Phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase Research Articles

Ferulic acid reverses P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance via inhibition of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway

In this study, the modulatory effect of ferulic acid on P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) was examined in KB ChR8-5 resistant cells and drug-resistant tumor xenografts. We observed that ferulic acid enhanced the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin and vincristine in the P-gp overexpressing KB ChR8-5 cells. Further, ferulic acid enhances the doxorubicin induced γH2AX foci formation and synergistically augmented doxorubicin-induced apoptotic signaling in the drug-resistant cells. It has also been noticed that NF-κB nuclear translocation was suppressed by ferulic acid and that this response might be associated with the modulation of phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/signaling pathway. We also found that ferulic acid and doxorubicin combination reduced the size of KB ChR8-5 tumor xenograft by threefold as compared to doxorubicin-alone treated group. Thus, ferulic acid contributes to the reversal of the MDR through suppression of P-gp expression via the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Abstract 2636: The H1047R point mutation in PI3KCA changes morphology in human colon cancer cells.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The PI3K signaling pathway involves a wide range of cell signaling phenomena, including cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, survival, adhesion, cytoskeletal rearrangement, invadopodia formation and motility. Mutations in the catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA) of Class 1A phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) occur in up to 1/3 of human colorectal cancers (CRC). The kinase domain mutation H1047R is the most frequent cancer-specific mutation in p110α and results in a gain of function. In vivo studies have demonstrated that cell lines bearing the p110α mutation are more metastatic than the cells with wild type p110α. We have previously shown that inhibition of PI3K-p110α significantly delayed or abrogated the migration of HCT116 parental cell line, which is a CRC cell line that is heterozygous for the PIK3CA mutation and thus contains both the H1047R mutation in p110α and a wild type allele of PIK3CA. The aim of our study was to investigate the mechanism of how the H1047R mutation of PI3K results in the increased cell motility in HCT116 cell line. We hypothesize that the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton may be responsible for the changes in cell morphology and cell motility in the presence of the H1047R mutation of PI3K. METHODS: HCT116 cells engineered to contain either the H1047R mutant (MUT) or wild type (WT) PI3KCA allele were used in this study. Cell morphology was observed by microscopic approaches and F-actin, the major component of cytoskeleton, was stained with Alexa Fluor® 488 Phalloidin. Effect of PI3K-p110α inhibition on cell morphology was tested at a series of time points with 1.0 μM of A66 and PIK75, which are specific inhibitors of p110α. RESULTS: The morphological appearance of MUT cells was considerably different as compared to WT cells. The WT HCT116 cells normally show a rounded and more clumped morphology. However, the MUT HCT116 cells become elongated and actin filaments appear to align along the length of the cell. The cells also adopt less clumped and more fibroblastic morphology. Furthermore, when the MUT cells were treated with the p110α specific inhibitors, the cell morphology then again resembled the WT cells. The morphological changes in MUT HCT116 cells possibly contribute to enhanced migratory capacity. CONCLUSION: The morphologic appearance of MUT PIK3CA bearing colon cancer cells is markedly different from WT cells. The inhibition of mutant PIK3CA function results in morphologic changes that resemble the WT allele bearing cells. Thus, the interaction of PI3K and the cell cytoskeleton appears to be an important aspect in regulating cell motility and subsequently, metastases. The PI3K pathway remains a desirable target in CRC therapeutics. Citation Format: Guanghua Wan, Essence Hand, Judy Lin Cannon, Ashwani Rajput. The H1047R point mutation in PI3KCA changes morphology in human colon cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2636. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2636

Abstract 470: Motility of human colorectal cancer cells is promoted by H1047R kinase mutation of PI3K p110-alpha

