Duox2 Expression Research Articles

Tu1699 Autophagy Regulates Esophageal Cancer Stem Cell Phenotypic Plasticity by Targeting Mitochondria and Oxidative Stress

Background: A surplus of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissues leads to oxidative stress, resulting in various injurious consequences although ROS plays an important role in normal cellular physiology. As a member of NADPH oxidase family, Duox2 is a major sources of H2O2 for gastrointestinal epithelium. Duox2 expressed in mucosal surfaces is believed as an integral part of host defense system. Duox2 expression was elevated in inflammatory conditions of gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and human colonic cancer caco-2 cell line. However, the expressions of Duox2 in gastrointestinal cancers are still uncertain. Here we detected the expressions of Duox2 mRNA and protein in the tissues of gastric and colorectal tumors to explore the role of it in the process of gastrointestinal cancers. Methods: The curative tumor tissues from gastric cancer patients (n=30) and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n=54) were collected from July 2012 to July 2013 at the first affiliated hospital of Henan university of science and technology. Duox2 protein expressionwas semiquantitatively assessed by immunohistochemical detection in all of both gastric cancer and CRC tissues and their matched normal samples, which were apart away from 5 cm of tumor. Duox2 mRNA expression was evaluated by Real Time PCR (gastric cancer n=16 and CRC n=20). Results: Low level of Duox2 protein expression was found in the epithelium mucosa of gastric and colonic normal tissues, where it was mainly located at the apical membrane in gastric epithelial cells and in the brush border of epithelial cells in colon and rectum. However, the expression of Duox2 protein in both gastric cancer and colorectal cancer were significantly higher than that in each corresponding normal epithelium mucosa (P<0.01). The expression of Duox2 mRNA in gastric cancer and colorectal cancer were also both higher than that in each corresponding normal mucosa (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings in our study suggested that Duox2might be implicated in the carcinogenesis and development of gastrointestinal cancers via overproduce of ROS.

DUOX2 and DUOXA2 Form the Predominant Enzyme System Capable of Producing the Reactive Oxygen Species H2O2 in Active Ulcerative Colitis and are Modulated by 5-Aminosalicylic Acid

NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species, such as H2O2, are part of the intestinal innate immune system but may drive carcinogenesis through DNA damage. We sought to identify the predominant enzyme system capable of producing H2O2 in active ulcerative colitis and assess whether it is affected by 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). We studied human mucosal biopsies by expression arrays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for NADPH oxidase family members, in situ hybridization (DUOX2 and DUOXA2) and immunofluorescence for DUOX, 8-OHdG (DNA damage), and γH2AX (DNA damage response) and sought effects of 5-ASA on ex vivo cultured biopsies and cultured rectal cancer cells. DUOX2 with maturation partner DUOXA2 forms the predominant system for H2O2 production in human colon and is upregulated in active colitis. DUOX2 in situ is exclusively epithelial, varies between and within individual crypts, and increases near inflammation. 8-OHdG and γH2AX were observed in damaged crypt epithelium. 5-ASA upregulated DUOX2 and DUOXA2 levels in the setting of active versus quiescent disease and altered DUOX2 expression in cultured biopsies. Ingenuity pathway analysis confirmed that inflammation status and 5-ASA increase expression of DUOX2 and DUOXA2. An epithelial cell model confirmed that cultured cancer cells expressed DUOX protein and produced H2O2 in response to hypoxia and 5-ASA exposure. Both DUOX2 and DUOXA2 expression are involved specifically in inflammation and are regulated on a crypt-by-crypt basis in ulcerative colitis tissues. Synergy between inflammation, hypoxia, and 5-ASA to increase H2O2 production could explain how 5-ASA supports innate defense, although potentially increasing the burden of DNA damage.

