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Supplementary Tables S1 & S2 from Sustained Expression of Early Growth Response Protein-1 Blocks Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth

Transient induction of the transcription factor early growth response protein-1 (EGR-1) plays a pivotal role in the transcriptional response of endothelial cells to the angiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which are produced by most tumors and are involved in the angiogenic switch. We report here that sustained expression of EGR-1 by recombinant adenoviruses in endothelial cells, however, leads to the specific induction of potent feedback inhibitory mechanisms, including strong up-regulation of transcriptional repressors, negative cell cycle check point effectors, proteins with established antiangiogenic activity, and several proapoptotic genes. Sustained EGR-1 expression consistently leads to an antiangiogenic state characterized by an altered responsiveness to VEGF and bFGF and a striking inhibition of sprouting and tubule formation in vitro. Furthermore, EGR-1–expressing viruses potently inhibit cell invasion and vessel formation in the murine Matrigel model and repress tumor growth in a murine fibrosarcoma model. We propose that gene therapy involving sustained EGR-1 expression may constitute a novel therapeutic principle in the treatment of cancer due to the simultaneous induction of multiple pathways of antiangiogenesis, growth arrest, and apoptosis induction in proliferating cells leading to preferential inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(13): 6708-13)

Sepsis is still a major burden for our society with high incidence of morbidity and mortality each year. Molecular mechanisms underlying the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) associated with sepsis are still ill defined and most therapies developed to target the acute inflammatory component of the disease are insufficient. Recently the role of nuclear receptors (NRs) became a major topic of interest in transcriptional regulation of inflammatory processes. Nuclear receptors, such as the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARs), have been demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory properties by interfering with the NFκB pathway. We identified the nuclear envelope protein, interferon stimulated gene 12 (ISG12), which directly interacts with NRs. ISG12 is a co-factor stimulating nuclear export of NRs, thereby reducing the anti-inflammatory potential of NRs such as NR4A1. To examine the role of ISG12 in acute inflammatory processes we used recently generated ISG12 deficient mice. We can clearly demonstrate that lack of ISG12 prolongs survival in experimental sepsis and endotoxemia. Furthermore we can show that several acute inflammatory parameters, such as systemic IL6 cytokine levels, are downregulated in septic ISG12−/− animals. Consistently, similar results were obtained in in vitro experiments in peritoneal macrophages derived from ISG12 deficient mice. In contrast, mice deficient for the nuclear receptor NR4A1 exhibited an exacerbated innate immune response, and showed a significantly higher mortality after lethal endotoxemic challenge. This dramatic phenotype could be restored in ISG12/NR4A1 double deficient mice. We conclude from our data in vitro and in vivo that ISG12 is a novel modulator of innate immune responses regulating anti-inflammatory nuclear receptors such as NR4A1.

SummaryAngiogenesis, the sprouting of blood vessels form pre-existing vasculature after injury or in neoplastic diseases, is initiated by growth factor-induced endothelial cell migration. Recently, the major angiogenic growth factor VEGF165 has become the target of therapeutic interventions. However, this approach has been clinically proven to be of limited efficacy, which might be due to the fact that tumour angiogenesis is not only induced by VEGF, but also by a variety of other growth factors. Thus, the identification of a common downstream mediator of growth-factor-induced endothelial cell migration is mandatory to effectively interfere with (tumour-) angiogenesis. We found that the urokinase-type plas-minogen activator (uPA)-system, which affects proteolytic as well as adhesive capacities, represents an essential regulatory mechanism in growth factor-induced endothelial cell migration and invasion. This mechanism was not limited to VEGF165, but mediated pro-angiogenic endothelial cell behaviour induced by various growth factors. Thus, VEGF165, VEGF-E, FGF-2, EGF as well as HGF induced a PI3k-dependent activation of pro-uPA when bound to uPAR, which led to an increase in cell surface fibrinolytic activity. As a consequence, uPAR became internalised and redistributed via LDLR-proteins. Interference with these events led to a reduced migratory response of endothelial cells towards VEGF in vitro as well as endothelial cell invasion in vivo. These data give first evidence that the uPA-system, which represents the only level-of-evidence-1 cancer biomarker system for prognosis and/or prediction in node negative breast cancer, might directly affect (tumour-) angiogenesis.

