Jun Kinase Activation Research Articles

Abstract 2187: Influences of high-fat diet on tumor biology in a mouse model of colorectal cancer

Abstract Purpose: To test the influence of high-fat diet on tumor biology in the inducible Kras, Apc and p53 (iKAP) model (Boutin, et al Genes & Development 2017, 31:370). Methods: At weening, both male and female mice were fed either a high-fat (60%) or low-fat (10%) diet for 5-6 weeks prior to tumor induction. Mutant Kras expression was controlled using a tet-on system. Expression of mutant Kras was activated by the addition of doxycycline hyclate in the drinking water. Tumor growth was monitored by bi-weekly endoscopy and calculated as percent luminal occlusion. Tumor biology was assessed with proteomics and phospho-proteomics with comparisons by sex and diet. Results: In the absence of mutant Kras expression (no doxycycline in drinking water), tumors were larger in females on high-fat diet compared to low-fat diet. Tumor sizes were not significantly different in males or in the presence of mutant Kras expression. Proteomics analyses of tumor tissue identified significantly different patterns by diet in female mice, including altered levels of KIF4, DAB2iP, JNK cascade and JUN kinase activity (Table). Conclusion: Based on our preliminary data, high-fat diet may alter tumor kinase activities, even in a genetically engineered mouse model. Replication and validation studies are ongoing. Table of significantly upregulated biologic processes in female mice on high-fat diet compared to lo XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Citation Format: Anindita Mahanty, Cara Wallingford, Revan Hammontree, Muturi Njoka, Zachary Clark, Michaella Rekowski, Michael Washburn, Jennifer S. Davis. Influences of high-fat diet on tumor biology in a mouse model of colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2187.

JNK signaling and integrins cooperate to maintain cell adhesion during epithelial fusion in Drosophila.

The fusion of epithelial sheets is an essential and conserved morphogenetic event that requires the maintenance of tissue continuity. This is secured by membrane-bound or diffusible signals that instruct the epithelial cells, in a coordinated fashion, to change shapes and adhesive properties and when, how and where to move. Here we show that during Dorsal Closure (DC) in Drosophila, the Jun kinase (JNK) signaling pathway modulates integrins expression and ensures tissue endurance. An excess of JNK activity, as an outcome of a failure in the negative feedback implemented by the dual-specificity phosphatase Puckered (Puc), promotes the loss of integrins [the ß-subunit Myospheroid (Mys)] and amnioserosa detachment. Likewise, integrins signal back to the pathway to regulate the duration and strength of JNK activity. Mys is necessary for the regulation of JNK activity levels and in its absence, puc expression is downregulated and JNK activity increases.

Target molecular-based neuroactivity screening of Panax ginseng through network pharmacology integrated molecular docking

Panax ginseng is a medicinal herb that has therapeutic effects against neuronal damage. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic potential of P. ginseng in treating neuronal damage through in silico analysis. The literature review was conducted to create a ingredients-target database for P. ginseng. The database was essential in identifying the targets related to neuronal damage, which was followed by the construction of protein-protein interaction network by the STITCH database. The enrichment analysis was performed using Cytoscape (ClueGO) software. The molecular docking analysis was ran using AutoDock and Discovery Studio. The literature search revealed the presence of 66 compounds in P. ginseng, which subsequently resulted in the retrieval of 102 potential targets of these compounds. They were screened for their association with neuronal damage. Three proteins, namely, Glutathione S-transferase P1, HSP90, and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK8), were found to be in prime interaction with the relative compounds. Subsequently, 91 Gene ontology terms were found, of which four genes were associated with neuronal damage. Molecular docking analysis also revealed good binding affinities of various compounds of P. ginseng to the selected target, MAPK8. In conclusion, the biological processes linked to the therapeutic action of P. ginseng involve the positive regulation of JUN kinase activity, chaperone-mediated protein folding, and MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor signaling pathway.

