Exposure Of HaCaT Cells Research Articles

Clonal variability in chromosomal instability as a potential driver in the acquisition of tumorigenic phenotype in chronic arsenic-exposed and hsa-miR-186 overexpressing human keratinocytes

Chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water is a global health issue, affecting >200 million people. Arsenic is a group I human carcinogen and causes chromosomal instability (CIN). Arsenic exposure is the second most common cause of skin cancer after UV radiation. hsa-miR-186 is overexpressed in arsenic-induced squamous cell carcinoma relative to premalignant hyperkeratosis. Among predicted targets of hsa-miR-186 are cell cycle regulators including regulators of mitotic progression. Disruption of mitotic progression can contribute to CIN. Thus, we hypothesized that hsa-miR-186 overexpression contributes to malignant transformation of arsenic exposed HaCaT cells by induction of CIN. Stable clones of HaCaT cells transfected with pEP-hsa-miR-186 expression vector or empty vector were maintained under puromycin selection and exposed to 0 or 100 nM NaAsO2 and cultured for 29 weeks. HaCaT clones overexpressing hsa-miR-186 and exposed to NaAsO2 showed increased CIN and anchorage independent growth at 29 weeks in a stochastic manner, in contrast to unexposed empty vector transfected clones. These results suggest that clonal variability mediates arsenic-induced carcinogenesis in hsa-miR-186 overexpressing human keratinocytes.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation mediates benzo(a)pyrene-induced overexpression of AQP3 and Notch1 in HaCaT cells.

The aim of this study was twofold: (1) evaluate the effect of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) on expression levels of AQP3 and Notch1 genes in HaCaT cells exposed "in vitro" and (2) investigate the possible biological role of assessed genes by bioinformatics methods. Cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of BaP (0.0-4.0 μM) for 1-4 days. After treatments, cell viability and expression levels of AhR, CYP1A1, AQP3, and Notch1 genes were evaluated. The possible biological role of assessed genes was evaluated using bioinformatics tools. Low cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells dosed with BaP was detected. A significant overexpression (p < .05) of CYP1A1, AQP3, and Notch1 was found in exposed HaCaT cells. The gene expression upregulation was dependent on AhR activation. The bioinformatics analysis showed that these genes were enriched in related cancer signaling pathways. The findings suggest that AQP3 and Notch1 are upregulated by AhR activation in HaCaT cells exposed to BaP.

Preparation of microspheres by alginate purified from Sargassum horneri and study of pH-responsive behavior and drug release

Alginate is a biopolymer used in numerous biomedical applications. The current work describes the purification of alginate from Sargassum horneri and method optimization for formulating drug-loaded microparticles by water-in-oil emulsification/internal gelation. Molecular weights of S. horneri alginate were ranging 50–70 kDa. Among 16 method optimizations, the F4 method was selected for further studies based on shape descriptor parameters which indicated, 0.24 ± 0.01 circularity, 0.80 ± 0.11 roundness, 1.27 ± 0.20 aspect ratio between long and short axis, and less aggregation in PBS. Processing parameters of the F4 method were; CaCO3/alginate ratio of 20/1 (w/w), 5% span 80 in oil (v/v), water/oil phase ratio of 1/20 (v/v), and 1000 rpm emulsification speed. Hollow pores were visible on the surface of dehydrated F4 microparticles. F4 microparticles indicated 41.84 ± 2.93 and 45.86 ± 1.65% encapsulation efficiencies for phloroglucinol (F4P) and indomethacin (F4I) with 32.69 ± 1.35 and 31.69 ± 1.98% loading capacities. These microparticles were found to be desirable for extending drug release over short periods (0–3 days) under pH 2.0–7.4. F4P and F4I were effective in suppressing intracellular reactive oxygen species in FD exposed HaCaT cells while increasing cell viability over 24 - 48 h duration.

Effect of Red &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Panax ginseng&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; on Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics in HaCaT Cells Exposed to Urban Pollutants