Diverse stimuli can feed into the MAPK/ERK cascade; this includes receptor tyrosine kinases, G protein-coupled receptors, integrins, and scavenger receptors (LDL receptor-related protein (LRP)). Here, we investigated the consequence of concomitant occupancy of the receptor tyrosine kinases (by EGF, basic FGF, VEGF, etc.) and of LRP family members (by LDL or lactoferrin). The simultaneous stimulation of a receptor tyrosine kinase by its cognate ligand and of LRP-1 (by lactoferrin or LDL) resulted in sustained activation of ERK, which was redirected to the cytoplasm. Accordingly, elevated levels of active cytosolic ERK were translated into accelerated adhesion to vitronectin. The sustained ERK response was seen in several cell types, but it was absent in cells deficient in LRP-1 (but not in cells lacking the LDL receptor). This response was also contingent on the presence of urokinase (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), because it was absent in uPA(-/-) and uPAR(-/-) fibroblasts. Combined stimulation of the EGF receptor and of LRP-1 delayed nuclear accumulation of phosphorylated ERK. This shift in favor of cytosolic accumulation of phospho-ERK was accounted for by enhanced proteasomal degradation of dual specificity phosphatases DUSP1 and DUSP6, which precluded dephosphorylation of cytosolic ERK. These observations demonstrate that the ERK cascade can act as a coincidence detector to decode the simultaneous engagement of a receptor tyrosine kinase and of LRP-1 and as a signal integrator that encodes this information in a spatially and temporally distinct biological signal. In addition, the findings provide an explanation of why chronic elevation of LRP-1 ligands (e.g. PAI-1) can predispose to cancer.

Summary. Background: Periodontitis represents a chronic infection of supportive dental tissues by distinct gram-negative bacteria. It is characterized by chronic and local inflammation as well as transient bacteremia with frequently occurring infections at distant sites. Objectives: The present work aimed to clarify the role of platelets and plasma factors in neutrophil interactions with the periodontopathogens A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. Methods: Phagocytosis, cell–cell interactions and activation of platelets and neutrophils in response to periodontopathogens were analyzed by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and bacteria survival assay. Plasma factors, platelet signaling pathways and receptors involved in platelet-neutrophil-bacteria interactions were determined. The role of platelet and neutrophil TLR2 in phagocytosis was further evaluated in a murine TLR2 knockout model. Results: In the presence of plasma neutrophil-mediated clearance of periodontopathogens is doubled due to opsonisation of bacteria. Platelets, which become activated by periodontopathogens, further enhance clearance of bacteria by 20%, via direct interaction with neutrophils. Plasma factors (e.g. CD14) are required for platelet activation, which is mainly TLR2 dependent and results in PI3K/Akt activation. In a murine TLR2 knockout model we prove that platelet TLR2 is important for formation of platelet–neutrophil aggregates and enhanced phagocytosis of periodontopathogens. In contrast, neutrophil TLR2 is not involved in platelet–neutrophil aggregate formation but is required for efficient phagocytosis. Conclusions: These data indicate that efficient elimination of periodontopathogens by neutrophils involves a complex interplay of plasma factors as well as platelets and requires functional TLR2. By enhancing neutrophil activation platelets contribute to immune defense but may also foster inflammation.

Oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) are increasingly recognized as pleiotropic lipid mediators demonstrating a variety of biological activities. In particular, OxPLs induce electrophilic stress response and stimulate expression of NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-dependent genes. The mechanisms of NRF2 upregulation in response to OxPLs, however, are incompletely understood. Here we show that upregulation of NRF2 by OxPLs depends on the activity of the CK2 protein kinase. Inactivation of CK2 by chemical inhibitors or gene silencing resulted in diminished accumulation of NRF2 and its target genes, GCLM, HMOX1, and NQO1, downstream in response to OxPLs. Furthermore, inhibition of CK2 suppressed NRF2-dependent induction of ATF4 and its downstream gene VEGF. Thus, inactivation of CK2 in OxPL-treated endothelial cells results in inhibition of the NRF2-ATF4-VEGF axis and is likely to produce antiangiogenic effects. This work characterizes novel cross-talk between CK2 and cellular stress pathways, which may provide additional insights into the mechanisms of beneficial action and side-effects of CK2 inhibitors.