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Mutations in the catalytic subunit p110α of Class 1A phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) occur in nearly 1/3 human colorectal cancer (CRC). In vivo studies have demonstrated that cell lines bearing the p110α mutation are more metastatic than wild type PI3K cells. The most frequent cancer-specific mutations in p110α are the kinase domain mutation H1047R and the helical domain mutation E542K/E545K. Our group has previously shown that the two hotspot mutations in PI3K in either the helical or kinase domains have a significantly different metastatic potential in an orthotopic murine model. The aim of this study was to compare the difference in cell motility between the helical and kinase domain mutation bearing human CRC cell lines. METHODS: Wound healing Assay was used to determine the motility of human CRC cells in vitro. Effect of PI3K inhibition on cell motility was tested under the treatments with 0.1 and 1.0 µM of wortmannin, which is a class 1 PI3K inhibitor, and PIK75, which is the specific inhibitor of p110α. RESULTS: Our data indicate that H1047R-p110α increases cell motility more than E545K-p110α and the inhibition of PI3K significantly delayed or abrogated the migration of CRC cells. Immuno-blotting analysis showed increased downstream survival signaling pathway activation of PI3K in the cells bearing H1047R-p110α knase domain mutation compared to the cells which have E545K-p110α helical domain mutation. CONCLUSION: The PI3K-p110α kinase mutation bearing CRC cells were more motile as compared to the helical domain mutation bearing cells. This data supports our previous in vivo data that kinase domain mutations have a greater metastatic capability than helical domain bearing mutants. Cell motility was abrogated by both nonspecific and p110α directed PI3K inhibition suggesting that the activation of PI3K is necessary for CRC cell motility. This data supports the efforts to target the PI3K pathway in patients with advanced CRC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 470. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-470

Ovarian expressed microsomal epoxide hydrolase: Role in detoxification of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide and regulation by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling

4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) is a metabolite of 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) which has the potential to be formed in the ovary through CYP2E1 activity. VCD specifically destroys primordial and small primary follicles in the rodent ovary. Mouse ovaries exposed to VCD demonstrate increased mRNA and protein expression of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), and an inactive tetrol metabolite (4-(1,2-dihydroxy)ethyl-1,2-dihydroxycyclohexane) can be formed in mouse ovarian follicles, potentially through detoxification action of mEH. In contrast, mEH can bioactivate another ovotoxic chemical, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to a more toxic compound, DMBA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide. Thus, the present study evaluated a functional role for mEH during detoxification of VCD. Additionally, because inhibition of the phosphatidyinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in a previous study protected primordial follicles from VCD-induced destruction, but accelerated DMBA-induced ovotoxicity, a role for PI3K in ovarian mEH regulation was evaluated. Using a post-natal day (PND) 4 Fischer 344 rat whole ovary culture system inhibition of mEH using cyclohexene oxide during VCD exposure resulted in a greater (P < 0.05) loss of primordial and small primary follicles relative to VCD-treated ovaries. Also, relative to controls, meh mRNA was increased ( P < 0.05) on day 4 of VCD (30 μM) exposure, followed by increased ( P < 0.05) mEH protein after 6 days. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K signaling increased mEH mRNA and protein expression. Thus, these results support a functional role for mEH in the rat ovary, and demonstrate the involvement of PI3K signaling in regulation of ovarian xenobiotic metabolism by mEH.

Curcumin Attenuates Insulin Resistance in Hepatocytes by Inducing Nrf2 Nuclear Translocation

NF-E2-Related Factor-2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the cellular protection against oxidative stress. Curcumin has been reported to induce Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulate the expression of numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxifying and antioxidant genes in hepatocytes. This study was designed to investigate whether curcumin-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation could reduce ROS-mediated insulin resistance in cultured LO2 hepatocytes. Human LO2 hepatocytes were incubated with curcumine and glucose oxidase (GO) in the presence/absence of wortmannin (a phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor), oxidative stress, cellular damage, Nrf2 nuclear translocation and insulin resistance were measured. GO exposure significantly increased intracellular ROS, glutathione (GSH) depletion, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and increased activities of cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate amino transferase (AST), as well as causing insulin resistance. Curcumin pretreatment significantly attenuated these disturbances in intracellular ROS, liver enzyme activity and significantly antagonized the lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion and insulin resistance induced by GO in LO2 hepatocytes. These effects paralleled Nrf2 nuclear translocation induced by curcumin. Wortmannin partially blocked curcumin-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation. In addition, wortmannin prevented curcumin-induced improvements in intracellular ROS, MDA formation, GSH depletion, liver enzyme activity and insulin resistance in cultured LO2 hepatocytes. These findings suggest that curcumin could reduce ROS-mediated insulin resistance in hepatocytes, at least in part through nuclear translocation of Nrf2.

