Tet-off Cell Line Research Articles

Development of a perfusion process for continuous lentivirus production using stable suspension producer cell lines.

The large-scale production of clinical-grade lentiviral vectors (LVs) for gene therapy applications is a remaining challenge. The use of adherent cell lines and methods like transient transfection are cost-intensive and hamper process scalability as well as reproducibility. This study describes the use of two suspension-adapted stable packaging cell lines, called GPRGs and GPRTGs, for the development of a scalable and serum-free LV production process. Both stable packaging cell lines are based on an inducible Tet-off system, thus requiring doxycycline removal for initiation of the virus production. Therefore, we compared different methods for doxycycline removal and inoculated three independent 5 L bioreactors using a scalable induction method by dilution, an acoustic cell washer and manual centrifugation. The bioreactors were inoculated with a stable producer cell line encoding for a LV carrying a clinically relevant gene. LV production was performed in perfusion mode using a cell retention device based on acoustic wave separation. Comparable cell-specific productivities were obtained with all three methods and cumulative functional yields up to 6.36 × 1011 transducing units per bioreactor were generated in a 234-h long process, demonstrating the usability of stable Tet-off cell lines for an easily scalable suspension process. Remarkably, cell viabilities >90% were maintained at high cell densities without compromising productivity throughout the whole process, allowing to further extend the process time. Given its low effects of toxicity during virus production, the presented cell lines are excellent candidates to develop a fully continuous LV production process to overcome the existing bottlenecks in LV manufacturing.

STX11 Acts As a Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas

Introduction: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas noted for their poor prognosis. Their molecular pathogenesis has not been entirely elucidated. We previously found that primary thyroid T-cell lymphoma (PTTL) is a distinct entity among heterogeneous PTCLs and that this disease is characterized by the genomic loss of 6q24 (Br J Haematol., 161:214-223). In this study, we extended the analysis to other types of PTCLs and performed functional assays to identify causative genes located on 6q24.Methods: Focusing on chromosome 6q loss, we reexamined previous comparative genomic hybridization data from 267 PTCL cases comprising 6 PTTLs, 51 PTCLs-not otherwise specified (NOS), 62 adult T-cell leukemias/lymphomas, 35 natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas, 39 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (Genes Chromosomes Cancer, 46:37-44), and 74 anaplastic large cell lymphomas (Br J Haematol., 140:516-526). Gene expression levels were determined by using published gene expression profiling (GEP) data (GSE6338 and GSE19069) and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Subsequently, we established Tet-Off cell lines belonging to several lineages (6 T-cell lines, 1 NK-cell line, 4 B-cell lines, 1 myeloid cell line, and 3 epithelial cell lines) for functional analyses.Results: Genomic loss of 6q24 was observed in 8% (n = 267) of PTCL cases, and it occurred most frequently in PTTL cases (67%; n = 6). All the genomic losses were heterozygous; homozygous loss of this region was not observed in our analysis. The smallest region of deletion, observed in a PTTL case, was considered the minimal common region (MCR) of 6q24 loss. The MCR contained 2 known coding genes, STX11 and UTRN. Combined GEP data and quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that the expression of STX11, but not UTRN, was markedly lower in PTCL than in normal T-cells. We therefore regarded STX11 as the most probable candidate gene located in 6q24. Syntaxin 11, encoded by STX11, is a t-SNARE protein that plays a role in binding vesicles to cell membranes, and alteration of STX11 in the germline causes familial hemophagocytic syndrome type 4.To further evaluate genomic alteration of STX11, mutation analysis was performed on PTCL-NOS and PTTL cases as well as T-cell lines, for which adequate DNA was available. This revealed STX11 mutations in 2 cases (1 PTCL-NOS case and 1 T-cell line). Wild-type STX11 expression suppressed the proliferation of T-cell lines bearing genomic alterations at the STX11 locus only, and it did not show suppressive effects on other lineage cell lines (Fig. 1). Expression of STX11 induced cellular apoptosis in the cell line, although the number of apoptotic cells induced was relatively small. Interestingly, expression of a novel STX11 mutant (p.Arg78Cys), observed in a T-cell line, did not exert suppressive effects on the induced cell lines suggesting that there was a loss-of-function mutation (Fig. 2). Finally, we evaluated the clinical impact of STX11 alteration in PTTL and PTCL-NOS cases where data were available. This showed that PTCL-NOS cases with genomic alterations of STX11 tended to have a poorer prognosis than those without (Fig. 3; P = 0.069).Conclusion:In the present study, we examined the MCR of 6q24 loss and showed that STX11 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in PTCLs only. These findings provide a novel approach for understanding the molecular pathogenesis of PTCLs, and they may contribute to the future development of new drugs for the treatment of PTCLs. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked mutant VAPB inclusions do not interfere with protein degradation pathways or intracellular transport in a cultured cell model.