6-Aza-2-thiothymine (ATT) is introduced as novel matrix system for the analysis of oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). A systematic evaluation comparing different established and novel matrix substances, especially 2,4,6-THAP matrix (Stubiger, G.; Belgacem O. Anal. Chem. 2007, 79, 3206-3213) as reference compound for phospholipid analysis, and specific matrix additives was performed. Thereby, ATT turned out to be the reagent of choice for MALDI analysis of major biologically relevant OxPL classes (e.g., OxPC, OxPE, and OxPS) in positive and negative ionization mode. ATT used together with specific chaotropic reagents at low concentration (0.5-2 mM) acting as OxPL ionization enhancers revealed an excellent comatrix system for application with MALDI instrument types employing UV- and Nd:YAG laser systems (337 and 355 nm). Moreover, disposable MALDI targets surfaces with specific physicochemical properties (e.g., metallized glass or polymeric substrates) were revealed as superior over stainless steel in terms of reduced chemical background noise ( approximately 10-fold better S/N ratios), increased mass spectral reproducibility, and enhanced sensitivity (LOD approximately 250-500 fg on target). The combination of these parameters offers a significant advantage for highly sensitive OxPL profiling by MALDI-MS of biological samples (e.g., human plasma) at trace levels.

Objective— The ATF4 arm of the unfolded protein response is increasingly recognized for its relevance to pathology, and in particular to angiogenic reactions. Oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs), known to accumulate in atherosclerotic vessels, were shown to upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and induce angiogenesis via an ATF4-dependent mechanism. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of ATF4 upregulation by OxPLs and more specifically the involvement of NRF2, the major transcriptional mediator of electrophilic stress response. Methods and Results— Using reverse transcription/real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, we found that OxPLs induced upregulation of ATF4 mRNA and protein in several types of endothelial cells and that these effects were suppressed by short interfering RNA (siRNA) against NRF2. Electrophilic (iso)prostaglandins and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, similarly to OxPLs, elevated ATF4 mRNA levels in an NRF2-dependent mode. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed OxPL-dependent binding of NRF2 to a putative antioxidant response element site in the ATF4 gene promoter. Knockdown of NRF2 inhibited OxPL-induced elevation of VEGF mRNA and endothelial cell sprout formation. Conclusion— Our data characterize NRF2 as a positive regulator of ATF4 and identify a novel cross-talk between electrophilic and unfolded protein responses, which may play a role in stress-induced angiogenesis.

Cancer progression is often associated with the formation of malignant effusions. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of vascular permeability and has been implicated as mediator of tumor progression. We examined the production and secretion of VEGF(165) in various primary cancer cells derived from malignant effusions, and the role of exogenous VEGF(165) as a mediator of effusion formation. VEGF(165) was constantly secreted by all cultured tumor cells in an mTOR-dependent manner, as it was inhibited by the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Secreted VEGF(165) showed functional activity by inducing endothelial leakiness and tumor cell-transendothelial migration in vitro, effects which could be reverted by the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. Thus, mTOR inhibitors as well as bevacizumab should be considered as potential agents in cancer patients suffering from malignant effusions.

A great variety of signalling pathways regulating inflammation, cell development and cell survival require NF-kappaB transcription factors, which are normally inactive due to binding to inhibitors, such as IkappaBalpha. The canonical activation pathway of NF-kappaB is initiated by phosphorylation of the inhibitor by an IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex triggering ubiquitination of IkappaB molecules by SCF-type E3-ligase complexes and rapid degradation by 26S-proteasomes. The ubiquitination machinery is regulated by the COP9 signalosome (CSN). We show that IkappaB kinases interact with the CSN-complex, as well as the SCF-ubiquitination machinery, providing an explanation for the rapid signalling-induced ubiquitination and degradation of IkappaBalpha. Furthermore, we reveal that IKK's phosphorylate not only IkappaBalpha, but also the CSN-subunit Csn5/JAB1 (c-Jun activation domain binding protein-1) and that IKK2 influences ubiquitination of Csn5/JAB1. Our observations imply that the CSN complex acts as an inhibitor of constitutive NF-kappaB activity in non-activated cells. Knock-down of Csn5/JAB1 clearly enhanced basal NF-kappaB activity and improved cell survival under stress. The inhibitory effect of Csn5/JAB1 requires a functional MPN(+) metalloprotease domain, which is responsible for cleaving ubiquitin-like Nedd8-modifications. Upon activation of cells with tumour necrosis factor-alpha, the CSN complex dissociates from IKK's allowing full and rapid activation of the NF-kappaB pathway by the concerted action of interacting protein complexes.

