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Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus P protein plus the viral RNA, N and L viral proteins, constitute the viral replication complex. In this report we describe that HRSV P protein has putative intrinsically disordered domains predicted by in silico methods. These two domains, located at the amino and caboxi terminus, were identified by mass spectrometry analysis of peptides obtained from degradation fragments observed in purified P protein expressed in bacteria. The degradation is not occurring at the central oligomerization domain, since we also demonstrate that the purified fragments are able to oligomerize, similarly to the protein expressed in cells infected by HRSV. Disordered domains can play a role in protein interaction, and the present data contribute to the comprehension of HRSV P protein interactions in the viral replication complex.

Several epidemiological studies have correlated the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) with reduced risk of ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecological cancer, diagnosed usually in late stages of the disease. We have previously established that the pro-apoptotic cytokine melanoma differentiation associated gene-7/Interleukin-24 (mda-7/IL-24) is a crucial mediator of NSAID-induced apoptosis in prostate, breast, renal and stomach cancer cells. In this report we evaluated various structurally different NSAIDs for their efficacies to induce apoptosis and mda-7/IL-24 expression in ovarian cancer cells. While several NSAIDs induced apoptosis, Sulindac Sulfide and Diclofenac most potently induced apoptosis and reduced tumor growth. A combination of these agents results in a synergistic effect. Furthermore, mda-7/IL-24 induction by NSAIDs is essential for programmed cell death, since inhibition of mda-7/IL-24 by small interfering RNA abrogates apoptosis. mda-7/IL-24 activation leads to upregulation of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible (GADD) 45 α and γ and JNK activation. The NF-κB family of transcription factors has been implicated in ovarian cancer development. We previously established NF-κB/IκB signaling as an essential step for cell survival in cancer cells and hypothesized that targeting NF-κB could potentiate NSAID-mediated apoptosis induction in ovarian cancer cells. Indeed, combining NSAID treatment with NF-κB inhibitors led to enhanced apoptosis induction. Our results indicate that inhibition of NF-κB in combination with activation of mda-7/IL-24 expression may lead to a new combinatorial therapy for ovarian cancer.

Aims: Expression of ectoenzymes responsible for nucleotide phosphohydrolysis to form adenosine may represent a mechanism that facilitates the proliferation and spread of malignancy. In this study, we have identified and characterized the ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (E-NPP) family members expressed during the subcutaneous tumor growth and in the ascitic form of Walker 256 mammary tumor cells., Main Methods: The biochemical characteristics in ascitic forms and expression of NPP 1, 2, and 3 in both solid and ascitic forms of Walker 256 tumor were investigated using RT-PCR and real-time PCR., Key Findings: Walker 256 tumor cells demonstrate E-NPP activities that are associated with extracellular hydrolysis of p-Nph-5'-TMP, and define the biochemical characteristics. The K(m) and maximal velocity for the hydrolysis of p-Nph-5'-TMP in the ascitic tumor cells were in accordance with the NPP reaction. The mRNA expression in the cells of the ascitic form of Walker 256 tumor revealed transcripts for NPP2 and NPP3, whereas elevated expression of NPP3 was observed in solid tumor, after 6, 10, and 15days of inoculation. The dominant gene expressed in both forms of the tumor was the NPP3 enzyme. However, this enzyme was expressed more during tumor development in vivo, when compared with the ascitic cells., Significance: We have previously demonstrated that Walker 256 tumor cells express mRNA for ecto-5'-nucleotidase and E-NTPDases. Thus, coexistence with NPP3 suggests an ectonucleotidase "enzyme chain" that is responsible for the sequential hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine, which may be an important therapeutic target in anticancer therapy., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

GADD45beta (growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible) interacts with upstream regulators of the JNK and p38 stress response kinases. Previously, we reported that the hypertrophic zone of the Gadd45beta(-/-) mouse embryonic growth plate is compressed, and expression of type X collagen (Col10a1) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (Mmp13) genes is decreased. Herein, we report that GADD45beta enhances activity of the proximal Col10a1 promoter, which contains evolutionarily conserved AP-1, cAMP-response element, and C/EBP half-sites, in synergism with C/EBP family members, whereas the MMP13 promoter responds to GADD45beta together with AP-1, ATF, or C/EBP family members. C/EBPbeta expression also predominantly co-localizes with GADD45beta in the embryonic growth plate. Moreover, GADD45beta enhances C/EBPbeta activation via MTK1, MKK3, and MKK6, and dominant-negative p38alphaapf, but not JNKapf, disrupts the combined trans-activating effect of GADD45beta and C/EBPbeta on the Col10a1 promoter. Importantly, GADD45beta knockdown prevents p38 phosphorylation while decreasing Col10a1 mRNA levels but does not affect C/EBPbeta binding to the Col10a1 promoter in vivo, indicating that GADD45beta influences the transactivation function of DNA-bound C/EBPbeta. In support of this conclusion, we show that the evolutionarily conserved TAD4 domain of C/EBPbeta is the target of the GADD45beta-dependent signaling. Collectively, we have uncovered a novel molecular mechanism linking GADD45beta via the MTK1/MKK3/6/p38 axis to C/EBPbeta-TAD4 activation of Col10a1 transcription in terminally differentiating chondrocytes.