Injury-induced inflammatory signaling and hematopoiesis in Drosophila

Inflammatory response in Drosophila to sterile (axenic) injury in embryos and adults has received some attention in recent years, and most concentrate on the events at the injury site. Here we focus on the effect sterile injury has on the hematopoietic organ, the lymph gland, and the circulating blood cells in the larva, the developmental stage at which major events of hematopoiesis are evident. In mammals, injury activates Toll-like receptor/NF-κB signaling in macrophages, which then express and secrete secondary, proinflammatory cytokines. In Drosophila larvae, distal puncture injury of the body wall epidermis causes a rapid activation of Toll and Jun kinase (JNK) signaling throughout the hematopoietic system and the differentiation of a unique blood cell type, the lamellocyte. Furthermore, we find that Toll and JNK signaling are coupled in their activation. Secondary to this Toll/JNK response, a cytokine, Upd3, is induced as a Toll pathway transcriptional target, which then promotes JAK/STAT signaling within the blood cells. Toll and JAK/STAT signaling are required for the emergence of the injury-induced lamellocytes. This is akin to the derivation of specialized macrophages in mammalian systems. Upstream, at the injury site, a Duox- and peroxide-dependent signal causes the activation of the proteases Grass and SPE, needed for the activation of the Toll-ligand Spz, but microbial sensors or the proteases most closely associated with them during septic injury are not involved in the axenic inflammatory response.

Genome-wide scans for signatures of selection in Mangalarga Marchador horses using high-throughput SNP genotyping

BackgroundThe detection of signatures of selection in genomic regions provides insights into the evolutionary process, enabling discoveries regarding complex phenotypic traits. In this research, we focused on identifying genomic regions affected by different selection pressures, mainly highlighting the recent positive selection, as well as understanding the candidate genes and functional pathways associated with the signatures of selection in the Mangalarga Marchador genome. Besides, we seek to direct the discussion about genes and traits of importance in this breed, especially traits related to the type and quality of gait, temperament, conformation, and locomotor system.ResultsThree different methods were used to search for signals of selection: Tajima’s D (TD), the integrated haplotype score (iHS), and runs of homozygosity (ROH). The samples were composed of males (n = 62) and females (n = 130) that were initially chosen considering well-defined phenotypes for gait: picada (n = 86) and batida (n = 106). All horses were genotyped using a 670 k Axiom® Equine Genotyping Array​ (Axiom MNEC670). In total, 27, 104 (chosen), and 38 candidate genes were observed within the signatures of selection identified in TD, iHS, and ROH analyses, respectively. The genes are acting in essential biological processes. The enrichment analysis highlighted the following functions: anterior/posterior pattern for the set of genes (GLI3, HOXC9, HOXC6, HOXC5, HOXC4, HOXC13, HOXC11, and HOXC10); limb morphogenesis, skeletal system, proximal/distal pattern formation, JUN kinase activity (CCL19 and MAP3K6); and muscle stretch response (MAPK14). Other candidate genes were associated with energy metabolism, bronchodilator response, NADH regeneration, reproduction, keratinization, and the immunological system.ConclusionsOur findings revealed evidence of signatures of selection in the MM breed that encompass genes acting on athletic performance, limb development, and energy to muscle activity, with the particular involvement of the HOX family genes. The genome of MM is marked by recent positive selection. However, Tajima’s D and iHS results point also to the presence of balancing selection in specific regions of the genome.

Trauma-induced regulation of VHP-1 modulates the cellular response to mechanical stress

Mechanical stimuli initiate adaptive signal transduction pathways, yet exceeding the cellular capacity to withstand physical stress results in death. The molecular mechanisms underlying trauma-induced degeneration remain unclear. In the nematode C. elegans, we have developed a method to study cellular degeneration in response to mechanical stress caused by blunt force trauma. Herein, we report that physical injury activates the c-Jun kinase, KGB-1, which modulates response elements through the AP-1 transcriptional complex. Among these, we have identified a dual-specificity MAPK phosphatase, VHP-1, as a stress-inducible modulator of neurodegeneration. VHP-1 regulates the transcriptional response to mechanical stress and is itself attenuated by KGB-1-mediated inactivation of a deubiquitinase, MATH-33, and proteasomal degradation. Together, we describe an uncharacterized stress response pathway in C. elegans and identify transcriptional and post-translational components comprising a feedback loop on Jun kinase and phosphatase activity.