Objective—Oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) that are abundant in atherosclerotic lesions are increasingly recognized as context-dependent lipid mediators demonstrating both pro- and antiinflammatory activities. Molecular mechanisms of their effects are largely unknown. Here we present novel information on the mechanisms whereby OxPLs modulate activation of TLR4 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods and Results—We show, using several cell types and various inflammatory genes as readouts, that different classes and molecular species of OxPLs do not stimulate TLR4 but exert prominent inhibitory effects on LPS-induced reactions. Our data demonstrate that binding of OxPLs to the LPS-binding protein (LBP) and CD14 prevents recognition of LPS by these proteins, thus impairing activation of TLR4. In addition, OxPLs inhibited LBP- and CD14-independent activation of TLR4 by the synthetic TLR4 agonist E6020 indicating that in parallel with LBP and CD14, OxPLs target cell-associated steps in TLR4 cascade.Conclusions—Our data suggest that OxPLs inhibit action of LPS via a multi-hit mechanism. These results support the notion that OxPLs are endogenous inhibitors of TLR4 produced in response to oxidative stress.

The multifunctional mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (M6P/IGF2R) is considered a tumor suppressor. We report here that RNA interference with M6P/IGF2R expression in urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expressing human cancer and endothelial cells resulted in increased pericellular plasminogen activation, cell adhesion, and higher invasive potential through matrigel. M6P/IGF2R silencing led also to the cell surface accumulation of urokinase and plasminogen and enhanced expression of αV integrins. Genetic rescue experiments and inhibitor studies revealed that the enhanced plasminogen activation was due to a direct effect of M6P/IGF2R on uPAR, whereas increased cell adhesion to vitronectin was dependent on αV integrin expression and not uPAR. Increased cell invasion of M6P/IGF2R knockdown cells was rescued by cosilencing both uPAR and αV integrin. Furthermore, we found that M6P/IGF2R expression accelerates the cleavage of uPAR. M6P/IGF2R silencing resulted in an increased ratio of full-length uPAR to the truncated D2D3 fragment, incapable of binding most uPAR ligands. We conclude that M6P/IGF2R controls cell invasion by regulating αV integrin expression and by accelerating uPAR cleavage, leading to the loss of the urokinase/vitronectin/integrin-binding site on uPAR.

We investigated the role of podoplanin in development of the sinus venosus myocardium comprising the sinoatrial node, dorsal atrial wall, and primary atrial septum as well as the myocardium of the cardinal and pulmonary veins. We analyzed podoplanin wild-type and knockout mouse embryos between embryonic day 9.5–15.5 using immunohistochemical marker podoplanin; sinoatrial-node marker HCN4; myocardial markers MLC-2a, Nkx2.5, as well as Cx43; coelomic marker WT-1; and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation markers E-cadherin and RhoA. Three-dimensional reconstructions were made and myocardial morphometry was performed. Podoplanin mutants showed hypoplasia of the sinoatrial node, primary atrial septum, and dorsal atrial wall. Myocardium lining the wall of the cardinal and pulmonary veins was thin and perforated. Impaired myocardial formation is correlated with abnormal epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation of the coelomic epithelium due to up-regulated E-cadherin and down-regulated RhoA, which are controlled by podoplanin. Our results demonstrate an important role for podoplanin in development of sinus venosus myocardium. Developmental Dynamics 238:183–193, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Epicardium and epicardium-derived cells have been shown to be necessary for myocardial differentiation. To elucidate the function of podoplanin in epicardial development and myocardial differentiation, we analyzed podoplanin knockout mouse embryos between embryonic day (E) 9.5 and E15.5 using immunohistochemical differentiation markers, morphometry, and three-dimensional reconstructions. Podoplanin null mice have an increased embryonic lethality, possibly of cardiac origin. Our study reveals impairment in the development of the proepicardial organ, epicardial adhesion, and spreading and migration of the epicardium-derived cells. Mutant embryos show a hypoplastic and perforated compact and septal myocardium, hypoplastic atrioventricular cushions resulting in atrioventricular valve abnormalities, as well as coronary artery abnormalities. The epicardial pathology is correlated with reduced epithelial–mesenchymal transformation caused by up-regulation of E-cadherin, normally downregulated by podoplanin. Our results demonstrate a role for podoplanin in normal cardiac development based on epicardial–myocardial interaction. Abnormal epicardial differentiation and reduced epithelial–mesenchymal transformation result in deficient epicardium-derived cells leading to myocardial pathology and cardiac anomalies. Developmental Dynamics 237:847– 857, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Rho GTPases regulate diverse cellular functions including adhesion, cytokinesis and motility, as well as the activity of the transcription factors NF-kappaB, serum response factor and C/EBP. alpha-Catulin, an alpha-catenin-related protein that shares structural similarities with cytoskeletal linker proteins, facilitates Rho signalling by serving as a scaffold for the Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor Lbc. We report here that alpha-catulin also interacts with a key component of the NF-kappaB signalling pathway, namely the IkappaB kinase (IKK)-beta. In co-immunoprecipitations, alpha-catulin can bind IKK-beta and Lbc. Ectopic expression of alpha-catulin augmented NF-kappaB activity, promoted cell migration and increased resistance to apoptosis, whereas knockdown experiments showed the opposite effects. Together, these features suggest that alpha-catulin has tumorigenic potential.

