Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-activated Gene Research Articles

NAG-1/GDF-15 Transgenic Female Mouse Shows Delayed Peak Period of the Second Phase Nociception in Formalin-induced Inflammatory Pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1), also known as growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), is associated with cancer, diabetes, and inflammation, while there is limited understanding of the role of NAG-1 in nociception. Here, we examined the nociceptive behaviors of NAG-1 transgenic (TG) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated by using the von Frey filament test, and thermal sensitivity was assessed by the hot-plate, Hargreaves, and acetone tests. c-Fos, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) immunoreactivity was examined in the spinal cord following observation of the formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors. There was no difference in mechanical or thermal sensitivity for NAG-1 TG and WT mice. Intraplantar formalin injection induced nociceptive behaviors in both male and female NAG-1 TG and WT mice. The peak period in the second phase was delayed in NAG-1 TG female mice compared with that of WT female mice, while there was no difference in the cumulative time of nociceptive behaviors between the two groups of mice. Formalin increased spinal c-Fos immunoreactivity in both TG and WT female mice. Neither GFAP nor Iba-1 immunoreactivity was increased in the spinal cord of TG and WT female mice. These findings indicate that NAG-1 TG mice have comparable baseline sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimulation as WT mice and that NAG-1 in female mice may have an inhibitory effect on the second phase of inflammatory pain. Therefore, it could be a novel target to inhibit central nervous system response in pain.

NAG-1/GDF15 inhibits diabetic nephropathy via inhibiting AGE/RAGE-mediated inflammation signaling pathways in C57BL/6 mice and HK-2 cells

AimsOur previous studies showed that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1, or growth differentiation factor-15 (NAG-1/GDF15) inhibits obesity and diabetes in mice. The current study aimed to examine the role and molecular mechanisms of NAG-1/GDF15 in diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is largely unknown. Main methodsBoth male and female wild-type (Wt) C57BL/6 mice and mice overexpressing human NAG-1/GDF15 (transgenic, Tg) were used, which were induced by high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ) to establish the mouse model of DN. Transcriptome study was performed to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of NAG-1/GDF15 against DN. In addition, human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK−2) were cultured with high glucose (HG) to establish a DN cellular model and were treated with NAG-1/GDF15 plasmid or the recombinant NAG-1/GDF15 protein for mechanism studies. Key findingsOverexpression of NAG-1/GDF15 in Tg mice significantly alleviated HFD/STZ-induced typical symptoms of DN, improved lipid homeostasis, glucose intolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Histopathology of renal tissues revealed that NAG-1/GDF15 mice had significantly reduced renal injury, glycogen deposition, and renal fibrosis. Transcriptome study uncovered inflammation, cell adhesion, and the inflammation-related signaling pathways as major pathways suppressed in the NAG-1/GDF15 mice. Further studies demonstrated that NAG-1/GDF15 overexpression inhibited renal and systematic inflammation, inhibited the AGE/RAGE axis and its associated downstream inflammatory molecules and adhesion molecules, and inhibited the upregulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice. These results were further confirmed in HG-induced HK-2 cells. SignificanceNAG-1/GDF15 plays an important role in the inhibition of the development and progression of DN via targeting AGE/RAGE-mediated inflammation pathways.

Abstract 5490: Comparative activation of cellular ISR and cell death induction by p53 pathway restoring small molecules

