Blockade Of Protein Synthesis Research Articles

Preclinical evaluation of the CD38-targeting engineered toxin body MT-0169 against multiple myeloma.

Despite significant progress in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), relapsed/refractory patients urgently require more effective therapies. We here describe the discovery, mechanism of action, and preclinical anti-MM activity of engineered toxin body MT-0169, a next-generation immunotoxin comprising a CD38-specific antibody fragment linked to a de-immunized Shiga-like toxin A subunit (SLTA) payload. We show that specific binding of MT-0169 to CD38 on MM cell lines triggers rapid internalization of SLTA, causing cell death via irreversible ribosome inhibition, protein synthesis blockade, and caspase 3/7 activation. In co-culture experiments, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells did not induce drug resistance against MT-0169. In the preclinical setting, MT-0169 effectively lysed primary MM cells from newly diagnosed and heavily pretreated MM patients, including those refractory to daratumumab, with minimal toxicity against nonmalignant hematopoietic cells. MM cell lysis showed a significant correlation with their CD38 expression levels but not with cytogenetic risk, tumor load, or number of prior lines of therapy. Finally, MT-0169 showed efficient in vivo anti-MM activity in various mouse xenograft models, including one in which MM cells are grown in a humanized bone marrow-like niche. These findings support clinical investigation of MT-0169 in relapsed/refractory MM patients, including those refractory to CD38-targeting immunotherapies.

Human trophectoderm becomes multi-layered by internalization at the polar region

To implant in the uterus, mammalian embryos form blastocysts comprising trophectoderm (TE) surrounding an inner cell mass (ICM), confined to the polar region by the expanding blastocoel. The mode of implantation varies between species. Murine embryos maintain a single layered TE until they implant in the characteristic thick deciduum, whereas human blastocysts attach via polar TE directly to the uterine wall. Using immunofluorescence (IF) of rapidly isolated ICMs, blockade of RNA and protein synthesis in whole embryos, or 3D visualization of immunostained embryos, we provide evidence of multi-layering in human polar TE before implantation. This may be required for rapid uterine invasion to secure the developing human embryo and initiate formation of the placenta. Using sequential fluorescent labeling, we demonstrate that the majority of inner TE in human blastocysts arises from existing outer cells, with no evidence of conversion from the ICM in the context of the intact embryo.

Influenza A virus NS1 effector domain is required for PA-X-mediated host shutoff in infected cells.

Many viruses inhibit general host gene expression to limit innate immune responses and gain preferential access to the cellular translational apparatus for their protein synthesis. This process is known as host shutoff. Influenza A viruses (IAVs) encode two host shutoff proteins: nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and polymerase acidic X (PA-X). NS1 inhibits host nuclear pre-messenger RNA maturation and export, and PA-X is an endoribonuclease that preferentially cleaves host spliced nuclear and cytoplasmic messenger RNAs. Emerging evidence suggests that in circulating human IAVs NS1 and PA-X co-evolve to ensure optimal magnitude of general host shutoff without compromising viral replication that relies on host cell metabolism. However, the functional interplay between PA-X and NS1 remains unexplored. In this study, we sought to determine whether NS1 function has a direct effect on PA-X activity by analyzing host shutoff in A549 cells infected with wild-type or mutant IAVs with NS1 effector domain deletion. This was done using conventional quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques and direct RNA sequencing using nanopore technology. Our previous research on the molecular mechanisms of PA-X function identified two prominent features of IAV-infected cells: nuclear accumulation of cytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein (PABPC1) and increase in nuclear poly(A) RNA abundance relative to the cytoplasm. Here we demonstrate that NS1 effector domain function augments PA-X host shutoff and is necessary for nuclear PABPC1 accumulation. By contrast, nuclear poly(A) RNA accumulation is not dependent on either NS1 or PA-X-mediated host shutoff and is accompanied by nuclear retention of viral transcripts. Our study demonstrates for the first time that NS1 and PA-X may functionally interact in mediating host shutoff.IMPORTANCERespiratory viruses including the influenza A virus continue to cause annual epidemics with high morbidity and mortality due to the limited effectiveness of vaccines and antiviral drugs. Among the strategies evolved by viruses to evade immune responses is host shutoff-a general blockade of host messenger RNA and protein synthesis. Disabling influenza A virus host shutoff is being explored in live attenuated vaccine development as an attractive strategy for increasing their effectiveness by boosting antiviral responses. Influenza A virus encodes two proteins that function in host shutoff: the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and the polymerase acidic X (PA-X). We and others have characterized some of the NS1 and PA-X mechanisms of action and the additive effects that these viral proteins may have in ensuring the blockade of host gene expression. In this work, we examined whether NS1 and PA-X functionally interact and discovered that NS1 is required for PA-X to function effectively. This work significantly advances our understanding of influenza A virus host shutoff and identifies new potential targets for therapeutic interventions against influenza and further informs the development of improved live attenuated vaccines.