VAPB is a ubiquitously expressed, ER-resident adaptor protein involved in interorganellar lipid exchange, membrane contact site formation, and membrane trafficking. Its mutant form, P56S-VAPB, which has been linked to a dominantly inherited form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS8), generates intracellular inclusions consisting in restructured ER domains whose role in ALS pathogenesis has not been elucidated. P56S-VAPB is less stable than the wild-type protein and, at variance with most pathological aggregates, its inclusions are cleared by the proteasome. Based on studies with cultured cells overexpressing the mutant protein, it has been suggested that VAPB inclusions may exert a pathogenic effect either by sequestering the wild-type protein and other interactors (loss-of-function by a dominant negative effect) or by a more general proteotoxic action (gain-of-function). To investigate P56S-VAPB degradation and the effect of the inclusions on proteostasis and on ER-to-plasma membrane protein transport in a more physiological setting, we used stable HeLa and NSC34 Tet-Off cell lines inducibly expressing moderate levels of P56S-VAPB. Under basal conditions, P56S-VAPB degradation was mediated exclusively by the proteasome in both cell lines, however, it could be targeted also by starvation-stimulated autophagy. To assess possible proteasome impairment, the HeLa cell line was transiently transfected with the ERAD (ER Associated Degradation) substrate CD3δ, while autophagic flow was investigated in cells either starved or treated with an autophagy-stimulating drug. Secretory pathway functionality was evaluated by analyzing the transport of transfected Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Glycoprotein (VSVG). P56S-VAPB expression had no effect either on the degradation of CD3δ or on the levels of autophagic markers, or on the rate of transport of VSVG to the cell surface. We conclude that P56S-VAPB inclusions expressed at moderate levels do not interfere with protein degradation pathways or protein transport, suggesting that the dominant inheritance of the mutant gene may be due mainly to haploinsufficiency.

Comprehensive Cysteine-scanning Mutagenesis Reveals Claudin-2 Pore-lining Residues with Different Intrapore Locations

The first extracellular loop (ECL1) of claudins forms paracellular pores in the tight junction that determine ion permselectivity. We aimed to map the pore-lining residues of claudin-2 by comprehensive cysteine-scanning mutagenesis of ECL1. We screened 45 cysteine mutations within the ECL1 by expression in polyclonal Madin-Darby canine kidney II Tet-Off cells and found nine mutants that displayed a significant decrease of conductance after treatment with the thiol-reactive reagent 2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl methanethiosulfonate, indicating the location of candidate pore-lining residues. Next, we stably expressed these candidates in monoclonal Madin-Darby canine kidney I Tet-Off cells and exposed them to thiol-reactive reagents. The maximum degree of inhibition of conductance, size selectivity of degree of inhibition, and size dependence of the kinetics of reaction were used to deduce the location of residues within the pore. Our data support the following sequence of pore-lining residues located from the narrowest to the widest part of the pore: Ser(68), Ser(47), Thr(62)/Ile(66), Thr(56), Thr(32)/Gly(45), and Met(52). The paracellular pore appears to primarily be lined by polar side chains, as expected for a predominantly aqueous environment. Furthermore, our results strongly suggest the existence of a continuous sequence of residues in the ECL1 centered around Asp(65)-Ser(68) that form a major part of the lining of the pore.