Tumor-associated EGFR over-expression specifically activates Stat3 and Smad7 resulting in desensitization of TGF-β signaling

AbstractTransforming Growth Factor-[beta] (TGF-[beta]) and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) signaling pathways are both independently implicated as key regulators in tumor formation and progression. Here, we demonstrate that activation of the tumor-associated and over-expressed EGFR desensitizes TGF-[beta] signaling and its cytostatic regulation through specific Stat3 activation and Smad7 induction. In normal and tumor human cell lines, reduction of TGF-[beta]-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and Smad3 target gene activation were observed where EGFR is over-expressed, but not in cells which expressed EGFR at normal levels. The EGFR downstream signaling molecules phosphatidyinositol-3 Kinase (PI3K) or mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) are not responsible for the down-regulation of TGF-[beta] signaling since blockade of them by specific pharmacological inhibitors LY294002 and U0126 had little effects on the sensitivity of TGF-[beta] signaling. We identified Stat3 as a signaling molecule activated specifically and persistently by over-expressed EGFR, but not by normal levels. Importantly, Stat3 is responsible for the reduced TGF-[beta] sensitivity, since its knockdown by siRNA restored TGF-[beta] signaling sensitivity. Furthermore, over-expressed EGFR, through Stat3 activates Smad7 promoter activity, increasing its protein levels, which is a negative regulator of TGF-[beta] signaling. Consequently, cells were re-sensitized to TGF-[beta] when Smad7 expression was reduced using siRNA. Therefore we establish a novel EGFR-Stat3-Smad7-TGF-[beta] signaling molecular axis where tumor-associated over-expression of EGFR in epithelial cells results in hyperactivation of Stat3, which activates Smad7 expression, compromising the TGF-[beta]'s cytostatic regulation of epithelium and consequent tumor formation.

Curcumin down-regulates the multidrug-resistance mdr1b gene by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NFκB pathway

Curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and chemopreventive effects in several animal tumor models. The expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded by the mdr gene, is often associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) to unrelated chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that curcumin down-regulates P-gp expression in multidrug-resistant L1210/Adr cells. Transfection with a series of 5′-deleted constructs of the mdr1b gene promoter indicated that a proximal region between −205 and +42 of the sequence was responsible for the suppression of promoter activity by curcumin. This response might be associated with the inhibition of the phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway by curcumin. Moreover, curcumin reversed the MDR of the L1210/Adr cells. Thus, curcumin can contribute to the reversal of the MDR phenotype, probably due to the suppression of P-gp expression via the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Akt Involvement in Paclitaxel Chemoresistance of Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Paclitaxel (taxol) is extensively used for chemotherapy of various cancers including ovarian cancer. Although paclitaxel induces apoptosis in cancer cells, its exact mechanism of action still remains to be determined. Akt mediates survival signals which preserve various cancer cells from apoptosis pathway. Thus, Akt is considered an exciting target for therapeutics. Here, we demonstrated that inhibition of Akt increases the efficacy of the paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in SKOV3 and PA-1 human ovarian cancer cells. The sensitivity to paclitaxel of SKOV3 and PA-1 cells was examined using the MTT assay. At a concentration of 30 nM, PA-1 cells were more sensitive to paclitaxel than SKOV3 cells. Apoptosis was accompanied by the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). To further elucidate the mechanism of apoptosis by paclitaxel, we compared the levels of phosphorylation of Akt between paclitaxel-resistant SKOV3 cells and paclitaxel-sensitive PA-1 cells. The higher level of phosphorylated Akt was shown in SKOV3 cells than in PA-1 cells. Interestingly, the treatment of paclitaxel decreased the amount of phosphorylated Akt in a time-dependent manner in both cell lines. Furthermore, inhibition of Akt by specific phosphatidyinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt inhibitors (Wortmannin, and LY294002) synergistically increased the efficacy of the paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in both cell lines. These results suggest that the addition of the Akt inhibitor may increase the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel for patients with ovarian cancer.