Background: Urban air pollution contributes to lung and cardiovascular system dysfunction, making it a major concern for human health. Its impact on skin integrity, associated with increased occurrence of atopic dermatitis, is now recognized, but its cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Objective: In the present study we aimed at establishing the impact of urban pollutant on mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics using the HaCaT cell model. We also sought to establish the protective effect of ECH-5195 (red Panax ginseng extract), standardized in ginsenosides, in reversing pollution-induced mitochondrial defects. Methods: Urban pollution exposure was mimicked by 1 h exposure of HaCaT cells with standardized atmospheric particulate matter containing PAHs, nitro-PAHs, PCB congeners, and chlorinated pesticides with a mean particulate diameter of 5.85 μm (SRM1648). Results: The presence of urban pollutant in the cultures increased the prevalence of hyperfission by 1.41-fold (p = 0.023) and fission by 1.35 fold (p = 0.006) in the reticular mitochondrial network. ECH-5195 reduced both pollution-induced hyperfission by 0.54-fold (p = 0.004) and fission by 0.68-fold (p = 0.0006) normalizing the mitochondrial reticular network. Pollution exposure was associated with a significant reduction of basal OCR and increased lactate production, pushing the cell to rely on glycolysis for ATP production. When ECH-5195 was used, OCR was significantly increased, and the glycolytic contribution to ATP production was reduced while both oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial respiration were increased demonstrating mitochondrial re-engagement in ATP production. Conclusions: Pollution exposure was disruptive for both the mitochondrial network dynamics and mitochondrial respiration. Ginsenosides in ECH-5195 efficiently protected both from pollution-induced defects.

Akt Regulated Phosphorylation of GSK-3β/Cyclin D1, p21 and p27 Contributes to Cell Proliferation Through Cell Cycle Progression From G1 to S/G2M Phase in Low-Dose Arsenite Exposed HaCat Cells.

Arsenic is a toxic environmental contaminant. Long-term exposure to arsenic through drinking water induces human cancers. However, it is as yet uncertain about the mechanisms of arsenic induced carcinogenesis. Although the effects of low-dose arsenicals on proliferation and cell cycle have been revealed by short time exposure, the evidences for long-term exposure were seldom reported. The detailed mechanism has been unclear and supplemented constantly. In the present study, we used normal human keratinocytes (HaCat) to study the effects of long-term, low-dose sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) exposure on cell proliferation with emphasis on the Akt regulated cell cycle signaling pathways. Treatment of NaAsO2 resulted in increased cell proliferation and promotion of cell cycle progression from G1 to S/G2M phase, both of which could be attenuated by MK2206, a highly selective inhibitor of Akt. Along with the increased expression of phospho-Akt (p-Akt, Ser 473), increased expression of p-GSK-3β (Ser 9), p-p21 (Thr 145), p-p27 (Thr 157) and total cyclin D1, and decreased expression of p-cyclin D1 (Thr 286), p21 and p27 were also found in the NaAsO2 exposed cells. Treatment of MK2206 markedly reversed the expression of all of the above proteins. Our findings indicated that the phosphorylated activation of Akt played a role in the proliferation of HaCat cells upon long-term, low-dose NaAsO2 exposure through the phosphorylative regulation of its downstream cell cycle regulating factors of GSK-3β/cyclin D1, p21 and p27, which could induce the promotion of cell cycle progression from G1 to S/G2M phase.

Increased expression of IL-33 in rosacea skin and UVB-irradiated and LL-37-treated HaCaT cells.

Rosacea is one of the most common dermatoses of adults. Although the detailed pathophysiology remains unknown, it is thought that rosacea is caused by a consistently aberrant, innate immune response, and that LL-37 plays an important role. However, involvement of the inflammatory cytokine IL-33 has not yet been studied. We explored the role played by IL-33 in the pathophysiology of rosacea. First, we immunohistochemically evaluated the expression of IL-33 and its receptor (ST2) in rosacea skin. Second, we exposed HaCaT cells to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation in the presence or absence of LL-37 and measured the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-33. We also analysed VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) mRNA expression and protein release after costimulation of HaCaT cells by LL-37 and IL-33. Immunohistochemically, IL-33 expression was enhanced in the skin of rosacea patients, especially with erythematotelangiectatic subtype. In vitro, UVB and LL-37 synergistically increased mRNAs expression of proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-33 and IL-1β. IL-33 protein release was also synergistically increased by LL-37 and UVB treatment. LL-37 and IL-33 stimulated VEGF mRNA expression and VEGF release from HaCaT cells. Our findings suggest that rosacea skin with abundant LL-37 may robustly produce and release IL-33 when exposed to UV radiation. IL-33 may participate in the angiogenesis and vasodilation of rosacea skin by enhancing VEGF release.