We found that composition of cell subsets within the CD34+ cell population is markedly altered in chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Specifically, proportions and absolute cell counts of common myeloid progenitors (CMP) and megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors (MEP) are significantly greater in comparison to normal bone marrow whereas absolute numbers of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are equal. To understand the basis for this, we performed gene expression profiling (Affymetrix HU-133A 2.0) of the distinct CD34+ cell subsets from six patients with CP CML and five healthy donors. Euclidean distance analysis revealed a remarkable transcriptional similarity between the CML patients' HSC and normal progenitors, especially CMP. CP CML HSC were transcriptionally more similar to their progeny than normal HSC to theirs, suggesting a more mature phenotype. Hence, the greatest differences between CP CML patients and normal donors were apparent in HSC including downregulation of genes encoding adhesion molecules, transcription factors, regulators of stem-cell fate and inhibitors of cell proliferation in CP CML. Impaired adhesive and migratory capacities were functionally corroborated by fibronectin detachment analysis and transwell assays, respectively. Based on our findings we propose a loss of quiescence of the CML HSC on detachment from the niche leading to expansion of myeloid progenitors.

Ets proteins are a family of transcription factors that share an 85 amino acid conserved DNA binding domain, the ETS domain. The 27 known human Ets transcription factors control multiple biological processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, transformation, and invasion. Overexpression of some Ets genes has been linked to numerous malignancies, including breast cancers. The prostate derived Ets transcription factor (PDEF) is reported to be a breast and prostate tumor-associated Ets factor. To understand the roles of PDEF in breast cancers, we transiently overexpressed PDEF in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by adenoviral-mediated gene delivery. PDEF binding protein complexes were isolated by immunoprecipitation and PDEF-interacting proteins were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. After subtracting the proteins binding nonspecifically to antibody-bead complexes, we identified 286 proteins in the PDEF-associated protein complex. By comparison to published protein-protein interactions, we selected 121 proteins for further analysis. PDEF interactors distribute not only in the nucleus, but also in the cytoplasm, as well as other subcellular compartments. Our data reveals that PDEF interacts with a variety of proteins involved in cell cycle, DNA repair, cytoskeleton organization, mRNA processing, tRNA biosynthesis, protein folding, and cell signaling. Furthermore, the EGFR1- (Erbb1) and Erbb2- (HER2) related proteins erbin, an ERBB2 interacting protein, catenin delta-1 (which interacts with Erbin), and EGFR (a HER2-homology receptor) were associated with PDEF. These findings indicate that PDEF may be regulated by Erbb2 or EGFR-activated signaling pathways in breast cancer cells. Further analysis of these proteins will identify the roles of PDEF-interacting proteins in breast tumorigenesis.

Background: We performed a time-course microarray experiment to define the transcriptional response to carboplatin in vitro, and to correlate this with clinical outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). RNA was isolated from carboplatin and control-treated 36M2 ovarian cancer cells at several time points, followed by oligonucleotide microarray hybridization. Carboplatin induced changes in gene expression were assessed at the single gene as well as at the pathway level. Clinical validation was performed in publicly available microarray datasets using disease free and overall survival endpoints., Results: Time-course and pathway analyses identified 317 genes and 40 pathways (designated time-course and pathway signatures) deregulated following carboplatin exposure. Both types of signatures were validated in two separate platinum-treated ovarian and NSCLC cell lines using published microarray data. Expression of time-course and pathway signature genes distinguished between patients with unfavorable and favorable survival in two independent ovarian cancer datasets. Among the pathways most highly induced by carboplatin in vitro, the NRF2, NF-kB, and cytokine and inflammatory response pathways were also found to be upregulated prior to chemotherapy exposure in poor prognosis tumors., Conclusion: Dynamic assessment of gene expression following carboplatin exposure in vitro can identify both genes and pathways that are correlated with clinical outcome. The functional relevance of this observation for better understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance in EOC will require further evaluation.