Microparticles (MPs) are released from cells during processes such as apoptosis or during cell activation. These MPs contain phospholipids, proteins and even nucleic acids derived from their parent cells. They are found circulating in plasma but also in tissues such as atherosclerotic plaques. It is thought that MPs contain and transfer tissue factor and can thereby induce blood clotting. In this study we analyzed clot promoting properties of MPs generated from vascular cells in vitro. MPs were generated from endothelial cells (EC), smooth muscles cells (SMC), monocytes (U937), erythrocytes (RBC) or platelets (Pl) by inducing apoptosis or by calcium ionophore activation; they were subsequently isolated by differential centrifugation. Thrombogenicity of the MPs was evaluated using a thrombin generation assay (Technothrombin® TGA) and MP free plasma as substrate. MPs displayed a different thrombin generating potential depending on the parent cells. MPs derived from RBCs (~400nM peak thrombin/105 MPs/ml plasma), ECs (~300nM), SMCs (~300nM) and Pls (~300nM) were more thrombogenic than MPs derived from U937 (~200 nM). In addition EC, SMC and U937 MPs all expressed tissue factor but EC MPs induced thrombin generation in a tissue factor and FVII independent manner. EC MPs even expressed active tissue factor pathway inhibitor and functionally inhibited tissue factor dependent thrombin generation. Since the higher thrombin generation induced by MPs derived from EC as compared U937 derived MPs could not be explained by a different activity of tissue factor, we were interested whether lipids contained in the microparticles could account for the differences in thrombin generation. We therefore analyzed thrombin generation induced by lipids isolated from MPs and parent cells and could show that lipids from EC MPs and SMC MPs exhibited higher thrombin generation than those from U937 MPs. Upon analysis of lipids by thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry we found that in general microparticles are enriched in cholesterol, sphingomyeline and phosphatidylserine over the parent cells and that EC and SMC MPs were enriched in negatively charged phospholipids (different species of phosphatidylserine and phosphatiylglycerol) as compared to MPs derived from U937 cells. When thrombogenicity was, however, evaluated in vivo by injecting MPs into mice it was found that the highest capability to induce thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes had MPs derived from SMCs; also U937 MPs induced an increase in TAT levels, while EC MPs – although more thrombogenic than U937 MPs in vitro – did not induce TAT complex formation by themselves but were only synergistic in vivo. From these data we conclude that thrombin formation in vivo depends on the initiation of the tissue factor FVII pathway, while the extent of thrombin formation is dependent on negatively charged phospholipids contained to a higher extent in MPs derived e.g. from ECs.

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key enzyme in the cellular response to tissue injury and oxidative stress. HO-1 enzymatic activity results in the formation of the cytoprotective metabolites CO and biliverdin. In the skin, HO-1 is strongly induced after long wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA-1). Here we show that UVA-1 irradiation generates oxidized phospholipids derived from 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (PAPC) that mediate the expression of HO-1 in skin cells. Using EO6 antibodies that recognize oxidized phospholipids, we show that UVA-1 irradiation of dermal fibroblasts generates oxidation-specific epitopes. Irradiation of arachidonate-containing phospholipids with UVA-1 led to formation of defined lipid oxidation products including epoxyisoprostane-phosphatidylcholine that induced HO-1 expression in dermal fibroblasts, in keratinocytes, and in a three-dimensional epidermal equivalent model. In addition, we demonstrate that the oxidation of PAPC by UVA-1 is a singlet oxygen-dependent mechanism. Together, we present a novel mechanism of UVA-1-induced HO-1 expression that is mediated by the generation of biologically active phospholipid oxidation products. Because UVA-1 irradiation is a mainstay treatment of several inflammatory skin diseases, structural identification of UVA-1-generated biomolecules with HO-1-inducing capacity should lead to the development of drugs that could substitute for irradiation.