Nature of Functional Estrogen Receptors at the Plasma Membrane

Although rapid signaling by estrogen at the plasma membrane is established, it is controversial as to the nature of the receptor protein. Estrogen may bind membrane proteins comparable to classical nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs), but some studies identify nonclassical receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptor (GPR)30. We took several approaches to define membrane-localized estrogen-binding proteins. In endothelial cells (ECs) from ERalpha/ERbeta combined-deleted mice, estradiol (E2) failed to specifically bind, and did not activate cAMP, ERK, or phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase or stimulate DNA synthesis. This is in contrast to wild-type ECs, indicating the lack of any functional estrogen-binding proteins in ERalpha/ERbeta combined-deleted ECs. To directly determine the identity of membrane and nuclear-localized ER, we isolated subcellular receptor pools from MCF7 cells. Putative ER proteins were trypsin digested and subjected to tandem array mass spectrometry. The output analysis identified membrane and nuclear E2-binding proteins as classical human ERalpha. We also determined whether GPR30 plays any role in E2 rapid actions. MCF7 (ER and GPR30 positive) and SKBR-3 (ER negative, GPR30 positive) cells were incubated with E2. Only MCF7 responded with significantly increased signaling. In MCF7, the response to E2 was not different in cells transfected with small interfering RNA to green fluorescent protein or GPR30. In contrast, interfering RNA to ERalpha or ER inhibition prevented rapid signaling and resulting biology in MCF7. In breast cancer and ECs, nuclear and membrane ERs are the same proteins. Furthermore, classical ERs mediate rapid signals induced by E2 in these cells.

JNK in Fibronectin Splicing

The basement membrane communicates with the adjacent cells through cell surface proteins and can alter gene expression and transcript splicing. Pelisch et al. now provide evidence for the involvement of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and the phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in the alternative splicing of fibronectin transcripts in a mammary epithelial cell line (EpH4) in response to laminin-rich basement membrane (lr-BM). Twelve isoforms of fibronectin are generated by alternative splicing of three discrete regions: EDII (extra domain II), EDI (extra domain I), and IIICS (type III connecting segment). EpH4 cells plated on lr-BM showed decreased inclusion of the EDI exon, no change in the inclusion of the EDII exon, and decreased inclusion of the IIICS exon that contains the integrin-binding motif LDV. Cells plated with lr-BM showed activation of JNK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but not of p38 or PI3K. Inhibition of JNK pharmacologically with silencing RNA (siRNA) or by expression of a dominant-negative blocked the effect of lr-BM on fibronectin splicing. Although PI3K inhibition or p38 inhibition did decrease the ratio of EDI + :EDI − and LDV + :LDV − transcripts in untreated cells, exposure to lr-BM further decreased these ratios, indicating that these two kinases are not involved in the lr-BM regulation of fibronectin splicing. Exposure of cells to lr-BM produced a sustained activation of JNK, but a transient activation of ERK was followed by dephosphorylation below basal levels. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK in untreated cells suggested that ERK (like p38 and PI3K) is involved in the basal inclusion of EDI- and LDV-containing IIICS exons. Overexpression of active JNK was not sufficient to alter splicing in the absence of lr-BM, which suggests that the interplay between JNK and ERK signaling may be important for the changes in splicing of fibronectin. F. Pelisch, M. Blaustein, A. R. Kornblihtt, A. Srebrow, Cross-talk between signaling pathways regulates alternative splicing: A novel role for JNK. J. Biol. Chem. 280 , 25461-25469 (2005). [Abstract] [Full Text]

Endothelin-1 Inhibits Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), produced by the prostate epithelia, likely plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer. ET-1 can bind two receptor subtypes; generally, binding of the endothelin receptor A (ETA) induces a survival pathway, whereas binding of the endothelin receptor B (ETB) mediates clearance of circulating ET-1 as well as promotes apoptosis. In prostate carcinoma, hypermethylation of the ETB promoter results in repression of ETB expression, thereby eliminating the negative growth response that ET-1 binding elicits through this receptor. Therefore, activation of ETA exclusively provides a pathway for survival advantage. Our current studies examine the mechanisms by which activation of the ETA may allow growth/survival. ET-1 treatment of prostate tumor cells significantly decreased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis through activation of the ETA subtype. The antiapoptotic effects of ET-1 are mediated, at least in part, through the Bcl-2 family. Although no significant changes in Bcl-2 expression occurred with ET-1 treatment, the pro-apoptotic family members Bad, Bax, Bak all decreased significantly. Further analysis of the survival pathway demonstrated that phosphorylation of Akt occurs with ET-1 treatment in a time- and dose-dependent manner through phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase activation. These data support the combination of ETA antagonists and apoptosis-inducing therapies for prostate cancer treatment.

