Signal Transducer And Activator Of Transcription 3 Target Genes Research Articles

Systemic Administration of a Cyclic Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Decoy Oligonucleotide Inhibits Tumor Growth without Inducing Toxicological Effects

Hyperactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been linked to tumorigenesis in most malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Intravenous delivery of a chemically modified cyclic STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide with improved serum and thermal stability demonstrated antitumor efficacy in conjunction with downmodulation of STAT3 target gene expression such as cyclin D1 and Bcl-X(L) in a mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to determine the toxicity and dose-dependent antitumor efficacy of the cyclic STAT3 decoy after multiple intravenous doses in Foxn1 nu mice in anticipation of clinical translation. The two doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) of cyclic STAT3 decoy demonstrated a significant decrease in tumor volume compared with the control groups (mutant cyclic STAT3 decoy or saline) in conjunction with downmodulation of STAT3 target gene expression. There was no dose-dependent effect of cyclic STAT3 decoy on tumor volume or STAT3 target gene expression. There were no significant changes in body weights between the groups during the dosing period, after the dosing interval or on the day of euthanasia. No hematology or clinical chemistry parameters suggested toxicity of the cyclic STAT3 decoy compared with saline control. No gross or histological pathological abnormalities were noted at necropsy in any of the animals. These findings suggest a lack of toxicity of intravenous administration of a cyclic STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide. In addition, comparable antitumor effects indicate a lack of dose response at the two dose levels investigated.

Scoparone Exerts Anti-Tumor Activity against DU145 Prostate Cancer Cells via Inhibition of STAT3 Activity

Scoparone, a natural compound isolated from Artemisia capillaris, has been used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat neonatal jaundice. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) contributes to the growth and survival of many human tumors. This study was undertaken to investigate the anti-tumor activity of scoparone against DU145 prostate cancer cells and to determine whether its effects are mediated by inhibition of STAT3 activity. Scoparone inhibited proliferation of DU145 cells via cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Transient transfection assays showed that scoparone repressed both constitutive and IL-6-induced transcriptional activity of STAT3. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that scoparone suppressed the transcription of STAT3 target genes such as cyclin D1, c-Myc, survivin, Bcl-2, and Socs3. Consistent with this, scoparone decreased phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of STAT3, but did not reduce phosphorylation of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) or Src, the major upstream kinases responsible for STAT3 activation. Moreover, transcriptional activity of a constitutively active mutant of STAT3 (STAT3C) was inhibited by scoparone, but not by AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor. Furthermore, scoparone treatment suppressed anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and tumor growth of DU145 xenografts in nude mice, concomitant with a reduction in STAT3 phosphorylation. Computational modeling suggested that scoparone might bind the SH2 domain of STAT3. Our findings suggest that scoparone elicits an anti-tumor effect against DU145 prostate cancer cells in part through inhibition of STAT3 activity.

Flavanoids induce expression of the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) gene and suppress IL-6-activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation in vascular endothelial cells

The atherogenic cytokine IL-6 (interleukin-6) induces pro-inflammatory gene expression in VECs (vascular endothelial cells) by activating the JAK (Janus kinase)/STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signalling pathway, which is normally down-regulated by the STAT3-dependent induction of the E3 ubiquitin ligase component SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signalling 3). Novel treatments based on the regulation of SOCS3 protein levels could therefore have value in the treatment of diseases with an inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis. To this end we carried out a screen of 1031 existing medicinal compounds to identify inducers of SOCS3 gene expression and identified the flavanoids naringenin and flavone as effective inducers of SOCS3 protein, mRNA and promoter activity. This was in contrast with the action of traditional JAK/STAT3 inhibitors and the polyphenol resveratrol, which effectively suppress SOCS3 gene expression. Both naringenin and flavone also effectively suppressed IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3 (Tyr705) which led to suppression of IL-6-induction of the atherogenic STAT3 target gene MCP1 (monocyte chemotactic protein-1), suggesting that their ability to induce SOCS3 gene expression is STAT3-independent. Supporting this idea was the observation that the general kinase inhibitor compound C inhibits flavone- and cAMP-dependent, but not JAK-dependent, SOCS3 induction in VECs. Indeed, the ability of flavanoids to induce SOCS3 expression requires activation of the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)-dependent transcription factor SP3, and not STAT3. In the present paper we therefore describe novel molecular actions of flavanoids, which control SOCS3 gene induction and suppression of STAT3 signalling in VECs. These mechanisms could potentially be exploited to develop novel anti-atherogenic therapies.