Abstract Restoration of the p53 pathway has been a long-term goal of the field of cancer research as an approach to treat tumors with mutated p53 and aggressive clinical behavior. In general, p53- pathway-restoring can be achieved by small molecules through p53-dependent or p53-independent ways. For short, hereafter p53-independent restoration of p53-pathway-signaling is also referred as ‘restoration of p53 pathway’. To perform a comparative activation of p53 target genes, novel compounds PG3 and PG3-Oc that activate a subset of p53-target genes in a p53-independent manner, and four known mutant p53-activating compounds were included (ZMC1, APR-246, CP-31398 and Ellipticine). Nutlin-3a was used as a negative control. PG3 and PG3-Oc induced significant upregulation of p21, PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis), and DR5 consistently in five tested cancer cell lines with various p53 status through ATF4 (Activating transcriptional factor 4) via the ISR in a p53-independent manner. However, mutant p53-targeting compounds induced the expression of the three p53 target genes and ATF4 in a highly variable and cell type-dependent manner. PG3 treatment activated ATF4 through the ISR via kinase HRI (Heme-regulated inhibitor). ATF4 mediated the upregulation of PUMA, p21 and NAG-1 (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene 1). We identified PUMA-mediated cell apoptosis through activation of caspase-8 in HT29 cells and possibly caspase-10 in SW480 cells. In summary, we provide a new mechanism that PG3 induced cell death via an HRI/ATF4/PUMA axis that may be helpful in understanding drug efficacy. Citation Format: Xiaobing Tian, Wafik S. El-Deiry. Comparative activation of cellular ISR and cell death induction by p53 pathway restoring small molecules [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5490.

Overexpression of NAG-1/GDF15 prevents hepatic steatosis through inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated dsDNA release and AIM2 inflammasome activation

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress-mediated inflammasome activation play critical roles in the pathogenesis of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated gene-1 (NAG-1), or growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), is associated with many biological processes and diseases, including NAFLD. However, the role of NAG-1/GDF15 in regulating oxidative stress and whether this process is associated with absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome activation in NAFLD are unknown. In this study, we revealed that NAG-1/GDF15 is significantly downregulated in liver tissues of patients with steatosis compared to normal livers using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and in free fatty acids (FFA, oleic acid/palmitic acid, 2:1)-induced HepG2 and Huh-7 cellular steatosis models. Overexpression of NAG-1/GDF15 in transgenic (Tg) mice significantly alleviated HFD-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis, improved lipid homeostasis, enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation and lipolysis, inhibited fatty acid synthesis and uptake, and inhibited AIM2 inflammasome activation and the secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β, as compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates without reducing food intake. Furthermore, NAG-1/GDF15 overexpression attenuated FFA-induced triglyceride (TG) accumulation, lipid metabolism deregulation, and AIM2 inflammasome activation in hepatic steatotic cells, while knockdown of NAG-1/GDF15 demonstrated opposite effects. Moreover, NAG-1/GDF15 overexpression inhibited HFD- and FFA-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage which in turn reduced double-strand DNA (dsDNA) release into the cytosol, while NAG-1/GDF15 siRNA showed opposite effects. The reduced ROS production and dsDNA release may be responsible for attenuated AIM2 activation by NAG-1/GDF15 upon fatty acid overload. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that other than regulating lipid homeostasis, NAG-1/GDF15 protects against hepatic steatosis through a novel mechanism via suppressing oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, dsDNA release, and AIM2 inflammasome activation.

The anti-diabetic effects of NAG-1/GDF15 on HFD/STZ-induced mice

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) plays a role in various diseases. Here, the anti-diabetic effects of NAG-1 were evaluated using a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. NAG-1-overexpressing transgenic (NAG-1 Tg) mice exhibited lower body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and serum insulin levels than wild-type (WT) mice. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance scores of NAG-1 Tg mice were lower than those of WT mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a smaller lipid droplet size in the adipose tissues, lower lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes, and larger beta cell area in the pancreas of NAG-1 Tg mice than in those of WT mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed downregulated expression of cleaved caspase-3, an apoptosis marker, in the beta cells of NAG-1 Tg mice. Adiponectin and leptin mRNA levels were upregulated and downregulated in NAG-1 Tg mice, respectively. Additionally, the expression of IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway components, especially Foxo1, which regulates gluconeogenesis in the muscle and white adipose tissue, was downregulated in NAG-1 Tg mice. Furthermore, NAG-1 overexpression promoted the expression of As160 in both muscles and adipocytes, and the mRNA levels of the NLRP3 pathway members were downregulated in NAG-1 Tg mice. Our findings suggest that NAG-1 expression alleviates diabetes in mice.