Bacterial blockade of host protein synthesis triggers cell death in dendritic cells to restrict Legionella pneumophilainfection

Abstract Legionella pneumophila is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that is responsible for a pneumonia called Legionnaire’s disease. Legionella invades cells by using a type IV secretion system that delivers effector proteins into the host cell cytosol to facilitate its intracellular survival and replication. Macrophages serve as the primary replicative niche for Legionella. In contrast, dendritic cells (DCs) have been shown to rapidly restrict Legionella infection by activating cell death. The host and bacterial factors that induce this response remain elusive. We found that DCs undergo caspase-dependent cell death and that this response is triggered by a subset of secreted effectors that block host protein synthesis. Specifically, we show that these effectors decrease the levels of pro-survival proteins in DCs, thus leaving cells poised to undergo cell death. Altogether, our data show that pro-survival molecules in DCs serve as guard proteins that detect pathogenic activities to limit bacterial replication. Supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (DGE-2236662)

Sestrin2 Signaling Pathway Regulates Podocyte Biology and Protects against Diabetic Nephropathy.

Sestrin2 regulates cell homeostasis and is an upstream signaling molecule for several signaling pathways. Sestrin2 leads to AMP-activated protein kinase- (AMPK-) and GTPase-activating protein activity toward Rags (GATOR) 1-mediated inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), thereby enhancing autophagy. Sestrin2 also improves mitochondrial biogenesis via AMPK/Sirt1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. Blockade of ribosomal protein synthesis and augmentation of autophagy by Sestrin2 can prevent misfolded protein accumulation and attenuate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, Sestrin2 enhances P62-mediated autophagic degradation of Keap1 to release nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 release by Sestrin2 vigorously potentiates antioxidant defense in diabetic nephropathy. Impaired autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, severe oxidative stress, and ER stress are all deeply involved in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. It has been shown that Sestrin2 expression is lower in the kidney of animals and patients with diabetic nephropathy. Sestrin2 knockdown aggravated diabetic nephropathy in animal models. In contrast, upregulation of Sestrin2 enhanced autophagy, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis and suppressed oxidative stress, ER stress, and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy. Consistently, overexpression of Sestrin2 ameliorated podocyte injury, mesangial proliferation, proteinuria, and renal fibrosis in animal models of diabetic nephropathy. By suppressing transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad and Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcription enhancer factor 1 (TEF1) signaling pathways in experimental models, Sestrin2 hindered epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix accumulation in diabetic kidneys. Moreover, modulation of the downstream molecules of Sestrin2, for instance, augmentation of AMPK or Nrf2 signaling and inhibition of mTORC1, has been protective in diabetic nephropathy. Regarding the beneficial effects of Sestrin2 on diabetic nephropathy and its interaction with several signaling molecules, it is worth targeting Sestrin2 in diabetic nephropathy.

