Inhibition Of GSK-3beta Research Articles

Inactivation of HDAC5 by SIK1 in AICAR-treated C2C12 Myoblasts

Salt inducible kinase (SIK) 1, a member of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) family, is activated by the AMPK-activator LKB1 which phosphorylates SIK1 at Thr182. The activated SIK1 then auto-phosphorylates its Ser186 located at the +4 position of Thr182. The phospho-Ser186 is essential for sustained activity of SIK1, which is maintained by sequential phosphorylation at Ser186-Thr182 by glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta. Meanwhile, SIK1 represses the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) by phosphorylating its co-activator transducer of regulated CREB activity (TORC). Recently, histone deacetylase (HDAC) 5 was identified as a new substrate of SIK1. Inhibition of SIK1 or AMPK results in the stimulation of glyconeogensis in the liver by enhancing dephosphorylation of TORC2 followed by up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator (PGC)-1alpha gene expression. However, expression of the PGC-1alpha gene has been found to be repressed in LKB1-defective muscle cells. Our findings show that the AMPK agonist 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR)-dependent expression of PGC-1alpha is diminished by inhibitors of GSK-3beta or SIKs in C2C12 myoblasts. Treatment with AICAR or the overexpression of SIK1 induces nuclear export of HDAC5 followed by the activation of myogenic transcription factor (MEF)-2C. The levels of phosphorylation at Thr182 and Ser186 of SIK1 in AICAR-treated C2C12 cells are elevated, and GSK-3beta enzyme purified from AICAR-treated cells shows enhanced phosphorylation activity of SIK1 in vitro. These observations suggest that GSK-3 beta and SIK1 may play important roles in the regulation of PGC-1alpha gene expression by inactivating HDAC5 followed by activation of MEF2C.

WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Is Involved in Regulation of Osteoclast Differentiation by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protease Inhibitor Ritonavir: Relationship to Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Linked Bone Mineral Loss

Untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is accompanied by reduced bone mineral density, which appears to be exacerbated by certain HIV protease inhibitors (PIs). The mechanisms leading to this apparent paradox, however, remain unclear. We have previously shown that, the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 used at levels similar those in plasmas of untreated HIV(+) patients, induced expression of the osteoclast (OC) differentiation factor RANKL in CD4+ T cells. In addition, the HIV PI ritonavir abrogated the interferon-gamma-mediated degradation of the RANKL nuclear adapter protein TRAF6, a physiological block to RANKL activity. Here, using oligonucleotide microarrays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we explored potential upstream mechanisms for these effects. Ritonavir, but not the HIV PIs indinavir or nelfinavir, up-regulated the production of transcripts for OC growth factors and the non-canonical Wnt Proteins 5B and 7B as well as activated promoters of nuclear factor-kappaB signaling, but suppressed genes involved in canonical Wnt signaling. Similarly, ritonavir blocked the cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, the molecular node of the Wnt signaling pathway, in association with enhanced beta-catenin ubiquitination. Exposure of OC precursors to LiCl, an inhibitor of the canonical Wnt antagonist GSK-3beta, suppressed OC differentiation, as did adenovirus-mediated overexpression of beta-catenin. These data identify, for the first time, a biologically relevant role for Wnt signaling via beta-catenin in isolated OC precursors and the modulation of Wnt signaling by ritonavir. The reversal of these ritonavir-mediated changes by interferon-gamma provides a model for possible intervention in this metabolic complication of HIV therapy.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitors AR-A014418 and B6B3O prevent human immunodeficiency virus-mediated neurotoxicity in primary human neurons

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) role in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-associated neurodegeneration has been evidenced by previous investigations. In this study, we investigated the specificity of two GSK3beta-specific inhibitors, AR-A014418 (A) and B6B30 (B) to prevent direct neurotoxicity in primary human neurons exposed to HIV (BaL). Neurons were exposed to HIV (500 pg/ml) for 12-h and 6-day periods in the presence and absence of A (1 microM, 100 nM, 10 nM) and B (50 nM, 5 nM, 500 pM) to investigate acute and ongoing mechanisms of HIV neurotoxicity. Using an lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay to assess cytotoxicity, we observed a significant neurotoxic effect of HIV from control values (P < .01) that was not restored via coexposures of all concentrations of A and B. Additionally, no change in LDH levels were observed after 6 days. However, activity of the acute proapoptotic markers caspases 3 and 7 using a luminescence assay were measured and found to be increased by exposure to HIV (BaL) compared to controls (P = .022). This effect was ameliorated via coexposure to all concentrations of A and 50 nM B after 12 h (P < .01) and to all concentrations of A and B after 6 days (P < .01). Overall, the results from this study provide further evidence for the ability of GSK3beta inhibition to be neuroprotective against HIV-associated neurotoxicity by reducing HIV associated procaspase induction. These data support a role for GSK3beta as a potential therapeutic target and may have important clinical implications for treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder.