Abstract 100: Interleukin 1 receptor type II upregulates MMP1 expression and increases motility of keratinocytes cells

Abstract We have shown that long-term exposure to low doses of inorganic arsenite (iAs) induced malignant transformation of non-tumorigenic human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. We further demonstrated that enhanced expression of a decoy type II receptor of interleukin-1 (IL1R2) in transformed keratinocytes mediated through IL-6 and VEGFR to increase the migration and invasion activities, indicating the oncogenic potential of IL1R2. In this present study, we further explored how IL1R2 enhances the cell motility in human keratinocytes. As described earlier, long-term and low dose iAs (0, 0.5 and 1 μM) exposed HaCaT cells were designated as HaCaT A0, A1 and A2 cells, respectively. The tumorigenic cell line, T4R2, was derived from the tumor in mice implanted with HaCaT A2 cells. By growing HaCaT A0, A1, A2 and T4R2 cells on an organotypic culture system using basal medium, we found that T4R2 cells formed multilayered morphology. By aid of siRNA and ectopic expression techniques, we further demonstrated that increased expression of IL1R2 in T4R2 cells was associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and enhanced cell motility. The roles of MMP1 on supporting the organotypic growth of T4R2 cells were confirmed by using the stably MMP1-silenced T4R2 cells (T4R2-shMMP1). The cell motility of T4R2-shMMP1 cells was also significantly reduced. Furthermore, IL1R2-induced MMP1 upregulation was remarkably inhibited by inhibitors of MAPK/ERK signaling. Our present results revealed that MMP1 was one of downstream targets of IL1R2 which plays a crucial role on the progression of malignancy. Therefore, IL1R2 may be a target for cancer intervention. Citation Format: Hsiu-Hua Wang, Te-Chang Lee. Interleukin 1 receptor type II upregulates MMP1 expression and increases motility of keratinocytes cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 100.

Chlorin e6-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy Suppresses P. acnes-Induced Inflammatory Response via NFκB and MAPKs Signaling Pathway.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), consisting of photosensitizer, light, and oxygen has been used for the treatment of various diseases including cancers, microbial infections and skin disorders. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effect of chlorin e6-mediated PDT in P. acnes-infected HaCaT cells using photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) and halogen light. The live and heat-killed P. acnes triggered an upregulation of inflammatory molecules such as iNOS, NO, and inflammatory cytokine in HaCaT cells and mouse model. Ce6-mediated PDT notably downregulated the expression of these inflammatory molecules in vitro and in vivo. Similarly, chlorin e6-mediated PDT was capable of regulating inflammatory response in both live and heat killed S. epidermidis exposed HaCaT cells. Moreover, phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK were reduced by Ce6-mediated PDT. Ce6-mediated PDT also reduced the phosphorylation of IKKα/β, IĸBα and NFκB p65 in P. acnes-stimulated HaCaT cells. In addition, the dramatic increase in the nuclear translocation of NFκB p65 observed upon stimulation with P. acnes was markedly impaired by Ce6-based PDT. This is the first suggestion that Ce6-mediated PDT suppresses P. acnes-induced inflammation through modulating NFκB and MAPKs signaling pathways.

Redox-Sensitive Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Protect Human Keratinocytes from Oxidative Stress Induced by Glutathione Depletion.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) have gathered much attention in the biomedical field due to its unique antioxidant property. It can protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress induced damage due to its autoregenerative redox cycle. Our study explores the antioxidant and antigenotoxic behavior of PEGylated CeNPs toward oxidative insult produced by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). BSO inhibits the γ-glutamylcysteinesynthetase (γ-GCS) enzyme and thus acts as a glutathione (GSH) depleting agent to modulate the cellular redox potential. GSH is a natural ROS scavenger present in the mammalian cells, and its depletion causes generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we challenged HaCaT cells (keratinocytes) with BSO to alter the redox potential within the cell and monitored toxicity, ROS generation, and nuclear fragmentation. We also followed changes in expressions of related proteins and genes. We found that PEGylated CeNPs can protect HaCaT cells from BSO-induced oxidative damage. BSO-exposed cells, preincubated with PEGylated CeNPs, showed better cell survival and significant decrease in the intracellular levels of ROS. We also observed decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and nuclear fragmentation in CeNP-treated cells that were challenged with BSO as compared to treatment with BSO alone. Exposure of HaCaT cells with BSO leads to altered expression of antioxidant genes and proteins, i.e., thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and peroxiredoxin 6 (Prx6) whereas, in our study, pretreatment of PEGylated CeNPs reduces the need for induction of genes that produce enzymes involved in the defense against oxidative stress. Since, growing evidence argued the involvement of ROS in mediating death of mammalian cells in several ailments, our finding reinforces the use of PEGylated CeNPs as a potent pharmacological agent under the lower cellular GSH/GSSG ratios for the treatment of diseases mediated by free radicals.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields cause G1 phase arrest through the activation of the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway.