Mud Loss Restricts Yki-Dependent Hyperplasia in Drosophila Epithelia.

Tissue development demands precise control of cell proliferation and organization, which is achieved through multiple conserved signaling pathways and protein complexes in multicellular animals. Epithelia are a ubiquitous tissue type that provide diverse functions including physical protection, barrier formation, chemical exchange, and secretory activity. However, epithelial cells are also a common driver of tumorigenesis; thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that control their growth dynamics is important in understanding not only developmental mechanisms but also disease. One prominent pathway that regulates epithelial growth is the conserved Hippo/Warts/Yorkie network. Hippo/Warts inactivation, or activating mutations in Yorkie that prevent its phosphorylation (e.g., YkiS168A), drive hyperplastic tissue growth. We recently reported that loss of Mushroom body defect (Mud), a microtubule-associated protein that contributes to mitotic spindle function, restricts YkiS168A-mediated growth in Drosophila imaginal wing disc epithelia. Here we show that Mud loss alters cell cycle progression and triggers apoptosis with accompanying Jun kinase (JNK) activation in YkiS168A-expressing discs. To identify additional molecular insights, we performed RNAseq and differential gene expression profiling. This analysis revealed that Mud knockdown in YkiS168A-expressing discs resulted in a significant downregulation in expression of core basement membrane (BM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, including the type IV collagen gene viking. Furthermore, we found that YkiS168A-expressing discs accumulated increased collagen protein, which was reduced following Mud knockdown. Our results suggest that ECM/BM remodeling can limit untoward growth initiated by an important driver of tumor growth and highlight a potential regulatory link with cytoskeleton-associated genes.

Loss of the spectraplakin gene Short stop induces a DNA damage response in Drosophila epithelia

Epithelia are an eminent tissue type and a common driver of tumorigenesis, requiring continual precision in cell division to maintain tissue structure and genome integrity. Mitotic defects often trigger apoptosis, impairing cell viability as a tradeoff for tumor suppression. Identifying conditions that lead to cell death and understanding the mechanisms behind this response are therefore of considerable importance. Here we investigated how epithelia of the Drosophila wing disc respond to loss of Short stop (Shot), a cytoskeletal crosslinking spectraplakin protein that we previously found to control mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome dynamics. In contrast to other known spindle-regulating genes, Shot knockdown induces apoptosis in the absence of Jun kinase (JNK) activation, but instead leads to elevated levels of active p38 kinase. Shot loss leads to double-strand break (DSB) DNA damage, and the apoptotic response is exacerbated by concomitant loss of p53. DSB accumulation is increased by suppression of the spindle assembly checkpoint, suggesting this effect results from chromosome damage during error-prone mitoses. Consistent with DSB induction, we found that the DNA damage and stress response genes, Growth arrest and DNA damage (GADD45) and Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (Ask1), are transcriptionally upregulated as part of the shot-induced apoptotic response. Finally, co-depletion of Shot and GADD45 induced significantly higher rates of chromosome segregation errors in cultured cells and suppressed shot-induced mitotic arrest. Our results demonstrate that epithelia are capable of mounting molecularly distinct responses to loss of different spindle-associated genes and underscore the importance of proper cytoskeletal organization in tissue homeostasis.

Effect of the acute and chronic administration of Lupinus albus β-conglutin on glycaemia, circulating cholesterol, and genes potentially involved