Growth Arrest of Alveolar Cells in Response to Cytokines from Spike S1-Activated Macrophages: Role of IFN-γ.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by severe hypoxemia and high-permeability pulmonary edema. A hallmark of the disease is the presence of lung inflammation with features of diffuse alveolar damage. The molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of COVID-19-associated ARDS (CARDS), secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection, are still not fully understood. Here, we investigate the effects of a cytokine-enriched conditioned medium from Spike S1-activated macrophage on alveolar epithelial A549 cells in terms of cell proliferation, induction of autophagy, and expression of genes related to protein degradation. The protective effect of baricitinib, employed as an inhibitor of JAK-STAT, has been also tested. The results obtained indicate that A549 exhibits profound changes in cell morphology associated to a proliferative arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Other alterations occur, such as a blockade of protein synthesis and the activation of autophagy, along with an increase of the intracellular amino acids content, which is likely ascribable to the activation of protein degradation. These changes correlate to the induction of IFN-regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) due to an increased secretion of IFN-γ in the conditioned medium from S1-activated macrophages. The addition of baricitinib prevents the observed effects. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the IFN-γ-IRF-1 signaling pathway may play a role in the alveolar epithelial damage observed in COVID-19-related ARDS.

IRE1\u03b1 RIDD activity induced under ER stress drives neuronal death by the degradation of 14-3-3 \u03b8 mRNA in cortical neurons during glucose deprivation

Altered protein homeostasis is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and acute brain injury induced under energy depletion conditions such as ischemia. The accumulation of damaged or unfolded proteins triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR), which can act as a homeostatic response or lead to cell death. However, the factors involved in turning and adaptive response into a cell death mechanism are still not well understood. Several mechanisms leading to brain injury induced by severe hypoglycemia have been described but the contribution of the UPR has been poorly studied. Cell responses triggered during both the hypoglycemia and the glucose reinfusion periods can contribute to neuronal death. Therefore, we have investigated the activation dynamics of the PERK and the IRE1α branches of the UPR and their contribution to neuronal death in a model of glucose deprivation (GD) and glucose reintroduction (GR) in cortical neurons. Results show a rapid activation of the PERK/p-eIF2α/ATF4 pathway leading to protein synthesis inhibition during GD, which contributes to neuronal adaptation, however, sustained blockade of protein synthesis during GR promotes neuronal death. On the other hand, IRE1α activation occurs early during GD due to its interaction with BAK/BAX, while ASK1 is recruited to IRE1α activation complex during GR promoting the nuclear translocation of JNK and the upregulation of Chop. Most importantly, results show that IRE1α RNase activity towards its splicing target Xbp1 mRNA occurs late after GR, precluding a homeostatic role. Instead, IRE1α activity during GR drives neuronal death by positively regulating ASK1/JNK activity through the degradation of 14-3-3 θ mRNA, a negative regulator of ASK and an adaptor protein highly expressed in brain, implicated in neuroprotection. Collectively, results describe a novel regulatory mechanism of cell death in neurons, triggered by the downregulation of 14-3-3 θ mRNA induced by the IRE1α branch of the UPR.

Sodium butyrate as a selective cognitive enhancer for weak or impaired memory

Several recent studies showed that memory can be modulated by manipulating chromatin modifications using histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors during memory formation, consolidation, and reconsolidation. We used a context fear conditioning paradigm with minimal non-painful current as a reinforcement, what elicited alertness to the context and freezing during tests in rats. Such paradigm resulted in a relatively weak memory in significant part of the rats. Here, we demonstrate that intraperitoneal administration of the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate immediately following memory reactivation, produced memory enhancement in rats with weak memory, however, not in rats with strong memory. Additionally, we investigated the ability of the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate to restore the contextual memory impaired due to the blockade of protein synthesis during memory reactivation. The results obtained evidence that the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate reinstated the impaired contextual memory. This enhancement effect is consistent with other studies demonstrating a role for HDAC inhibitors in the facilitation of contextual fear.

Interoceptive Insular Cortex Mediates Both Innate Fear and Contextual Threat Conditioning to Predator Odor.