Inhibition of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 and Cyclooxygenase-2 Is Involved in Radiosensitization of Cepharanthine in HeLa Cells

To investigate the radiosensitizing effects of cepharanthine (CEP) in the human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cell line and to examine the underlying mechanisms. Survival of HeLa cells after treatment with or without ionizing radiation (IR) and CEP administration was investigated. MTT assays and apoptosis analysis were used to assess cytotoxicity. Nude mouse xenografts were established to evaluate the antitumor effects of CEP and IR in vivo. Expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its downstream signaling molecules as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were examined by Western blot analysis. Clonogenic assays showed that treatment with CEP and IR resulted in significant radiosensitization. Cepharanthine and IR treatment achieved maximum cytotoxic effects on HeLa cells with regard to apoptosis induction. Cepharanthine efficiently decreased IR-induced STAT3 and COX-2 activation. The STAT3 target genes, including the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and the cell cycle regulator c-Myc, were decreased concomitantly. In vivo administration of CEP (20 mg/kg every 2 days) combined with radiation in HeLa xenografts enhanced tumor growth delay and apoptosis (indicated by activated caspase-3 Western blot analysis), with reduced expression of STAT3, Bcl-2, c-Myc, and COX-2. Cepharanthine was shown to induce radiation sensitization in HeLa cells in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effects of CEP on STAT3 signaling pathway and COX-2 help us to better understand the radiosensitization of CEP.

STAT3 activation in cardiac hypertrophy induced by ryanodine receptor 2 mutation

Ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is a 2,200 kDa ion channel that is activated during an action potential to release Ca2+ required for cardiac muscle to contract. RyR2 mutant mice (RyR2‐ W3587A/L3591D/F3603A or Ryr2ADA) impaired in regulation by calmodulin show cardiac hypertrophy and survive about two weeks. We hypothesized that signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3) may play a role in cardiac hypertrophy of Ryr2ADA/ADA mice. We found that the protein expression levels of pSTAT3 and IL‐6, an upstream effector of STAT3, were increased in 10 day old Ryr2ADA/ADA mouse hearts but STAT3 expression was maintained. Corresponding with an increased nuclear translocation of pSTAT3 in Ryr2ADA/ADA mice, mRNA expression levels of ANP and c‐fos in left ventricular hearts were greatly increased in Ryr2ADA/ADA mice. The mutant mice also showed higher protein expression level of c‐fos and Chip assay indicated enrichment of STAT3 target genes ANP and c‐fos in the nuclei. The results suggest that activated STAT3 signaling pathway may play an important role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy in mice with dysfunctional ryanodine receptor. Supported by NIH.

ECHS1 interacts with STAT3 and negatively regulates STAT3 signaling

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a critical transcriptional factor in a variety of cellular processes, and is frequently over-activated in a range of human tumors. However, the processes that regulate STAT3 activation need to be further clarified. With a yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified enoyl-CoA hydratase short chain 1 (ECHS1) as a novel STAT3 binding protein. We further confirmed the interaction between STAT3 and ECHS1 by GST-pull down and co-immnunoprecipitation. Importantly, we found that ECHS1 specifically represses STAT3 activity and negatively regulates the expression of several target genes of STAT3 through inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. Therefore, our findings will provide new insights into the mechanism of STAT3 signaling regulation. Structured summary of protein interactionsSTAT3physically interactswithECHS1bypull down(View interaction)STAT3physically interactswithECHS1bytwo hybrid(View Interaction:1,2)ECHS1physically interactswithSTAT3byanti tag co immunoprecipitation(View Interaction:1,2)STAT3physically interactswithECHS1byanti bait co immunoprecipitation(View interaction)