Constituents of lupin seeds, like γ-conglutin and lupanine, have gained attention as potential complementary treatments for dysglycaemia management. Notwithstanding, the effect of other lupin components on carbohydrate metabolism, including β-conglutin protein, has received little attention. Here, we investigated the influence of the acute and chronic administration of β-conglutin on glycaemia modulation in normal and streptozotocin induced-to-diabetes rats. We analysed the liver transcriptome modulation exerted by β-conglutin in diabetes-induced rats using DNA microarrays to scout for potential molecular targets and pathways involved in this biological response. The acute administration of β-conglutin reduced the incremental area under the curve of glycaemia in normal and diabetes-induced animals. In a seven-day study with diabetic animals, glycaemia increased significantly in non-treated animals but remained unchanged in animals treated with a daily dose of β-conglutin. Total cholesterol was significantly lower at the end of the experimental period (−21.8 %, p = 0.039). The microarray and gene ontology analyses revealed several targets and pathways potentially modulated by β-conglutin treatment, including a possible down-regulation of Jun kinase activity. Moreover, our data indicate that targets related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and estrogenic activity might orchestrate these metabolic effects. In conclusion, our findings show that β-conglutin may help manage postprandial glycaemia and reduce cholesterol levels under the dysglycaemia stage. We identified and proposed new potential molecular targets for further research related to the mechanism of action of β-conglutin.

FBXW5 reduction alleviates spinal cord injury (SCI) by blocking microglia activity: A mechanism involving p38 and JNK

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of death and lifelong disability in the world. However, the pathological process of SCI has not been fully understood. F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 5 (FBXW5), a subunit of the SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, plays an essential role in regulating various pathologies. However, little is known about the effects of FBXW5 on the progression of SCI. In this study, using a rodent model with SCI, we found that FBXW5 expression was markedly down-regulated in spinal dorsal horn of rats after SCI surgery. Rats with FBXW5 knockdown showed the improved paw withdrawal latency responding to thermal stimuli on the ipsilateral side while showed no significant influence on the basal threshold on the contralateral side. In addition, SCI-induced increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, was obviously decreased by FBXW5 knockdown, along with microglia inactivation as evidenced by the reduced expression of Iba-1. Moreover, immunofluorescent staining suggested that FBXW5 was co-localized with Iba-1 in spinal cord tissues of SCI rats. Furthermore, p38, Jun kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 activation was significantly increased by SCI in spinal dosal horn of rats. Notably, FBXW5 knockdown markedly reduced the expression of phosphorylated p38 and JNK without affecting ERK1/2 activity in SCI rats. What's more, suppressing p38 and JNK activation significantly alleviated SCI-induced abnormal behavior in rats, along with reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these results provided evidence that down-regulation of FBXW5 was involved in the prevention of SCI.

TMEFF2 shedding is regulated by oxidative stress and mediated by ADAMs and transmembrane serine proteases implicated in prostate cancer.

TMEFF2 is a type I transmembrane protein with two follistatin (FS) and one EGF‐like domain over‐expressed in prostate cancer; however its biological role in prostate cancer development and progression remains unclear, which may, at least in part, be explained by its proteolytic processing. The extracellular part of TMEFF2 (TMEFF2‐ECD) is cleaved by ADAM17 and the membrane‐retained fragment is further processed by the gamma‐secretase complex. TMEFF2 shedding is increased with cell crowding, a condition associated with the tumour microenvironment, which was mediated by oxidative stress signalling, requiring jun‐kinase (JNK) activation. Moreover, we have identified that TMEFF2 is also a novel substrate for other proteases implicated in prostate cancer, including two ADAMs (ADAM9 and ADAM12) and the type II transmembrane serine proteinases (TTSPs) matriptase‐1 and hepsin. Whereas cleavage by ADAM9 and ADAM12 generates previously identified TMEFF2‐ECD, proteolytic processing by matriptase‐1 and hepsin produced TMEFF2 fragments, composed of TMEFF2‐ECD or FS and/or EGF‐like domains as well as novel membrane retained fragments. Differential TMEFF2 processing from a single transmembrane protein may be a general mechanism to modulate transmembrane protein levels and domains, dependent on the repertoire of ADAMs or TTSPs expressed by the target cell.