Background: Mind-body practices that elicit the relaxation response (RR) have been used worldwide for millennia to prevent and treat disease. The RR is characterized by decreased oxygen consumption, increased exhaled nitric oxide, and reduced psychological distress. It is believed to be the counterpart of the stress response that exhibits a distinct pattern of physiology and transcriptional profile. We hypothesized that RR elicitation results in characteristic gene expression changes that can be used to measure physiological responses elicited by the RR in an unbiased fashion., Methods/principal Findings: We assessed whole blood transcriptional profiles in 19 healthy, long-term practitioners of daily RR practice (group M), 19 healthy controls (group N(1)), and 20 N(1) individuals who completed 8 weeks of RR training (group N(2)). 2209 genes were differentially expressed in group M relative to group N(1) (p<0.05) and 1561 genes in group N(2) compared to group N(1) (p<0.05). Importantly, 433 (p<10(-10)) of 2209 and 1561 differentially expressed genes were shared among long-term (M) and short-term practitioners (N(2)). Gene ontology and gene set enrichment analyses revealed significant alterations in cellular metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, generation of reactive oxygen species and response to oxidative stress in long-term and short-term practitioners of daily RR practice that may counteract cellular damage related to chronic psychological stress. A significant number of genes and pathways were confirmed in an independent validation set containing 5 N(1) controls, 5 N(2) short-term and 6 M long-term practitioners., Conclusions/significance: This study provides the first compelling evidence that the RR elicits specific gene expression changes in short-term and long-term practitioners. Our results suggest consistent and constitutive changes in gene expression resulting from RR may relate to long term physiological effects. Our study may stimulate new investigations into applying transcriptional profiling for accurately measuring RR and stress related responses in multiple disease settings.

In this study, we have identified the E-NTPDase family members and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 in rat heart left ventricle. Moreover, we characterize the biochemical properties and enzyme activities from synaptosomes of the nerve terminal endings of heart left ventricle. We observe divalent cation-dependent enzymes that presented optimum pH of 8.0 for ATP and ADP hydrolysis, and 9.5 for AMP hydrolysis. The apparent K(M) values are 40 microM, 90 microM and 39 microM and apparent V(max) values are 537, 219 and 111 nmol Pi released/min/mg of protein for ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis, respectively. Ouabain, orthovanadate, NEM, lanthanum and levamisole do not affect ATP and ADP hydrolysis in rat cardiac synaptosomes. Oligomycin (2 microg/mL) and sodium azide (0.1 mM), both mitochondrial ATPase inhibitors, inhibit only the ATP hydrolysis. High concentrations of sodium azide and gadolinium chloride show an inhibition on both, ATP and ADP hydrolysis. Suramin inhibit more strongly ATP hydrolysis than ADP hydrolysis whereas Evans blue almost abolish both hydrolysis. AMP hydrolysis is not affected by levamisole and tetramisole, whereas 0.1 mM ammonium molybdate practically abolish the ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity. RT-PCR analysis from left ventricle tissue demonstrate different levels of expression of Entpd1 (Cd39), Entpd2 (Cd39L1), Entpd3 (Cd39L3), Entpd5 (Cd39L4) Entpd6, (Cd39L2) and 5'-NT/CD73. By quantitative real-time PCR we identify the Entpd2 as the enzyme with the highest expression in rat left ventricle. Our results contribute to the understanding about the control of the extracellular nucleotide levels in and cardiac system.

Objectives: To construct a recombinant baculovirus expressing the fiber knob domain of human adenovirus type 2 modified by the insertion of a foreign peptide, purify this protein after its production in insect cells, and to test its properties., Methods: Recombinant baculoviruses expressing the fiber knob were produced in Sf9 cells. The recombinant fiber knob was recovered from culture supernatants of infected cells and purified by a combination of Ni-NTA and ion-exchange chromatography., Results: Fiber knob was recovered from the culture media as a soluble protein. In the system used, the fiber knob is expressed fused with the V5 epitope and a histidine tag, which allowed purification by Ni-NTA chromatography. The protein was further purified by ion-exchange chromatography. We show that the recombinant fiber knob produced, with 31 extra amino acids in the C-terminus, can oligomerize and bind to the adenovirus receptor CAR, as it can block the infection of a recombinant type 5 adenovirus., Conclusions: The modified form of the fiber knob, produced in insect cells and purified by Ni-NTA and ion-exchange chromatography, retains the properties of oligomerization and binding to the fiber natural receptor, CAR. This construct has the potential to be a new adjuvant., (Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In the present study we investigate the biochemical properties of the members of NPP family in synaptosomes prepared from rat heart left ventricles. Using p-nitrophenyl-5'-thymidine monophosphate (p-Nph-5'-TMP) as substrate for E-NPPs in rat cardiac synaptosomes, we observed an alkaline pH dependence, divalent cation dependence and the K ( M ) value corresponded to 91.42 +/- 13.97 microM and the maximal velocity (V ( max )) value calculated was 63.79 +/- 3.59 nmol p-nitrophenol released/min/mg of protein (mean +/- SD, n = 4). Levamisole (1 mM), was ineffective as inhibitor of p-Nph-5'-TMP hydrolysis in pH 8.9 (optimum pH for the enzyme characterized). Suramin (0.25 mM) strongly reduced the hydrolysis of p-Nph-5'-TMP by about 46%. Sodium azide (10 and 20 mM) and gadolinium chloride (0.3 and 0.5 mM), E-NTPases inhibitors, had no effects on p-Nph-5'-TMP hydrolysis. RT-PCR analysis of left ventricle demonstrated the expression of NPP2 and NPP3 enzymes, but excluded the presence of NPP1 member. By quantitative real-time PCR we identified the NPP3 as the enzyme with the highest expression in rat left ventricle. The demonstration of the presence of the E-NPP family in cardiac system, suggest that these enzymes could contribute with the fine-tuning control of the nucleotide levels at the nerve terminal endings of left ventricles that are involved in several cardiac pathologies.