Direct Inhibition of GSK3β by the Phosphorylated Cytoplasmic Domain of LRP6 in Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a central role in development and is also involved in a diverse array of diseases. Binding of Wnts to the coreceptors Frizzled and LRP6/5 leads to phosphorylation of PPPSPxS motifs in the LRP6/5 intracellular region and the inhibition of GSK3β bound to the scaffold protein Axin. However, it remains unknown how GSK3β is specifically inhibited upon Wnt stimulation. Here, we show that overexpression of the intracellular region of LRP6 containing a Ser/Thr rich cluster and a PPPSPxS motif impairs the activity of GSK3β in cells. Synthetic peptides containing the PPPSPxS motif strongly inhibit GSK3β in vitro only when they are phosphorylated. Microinjection of these peptides into Xenopus embryos confirms that the phosphorylated PPPSPxS motif potentiates Wnt-induced second body axis formation. In addition, we show that the Ser/Thr rich cluster of LRP6 plays an important role in LRP6 binding to GSK3β. These observations demonstrate that phosphorylated LRP6/5 both recruits and directly inhibits GSK3β using two distinct portions of its cytoplasmic sequence, and suggest a novel mechanism of activation in this signaling pathway.

Glucocorticoid induces apoptosis of osteoblast cells through the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β

Glucocorticoids (GCs), which play an important role in the normal regulation of bone remodeling, are widely used as anti-inflammatory and chemotherapeutic agents. However, continued exposure to GCs results in osteoporosis, which is partially due to apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. To understand the mechanism of how GCs induce cell death in osteoblasts, we examined apoptotic effects of dexamethasone (Dex), GC, on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells. Results revealed that Dex-induced apoptosis was inhibited by a GC receptor antagonist, mifepristone, and a general caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk, indicating that Dex induces apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells through the pathways involved in GC receptor and caspase. Glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) is known to participate in apoptosis signaling in MC3T3-E1 cells. Dex activated both GSK3beta and p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The inhibition of GSK3beta by inhibitor (LiCl) or small interference RNA (siRNA) decreased apoptosis. In contrast, the inhibition of p38-MAPK by inhibitor (SB203580) or siRNA did not decrease, but increase apoptosis. These results suggest that Dex-mediated apoptosis of osteoblasts is facilitated by GSK3beta, but prevented by p38-MAPK.

Unregulated mitochondrial GSK3β activity results in NADH:Ubiquinone oxidoreductase deficiency

GSK3beta is prominent for its role in apoptosis signaling and has been shown to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. The overall effects of GSK3beta activity on cell fate are well-established, but the effects of mitochondrial GSK3beta activity on mitochondrial function and cell fate are unknown. Here we selectively expressed constitutively active GSK3beta within the mitochondria and found that this enhanced the apoptosis signaling activated by the PD-mimetic NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) inhibitors 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) and rotenone. Additionally, expression of GSK3beta in the mitochondria itself caused a significant decrease in complex I activity and ATP production. Increased mitochondrial a GSK3beta activity also increased reactive oxygen species production and perturbed the mitochondrial morphology. Conversely, chemical inhibitors of GSK3beta inhibited MPP+- and rotenone-induced apoptosis, and attenuated the mitochondrial GSK3beta-mediated impairment in complex I. These results indicate that unregulated mitochondrial GSK3beta activity can mimic some of the mitochondrial insufficiencies found in PD pathology.