Abstract 4671: Co-occurrence of alterations in the DNA damage repair genes synergize with uncontrolled proliferation and associate with very-poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients

Abstract Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) plays a key role in the DNA damage repair (DDR) by recruiting BRCA1, BRCA2 and RAD51. Alterations in PALB2 were described in hereditary breast cancer and Fanconi Anemia (FA). Little is known in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Aim of the study is to define the frequency and interplay of PALB2 alterations with patterns of somatic mutations and copy number variants (CNVs) in AML. We genotyped 233 AML samples by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism array (SNP 6.0 and Cytoscan HD, Affymetrix) to detect CNVs. We also performed Whole Exome Sequencing (WES, Illumina) of 56 cases to detect single nucleotide variants and small indels (MuTect and Varscan 2.0). Differences in survival were assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Breslow test. We detected PALB2 loss in 12/233 patients (5%), with a minimal common region of deletion of 6.6 Kb including exon 12, which encodes for the domain of interaction with RAD51, BRCA2 and POLH. PALB2 deletion were correlated with CN loss of MYH11, CREBBP, PLK1 and FANCA on chromosome (chr) 16 (p≤.005), deletions of TP53, NF1 and BRCA1 on chr 17 (p≤.004), 5q deletions (p≤.001) and loss of XPO1 on chr 2 (p≤.006). PALB2-loss patients were enriched for alterations in genes involved in the protein kinase pathway (p=5×10-4), JUN kinase activity (p=.0006) and, notably, in genes belonging to the chromosome breakage pathway (p=.001; TP53, BRCA1 and BRCA2). To identify mutations that co-operates with CN alterations, we integrated WES data of 56 AML patients. No mutations in PALB2 were detected. However, we identified mutations in other DDR genes, including FANCE, BRCA2, TP53 and BRCA1. Of note, alterations in the DDR genes frequently co-occurred with both mutations and CN loss of TP53, leading to homozygous loss of function of TP53. In addition, KRAS, IDH1, TET2 and BCOR mutations were mutually exclusive with PALB2 loss. Preliminary gene expression profiling data revealed a 2-fold upregulation of FANCA in samples with DDR genes alterations compared with patients with no alterations (p=.04), while the other genes of the pathway were not affected. Finally, patients harboring PALB2 loss had a poorer prognosis compared complex karyotype cases (p=.021). We here define a new subset of AML patients, characterized by the synergistic loss of key DDR genes, which may in turn result in FANCA over-expression as a mechanism to overcome the DDR deficit. Our data suggest that the leukemogenic process associated PALB2 loss integrates defects in the DDR together with enforced proliferative stimuli leading to uncontrolled proliferation of cells, which potentially accumulate genetic lesions. These results may help improve patient stratification and define ad hoc therapeutic strategies for this aggressive leukemia type. Supported by: ELN, AIL, AIRC, progetto Regione-Università 2010-12 (L. Bolondi), FP7 NGS-PTL project. Citation Format: Antonella Padella, Giorgia Simonetti, Maria Chiara Fontana, Marco Manfrini, Giovanni Marconi, Anna Ferrari, Italo Faria do Valle, Marianna Garonzi, Cristina Papayannidis, Eugenia Franchini, Elisa Zuffa, Viviana Guadagnuolo, Samantha Bruno, Andrea Ghelli Luserna di Rorà, Emanuela Ottaviani, Daniel Remondini, Massimo Delledonne, Giovanni Martinelli. Co-occurrence of alterations in the DNA damage repair genes synergize with uncontrolled proliferation and associate with very-poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4671. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4671

Lemur Tyrosine Kinase-3 Suppresses Growth of Prostate Cancer Via the AKT and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Background/Aims: Lemur tyrosine kinase (LMTK)-3 is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Abnormal expression of LMTK-3 exists in various types of cancers, especially in endocrine-resistant breast cancers; however, the precise level of expression and the biological function in prostate cancer are poorly understood. Methods: In the present study, we determined the expression of LMTK-3 in prostate cancer using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. We infected PC3 and LNCaP cells with lentivirus-LMTK-3 and observed the biologic characteristics of the PC3 and LNCaP cells in vitro with TUNEL, and migration and invasion assays, respectively. We also established a transplant tumor model of human prostate cancer with infected cells in 15 BALB/c-nu/nu nude mice. Results: LMTK-3 was expressed in prostate epithelial cells. There was a significant decline in the level of LMTK-3 expression in prostate cancers compared to normal tissues. LMTK-3 inhibited PC3 and LNCaP cell growth, migration, and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in vitro. We also observed that LMTK-3 induced PC3 cell apoptosis in vivo. Further study showed that LMTK-3 inhibited phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, and promoted phosphorylation and activation of p38 kinase and Jun kinase (JNK). Conclusion: Recombinant lentivirus with enhanced expression of LMTK-3 inhibited prostate cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. AKT and MAPK signaling pathways may contribute to the process.

