Rat Astrocytoma C6 Cells Research Articles

The effects of CHF6467, a new mutated form of NGF, on cell models of human glioblastoma. A comparison with wild-type NGF

CHF6467 is a mutated form of human recombinant nerve growth factor (NGF). The mutation selectively disrupts the binding of NGF to its p75NTR receptor while maintaining the affinity toward TrkA receptor. Because of such different profile of receptor interaction, CHF6467 maintains unaltered the neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties of wild-type NGF but shows reduced algogenic activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of CHF6467 on mortality, proliferation, cell-damage and migration in three human glioblastoma cell lines (U87MG, T98G, LN18), and in the rat astrocytoma C6 cells. Both CHF6467 and wild-type NGF, given in the range 1-50 ng/ml, did not modify cell proliferation, metabolism and migration, as well as the number of live/dead cells. The present in vitro data are predictive of a lack of tumorigenic activity by both wild-type NGF and CHF6467 on these cell types in vivo, and warrant for CHF6467 further clinical development.

Ruthenacarborane and Quinoline: A Promising Combination for the Treatment of Brain Tumors.

Gliomas and glioblastomas are very aggressive forms of brain tumors, prone to the development of a multitude of resistance mechanisms to therapeutic treatments, including cytoprotective autophagy. In this work, we investigated the role and mechanism of action of the combination of a ruthenacarborane derivative with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ), linked via an ester bond (complex 2), in rat astrocytoma C6 and human glioma U251 cells, in comparison with the two compounds alone, i.e., the free carboxylic acid (complex 1) and 8-HQ, and their non-covalent combination ([1 + 8-HQ], in 1:1 molar ratio). We found that only complex 2 was able to significantly affect cellular viability in glioma U251 cells (IC50 11.4 μM) via inhibition of the autophagic machinery, most likely acting at the early stages of the autophagic cascade. Contrary to 8-HQ alone, complex 2 was also able to impair cellular viability under conditions of glucose deprivation. We thus suggest different mechanisms of action of ruthenacarborane complex 2 than purely organic quinoline-based drugs, making complex 2 a very attractive candidate for evading the known resistances of brain tumors to chloroquine-based therapies.

Dibutyryl cAMP down-regulates gene expression of endothelin receptor A subtype in rat astrocytoma C6 cells

In this study, we have investigated the gene expression of endothelin receptors in rat astrocytoma C6 cells regulated by the increase of intracellular cAMP. Following treatment with 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP, the specific binding of [125I]-endothelin-1 to the C6 cells was down-regulated to about 40 % of the original level. Radioligand binding assay and Northern blot analysis indicated that endothelin receptors on C6 cells, which were either treated or untreated with 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP, belong to subtype A. Analysis of RNA by Northern blotting and slot hybridization demonstrated that the presence of dibutyryl cAMP induced the down regulation of ET(A) endothelin receptor gene in C6 cells. The level of ET(A) mRNA was rapidly reduced to about 10 % of its initial level after 4 hour treatment with dibutyryl cAMP and then was slightly elevated to about 40 % after one day treatment. All the findings suggest that the down regulation of ET(A) receptor in C6 cells by the treatment of dibutyryl cAMP occurs not only at the receptor binding level but also at the mRNA level.

The autophagic- lysosomal pathway determines the fate of glial cells under manganese- induced oxidative stress conditions