AMP-activated Protein Kinase Activation Increases Phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β and Thereby Reduces cAMP-responsive Element Transcriptional Activity and Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase C Gene Expression in the Liver

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation reportedly suppresses transcriptional activity of the cAMP-responsive element (CRE) in the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase C (PEPCK-C) promoter and reduces hepatic PEPCK-C expression. Although a previous study found TORC2 phosphorylation to be involved in the suppression of AMPK-mediated CRE transcriptional activity, we herein present evidence that glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) phosphorylation induced by AMPK also plays an important role. We initially found that injecting fasted mice with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) markedly increased Ser-9 phosphorylation of hepatic GSK3beta within 15 min. Stimulation with AICAR or the GSK3beta inhibitor SB-415286 strongly inhibited CRE-containing promoter activity in HepG2 cells. Using the Gal4-based transactivation assay system, the transcriptional activity of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) was suppressed by both AICAR and SB415286, whereas that of TORC2 was repressed significantly by AICAR but very slightly by SB415286. These results show inactivation of GSK3beta to directly inhibit CREB but not TORC2. Importantly, the AICAR-induced suppression of PEPCK-C expression was shown to be blunted by overexpression of GSK3beta(S9G) but not wild-type GSK3beta. In addition, AICAR stimulation decreased, whereas Compound C (AMPK inhibitor) increased CREB phosphorylation (Ser-129) in HepG2 cells. The time-courses of decreased CREB phosphorylation (Ser-129) and increased GSK3beta phosphorylation were very similar. Furthermore, AMPK-mediated GSK3beta phosphorylation was inhibited by an Akt-specific inhibitor in HepG2 cells, suggesting involvement of the Akt pathway. In summary, phosphorylation (Ser-9) of GSK3beta is very likely to be critical for AMPK-mediated PEPCK-C gene suppression. Reduced CREB phosphorylation (Ser-129) associated with inactivation of GSK3beta by Ser-9 phosphorylation may be the major mechanism underlying PEPCK-C gene suppression by AMPK-activating agents such as biguanide.

Combination Therapy with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors and Lithium Chloride: A Novel Treatment for Carcinoid Tumors

In carcinoid cell lines, the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors valproic acid (VPA) and suberoyl bis-hydroxamic acid (SBHA) activate the Notch1 pathway, whereas lithium inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta). These compounds limit growth and decrease hormonal secretion in vitro. We hypothesized that lower-dose combination therapy of HDAC inhibitors and lithium chloride could achieve similar growth inhibition to that of the drugs alone. Gastrointestinal and pulmonary carcinoid cells were treated with either VPA or SBHA and lithium chloride for up to 48 hours. Western blot analysis was used to measure the effects on the Notch1 and GSK-3beta pathways and the neuroendocrine tumor marker chromogranin A (CgA). Growth was measured by a cellular proliferation assay. With lower-dose combination therapy, a decrease in CgA was observed. The HDAC inhibitors increased the amount of active Notch1 protein, whereas treatment with lithium was associated with inhibition of GSK-3beta. Moreover, growth was inhibited with lower-dose combination therapy. Treatment of carcinoid cells with either VPA or SBHA and lithium chloride suppresses the neuroendocrine marker CgA while upregulating Notch1 and inhibiting GSK-3beta. This combination effectively reduces growth. Thus, lower-dose combination therapy may be a viable therapeutic approach for carcinoid tumors.

Proteasome Inhibitor, Bortezomib Induces Mesenchymal Stem Cells toward Osteoblast Differentiation through Wnt-Independent Activation of Beta-catenin/TCF Signaling