MicroRNA-18a modulates STAT3 activity through negative regulation of PIAS3 during gastric adenocarcinogenesis

Background:MicroRNA (miRNA, miR)-18a is a member of the miR-17–92 cluster, an important locus that is markedly overexpressed in several cancers and associated with cancer development and progression. However, the mechanism of action of the miR-17–92 cluster and its individual miRNAs are largely unknown.Methods and Results:In this study, we investigated the expression of the miR-17–92 cluster by in situ hybridisation (ISH) assay and copy-number analysis in gastric tissue microarray (TMA) specimens. We determined that miR-18a was present at higher levels than the other five miRNAs in the cluster. In addition, we identified Protein Inhibitor of Activated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (PIAS3) as a direct target of miR-18a in gastric cancer. miR-18a level was positively correlated with levels of Survivin, Bcl-xL, and c-Myc, which are downstream transcriptional targets of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3-induced transcription can be negatively regulated by PIAS3; consistent with this, PIAS3 level was negatively correlated with levels of Survivin, Bcl-xL, and c-Myc.Conclusion:Our findings indicate that miR-18a acts as an oncogene and plays a role in gastric adenocarcinogenesis, at least in part by negatively regulating PIAS3 and thereby modulating expression of STAT3 target genes.

STAT3 Genotypic Variation and Cellular STAT3 Activation and Colon Leukocyte Recruitment in Pediatric Crohn Disease

Genotypic variation in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) increases risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and STAT3-dependent inflammatory networks are induced in the colon in these patients. We hypothesized that STAT3 "A" risk allele carriage would be associated with increased cellular STAT3 activation and colon leukocyte recruitment. Colonic expression of genes regulating STAT3 signaling and leukocyte recruitment and function was measured in pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD) stratified by STAT3 genotype. The frequency of colonic pSTAT3* and CXCR2* neutrophils was determined using immunohistochemistry. STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation (pSTAT3) was measured in circulating leukocytes by flow cytometry, and mechanisms regulating STAT3 activation were tested in IBD Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphocytes (EBL). Colonic expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), the STAT3 target gene SOCS3, the neutrophil chemoattractants IL-8, CXCL1, and CXCL3, and the neutrophil products S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 were increased in patients carrying the STAT3 "A" risk allele. The frequency of neutrophils expressing the cognate receptor for IL-8, CXCR2, was increased in colonic biopsies from patients carrying the risk allele, and the frequency of pSTAT3* or CXCR2* neutrophils correlated with histologic severity. The frequency of CD4 lymphocytes and granulocytes expressing pSTAT3 was increased in patients carrying the STAT3 "A" risk allele. EBLs from patients carrying the STAT3 "A" risk allele exhibited increased basal and IL-6-stimulated STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, increased transcription of STAT3 and SOCS3 after IL-6 stimulation, and increased membrane localization of the IL-6 receptor, GP130, and Janus-associated kinase 2. The STAT3 "A" risk allele is associated with increased cellular STAT3 activation and upregulation of pathways that promote recruitment of CXCR2* neutrophils to the gut.

Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus infection of primary human endothelial cells activates the proto-oncogene STAT3

Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in the etiological agent for 3 AIDS-related cancers: Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman’s disease. The molecular mechanisms used by KSHV to induce cancer are incompletely understood. KS lesions harbor proliferating latently-infected endothelial cells (ECs), large numbers of inflammatory cells, and marked neoangiogenesis. Considered the major driving force in the development of KS, these KSHV-infected ECs elaborate a variety of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic factors that contribute to tumourigenesis. Considerable evidence has accumulated suggesting a critical role for activated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) in malignant transformation. STAT3 is a latent transcription factor that upon activation, drives the expression of a number of genes involved in cell proliferation, survival, and immune responses. Canonical STAT3 activation occurs via phosphorylation of Y705, dimerization, and nuclear translocation, followed by phosphorylation of S727 for maximal transcriptional activity. Activated STAT3 has been observed in a variety of malignancies and has been shown to induce fibroblast transformation in vitro suggesting that STAT3 is a proto-oncogene. Interestingly, evidence has accumulated suggesting a role for S727 mono-phosphorylated STAT3. Here we show that latent KSHV infection of primary human endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro activates STAT3, and identify a key latency protein, kaposin B, that contributes to this activation. Kaposin B expression in ECs causes STAT3 phosphorylation at S727, in the absence of significant Y705 phosphorylation, and enhanced expression of a subset of STAT3 target genes including CCL5. Recent work shows that the tripartite motif-containing protein 28 (TRIM28, a.k.a. TIF-1β, KAP-1) negatively regulates STAT3 by recruiting transcriptional silencing complexes. The repressive activity of TRIM28 is mediated by post-translational modifications and a key site in the regulation of repressor activity maps to S473. Phosphorylation of this residue disrupts the recruitment of transcriptional silencing complexes effectively deactivating the co-repressive function of TRIM28. Confocal microscopy and western blot analysis demonstrate phosphorylation of TRIM28 at S473 in KSHV latently infected and kaposin B expressing ECs. Taken together, our studies suggest kaposin B may contribute to tumourigenesis via constitutive activation of STAT3.

Abstract 2015: Lysophosphatidylcholine induces apoptosis via suppressing STAT3 and HDAC3 activities and binding to the Bcl-xL promoter in K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia cells

Abstract Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a class of chemical compound which are derived from phosphatidylcholines usually isolated from the surface of wheat starch granules. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for LPC-induced apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. LPC exerted the inhibitory effect on the viability of K562 cells as well as other leukemic cell lines HL-60 and U937. Nonetheless, LPC significantly increased the acetylation of histone H3 at K18, 9 and 23 in K562 cells, but not in HL-60 and U937 cells. Consistently, LPC reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC) transcriptional activity and the expression of HDAC3 at protein level. LPC suppressed phosphorylation of mTOR and AKT, the upstream kinases of HDACs and induced p27 expression. We also found that LPC mediated inactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-related signaling pathway in K562 cells, but not HL-60 and U937. LPC significantly inhibited phosphorylation and the DNA binding activity of STAT3, phosphorylation of Src and Janus activated kinase 2 (JAK2) as well as the expression of STAT3 target genes Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and Survivin at both protein and mRNA levels. LPC stimulated protein tyrosin phosphatases Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), but not SHP-2, SOCS-1 and PTEN. Blocking SHP-1 using sodium pervanadate or SHP-1 specific siRNA reversed LPC-mediated inactivation of STAT3 and HDAC and induction of apoptosis. Of importance, LPC blocked the nuclear translocation and interaction of HDAC3 and STAT3 as well as their binding onto the Bcl-xL promoter. Overall, our findings demonstrate that LPC has a potent anti-cancer activity through inducing apoptosis by suppressing HDAC3/STAT3 activation and binding to the Bcl-xL promoter in K562 cells. 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 2015. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2015

EGCG Enhances the Therapeutic Potential of Gemcitabine and CP690550 by Inhibiting STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Human Pancreatic Cancer

BackgroundSignal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogene, which promotes cell survival, proliferation, motility and progression in cancer cells. Targeting STAT3 signaling may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for human cancers. Here, we examined the effects of epigallocathechin gallate (EGCG) on STAT3 signaling in pancreatic cancer cells, and assessed the therapeutic potential of EGCG with gemcitabine or JAK3 inhibitor CP690550 (Tasocitinib) for the treatment and/or prevention of pancreatic cancer.Methodology/Principal FindingsCell viability and apoptosis were measured by XTT assay and TUNEL staining, respectively. Gene and protein expressions were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The results revealed that EGCG inhibited the expression of phospho and total JAK3 and STAT3, STAT3 transcription and activation, and the expression of STAT3-regulated genes, resulting in the inhibition of cell motility, migration and invasion, and the induction of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. The inhibition of STAT3 enhanced the inhibitory effects of EGCG on cell motility and viability. Additionally, gemcitabine and CP690550 alone inhibited STAT3 target genes and synergized with EGCG to inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.Conclusions/SignificanceOverall, these results suggest that EGCG suppresses the growth, invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, and induces apoptosis by interfering with the STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, EGCG further enhanced the therapeutic potential of gemcitabine and CP690550 against pancreatic cancer.