In this study, we evaluated the NTPDases and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) expression profiles and the pattern of adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in rats submitted to the Walker 256 tumor model, 6, 10 and 15 days after the subcutaneous inoculation. Using RT-PCR analysis, we identified mRNA for all of the members of the ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family investigated and a 5'-nucleotidase. By quantitative real-time PCR, Entpd1 (Cd39) and Entpd2 (Cd39L1) and CD73 were identified as the dominant genes expressed by the Walker 256 tumor, at all times studied. Extracellular adenine nucleotide hydrolysis by the Walker 256 tumor was estimated by HPLC analysis. Rapid hydrolysis of extracellular ATP by the tumor cells was observed, leading to the formation of adenosine and inosine in cells obtained from solid tumors at 6 and 10 days after inoculation. Cells obtained from solid tumors at 15 days of growth presented high levels of AMP and presented adenosine as a final product after 90 min of incubation. Results demonstrate that the presence of NTPDases and 5'-nucleotidase enzymes in Walker 256 tumor cells may be important for regulation of the extracellular adenine nucleotides/adenine nucleoside ratio, therefore leading to tumor growth.

The epithelium-specific Ets transcription factor, PDEF, plays a role in prostate and breast cancer, although its precise function has not been established. In prostate cancer, PDEF is involved in regulating prostate-specific antigen expression via interaction with the androgen receptor and NKX3.1, and down-regulation of PDEF by antiproliferative agents has been associated with reduced PDEF expression. We now report that reduced expression of PDEF leads to a morphologic change, increased migration and invasiveness in prostate cancer cells, reminiscent of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) function and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Indeed, inhibition of PDEF expression triggers a transcriptional program of genes involved in the TGFbeta pathway, migration, invasion, adhesion, and epithelial dedifferentiation. Our results establish PDEF as a critical regulator of genes involved in cell motility, invasion, and adhesion of prostate cancer cells.

Numerous studies show that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in chemoprevention or treatment of cancer. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying these antineoplastic effects remain poorly understood. Here, we report that induction of the cancer-specific proapoptotic cytokine melanoma differentiation associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (MDA-7/IL-24) by several NSAIDs is an essential step for induction of apoptosis and G(2)-M growth arrest in cancer cells in vitro and inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. We also show that MDA-7/IL-24-dependent up-regulation of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible 45 alpha (GADD45alpha) and GADD45gamma gene expression is sufficient for cancer cell apoptosis via c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and growth arrest induction through inhibition of Cdc2-cyclin B checkpoint kinase. Knockdown of GADD45alpha and GADD45gamma transcription by small interfering RNA abrogates apoptosis and growth arrest induction by the NSAID treatment, blocks JNK activation, and restores Cdc2-cyclin B kinase activity. Our results establish MDA-7/IL-24 and GADD45alpha and GADD45gamma as critical mediators of apoptosis and growth arrest in response to NSAIDs in cancer cells.

The influence of Exisulind on the viability and apoptosis of CD34(+) stem cells from patients with advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)/MDS was investigated. In eight out of 10 patient samples Exisulind reduced the fraction of viable cells by inducing apoptosis. We found evidence that Exisulind-mediated apoptosis depends on c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Addition of a specific JNK-inhibitor to Exisulind-treated advanced MDS and AML/MDS cells partly abrogated apoptosis. We propose that Exisulind is tested in clinical phase I/II trials for the treatment of advanced MDS and AML/MDS.

