FOXO3a Gene Research Articles

P2-06-02: FOXO3a Genotype Predicts Age of Breast Cancer Onset and Correlates with Lymph Node Involvement.

Abstract Background: Ageing mechanisms and genetic traits underlying the aging process are intimately linked with mechanisms that protect against cancer. FOXO3a genotype might be an important clue in this regard, as single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene have been related to longevity, but also to differences in cancer susceptibility. FOXO3a is thought to work as a cellular ‘switch', by either promoting apoptosis or halting proliferation and protecting from oxidative stress. We have assessed FOXO3a genotype in a cohort of breast cancer patients to investigate possible associations with patient and/or breast tumor characteristics. Patients and methods: Eligible subjects were all early breast cancer patients with upfront surgery, diagnosed at our center between 2000 till 2010, from which germline DNA (peripheral blood) was available. 2 SNP's in the FOXO3a gene, known to correlate with ageing or age associated diseases were assessed by Sequenom (rs 9400239 and rs 6911407). Results: 2047 patients were included in the study. Age at diagnosis was found to be lower for patients homozygous for the minor allele at position rs6911407 (genotype A/A) (median age at diagnosis 52 years; P=0.001;95% C.I. 50.7−53.3). Patients homozygous for the wild type allele (genotype C/C) at this position had a median age at diagnosis 55.0 years; 95% C.I. 54.0−56.0. After correction for possible confounding variables BMI at diagnosis and parity, the association between age at diagnosis still remained significant (P=0.025, N=1348). We also assessed the relationship of the specific genotypes with tumor characteristics. We found that rs6911407 is positively correlated with lymph node status. This finding remains significant after correction for possible confounding variables ER, PR, Her-2, tumor size and tumor grade (OR=1.224 for homozygous mutants versus wild type; P=0.014;95% C.I. 1.042−1.437). Conclusion: In our cohort of primary breast cancers, we found that patients homozygous for the minor allele at position rs 6911407 in the FOXO3a gene, develop breast cancer at younger age, and have more lymph node involvement compared to patients homozygous for the wild type allele. SNP's in nearly complete linkage disequilibrium with rs6911407 have previously been correlated with healthy longevity. At first sight, this seems contradictory with our current findings. However, our results are in accordance with the trade-off that has been described to exist between longevity and risk of cancer. It is generally assumed that FOXO3a and p53 function are oppositely controlled by common regulation systems, such that changes in FOXO activation would always be counterbalanced by an inverse change in p53 activation. If FOXO3a is strongly activated in order to protect against DNA damage (i.e. longevity function), p53-mediated cancer protection will concomitantly be diminished. This mechanism reconciles the apparent paradox between the longevity phenotype that has previously been linked with rs 6911407 on the one hand, and, on the other hand, our current findings of earlier breast cancer onset and increased lymph node metastasis. Further research on the function of FOXO3a in both aging and cancer is required to shed more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying these observations. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-06-02.

Expressions of KLF1, FOXO3a, HOOK3 and MIER1 genes Are Associated with Fetal Hemoglobin Levels in Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin,