Oroxylin A inhibits the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing NAG-1 expression.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent liver cancer, is considered one of the most lethal malignancies with a dismal outcome mainly due to frequent intrahepatic and distant metastasis. In the present study, we demonstrated that oroxylin A, a natural product extracted from Scutellaria radix, significantly inhibits transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in HCC. Oroxylin A blocked the TGF-β1/Smad signaling via upregulating the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) expression. Oroxylin A promoted NAG-1 transcription by regulating the acetylation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), a transcription factor that binds to the NAG-1 promoter. In terms of the underlying mechanism, oroxylin A may interact with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) by forming hydrogen bonds with GLY149 residue and induce proteasome-mediated degradation of HDAC1 subsequently impairing HDAC1-mediated deacetylation of C/EBPβ and promoting the expression of NAG-1. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously unknown tumor-suppressive mechanism of oroxylin A. Oroxylin A should be further investigated as a potential clinical candidate for inhibiting HCC metastasis.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Induce Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of HepG2 Cells Accompanied by Induction of the MAPK Pathway and NAG-1.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignancies leading to death. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy have certain effects, their side effects limit their therapeutic effect. Phytochemicals have recently been given more attention as promising resources for cancer chemoprevention or chemotherapy due to their safety. In this study, the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) on the apoptosis, cell cycle, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway-related proteins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) expression of HepG2 cells were investigated. The results showed that GSPs inhibited the viability of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, and regulated cell cycle-related proteins, cyclin B1, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, and p21. GSPs also increased reactive oxygen species production and caspase-3 activity. In addition, GSPs also increased the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38 MAPK and NAG-1, and GSPs-induced NAG-1 expression was related to the MAPK pathway-related proteins. These data suggest that GSPs may be promising phytochemicals for HCC chemoprevention or chemotherapy.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: RINT1 is a new suppression target to reduce colon cancer cell growth, migration and invasion through regulating ZW10/NAG-1 expression

This study explored the function and mechanism of RAD50 interactor 1 (RINT1), Zeste white 10 (ZW10) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) in cell growth of colon cancer. The mRNA expression of RINT1 was suppressed in patients with colon cancer. In addition, disease free survival (DFS) in colon cancer patients with high expression of RINT1, ZW10 and NAG-1 were promoted compared with colon cancer patients with low expression of RINT1, ZW10 and NAG-1. Over-expression of RINT1, ZW10 or NAG-1 reduced colon cancer cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro model. In contrast, down-regulation of RINT1, ZW10 or NAG-1 promoted colon cancer cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro model. Over-expression of RINT1 promoted while down-regulation of RINT1 suppressed ZW10 and NAG-1 expression. Following knockdown of ZW10 and NAG-1 protein expressions, RINT1 induced changes of colon cancer cell growth, migration and invasion were inhibited. Taken together, it is indicated that RINT1 is a new suppression target to reduce cell growth, migration and invasion of colon cancer by targeting ZW10/NAG-1.

Competitive inhibition by NAG-1/GDF-15 NLS peptide enhances its anti-cancer activity

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug activated gene-1 (NAG-1), also known as growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), is a TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta) superfamily protein with a distinctive secretion pathway. NAG-1 is associated with multiple diseases including cancer, wherein it plays a role in both pro- and anti-cancer activities. We previously reported that NAG-1 is translocated to different subcellular compartments and its activity depends on its localization. In this paper, we report that the transfection of a novel peptide corresponding to the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of NAG-1 blocks its translocation to the nucleus. Further, accumulation of NAG-1 in the cytoplasm decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, thus implying apoptosis induction as a consequence. Overall, our results indicate that the novel peptide derived from NAG-1 NLS sequence is a promising tool for enhancing the anti-tumorigenic activity of NAG-1.