Dual Oxidases Control Release of Hydrogen Peroxide by the Gastric Epithelium to Prevent Helicobacter felis Infection and Inflammation in Mice

Dual oxidases (DUOX) are conserved reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases that produce H2O2 at the epithelial cell surface. The DUOX enzyme comprises the DUOX and DUOX maturation factor (DUOXA) subunits. Mammalian genomes encode 2 DUOX isoenzymes (DUOX1/DUOXA1 and DUOX2/DUOXA2). Expression of these genes is up-regulated during bacterial infections and chronic inflammatory diseases of the luminal gastrointestinal tract. The roles of DUOX in cellular interactions with microbes have not been determined in higher vertebrates. Mice with disruptions of Duoxa1 and Duoxa2 genes (Duoxa(-/-) mice) and control mice were infected with Helicobacter felis to create a model of Helicobacter pylori infection--the most common human chronic infection. Infection with H. felis induced expression of Duox2 and Duoxa2 in the stomachs of wild-type mice, and DUOX protein specifically localized to the apical surface of epithelial cells. H. felis colonized the mucus layer in the stomachs of Duoxa(-/-) mice to a greater extent than in control mice. The increased colonization persisted into the chronic phase of infection and correlated with an increased, yet ineffective, inflammatory response. H. felis colonization also was increased in Duoxa(+/-) mice, compared with controls. We observed reduced expression of the H2O2-inducible katA gene in H. felis that colonized Duoxa(-/-) mice, compared with that found in controls (P = .0002), indicating that Duox causes oxidative stress in these bacteria. In vitro, induction of oxidative defense by H. felis failed to prevent a direct bacteriostatic effect at sustained levels of H2O2 as low as 30 μmol/L. Based on studies of Duoxa(-/-) mice, the DUOX enzyme complex prevents gastric colonization by H. felis and the inflammatory response. These findings indicate the nonredundant function of epithelial production of H2O2 in restricting microbial colonization.

Activation of TLR4 is required for the synergistic induction of dual oxidase 2 and dual oxidase A2 by IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide in human pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Pancreatitis is associated with release of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species and plays an important role in the development of pancreatic cancer. We recently demonstrated that dual oxidase (Duox)2, an NADPH oxidase essential for reactive oxygen species-related, gastrointestinal host defense, is regulated by IFN-γ-mediated Stat1 binding to the Duox2 promoter in pancreatic tumor lines. Because LPS enhances the development and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer in vivo following TLR4-related activation of NF-κB, we examined whether LPS, alone or combined with IFN-γ, regulated Duox2. We found that upregulation of TLR4 by IFN-γ in BxPC-3 and CFPAC-1 pancreatic cancer cells was augmented by LPS, resulting in activation of NF-κB, accumulation of NF-κB (p65) in the nucleus, and increased binding of p65 to the Duox2 promoter. TLR4 silencing with small interfering RNAs, as well as two independent NF-κB inhibitors, attenuated LPS- and IFN-γ-mediated Duox2 upregulation in BxPC-3 cells. Induction of Duox2 expression by IFN-γ and LPS may result from IFN-γ-related activation of Stat1 acting in concert with NF-κB-related upregulation of Duox2. Sustained extracellular accumulation of H(2)O(2) generated by exposure to both LPS and IFN-γ was responsible for an ∼50% decrease in BxPC-3 cell proliferation associated with a G(1) cell cycle block, apoptosis, and DNA damage. We also demonstrated upregulation of Duox expression in vivo in pancreatic cancer xenografts and in patients with chronic pancreatitis. These results suggest that inflammatory cytokines can interact to produce a Duox-dependent pro-oxidant milieu that could increase the pathologic potential of pancreatic inflammation and pancreatic cancer cells.

Diabetes Mellitus Increases Reactive Oxygen Species Production in the Thyroid of Male Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) disrupts the pituitary-thyroid axis and leads to a higher prevalence of thyroid disease. However, the role of reactive oxygen species in DM thyroid disease pathogenesis is unknown. Dual oxidases (DUOX) is responsible for H(2)O(2) production, which is a cosubstrate for thyroperoxidase, but the accumulation of H(2)O(2) also causes cellular deleterious effects. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) is another member of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase family expressed in the thyroid. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the thyroid DUOX activity and expression in DM rats in addition to NOX4 expression. In the thyroids of the DM rats, we found increased H(2)O(2) generation due to higher DUOX protein content and DUOX1, DUOX2, and NOX4 mRNA expressions. In rat thyroid PCCL3 cells, both TSH and insulin decreased DUOX activity and DUOX1 mRNA levels, an effect partially reversed by protein kinase A inhibition. Most antioxidant enzymes remained unchanged or decreased in the thyroid of DM rats, whereas only glutathione peroxidase 3 was increased. DUOX1 and NOX4 expression and H(2)O(2) production were significantly higher in cells cultivated with high glucose, which was reversed by protein kinase C inhibition. We conclude that thyroid reactive oxygen species is elevated in experimental rat DM, which is a consequence of low-serum TSH and insulin but is also related to hyperglycemia per se.