The insular cortex (IC), among other brain regions, becomes active when humans experience fear or anxiety. However, few experimental studies in rats have implicated the IC in threat responses. We have recently reported that inactivation of the primary interoceptive cortex (pIC) during pre-training, or the intra-pIC blockade of protein synthesis immediately after training, impaired the consolidation of auditory fear conditioning. The present study was designed to investigate the role of the pIC in innate and learned defensive responses to predator odor. Freezing behavior was elicited by single or repetitive exposures to a collar that had been worn by a domestic cat. Sessions were video-recorded and later scored by video observation. We found that muscimol inactivation of the pIC reduced the expression of freezing reaction in response to a single or repeated exposure to cat odor. We also found that pIC inactivation with muscimol impaired conditioning of fear to the context in which rats were exposed to cat odor. Furthermore, neosaxitoxin inactivation of the pIC resulted in a prolonged and robust reduction in freezing response in subsequent re-exposures to cat odor. In addition, freezing behavior significantly correlated with the neural activity of the IC. The present results suggest that the IC is involved in the expression of both innate and learned fear responses to predator odor.

Activation of c-Fos Expression in the Retrosplenial Cortex but Not the Hippocampus Accompanies Formation of an Association between the Context and the Unconditioned Stimulus and Its Subsequent Retrieval in Mice

Identification of the neural mechanisms of associative memory is one of the fundamental tasks in neuroscience. We report here use of a model of associative learning in mice in which formation of a memory of a neutral context and subsequent association of transient presentation of this context with an unconditioned electrocutaneous stimulus (footshock) were separated in time. This provided for studies of relationship between different stages in the formation of this memory and protein synthesis and allowed us to study genomic activation of various brain structures during association and the memory of the context of the footshock. These studies showed that blockade of protein synthesis both during exploration of the novel context and during application of immediate footshock in an already familiar context impaired conditioned reflex freezing to this context. The association of the memory trace of the context of the footshock retrieved in response to a reminder was accompanied by activation of the expression of transcription factor c-Fos in the retrosplenial cortex. The retrosplenial cortex was also specifically activated by subsequent retrieval of the associative memory of the context. This activation was not seen in mice with impaired memory. No such differences were seen in the hippocampus, where activation of c-Fos expression occurred in relation to exploration of the novel context and not its association with the footshock. These results provide evidence that the retrosplenial cortex may be part of the neocortex supporting formation of associations between context and aversive unconditioned stimuli.

Interaction between stress granules and viruses

Stress granule (SG) formation is a primary mechanism through which gene expression is rapidly modulated when the eukaryotic cells undergo cellular stresses (including heat shock, oxidative stress, starvation, viral infection). SGs have been proposed to affect mRNA translation and stability, as well as being linked to apoptosis and nuclear processes. Formation of SGs after viral infection result in blockade of viral protein synthesis and viral replication. Not surprisingly, viruses from diverse families have been found to modulate SG formation in infected cells by associating with important SG effector proteins. Here we provide a summary of the current understanding of the mechanism of SG formation, describe the current knowledge on viruses induce and/or modulate SGs in infected cells via phosphorylation of eIF2α, and regulation of SGs in virus systems. Further, we summarize recent progresses in understanding the relationship between viruses and stress granules in mammalian cells, and suggest that SG formation is an important aspect of the antiviral innate immune response.

LTP suppression by protein synthesis inhibitors is NO-dependent

For several decades, the ability of protein synthesis inhibitors (PSI) to suppress the long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal responses is known. It is considered that mechanisms of such impairment are related to a cessation of translation and a delayed depletion of the protein pool required for maintenance of synaptic plasticity. The present study demonstrates that cycloheximide or anisomycin applications reduce amplitudes of the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials as well as the presynaptically mediated form of plasticity, the paired-pulse facilitation after LTP induction in neurons of the CA1 area of hippocampus. We showed that nitric oxide signaling could be one of the pathways that cause the LTP decrease induced by cycloheximide or anisomycin. Inhibitor of the NO synthase, L-NNA or the NO scavenger, PTIO, rescued the late-phase LTP and restored the paired-pulse facilitation up to the control levels. For the first time we have directly measured the nitric oxide production induced by application of the translation blockers in hippocampal neurons using the NO-sensitive dye DAF-FM. Inhibitory analysis demonstrated that changes during protein synthesis blockade downstream the NO signaling cascade are cGMP-independent and apparently are implemented through degradation of target proteins. Prolonged application of the NO donor SNAP impaired the LTP maintenance in the same manner as PSI.