In multiple myeloma (MM), the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib induces mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) toward osteoblast differentiation. However, it is full unclear about the mechanism(s) underlying bortezomib in this process. Wnt/beta-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in osteoblast differenciation and bone development. We have demonstrated that inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by MM-derived Dkk1 suppresses osteoblast progenitor cell differentiation into osteoblasts (Qiang et al, Bone 2008) and deregulate RANKL and OPG expression in osteoblast cells (Qiang et al Blood 2008a). Increase Wnt signaling by overexpression of Wnt3a in myeloma cells diminished MM-trigged bone lesion in mouse model (Qiang et al Blood 2008b). In the present study we revealed that bortezomib promotes MSC differentiation into osteoblast cells via Wnt-independent activation of beta-catenin/TCF signaling. E-cadherin pull-down assay and subsequently immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that bortezomib induced increases in both free and active forms of beta-catenin protein in cytoplasm and nuclear in bell-shaped dose- and time-dependent manner in mouse and human osteoblast progenitor cell lines including C2C12, C3H10T1/2, Saos-2 and MG63. Similar results were illustrated in primary human 2 cases of normal MSC and MSC from 8 cases of MM pateints. Bortezomib induced increase in ubiquitinated beta-catenin was evidenced by obvious seen slow migration bands of beta-catenin protein in SDS-PAGE gel analysis indicating that bortezomib increased beta-catenin protein by modification of proteasome-mediated degradation of beta-catenin. Increase in cytoplasm and nuclear beta-catenin protein response to bortezomib treatment in the osteoblast cell lines and 4 cases MM derived MSC was further confirmed by immunofluorescent analysis. RT-PCT analysis of TCF family revealed that abundant TCF1 and TCF4 mRNA were expressed in all tested cell lines and in a primary normal MSC, and MM-derived MSC. Bortezomib treatment also resulted in TCF transcriptional activity in bell-shaped, dose-dependent pattern as determined by luciferase activity in these cells transfected with TOPflash plasmid DNAs. Maximal responses to bortezomib were seen at 12.5 nM for both C2C12 (p<0.001) and MG63 (P<0.01), 25 nM for C3H10T1/2 (p<0.001) (p<0.00001) compared with non-stimulation control. These results suggest that transcriptional activation was a downstream effect of bortezomib in osteoblast progenitor cell lines and MM derived MSC. Bortezomib induced increases in beta-catenin protein and TCF transcriptional activity were independent of modification expression of extracellular 19 members of Wnt family ligands, 10 members of Frizzled receptor family, LRP5/6 co-receptors, and antagonists of 4 members of Dkk and sFRP family, respectively, as determined by RT-PCR analysis. Bortezomib did not increase intracellular Dvl-3 proteins, a downstream target of Wnt pathway. Lithium chloride, an inhibitor of GSK3beta did not synergized bortezomib induced increases in beta-catenin protein or TCF transcriptional activity indicating that bortezomib active beta-catenin/TCF signaling independent of activity of GSK3beta. Blocking the catenin/TCF signaling by expressing dominant–activation of beta- negative TFC attenuated bortezomib-induced matrix mineralization indicating that bortezomib induced MSC differentiation into osteoblast through activation of beta-catenin/TCF signaling. Data from experiments in comparison with biological effect of bortezomib with Wnt3a demonstrated that bortezomib did not have effect on OPG and RANKL in these cells, while Wnt3a induces OPG mRNA and protein, but inhibited RANKL expression indicating that bortezomib may have not effect on osteoclastogensis. These results provide insights into a clinically relevant mechanism of action of bortezomib and as such a rationale for its use in the treatment of diseases related to suppression of Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF signaling.

Acute ethanol challenge inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3beta in the rat prefrontal cortex.

Intracellular signalling pathways emerge as key mediators of the molecular and behavioural effects of addictive drugs including ethanol. Previously, we demonstrated that the innate high ethanol preference in AA rats is driven by dysfunctional endocannabinoid signalling in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we report that acute ethanol challenge, at a dose commonly regarded as reinforcing, strongly phosphorylates glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) in this region with corresponding increased phosphorylation of AKT, a major regulator of GSK-3beta. In the non-preferring counterpart ANA line we found a weaker, AKT-independent phosphorylation of GSK-3beta by ethanol. Furthermore, AA rats showed rapid and transient dephosphorylation of ERK1/2 upon acute ethanol challenge in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and to a lesser degree in the nucleus accumbens; ANA rats were completely non-responsive for this mechanism. Together, these results identify candidate pathways for mediating high ethanol preference and emphasize the importance of the mPFC in controlling this behaviour.

Zebularine suppresses the apoptotic potential of 5-fluorouracil via cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

During tumorigenesis, tumor suppressor and tumor-related genes are commonly silenced by aberrant DNA methylation in their promoter regions, which is one of the important determinants of susceptibility to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Here, we examine the chemotherapeutic efficacy of epigenetic agents on 5-FU cytotoxicity. We investigated the effect of a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, zebularine (Zeb), on the chemosensitivity of 5-FU and cisplatin (CDDP) by MTT and TUNEL methods, and compared the molecular mechanism of action with those of a GSK3beta inhibitor, LiCl, and an Hsp90 inhibitor, 17-AAG. A significant apoptotic effect by a combination of Zeb or 17-AAG was found in CDDP treatment; however, considerable suppression of 5-FU-induced apoptosis was observed after incubation with Zeb, 17-AAG, or LiCl. Zeb's suppressive effects were associated with activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, differing from mechanisms of 17-AAG and LiCl. Suppression of 5-FU-induced apoptosis by Zeb was not associated with increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expressions dependent on transcription factor CREB, and with the expression level of thymidylate synthase. In the present study, we identified a more detailed mechanism of action by which Zeb suppresses 5-FU-induced apoptosis. These results indicate that combination therapies have to be carefully investigated due to potential harmful effects in the clinical application of DNMT inhibitors.