Functional activity and tumor-specific expression of dual oxidase 2 in pancreatic cancer cells and human malignancies characterized with a novel monoclonal antibody

Dual oxidase 2 (Duox2), one of the seven members of the NADPH oxidase gene family, plays a critical role in generating H2O2 for thyroid hormone biosynthesis and as an integral part of the host defense system of the respiratory epithelium and the gastrointestinal tract. Recent evidence suggests that the regulation of Duox2 expression is under the control of pro-inflammatory cytokines and that Duox2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the inflammation-related tissue injury that occurs in two pre-malignant, inflammatory conditions: chronic pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Because no reliable Duox antibodies are commercially available, we report the development of a murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) to Duox2 (clone Duox S-12) and its use for the characterization of Duox2 expression in human tumors, tumor cell lines and normal tissues. Duox S-12 specifically detected both endogenously- and ectopically-expressed Duox2 protein by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry (where both membranous and cytoplasmic staining were present). Duox2 expression detected by Duox S-12 was functionally coupled to the generation of H2O2 in pancreatic cancer cells that expressed Duox2 and its cognate maturation factor DuoxA2. Although Duox S-12 recognizes ectopically expressed Duox1 protein because of the extensive amino acid homology between Duox1 and Duox2, the lack of substantial Duox1 mRNA expression in human tumors (except thyroid cancer) allowed us to evaluate Duox2 expression across a wide range of normal and malignant tissues by immunohistochemistry. Duox2 was expressed at elevated levels in many human cancers, most notably tumors of the prostate, lung, colon and breast while brain tumors and lymphomas demonstrated the lowest frequency of expression. The Duox-specific monoclonal antibody described here provides a promising tool for the further examination of the role of Duox-dependent reactive oxygen production in inflammation-related carcinogenesis, where alterations in oxidant tone play a critical role in cell growth and proliferation.

Abstract 36: Elevated Expression of Dual Oxidases (Duox) Under Ischemic Conditions Contributes to Oxidative Stress and Decreased Cell Viability.

Introduction: Redox imbalance during ischemia/reperfusion Injury in the brain following focal ischemic stroke is associated with impaired neurological functions. Following ischemia/reperfusion, there is a burst of oxidative stress/reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS physiologically serve as signaling molecules but excessive amounts of ROS contribute to destruction of endothelial integrity, blood brain barrier disruption, and neuronal cell death. NADPH oxidases (NOX) are important sources of ROS during ischemic stroke. Dual oxidases (Duox) are new members of NOX family and are known for directly generating hydrogen peroxide/ROS. Role of Duox following brain ischemic injury has been little investigated. Methods: Ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion. In vitro ischemia was generated by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Expression was analysed by western blot analysis, RT-PCR, Immunofluorescence staining. ROS was measured by dichloro-dihydrofluorescein staining. Results: Our preliminary studies for the first time have identified that expression of Duox are spatially and temporally regulated in ipsilateral hemisphere of spontaneously hyertensive rat brains following MCAO and reperfusion. Expression of Duox 1 was up-regulated about 2 folds after 3 days, and16 folds after 7 days of reperfusion. Its expression was further increased to about 30 folds at day 21 after reperfusion. The expression of Duox 1 was specifically up-regulated in activated astrocytes and VWF and CD31 positive endothelial cells indicating its presence in blood vessels. In support of these in vivo observations, Duox1 expression was significantly increased in astrocytes and endothelial cell cultures exposed to either ATP or OGD. Duox1 expression was associated with increased ROS production and decreased cell viability. However, pre-treatment with Duox1 specific siRNA decreased the ROS production and increased the cell viability by about 30 percent. Summary: Up-regulation of Duox under ischemic/reperfusion conditions suggests that this enzyme potentially contributes to excessive ROS production. Further studies targeting these novel oxidases may open up a promising approach to reduce brain injury after stroke.