JNK does not regulate meiotic progression in Xenopus oocytes: The strange case of pJNK and pERK

Xenopus ERK2, also known as Xp42 MAPK, is activated by progesterone and regulates meiotic progression in the oocytes through activation of the phosphatase Cdc25C and inhibition of the protein kinase Myt1, thus promoting dephosphorylation and activation of cyclinB/Cdc2 (MPF). Indeed, it has been reported that stress protein kinases p38 and JNK are activated during meiotic progression and, more specifically, that p38γ regulates meiosis through activation of Cdc25C. However, the role of JNK in meiotic progression is not so clear, and despite a 42kDa protein is detected with pJNK antibodies (XpJNK-p42), the specific isoform activated by progesterone has not been characterized in detail. The serine/threonine kinase MEKK1, an upstream activator of JNK and p38, is activated during stress conditions and regulates apoptosis in different cell types. Here we show that ectopic expression of a constitutively active MEKK1 in Xenopus oocytes induces phosphorylation of p38, JNK and ERK and accelerates meiotic progression induced by progesterone. Inhibition of each individual pathway reduces the acceleration of meiosis induced by MEKK1. However, constitutively active MEKK1 induces phosphorylation of two JNK isoforms (p40 and p49, corresponding to JNK1–1 and JNK1–2 respectively) distinct to the p42 protein detected with pJNK antibodies during meiotic progression (XpJNK-p42). Moreover, a constitutively active MKK7, which specifically activates the JNK signaling pathway and induces phosphorylation of the p40 and p49 isoforms, does not accelerate meiotic progression. Immunoprecipitation of the p42 protein with pJNK antibodies and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry shows that XpJNK-p42 is, in fact, pERK2. Ectopic expression of ERK2 in oocytes treated with progesterone or hyperosmotic shock indicates that ERK2 is phosphorylated in both conditions but is only detected with pJNK antibodies in progesterone-treated oocytes. In addition, mature oocytes only present a moderate increase of Jun kinase activity, which is not inhibited by SP600125. In conclusion, JNKs are not activated during meiotic progression and XpJNK-p42 is a post-translational modification of pERK induced by progesterone.

Elucidation of Molecular Mechanisms Associated With Gastroparesis in a Male Diabetic Rat Model

Introduction: Diabetes can lead to gastroparesis (GP) due to damage to the autonomic and enteric nervous systems. Our recent research (Ali et al. Dig. Dis. Sci. 2012) suggested that molecular mechanisms for development of estrogen-induced GP in male and female rats are different. Females dominate the clinical presentation of diabetic GP. The mechanisms which impair interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC) function and lead to GP in males remain elusive. Thus, the goal of this research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms associated with the development of GP in male diabetic rats. Methods: We developed an animal model of diabetic GP by injecting male rats with streptozotocin (STZ). The age matched control group received citrate buffer only. After 12 weeks of administration of STZ, the development of diabetes was documented serologically by monitoring glucose levels and GP was documented by the serum acetaminophen absorption test for gastric emptying. Based on these results, rats were divided into three subgroups each with five animals: control (C); diabetic (DM); and diabetic and gastroparetic (DM + GP). Pyloric tissue obtained at the time of sacrifice of C, DM and DM+GP rats underwent comparative proteomic analysis to measure heme oxygenase -1 (HO-1); reactive oxygen species (ROS) determined by serum malanodialdehide (MDA) levels; and MAP kinase singling determined by activation of p38 and Jun kinase (JNK). All the data is expressed as mean ± standard deviation for each subgroup. Results: HO-1 expression in DM + GP rats (0.50 ± 0.06) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) compared to C rats (0.88 ± 0.24) but was not significantly different form HO-1 in DM rats (0.652 ± 0.25). Significant increases in ROS were observed in both DM rats (121 ± 20.6 μM MDA, p < 0.01) and DM + GP rats (129± 45.6 μM MDA, p < 0.01) compared to C rats (63± 12.3 μM MDA). Only in the DM + GP rats did increased ROS levels induce significant stimulation in the MAP kinase signaling pathway by activation of p38 (p < 0.03) and JNK (p < 0.04) without changes in the total protein level. Conclusion: High ROS production in male rats with DM + GP is associated with both decreased HO-1 expression and increased MAP kinase signaling. We hypothesize that these molecular changes could contribute to the development of impaired ICC function present in GP. These data have clinical implications for future therapeutic approaches in male patients with diabetic gastroparesis.