HNAG‐1 improves insulin sensitivity and ovarian function in young and aged female mice upon high fat diet treatment

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐activated gene‐1 (NAG‐1) is a distant member of the TGF‐β superfamily. Female hNAG‐1 transgenic mice are resistant to high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity and have increased lifespan. Progressive gonadal dysfunction has been shown to be an important sign of aging in experimental animals. Whether hNAG‐1 transgenic mice have improved ovarian function has not been studied. We examined the ovarian function in both young (20–28week) and old (50–56 week) female mice upon feeding with high or low fat diets for 16 weeks. We found that ovarian function is improved in hNAG‐1 mice compared to wild type littermates upon both diets, with the most prominent effects observed in older mice. We observed decreased body weight, abdominal fat and lower serum glucose, leptin, insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1(IGF‐1) levels, and increased steroid production and increased insulin sensitivity in hNAG‐1 mice compared to wild type mice. These observations were correlated with deregulation of the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and follicular development regulatory genes that suggesting improved ovarian function in hNAG‐1 mice. Histological analysis of the ovaries showed a decrease in the number of primary and secondary follicles in both genotypes upon HFD treatment. However, the ovaries from wild type mice showed an increase in the number of hemorrhagic follicles compared to hNAG‐1 mice, suggesting that hNAG‐1 may improve ovarian function through preserving primordial follicles and increasing oocyte quality. In addition, western blot analysis demonstrated that expression of mTOR/IGF‐1/TLR4 signaling pathways were decreased in young and old hNAG‐1 mice ovaries, and an increase of Foxo/SIRT1 signaling pathway was observed in old hNAG‐1 mice. Taken together, the present results suggested that hNAG‐1 play an important role in improving ovarian function and insulin sensitivity in femaleSupport or Funding InformationNational Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81400822).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Correction: Opposing Effects of PI3K/Akt and Smad-Dependent Signaling Pathways in NAG-1-Induced Glioblastoma Cell Apoptosis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096283.].

Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 on Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides-induced apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) has been demonstrated to elicit antitumorigenic and proapoptotic activities in cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of GLP have yet to be elucidated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) has been reported to exert proapoptotic effects and therefore, may serve an important role in cancer prevention. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which GLP stimulates anticancer activity in human prostate cancer (PCa) PC-3 cells. In addition, the role of NAG-1 in GLP-induced cancer inhibition was examined. The results of the present study demonstrated that GLP significantly inhibited cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner in PC-3 cells. Flow cytometry indicated that GLP induced late apoptosis, which was accompanied by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP) cleavage, and inhibition of pro-caspase-3, -6 and -9 protein expression. Furthermore, it was observed that the expression levels of NAG-1, and its transcriptional factor early growth response-1, were upregulated in a time- and dose-dependent manner upon GLP treatment. The results of a luciferase assay demonstrated that GLP induced the promoter activity of NAG-1, thus indicating that NAG-1 may be transcriptionally regulated by GLP. The secretion of NAG-1 proteins into the cell culture medium was also upregulated upon GLP treatment. Furthermore, inhibition of NAG-1 expression by small interfering RNA significantly, but not completely, prevented GLP-induced apoptosis, and reversed the effects of GLP on PARP and pro-caspase expression. It was further demonstrated that GLP inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in PC-3 cells. The present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to report that GLP may induce apoptosis of PCa cells, which is partially mediated through NAG-1 induction. The present findings may be helpful in elucidating the anticancer mechanisms of GLP through NAG-1 induction for its chemopreventive potential in PCa.

Trichostatin A Induces NAG-1 Expression and Apoptosis in Human Endometriotic Stromal Cells.

To investigate the effects of trichostatin A (TSA) on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene 1 (NAG-1) expression and apoptosis in human endometriotic stromal cells (HESCs), ectopic endometrial tissues were obtained from 15 patients with endometriotic cysts who underwent cystectomy. Human endometriotic stromal cells were isolated and cultured with different concentrations of TSA. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively, and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Viability of HESCs was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with TSA. The percentage of early and late apoptotic HESCs was increased upon treatment with TSA. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 mRNA and protein expression was induced in a dose-dependent manner by TSA treatment. Gene knockdown experiments using small-interfering RNA confirmed an association between NAG-1 expression and TSA-induced apoptosis. Whether effects of TSA on NAG-1 gene expression are enhanced in the presence of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) are also investigated; however, TSA-induced apoptosis was unaffected by 5-aza-dC. In conclusion, TSA induced apoptosis in HESCs via induction of NAG-1 expression. These results suggest that upregulation of NAG-1 contributes to TSA-induced apoptosis in HESCs.