Sexual Dimorphism of Thyroid Reactive Oxygen Species Production Due to Higher NADPH Oxidase 4 Expression in Female Thyroid Glands

Dual oxidases (DUOX1 and DUOX2) are NADPH oxidases (NOX) involved in hydrogen peroxide production necessary for thyroid hormonogenesis, but recently, the NOX4 has also been described in the thyroid gland. The prevalence of thyroid disease is higher in women, and the basis for this difference might involve a higher oxidative stress level in the female thyroid gland. Hence, we aimed at evaluating whether the function and the expression of enzymes involved in the thyroid redox balance differ between females and males. DUOX1, DUOX2, NOX4, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities and expression levels were evaluated in the thyroids of prepubertal and adult male and female rats. The mRNA levels of DUOXA1 and DUOXA2, the DUOX maturation factors, and of p22phox and Poldip2 (subunits of NOX4) were also determined. A higher calcium-independent H(2)O(2) production was detected in the adult female rat thyroid, being higher in the estrous phase of the cycle. Moreover, the expression of NOX4 and Poldip2 mRNA was higher in the thyroids of adult female rats, as well as in PCCL3 cells treated with 17β-estradiol. The GPx1 mRNA expression was higher in adult female thyroids, while GPx2 and GPx3 mRNA and total GPx activity were not significantly different. Catalase mRNA expression and activity, together with thyroid thiol levels were significantly lower in the adult female rat thyroid. Taken together, our results show that the thyroid gland of female rats is exposed to higher oxidative stress levels due both to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through NOX4, and decreased ROS degradation.

Influence of NADPH Oxidase Activity On the Reactive Oxygen Species Level in Human Leukemic Cells

AbstractAbstract 4801Redox metabolism plays an important role in self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic and leukemic cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level is highly regulated. This regulation involves antioxydative enzymes and it has been recently described that leukemic stem cells (LSC) overexpress glutathione peroxydase 3 (Herault O et al, J. Exp. Med, 2012). This overexpression is associated with a decrease in ROS level and p38MAPK inactivation. ROS level in leukemic cells could be also regulated by the activity of ROS producers, such as NADPH oxidase, known to catalyze an electron transfer from NADPH to oxygen producing superoxides which could generate other downstream ROS. The expression of this enzymatic complex (NOX family, 6 isoforms) has been established in the plasma cell membrane of normal CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors (Piccoli C et al, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2007). The aim of this study was to decipher the expression of NADPH oxydase components in various human acute myeloid leukemia (AML)Different leukemic cell lines were used according FAB classification: KG1a (MO/M1), KG1 (M1), HL60 (M2), Kasumi 1 (M2), NB4 (M3), ML2 (M4), THP1 (M5), U937 (M5), MV4–11 (M5), K562 (M6). The cells were cultured (2.105 cells/mL, 37°C in 95% humidified air and 5% CO2) in RPMI 1640 with 20mmoL/L L-glutamine supplemented with 10% FCS, 100 units/mL penicillin G, and 100mg/mL streptomycin. The expression of NOX1, NOX2, NOX3, NOX4, NOX5, DUOX1, DUOX2, P22phox and P40phox, P47phox, P67phox, NOXO1, NOXA1 was quantified by RT-qPCR (Universal Probe Library, Roche). NOX2 and its regulatory subunits expression was quantified by SDS-PAGE and western-blot experiments. The effects of diphenylene iodonium (DPI), a specific NOX inhibitor, were evaluated by ROS quantification using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) staining followed by fluorimetry and flow cytometry analyses. The cells were washed twice in the physiological saline buffer (PBS) without calcium and magnesium, then incubated in PBS complemented with 0.5M MgCl2, 0.9M CaCl2, 20mM glucose (Picciocchi A et al, J. Biol. Chem., 2011) with or without 20μM DPI for 1 hour. The cells were distributed at 106cells per 200μL well in 96 wells plates. DCF-DA (10μM) was added to quantify the ROS level (flow cytometry) and to monitor ROS production kinetic (fluorimetry).NOX family genes expression showed that phagocyte oxidase NOX2 is expressed in all leukemic cell lines. Conversely the NOX2 isoforms were not expressed, or very weakly expressed in leukemic cell lines (NOX3 in KG1a; NOX4 in K562; DUOX1 in KG1a, KG1; DUOX2 in KG1a, KG1, HL60). P22phox, the second cytochrome b558 component was also expressed in all cell lines, this expression being higher than NOX2. The cytochrome b558 components were more expressed in differentiated leukemic cells (granulocytic and monocytic) than in undifferentiated cells (KG1a, KG1). NOX2 regulatory subunits were expressed in all leukemic cell lines, the lower level (especially P40phox, P47phox) being observed in KG1a. Proteins quantification confirmed RNA results. Cytochrome b558 components and regulatory subunits were expressed in all cell lines with a higher level in differentiated leukemias. Interestingly, the regulatory subunits were not observed in KG1a cells. Functional flow cytometry and fluorimetry studies revealed a decrease in ROS production in DPI exposed leukemic cell lines. This effect was higher in monocytic cell lines than in granulocytic and undifferentiated leukemias.In conclusion, NADPH oxidases are present in the AML cell membrane, and NOX contribution to the ROS level is higher in differentiated cells than in immature leukemias. Altogether these results suggest that NADPH oxidase is constitutively active in leukemic cells and influences the ROS level, suggesting a role in the pathophysiology of AML. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Thyroid hydrogen peroxide production is enhanced by the Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, through increased expression of the dual oxidase 2and its maturation factorDUOXA2