A high proportion of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes encode transcription factors. Deregulated expression or activation and inactivation of transcription factors as well as mutations and translocations play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the majority of oncogenic signaling pathways converge on sets of transcription factors that ultimately control gene expression patterns resulting in tumor formation and progression as well as metastasis. Under normal physiological conditions whole sets of genes with similar functions are regulated by highly specific, tightly regulated upstream transcriptional regulators, whereas in cancer aberrant activation of these transcription factors leads to deregulated expression of multiple gene sets associated with tumor development and progression. The activity of these transcription factors can be modulated by multiple mechanisms including posttranslational modifications. Activation or inactivation of transcription factors promote cancer development, cell survival and proliferation and induce tumor angiogenesis. Since many of these transcription factors are inactive under normal physiological conditions and their expression and activities are tightly regulated, these transcription factors represent highly desirable and logical points of therapeutical interference in cancer development and progression. Three major families of transcription factors have emerged as important players in human cancer and are validated targets in drug discovery for cancer therapy: 1) the NF-kappaB and AP-1 families of transcription factors, 2) the STAT family members and 3) the steroids receptors. This review aims to elucidate the divergent molecular mechanisms involved in the deregulated activation of transcription factor signaling in malignant transformation, although additional transcription factor families such as the Ets factors, ATF family members, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors etc. are additional critical transcriptional regulators in human cancer. We explore new approaches to specifically inhibit these transcription factors in cancer in order to validate them as a drug targets. Efforts to develop novel viral vectors for therapeutic applications are also discussed.

Inflammatory and degenerative pathophysiological processes within the CNS are important causes of human disease. Astrocytes appear to modulate these reactions and are a major source of inflammatory mediators, e.g. extracellular adenine nucleotides, in nervous tissues. Actions following extracellular nucleotides binding to type 2 purinergic receptors are regulated by ectonucleotidases, including members of the CD39/ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family. The ectonucleotidases of astrocytes expressed by rat brain rapidly convert extracellular ATP to ADP, ultimately to AMP. RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry as well as Western blotting analysis demonstrated expression of multiple ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family members at both the mRNA and protein level. By quantitative real-time PCR, we identified Entpd2 (CD39L1) as the dominant Entpd gene expressed by rat hippocampal, cortical and cerebellar astrocytes. These data in combination with the elevated ecto-ATPase activity observed in these brain regions, suggest that NTPDase2, an ecto-enzyme that preferentially hydrolyzes ATP, is the major ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase expressed by rat astrocytes. NTPDase2 may modulate inflammatory reactions within the CNS and could represent a useful therapeutic target in human disease.

The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45beta (GADD45beta) gene product has been implicated in the stress response, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Here we demonstrated the unexpected expression of GADD45beta in the embryonic growth plate and uncovered its novel role as an essential mediator of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression during terminal chondrocyte differentiation. We identified GADD45beta as a prominent early response gene induced by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) through a Smad1/Runx2-dependent pathway. Because this pathway is involved in skeletal development, we examined mouse embryonic growth plates, and we observed expression of Gadd45beta mRNA coincident with Runx2 protein in pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes, whereas GADD45beta protein was localized prominently in the nucleus in late stage hypertrophic chondrocytes where Mmp-13 mRNA was expressed. In Gadd45beta(-/-) mouse embryos, defective mineralization and decreased bone growth accompanied deficient Mmp-13 and Col10a1 gene expression in the hypertrophic zone. Transduction of small interfering RNA-GADD45beta in epiphyseal chondrocytes in vitro blocked terminal differentiation and the associated expression of Mmp-13 and Col10a1 mRNA in vitro. Finally, GADD45beta stimulated MMP-13 promoter activity in chondrocytes through the JNK-mediated phosphorylation of JunD, partnered with Fra2, in synergy with Runx2. These observations indicated that GADD45beta plays an essential role during chondrocyte terminal differentiation.

The p53 tumor suppressor gene plays an important role during induction of apoptosis in cancer. In contrast, NF-kappaB prevents apoptosis in response to chemotherapeutic agents and is a critical regulator of cell survival. Despite the riches of information on the regulation of wild-type p53 function by phosphorylation, nothing is known about the modulation of mutant p53 activity by phosphorylation. Here we report that inhibition of NF-kappaB in DU145 prostate cancer cells results in p53 mutant phosphorylation at serine 15 (Ser15), leading to an increase of p53 stability, DNA binding and gain of function. Serine 15-phosphorylation is due to GADD45alpha-dependent induction of JNK kinase, which can be blocked by SP600125, a JNK kinase inhibitor. Furthermore, inhibition of GADD45alpha by small interfering RNA blocks JNK activation and abrogates Ser15 phosphorylation. Together, these results highlight the importance of Ser15 phosphorylation in regulating the oncogenic function of mutant p53 and apoptosis induction in the context of the NF-kappaB/IkappaB signaling pathway.