Hyperphosphorylation of Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in adults. The current therapy for AD has only moderate efficacy in controlling symptoms, and it does not cure the disease. Recent studies have suggested that abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau in the brain plays a vital role in the molecular pathogenesis of AD and in neurodegeneration. This article reviews the current advances in understanding of tau protein, regulation of tau phosphorylation, and the role of its abnormal hyperphosphorylation in neurofibrillary degeneration. Furthermore, several therapeutic strategies for treating AD on the basis of the important role of tau hyperphosphorylation in the pathogenesis of the disease are described. These strategies include (1) inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5), and other tau kinases; (2) restoration of PP2A activity; and (3) targeting tau O-GlcNAcylation. Development of drugs on the basis of these strategies is likely to lead to disease-modifying therapies for AD.

Dysfunction of astrocytes in senescence‐accelerated mice SAMP8 reduces their neuroprotective capacity

Early onset increases in oxidative stress and tau pathology are present in the brain of senescence-accelerated mice prone (SAMP8). Astrocytes play an essential role, both in determining the brain's susceptibility to oxidative damage and in protecting neurons. In this study, we examine changes in tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress and glutamate uptake in primary cultures of cortical astrocytes from neonatal SAMP8 mice and senescence-accelerated-resistant mice (SAMR1). We demonstrated an enhancement of abnormally phosphorylated tau in Ser(199) and Ser(396) in SAMP8 astrocytes compared with that of SAMR1 control mice. Gsk3beta and Cdk5 kinase activity, which regulate tau phosphorylation, was also increased in SAMP8 astrocytes. Inhibition of Gsk3beta by lithium or Cdk5 by roscovitine reduced tau phosphorylation at Ser(396). Moreover, we detected an increase in radical superoxide generation, which may be responsible for the corresponding increase in lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation. We also observed a reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in SAMP8 mouse astrocytes. Glutamate uptake in astrocytes is a critical neuroprotective mechanism. SAMP8 astrocytes showed a decreased glutamate uptake compared with those of SAMR1 controls. Interestingly, survival of SAMP8 or SAMR1 neurons cocultured with SAMP8 astrocytes was significantly reduced. Our results indicate that alterations in astrocyte cultures from SAMP8 mice are similar to those detected in whole brains of SAMP8 mice at 1-5 months. Moreover, our findings suggest that this in vitro preparation is suitable for studying the molecular and cellular processes underlying early aging in this murine model. In addition, our study supports the contention that astrocytes play a key role in neurodegeneration during the aging process.

Redox mechanisms switch on hypoxia-dependent epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cancer cells

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxia are considered as crucial events favouring invasion and metastasis of many cancer cells. In this study, different human neoplastic cell lines of epithelial origin were exposed to hypoxic conditions in order to investigate whether hypoxia per se may trigger EMT programme as well as to mechanistically elucidate signal transduction mechanisms involved. The following human cancer cell lines were used: HepG2 (from human hepatoblastoma), PANC-1 (from pancreatic carcinoma), HT-29 (from colon carcinoma) and MCF-7 (from breast carcinoma). Cancer cells were exposed to carefully controlled hypoxic conditions and investigated for EMT changes and signal transduction by using morphological, cell and molecular biology techniques. All cancer cells responded to hypoxia within 72 h by classic EMT changes (fibroblastoid phenotype, SNAIL and beta-catenin nuclear translocation and changes in E-cadherin) and by increased migration and invasiveness. This was involving very early inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), early SNAIL translocation as well as later and long-lasting activation of Wnt/beta-catenin-signalling machinery. Experimental manipulation, including silencing of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and the specific inhibition of mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), revealed that early EMT-related events induced by hypoxia (GSK-3beta inhibition and SNAIL translocation) were dependent on transient intracellular increased generation of ROS whereas late migration and invasiveness were sustained by HIF-1alpha- and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent mechanisms. These findings indicate that in cancer cells, early redox mechanisms can switch on hypoxia-dependent EMT programme whereas increased invasiveness is sustained by late and HIF-1alpha-dependent release of VEGF.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β: A Novel Marker and Modulator of Inflammatory Injury in Chronic Renal Allograft Disease