GL-V9 induced upregulation and mitochondrial localization of NAG-1 associates with ROS generation and cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

We have previously reported that a newly synthesized compound, GL-V9 could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in HepG2 cells. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood yet. In current study, we further showed that GL-V9 exhibited significant inhibitory effect on growth of several hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Moreover, GL-V9-induced growth inhibition was coincident with the strong upregulation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1), a TGFβ superfamily member, which has been linked with tumor suppression. Further analysis uncovered that GL-V9-activated p38 MAPK pathway contributed to enhancement of NAG-1 mRNA stability. Interestingly, we observed that the intracellular NAG-1 protein induced by GL-V9 could, at least in part, localize in mitochondria where it might affect protein expression, thereby resulting in dissipation of mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and accumulation of mitochondrial superoxide, eventually facilitating to apoptosis events. Silence of NAG-1 could attenuate mitochondria related apoptosis caused by GL-V9. Moreover, GL-V9 suppressed tumor growth in xenograft model accompanied with upregulation of NAG-1 in tumor tissues. Collectively, these data demonstrated that NAG-1 could play an important role in mitochondria apoptosis triggered by GL-V9, thus providing novel mechanistic explanations and potential target for using GL-V9 as a chemotherapeutic agent against human hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Levels Are Increased in Patients with Compound Heterozygous Sickle Cell and Beta-Thalassemia, Correlate with Hepcidin-25/Ferritin Molar Ratio and with Markers of Hemolysis, Endothelial Dysfunction and Angiogenesis

Background: The clinical manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) include episodes of vascular occlusion, chronic hemolytic anemia and frequent infections. SCD is also characterized by the presence of chronic inflammation manifested by leukocytosis and monocytosis and increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), also known as macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) is a member of the transforming growth factor- superfamily. Expression of the GDF-15 gene in cardiomyocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells is strongly upregulated in response to oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue injury. Recently, GDF-15 and Twisted Gastrulation Protein (TWSG1) have been proposed to be erythroblast-derived factors, although not erythroblast specific, that mediate Hepcidin-25 suppression under conditions of increased erythropoietic activity. High levels of GDF15 associate with ineffective erythropoiesis and may reflect a certain type of bone marrow stress or erythroblast apoptosis. However, the role of GDF15 in Hepcidin-25 regulation under physiologic conditions and in other disorders is unclear and has been debated.Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the GDF-15 levels in patients with compound heterozygous HbS and beta-thalassemia (HbS/βthal) and to explore possible associations with disease features, such as Hepcidin-25 production, hemolysis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis.Methods: Seventy-five adult Caucasian patients with HbS/βthal were included in the study, while 20 healthy individuals served as controls. Patients with HbS/βthal divided in two groups: group A included 36 patients under hydroxycarbamide (HC+) treatment and group B included 39 patients without hydroxycarbamide (HC-) treatment. Along with hematology and blood chemistry parameters determination, measurements of circulating levels of GDF-15, hepcidin-25, hs-CRP, vWF-antigen, hs-TnT and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) were performed in both patients with HbS/βthaland controls using immunoenzymatic techniques.Results: The main results of the study included: GDF-15 levels were elevated in patients with HbS/βthal compared to controls ((1,980.7±159.8 vs 665.4±50.9 pg/mL, p<0.001). Regarding hydroxycarbamide treatment, GDF-15 levels were elevated in (HC+) patients compared to (HC-) patients (p=0.002), or 30/36 vs 21/39 patients had elevated GDF-15 levels (p=0.002). In contrast, Hepcidin-25 levels were significantly lower in patients with HbS/βthal compared to controls (57.2±12.3 vs 67.3±9.1 ng/mL, p<0.01). The reduction of Hepcidin-25 levels was more pronounced in (HC-) patients compared to (HC+) patients (p=0.005). In addition, a markedly low Hepcidin-25/Ferritin molar ratio was obsereved in patients with HbS/βthal compared to controls (p<0.001). Whilst, no direct correlation was found between GDF-15 and hepcidin-25 levels, a significant negative correlation between GDF-15 levels and Hepcidin-25/Ferritin molar ratio was detected in patients with HbS/βthal(p=0.002). GDF-15 levels also correlated significantly with markers of erythropoiesis, such as Hb, HbF, ferritin and reticulocytes (p<0.05), with markers of hemolysis, such as LDH and uric acid (p<0.01), and with markers of endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis such as vWF-antigen and PlGF (p<0.01). Surprisingly, no correlation was found between GDF-15 and hs-CRP levels.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a multifactorial role of GDF-15 in patients with HbS/βthal as it correlates with erythropoiesis, hemolysis, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis. However, we found no direct specific function, despite the negative correlation with Hepcidin-25/Ferritin molar ratio. Interestingly, the higher GDF-15 levels measured in patients treated with hydroxycarbamide may reflect possible drug induced sub-clinical cardiotoxicity, although this has not been described to-date. To this end, our knowledge is restricted only to doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, where GDF-15 up-regulation seems to be more sensitive than that of hs-TnT, LDH and NT-proBNP. Further studies will reveal the role of GDF-15 in the biology of HbS/βthal. DisclosuresOstland:Intrinsic LifeScienc s: Employment, Equity Ownership. Westerman:Intrinsic LifeSciences: Employment, Equity Ownership. Terpos:Genesis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria.