Protein C inhibitor (PCI) is a serpin with affinity for heparin and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). We analyzed the interaction of PCI with different phospholipids and their oxidized forms. PCI bound to oxidized PE (OxPE), and oxidized and unoxidized phosphatidylserine (PS) immobilized on microtiter plates and in aqueous suspension. Binding to OxPE and PS was competed by heparin, but not by the aminophospholipid-binding protein annexin V or the PCI-binding lipid retinoic acid. PS and OxPE stimulated the inhibition of activated protein C (aPC) by PCI in a Ca++-dependent manner, indicating that binding of both, aPC (Ca++ dependent) and PCI (Ca++ independent), to phospholipids is necessary. A peptide corresponding to the heparin-binding site of PCI abolished the stimulatory effect of PS on aPC inhibition. No stimulatory effect of phospholipids on aPC inhibition was seen with a PCI mutant lacking the heparin-binding site. A heparin-like effect of phospholipids (OxPE) was not seen with antithrombin III, another heparin-binding serpin, suggesting that it is specific for PCI. PCI and annexin V were found to be endogenously colocalized in atherosclerotic plaques, supporting the hypothesis that exposure of oxidized PE and/or PS may be important for the local regulation of PCI activity in vivo.

Transgenic founder rabbits carrying a gene construct consisting of a 2.5 kb murine whey acidic protein promoter (mWAP), 7.2 kb of the human clotting factor VIII (hFVIII) cDNA and 4.6 kb of 3' flanking sequences of mWAP gene were crossed for three generations. All transgenic animals showed stable transgene transmission. Transgenic females showed high level of recombinant hFVIII (rhFVIII) mRNA expression in biopsed mammary gland tissues, while marginal expression of rhFVIII mRNA was observed in the spleen, lung and brain. No adverse effects of ectopic expression on the physiology of the rabbits were observed. Expression was not detected in the liver, kidney, heart and skeletal muscle. In transgenic females derived from three generations, rhFVIII protein was secreted from the mammary gland of lactating females, as shown by Western blotting. Biological activity of rhFVIII protein, as revealed in clotting assays was ranged from 0.012 to 0.599 IU/ml corresponding to 1.2% and 59.9% of the hFVIII level in normal human plasma. No apparent effect of secreted rhFVIII on the milk performance of rabbits was observed. Our results confirm the possibility of producing a significant amount of a biologically active rhFVIII in the mammary gland of established transgenic rabbit lines.

SummaryBased on the finding that tissue factor belongs to a group of genes upregulated in endothelial cells by VEGF, but not by EGF, we investigated signals selectively triggered by VEGF. Whereas the transcription factor early growth response (EGR)-1, which has previously been shown by us to be essentially involved in tissue factor gene regulation, was similarly induced by both factors, one major difference between VEGF and EGF signaling was the activation of the Ca++-mediated calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway by VEGF. Consistent with the importance of this pathway for tissue factor induction, treatment of endothelial cells with the Ca++ chelator BAPTA-AM, as well as the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A, partially inhibited VEGF induced tissue factor upregulation. Furthermore, tissue factor reporter gene assays revealed a synergistic cooperation of NFAT and EGR-1 in the induction of the TF promoter, and a physical interaction between the two factors was indicated by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Another gene upregulated by VEGF predominantly via NFAT, which is not induced by EGF, is the DSCR-1 gene. The calcineurin inhibitor DSCR-1 seems to be induced by VEGF in a negative feed-back loop to limit NFAT activation. When we tested adenoviral overexpression of DSCR-1, VEGF-mediated induction of tissue factor mRNA was reduced, and complete suppression could be achieved by a combination of viruses expressing DSCR-1 and NAB2, a corepressor of EGR-1. These findings support that both, NFAT and EGR-1, are required for tissue factor upregulation in response to VEGF.