Antitumor effect of vandetanib through EGFR inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) have been implicated as therapeutic targets for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Vandetanib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with dual specificity for EGFR and VEGFR. Here we characterize the phenotypic and biochemical effects of vandetanib on various HNSCC cell lines. In vitro models were used for studying tumor cell viability, invasion, and signaling as well as in vivo xenograft models. Treatment with vandetanib reduced viability, invasion, and tumor growth of HNSCC cell lines. Phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were reduced in vandetanib-treated HNSCC cells. Additionally, vandetanib abrogates EGF-induced STAT3 activity and STAT3 target gene expression. We demonstrated that vandetanib inhibits the growth of head and neck cancer cell lines. The antitumor effects of vandetanib appear to be exerted via the EGFR inhibitory effect of the compound.

Autocrine IL-21 Stimulation Is Involved in the Maintenance of Constitutive STAT3 Activation in Sézary Syndrome

Sézary syndrome (SS) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with malignant CD4+ T cells (SS cells) in skin, lymph nodes, and blood. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in SS cells, whereas this activation is lost upon in vitro culturing, indicating that STAT3 activation observed in vivo is the result of activating factors in the micromilieu of the malignant cells. We investigated which factors are involved in STAT3 activation in SS, focusing on cytokines of the common γ-chain family because of their crucial role in T-cell activation. Furthermore, downstream effects of STAT3 signaling in SS cells were assayed. In SS cells, STAT3 was strongly activated by IL-21, and increased expression of IL-21 and its receptor chains was observed in peripheral blood SS cells. IL-21 and IL-21R protein expression was detectable on neoplastic cells in SS skin biopsies. Using short-term culturing experiments, we demonstrate that IL-21 itself and the α-chain of the IL-2 receptor are STAT3 target genes in SS cells, thereby rendering cells more sensitive to stimulation with the T-cell proliferation and activating cytokine IL-2. Combined, our data point toward a pivotal role for an autocrine positive feedback loop involving IL-21 and consequent persistent STAT3 activation in the pathogenesis of SS, thereby indicating IL-21 and IL-21R as new therapeutical targets.

Inhibition of STAT3 signaling and induction of SHP1 mediate antiangiogenic and antitumor activities of ergosterol peroxide in U266 multiple myeloma cells

BackgroundErgosterol peroxide (EP) derived from edible mushroom has been shown to exert anti-tumor activity in several cancer cells. In the present study, anti-angiogenic activity of EP was investigated with the underlying molecular mechanisms in human multiple myeloma U266 cells.ResultsDespite weak cytotoxicity against U266 cells, EP suppressed phosphorylation, DNA binding activity and nuclear translocalization of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in U266 cells at nontoxic concentrations. Also, EP inhibited phosphorylation of the upstream kinases Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and Src in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, EP increased the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 at protein and mRNA levels, and conversely silencing of the SHP-1 gene clearly blocked EP-mediated STAT3 inactivation. In addition, EP significantly decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of STAT3 target genes at cellular and protein levels as well as disrupted in vitro tube formation assay. Moreover, EP significantly suppressed the growth of U266 cells inoculated in female BALB/c athymic nude mice and immunohistochemistry revealed that EP effectively reduced the expression of STAT3 and CD34 in tumor sections compared to untreated control.ConclusionThese findings suggest that EP can exert antitumor activity in multiple myeloma U266 cells partly with antiangiogenic activity targeting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway as a potent cancer preventive agent for treatment of multiple myeloma cells.

Abstract C100: Towards better understanding a role of STAT3 in glioma pathology: Identification of novel transcriptional targets of STAT3.