Thiazolides promote apoptosis in colorectal tumor cells via MAP kinase-induced Bim and Puma activation.

While many anticancer therapies aim to target the death of tumor cells, sophisticated resistance mechanisms in the tumor cells prevent cell death induction. In particular enzymes of the glutathion-S-transferase (GST) family represent a well-known detoxification mechanism, which limit the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumor cells. Specifically, GST of the class P1 (GSTP1-1) is overexpressed in colorectal tumor cells and renders them resistant to various drugs. Thus, GSTP1-1 has become an important therapeutic target. We have recently shown that thiazolides, a novel class of anti-infectious drugs, induce apoptosis in colorectal tumor cells in a GSTP1-1-dependent manner, thereby bypassing this GSTP1-1-mediated drug resistance. In this study we investigated in detail the underlying mechanism of thiazolide-induced apoptosis induction in colorectal tumor cells. Thiazolides induce the activation of p38 and Jun kinase, which is required for thiazolide-induced cell death. Activation of these MAP kinases results in increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homologs Bim and Puma, which inducibly bind and sequester Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL leading to the induction of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Of interest, while an increase in intracellular glutathione levels resulted in increased resistance to cisplatin, it sensitized colorectal tumor cells to thiazolide-induced apoptosis by promoting increased Jun kinase activation and Bim induction. Thus, thiazolides may represent an interesting novel class of anti-tumor agents by specifically targeting tumor resistance mechanisms, such as GSTP1-1.

Pro-inflammatory properties of shark cartilage supplement

The erosion and breakdown of cartilage is generally recognized to be an integral manifestation of arthritic disease, which is often accompanied by the development and progression of inflammation associated with it. Commercial shark cartilage (SC) is a popular dietary supplement taken for the prevention and/or control of chronic disease, including arthritis. The efficacy of SC in maintaining joint health remains questionable; there is a lack of sufficient reliable information on its effect on immunocompetent cells, and the potential health risks involved have not been adequately assessed. Our earlier in vitro studies showed that SC extracts induce a Th1-type inflammatory cytokine response in human leucocytes, and collagen type II alpha 1 protein was shown to be an active cytokine-inducing component in SC. In this study, we further define the cellular response to SC stimulation by classifying leucocytes into primary and secondary responders employing enriched leucocyte subpopulations. Inhibitors of specific signaling pathways were used to verify the functional effect of SC on specific pathway(s) utilized. Results indicate the monocyte/macrophage as the initially responding cell, followed by lymphocytes and the production of interferon-γ. Chemokines, MCP-1 and RANTES, were produced at significant levels in stimulated leucocyte cultures. Initial cellular activation is likely followed by activation of Jun Kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathways. This study presents evidence of significant immunological reactivity of components of commercial SC supplement, which could pose a potential health risk for consumers, particularly those with underlying inflammatory disease such as irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis.

Inhibition of basal JNK activity by small interfering RNAs enhances cisplatin sensitivity and decreases DNA repair in T98G glioblastoma cells.