Abstract 3195The hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) is the consequence of impaired switching in adult life, which results in the continued expression of gamma globin gene. The Brazilian HPFH type is characterized by a C → G substitution at the –195 position of the A gamma globin gene promoter, and associated with HbF levels ranging from 6 to 16% in the heterozygote state. This study was undertaken to identify genes that may be involved in hemoglobin switching and/or maintenance of elevated HbF levels in Brazilian HPHF subjects. The Suppressive Subtractive Hybridization libraries were constructed using a pool of RNA extracted from reticulocytes of peripheral blood in individuals with normal hematological data and from subjects with Brazilian and 55 and 57 overexpressed genes were identified in the normal and Brazilian HPFH library, respectively; findings were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. One transcription factor identified was FOXO3a, whose expression was increased in Brazilian HPFH subjects, compared to control subjects. Moreover, the non-phosphorylated Foxo3a protein that interacts with DNA, was detected only in Brazilian HPFH when analyzed by Western blotting. FOXO3a binds to PAX1 promoter, a transcription factor whose activity was higher in Brazilian HPFH. The FOXO3a/PAX1 complex may be important in the mechanism responsible for increasing HbF levels in this genetic disorder. Another gene analyzed was KLF1, a transcription factor known as a regulator of switching from the gamma to beta globin gene. This gene was underexpressed in the reticulocytes of HPFH subjects. Klf1 protein activity in erythroid cells of healthy donors was also increased compared to Brazilian HPFH, when analyzed by DNA/protein array. Results suggest that the decreased KLF1 levels in Brazilian HPFH favors the interaction between the A gamma globin gene and the Locus Control Region, agreeing with previous studies that demonstrated that knockdown of KLF1 in adult erythroid progenitors favors the formation of complexes that bind to the gamma globin gene promoter. MIER1 expression was also found to be decreased in Brazilian HPFH reticulocytes, compared to controls. The MIER1 gene is able to recruit chromatin remodeling-enzymes leading, to the formation of heterochromatin and, consequently, silencing genes. This MIER1 may be an important gene in gamma to beta globin gene switching, where it could help in the maintenance of a closed chromatin structure in the gamma globin gene in individuals with low HbF levels. The expression of the HOOK3 gene was decreased in Brazilian HPFH reticulocytes, compared to controls. The HOOK3 encodes a protein that interacts with a GTPase protein, stimulating INF-gamma, responsible for the phosphorylation of p65/p50 and RXR beta like proteins which regulate the transcription of the beta globin gene. The reduced beta globin gene expression in Brazilian HPFH resulting from the reactivation of gamma globin gene may be responsible for a decrease in the HOOK3 expression. These results suggest that, in the HPFH Brazilian type, the FOXO3a/PAX1 complex could contribute to the continued expression of the A gamma globin gene. Additionally, some cellular modifications, such as low Klf1 activity and decreased HOOK3 and MIER1 expression, could participate in the maintenance of HbF levels. These genes could be important in therapeutic approaches for the development of new HbF induction agents for the hemoglobinopathies.Support by FAPESP, CNPq.and INCTS Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Muscle sparing in muscle RING finger 1 null mice: response to synthetic glucocorticoids

Skeletal muscle atrophy occurs under a variety of conditions and can result from alterations in both protein synthesis and protein degradation. The muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases, MuRF1 and MAFbx, are excellent markers of muscle atrophy and increase under divergent atrophy-inducing conditions such as denervation and glucocorticoid treatment. While deletion of MuRF1 or MAFbx has been reported to spare muscle mass following 14 days of denervation, their role in other atrophy-inducing conditions is unclear. The goal of this study was to determine whether deletion of MuRF1 or MAFbx attenuates muscle atrophy after 2 weeks of treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX). The response of the triceps surae (TS) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles to 14 days of DEX treatment (3 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) was examined in 4 month-old male and female wild type (WT) and MuRF1 or MAFbx knock out (KO) mice. Following 14 days of DEX treatment, muscle wet weight was significantly decreased in the TS and TA of WT mice. Comparison of WT and KO mice following DEX treatment revealed significant sparing of mass in both sexes of the MuRF1 KO mice, but no muscle sparing in MAFbx KO mice. Further analysis of the MuRF1 KO mice showed significant sparing of fibre cross-sectional area and tension output in the gastrocnemius (GA) after DEX treatment. Muscle sparing in the MuRF1 KO mice was related to maintenance of protein synthesis, with no observed increases in protein degradation in either WT or MuRF1 KO mice. These results demonstrate that MuRF1 and MAFbx do not function similarly under all atrophy models, and that the primary role of MuRF1 may extend beyond controlling protein degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system.