In daily life, humans are exposed to the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) generated by electric appliances, and public concern is increasing regarding the biological effects of such exposure. Numerous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the biological effects of ELF-EMF exposure. Here we show that ELF-EMFs activate the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway in HaCaT cells, inhibiting cell proliferation. To present well-founded results, we comprehensively evaluated the biological effects of ELF-EMFs at the transcriptional, protein, and cellular levels. Human HaCaT cells from an immortalized epidermal keratinocyte cell line were exposed to a 1.5 mT, 60 Hz ELF-EMF for 144 h. The ELF-EMF could cause G1 arrest and decrease colony formation. Protein expression experiments revealed that ELF-EMFs induced the activation of the ATM/Chk2 signaling cascades. In addition, the p21 protein, a regulator of cell cycle progression at G1 and G2/M, exhibited a higher level of expression in exposed HaCaT cells compared with the expression of sham-exposed cells. The ELF-EMF-induced G1 arrest was diminished when the CHK2 gene expression (which encodes checkpoint kinase 2; Chk2) was suppressed by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). These findings indicate that ELF-EMFs activate the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway in HaCaT cells, resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Based on the precise control of the ELF-EMF exposure and rigorous sham-exposure experiments, all transcriptional, protein, and cellular level experiments consistently supported the conclusion. This is the first study to confirm that a specific pathway is triggered by ELF-EMF exposure.

HaCaT 세포에서 자외선 B에 의해 유도된 DNA 상해반응에 대한 복분자와 쑥 추출물의 효과

본 연구는 복분자와 쑥 추출물이 UVB (자외선-B)에 의한 유전독성의 감소에 효과를 보이는 지를 HaCaT 세포를 이용하여 분석하였다. 자외선을 조사하지 않은 정상 세포의 세포활성은 복분자와 쑥 추출물을 처리한 경우 처리하지 않은 대조군과 차이를 나타내지 않았지만, 자외선을 조사한 세포에 복분자와 쑥 추출물을 처리한 경우 처리하지 않은 대조군에 비해 농도 의존적으로 세포 활성을 증가하였다. UVB를 조사한 후 세포의 핵 분절율은 복분자와 쑥 추출물을 처리한 경우 정상 배양액으로 배양한 대조군에 비해 핵 분절율을 각각 약 20%, 15% 정도 감소하였다. DNA 상해 회복에 반응하는 cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD)의 잔여량을 확인한 결과, 복분자와 쑥 추출만 처리한 경우 처리하지 않은 대조군에 비해 차이를 나타내지 않았으나 UVB 조사한 후 복분자와 쑥추출물을 처리한 경우 정상 배양액으로 배양한 대조군에 비해 농도의존적으로 감소하였다. 세포 상해에 반응하는 유전자인 phospho-p53과 GADD45의 단백질 수준을 Western blot으로 분석한 결과, 자외선을 조사하지 않은 정상세포에 복분자와 쑥 추출물만 처리한 경우 처리하지 않은 대조군과 비교하여 유의적인 차이를 나타내지 않았지만 UVB 조사한 후 복분자와 쑥 추출물을 처리한 경우 농도 의존적으로 phospho-p53과 GADD45 단백질 발현량이 감소하였다. 위의 결과에서 복분자와 쑥 추출물은 UVB에 유도된 DNA 상해와 p53 및 GADD45와 같은 상해 반응단백질의 수준을 감소시키는 것으로 보아 UVB에 의해 손상된 세포의 유전독성을 회복하는 효능이 있다고 생각된다. We investigated the effects of extracts from Rubus coreanus (RC) and Artemisia princeps var. orientalis (AP) on DNA damage response in ultraviolet B (UVB)-exposed HaCaT cells. Cell activity upon treatment for 24 h with RC or AP alone was similar to or greater than that of the nontreated control. When UVB-exposed cells were postincubated for 24 h in medium containing RC or AP, cell activity increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Nuclear fragmentation analysis showed that postincubation with RC or AP decreased UVB-induced apoptosis by about 20% and 15%, respectively, of that in cells postincubated with growth medium. When UVB-exposed cells were postincubated for 24 h in medium containing RC or AP, the level of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer decreased in a concentration- dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that treatment of cells not exposed to UVB with RC or AP alone did not significantly change the levels of phospho-p53 and GADD45 protein. Interestingly, when UVB-exposed cells were postincubated for 24 h in medium containing RC or AP, phospho-p53 and GADD45 levels decreased in a concentration dependent manner. Our results suggest that RC and AP extract assist the survival of UVB-exposed cells in parallel with a decrease in levels of UVB-induced DNA damage and damage-response proteins, such as p53 and GADD45.