The dual oxidases (DUOX) 1and 2constitute the major components of the thyroid H2O2-generating system required for thyroid hormone synthesis. With their maturation factor, DUOXA1 or DUOXA2, they share the same bidirectional promoter allowing coexpression of DUOX/DUOXA in the same tissue. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating their transcription in the human thyroid gland are not well characterized yet. Inflammatory molecules associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases have been shown to repress the thyroid function by down-regulating the expression of the major thyroid differentiation markers. These findings led us to investigate the effects of the main cytokines involved in Hashimoto thyroiditis (IFN-γ) and Graves' diseases (IL-4/IL-13) on the transcriptional regulation of DUOX and their corresponding DUOXA genes in thyroid cells. Human thyrocytes exposed to the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 showed up-regulation of DUOX2 and DUOXA2 genes but not DUOX1/DUOXA1. The DUOX2/DUOXA2 induction was rapid and associated with a significant increase of calcium-stimulated extracellular H2O2 generation. IFN-γ treatment inhibited DUOX gene expression and repressed the Th2 cytokine-dependent DUOX2/DUOXA2 expression. In another DUOX-expressing model, the human intestinal Caco-2 cell line, expression of DUOX2 and DUOXA2 mRNA was also positively modulated by IL-4 and IL-13. Analysis of the IL-4 signaling pathway revealed that the JAK1-STAT6 cascade activated by the IL-4 type 2receptor is required for DUOX2/DUOXA2 induction. The present data open new perspectives for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of thyroid autoimmune diseases considering DUOX2-mediated oxidative damages.

Regulation of Dual Oxidase Expression and H2O2Production by Thyroglobulin

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a macromolecular precursor in thyroid hormone synthesis to which iodine is stably bound. Tg, which is stored in the follicular space, is also a potent negative feedback regulator of follicular function, and this is achieved by suppressing mRNA levels of thyroid-specific genes such as the sodium/iodide symporter (Slc5a5), Tg, and thyroid peroxidase. Dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and DUOX2, originally identified in the thyroid, are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases that are necessary to produce the H2O2 required for thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Since follicular Tg regulates the expression of genes that are essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, we hypothesized that Tg might also regulate DUOX expression and H2O2 production. Rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells were treated with Tg, and the mRNA expression of Duox1 and Duox2 and their corresponding maturation factors Duoxa1 and Duoxa2 were evaluated by DNA microarray and real-time PCR. Duox2 promoter activity was examined by luciferase reporter gene assay. Protein levels of DUOX2 were also examined by Western blot analysis. Intracellular H2O2 generation was quantified by a fluorescent dye, 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, and acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA). mRNA levels of Duox2 and its activation factor Duoxa2 (but not Duox1 or Duoxa1) were significantly suppressed by Tg in a dose-dependent manner and a time-dependent fashion in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. DUOX2 promoter activity was significantly suppressed by Tg in a dose-dependent manner. Protein levels of DUOX2 and H2O2 generation in cells were also reduced by Tg treatment. We show that physiological concentrations of Tg suppressed the expression and function of DUOX2 in thyroid cells. These results suggest that Tg is a strong suppressor of the expression and the activity of DUOX2/DUOXA2, thereby regulating iodide organification and hormone synthesis in the thyroid. The evidence supports a reported model in which accumulated Tg in thyroid follicles plays important roles in autoregulating the function of individual follicles, which produces the basis of follicular heterogeneity.

PWE-255 5-ASA enhances DUOX2 expression in active ulcerative colitis: a risk for colorectal cancer?