STAT3 Protein Promotes T-cell Survival and Inhibits Interleukin-2 Production through Up-regulation of Class O Forkhead Transcription Factors

Much is known about the role of STAT3 in regulating differentiation of interleukin-17-producing Th17 cells, but its function in other lymphocyte subsets is not well understood. In this report, we reveal wide-ranging functions of STAT3 in T-cells and provide evidence that STAT3 is convergence point for mechanisms that regulate lymphocyte quiescence and those controlling T-cell activation and survival. We show here that STAT3 inhibits T-lymphocyte proliferation by up-regulating the expression of Class-O Forkhead transcription factors, which play essential roles in maintaining T-cells in quiescent state. We further show that STAT3 binds directly to FoxO1 or FoxO3a promoter and that STAT3-deficiency resulted in down-regulation of the expression of FoxO1, FoxO3a and FoxO-target genes (IκB and p27Kip1). Compared with wild-type T-cells, STAT3-deficient T-cells produced more IL-2, due in part, to marked decrease in IκB-mediated sequestration of NF-κB in the cytoplasm and resultant enhancement of NF-κB activation. However, the high level of IL-2 production by STAT3-deficient T-cells was partially restored to normal levels by overexpressing FoxO1. It is notable that their exaggerated increase in IL-2 production rendered STAT3-deficient lymphocytes more susceptible to activation-induced cell death, suggesting that STAT3 might protect T-cells from apoptosis by limiting their production of IL-2 through up-regulation of FoxO1/FoxO3a expression. Moreover, we found that STAT3 enhanced survival of activated T-cells by up-regulating OX-40 and Bcl-2 while down-regulating FasL and Bad expression, suggesting that similar to role of FoxOs in regulating the lifespan of worms, STAT3 and FoxO pathways converge to regulate lifespan of T-lymphocytes.

Genetic variations in FOXO3A are associated with Bipolar Disorder without confering vulnerability for suicidal behavior

Genetic variation plays an important role in Bipolar Disorder (BD) and suicide susceptibility. However, little is known about the genetic influence on the risk of suicide, particularly in BD patients. Since FOXO3A plays a role in distinct mood-relevant behavioral processes, this gene could be a novel gene candidate for BD. Thus, we investigated whether FOXO3A polymorphisms are associated with BD and suicidal behavior in BD patients. TaqMan genotyping was used to detect FOXO3A SNPs in 273 BD patients and 264 control subjects. Three SNPs (rs1536057, rs2802292 and rs1935952) were associated with BD, but none was positively linked with suicidal behavior. A systematic evaluation within the whole FOXO3A gene and drug treatment in patients was not performed. These data suggest that FOXO3A is a novel susceptibility locus for BD, but not for suicidal behavior in BD patients. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the BD genetics.

Leptin gene transfer regulates fibromuscular development and lipid deposition in muscles via SIRT1, FOXO3a and PGC-1α in mice in vivo

Leptin gene transfer in the liver by hydrodynamic-based gene delivery instead of peptide administration was used to investigate the effects of leptin on muscle mass accretion and lipid accumulation in muscles of wild-type mice. Food intake (P<0.01), body weight (P<0.01) and white adipose tissue (P<0.01) were significantly reduced in the leptin gene-treated group compared with the control group. Moreover, plasma leptin concentration was significantly increased after administration of the mouse leptin gene at a dose of 15 µg per mouse for 1 day (P<0.01) or 1 week (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA abundance of myosin heavy chain type I (MyHC-I), myosin heavy chain type II (MyHC-IIa, MyHC-IIx), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) genes in gastrocnemius muscle and extensor digitorum longus after administration of leptin for 1 week were significantly increased compared with the control group. Finally, we investigated the mechanism by which leptin gene transfer affects fibromuscular and fat deposition in muscle. Gene expression and protein levels of SIRT1, and proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) were remarkably increased in extensor digitorum longus. On the other hand, PGC-1α and FOXO3a gene expression was observed to have significantly increased in gastrocnemius muscle. However, only changes in the protein levels of PGC-1α were observed (P<0.05). These results suggest that leptin may affect the growth and development of muscle, and fat deposition in wild-type mice via SIRT1 and FOXO3a and their downstream targets, including PGC-1α.