Inhibition of basal Jun kinase (JNK) activity by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) enhances cisplatin sensitivity and decreases DNA repair in T98G glioblastoma cells. Although the JNK pathway has been extensively studied in recent years, little is known concerning the signaling pathways that control their expression in glioma cells. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs) in the regulation of T98G glioblastoma cells treated with cisplatin in the presence or absence of siRNAs against JNK1 and JNK2. Addition of either small interfering JNK1-siRNA or JNK2-siRNA induced decreased DNA repair and sensitized the T98G glioblastoma cells to the DNA damaging drug cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum). This effect was associated with reduced cell survival and loss of anchorage‑independent colony formation. The results indicate that effective inhibition of the JNK pathway significantly sensitizes glioblastoma cells to cisplatin, a compound of proven clinical value whose spectrum of application is limited by resistance phenomena.

The Rac Inhibitor EHop-016 Inhibits Mammary Tumor Growth and Metastasis in a Nude Mouse Model

Metastatic disease still lacks effective treatments, and remains the primary cause of cancer mortality. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop better strategies to inhibit metastatic cancer. The Rho family GTPase Rac is an ideal target for anti-metastatic cancer therapy, because Rac is a key molecular switch that is activated by a myriad of cell surface receptors to promote cancer cell migration/invasion and survival. Previously, we reported the design and development of EHop-016, a small molecule compound, which inhibits Rac activity of metastatic cancer cells with an IC50 of 1μM. EHop-016 also inhibits the activity of the Rac downstream effector p21-activated kinase (PAK), lamellipodia extension, and cell migration in metastatic cancer cells. Herein, we tested the efficacy of EHop-016 in a nude mouse model of experimental metastasis, where EHop-016 administration at 25mg/kg body weight (BW) significantly reduced mammary fat pad tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. As quantified by UPLC MS/MS, EHop-016 was detectable in the plasma of nude mice at 17 to 23ng/ml levels at 12h following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 10 to 25mg/kg BW EHop-016. The EHop-016 mediated inhibition of angiogenesis In Vivo was confirmed by immunohistochemistry of excised tumors and by In Vitro tube formation assays of endothelial cells. Moreover, EHop-016 affected cell viability by down-regulating Akt and Jun kinase activities and c-Myc and Cyclin D expression, as well as increasing caspase 3/7 activities in metastatic cancer cells. In conclusion, EHop-016 has potential as an anticancer compound to block cancer progression via multiple Rac-directed mechanisms.

Sulforaphane represses matrix-degrading proteases and protects cartilage from destruction in vitro and in vivo

Purpose: Nutrition impacts directly on ageing and obesity, both of which are major risk factors for osteoarthritis. Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate derived from brassicas, particularly broccoli, and has been reported to regulate signalling pathways relevant to chronic diseases. Our study investigated whether sulforaphane can abrogate cartilage destruction in laboratory models of osteoarthritis and examined mechanism of action in chondrocytes. Methods: The impact of SFN treatment on gene expression, signalling through transcription factors nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB), and histone acetylation were examined in chondrocytes. The intracellular concentrations of SFN and SFN metabolites were quantified in chondrocytes and used to inform transcription factor binding assays. The bovine nasal cartilage explant model (BNC) and destabilisation of medial meniscus (DMM) murine model of osteoarthritis were used to study chondroprotection by SFN. Results: SFN inhibited cytokine-induced metalloproteinase expression in primary human articular chondrocytes (HACs) and in fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS). SFN can act independently of the Nrf2 transcription factor and histone deacetylase activity in HACs, but does mediate prolonged activation of Jun kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinase. SFN attenuates NF-κB signalling through at least inhibition of DNA binding in HACs with attenuation of expression of several NF-κB dependent genes. SFN abrogates cytokine-induced destruction of bovine nasal cartilage at the level of both proteoglycan and collagen breakdown (10μM compared to cytokines alone). It also decreases arthritis score in the DMM murine model of osteoarthritis (3μmol daily dose SFN in diet versus control chow). Conclusions: SFN, at levels which can be obtained through a broccoli-rich diet, inhibits the expression of key metalloproteinases implicated in osteoarthritis independently of Nrf2 and blocks inflammation at the level of NF-κB to protect against cartilage destruction in vitro and in vivo. Ongoing studies in man will ascertain the potential of this compound in human osteoarthritis.