IntroductionColonic DUOX2 expression produces hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is up-regulated in active ulcerative colitis (UC). Overproduction of hydrogen peroxide amplifies ROS-induced genetic damage and causes cellular...

Abstract 3094: Interferon-α induced TLR4 is indispensable for the synergistic induction of Duox2/DuoxA2 by lipopolysacharide (LPS) and IFN-γ in human pancreatic cancer cells

Abstract Several bacterial cell wall components, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), muramyldipeptide (MDP), and flagellin, have been shown to engage their corresponding receptors and mediate NADPH oxidase (NOX)-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that may be involved in wound healing, host defense, and the inflammatory response in airway and gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Previously, we reported that two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1, respond to the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ by upregulating the expression of both Dual oxidase 2 and its cognate cofactor DuoxA2 resulting in enhanced ROS production. It has also been reported that human pancreatic cancer cells express TLR4/MyD88, and that signaling downstream of the TLR receptor may be responsible for LPS-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. In our studies, we have demonstrated that IFN-γ up-regulates TLR4 and its adaptor protein MyD88 expression in BxPc-3 cells and augments the response of these cells to LPS, resulting in the activation of NFkB signaling, enhancing p65 subunit accumulation in the nucleus. Moreover, we found that p65 binds to the Duox2 promoter, and cooperates with the IFN-γ- induced Stat1 expression to synergistically enhance Duox2/DuoxA2 expression, leading to persistent intra- and extracellular ROS accumulation. TLR4 silencing by RNAi and two independent NF-kB inhibitors (PDTC and BAY11-70829) specifically attenuate LPS- and IFN-γ-mediated Duox2 expression in BxPc-3 cells, underscoring the importance of TLR4 engagement and the activation of NF-kB signaling in regulating Duox2 expression and subsequent ROS generation by LPS and IFN-γ. Our data suggest that sustained extracellular H2O2 accumulation, mediated by LPS- and IFN-γ- induced Duox2/DuoxA2 expression, may contribute to the deleterious effects of cytokine-mediated pancreatic inflammation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3094. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3094

Molecular cloning and characterisation of ovine dual oxidase 2

The dual oxidases (DUOX1 and DUOX2) are NADPH-dependant hydrogen peroxide-producing enzymes that are reported to function in a physiological capacity and as a component of the mucosal immune response. We have previously reported increased expression of the DUOX2 gene in the gut mucosa of sheep in response to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) challenge. In this paper, we report the cloning of the full-length ovine DUOX2 transcript, using a PCR based strategy. The ovine DUOX2 transcript includes an ORF of 4644 bases, and encodes a protein with 97% identity to the bovine sequence. We also cloned a fragment of DUOX1 (encompassing nucleotides 2692–2829), and the proximal promoter sequence of DUOX2. Through analysis of sequence data we have confirmed that DUOX1 and DUOX2 are co-located in a head to tail arrangement conserved across many species. Alignment of the sequences to the ovine genome predicts a location of this gene cluster on ovine chromosome 7. We quantified the expression of ovine DUOX1 and DUOX2 transcripts in 24 different sheep tissues, and discovered tissue specific expression signatures. DUOX2 was found to be most highly expressed in tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, while expression of DUOX1 predominated in the bladder. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) analysis identified the existence of multiple 5′ UTR variants in DUOX2, ranging in size from 32 to 242 nucleotides, with 3 distinct transcribed regions. Real time PCR quantification of the DUOX2 UTR variants revealed that these were differentially expressed between tissues, and at various stages of the response to GIN parasite infection. The collective evidence suggested a complex regulation of DUOX2, prompting a bioinformatic analysis of the proximal promoter regions of ovine DUOX2 to identify potential transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) that may explain the differences in the observed expression of the transcript variants of DUOX2. Possible transcription factor families that may regulate this process were identified as Kruppel-like factors (KLF), ETS-factors, erythroid growth receptor factors (EGRF) and myogenic differentiation factors (MYOD).