One key cell-signaling event central to inflammation in kidney diseases, including chronic renal allograft dysfunction or disease (CRAD), is the activation of NF-kappaB, which controls transcription of numerous proinflammatory mediators. Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3beta is an indispensable element of NF-kappaB activation, however, the exact role of GSK3beta in the pathogenesis of inflammatory kidney diseases like CRAD is uncertain and was examined. Immunohistochemistry staining of GSK3beta was weak in normal kidneys, but was markedly induced in inflamed allograft kidneys, with prominent cytoplasmic staining of tubular cells in areas of inflammation. Net GSK3beta activity is regulated by inhibitory phosphorylation of its serine 9 residue, and this occurred in CRAD. Thus, the magnitude of GSK3beta inactivation was inversely correlated with the degree of injury as assessed by Banff criteria. In vitro in cultured human tubular epithelial cells, GSK3beta overexpression augmented, while GSK3beta silencing diminished proinflammatory cellular responses to TNF-alpha stimulation, including NF-kappaB activation and expression of chemokines MCP-1 and RANTES. These inflammatory responses were obliterated by GSK3beta inhibitors. Collectively, GSK3beta plays an important role in mediating proinflammatory NF-kappaB activation and renal inflammation. Suppression of GSK3beta activity might represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat CRAD.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Inhibition Protects the Heart From Acute Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Via Inhibition of Inflammation and Apoptosis

Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta inhibitors play an anti-inflammatory role in several inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that GSK-3beta inhibitors protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the roles of inflammation and apoptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion in the cardioprotection by GSK-3beta inhibitor 4-benzyl-2-methyl-1, 2, 4-thiadiazolidine-3, 5-dione (TDZD-8). Anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats underwent an open-chest procedure involving 30 min of myocardial ischemia and 6 h of reperfusion with or without TDZD-8 given at reperfusion. TDZD-8 reduced myocardial infarct size by nearly 43% (P < 0.05 vs. myocardial ischemia-reperfusion) and attenuated myeloperoxidase activity (21.80 +/- 1.07 U/100 mg tissue. vs. myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group, P < 0.05). Administration of TDZD-8 significantly suppressed nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and p38 MAPK activation (P < 0.05 vs. myocardial ischemia-reperfusion) and the concentrations of the myocardial-derived cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, 107.40 +/- 7.34 pg/mg protein vs. myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group, P < 0.05) and interleukin-6 (IL-6, 29.28 +/- 6.3 pg/mg protein vs. myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group, P < 0.05). Treatment with TDZD-8 also inhibited myocardial cell apoptosis compared with the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group (12 +/- 1% vs. 22 +/- 2%, P < 0.05). Therefore, blocking this protein kinase activity may be a novel approach to the treatment of this condition, which is characterized by inflammation and apoptosis.

TREATMENT WITH THE GLYCOGEN SYNTHASE KINASE-3β INHIBITOR, TDZD-8, AFFECTS TRANSIENT CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURY IN THE RAT HIPPOCAMPUS

The serine/threonine glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta) is abundant in the central nervous system, particularly in the hippocampus, and plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases, including neurodegeneration. This study was designed to investigate the effects of GSK-3beta inhibition against I/R injury in the rat hippocampus. Transient cerebral ischemia (30 min) followed by 1 h of reperfusion significantly increased generation of reactive oxygen species and modulated superoxide dismutase activity; 24 h of reperfusion evoked apoptosis (determined as mitochondrial cytochrome c release and Bcl-2 and caspase-9 expression), resulted in high plasma levels of TNF-alpha and increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. The selective GSK-3beta inhibitor, 4-benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione (TDZD-8), was administered before and after ischemia or during reperfusion alone to assess its potential as prophylactic or therapeutic strategy. Prophylactic or therapeutic administration of TDZD-8 caused the phosphorylation (Ser(9)) and hence inactivation of GSK-3beta. Infarct volume and levels of S100B protein, a marker of cerebral injury, were reduced by TDZD-8. This was associated with a significant reduction in markers of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the inflammatory response resulting from cerebral I/R. These beneficial effects were associated with a reduction of I/R-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases JNK1/2 and p38 and nuclear factor-kappaB. The present study demonstrates that TDZD-8 protects the brain against I/R injury by inhibiting GSK-3beta activity. Collectively, our data may contribute to focus the role of GSK-3beta in cerebral I/R.