Treatment of patients suffering from myelodysplastic syndromes and secondary acute myeloid leukemia after MDS is often unsuccessful. Pro-apoptosis with arsenic trioxide has recently been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach. Exisulind is another potentially pro-apoptotic agent, and therefore, we investigated its influence on proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle and apoptosis in two sAML/MDS cell lines, one de-novo AML cell line and healthy CD34+ bone marrow cells. Treatment of sAML/MDS cells with Exisulind clearly inhibited colony formation in the CFU-assays. Interestingly, Exisulind did not alter the percentages of sAML/MDS cells in G1-, G2-, M- or S-phase, but reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis in this cell type. Exisulind had no effect on de-novo AML or normal CD34+ cells. We detected increased c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activity in sAML/MDS cells treated with Exisulind. Adding a specific JNK-inhibitor to Exisulind-treated sAML/MDS cells partly abrogated apoptosis, thus proving that Exisulind-mediated apoptosis in sAML/MDS cells is dependent on JNK activation. We conclude that JNK is one mediator of apoptosis in sAML/MDS cells treated with Exisulind. Moreover, our data strongly suggests to explore the potential use of Exisulind as a novel, pro-apoptotic therapy for patients with MDS and sAML/MDS.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme in the production of prostaglandins that are major inflammatory agents. COX-2 production is triggered by exposure to various cytokines and to bacterial endotoxins. We present here a novel role for the Ets transcription factor ESE-1 in regulating the COX-2 gene in response to endotoxin and other pro-inflammatory stimuli. We report that the induction of COX-2 expression by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines correlates with ESE-1 induction in monocyte/macrophages. ESE-1, in turn, binds to several E26 transformation specific (Ets) sites on the COX-2 promoter. In vitro analysis demonstrates that ESE-1 binds to and activates the COX-2 promoter to levels comparable to LPS-mediated induction. Moreover, we provide results showing that the induction of COX-2 by LPS may require ESE-1, as the mutation of the Ets sites in the COX-2 promoter or overexpression of a dominant-negative form of ESE-1 inhibits LPS-mediated COX-2 induction. The effect of ESE-1 on the COX-2 promoter is further enhanced by cooperation with other transcription factors such as nuclear factor-kappa B and nuclear factor of activated T cells. Neutralization of COX-2 is the goal of many anti-inflammatory drugs. As an activator of COX-2 induction, ESE-1 may become a target for such therapeutics as well. Together with our previous reports of the role of ESE-1 as an inducer of nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells and as a mediator of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vascular and connective tissue cells, these results establish ESE-1 as an important player in the regulation of inflammation.

The NF-kappaB/IkappaB signaling pathway is a critical regulator of cell survival, and constitutive activation of NF-kappaB is a crucial step for many types of cancers to escape programmed cell death. Furthermore, chemotherapeutic agents activate NF-kappaB in cancer cells, and this may partially explain the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. The precise mechanism of the anti-apoptotic action of NF-kappaB is not known, but involves the regulation of several cell cycle regulatory and anti-apoptotic genes. We recently demonstrated that NF-kappaB mediated cell survival is absolutely dependent on two GADD45 family members, GADD45alpha and gamma. In line with this, inhibition of NF-kappaB in cancer cells results in GADD45alpha and g dependent induction of apoptosis, JNK activation and inhibition of tumor growth. These findings establish an unambiguous role for the GADD45 family as an essential mediator of cell survival in cancer cells with implications for cancer chemotherapy and novel drug discovery.

The NF-kappaB/IkappaB signaling pathway is a critical regulator of cell survival in cancer. Here, we report that combined down-regulation of growth arrest- and DNA-damage-inducible proteins (GADD)45alpha and gamma expression by NF-kappaB is an essential step for various cancer types to escape programmed cell death. We demonstrate that inhibition of NF-kappaB in cancer cells results in GADD45alpha- and gamma-dependent induction of apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth. Inhibition of GADD45alpha and gamma in cancer cells by small interfering RNA abrogates apoptosis induction by the inhibitor of NF-kappaB and blocks c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, whereas overexpression of GADD45alpha and gamma activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase and induces apoptosis. These results establish an unambiguous role for the GADD45 family as an essential mediator of cell survival in cancer cells with implications for cancer chemotherapy and novel drug discovery.