Manganese (Mn) overexposure is frequently associated with the development of a neurodegenerative disorder known as Manganism. The Mn-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promotes cellular damage, finally leading to apoptotic cell death in rat astrocytoma C6 cells. In this scenario, the autophagic pathway could play an important role in preventing cytotoxicity. In the present study, we found that Mn induced an increase in the amount and total volume of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), a process usually related to the activation of the autophagic pathway. Particularly, the generation of enlarged AVOs was a ROS- dependent event. In this report we demonstrated for the first time that Mn induces autophagy in glial cells. This conclusion emerged from the results obtained employing a battery of autophagy markers: a) the increase in LC3-II expression levels, b) the formation of autophagic vesicles labeled with monodansylcadaverine (MDC) or LC3 and, c) the increase in Beclin 1/ Bcl-2 and Beclin 1/ Bcl-XL ratio. Autophagy inhibition employing 3-MA and mAtg5K130R resulted in decreased cell viability indicating that this event plays a protective role in Mn- induced cell death. In addition, mitophagy was demonstrated by an increase in LC3 and TOM-20 colocalization. On the other hand, we proposed the occurrence of lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) based in the fact that cathepsins B and D activities are essential for cell death. Both cathepsin B inhibitor (Ca-074 Me) or cathepsin D inhibitor (Pepstatin A) completely prevented Mn- induced cytotoxicity. In addition, low dose of Bafilomycin A1 showed a similar effect, a finding that adds evidence about the lysosomal role in Mn cytotoxicity. Finally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that Mn induces injury and alters LC3 expression levels in rat striatal astrocytes. In summary, our results demonstrated that autophagy is activated to counteract the harmful effect caused by Mn. These data is valuable to be considered in future research concerning Manganism therapies.

Deregulation of Mitochondria-Shaping Proteins Opa-1 and Drp-1 in Manganese-Induced Apoptosis

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo fusion and fission processes. These events are regulated by mitochondria-shaping proteins. Changes in the expression and/or localization of these proteins lead to a mitochondrial dynamics impairment and may promote apoptosis. Increasing evidence correlates the mitochondrial dynamics disruption with the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we focused on this topic in Manganese (Mn)-induced Parkinsonism, a disorder associated with Mn accumulation preferentially in the basal ganglia where mitochondria from astrocytes represent an early target. Using MitoTracker Red staining we observed increased mitochondrial network fission in Mn-exposed rat astrocytoma C6 cells. Moreover, Mn induced a marked decrease in fusion protein Opa-1 levels as well as a dramatic increase in the expression of fission protein Drp-1. Additionally, Mn provoked a significant release of high MW Opa-1 isoforms from the mitochondria to the cytosol as well as an increased Drp-1 translocation to the mitochondria. Both Mdivi-1, a pharmacological Drp-1 inhibitor, and rat Drp-1 siRNA reduced the number of apoptotic nuclei, preserved the mitochondrial network integrity and prevented cell death. CsA, an MPTP opening inhibitor, prevented mitochondrial Δψm disruption, Opa-1 processing and Drp-1 translocation to the mitochondria therefore protecting Mn-exposed cells from mitochondrial disruption and apoptosis. The histological analysis and Hoechst 33258 staining of brain sections of Mn-injected rats in the striatum showed a decrease in cellular mass paralleled with an increase in the occurrence of apoptotic nuclei. Opa-1 and Drp-1 expression levels were also changed by Mn-treatment. Our results demonstrate for the first time that abnormal mitochondrial dynamics is implicated in both in vitro and in vivo Mn toxicity. In addition we show that the imbalance in fusion/fission equilibrium might be involved in Mn-induced apoptosis. This knowledge may provide new therapeutic tools for the treatment of Manganism and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved in manganese toxicity in rat astrocytoma C6 cells

Manganese (Mn) is a trace element known to be essential for maintaining the proper function and regulation of many biochemical and cellular reactions. However, chronic exposure to high levels of Mn in occupational or environmental settings can lead to its accumulation in the brain resulting in a degenerative brain disorder referred to as Manganism. Astrocytes are the main Mn store in the central nervous system and several lines of evidence implicate these cells as major players in the role of Manganism development. In the present study, we employed rat astrocytoma C6 cells as a sensitive experimental model for investigating molecular mechanisms involved in Mn neurotoxicity. Our results show that C6 cells undergo reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptotic cell death involving caspase-8 and mitochondrial-mediated pathways in response to Mn. Exposed cells exhibit typical apoptotic features, such as chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, caspase-3 activation and caspase-specific cleavage of the endogenous substrate poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Participation of the caspase-8 dependent pathway was assessed by increased levels of FasL, caspase-8 activation and Bid cleavage. The involvement of the mitochondrial pathway was demonstrated by the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, cytochrome c release, caspase-9 activation and the increased mitochondrial levels of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. In addition, our data also shows for the first time that mitochondrial fragmentation plays a relevant role in Mn-induced apoptosis. Taking together, these findings contribute to a deeper elucidation of the molecular signaling mechanisms underlying Mn-induced apoptosis.