The tRNA methylase METTL1 is phosphorylated and inactivated by PKB and RSK in vitro and in cells.

A substrate for protein kinase B (PKB)alpha in HeLa cell extracts was identified as methyltransferase-like protein-1 (METTL1), the orthologue of trm8, which catalyses the 7-methylguanosine modification of tRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. PKB and ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) both phosphorylated METTL1 at Ser27 in vitro. Ser27 became phosphorylated when HEK293 cells were stimulated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and this was prevented by inhibition of phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase. The IGF-1-induced Ser27 phosphorylation did not occur in 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1)-deficient embryonic stem cells, but occurred normally in PDK1[L155E] cells, indicating that the effect of IGF-1 is mediated by PKB. METTL1 also became phosphorylated at Ser27 in response to phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate and this was prevented by PD 184352 or pharmacological inhibition of RSK. Phosphorylation of METTL1 by PKB or RSK inactivated METTL1 in vitro, as did mutation of Ser27 to Asp or Glu. Expression of METTL1[S27D] or METTL1[S27E] did not rescue the growth phenotype of yeast lacking trm8. In contrast, expression of METTL1 or METTL1[S27A] partially rescued growth. These results demonstrate that METTL1 is inactivated by PKB and RSK in cells, and the potential implications of this finding are discussed.

PI3K/Akt Is Required for Heat Shock Proteins to Protect Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1α from pVHL-independent Degradation

Hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), a heterodimeric transcription factor composed of HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta subunits, serves as a key regulator of metabolic adaptation to hypoxia. The amount of HIF-1alpha protein is regulated either by attenuating von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL)-dependent ubiquitination and subsequent 26 S proteasomal degradation or by enhancing cap-dependent mRNA translation, presumably involving a phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt-regulated pathway. In addition, it became apparent that Hsp90 protects HIF-1alpha from oxygen-independent degradation. Here we present evidence that PI3K/Akt is required for heat shock proteins to stabilize HIF-1alpha. In pVHL-deficient renal cell carcinoma cells, PI3K inhibition by LY294002 and wortmannin or transfection of either a dominant negative PI3K or a kinase-dead Akt mutant substantially lowered constitutively expressed HIF-1alpha without altering HIF-1alpha mRNA. Inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) such as PD98059 or the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 showed no interference. Considering that PI3K inhibitors down-regulated heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) as well as Hsp70 expression and moreover attenuated heat- or hypoxia-induced Hsp70 as well as hypoxia-induced Hsp90 up-regulation we conclude that PI3K inhibition promoted degradation of HIF-1alpha indirectly by reducing steady state concentrations of Hsp90 and/or Hsp70. HIF-1alpha co-immunoprecipitated with Hsp90/Hsp70 and direct binding of Hsp70 to the oxygen-dependent degradation domain (ODD) of HIF-1alpha was proven by a pull-down assay and a peptide array. PI3K-mediated degradation of HIF-1alpha was confirmed in HEK 293 cells under hypoxia, suggesting that heat shock proteins constitute an integral component for HIF-1alpha accumulation. We conclude that PI3K/Akt contributes to HIF-1alpha stabilization by provoking expression of heat shock proteins.

Inhibition of 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced tumor promotion markers in CD-1 mouse skin by oleandrin