NADPH oxidase DUOX1 and DUOX2 but not NOX4 are independent predictors in hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy

NADPH oxidase DUOX1, DUOX2, and NOX4 have recently been gained considerable concerns, owing to the fact that they involve in reactive oxygen species-induced genetic and epigenetic alternations of human carcinogenesis and serve as biomarkers in several cancers. Whether they predict survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still uncertain. Here, we detected the expressions of DUOX1, DUOX2, and NOX4 in one normal liver cell line, seven HCC cell lines, 30 non-cirrhotic normal liver tissues, and 107 paired HCC tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The correlations of genes expression with prognoses were analyzed. DUOX1 was expressed at high levels in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L, but at low levels in Bel-7402. In contrast to low expression level at SMMC-7721, DUOX2 was expressed at considerably high levels in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L. The transcript of NOX4 was only detected in SMMC-7721. All the 30 normal liver tissues failed to express the three candidate markers. Compared with adjacent non-neoplastic tissues, DUOX1, DUOX2, and NOX4 were expressed at higher frequencies in tumor specimens. Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that elevated expression of DUOX1 or DUOX2 predicted poorer recurrence-free survival and overall survival. No such significance trend regarding NOX4 predictive value in survival, however, was seen in univariate analysis. These results suggested DUOX1 and DUOX2, but not NOX4, could predict HCC prognoses after hepatectomy.

Dual Oxidase 1 Induced by Th2 Cytokines Promotes STAT6 Phosphorylation via Oxidative Inactivation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes

Although hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is better known for its cytotoxic effects, in recent years it has been shown to play a crucial role in eukaryotic signal transduction. In respiratory tract epithelial cells, the dual oxidase (DUOX) proteins 1 and 2 has been identified as the cellular source of H(2)O(2). However, the expression of DUOX1 or DUOX2 has not yet been examined in keratinocytes. In this study, using a DNA microarray, we demonstrated that, of the seven NOX/DUOX family members in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK), IL-4/IL-13 treatment augments the expression of only DUOX1 mRNA. We next confirmed the IL-4/IL-13 induction of DUOX1 in NHEK at the mRNA and protein level using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. In addition, we demonstrated that this augmented DUOX1 expression was accompanied by increased H(2)O(2) production, which was significantly suppressed both by diphenyleneiodonium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, and by small interfering RNA against DUOX1. Finally, we demonstrated that the increased expression of DUOX1 in IL-4/IL-13-treated NHEK augments STAT6 phosphorylation via oxidative inactivation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B. These results revealed a novel role of IL-4/IL-13-induced DUOX1 expression in making a positive feedback loop for IL-4/IL-13 signaling in keratinocytes.

Abstract 2082: ERK activation mediated by Duox2 expression and reactive oxygen production is responsible for HIF-1α accumulation and VEGF induction in IFN-γ-treated BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in tumor angiogenesis by up-regulating pro-angiogenic effectors such as HIF-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, the sources of ROS and the pro-angiogenic signaling pathways they target in tumor cells remain incompletely understood. We recently found that several members of the NADPH Oxidase (Nox) gene family are expressed in many human tumors; of these, Duox (Dual oxidase) 2 is highly expressed in tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, we demonstrated that IFN-gamma treatment of Bx-PC-3 cells upregulates the expression of Duox2 (and its maturation factor DuoxA2; but no other Nox isoform) leading to long-lived production of H2O2. Using this system, we investigated the role of Duox2-mediated ROS in the regulation of HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression. In BxPC-3 cells, IFN-gamma induction of Duox2/A2 expression was accompanied by both intra- and extracellular ROS accumulation, and by the simultaneous upregulation of HIF-1alpha and VEGF. However, in the MIA-PaCa-2 and PANC-1 lines that do not upregulate Duox2 following IFN-gamma exposure, no HIF-1alpha or VEGF induction was observed. In BxPC-3 cells, both the Nox inhibitor diphenylene iodonium and the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine suppressed IFN-gamma-induced HIF-1alpha accumulation and VEGF upregulation, suggesting that Duox2-derived ROS are involved in VEGF induction. Further experiments revealed that IFN-gamma induced a sustained activation of ERK1/2, which subsequently activated p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs) and the regulator of protein translation, ribosomal protein S6, resulting in enhanced synthesis of HIF-1alpha. ERK activation was required for IFN-gamma-induced HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression, since treatment with the MEK inhibitor U0126 completely abrogated IFN-gamma-induced HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression. Duox2-specific siRNA experiments showed that IFN-gamma-induced ROS, ERK activation, and HIF-1alpha accumulation were significantly attenuated following silencing of Duox2 expression. However, IFN-gamma-induced expression of VEGF was unchanged following Duox2 knockdown. Ongoing studies are evaluating the role of residual Duox2 or Duox2-independent pathways for VEGF activation following IFN-gamma exposure as well as other downstream, pro-angiogenic targets of Duox2-mediated HIF-1alpha expression under normoxic conditions. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2082. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2082