Expression of phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C isoenzymes in cultured astrocytes activated after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide

Signal transduction pathways, involved in cell cycle and activities, depend on various components including lipid signalling molecules, such as phosphoinositides and related enzymes. Many evidences support the hypothesis that inositol lipid cycle is involved in astrocytes activation during neurodegeneration. Previous studies investigated the pattern of expression of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) family isoforms in astrocytes, individuating in cultured neonatal rat astrocytes, supposed to be quiescent cells, the absence of some isoforms, accordingly to their well known tissue specificity. The same study was conducted in cultured rat astrocytoma C6 cells and designed a different pattern of expression of PI-PLCs in the neoplastic counterpart, accordingly to literature suggesting a PI signalling involvement in tumour progression. It is not clear the role of PI-PLC isoforms in inflammation; recent data demonstrate they are involved in cytokines production, with special regard to IL-6. PI-PLCs expression in LPS treated neonatal rat astrocytes performed by using RT-PCR, observed at 3, 6, 18 and 24 h intervals, expressed: PI-PLC beta1, beta4 and gamma1 in all intervals analysed; PI-PLC delta1 at 6, 18 and 24 h; PI-PLC delta3 at 6 h after treatment. PI-PLC beta3, delta4 and epsilon, present in untreated astrocytes, were not detected after LPS treatment. Immunocytochemical analysis, performed to visualize the sub-cellular distribution of the expressed isoforms, demonstrated different patterns of localisation at different times of exposure. These observations suggest that PI-PLCs expression and distribution may play a role in ongoing inflammation process of CNS.

Kinetic assessment of persistent halogenated xenobiotics in cell culture models. Comparison of mono- and poly-halogenated compounds

We evaluated the suitability of single and multiple cell type cultures as model systems to characterise cellular kinetics of highly lipophilic compounds with potential ecotoxicological impact. Confluent mono-layers of human skin fibroblasts, rat astrocytoma C6 cells, non-differentiated and differentiated mouse 3T3 cells were kept in culture medium supplemented with 10% foetal calf serum. For competitive uptake experiments up to four different cell types, grown on glass sectors, were exposed for 3 h to 14C-labelled model compounds, dissolved either in organic solvents or incorporated into unilamellar lecithin liposomes. Bromo-, or chloro-benzenes, decabromodiphenylether (DBP), and dichlorodiphenyl ethylene (DDE) were tested in rather high concentration of 20 μM. Cellular toxicity was low. Compound levels were related to protein, DNA, and triglyceride contents. Cellular uptake was fast and dependent on physico-chemical properties of the compounds (lipophilicity, molecular size), formulation, and cell type. Mono-halogenated benzenes showed low and similar uptake levels (= low accumulation compounds). DBP and DDE showed much higher cellular accumulations (= high accumulation compounds) except for DBP in 3T3 cells. Uptake from liposomal formulations was mostly higher than if compounds were dissolved in organic solvents. The extent of uptake correlated with the cellular content of triglycerides, except for DBP. Uptake competition between different cell types was studied in a sectorial multi-cell culture model. For low accumulation compounds negligible differences were found among C6 cells and fibroblasts. Uptake of DDE was slightly and that of DBP highly increased in fibroblasts. Well-defined cell culture systems, especially the sectorial model, are appropriate to screen for bioaccumulation and cytotoxicity of (unknown) chemical entities in vitro.