Molecular mechanism of polypeptides from Chlamys farreri (PCF)’s anti-apoptotic effect in UVA-exposed HaCaT cells involves HSF1/HSP70, JNK, XO, iNOS and NO/ROS

This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of polypeptides from Chlamys farreri (PCF)’s anti-apoptotic effects in ultraviolet A-rays (UVA) exposed HaCaT cells. UVA-induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells was confirmed with Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining; PCF treatment inhibited UVA-induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells, increased transcriptional activities of heat shock factor protein 1 (HSF1) and the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), whereas inhibited activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), expression of xanthine oxidese (XO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and release of nitric oxide (NO)/reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, the HSF1 transcription inhibitor quercetin increased UVA-induced apoptosis, activation of JNK, expression of XO and iNOS and release of NO/ROS. Among the two NO release peaks we found in UVA exposed HaCaT cells, XO inhibitor oxypurinol was found to be able to inhibit NO release at 3h post UVA exposure but not 18h, while iNOS inhibitor S-methylisothiourea sulfate (SMT) was found to inhibit iNOS expression and NO release at 18h but not 3h. PCF’s protection against UVA-induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells involves increased transcriptional activity of HSF1, increased expression of HSP70, and the subsequential inhibition of JNK pathway, XO and iNOS expression and ROS/NO release.

여뀌 추출물의 세포 보호 작용과 피부 흡수 증진을 위한 리포좀 제형 연구

이전 연구에서 저자들은 여뀌 추출물의 항산화, 항노화, 항균 활성 및 여뀌 추출물을 함유한 크림의 보습 효과에 대한 결과를 보고한 바 있다. 본 연구에서는 여뀌 추출물과 그 주요 성분인 isoquercitrin의 사람 적혈구와 HaCaT 세포에서의 세포 보호 효과를 측정하였다. 여뀌 추출물의 피부 전달시스템으로 에토좀 및 탄성 리포좀을 제조하여 입자크기, 포집효율, 안정성 및 피부 흡수 증진 능력을 평가하였다. 적혈구 광용혈에서 여뀌 추출물과 isoquercitrin은 <TEX>$5{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>의 농도에서 <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-토코페롤보다도 큰 세포보호효과를 나타내었다. 여뀌 추출물은 HaCaT 세포에 대해 <TEX>$50{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>의 농도에서 독성을 나타내지 않았다, UVB <TEX>$400mJ/cm^2$</TEX>를 HaCaT cell에 조사하였을 때, 여뀌 추출물은 농도 의존적(<TEX>$12.5{\sim}50{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>)으로 자외선으로부터 세포를 보호하였고, <TEX>$25{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>의 농도에서 양성 대조군(세포 생존율, 36 %)에 비하여 큰세포보호 활성(생존율, 90 %)을 나타내었다. 0.04 % 여뀌 추출물을 담지한 에토좀의 입자 크기는 173.0 nm, 포집효율은55.58 %이였다. 에토좀 제조 후 일주일동안 안정한 단분산 형태를 나타내었다. 피부 투과 실험 결과 에토좀은 일반 리포좀이나 에탄올 용액에서보다도 더 큰 피부 투과능을 보여주었다. 0.1 % 여뀌 추출물을 담지한 탄성 리포좀의 최적의 제형은 인지질 대 계면활성제(<TEX>$Tego^{(R)}$</TEX>care 450)의 비율이 95 : 5으로 확인되었다. 0.1 % 여뀌 추출물 함유한 최적의 탄성 리포좀의 입자크기는 176.5 nm, 가변형성은 16.4, 포집효율은 68.8 %이었다. 여뀌 추출물을 담지한 탄성 리포좀은 계면활성제가 포함되지 않은 제형보다 더 큰 피부 투과능을 나타내었다. In our previous studies, the antioxidant, anti-aging, and antibacterial activities of Persicaria hydropipier L. extract, and the moisturizing effect of cream containing P. hydropipier extract were investigated. In this study, the cellular protective effects of P. hydropipier extract and isoquercitrin, main component from P. hydropipier in <TEX>$^1O_2$</TEX>-induced photohemolysis of human erythrocytes and ultraviolet B (UVB)-exposed HaCaT cells were investigated. Liposomes such as ethosome and elastic liposome for enhanced transdermal delivery were prepared. Size, loading efficiency, stability, and cumulative permeated amounts of ethosomes and elastic liposomes were evaluated. P. hydropipier extract and isoquercitrin showed more prominent cellular protective effect than (+)-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-tocopherol, known as lipid antioxidant at <TEX>$5{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>. P. hydropipier extract didn't show any characteristics of cytotoxicity at <TEX>$50{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>. When HaCaT cells were exposed to a single large dose (<TEX>$400mJ/cm^2$</TEX>) of UVB, the extract protected the cells against UVB radiation in a concentration dependent manner (<TEX>$12.5{\sim}50{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>). Cell viability of HaCaT cells exposed to UVB <TEX>$400mJ/cm^2$</TEX> was increased by treatment with P. hydropipier extract or isoquercitrin from 36 % (cell viability of positve control groups) to 90 % (cell viability of P. hydropipier extract or isoquercitrin- treated groups). The size of 0.04 % P. hydropiper extract loaded ethosomes was 173.0 nm and the loading efficiency was 55.58 %. 0.04 % P. hydropiper extract loaded ethosomes were stable with as monodisperse particles for 1 week. The ethosome exhibited more skin permeability than general liposome and ethanol solution. The optimal ratio of lipid to surfactant (<TEX>$Tego^{(R)}$</TEX> care 450) of 0.1 % P. hydropiper extract loaded elastic liposomes was observed to be 95 : 5. Vesicle size of 0.1 % P. hydropiper extract loaded elastic liposome was 176.5 nm. The deformability index of the elastic liposome was 16.4. The loading efficiency was 68.8 %. The elastic liposome containing P. hydropiper extract showed more skin permeability than liposome without surfactant (<TEX>$Tego^{(R)}$</TEX> care 450).