A role for the cancer-associated miR-106b~25 cluster in neuronal stem cells

A role for the cancer-associated miR-106b~25 cluster in neuronal stem cells

A missense mutation in the transcription factor Foxo3a causes teratomas and oocyte abnormalities in mice

An N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea random mutation screen was used to identify recessive modifiers of gene silencing in the mouse using an epigenetically sensitive reporter transgene. One of the mutant lines, MommeR1, was identified as a suppressor of variegation and it showed female-specific age-associated infertility in homozygotes. Linkage analysis identified a region on chromosome 10, containing the Foxo3a gene, previously shown to play a critical role in female gametogenesis. Foxo3a is a transcription factor with roles in cell cycle control, apoptosis, neural and hematopoietic cell differentiation, and DNA repair. Sequencing of the Foxo3a gene in MommeR1 mice revealed a point mutation that causes an amino acid substitution in the highly conserved Forkhead DNA-binding domain. In vitro transcription assays showed that the point mutation causes loss of FOXO3a transactivation activity. Compound heterozygotes made with Foxo3a-null mice (carrying the targeted deletion of exon 2) displayed complementation with respect to both the activation of the reporter transgene and defects in folliculogenesis similar to those seen in MommeR1 homozygotes, supporting the conclusion that this is the causative mutation. Approximately one in six female MommeR1 homozygotes develop teratomas, a phenotype not reported in Foxo3a-null mice. Ovulated oocytes from MommeR1 homozygotes display a number of abnormalities. The MommeR1 mice provide a novel platform to investigate teratocarcinogenesis and link Foxo3a with parthenogenesis and ovarian cancer. The finding of Foxo3a as a modifier of epigenetic reprogramming is discussed.

TEAD1-dependent expression of the FoxO3a gene in mouse skeletal muscle

BackgroundTEAD1 (TEA domain family member 1) is constitutively expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscles. It acts as a key molecule of muscle development, and trans-activates multiple target genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation pathways. However, its target genes in skeletal muscles, regulatory mechanisms and networks are unknown.ResultsIn this paper, we have identified 136 target genes regulated directly by TEAD1 in skeletal muscle using integrated analyses of ChIP-on-chip. Most of the targets take part in the cell process, physiology process, biological regulation metabolism and development process. The targets also play an important role in MAPK, mTOR, T cell receptor, JAK-STAT, calcineurin and insulin signaling pathways. TEAD1 regulates foxo3a transcription through binding to the M-CAT element in foxo3a promoter, demonstrated with independent ChIP-PCR, EMSA and luciferase reporter system assay. In addition, results of over-expression and inhibition experiments suggest that foxo3a is positively regulated by TEAD1.ConclusionsOur present data suggests that TEAD1 plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression and different signaling pathways may co-operate with each other mediated by TEAD1. We have preliminarily concluded that TEAD1 may regulate FoxO3a expression through calcineurin/MEF2/NFAT and IGF-1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in skeletal muscles. These findings provide important clues for further analysis of the role of FoxO3a gene in the formation and transformation of skeletal muscle fiber types.

Effects of FOXO Genotypes on Longevity: A Biodemographic Analysis

Based on data from 760 centenarians and 1060 middle-age controls (all Han Chinese), this article contributes biodemographic insights and syntheses concerning the magnitude of effects of the FOXO genotypes on longevity. We also estimate independent and joint effects of the genotypes of FOXO1A and FOXO3A genes on long-term survival, considering carrying or not-carrying the minor allele of the single-nucleotide polymorphism of another relevant gene. We found substantial gender differences in the independent effects; positive effects of FOXO3A and negative effects of FOXO1A largely compensate each other if one carries both, although FOXO3A has a stronger impact. Ten-year follow-up cohort analysis shows that at very advanced ages 92-110, adjusted for various confounders, positive effects of FOXO3A on survival remain statistically significant, but no significant effects of FOXO1A alone; G × G interactions between FOXO1A-209 and FOXO3A-310 or FOXO3A-292 decrease survival likelihood by 32%-36% (p < .05); G × E interactions between FOXO1A-209 and regular exercise increase survival likelihood by 31%-32% (p < .05).