Abstract Aberrant activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) occurs frequently in diverse human tumors. Constitutively activated STAT3 induces specific target genes that stimulate cell proliferation, prevent apoptosis, promote angiogenesis and facilitate tumor immune evasion. In glioma pathogenesis STAT3 has been found to play opposing tumor suppressive and oncogenic roles depending on the genetic background of the tumor. Although hundreds of genes have been identified as potential STAT3 targets, only a small fraction of those genes have been proven to be direct STAT3 targets. To further elucidate the role of STAT3 in glioma pathogenesis we searched for novel, direct STAT3 targets in glioma cells. Here, by using microarray techniques, computational methods for genome-wide identification of transcription factor binding sites and chromatin immunoprecipitation we identified the novel, direct STAT3 target genes. Global gene expression profiling in C6 glioma cells treated with 25 uM the inhibitor of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway (a derivative of previously described WP1066 by Iwamaru et al., Oncogene, 2007, 26) or DMSO as control revealed considerable changes in gene expression. Inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling significantly modulated expression of numerous genes involved in many different biological processes such as inflammatory response, apoptosis, signal transduction, proliferation, but also RNA processing or lipid metabolism. We analyzed promoter regions of differentially expressed genes searching for putative STAT3 targets. First, we selected conserved, noncoding regions between human and rat genome in those promoters using the global alignment program. Phylogenetic conservation between rat and human sequences was used to select the binding sites most likely to be functional. Next, within conserved, non-coding regions we found putative STAT3 binding sites using MathInspector employing the canonical STAT3 Positional Weight Matrix. For further validation we selected 12 genes with at least two putative STAT3 binding sites within the promoter regions. Our computational approaches applied to microarray selected genes are valid tools to identify functional TF binding sites in gene regulatory regions as confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. All of the tested sites were bound by STAT3 in C6 glioma cells. Interestingly, we found that STAT3 can mediate expression of genes involved both in tumor suppression and oncogenesis. Altogether, our results demonstrate identification of a group of novel STAT3 targets that shed light on complexity of a genetic network regulated by JAK/STAT3 signaling in glioma cells. The study was supported by grant N N405 621938 from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education (BK). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C100.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway mediates genipin-induced apoptosis in U266 multiple myeloma cells

It has drawn a lot of attention to target signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as a potential strategy for cancer therapeutics. Using several myelogenous cell lines, the effect of genipin (an active compound of Gardenia fruit) on the STAT3 pathway and apoptosis was investigated. Genipin suppressed the constitutive STAT3 activation in U266 and U937 cells and stimulated Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), which dephosphorylates and inactivates STAT3. Specifically, genipin blocked STAT3 activation via repressing the activation of c-Src, but not Janus kinase 1 (JAK1). Genipin also downregulated the expression of STAT3 target genes including Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L) , Survivin, Cyclin D1, and VEGF. Conversely, protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate blocked genipin induced STAT3 inactivation. Using DNA fragmentation or TUNEL assays, we demonstrated the apoptotic effect of genipin on U266, MM.1S, and U937 cells. Furthermore, genipin effectively potentiated the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents, such as bortezomib, thalidomide, and paclitaxel in U266 cells. Our data suggest that through regulation of Src and SHP-1, genipin antagonizes STAT3 for the induction of apoptosis in myeloma cells.

Inhibition of JAK1/STAT3 signaling mediates compound K-induced apoptosis in human multiple myeloma U266 cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic transcription factor implicated in carcinogenesis. Here, the role of STAT3 pathway in the antitumor activity of an active ginseng saponin metabolite compound K (CK) was investigated in human multiple myeloma U266 cells. CK increased the cytotoxicity, accumulated the sub-G1 DNA population, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activated caspase-3 in U266 cells. Interestingly, CK inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 and its upstream activators, the Janus activated kinase 1 (JAK1), but not JAK2. Furthermore, CK enhanced the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) SHP-1, but not PTEN. Additionally, CK down-regulated STAT3 target genes bcl-xL, bcl-2, survivin, cyclin E and cyclin D1. Conversely, PTP inhibitor pervanadate reversed CK-mediated STAT3 inactivation and cleavages of caspase-3 and PARP. Overall, our findings demonstrate that JAK1/STAT3 signaling mediates CK-induced apoptosis in U266 cells and also suggest the chemopreventive potential of CK for treatment of multiple myeloma.