The kinetics of G2 and M transitions regulated by B cyclins.

B cyclins regulate G2-M transition. Because human somatic cells continue to cycle after reduction of cyclin B1 (cycB1) or cyclin B2 (cycB2) by RNA interference (RNAi), and because cycB2 knockout mice are viable, the existence of two genes should be an optimization. To explore this idea, we generated HeLa BD™ Tet-Off cell lines with inducible cyclin B1- or B2-EGFP that were RNAi resistant. Cultures were treated with RNAi and/or doxycycline (Dox) and bromodeoxyuridine. We measured G2 and M transit times and 4C cell accumulation. In the absence of ectopic B cyclin expression, knockdown (kd) of either cyclin increased G2 transit. M transit was increased by cycB1 kd but decreased by cycB2 depletion. This novel difference was further supported by time-lapse microscopy. This suggests that cycB2 tunes mitotic timing, and we speculate that this is through regulation of a Golgi checkpoint. In the presence of endogenous cyclins, expression of active B cyclin-EGFPs did not affect G2 or M phase times. As previously shown, B cyclin co-depletion induced G2 arrest. Expression of either B cyclin-EGFP completely rescued knockdown of the respective endogenous cyclin in single kd experiments, and either cyclin-EGFP completely rescued endogenous cyclin co-depletion. Most of the rescue occurred at relatively low levels of exogenous cyclin expression. Therefore, cycB1 and cycB2 are interchangeable for ability to promote G2 and M transition in this experimental setting. Cyclin B1 is thought to be required for the mammalian somatic cell cycle, while cyclin B2 is thought to be dispensable. However, residual levels of cyclin B1 or cyclin B2 in double knockdown experiments are not sufficient to promote successful mitosis, yet residual levels are sufficient to promote mitosis in the presence of the dispensible cyclin B2. We discuss a simple model that would explain most data if cyclin B1 is necessary.

Claudin-2 pore function requires an intramolecular disulfide bond between two conserved extracellular cysteines

Claudins constitute a family of tight junction transmembrane proteins whose first extracellular loop (ECL1) determines the paracellular permeability and ion selectivity in epithelia. There are two cysteines in the ECL1 that are conserved among all claudins. We hypothesized that these extracellular cysteines are linked by an intramolecular disulfide bond that is necessary for correct pore folding and function. To test this, we mutated C54 and C64 in claudin-2, either individually or together to alanine or serine, and generated stable Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) I Tet-off cell lines. Immunoblotting showed a higher molecular mass band in the mutants with a single cysteine mutation, consistent with a claudin-2 dimer, suggesting that the two conserved cysteines normally form an intramolecular disulfide bond in wild-type claudin-2. By immunofluorescent staining, the alanine mutants were mislocalized intracellularly, while the serine mutants were expressed at the tight junction. Thus dimerization of both C54A and C64A did not require tight junction expression, suggesting that C54 and C64 are located near an intermolecular interface involved in cis-interaction. The conductance and Na(+) permeability of the serine mutants were markedly lower than the wild type, but there was no difference between the single mutants and the double mutant. We conclude that the disulfide bond between the conserved extracellular cysteines in claudin-2 is necessary for pore formation, probably by stabilizing the ECL1 fold, but is not required for correct protein trafficking. We further speculate that this role is generalizable to other claudin family members.

Role of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3-Mediated Apoptosis in the Establishment and Maintenance of Persistent Infection by Sendai Virus