The ETS Family Transcription Factor ELK-1 Regulates Induction of the Cell Cycle-regulatory Gene p21Waf1/Cip1 and the BAX Gene in Sodium Arsenite-exposed Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKN1A), often referred to as p21(Waf1/Cip1) (p21), is induced by a variety of environmental stresses. Transcription factor ELK-1 is a member of the ETS oncogene superfamily. Here, we show that ELK-1 directly trans-activates the p21 gene, independently of p53 and EGR-1, in sodium arsenite (NaASO(2))-exposed HaCaT cells. Promoter deletion analysis and site-directed mutagenesis identified the presence of an ELK-1-binding core motif between -190 and -170 bp of the p21 promoter that confers inducibility by NaASO(2). Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift analyses confirmed the specific binding of ELK-1 to its putative binding sequence within the p21 promoter. In addition, NaASO(2)-induced p21 promoter activity was enhanced by exogenous expression of ELK-1 and reduced by expression of siRNA targeted to ELK-1 mRNA. The importance of ELK-1 in response to NaASO(2) was further confirmed by the observation that stable expression of ELK-1 siRNA in HaCaT cells resulted in the attenuation of NaASO(2)-induced p21 expression. Although ELK-1 was activated by ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK in response to NaASO(2), ELK-1-mediated activation of the p21 promoter was largely dependent on ERK. In addition, EGR-1 induced by ELK-1 seemed to be involved in NaASO(2)-induced expression of BAX. This supports the view that the ERK/ELK-1 cascade is involved in p53-independent induction of p21 and BAX gene expression.

UVB를 조사한 HaCaT 세포의 세포사멸과 p53 및 GADD45 유전자 발현에 대한 파프리카 추출물 및 성분들의 효과

In the present study, the effects of paprika extract and its components including vitamin C, lycopene and beta-carotene on cell death in ultraviolet B (UVB)-exposed HaCaT cells were investigated. The cell viability upon treatment for 24 hr with either paprika extract or vitamin C alone was similar to or greater than that of the untreated control. However, the viability of the cells treated with lycopene or beta-carotene decreased to about 20% of that in the untreated control. When UVB-exposed cells were post-incubated for 24 hr in medium containing paprika extract or vitamin C, cell viability increased in a concentration dependent manner as compared to those post-incubated in a normal growth medium. In contrast, post-incubation of UVB-exposed cells with lycopene or beta-carotene decreased cell viability in a concentration dependent manner as compared to those post-incubated in a normal growth medium. The nuclear fragmentation analysis showed that paprika extract or vitamin C decreases UVB-induced apoptosis. The apoptotic nuclear fragmentation resulting from UVB exposure was also protected by the paprika extract or vitamin C post-incubation. However, the UVB-induced apoptotic nuclear fragmentation of the cells treated with lycopene or beta-carotene increased in a concentration dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that either paprika extract or vitamin C treatment alone did not significantly change the level of p53 and GADD45 protein. Interestingly, post-incubation of UVB-exposed cells with paprika extract or vitamin C decreased the p53 and GADD45 protein level as compared to those post-incubated in a normal growth medium. In contrast, incubation of UVB-exposed or non-irradiated cells with lycopene or beta-carotene increased the p53 and GADD45 protein levels in a concentration dependent manner as compared to those incubated in a normal growth medium. All these results suggest that paprika extract and vitamin C help the survival of the UVB-exposed cells, while lycopene and beta-carotene potentiate the apoptotic death of UVB-exposed cells, in accordance with the respective changes in p53 and GADD45 protein levels.