Up-regulation and Sustained Activation of Stat1 Are Essential for Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced Dual Oxidase 2 (Duox2) and Dual Oxidase A2 (DuoxA2) Expression in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines

Dual oxidase 2 is a member of the NADPH oxidase (Nox) gene family that plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormone as well as in the inflammatory response of the upper airway mucosa and in wound healing, presumably through its ability to generate reactive oxygen species, including H2O2. The recently discovered overexpression of Duox2 in gastrointestinal malignancies, as well as our limited understanding of the regulation of Duox2 expression, led us to examine the effect of cytokines and growth factors on Duox2 in human tumor cells. We found that exposure of human pancreatic cancer cells to IFN-γ (but not other agents) produced a profound up-regulation of the expression of Duox2, and its cognate maturation factor DuoxA2, but not other members of the Nox family. Furthermore, increased Duox2/DuoxA2 expression was closely associated with a significant increase in the production of both intracellular reactive oxygen species and extracellular H2O2. Examination of IFN-γ-mediated signaling events demonstrated that in addition to the canonical Jak-Stat1 pathway, IFN-γ activated the p38-MAPK pathway in pancreatic cancer cells, and both played an important role in the induction of Duox2 by IFN-γ. Duox2 up-regulation following IFN-γ exposure is also directly associated with the binding of Stat1 to elements of the Duox2 promoter. Our findings suggest that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ initiates a Duox2-mediated reactive oxygen cascade in human pancreatic cancer cells; reactive oxygen species production in this setting could contribute to the pathophysiologic characteristics of these tumors.

Dual oxidase 2 and glutathione peroxidase gene expression are elevated in hyperimmunised sheep challenged with Haemonchus contortus

A sequential biopsy sampling method was used to investigate oxidant and antioxidant gene responses in resistant sheep challenged with Haemonchus contortus larvae or a sham saline challenge. The expression of key sheep oxidant and antioxidant producing genes were measured in sequential samples removed from the abomasums at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 28 post challenge. Gene expression levels at each time point were compared to expression at day 0, and levels of the various genes were also correlated to other markers of infection including immune cell counts and cytokine gene expression. The early response to larval challenge infection in resistant animals was marked by a divergence of two groups of host oxidant producing genes: the dual oxidase group ( DUOX2/ DUOXA2) showing increases in expression to day 7, while members of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase (PHOX) group showed significant decreases in expression. The change in DUOX2 expression between days zero and seven, when host resistance to infection is mediated, was negatively correlated to final worm burden suggesting NADPH oxidase expression may play a role in parasite expulsion. Expression of the DUOX group oxidants was positively correlated to expression of the Th2 cytokine IL4. Changes in host antioxidant pathways between different members of the glutathione peroxidase family (intestinal and plasma GPX) and genes involved in glutathione metabolism were also observed. This first study of the putative roles of oxidant production by the dual oxidase group, antioxidant glutathione pathways, immune cell populations, and cytokine profiles, in the development of resistance to infection by hyperimmune sheep are discussed.

All-trans retinoic acid mediates DUOX2 expression and function in respiratory tract epithelium

DUOX1 and DUOX2 are members of the NADPH oxidase family that are specifically regulated to produce hydrogen peroxide in epithelia of the thyroid, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract. The determinants of DUOX1 or DUOX2 expression in various tissues have not been established. Using respiratory tract epithelial cells as a model, we investigated changes in DUOX mRNA and protein expression during the first 10 days of differentiation. By comparing a respiratory tract cell line, HBE1, with primary tracheobronchial epithelial (TBE) cells, we determined that DUOX2 was significantly expressed only in cell conditions that included all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). In HBE1 cells, DUOX2 mRNA increased 6-fold after ATRA treatment. Similarly, ATRA induced a 19-fold increase in DUOX2 mRNA expression in primary TBE cells with parallel increases in DUOX protein and DUOX-mediated H(2)O(2) production as well. In addition, DUOX2 induction by rhinovirus required the presence of ATRA. ATRA had no effect on DUOX1 expression for all the conditions studied. Our data indicate that for respiratory epithelial cells, ATRA is important in the regulation of DUOX2 expression, function, and rhinovirus-mediated DUOX2 inducibility.