Infection of cultured cells by paramyxoviruses causes cell death, mediated by a newly discovered apoptotic pathway activated by virus infection. The key proapoptotic protein in this pathway is interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), which upon activation by virus infection binds BAX, translocates it to mitochondria, and triggers apoptosis. When IRF-3-knockdown cells were infected with Sendai virus (SeV), persistent infection (PI) was established. The PI cells produced infectious SeV continuously and constitutively expressed many innate immune genes. Interferon signaling was blocked in these cells. The elevated levels of IRF-3-driven genes in the PI cells indicated that the amount of residual IRF-3 activated by endogenous SeV was high enough to drive the transcriptional effects of IRF-3 but too low to trigger its apoptotic activity. We confirmed this IRF-3 threshold idea by generating a tetracycline (Tet)-inducible cell line for IRF-3 expression, which enabled us to express various levels of IRF-3. PI could be established in the Tet-off cell line, and as expected, when doxycycline was withdrawn, the cells underwent apoptosis. Finally, we tested for PI establishment in 12 mouse embryo fibroblasts by natural selection. Eleven lines became persistently infected; although seven out of them had low IRF-3 levels, four did not. When one of the latter four was further analyzed, we observed that it expressed a very low level of caspase 3, the final executor protease of the apoptotic pathway. These results demonstrated that SeV PI can arise from infection of normal wild-type cells, but only if they can find a way to impair the IRF-3-dependent apoptotic pathway.

Mapping the paracellular pore: the role of two highly conserved cysteines in the first extracellular loop of claudins

Claudins are a family of tight junction transmembrane proteins whose first extracellular loop (1st ECL) determines paracellular permeability and ion selectivity in epithelia. There are two cysteines in the 1st ECL that are highly conserved among all claudins (C54 and C64 in claudin-2) and whose function is unknown. We hypothesized that they are linked by an intramolecular disulfide bond that is necessary for correct folding, trafficking and pore function. To test this hypothesis, we mutated C54 and C64 in claudin-2 either to alanine or serine, and generated stably transfected MDCK I Tet-off cell lines expressing each mutant protein. Western blotting showed a high molecular weight band in each of the single mutants that was not seen in wild-type claudin-2 or the double mutants, consistent with the formation of claudin dimers. By immunofluorescence staining, the alanine mutants were mislocalized intracellularly while the serine mutants were correctly inserted into the tight junction. In Ussing chamber experiments, the conductance and Na+ permeability of all the serine mutants were markedly lower than wild-type claudin-2. Our findings suggest that the two highly conserved cysteines in the 1st ECL are disulfide bonded and that this disulfide bond is necessary for normal pore formation but not for protein trafficking. Supported by NIH grants R01DK062283 and R01DK062283-07S1.

Development and applications of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma Tet-Off cell line

The conditional activation and inactivation of target gene expression in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line is beneficial for the study of the roles of NPC-related genes. Based on the Tet-Off Advanced system, a NPC S18 Tet-Off cell line was developed by stable transfection of a pTet-Off Advanced vector (regulator plasmid in Tet-Off Advanced system) into NPC S18 cells. Doxycycline-dependent regulators expressed in the S18 Tet-Off cells were examined by transient and stable transfection of pTRE-Tight-Luc. The S18 Tet-Off-Luc clone selected by stable transfection of pTRE-Tight-Luc into S18 Tet-Off cells expressed firefly luciferase under tight control of doxycycline in a time- and dose-dependent manner. To test applications of the S18 Tet-Off cell line in the study of gene function, the impact of ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) gene on NPC cell growth was examined. The S18 Tet-Off-FTH1 clone was developed by stably transfecting pTRE-Tight-FTH1 (response plasmid harboring FTH1) into S18 Tet-Off cells. FTH1 levels in the S18 Tet-Off-FTH1 clone were semi-quantitatively regulated in response to varying concentrations of doxycycline. A cell proliferation assay showed that a high expression of FTH1 (cells grown in the absence of doxycycline) reduced cell growth, while moderate FTH1 overexpression (cells grown in 0.1 ng/ml doxycycline) had no adverse effect on cell growth. In conclusion, the S18 Tet-Off cell line provides a proven genetic background for convenient access to controllable gene expression in NPC.