Abstract 5006: Interleukin-1 receptor type II regulates matrix metalloproteinases expression and plays oncogenic roles in HaCaT cells

Abstract Interleukin-1 receptor type II (IL1R2) is an IL-1 decoy receptor, which plays a role to inhibit exogenous IL-1 signaling. Intriguingly, IL1R2 also performs as a pro- inflammatory factor via activation of intracellular IL-1α signaling in a variety of cells. In our previous study, we reported that long term arsenic exposure resulted in increased IL1R2 expression which led to increased motility of human urothelial cells. In the present study, we similarly found that the expression of IL1R2 was increased in long-term arsenic exposed HaCaT cells (A1, A2) and the tumorigenic derivative, T4R2 cells. Since matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are frequently increased in a variety of malignant tissues including skin cancer, we also revealed that a positive association of IL1R2 and MMP1 and MMP7 at either mRNA or protein levels, which were analyzed by quantitative real time RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. To reveal the involvement of IL1R2 in up-regulation of MMPs, we adopted shRNA technique to silence the expression of IL1R2 in T4R2 cells. Our results demonstrated that MMP1 and MMP7 were suppressed in IL1R2 silencing T4R2 cells. Meanwhile, we found the enhanced expression of MMP1 and MMP7 in HaCaT cells with ectopically expressed IL1R2. Furthermore, we confirmed our previous finding showing that IL1R2 overexpression was accompanied with increased expression of precursor form of IL-1α protein (preIL-1α). Immunofluorescence staining showed the colocalization of IL1R2 and preIL-1α in the nucleus. In a xenograft mouse model, we found that HaCaT cells with ectopical expression of IL1R2 formed tumor in nude mice whereas IL1R2 silencing in T4R2 cells suppressed the tumorigenicity. Taken together, these results implicate that IL1R2 plays an oncogenic role in human keratinocyte transformation by upregulation of MMPs expression. 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 5006. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5006

Phosphorylation of NF-κB P65 subunit mediates chemical hypoxia-induced inflammatory injury in HaCaT cells

Objective To explore whether the phosphorylation of NF-κB P65 subunit is involved in the cytotoxicity to and inflammation in an immortal human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT during cobalt chloride (CoCl2-induced chemical hypoxia. Methods HaCaT cells were treated with CoCl2 of 2 mmol/L to set up a chemical hypoxia-induced cell model of injury. Then, RNA interference was used to down-regulate the expression of P65 in CoCl2-induced HaCaT cells. After additional culture, cell viability was tested by cell counting kit8 (CCK-8), the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) were detected by ELISA kits, phosphorylated and total P65 protein was measured by Western blot. Results The exposure of HaCaT cells to 2 mmol/L CoCl2 for 0 to 4 hours enhanced the phosphorylation of P65, which began at 0.5 hour, peaked at 1.5 hours, and restored to the normal level at 4 hours, and the level of P65 phosphorylation was about 6.6 times that in the untreated control group. The CoCl2 of 2 mmol/L decreased the cell viability of HaCaT cells in a time dependent manner, and a significant difference was observed in the viability of HaCaT cells between CoCl2-treated and untreated HaCaT cells at 2, 4, and 6 hours (P ＜ 0.05, 0.01, 0.01 ). The release of IL-6 and IL-8 from HaCaT cells was also promoted by CoCl2 treatment. The knockdown of P65 expression with siRNA markedly suppressed the CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity to and increase in the release of IL-6 and IL-8 from HaCaT cells,despite of an increment in cell viability by about 11%. Conclusion The phosphorylated P65 subunit mediates CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity and inflammatory injury to HaCaT cells. Key words: Cell hypoxia; Keratinocytes; Inflammation; NF-kappa B

Effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on the ultraviolet B-induced DNA damage responses in HaCaT cells