Mechanical Ventilation–induced Diaphragm Disuse in Humans Triggers Autophagy

Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) results in atrophy of the human diaphragm. The autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) contributes to skeletal muscle proteolysis, but its contribution to diaphragmatic protein degradation in mechanically ventilated patients is unknown. To evaluate the autophagy pathway responses to CMV in the diaphragm and limb muscles of humans and to identify the roles of FOXO transcription factors in these responses. Muscle biopsies were obtained from nine control subjects and nine brain-dead organ donors. Subjects were mechanically ventilated for 2 to 4 hours and 15 to 276 hours, respectively. Activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system was detected by measuring mRNA expressions of Atrogin-1, MURF1, and protein expressions of UBC2, UBC4, and the α subunits of the 20S proteasome (MCP231). Activation of the ALP was detected by electron microscopy and by measuring the expressions of several autophagy-related genes. Total carbonyl content and HNE-protein adduct formation were measured to assess oxidative stress. Total AKT, phosphorylated and total FOXO1, and FOXO3A protein levels were also measured. Prolonged CMV triggered activation of the ALP as measured by the appearance of autophagosomes in the diaphragm and increased expressions of autophagy-related genes, as compared with controls. Induction of autophagy was associated with increased protein oxidation and enhanced expression of the FOXO1 gene, but not the FOXO3A gene. CMV also triggered the inhibition of both AKT expression and FOXO1 phosphorylation. We propose that prolonged CMV causes diaphragm disuse, which, in turn, leads to activation of the ALP through oxidative stress and the induction of the FOXO1 transcription factor.

FoxO Proteins Mediate Hypoxic Induction of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Endothelial Cells

Hypoxia, a driving force in neovascularization, promotes alterations in gene expression mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is a modulator of endothelial cell growth and migration, but its regulation by hypoxia is poorly understood. Therefore, we analyzed signaling pathways involved in the regulation of CTGF by hypoxia in endothelial cells. Exposure to low oxygen tension or treatment with the hypoxia-mimetic dimethyloxalyl glycine (DMOG) stabilized HIF-1alpha and up-regulated CTGF in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in a murine microvascular endothelial cell line. Induction of CTGF correlated with a HIF-dependent increase in protein and mRNA levels, and nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor FoxO3a. By contrast, gene expression and cellular localization of FoxO1 were not significantly altered by hypoxia. Expression of CTGF was strongly reduced by siRNA silencing of FoxO1 or FoxO3a. Furthermore, nuclear exclusion of FoxO1/3a transcription factors by inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatases by okadaic acid inhibited CTGF expression, providing evidence for both FoxO proteins as regulators of CTGF expression. The DMOG-stimulated induction of CTGF was further increased when endothelial cells were co-incubated with transforming growth factor-beta, an activator of Smad signaling. Activation of RhoA-Rho kinase signaling by the microtubule-disrupting drug combretastatin A4 also enhanced the DMOG-induced CTGF expression, thus placing CTGF induction by hypoxia in a network of interacting signaling pathways. Our findings provide evidence that FoxO1, hypoxia-stimulated expression of FoxO3a and its nuclear accumulation are required for the induction of CTGF by hypoxia in endothelial cells.

FoxO3a gene is a target of deletion in mouse lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinomas (LAC) of smokers and never-smokers differ from one another in epidemiology, and clinical and molecular characteristics. The pathogenetic differences between these tumors are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Mouse carcinogenesis models of human LAC are proven tools applicable for the identification of these molecular changes. Allelic loss frequency on human chromosome 6q is higher in LAC of smokers compared with never smokers. We analyzed the orthologous region on mouse chromosome 10 and found this region similarly was a more frequent site of allelic loss in carcinogen-induced LAC compared with non-induced or spontaneous LAC. We then conducted high resolution quantitative PCR-based deletion mapping of this region and identified the FoxO3a gene as the focus of bi-allelic or homozygous deletion (HD). HDs were detected in 5 out of 15 (33.3%) LAC cell lines and in 6 out of 75 (8%) carcinogen-induced primary LAC. FoxO3a was exclusively affected by HD in 7 of the samples examined, as loss of both alleles did extend to the nearest flanking genes of FoxO3a. Deletion of FoxO3a, either by HD or subclonal loss was detected in 38 out of 75 (50.7%) of carcinogen-induced LAC in contrast to only 1 out of 10 (10%) of LAC of untreated mice. Several of the samples also were subjected to direct sequence analysis; however, no intragenic mutations were detected. These results implicate FoxO3a as a selective target of deletion in mouse LAC. Significant association with carcinogenic induction suggests that deletion of FoxO3a contributes to the development of carcinogen-initiated tumors.