CADM1 Interacts with Tiam1 and Promotes Invasive Phenotype of Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type I-transformed Cells and Adult T-cell Leukemia Cells

CADM1 encodes a multifunctional immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule whose cytoplasmic domain contains a type II PSD95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ)-binding motif (BM) for associating with other intracellular proteins. Although CADM1 lacks expression in T lymphocytes of healthy individuals, it is overexpressed in adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) cells. It has been suggested that the expression of CADM1 protein promotes infiltration of leukemic cells into various organs and tissues, which is one of the frequent clinical manifestations of ATL. Amino acid sequence alignment revealed that Tiam1 (T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1), a Rac-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, has a type II PDZ domain similar to those of membrane-associated guanylate kinase homologs (MAGUKs) that are known to bind to the PDZ-BM of CADM1. In this study, we demonstrated that the cytoplasmic domain of CADM1 directly interacted with the PDZ domain of Tiam1 and induced formation of lamellipodia through Rac activation in HTLV-I-transformed cell lines as well as ATL cell lines. Our results indicate that Tiam1 integrates signals from CADM1 to regulate the actin cytoskeleton through Rac activation, which may lead to tissue infiltration of leukemic cells in ATL patients.

Cdc25 Phosphatases Are Required for Timely Assembly of CDK1-Cyclin B at the G2/M Transition

Progression through mitosis requires the coordinated regulation of Cdk1 kinase activity. Activation of Cdk1 is a multistep process comprising binding of Cdk1 to cyclin B, relocation of cyclin-kinase complexes to the nucleus, activating phosphorylation of Cdk1 on Thr(161) by the Cdk-activating kinase (CAK; Cdk7 in metazoans), and removal of inhibitory Thr(14) and Tyr(15) phosphorylations. This dephosphorylation is catalyzed by the dual specific Cdc25 phosphatases, which occur in three isoforms in mammalian cells, Cdc25A, -B, and -C. We find that expression of Cdc25A leads to an accelerated G(2)/M phase transition. In Cdc25A-overexpressing cells, Cdk1 exhibits high kinase activity despite being phosphorylated on Tyr(15). In addition, Tyr(15)-phosphorylated Cdk1 binds more cyclin B in Cdc25A-overexpressing cells compared with control cells. Consistent with this observation, we demonstrate that in human transformed cells, Cdc25A and Cdc25B, but not Cdc25C phosphatases have an effect on timing and efficiency of cyclin-kinase complex formation. Overexpression of Cdc25A or Cdc25B promotes earlier assembly and activation of Cdk1-cyclin B complexes, whereas repression of these phosphatases by short hairpin RNA has a reverse effect, leading to a substantial decrease in amounts of cyclin B-bound Cdk1 in G(2) and mitosis. Importantly, we find that Cdc25A overexpression leads to an activation of Cdk7 and increase in Thr(161) phosphorylation of Cdk1. In conclusion, our data suggest that complex assembly and dephosphorylation of Cdk1 at G(2)/M is tightly coupled and regulated by Cdc25 phosphatases.

Regulation of IRF-3-dependent Innate Immunity by the Papain-like Protease Domain of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a novel coronavirus that causes a highly contagious respiratory disease, SARS, with significant mortality. Although factors contributing to the highly pathogenic nature of SARS-CoV remain poorly understood, it has been reported that SARS-CoV infection does not induce type I interferons (IFNs) in cell culture. However, it is uncertain whether SARS-CoV evades host detection or has evolved mechanisms to counteract innate host defenses. We show here that infection of SARS-CoV triggers a weak IFN response in cultured human lung/bronchial epithelial cells without inducing the phosphorylation of IFN-regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), a latent cellular transcription factor that is pivotal for type I IFN synthesis. Furthermore, SARS-CoV infection blocked the induction of IFN antiviral activity and the up-regulation of protein expression of a subset of IFN-stimulated genes triggered by double-stranded RNA or an unrelated paramyxovirus. In searching for a SARS-CoV protein capable of counteracting innate immunity, we identified the papain-like protease (PLpro) domain as a potent IFN antagonist. The inhibition of the IFN response does not require the protease activity of PLpro. Rather, PLpro interacts with IRF-3 and inhibits the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF-3, thereby disrupting the activation of type I IFN responses through either Toll-like receptor 3 or retinoic acid-inducible gene I/melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 pathways. Our data suggest that regulation of IRF-3-dependent innate antiviral defenses by PLpro may contribute to the establishment of SARS-CoV infection.