Oleandrin, derived from the leaves of Nerium oleander, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and tumor cell growth-inhibitory effects. Here, we provide evidence that oleandrin could possess anti-tumor promoting effects. We determined the effect of topical application of oleandrin to CD-1 mice against l2- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a widely studied skin tumor promoter, -induced conventional and novel markers of skin tumor promotion. Topical application of oleandrin (2 mg per mouse) 30 min before TPA (3.2 nmol per mouse) application onto the skin afforded significant inhibition, in a time-dependent manner, against TPA-mediated increase in cutaneous edema and hyperplasia, epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and ODC and cyclooxgenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. In search for novel markers of skin tumor promotion, we found that TPA application to mouse skin resulted, as an early event, in an increased expression of phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylation of Akt at threonine 308 and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Topical application of oleandrin before TPA application to mouse skin resulted in significant reduction in TPA-induced expression of PI3K and phosphorylation of Akt, and inhibition of NF-κB activation. NF-κB is a eukaryotic transcription factor that is critically involved in regulating the expression of specific genes that participate in inflammation, apoptosis and cell proliferation. Employing Western blot analysis, we found that oleandrin application to mouse skin resulted in inhibition of TPA-induced activation of NF-κB, IKKα and phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. Our data suggest that oleandrin could be a useful anti-tumor promoting agent because it inhibits several biomarkers of TPA-induced tumor promotion in an in vivo animal model. One might envision the use of chemopreventive agents such as oleandrin in an emollient or patch for chemoprevention or treatment of skin cancer.

Defective signaling through Akt-2 and -3 but not Akt-1 in insulin-resistant human skeletal muscle: potential role in insulin resistance.

Recent evidence has shown that activation of phosphatidyinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, necessary for insulin stimulation of glucose transport, is impaired in insulin resistance. It is unknown, however, which Akt isoform shows impaired activation in insulin resistance. Additionally, related growth factors (epidermal or platelet-derived vascular) also stimulate PI3K, but it is unknown whether production of 3,4,5 phosphatidyinositol is sufficient to stimulate glucose transport in insulin-resistant muscle. Moreover, these studies were performed in rodents, and little data exists from humans. Hence, we investigated the stimulation of PI3K and Akt-1, -2, and -3 by insulin and epidermal growth factors (EGFs) in skeletal muscles from lean and obese insulin-resistant humans. Insulin activated all Akt isoforms in lean muscles, whereas only Akt-1 was activated in obese muscles. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 was associated with PI3K activity, which is necessary for Akt activation by insulin, and was reduced in obese muscles, and this was accompanied by decreased IRS-1 expression. In contrast, insulin- or EGF-stimulated phosphotyrosine-associated PI3K activity was not different between lean and obese muscles. These results show that a defect in the ability of insulin to activate Akt-2 and -3 may explain the impaired insulin-stimulated glucose transport in insulin resistance. Additionally, these data also show that different upstream or downstream signals may regulate the activity of the various Akt isoforms.

Atypical λ/ιPKC Conveys 5-Lipoxygenase/Leukotriene B4-mediated Cross-talk between Phospholipase A2s Regulating NF-κB Activation in Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-1β

The transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays crucial roles in a wide variety of biological functions such as inflammation, stress, and immune responses. We have shown previously that secretory nonpancreatic (snp) and cytosolic (c) phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) regulate NF-kappaB activation in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha or interleukin (IL)-1beta activation and that a functional coupling mediated by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolite leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) exists between snpPLA(2) and cPLA(2) in human keratinocytes. In this study, we have further investigated the mechanisms of PLA(2)-modulated NF-kappaB activation with respect to specific kinases involved in TNF-alpha/IL-1beta-stimulated cPLA(2) phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors RO 31-8220, Gö 6976, and a pseudosubstrate peptide inhibitor of atypical PKCs attenuated arachidonic acid release, cPLA(2) phosphorylation, and NF-kappaB activation induced by TNF-alpha or IL-1beta, thus indicating atypical PKCs in cPLA(2) regulation and transcription factor activation. Transfection of a kinase-inactive mutant of lambda/iotaPKC in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts completely abolished TNF-alpha/IL-1beta-stimulated cellular arachidonic acid release and cPLA(2) activation assayed in vitro, confirming the role of lambda/iotaPKC in cPLA(2) regulation. Furthermore, lambda/iotaPKC and cPLA(2) phosphorylation was attenuated by phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitors, which also reduced NF-kappaB activation in response to TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, indicating a role for PI3-kinase in these processes in human keratinocytes. TNF-alpha- and IL-1beta-induced phosphorylation of lambda/iotaPKC was attenuated by inhibitors toward snpPLA(2) and 5-LO and by an LTB(4) receptor antagonist, suggesting lambda/iotaPKC as a downstream effector of snpPLA(2) and 5-LO/LTB(4) the LTB(4) receptor. Hence, lambda/iotaPKC regulates snpPLA(2)/LTB(4)-mediated cPLA(2) activation, cellular arachidonic acid release, and NF-kappaB activation induced by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. In addition, our results demonstrate that PI3-kinase and lambda/iotaPKC are involved in cytokine-induced cPLA(2) and NF-kappaB activation, thus identifying lambda/iotaPKC as a novel regulator of cPLA(2).