SummaryThe urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its inhibitor PA I-1 and its cellular receptor (uPAR), play a pivotal role in pericellular proteolysis. In addition, through their interactions with extracellular matrix proteins as well as with transmembrane receptors and other links to the intracellular signaling machinery, they modulate cell migration, cell-matrix interactions and signaling pathways. A large body of experimental evidence from in-vitro and in-vivo data as well as from the clinics indicates an important role of the uPA-uPAR-PAI-1 systems in cancer. In addition to their role in tumor cell biology, the uPA-uPAR-PAI-1 systems are also important for vascular biology by modulating angiogenesis and by altering migration of smooth muscle cells and fibrin deposition in atherosclerosis and restenosis. This review will focus on the general mechanism of uPAR/uPA/PAI-1 interactions and signaling and the possible relevance of this system in vascular biology.

Angiogenesis is a common feature observed in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. We hypothesized that oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs), which accumulate in atherosclerotic vessels can stimulate angiogenesis. We found that oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (OxPAPC) stimulated the formation of sprouts from endothelial cell spheroids and promoted growth of capillaries into Matrigel plugs in mice. OxPLs stimulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vivo and in several normal and tumor cell types in vitro. In addition, OxPAPC upregulated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and interleukin (IL)-8. COX-2 inhibitors, as well as blocking antibodies to IL-8 suppressed activation of sprouting by OxPAPC. We conclude that OxPAPC stimulates angiogenesis via autocrine mechanisms involving VEGF, IL-8, and COX-2–generated prostanoids. Our data suggest that accumulation of OxPLs may contribute to increased growth of blood capillaries in advanced lesions, thus leading to progression and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a key modulator of endothelial cell apoptosis, must be activated from the latent form (LTGF-beta) to induce biological responses. In the present study, we report activation of TGF-beta by functional and physical co-operation of the mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like-growth-factor-II receptor (CD222) and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (CD87). We show that endothelial cells express CD222 and CD87 in a membrane complex and demonstrate that the association of these two receptors is essential for the release of active TGF-beta in the transduced mouse fibroblast used as model cells. By contrast, smooth-muscle cells, which express CD222 and CD87 at similar density to endothelial cells but not in complexed form, do not activate TGF-beta. We also have found that mini-plasminogen is a high-affinity ligand for CD222 and is essential for the activation of TGF-beta by the CD87-CD222 complex to induce apoptosis in endothelial cells. This specific mechanism of TGF-beta-mediated apoptosis in endothelial cells is thus a potential novel target to be considered for treatment of pathological vascular disorders (e.g. tumor angiogenesis).

Maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) induced by pathogen-derived signals via TLRs is a crucial step in the initiation of an adaptive immune response and therefore has to be well controlled. In this study, we demonstrate that oxidized phospholipids (ox-PLs), which are generated during infections, apoptosis, and tissue damage, interfere with DC activation, preventing their maturation. ox-PLs blocked TLR-3- and TLR-4-mediated induction of the costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, CD83, and CD86, the cytokines IL-12 and TNF, as well as lymphocyte stimulatory capacity. CD40 and TLR-2-mediated cytokine production was also inhibited, whereas up-regulation of costimulatory molecules via these receptors was not affected by ox-PLs. Thus, formation of ox-PLs during the course of an inflammatory response may represent a negative-feedback loop preventing excessive and sustained immune reactions through regulating DC maturation.

Summary. Background: The plasmin activation system is involved in the development of restenosis after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Conflicting data exist concerning the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and its predictive value for restenosis. Objectives: To evaluate the fibrinolytic response to injury after PCI with or without stent implantation on different antithrombotic medications and its relation to late restenosis. Patients and methods: Eighty consecutive patients with successful PCI without (balloon only; n = 37) or with stent implantation (stent; n = 43) on different antithrombotic regimes (balloon only, aspirin; stent, aspirin/coumadin/dipyridamole vs. aspirin/ticlopidine). Blood samples were taken at baseline and up to 7 days after PCI and PAI-1 active antigen and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen were determined. Restenosis was angiographically determined after 6 months. Results: PCI increased both t-PA and PAI-1 levels (P

The angiogenic response of endothelial cells initiated by different growth factors is accompanied by assembly of cell surface–bound proteolytic machinery as a prerequisite for focal invasion. We have shown previously how the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) initiates proteolysis by activation of pro-urokinase (pro-PA) via the VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). We now show that the cell surface receptor of the uPA-system, the urokinase receptor (uPAR), is redistributed to focal adhesions at the leading edge of endothelial cells in response to VEGF. VEGF 165 and VEGF-E, both interacting with VEGFR-2, but not PlGF exclusively stimulating VEGFR-1, induce within minutes internalization of uPAR via an LDL receptor–like molecule, dependent on generation of active uPA and the presence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). uPAR seems to play a pivotal role in VEGFR-2–induced endothelial cell migration because cleavage of surface uPAR impaired the migratory response of endothelial cells toward VEGF-E, but not toward PlGF.