Introns Regulate the Rate of Unstable mRNA Decay

The expression of neutrophil-specific chemokines is known to be regulated via adenine-uridine-rich sequence elements in the 3'-untranslated regions of their mRNAs that confer a high degree of mRNA instability. Although the presence of intron sequences in eukaryotic genes is known to enhance expression, the effect of intron content on the rate of mature, translatable mRNA degradation has not been demonstrated. In this study, we have determined the effects of intron content on the rate of decay of the chemokine CXCL1 (KC) mRNA. The half-life of KC mRNA was markedly prolonged when the primary transcript was obtained from a genomic clone containing three introns as compared with the half-life observed with sequence-identical KC mRNA derived from an intron-free cDNA construct. The effect of intron content was achieved with a single intron, and neither the intron sequences nor the intron positions were critical determinants of the outcome. The intron content produced the same effect when expressed in multiple cell types and when the sequences were stably integrated into the genome. The differential decay rates were not a consequence of differential nuclear to cytoplasmic transport. The intron content of the primary transcript did not influence the rate of KC mRNA translation and did not modulate the ability of interleukin-1 stimulation to stabilize the otherwise unstable mRNA. The intron effect on mRNA decay was seen with mRNAs containing two distinct instability determinants. These findings document that intron content marks the mRNA sequence leading to enhanced stability that is particularly evident in short lived ARE-containing mRNAs.

Identification and characterization of lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Several studies have identified signature gene sets that may be useful as potential diagnostic tools by global microarray analysis. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel gene, lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B), which is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. The heterochronic gene lin-28 is a key regulator of developmental timing in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Similar with lin-28 proteins, LIN28B conserves a cold shock domain and a pair of CCHC zinc finger domains. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that they might arise as a result of duplication from an ancestral gene. Overexpression of LIN28B was noted in most HCC cell lines and clinical samples. By western blot analysis using a polyclonal antibody against LIN28B, a short LIN28B isoform was also identified in non-tumor liver tissue and fetal liver. Although predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, we found that LIN28B protein shows cell cycle-dependent nuclear translocation in Huh7 cells. Induced expression of exogenous LIN28B in a tet-off cell line promoted cancer cell proliferation. Interestingly, the segment of the unusually long 3′UTR of LIN28B contains complementary sites to let-7 microRNA of mammals. And our studies provided indirect evidence that LIN28B is a possibly natural target for let-7 mediated regulation. These findings strongly implicate a critical role of LIN28B during development and tumorigenesis and suggest a possible novel mechanism.

Tumor Suppressor in Lung Cancer (TSLC)1 Suppresses Epithelial Cell Scattering and Tubulogenesis

The tumor suppressor in lung cancer 1 (TSLC1/IGSF4) encodes an immunoglobulin-superfamily cell adhesion molecule whose cytoplasmic domain contains a protein 4.1-binding motif (protein 4.1-BM) and a PDZ-binding motif (PDZ-BM). Loss of TSLC1 expression is frequently observed in advanced cancers implying its involvement in tumor invasion and/or metastasis. Using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing a full-length TSLC1 or various cytoplasmic deletion mutants of TSLC1, we examined the role of TSLC1 in epithelial mesenchymal transitions during the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced tubulogenesis and cell scattering. In a three-dimensional culture, the full-length TSLC1, which was localized to the lateral membrane of Madin-Darby canine kidney cysts, inhibited HGF-induced tubulogenesis. In contrast, the mutants lacking either the protein 4.1-BM or the PDZ-BM abolished the inhibitory effect on tubulogenesis. In addition, these mutants showed aberrant subcellular localization indicating that lateral localization is correlated with the effect of TSLC1. In a two-dimensional culture, the full-length TSLC1, but not the mutants lacking the protein 4.1-BM or the PDZ-BM, suppressed HGF-induced cell scattering. Furthermore, the cells expressing full-length TSLC1 retained E-cadherin-based cell-cell adhesion even after being treated with HGF. These cells showed prolonged activation of Rac and low activity of Rho, whereas the HGF-treated parental cells induced transient activation of Rac and sustained activation of Rho. Prolonged Rac activation caused by the expression of TSLC1 required its cytoplasmic tail. These findings, taken together, suggest that TSLC1 plays a role in suppressing induction of epithelial mesenchymal transitions by regulating the activation of small Rho GTPases.