Novel ruthenium complex K 2[Ru(dmgly)Cl 4] · 2H 2O is toxic to C6 astrocytoma cell line, but not to primary rat astrocytes

A novel class of ruthenium (III) complexes of formulas K [ Ru ( sar ) 2 Cl 2 ] · 1 2 H 2 O and K 2[Ru(dmgly)Cl 4] · 2H 2O, containing bidentate chelates N-methylglycine (sarcosine, sar) or N, N-dimethylglycine (dmgly) and additional chloro ligands were synthesized. The complexes have been obtained by direct reaction of ruthenium(III) chloride with corresponding bidentate ligand followed by addition of base (KOH). These new complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and electronic absorption spectroscopy. As astrocytomas, the most common of all brain tumors, are still very difficult to treat, we examined the influence of newly synthesized ruthenium-based complexes, as well as the earlier synthesized analogue platinum(IV) complexes [Pt(dmgly) 2Cl 2], [Pt(sar) 2Br 2] and [Pt(dmgly) 2Br 2], on rat astrocytoma C6 cells in vitro. Among these complexes only K 2[Ru(dmgly)Cl 4] · 2H 2O and [Pt(dmgly) 2Br 2] markedly inhibited the viability of non-confluent C6 cells. Furthermore, only complex K 2[Ru(dmgly)Cl 4] · 2H 2O was able to reduce viability in confluent C6 cultures. Importantly, this complex was not toxic to primary rat astrocytes or macrophages. Having in mind that appropriate chemotherapy should be effective against tumor cells without harming normal tissues, complex K 2[Ru(dmgly)Cl 4] · 2H 2O could be a promising agent for developing therapeutics against astrocytomas.

Suppression of glial tumor growth by expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein.

We examined the effect of expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) on the tumor growth of astrocytoma in vivo. When rat astrocytoma C6 cells were injected subcutaneously in athymic mice, the cells produced tumors that grew rapidly. The tumor growth of C6 cells transfected with GFAP cDNA was significantly reduced compared to that of control NeoC6 cells transfected only with the neomycin resistant gene. After implantation of C6 cells transfected with mutated GFAP cDNA at the phosphorylation sites, the tumor growth was suppressed similar to that of the wild GFAP transfectants. To determine whether the cell growth suppression by GFAP is specific for astroglial cells, we assessed the effect of GFAP on the cell growth of an L cell of fibroblast origin in vitro. By GFAP cDNA transfection, L cells showed morphological changes, but the cell growth was not reduced. These results suggest that GFAP is a critical regulator of the tumor growth of astrocytoma.

Endothelins stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation and activity of p42/mitogen-activated protein kinase in astrocytes

Endothelins (ET-1, -2, -3) display pleiotropic activities, by signalling through G-protein-coupled membrane receptors. We show here that ET-1 and ET-3 stimulate within minutes the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 42 kDa protein (p42) in primary cultures of mouse embryo astrocytes, but not in any of two subclones of rat astrocytoma C6 cells. This effect, measured by anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblotting of cell extracts, was also observed in response to bradykinin, platelet-derived growth factor, the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and the G-protein activator fluoroaluminate. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin, which inactivates Gi/G(o) proteins, did not affect these responses. However, down-regulation of protein kinase C completely blocked the response to phorbol ester and fluoroaluminate and at least partially impaired the ET-1-stimulated phosphorylation of p42. We have identified p42 as p42mapk, a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, on the basis of the following data: by sequential immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine and anti-MAP kinase antibodies, (i) similar kinetics are observed for p42 phosphorylation and the decrease in p42mapk electrophoretic mobility, likely corresponding to its tyrosine/threonine phosphorylation [de Vries-Smits, Boudewijn, Burgering, Leevers, Marshall and Bos (1992) Nature (London) 357, 602-604]; (ii) p42 and the shifted form of p42mapk co-migrate on SDS/PAGE; (iii) the myelin-basic-protein kinase activity of p42mapk is stimulated by ET-1, in parallel with the tyrosine phosphorylation of p42. In conclusion, these findings strongly suggest that endothelins can stimulate the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of p42mapk in astrocytes, via pertussis-toxin-insensitive G protein and protein kinase C-dependent and -independent pathways.