Statins Potentiate Aminopeptidase Inhibitor (pro)Drug Activity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Tosedostat represents a next generation oral aminopeptidase inhibitor prodrug that has recently demonstrated promising activity in elderly patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This prodrug is bio-activated to its hydrophilic active metabolite by intracellular esterases including carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) hence enhancing its cellular retention and promoting targeting of multiple aminopeptidases.Aminopeptidase inhibition provokes an amino acid deprivation response, inhibition of mTOR activity and blockade of protein synthesis. The fact that CES1 also has an important physiological function in cholesterol metabolism (i.e. conversion of cholesteryl-esters to cholesterol), and the notion that AML cells display an aberrant cholesterol metabolism, prompted us to explore whether or not statins, as inhibitors of the mevalonate-cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, can potentiate the cytotoxic activity of aminopeptidase inhibitor prodrugs.Here, we discovered that the antitumor activity of CHR2863, a close structural analogue of Tosedostat, is markedly potentiated by non-toxic and clinically achievable concentrations of statins. These findings were supported by the following lines of experimental evidence; (i) A strong synergy in cell growth inhibition (combination indices < 0.1) of CHR2863 with various statins (simvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin and pravastatin) was demonstrated for U937 AML cells and U937 sublines displaying acquired resistance to CHR2863. (ii) This potent synergy between CHR2863 and simvastatin was also observed with a spectrum of human AML cell lines including THP1, MV4-11, and KG1, but not with acute lymphocytic leukemia (CCRF-CEM) or solid tumor cell lines (MCF7 breast cancer, KB nasopharyngeal carcinoma and SW1573 non-small cell lung cancer). (iii) The synergistic effects with non-toxic concentrations of statins were specific for aminopeptidase inhibitors, either prodrugs (CHR2863) or direct inhibitors (e.g. Bestatin), but not for other unrelated cytotoxic agents, including daunorubicin and an esterase-dependent prodrug of a histone deacetylase inhibitor. (iv) The synergy of CHR2863 with statins was also corroborated by enhanced apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest which increased the sub-G1 fraction. (v) Statin potentiation of CHR2863 activity was abrogated by co-administration with mevalonate or farnesylpyrophosphate, and partly by geranylgeranylpyrophosphate, suggesting the involvement of protein prenylation. Consistenly, the farnesyltransferase inhibitor FTI-277 also synergized with CHR2863 activity. (vi) Mechanistically, non-toxic concentrations of simvastatin impaired Rheb prenylation which is required for lysosomal membrane association and activation of mTOR. Hence, we propose that the dual inhibitory effect of impaired Rheb prenylation by statins and CHR2863-induced mTOR inhibition achieves a potent synergistic inhibition on human AML cells. (viii) Finally, retrospective analysis in a clinical trial of relapsed and refractory elderly AML patients treated with combination chemotherapy including Tosedostat (Cortes et al, Lancet Oncol 2013), revealed a clinical benefit for patients who used a statin. AML patients on statins (n=8) and Tosedostat (switching from 240 to 120 mg/m2) had a 50% probability of 6 months survival as compared to 3 months survival for patients not on statins (n= 27). The two-year overall survival (20%) was not impacted by statin administration.Collectively, these novel findings uncover a potent therapeutic combination of statins and aminopeptidase inhibitors for the treatment of AML. This drug combination warrants further clinical evaluation, particularly in the context of elderly patients using statins for other comorbidities. DisclosuresCloos:Takeda: Research Funding; Merus: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Helsinn: Research Funding; Johnson&Johnson: Research Funding. Wang:CTI BioPharma: Employment, Equity Ownership. Singer:CTI BioPharma: Employment, Other: Stock options. Cortes:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Arog: Research Funding. Ossenkoppele:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Genmab: Research Funding.

Reinterpretation of the localization of the ATP binding cassette transporter ABCG1 in insulin-secreting cells and insights regarding its trafficking and function.