Characterization of Cdk9 55 and differential regulation of two Cdk9 isoforms

Positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) controls the fraction of initiated RNA polymerase II molecules that make full length transcripts. This important factor is a heterodimer of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) and one of four cyclin partners, cyclin T1, T2a, T2b or K. There are two isoforms of Cdk9 in mammalian cells, Cdk9 42 and Cdk9 55. Cdk9 55 has a 117 residue amino terminal extension not present in Cdk9 42. An expression vector with a tetracycline-responsive promoter driving FLAG-tagged Cdk9 55 and a HeLa 37 Tet-Off cell line were constructed. FLAG-tagged Cdk9 55 was inducibly expressed and was found to be localized to the nucleus by immunofluorescence. Western analysis of murine tissues showed that the relative abundance of the two forms of Cdk9 varied across different tissues with liver having more Cdk9 55 than Cdk9 42. During adaptation of primary rat hepatocytes to culture the ratio of the two forms of Cdk9 changed. Initially, Cdk9 55 was the predominate form, but as the cells began to enter the cell cycle Cdk9 42 became the major form. During this change, expression of Cdk9 42 was induced, while Cdk9 55 remained relatively constant.

Dynamic and Differential in Vivo Modifications of the Isoform HMGA1a and HMGA1b Chromatin Proteins

Most naturally occurring mammalian cancers and immortalized tissue culture cell lines share a common characteristic, the overexpression of full-length HMGA1 (high mobility group A1) proteins. The HMGA1 protooncogene codes for two closely related isoform proteins, HMGA1a and HMGA1b, and causes cancerous cellular transformation when overexpressed in either transgenic mice or "normal" cultured cell lines. Previous work has suggested that the in vivo types and patterns of the HMGA1 post-translational modifications (PTMs) differ between normal and malignant cells. The present study focuses on the important question of whether HMGA1a and HMGA1b proteins isolated from the same cell type have identical or different PTM patterns and also whether these isoform patterns differ between non-malignant and malignant cells. Two independent mass spectrometry methods were used to identify the types of PTMs found on specific amino acid residues on the endogenous HMGA1a and HMGA1b proteins isolated from a non-metastatic human mammary epithelial cell line, MCF-7, and a malignant metastatic cell line derived from MCF-7 cells that overexpressed the transgenic HMGA1a protein. Although some of the PTMs were the same on both the HMGA1a and HMGA1b proteins isolated from a given cell type, many other modifications were present on one but not the other isoform. Furthermore, we demonstrate that both HMGA1 isoforms are di-methylated on arginine and lysine residues. Most importantly, however, the PTM patterns on the endogenous HMGA1a and HMGA1b proteins isolated from non-metastatic and metastatic cells were consistently different, suggesting that the isoforms likely exhibit differences in their biological functions/activities in these cell types.

Regulation of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene expression by CYP1A1 activity.