Mechanisms of α‐Sialosyl Cholesterol Action to Suppress Both Cyclic AMP Production and DNA Synthesis of Rat Glial Cells

alpha-Sialosyl cholesterol (alpha-SC) that elicited morphological differentiation of rat astrocytes not only lowered intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels but also inhibited cAMP production induced by either alpha-isoproterenol, cholera toxin, or forskolin. The targets of alpha-SC in the cAMP production system of rat astrocytes were investigated to understand the mechanism of the alpha-SC action on cAMP production. cAMP production evoked by alpha-isoproterenol (1 microM) was entirely canceled by beta blockers such as propranolol and timolol (1 microM), but not by alpha-SC. Concentrations of alpha-SC greater than 15 microM were required for 50% inhibition of the activation by a beta agonist. Although alpha-SC inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the activities of membrane-associated adenylate cyclase that had been stimulated by either GTP gamma S of forskolin, alpha-SC inhibited neither GTP-binding activities nor GTPase activities of the membrane-associated G proteins. These findings suggest that alpha-SC suppresses adenylate cyclase directly, but not beta receptors or G proteins, and that it promotes the morphological differentiation of rat astrocytes through a mechanism regulating directly the cytoskeletal organization, regardless of intracellular cAMP level. alpha-SC (30 microM) suppressed 40% of DNA synthesis in the cell-free system, which contained the cytosolic extracts and the nucleus fraction prepared from rat astrocytoma C6 cells. Approximately 25% of alpha-SC incorporated in the astrocyte cytoplasm was transferred to the nuclei by 10 min after the addition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Endothelins Stimulate c‐fos and Nerve Growth Factor Expression in Astrocytes and Astrocytoma

Endothelin receptors have been identified on astrocytes and astrocytoma, but their physiological significance has remained elusive. It is shown here that endothelins induce c-fos in primary cultures of mouse embryo astrocytes, as well as in two subclones of rat astrocytoma C6 cells, although with different kinetics. In addition, nerve growth factor expression is stimulated, as seen by mRNA accumulation and protein secretion, in primary astrocytes and one of the two C6 subclones, with an apparent correlation with the transience of c-fos induction. The activation of protein kinase C appears as an obligatory step during these processes, because (a) inhibition of protein kinase C by staurosporine blocks the induction by endothelin or phorbol esters of both c-fos and nerve growth factor, and (b) phorbol ester-evoked down-regulation of protein kinase C completely abolishes the c-fos induction by endothelin, but not that by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, a known activator of the cyclic AMP-dependent pathway. Our results support the hypothesis that c-fos product might be implicated in nerve growth factor expression by astrocytes, and also suggest that endothelins may participate in vivo in the modulation of the glial neurotrophic activity during brain development or wound healing.

CAMP-dependent down-regulation of endothelin-1 receptors on rat astrocytoma C6 cells

The density of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors on rat astrocytoma C6 cells is down-regulated by activation of protein kinase C (PKC) [6]. We have investigated whether intracellular accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) may also modulate surface ET-1 receptor number. The density of ET-1 receptors was measured by binding of [ 125I]ET-1 on rat astrocytoma C6 intact cells exposed to catecholamines, dibutyryl-cAMP or forskolin. Prolonged exposure of the cells to the β-adrenergic agonists, isoproterenol or noradrenaline, results in a time- and dose-dependent decrease in cell surface ET-1 receptor number. This decrease proceeds slowly: maximal down-regulation is obtained by 6–7 h and sustained for up to 24 h in the presence of 10 μM isoproterenol. Since this down-regulation is mimicked by dibutyryl-cAMP (4 μM) and by forskolin (10 μM), we conclude that ET-1 receptors are susceptible to down-regulation through a cAMP-dependent pathway.