The ABC transporter ABCG1 contributes to the regulation of cholesterol efflux from cells and to the distribution of cholesterol within cells. We showed previously that ABCG1 deficiency inhibits insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and, based on its immunolocalization to insulin granules, proposed its essential role in forming granule membranes that are enriched in cholesterol. While we confirm elsewhere that ABCG1, alongside ABCA1 and oxysterol binding protein OSBP, supports insulin granule formation, the aim here is to clarify the localization of ABCG1 within insulin-secreting cells and to provide added insight regarding ABCG1’s trafficking and sites of function. We show that stably expressed GFP-tagged ABCG1 closely mimics the distribution of endogenous ABCG1 in pancreatic INS1 cells and accumulates in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endosomal recycling compartment (ERC) and on the cell surface but not on insulin granules, early or late endosomes. Notably, ABCG1 is short-lived, and proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors both decrease its degradation. Following blockade of protein synthesis, GFP-tagged ABCG1 first disappears from the ER and TGN and later from the ERC and plasma membrane. In addition to aiding granule formation, our findings raise the prospect that ABCG1 may act beyond the TGN to regulate activities involving the endocytic pathway, especially as the amount of transferrin receptor is increased in ABCG1-deficient cells. Thus, ABCG1 may function at multiple intracellular sites and the plasma membrane as a roving sensor and modulator of cholesterol distribution, membrane trafficking and cholesterol efflux.

Global analysis of gene expression reveals mRNA superinduction is required for the inducible immune response to a bacterial pathogen.

The inducible innate immune response to infection requires a concerted process of gene expression that is regulated at multiple levels. Most global analyses of the innate immune response have focused on transcription induced by defined immunostimulatory ligands, such as lipopolysaccharide. However, the response to pathogens involves additional complexity, as pathogens interfere with virtually every step of gene expression. How cells respond to pathogen-mediated disruption of gene expression to nevertheless initiate protective responses remains unclear. We previously discovered that a pathogen-mediated blockade of host protein synthesis provokes the production of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines. It remains unclear how these cytokines are produced despite the global pathogen-induced block of translation. We addressed this question by using parallel RNAseq and ribosome profiling to characterize the response of macrophages to infection with the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Our results reveal that mRNA superinduction is required for the inducible immune response to a bacterial pathogen.

Cued memory reconsolidation in rats requires nitric oxide.

It is well-known that the reactivation of consolidated fear memory under boundary conditions of novelty and protein synthesis blockade results in an impairment of memory, suggesting that the reactivated memory is destabilized and requires synthesis of new proteins for reconsolidation. We tested the hypothesis of nitric oxide (NO) involvement in memory destabilization during the reconsolidation process in rats using memory reactivation under different conditions. We report that administration of NO-synthase selective blockers 3-Br-7-NI or ARL in the conditions of reactivation of memory under a protein synthesis blockade prevented destabilization of fear memory to the conditioned stimulus. Obtained results support the role of NO signaling pathway in the destabilization of existing fear memory triggered by reactivation, and demonstrate that the disruption of this pathway during memory reconsolidation may prevent changes in long-term memory.

Instant and Persistent Antidepressant Response of Gardenia Yellow Pigment Is Associated with Acute Protein Synthesis and Delayed Upregulation of BDNF Expression in the Hippocampus.

Gardenia yellow pigment (GYP) is a collection of compounds with shared structure of crocin, which confers antidepressant activity. GYP is remarkably enriched in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, implicated in rapid antidepressant effects that are exerted through enhanced neuroplasticity. This study aims to investigate the rapid antidepressant-like activity of GYP and its underlying mechanism. After the optimal dose was determined, antidepressant responses in tail suspension test or forced swim test were monitored at 30 min, 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days post a single GYP administration. Rapid antidepressant potential was tested using learned helplessness paradigm. The expression of proteins involved in hippocampal neuroplasticity was determined. The effect of blockade of protein synthesis on GYP's antidepressant response was examined. Antidepressant response was detected at 30 min, and lasted for at least 3 days post a single administration of GYP. A single administration of GYP also reversed the deficits in learned helplessness test. Thirty minutes post GYP administration, ERK signaling was activated, and its downstream effector phosphorylated eukaryotic elongation factor 2 was inhibited, contributing to increased protein translation. Expression of synaptic proteins GluR1 and synapsin 1 was upregulated. Blockade of protein synthesis with anisomycin blunted the immediate antidepressant response of GYP. CREB signaling and BDNF expression were upregulated at 24 h, but not at 30 min. In conclusion, GYP-induced immediate antidepressant response was dependent on synthesis of proteins, including synaptic proteins. This was followed by enhanced expression of CREB and BDNF, which likely mediated the persistent antidepressant responses.