Our previous study demonstrated the increase in the repair of UVB damage by mRg2, a mixture of ginsenosides containing 60% Rg2 in NIH3T3 cells. In the present study, the effects of purified Rg2 on the repair and apoptosis in ultraviolet B (UVB)-exposed HaCaT cells were investigated on gene expression levels. When cells were exposed to UVB and post-incubated in normal medium for 24 h, the cell viability decreased to about 50% of that in nontreated control. When Rg2 was post-incubated, however, the UVB-induced cytotoxicity was significantly prevented in an Rg2 concentration- and time-dependent manner. The apoptotic nuclear fragmentation resulting from UVB exposure was also significantly protected by the Rg2 post-incubation. Microarray analysis showed that the genes stimulated by the Rg2-alone treatment include those involved in p53 signaling pathway such as GADD45alpha, GADD45beta, and cell communication genes. RT-PCR analysis showed that the Rg2-alone treatment slightly upregulated the p53 and GADD45 transcript and protein levels by about 1.5-fold as compared with the nontreated control. The mRNA levels of p53 and GADD45 in cells exposed to UVB and post-incubated with Rg2 for 24 h decreased in an Rg2 concentration-dependent manner as compared with that post-incubated in normal medium. However, the mRNA level of the UVB-exposed cells post-incubated with 5 microM retinol was essentially the same as that post-incubated in normal medium. Time course experiment showed that the mRNA levels of p53 and GADD45 in UVB-exposed cells were upregulated by post-incubation with 50 microM Rg2 until 6 and 9 h, respectively, and then gradually decreased until 24 h. By Western blot analysis, it was also revealed that the Rg2 post-incubation decreases the expression of p53, phospho-p53, GADD45, and ATM in UVB-exposed cells. Time course analysis also indicated that these decreased expressions were due to the earlier upregulation of p53 and GADD45 proteins. When UVB-exposed cells were post-incubated with Rg2 for 24 h after UVB exposure, the level of remaining cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers decreased in both Rg2 concentration- and time-dependent manner. All these results suggest that Rg2 protects cells against UVB-induced genotoxicity by increasing DNA repair, in possible association with modulation of protein levels involved in p53 signaling pathway.

CXCR3/Ligands Are Significantly Involved in the Tumorigenesis of Basal Cell Carcinomas

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy encountered worldwide. We hypothesized that CXC chemokines, small cytokines involved in inducing directed leukocyte chemotaxis, could play a key role in the modulation of BCC growth. In this study, quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the chemokines CXCL9, 10, 11, and their receptor CXCR3 were significantly upregulated by an average 22.6-fold, 9.2-fold, 26.6-fold, and 4.9-fold, respectively in BCC tissue samples as compared with nonlesional skin epithelium. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that CXCR3, CXCL10, and CXCL11, but not CXCL9, colocalized with cytokeratin 17 (K17) in BCC keratinocytes. In addition, CXCR3 and its ligands were expressed in cells of the surrounding BCC stroma. The chemokines and K17 were also expressed in cultured human immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes. Exposure of HaCaT cells or primary BCC-derived cells to CXCL11 peptides in vitro significantly increased cell proliferation. In primary BCC-derived cell cultures, addition of CXCL11 progressively selected for K17+/CXCR3+ co-expressing cells over time. The expression of CXCR3 and its ligands in human BCC keratinocytes, the enhancement of keratinocyte cell proliferation by CXCL11, and the homogeneity of K17+ BCC cells in human BCC-isolated cell population supported by CXCR3/CXCL11 signaling all suggest that CXCR3 and its ligands may be important autocrine and/or paracrine signaling mediators in the tumorigenesis of BCC.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields modulate expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCat: potential therapeutic effects in wound healing

Extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) are known to produce a variety of biological effects. Clinical studies are ongoing using EMF in healing of bone fractures and skin wounds. However, little is known about the mechanisms of action of ELF-EMF. Several studies have demonstrated that expression and regulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are vital for wound healing; however, no reports have demonstrated a direct action of ELF-EMF in the modulation of these inflammatory molecules in human keratinocytes. The present study analysed the effect of ELF-EMF on the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT in order to assess the mechanisms of action of ELF-EMF and to provide further support for their therapeutic use in wound healing. Exposed HaCaT cells were compared with unexposed control cells. At different exposure times, expression of inducible NOS (iNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS) and COX-2 was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Modulation of iNOS and eNOS was monitored by evaluation of NOS activities, production of nitric oxide (NO) and O(2)(-) and expression of activator protein 1 (AP-1). In addition, catalase activity and prostaglandin (PG) E(2) production were determined. Effects of ELF-EMF on cell growth and viability were monitored. The exposure of HaCaT cells to ELF-EMF increased iNOS and eNOS expression levels. These ELF-EMF-dependent increased expression levels were paralled by increased NOS activities, and increased NO production. In addition, higher levels of AP-1 expression as well as a higher cell proliferation rate were associated with ELF-EMF exposure. In contrast, ELF-EMF decreased COX-2 expression, PGE(2) production, catalase activity and O(2)(-) production. Mediators of inflammation, such as reactive nitrogen and PGE(2), and keratinocyte proliferation are critical for the tissue regenerative processes. The ability of ELF-EMF to upmodulate NOS activities, thus nitrogen intermediates, as well as cell proliferation, and to downregulate COX-2 expression and the downstream intermediate PGE(2), highlights the potential therapeutic role of ELF-EMF in wound healing processes.