Abstract 3510: Tolfenamic acid induces apoptosis and growth inhibition in anaplastic thyroid cancer: involvement of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 expression and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation

Abstract Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, certain NSAIDs also have antitumor activities in various cancers, including head and neck cancer, through cyclooxygenase-dependent or independent pathways. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1), a TGF-β superfamily protein, is induced by NSAIDs and has been shown to be induced by several antitumorigenic compounds and to exhibit proapoptotic and antitumorigenic activities. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time that tolfenamic acid (TA) transcriptionally induced the expression of NAG-1 during TA-induced apoptosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cells. TA reduced the viability of ATC cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis, findings that were coincident with NAG-1 expression. Overexpression of the NAG-1 gene using cDNA enhanced the apoptotic effect of TA, whereas suppression of NAG-1 expression by small interfering RNA attenuated TA-induced apoptosis. Subsequently, we found that intracellular ROS generation plays an important role in activating the proapoptotic protein NAG-1. Then, we confirmed antitumorigenic effects of TA in a nude mouse orthotopic ATC model, and this result accompanied the augmentation of NAG-1 expression and ROS generation in tumor tissue. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TA induces apoptosis via NAG-1 expression and ROS generation in in vitro and in vivo ATC models, providing a novel mechanistic explanation and indicating a potential chemotherapeutic approach for treatment of ATC. Citation Format: Yeon Soo Kim, Jae Won Chang, SungUn Kang, JaeWon Choi, YooSeob Shin, Seung Joon Baek, Seong-Ho Lee, Kyoung Ho Oh, Chul-Ho Kim. Tolfenamic acid induces apoptosis and growth inhibition in anaplastic thyroid cancer: involvement of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 expression and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3510.

Abstract 3238: Taiwanin A targets against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 in human lung carcinoma

Abstract Taiwanin A (α,β-bis(piperonylidene)-γ-butyrolactone) is isolated from Taiwania cryptomerioides. Similar to paclitaxel, Taiwanin A also extracted from tree barks and have anti-tumor activity in breast, liver, and lung cancer cell lines. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the cytotoxicity of Taiwanin A against tumor cells by increasing the expression of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1). NAG-1 has been reported to have antitumor and pro-apoptotic activity, suggesting potential target for cancer therapy. Silencing NAG-1 mRNA expression in A549 reduces the cytotoxicity caused by Taiwanin A. Furthermore, the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase/Ste20-related protein proline/alanine-rich kinase (JNK/SPAK) pathway played a key role in the action of NAG-1 on cell viability, whereas the addition of the JNK pathway inhibitor, SP600125, resulted in the inhibitory effect of NAG-1 and recovery of Taiwanin A treated cells. Xenograft tumor model showed that Taiwanin A dose-dependently significantly decreases tumor mediated growth in nude mice by increasing NAG-1 expression accompanied tumor apoptosis. These data support the conclusion that Taiwanin A inhibits lung carcinoma growth by increasing NAG-1 expression via the JNK pathway both in vivo and in vitro. This result might be contributed to compound design for increasing cytotoxicity activity in the future. Citation Format: Hong-Meng Chuang, Horng-Jyh Harn. Taiwanin A targets against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 in human lung carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3238. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3238