Lethal phenotypes of human prostate cancer are characterized by progression to androgen-independence and metastasis. For want of a clinically relevant animal model, mechanisms behind this progression remain unclear. Our study used an in vivo model of androgen-sensitive LNCaP human prostate cancer cell xenografts in male SCID mice to study the cellular and molecular biology of tumor progression. Primary tumors were established orthotopically, and the mice were then surgically castrated to withdraw androgens. Five generations of androgen-independent tumors were developed using castrated host mice. Tumor samples were used to determine expressions of cellular and molecular markers. Androgen-independent tumors had increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis compared to androgen-sensitive tumors, outcomes associated with elevated expression of p53, p21/waf1, bcl-2, bax and the bcl-2/bax ratio. Blood vessel growth in androgen-independent tumor was associated with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. Overexpression of androgen receptor mRNA and reduced expression of androgen receptor protein in androgen-independent tumors suggest that the androgen receptor signaling pathway may play an important role in the progression of human prostate cancer to androgen-independence. The in vivo orthotopic LNCaP tumor model described in our study mimics the clinical course of human prostate cancer progression. As such, it can be used as a model for defining the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression to androgen-independence and for evaluating the effect of preventive or therapeutic regimens for androgen-independent human prostate cancer., (Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

We previously isolated different isoforms of a new Ets transcription factor family member, NERF/ELF-2, NERF-2, NERF-1a, and NERF-1b. In contrast to the inhibitory isoforms NERF-1a and NERF-1b, NERF-2 acts as a transactivator of the B cell-specific blk promoter. We now report that NERF-2 and NERF-1 physically interact with AML1 (RUNX1), a frequent target for chromosomal translocations in leukemia. NERF-2 bound to AML1 via an interaction site located in a basic region upstream of the Ets domain. This is in contrast to most other Ets factors such as Ets-1 that bind to AML1 via the Ets domain, suggesting that different Ets factors utilize different domains for interaction with AML1. The interaction between AML1 and NERF-2 led to cooperative transactivation of the blk promoter, whereas the interaction between AML1 and NERF-1a led to repression of AML1-mediated transactivation. To delineate the differences in function of the different NERF isoforms, we determined that the transactivation domain of NERF-2 is encoded by the N-terminal 100 amino acids, which have been replaced in NERF-1a by a 19-amino acid transcriptionally inactive sequence. Furthermore, acidic domains A and B, which are conserved in NERF-2 and the related proteins ELF-1 and MEF/ELF-4, but not in NERF-1a, are largely responsible for NERF-2-mediated transactivation. Because translocation of the Ets factor Tel to AML1 is a frequent event in childhood pre-B leukemia, understanding the interaction of Ets factors with AML1 in the context of a B cell-specific promoter might help to determine the function of Ets factors and AML1 in leukemia.

To date, no effective treatment for patients with advanced androgen-independent prostate cancer is available, whereas androgen ablation therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are effective in treating local, androgen-dependent tumors. The mechanisms underlying the differences between androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer remain elusive. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine whose expression under normal physiological conditions is tightly controlled. However, aberrant constitutive IL-6 gene expression has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy and has been directly linked to prostate cancer morbidity and mortality. Particularly striking is the large increase in the expression of IL-6 in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. IL-6, in addition to its role as an immunomodulatory cytokine, functions as a growth and differentiation factor for prostate cancer cells. To determine the molecular mechanisms that lead to deregulated IL-6 expression in advanced prostate cancer, we examined the regulatory elements involved in IL-6 gene expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. We demonstrate that, in contrast to the androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells, androgen-insensitive PC-3 and DU145 cells express high levels of IL-6 protein and mRNA due to enhanced promoter activity. Deregulated activation of the IL-6 promoter is for the most part mediated by a combined constitutive activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB p50 and p65 and the activator protein 1 (AP-1) JunD and Fra-1 family members as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, site-directed mutagenesis, and transfection experiments. Mutation of the NF-kappaB and AP-1 sites drastically reduces IL-6 promoter activity in both androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines. Additionally, inhibition of these transcription factors using adenovirus vectors encoding either the IkappaBalpha repressor gene or a dominant negative JunD mutant leads to a strong down-regulation of IL-6 gene expression at the mRNA and protein level as measured by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, the blockade of IL-6 gene expression results in drastic inhibition of the constitutively activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling pathway in DU145 cells. Our data demonstrate for the first time that a combined aberrant activation of NF-kappaB p50 and p65 and AP-1 JunD and Fra-1 in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells results in deregulated IL-6 expression, suggesting a novel potential entry point for therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer.