High FOXO3a expression is associated with a poorer prognosis in AML with normal cytogenetics

The PI3/AKT pathway is up-regulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but its prognostic relevance in cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML) is unclear. We evaluated RNA levels of AKT and two downstream substrates (FOXO3a-p27) in 110 de novo CN-AML, included in the Spanish PETHEMA therapeutic protocols. Patients with high FOXO3a gene expression displayed shorter OS (p=0.015) and RFS (p=0.048) than low FOXO3a expressers. Features selected in the multivariate analysis as having an independent prognostic value for a shorter survival were WBC>50×109/L, age >65 years and high FOXO3a expression. We concluded that FOXO3a assessment could contribute to improve the molecular-based risk stratification in CN-AML.

FOXO3a elicits a pro-apoptotic transcription program and cellular response to human lung carcinogen nicotine-derived nitrosaminoketone (NNK)

Long-term carcinogen exposure exerts continuous pressure on key mechanisms that repair or eliminate carcinogen-damaged cells giving rise to selective failures that contribute to lung cancer. FOXO3a is a transcription factor that elicits a protective response to diverse cellular stresses. Although implicated as a tumor suppressor, its role in sporadic cancer is uncertain. We recently observed that FOXO3a gene inactivation occurs frequently in carcinogen-induced lung adenocarcinoma (LAC). This suggests that FOXO3a may play a role in LAC suppression by eliciting a protective response to carcinogenic stress. Here we investigated this possibility by examining the role of FOXO3a in the cellular response to nicotine-derived nitrosaminoketone (NNK), a lung carcinogen implicated as a cause of human LAC. We show that restoration of FOXO3a in FOXO3a-deficient LAC cells increases sensitivity to apoptosis caused by a DNA-damaging intermediate of NNK. Prior to this cellular outcome, FOXO3a is functionally activated and mediates a large-scale transcription program in response to this damage involving a significant modulation of 440 genes. Genes most significantly represented in this program are those with roles in cell growth and proliferation > protein synthesis > gene expression > cell death > cell cycle. The results of this study show that FOXO3a directs an anti-carcinogenic transcription program that culminates in the elimination of carcinogen-damaged cells. This suggests that FOXO3a is a potential suppressor of carcinogenic damage in LAC.

Association of theFOXO3ALocus with Extreme Longevity in a Southern Italian Centenarian Study

A number of potential candidate genes in a variety of biological pathways have been associated with longevity in model organisms. Many of these genes have human homologs and thus have the potential to provide insights into human longevity. Recently, several studies suggested that FOXO3A functions as a key bridge for various signaling pathways that influence aging and longevity. Interestingly, Willcox and colleagues identified several variants that displayed significant genotype-gender interaction in male human longevity. In particular, a nested case-control study was performed in an ethnic Japanese population in Hawaii, and five candidate longevity genes were chosen based on links to the insulin-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway. In the Willcox study, the investigated genetic variations (rs2802292, rs2764264, and rs13217795) within the FOXO3A gene were significantly associated with longevity in male centenarians. We validated the association of FOXO3A polymorphisms with extreme longevity in males from the Southern Italian Centenarian Study. Particularly, rs2802288, a proxy of rs2802292, showed the best allelic association--minor allele frequency (MAF) = 0.49; p = 0.003; odds ratio (OR) = 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-1.98). Furthermore, we undertook a meta-analysis to explore the significance of rs2802292 association with longevity by combining the association results of the current study and the findings coming from the Willcox et al. investigation. Our data point to a key role of FOXO3A in human longevity and confirm the feasibility of the identification of such genes with centenarian-controls studies. Moreover, we hypothesize the susceptibility to the longevity phenotype may well be the result of complex interactions involving genes and environmental factors but also gender.