NAG-1/GDF15 accumulates in the nucleus and modulates transcriptional regulation of the Smad pathway.

Protein dynamics, modifications, and trafficking are all processes that can modulate protein activity. Accumulating evidence strongly suggests that many proteins play distinctive roles dependent on cellular location. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug activated gene-1 (NAG-1) is a TGF-β superfamily protein that plays a role in cancer, obesity, and inflammation. NAG-1 is synthesized and cleaved into a mature peptide, which is ultimately secreted into the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we have found that full-length NAG-1 is expressed in not only the cytoplasm and ECM, but also in the nucleus. NAG-1 is dynamically moved to the nucleus, exported into cytoplasm, and further transported into the ECM. We have also found that nuclear NAG-1 contributes to inhibition of the Smad pathway by interrupting the Smad complex. Overall, our study indicates that NAG-1 is localized in the nucleus and provides new evidence that NAG-1 controls transcriptional regulation in the Smad pathway.

HNAG-1 increases lifespan by regulating energy metabolism and insulin/IGF-1/mTOR signaling.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) or GDF15 is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily and mice expressing hNAG-1/hGDF15 have been shown to be resistant to HFD-induced obesity and inflammation. This study investigated if hNAG-1 increases lifespan in mice and its potential mechanisms. Here we report that female hNAG-1 mice had significantly increased both mean and median life spans in two transgenic lines, with a larger difference in life spans in mice on a HFD than on low fat diet. hNAG-1 mice displayed significantly reduced body and adipose tissue weight, lowered serum IGF-1, insulin and glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased oxygen utilization, oxidative metabolism and energy expenditure. Gene expression analysis revealed significant differences in conserved gene pathways that are important regulators of longevity, including IGF-1, p70S6K, and PI3K/Akt signaling cascades. Phosphorylation of major components of IGF-1/mTOR signaling pathway was significantly lower in hNAG-1mice. Collectively, hNAG-1 is an important regulator of mammalian longevity and may act as a survival factor. Our study suggests that hNAG-1 has potential therapeutic uses in obesity-related diseases where life span is frequently shorter.

Taiwanin A targets non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 in human lung carcinoma

Taiwanin A (α,β-bis(piperonylidene)-γ-butyrolactone) is extracted from Taiwania cryptomerioides. Taiwanin A is extracted from tree bark and exhibits antitumor activity in breast, liver, and lung cancer cell lines. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the cytotoxicity of Taiwanin A against tumor cells by increasing the expression of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1). NAG-1 has been reported to exhibit antitumor and proapoptotic activities, suggesting potential use in cancer therapy. Inhibiting NAG-1 mRNA expression in A549 reduced the cytotoxicity caused by Taiwanin A. Furthermore, the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase/Ste20-related protein proline/alanine-rich kinase (JNK/SPAK) pathway played a key role in the influence of NAG-1 on cell viability, whereas the addition of the JNK pathway inhibitor SP600125 resulted in an inhibitory effect on NAG-1 and recovery of Taiwanin-A-treated cells. A xenograft tumor model demonstrated that Taiwanin A dose-dependently significantly decreases tumor-mediated growth in nude mice by increasing the NAG-1 expression accompanying tumor apoptosis. These data supported the hypothesis that Taiwanin A inhibits lung carcinoma growth by increasing NAG-1 expression through the JNK pathway both in vivo and in vitro. This result can contribute to a compound design for increasing cytotoxicity activity in the future.