The dioxin 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD) induces phase I and II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XME) which act sequentially to eliminate different classes of xenobiotics. The transcriptional effects of TCDD are generally mediated by the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We hypothesized that TCDD could also act indirectly, by increasing the activity of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), a phase I gene, which could then mediate the induction of other XME genes, such as the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). To test this hypothesis, NQO1 gene expression was monitored after either overexpression of CYP1A1 or siRNA-mediated knock-down of CYP1A1 activity in the hepatoma cell line HepG2. Overexpression of CYP1A1 in the absence of TCDD was carried out using either adenoviral infection or the "Tet-off" system. Recombinant adenoviruses were produced encoding no protein, CYP1A1 (Ad1A1), or a mutated inactive CYP1A1 (Ad1A1mut). In the HepG2 Tet-off cell line, CYP1A1 expression was induced by the removal of doxycycline (dox) from the cell medium. Ad1A1 infection or dox removal induced CYP1A1 activity and H(2)O(2) production similarly to TCDD treatment. Moreover, in both systems, the amount of NQO1 mRNA increased to the same level as after TCDD treatment (approximately 2-fold). The UDP-glucuronosyl transferase 1A6 (UGT1A6) gene is also similarly regulated. NQO1 gene expression was not induced when mutant, inactive CYP1A1 was overexpressed or when the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was added to Ad1A1. Finally, either NAC or siRNA directed against CYP1A1 mRNA decreased the induction of NQO1 gene expression by TCDD. We conclude that, after exposure to TCDD, the NQO1 gene expression can be controlled by CYP1A1 activity through an oxidative stress mediated pathway.

Activation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase by tumor necrosis factor-alpha: a novel pathway involving sequential activation of neutral sphingomyelinase, phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase, and Akt.

Activation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) has been shown to occur through various pathways involving increases in the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase/Akt pathway, as well as regulation by other kinases and by protein-protein interactions. We have recently reported that eNOS, expressed in an inducible HeLa Tet-off cell line, is activated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in a previously undescribed pathway that involves the lipid messenger ceramide. We have now characterized this pathway. We report here that eNOS activation in response to TNF-alpha correlated with phosphorylation of Akt at Ser 473 and of eNOS itself at Ser 1179. Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, as well as eNOS activation, were blocked by inhibitors of both phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase and neutral sphingomyelinase. In contrast, although acid sphingomyelinase was also stimulated by TNF-alpha, its inhibition was without effect. The activation of neutral sphingomyelinase triggered by TNF-alpha was insensitive to phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase inhibitors. Taken together, these results indicate that eNOS activation by TNF-alpha occurs through sequential activation of neutral sphingomyelinase and of the phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase/Akt pathway. The time course of eNOS activation induced through this pathway was markedly different from that triggered by ATP and epidermal growth factor, which activate eNOS through an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and through a sphingomyelinase-independent stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase/Akt pathway, respectively. The novel pathway of activation of eNOS described here may have broad biological relevance because neutral sphingomyelinase is activated not only by TNF-alpha but also by a variety of other physiological and pathological stimuli.

The Effects of Peroxiredoxin III on Human HeLa Cell Proliferation

Background: Peroxidases (Prx) of the peroxiredoxin family reduce hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides to water and alcohol respectively. Hydrogen peroxide is implicated as an intracellular messenger in various cellular responses such as proliferation and differentiation. And Prx I activity is regulated by Cdc-2 mediated phosphorylation. This work was undertaken to investigate the proliferation role of peroxiredoxin III as a member of Prx family in Prx III overexpressed HeLa cell line. Methods: To provide further evidence of proliferation, we selected Prx III stably expressed HeLa Tet-off cell lines. Cell proliferation was examined by using proliferation reagent WST-1 in the presence or absence of doxycycline. Prx III, 2-cys Prx enzymes exist as homodimer. The activation of Prx III heterodimer with induced and endogenous Prx III was examined by immunoprecipitation. Results: Immunoprecipitation analysis of the induced and endogenous Prx III with anti-myc showed that the induced wild type (WT) and dominant negative (DN) Prx III from HeLa Prx III Tet-off stable cell heterodimerized with endogenous Prx III each other. And the expression level of induced Prx III was examined after addition of doxycycline. By 72 hr, the expression level of induced Prx III was diminished gradually and the half-life of the induced wild type Prx III was approximately 17 hr. The proliferation experiment demonstrated that the relative proliferation value of induced and endogenous WT Prx III stable cell has no changes but the DN Prx III induced HeLa Tet-off stable cells were lower than endogenous Prx III. Conclusion: In conclusion, the HeLa dominant negative Prx III Tet-off stable cells were decreased the proliferation. (Immune Network 2003;3(4):276-280)