Janus activated kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway mediates icariside II-induced apoptosis in U266 multiple myeloma cells

Although the flavonoid icariside II exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, its molecular targets/pathways in human multiple myeloma cells are poorly understood. To analyze the effects on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling and apoptosis, U266 multiple myeloma cells were treated with icariside II and performed Western blotting, electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay (EMSA), RT-PCR, proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Icariside II inhibited STAT3 activation and enhanced the expression of SHP-1 and PTEN through inhibiting Janus activated kinase 2 (JAK2) and c-Src. Icariside II down-regulated the expression of STAT3 target genes Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin, cyclin D1, COX-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Also, icariside II enhanced poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and caspase-3 activation. Pervanadate reversed the icariside II-mediated STAT3 inactivation and also blocked the cleavages of caspase-3 and PARP, suggesting involvement of STAT3 pathway in icariside II-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, icariside II enhanced the apoptotic effects of clinically used drugs thalidomide and bortezomib in U266 cells. Icariside II could be a potential therapeutic intervention agent alone or in combination with current drugs for multiple myeloma as a novel blocker of STAT3 signaling cascades at multiple levels, contributing to its anti-proliferative and anti-apoptosis.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) homologue in turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus): Molecular characterization and expression analysis

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) acts as an important mediator in multiple biological processes induced by different cytokines. So far, little information is available in fish STAT3. In this study, turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus) STAT3 gene was cloned and characterized for the first time. The turbot STAT3 full-length cDNA consists of 2355 nucleotides encoding a polypeptide of 784 amino acids with four conserved domains including STAT_int, STAT_alpha, STAT_bind and SH2 domain. The phylogenetic tree showed that turbot STAT3 shared the closest relationship with mandarin fish ( Siniperca chuatsi) STAT3. The autoactivation experiment in yeast proved that turbot STAT3 was a strong transcription factor. The quantitative RT-PCR experiment indicated that Stat3 mRNA was expressed in widespread tissues with the highest expression levels in the liver. And the further expression patterns analysis revealed that turbot Stat3 expression levels were increased in liver, spleen, kidney of fish infected with Vibrio anguillarum and liver of fish infected with LCDV. Meantime, hepcidin, one of STAT3 target gene, was also up-regulated in liver of fish infected with two pathogens. These results suggested that turbot Stat3 may involved in the immune defense process as a transcription factor.

Aspirin promotes apoptosis in a murine model of colorectal cancer by mechanisms involving downregulation of IL-6–STAT3 signaling pathway

Aspirin is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), and it showed inhibited effects on interleukin 6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway which is thought to play an important role in intestinal inflammation and the tumorigenesis of CRC. Mouse model for inflammation-related CRC was induced by a combined treatment with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in BALB/c mice. Effects of aspirin on tumor number and size and apoptosis of CRC cells were investigated. Key molecules of IL-6-STAT3 pathway, such as IL-6, sIL-6R, phosphorylated STAT3, and their downstream anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, were assessed by ELISA and Western blot. Treatment with aspirin significantly promoted CRC cell apoptosis in AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice in vivo. The expression level of IL-6, which is an upstream molecule of STAT3 and capable of activating STAT3, was reduced in aspirin-treated mice. Furthermore, the phosphorylated form of STAT3 and the levels of STAT3's target gene products such as Bcl-xl and Bcl-2, which are essential for cell growth and survival, were also decreased in aspirin-treated mice. Our data suggested that the protective mechanisms of aspirin in CRC may be associated with its effects on induction of CRC cell apoptosis and suppression of IL-6-STAT3 signaling pathway, which implied that aspirin has a potential therapeutic activity in CRC.