Functional endothelin-1 receptors in rat astrocytoma C6

Rat astrocytoma C6 cells have been recently identified as target cells for ET-1, which stimulates inositol lipid turnover in these cells. It is shown here that binding of ET-1 to high-affinity receptors on C6 cells leads to 40-45% inhibition of isoproterenol-induced intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, as well as to stimulation of inositol lipid turnover, both effects characterized by an absolute requirement of extracellular calcium. Moreover, ET-1, which has been generally reported to have a mitogenic effect on a variety of target cells including primary rat astrocytes, is shown here to stimulate or, alternatively, inhibit DNA synthesis in C6 cells, depending on the subclone considered.

EFFECTS OF ACTINOMYCIN D ON LOCALIZATION OF ACRIDINE ORANGE CHROMATIN INTERACTION COMPLEX IN RAT ASTROCYTOMA C6 CELLS

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of actinomycin D on localization of acridine orange (AO) binding to DNA in rat astrocytoma C6 cells and to discuss briefly the significance of AO chromatin interaction products. Actinomycin D markedly inhibited 3H-uridine incorporation into RNA and the percentage of AO positive cells was reduced to approximately 40% of that of the untreated control cells, whereas no distinct decrease of 3H-thymidine incorporation was induced by actinomycin D. Electron microscopic radioautography combined with the AO ultracytochemistry revealed that silver grains indicating binding of 3H-actinomycin D are located mostly over the euchromatin portion near the segregated nucleolus and heterochromatin and that no or only a few AO chromatin complex was found in nuclei labeled heavily with 3H-actinomycin D. These results of the present study together with the results of the previous studies seem to indicate that AO might selectively bind to active or derepressed DNA template sites for DNA dependent RNA polymerase in the euchromatin portion of the cell nucleus.

Effects of aphidicolin and α-amanitin on visualization of acridine orange binding to DNA in rat astrocytoma C6 cells

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of aphidicolin and alpha-amanitin on visualization of acridine orange (AO) binding to DNA in rat astrocytoma C6 cells and to discuss briefly the significance of AO chromatin interaction products. Aphidicolin inhibited DNA synthesis but percentage of AO positive cells was approximately 60% of that of the untreated control cells. alpha-Amanitin caused a slight inhibition of RNA synthesis and 3H-uridine incorporation in the treated cells was about 64% of that of the untreated cells, whereas a distinct decrease of the number of AO positive cell nuclei was observed. The results suggest that activity of RNA polymerase II and mRNA synthesis is mainly concerned in visualization of AO chromatin interaction products.

Electron microscopic localization of acridine orange binding to DNA within rat astrocytoma C6 cells.

Combination of autoradiography and ultracytochemical acridine orange method in rat astrocytoma C6 cells is described. Electron microscopic examination revealed that AO binds to DNA exclusively within the euchromatin portion of the cell nucleus. X-ray microanalysis showed that AO reaction products contain lead, uranium, and osmium. These heavy metals seem to contribute to electron density of the AO reaction products. The percentage of AO positive cells was 51.8 +/- 1.9%, whereas average labeling index of C6 cells incubated with 3H-thymidine for 30 minutes was 25.6 +/- 1.7%. About 82% of 3H-thymidine-labeled cell nuclei were AO positive and the remaining 18% were free of AO reaction products. On the other hand, about 27% of AO positive cells were not labeled with 3H-thymidine. However, most of C6 cell nuclei with active 3H-uridine incorporation showed AO chromatin reaction products. The results suggest that visualization of AO chromatin reaction products might be related to RNA synthesis rather than DNA synthesis in the cell nuclei.