear transcription factors. Activation of PPAR alpha is reported to inhibit thrombin-induced ET-1 production by repressing the AP-1 signalling pathway in vascular endothelial cells. We investigated effects of the PPAR alpha activator fenofibrate (80 mg/kg per day, per os) on mRNA levels of ET-1, collagen type I and type III and histological features of myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophied rat hearts due to pressure-overload by abdominal aortic banding (AB). The treatment with fenofibrate or vehicle was started 7 days before the AB operation. Four days after the AB operation, fenofibrate treatment significantly reduced ET-1 mRNA expression compared with vehicle treatment in AB rat hearts. Collagen type I and type III mRNA expression, and interstitial and perivascular fibrosis were attenuated in the fenofibrate-treated AB rat group. Since the ET-1 gene has AP-1 response elements in the 5'-flanking region, it is suggested that myocardial fibrosis is effectively inhibited by fenofibrate through suppression of AP-1-mediated ET-1 gene augmentation in the pressure-overloaded heart caused by aortic banding in rats.

An activator protein-1 complex mediates epidermal growth factor regulation of equine glycoprotein alpha subunit expression in trophoblast cells.

Equids and primates are the only species known to express the placental hormone chorionic gonadotropin (CG). CG is a member of the heterodimeric glycoprotein family and is composed of an alpha subunit linked to a hormone-specific beta subunit. Previously, we have reported that epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates the equine glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit promoter through a protein kinase C (PKC)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway in trophoblasts. The current study investigates the regulatory element/factors involved in the induction of equine glycoprotein alpha subunit gene expression by EGF. Using 5' deletion mutagenesis, we have delineated the primary EGF/PKC responsive region of the equine alpha subunit gene to be located between -2039 to -2032 base pairs upstream of the transcriptional start site. The sequence within this region contains an activator protein 1 (AP-1)-like response element (TGAATCA) and is similar to a consensus AP-1 (TGAC/GTCA) response element. This element appeared to preferentially interact with a c-fos/JunD heterodimer. Stimulation by EGF induced the binding of c-fos and JunD to this element and subsequently elevated promoter activity. In conclusion, an EGF/PKC/MAPK signal transduction pathway regulates equine glycoprotein alpha subunit gene expression through a distinct regulatory element(s) that lies between -2039 to -2032 of the equine glycoprotein alpha subunit promoter in trophoblasts and involves an AP-1 complex.

AP-1, NF-kappa-B, and ERK activation thresholds for promotion of neoplastic transformation in the mouse epidermal JB6 model.

The promotion-sensitive mouse epidermal JB6 cells (clone 41) have been used to identify the tumor-promoting activity of various compounds. Because treatment by tumor promoters [12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), epidermal growth factor (EGF), or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)] transforms clone 41 cells to anchorage-independent and tumorigenic phenotypes, they are considered to be undergoing late-stage tumor promotion. Here we address the question of how much activation of transformation-relevant transcription factors [activator protein-1 (AP-1), ternary complex factors (TCFs), or nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappa-B)] is required for transformation response and how much tumor promoter produces significant risk of transformation. Stable transfectants harboring a reporter construct with an AP-1 response element, serum-response element (SRE), or NF-kappa-B response element were established. We examined the relationship between concentration of tumor promoters, key signaling events, and activation of the transcription factors. A concentration of > 0.2 nM TPA or 0.12 ng/mL (0.02 nM) EGF produced a significant increase in transformation response as well as in extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), SRE, or AP-1 activation. Treatment with > 0.4 U/mL (2.35 pM) TNF-alpha increased NF-kappa-B activity and transformation response in a dose-dependent manner. However, transformation response decreased at > 33 U/mL TNF-alpha due to a cytotoxic response. These findings suggest that the signaling pathway leading to the activation of ERK, TCF, and AP-1 proteins constitutes a major factor determining the risk of tumor promotion by TPA or EGF. Cell toxicity in addition to NF-kappa-B activation should be considered in predicting TNF-alpha-induced transformation response.

PS2 Gene expression in HepG2 cells: complex regulation through crosstalk between the estrogen receptor alpha, an estrogen-responsive element, and the activator protein 1 response element.

The pS2 promoter is complex with binding sites for a number of protein factors that may participate in modulating its activity. The pS2 gene was transcriptionally activated by estrogens in HepG2 cells transformed (HepER3) to express the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). The phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated pS2 expression in both HepER3 and the parental, non-ER-expressing HepG2 cells, although its activity was substantially less in HepG2 cells. The use of selective protein kinase inhibitors suggested that the MAPK pathway contributes substantially to estrogen stimulation of the pS2 promoter. The activator protein 1 (AP1) site at -332 to -338 in the pS2 promoter had a dominant role in the response to both estrogens and PMA, although the estrogen response element at -393 to -405 was essential to mediate the response to estrogen. The potentiation of pS2 promoter activity by the AP1 motif in response to estrogen was dependent on the ligand binding domain of ERalpha. Furthermore, the presence of an intact AP1 element in the pS2 promoter sustained suppression of pS2 promoter activity by an LXXLL peptide. In summary, the data suggest that the effect of estrogen is mediated through a cross-talk between the estrogen-responsive element and the AP1 response element and that ERalpha plays a crucial role in mediating the effect of both estrogen and PMA.

Regulation of nuclear factor-κB, activator protein-1, and glutathione levels by tumor necrosis factor-α and dexamethasone in alveolar epithelial cells

The development of an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in lung inflammation may activate redox-sensitive transcription factors such as nuclear factor- kappaB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), which regulate the genes for proinflammatory mediators and protective antioxidant genes. GSH, a ubiquitous tripeptide thiol, is a vital intra- and extracellular protective antioxidant against oxidative stress, which plays a key role in the control of proinflammatory processes in the lungs. The rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis is γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), which consists of a catalytic heavy and a regulatory light subunit. The promoter regions of the human γ-GCS subunits contain AP-1, NF-κB, and antioxidant response elements and are regulated by oxidants, growth factors, inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory agent (dexamethasone) in lung cells. TNF-α depletes intracellular GSH, concomitant with an increase in oxidised glutathione levels in alveolar epithelial cells. TNF-α also induces the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 and the subsequent increase in γ-GCS heavy subunit transcription in these cells. Dexamethasone depleted both basal and TNF-α-stimulated GSH levels by down-regulating the γ-GCS-heavy subunit transcription via a mechanism involving AP-1 (c-Jun). The existence of this fine tuning between the redox GSH levels and the activation of transcription factors may determine the balance of transcription for proinflammatory and antioxidant γ-GCS genes in inflammation. More studies are required to understand the signalling mechanism of the redox regulation of NF-κB and AP-1 and gene transcription in inflammation. This could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies based on the pharmacological manipulation of the production of this important antioxidant in inflammation.