The FoxO3a gene is a key negative target of canonical Notch signalling in the keratinocyte UVB response

Notch signalling has an important role in skin homeostasis, promoting keratinocyte differentiation and suppressing tumorigenesis. Here we show that this pathway also has an essential anti-apoptotic function in the keratinocyte UVB response. Notch1 expression and activity are significantly induced, in a p53-dependent manner, by UVB exposure of primary keratinocytes as well as intact epidermis of both mouse and human origin. The apoptotic response to UVB is increased by deletion of the Notch1 gene or down-modulation of Notch signalling by pharmacological inhibition or genetic suppression of 'canonical' Notch/CSL/MAML1-dependent transcription. Conversely, Notch activation protects keratinocytes against apoptosis through a mechanism that is not linked to Notch-induced cell cycle withdrawal or NF-kappaB activation. Rather, transcription of FoxO3a, a key pro-apoptotic gene, is under direct negative control of Notch/HERP transcription in keratinocytes, and upregulation of this gene accounts for the increased susceptibility to UVB of cells with suppressed Notch signalling. Thus, the canonical Notch/HERP pathway functions as a protective anti-apoptotic mechanism in keratinocytes through negative control of FoxO3a expression.

Characterization of 6q deletions in mature B cell lymphomas and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The study was undertaken with the aim to outline deletion patterns involving the long arm of chromosome 6, a common abnormality in lymphoproliferative disorders. Using a chromosome 6 specific tile path array, 60 samples from in total 49 cases with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), transformed DLBCL as well as preceding follicular lymphoma (FL), and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), were characterized. Twenty-six of the studied cases, representing all diagnoses, showed a 6q deletion among which 85% involved a 3 Mb region in 6q21. The minimal deleted interval in 6q21 encompasses the FOXO3A, PRDM1 and HACE1 candidate genes. The PRDM1 gene was found homozygously deleted in a case of DLBCL. Moreover, in two DLBCL cases, an overlapping homozygous deletion was identified in 6q23.3 – 24.1, encompassing the TNFAIP3 gene among others. Taken together, we refined the deletion pattern within the long arm of chromosome 6 in four different types of hematological malignances, suggesting the location of tumor suppressor genes involved in the tumor progression.

Lithium Reduces FoxO3a Transcriptional Activity by Decreasing Its Intracellular Content

Forkhead box, class O (FoxO) transcription factors play important roles in cell fate, differentiation, survival, and stress regulation. A subtype of mammalian FoxO transcription factors, FoxO3a, is widely distributed in the brain, and its activity is regulated by neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), resulting in transcriptional inactivation of FoxO3a. Searching for therapeutic targets downstream of BDNF signaling will facilitate the development of new treatment approaches for mood disorders. Transcriptional activity, target gene expression, and protein levels of FoxO3a were measured in cultured cells and mouse brain after lithium treatment. Lithium significantly reduced FoxO3a transcriptional activity and gene expression. The effect of lithium may be the result of a significant reduction of the FoxO3a protein levels in both the cytosol and nucleus that was mediated by an Akt-independent action. More importantly, this effect of lithium was observed in cells and mouse brain after therapeutically relevant lithium treatments. Lithium, an established treatment for mood disorders, has a prominent effect on FoxO3a transcriptional activity and the effect is likely therapeutically relevant. These results warrant further study to identify if FoxO3a is a transcriptional target in the neuropathology and treatment of mood disorders.

The Porcine FoxO1, FoxO3a and FoxO4 Genes: Cloning, Mapping, Expression and Association Analysis with Meat Production Traits

PoxO1, FoxO3a and FoxO4 belong to the FoxO gene family, which play important roles in the PI3K/PKB pathway. In this study, we cloned the porcine FoxOl, FoxO3a and FoxO4 sequences and assigned them to SSCllpll-15, SSC1p13 and SSC xq13 using somatic cell hybrid panel (SCHP) and radiation hybrid panel (IMpRH). RT-PCR results showed that these three genes are expressed in multiple tissues. Sequencing of PCR products from different breeds identified a synonymous T/C polymorphism in exon 2 of FoxO3a. This FoxO3a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) can be detected by AvaII restriction enzyme. The allele frequencies of this SNP were investigated in Dahuabai, Meishan, Tongcheng, Yushan, Large White, and Duroc pigs. Association of the genotypes with growth and carcass traits showed that different genotypes of FoxO3a were associated with carcass length and backfat thickness between 6th and 7th ribs (BTR) and drip loss (p<0.05).