C-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 interacts with and negatively regulates Wnt/ -catenin signaling through GSK3 pathway

Increasing evidence shows that there is an interaction between mitogen-activated protein kinase and Wnt signaling and that their interaction plays important roles in a variety of cellular processes. However, how the two signaling interacts is not clear. In this study, we found that beta-catenin expression was strikingly increased in the intestinal normal mucosa and tumors of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1-deficient mice by immunohistochemical staining and that both beta-catenin expression and transcriptional activity were significantly upregulated in JNK1-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts. However, active JNK1 significantly inhibited beta-catenin expression and suppressed beta-catenin-mediated transcriptional activity by enhancing glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) activity. But beta-catenin inhibition was significantly reduced by GSK3beta RNA interference or GSK3beta inhibitor lithium chloride and proteasome inhibitor MG132. Further, mutant beta-catenin at the phosphorylation sites of Ser33 and Ser37 by GSK3beta was resistant to activated JNK1-induced beta-catenin degradation. Moreover, the physical interaction between JNK1 and beta-catenin was detected by immunoprecipitation, and their colocalization was seen in cellular nuclei and cytoplasm. Taken together, our data provide direct evidence that JNK1 interacts with and negatively regulates beta-catenin signaling through GSK3beta pathway and that the beta-catenin alteration is probably responsible for the intestinal tumor formation in JNK1-deficient mice.

Role of GSK‐3β activation and α7 nAChRs in Aβ1–42‐induced tau phosphorylation in PC12 cells

Beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 (Abeta(1-42)) and hyperphosphorylated tau are associated with neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Emerging evidence indicates that Abeta(1-42) can potentiate hyperphosphorylation of tau in cell lines and in transgenic mice, but the underlying mechanism(s) remains unclear. In this study, Abeta(1-42)-induced tau phosphorylation was investigated in differentiated PC12 cells. Treatment of cells with Abeta(1-42) increased phosphorylation of tau at serine-202 as detected by AT8 antibody. This Abeta(1-42)-induced tau phosphorylation paralleled phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) at tyrosine-216 (GSK-3beta-pY216), which was partially inhibited by the GSK-3beta inhibitor, CHIR98023. Abeta(1-42)-induced tau phosphorylation and increase in GSK-3beta-pY216 phosphorylation were also partially attenuated by alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7 nAChR) selective ligands including agonist A-582941 and antagonists methyllycaconitine and alpha-bungarotoxin. The alpha7 nAChR agonist and the GSK-3beta inhibitor had no additive effect. These observations suggest that alpha7 nAChR modulation can influence Abeta(1-42)-induced tau phosphorylation, possibly involving GSK-3beta. This study provides evidence of nAChR mechanisms underlying Abeta(1-42) toxicity and tau phosphorylation, which, if translated in vivo, could provide additional basis for the utility of alpha7 nAChR ligands in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β regulates ΔNp63 gene transcription through the β‐catenin signaling pathway

Overexpression of DeltaNp63 has been observed in a number of human cancers, suggesting a role for DeltaNp63 in carcinogenesis. In the present study, we show that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) by lithium chloride (LiCl) elicited a stimulatory effect on DeltaNp63 promoter activity in HEK 293T cells. Exposure to LiCl induced DeltaNp63 promoter activation as well as DeltaNp63 protein expression in the cells. The effect of GSK-3beta on DeltaNp63 expression was further confirmed by the use of two highly specific GSK-3beta inhibitors, SB216763 and SB415286. Further study showed the presence of a putative beta-catenin responsive element (beta-catenin-RE) in the DeltaNp63 promoter region, and the stimulation of DeltaNp63 promoter activity by GSK-3beta inhibitor is markedly abolished by mutation or deletion of the putative beta-catenin-RE. Data are also presented to show that beta-catenin acts together with Lef-1 to influence DeltaNp63 promoter activity and protein expression.