CaMKII regulates proteasome phosphorylation and activity and promotes memory destabilization following retrieval

Numerous studies have suggested that memories “destabilize” and require de novo protein synthesis in order to reconsolidate following retrieval, but very little is known about how this destabilization process is regulated. Recently, ubiquitin–proteasome mediated protein degradation has been identified as a critical regulator of memory trace destabilization following retrieval, though the specific mechanisms controlling retrieval-induced changes in ubiquitin–proteasome activity remain equivocal. Here, we found that proteasome activity is increased in the amygdala in a CaMKII-dependent manner following the retrieval of a contextual fear memory. We show that in vitro inhibition of CaMKII reversed retrieval-induced increases in proteasome activity. Additionally, in vivo pharmacological blockade of CaMKII abolished increases in proteolytic activity and activity related regulatory phosphorylation in the amygdala following retrieval, suggesting that CaMKII was “upstream” of protein degradation during the memory reconsolidation process. Consistent with this, while inhibiting CaMKII in the amygdala did not impair memory following retrieval, it completely attenuated the memory impairments that resulted from post-retrieval protein synthesis blockade. Collectively, these results suggest that CaMKII controls the initiation of the memory reconsolidation process through regulation of the proteasome.

Anti-leukemia efficacy and mechanisms of action of SL-101, a novel anti-CD123 antibody-conjugate in acute myeloid leukemia

Outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain poor and warrant the development of novel therapeutic agents. CD123 (interleukin-3 [IL-3] receptor alpha subunit), is overexpressed on AML blasts and leukemia progenitor/stem cells (LSCs) compared to normal hematopoietic cells (Jordan et al. Leukemia 2000). SL-101 is a novel anti-CD123 antibody-conjugate comprised of anti-CD123 scFv fused to a truncated and optimized pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) lacking its native targeting domain. We have previously demonstrated SL-1019s cell killing efficacy in AML cell lines (Han et al. ASH 2013). Here we report the anti-tumor efficacy of SL-101 against primary AML cells and the underlying mechanisms of its cytotoxicity. Fourteen genetically diverse primary AML samples were treated with various doses of SL-101 for 48 h. Most samples express high levels of CD123 (median 89.9%, range 20.4-99.3%) and intermediate levels of CD131 (median 54.0%, range 9.0-91.1%), the IL-3 beta subunit. SL-101 was highly active against AML samples, with an IC50 of 0.19 µg/ml (range 0.003 - 0.98 µg/ml). No significant correlation was found between SL-101 activity and levels of CD123 or CD131 (n=12). SL-101 also selectively and significantly suppressed AML colony formation (69.5% ± 15.0% inhibition of total colonies, n=7) while sparing normal bone marrow (5.6% ± 3.3% inhibition, n=4; p=0.0001) (Fig. 1A). We next investigated the mechanisms of the cytotoxic activity of SL-101. Using annexinV/DAPI flow cytometry, we first evaluated the induction of apoptosis in AML blasts and phenotypically defined CD45dimCD34+CD38-CD123+ LSCs. After 48 h treatment, SL-101 at 1.0 µg/ml induced higher specific apoptosis in the AML LSCs (51.2% ± 25.4%) than in blasts (39.4% ± 19.0%, p=0.006, n=10). Quantification of the annexinV–/DAPI– viable cells using counting beads demonstrated further reduction of cell numbers by SL-101 (LSCs 72%, blasts 64.6%), indicating additional mechanisms of cell growth inhibition. It was recently demonstrated that upon internalization, PE traffics through the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol, where it inactivates protein synthesis by catalyzing ADP ribosylation of elongation factor 2 and causes non-apoptotic cell death (Wayne et al. Blood 2014). To examine the contribution of the direct inhibition of protein synthesis by PE, we first studied SL-101 internalization utilizing DyLight 680-labeled SL-101 by flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging. In CD123-expressing AML cell lines MV4-11 and MOLM13, the intracellular median intensity of DyLight 680 signal increased 5.4- and 3.5-fold, respectively, within 4 h of treatment and 22.3- and 16.3-fold after 24 h (Fig 1B). Fluorescence imaging confirmed cytosolic localization of SL-101 in both cell lines, demonstrating efficient cellular uptake of SL-101. We also examined the efficacy of SL-101 in inhibiting nascent protein synthesis in MV4-11 cells using an AHA Alexa Fluor 488 protein synthesis assay. SL-101 significantly reduced protein synthesis (40.3%, p=0.0005) within 4 h (Fig 1C), even at low concentrations (0.01 µg/ml), which was comparable to the positive control cycloheximide (44.8% ± 7.9%, p=0.0001). These findings confirmed the potential of SL-101 to efficiently internalize and promote cell death through protein synthesis blockade. We further investigated the ability of SL-101 to inhibit intracellular signaling in response to IL-3. To this end, cytokine-dependent Mo7e leukemia cells were serum starved and pre-treated with SL-101 at 1.0 µg/ml overnight, followed by stimulation with IL-3. SL-101 significantly suppressed IL-3-induced activation of p-STAT5 (57.1% ± 2.6% inhibition, p=0.003) and modestly inhibited p-AKT (17.4% ± 5.4% inhibition, p=0.04), but not p-ERK signaling (Fig. 1D). In summary, our data demonstrate that the novel anti-CD123 antibody-conjugate, SL-101, is highly active in AML and induces growth arrest and apoptosis in AML blasts and LSCs by inhibiting protein synthesis and interfering with IL-3 signal transduction pathways. Ongoing studies that will be reported at this meeting investigate the in vivo anti-leukemia efficacy of SL-101 in NSG mice engrafted with primary AML cells. In conclusion, SL-101 is a novel, potent antibody-conjugate directed against AML blasts and LSCs, and our studies warrant further development of this agent. Disclosures Rowinsky:Stemline Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brooks:Stemline Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Adenovirus VA RNA: An essential pro-viral non-coding RNA

Adenovirus (AdV) ‘virus-associated’ RNAs (VA RNAs) are exceptionally abundant (up to 108copies/cell), heterogeneous, non-coding RNA transcripts (∼150–200 nucleotides). The predominant species, VA RNAI, is best recognized for its essential function in relieving the cellular anti-viral blockade of protein synthesis through inhibition of the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR). More recent evidence has revealed that VA RNAs also interfere with several other host cell processes, in part by virtue of the high level to which they accumulate. Following transcription by cellular RNA polymerase III, VA RNAs saturate the nuclear export protein Exportin 5 (Exp5) and the cellular endoribonculease Dicer, interfering with pre-micro (mi)RNA export and miRNA biogenesis, respectively. Dicer-processed VA RNA fragments are incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) as ‘mivaRNAs’, where they may specifically target cellular genes. VA RNAI also interacts with other innate immune proteins, including OAS1. While intact VA RNAI has the paradoxical effect of activating OAS1, a non-natural VA RNAI construct lacking the entire Terminal Stem has been reported to be a pseudoinhibitor of OAS1. Here, we show that a VA RNAI construct corresponding to an authentic product of Dicer processing similarly fails to activate OAS1 but also retains only a modest level of inhibitory activity against PKR in contrast to the non-natural deletion construct. These findings underscore the complexity of the arms race between virus and host, and highlight the need for further exploration of the impact of VA RNAI interactions with host defenses on the outcome of AdV infection beyond that of well-established PKR inhibition. Additional contributions of VA RNAI heterogeneity resulting from variations in transcription initiation and termination to each of these functions remain open questions that are discussed here.