Recruitment of the Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-2 to the C-terminal Tyrosine of the Prolactin Receptor and to the Adaptor Protein Gab2

The protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 modulates signaling events through receptor tyrosine kinases and cytokine receptors including the receptor for prolactin (PRLR). Here we investigated mechanisms of SHP-2 recruitment within the PRLR signaling complex. Using SHP-2 and PRLR immunoprecipitation studies in 293 cells and in the mouse mammary epithelial cell line HC11, we found that SHP-2 co-immunoprecipitates with the PRLR and that the C-terminal tyrosine of the PRLR plays a regulatory role in both the tyrosine phosphorylation and the recruitment of SHP-2. Our results further indicate that SHP-2 association to the PRLR occurs via the C-terminal SH2 domain of the phosphatase. In addition, we determined that the newly identified adaptor protein Gab2, but not Gab1, is specifically tyrosine phosphorylated and is able to recruit SHP-2 and phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase in response to PRLR activation. Together, these studies suggest the presence of dual recruitment sites for SHP-2; the first is to the C-terminal tyrosine of the PRLR and the second is to the adaptor protein Gab2.

A link between insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia: inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase augment glucose-induced insulin secretion from islets of lean, but not obese, rats.

Wortmannin (5-100 nM), a specific phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, augmented 8 mM glucose-induced insulin secretion from control Sprague Dawley rat islets in a dose-dependent manner. This effect persisted after its removal from the perifusion medium; however, this augmenting effect was reduced by the calcium channel inhibitor nitrendipine or by lowering the glucose level to 3 mM. Wortmannin amplified insulin release induced by the combination of 6-8 mM glucose plus 1 microM carbachol; however, it had no effect on phorbol ester- or alpha-ketoisocaproate-induced insulin secretion. The potentiating action of wortmannin on 8 mM glucose-induced release was duplicated by LY294002. Wortmannin had no effect on glucose usage rates or inositol phosphate accumulation in [3H]inositol-prelabeled islets. Of particular significance, although 50 nM wortmannin potentiated 8 mM glucose-induced secretion from islets of lean Zucker control rats, the fungal metabolite had little effect on 8 mM glucose-induced release from islets of insulin-resistant Zucker fatty rats. These findings support the concept that the same biochemical process, inhibition ofphosphatidyinositol 3-kinase, that causes peripheral tissue insulin resistance enhances beta-cell sensitivity to glucose and produces a compensatory increase in insulin secretion from these cells. The efficacy of wortmannin depends on the in vivo status of the donor's insulin signaling pathways. This elegant biochemical control mechanism in beta-cells ensures the maintenance of glucose homeostasis despite a reduction in insulin action on peripheral tissues.

Modulation of the Vascular Smooth Muscle Angiotensin Subtype 2 (AT2) Receptor by Angiotensin II

The angiotensin subtype 2 (AT2) receptor is scarce in most adult vascular tissues except after injury. Since angiotensin II (AngII) is released upon injury, we examined the possibility that AngII governs AT2receptor expression in smooth muscle cells (SMC). A polyclonal antiserum, raised to a peptide corresponding to the AT2receptor C-terminus, recognized a ∼45-kDa protein after transfection of cos-7 cells with AT2receptor cDNA. Detection of a ∼65-kDa band in extracts of SMC indicated that the AT2receptor was glycosylated. Treatment of SMCs with AngII increased AT2receptor levels fourfold over 24 h. This response was abrogated by losartan, but not by PD123319, indicating AT1receptor involvement. AngII-dependent increases in AT2receptor levels were also prevented by LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidyinositol 3-kinase, but not by rapamycin. These results indicate AngII influences AT2receptor expression through the AT1receptor via a signaling pathway that includes PI3K.