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is one of the most versatile DNA repair mechanisms, ensuring the proper functioning and trustworthy transmission of genetic information in all living cells. The phenotypic consequences caused by NER defects in humans are autosomal recessive diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). This syndrome is the most sun-sensitive disorder leading to a high frequency of skin cancer. The majority of patients with XP carry mutations in the XPA or XPC genes that encode proteins involved in recognition of DNA damage induced by UV light at the beginning of the NER process. Cells cultured from XPA and XPC patients are hypersensitive to UV light, as a result of malfunctioning DNA repair. So far there is no effective long-term treatment for these patients. Skin cancer prevention can only be achieved by strict avoidance of sunlight exposure or by the use of sunscreen agents. We have constructed recombinant adenoviruses carrying the XPA and XPC genes that were used to infect XP-A and XP-C immortalized and primary fibroblast cell lines. UV survival curves and unscheduled DNA synthesis confirmed complete phenotypic reversion in XP DNA repair deficient cells with no trace of cytotoxicity. Moreover, transgene expression is stable for at least 60 days after infection. This efficient adenovirus gene delivery approach may be an important tool to better understand XP deficiency and the causes of DNA damage induced skin cancer.

Adenoviruses have been used for gene therapy or immunization due to their ability to efficiently infect a broad range of cells and tissues. These applications as well as specificity could be improved further by redirecting binding of the virus to specific cell types. In this regard, modification of viral genes encoding coat proteins is an option to achieve improvement in retargeting. In this report, we describe a substitution in the adenovirus type 2 fiber globular region by the 44 amino acid C4 domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120. In vitro translation analysis and immunoprecipitation assays show that the incorporation of the C4 domain into the fiber protein does not ablate its trimerization property and demonstrates the availability of the C4 epitope for interaction with monoclonal anti-C4 antibody. The recombinant adenovirus containing this modified fiber was also characterized by immunoprecipitation with the same antibody, showing the viability of such kind of modification.

Seventy-four E. coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea or edema disease in Spain were serotyped and examined for production of heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins (LT-I, LT-II, STaH, STaP, and STb) and verotoxins (VT1, VT2, and VT2v = VTe) by phenotypic (Vero cell assay and infant mouse test) and genotypic (colony hybridization and PCR) methods. In general, an excellent correlation was found between the results obtained with a PCR approach and those determined with biological assays. DNA probes used in the hybridization also showed a very good agreement with phenotypic results, with the exception of a VT1 probe that initially produced 10 false-positive reactions. The gene coding for STb (58 strains) was the most prevalent gene detected by PCR, followed by those coding for STa (46 strains), LT (19 strains), VT2v (11 strains), and VT1 (1 strain). Apparently, in Spain three seropathotypes are predominant: (i) O149:K91:H10 K88+ LT-I+ STb+, (ii) O141:K85ab:H- P987+ STaP+, and (iii) O138:K81:H14 or H- STaP+ VT2v+. We conclude that PCR is a fast, specific, and practical method for the identification of enterotoxin and VT genes in clinical and epidemiological studies.

Forty-six verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) strains isolated from diarrhoeic and healthy calves in Spain were examined for DNA sequences homologous to genes for verotoxins (VT1 and VT2) and enterotoxins (LT-I, LT-II, STaH, STaP and STb). Hybridisation showed that 26 (57%) of VTEC strains carried VT1 genes, 13 (28%) possessed VT2 genes, and 7 (15%) carried both VT1 and VT2 genes. No VTEC strains hybridised with DNA probes for enterotoxins. A correlation was found between the serotype and type of VT produced. Thus, all strains of serotypes O26:K-:H11 (13 strains), O103:K-:H2 (3 strains) and O128:K?:H- (4 strains) hybridised with the VT1 probe only, whereas all strains of serotypes O4:K-:H4 (3 strains) and O113:K-:H21 (4 strains) were positive with the VT2 probe only. By contrast, O81:K?:H28 (2 strains) and O157:K-:H- (2 strains) strains hybridised with both VT1 and VT2 probes. One strain of serotype O157:K-:H7 was VT2 positive.

The 18-kDa protein from Mycobacterium leprae is a major target for the immune response in leprosy. We have developed a system to express this antigen in yeast as a fusion protein with the C-terminal region of the yeast membrane protein GAS1, which would render the recombinant protein anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Cells lacking the GAS1 gene and transformed with the hybrid 18-kDa-GAS1 construct express a polypeptide that reacts with an 18-kDa-specific monoclonal antibody. In addition, these cells react with an alpha-CRD antibody after GPI-PLC treatment. The non-transformed cells are negative. These data indicate that our system may be suitable for the expression of foreign proteins in yeast in a GPI-anchored form.