Using a signal sequence trap for selection of differentially expressed secretory and membrane proteins, we identified a novel member of the adhesion family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), termed vascular inducible GPCR (VIGR). VIGR contains C1r-C1s, Uegf and Bmp1 (CUB) and pentraxin (PTX)-like modules and a mucin-like spacer, followed by seven transmembrane domains. By surface biotinylation as well as by immunofluorescence analysis we demonstrate that endogenous, highly glycosylated VIGR is expressed on the cell surface of endothelial cells (ECs) upon LPS or thrombin treatment, and inducible expression is mediated by MAP kinases, but not NF-κB. We show that VIGR is selectively expressed in ECs derived from larger vessels, but not from microvessels. In summary, VIGR represents a novel GPCR of the adhesion family, which is unique in its long extra-cellular domain comprising CUB and PTX-like modules and in its inducibility by LPS and thrombin in a subset of ECs, suggesting an important function in cell-adhesion and potentially links inflammation and coagulation.

Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty is currently the treatment of choice for obstructive atherosclerotic vascular disease. Still, more than 40% of initially successfully treated patients develop ‘restenosis’ within 6 months after the intervention, severely hampering the overall success of this therapeutic measure. The proposed mechanisms underlying the process of restenosis have led to respective therapeutic strategies ranging from the use of antiplatelet drugs and antioxidants to radiotherapy. None of the several strategies, however, could decrease the number of patients suffering from restenosis significantly. Inflammation has been implicated as an early step in the development of atherosclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis. The contribution of NFκB to restenosis could be demonstrated in animal experiments using adenoviral-based gene therapy overexpressing the inhibitor of NFκB, I-kB. This treatment resulted in significantly reduced inflammatory response, increased apoptosis, positive remodeling and significantly less lumen loss but no significant change in neointima formation. There is also a crosstalk between the NFκB pathway and the EGR-1/NAK-1 pathways. Modulation of the NAK-1/EGR-1 pathway resulted in reduced neointima formation but no lumen gain because of lack of positive remodeling.

SummaryWe examined whether antithrombin (AT) inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced endothelial cell activation to elucidate molecular mechanism(s) of the anti-inflammatory activity of AT. AT inhibited the increase in E-selectin expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with TNF-α. In contrast, chemically modified AT that lacks affinity for heparin did not. AT inhibited the TNF-αinduced interaction of NF-κB p65 with p300, a homologue of cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP). AT increased both intracellular levels of cAMP and binding of phosphorylated-CREB to DNA in HUVECs. Forskolin showed the inhibitory effect similar to that of AT and pretreatment of HUVECs with KT-5720, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, reversed the inhibitory effect of AT. These observations suggested that AT inhibited the TNF-α-induced increase in E-selectin expression in HUVECs by inhibiting the interaction of NF-κB with CBP/p300 through cAMP-dependent protein kinase A-induced CREB activation. This inhibitory activity of AT might depend on its binding to heparin-like substances on the endothelial cell. Such an inhibitory effect of AT on TNF-α-induced endothelial cell activation might at least partly contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in heme degradation, protects against oxidative stress, and shows potent anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidized phospholipids, which are generated during inflammation and apoptosis, modulate the inflammatory response by inducing the expression of several genes including HO-1. Here we investigated the signaling pathways and transcriptional events involved in the induction of HO-1 gene expression by oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (OxPAPC) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. OxPAPC up-regulated HO-1 mRNA and protein in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, whereas pro-inflammatory agents like TNF-alpha and lipopolysaccharide did not significantly induce HO-1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Signaling pathways involved in the OxPAPC-mediated HO-1 induction included protein kinases A and C, as well as the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and ERK. The cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) was phosphorylated via these pathways in response to OxPAPC treatment and expression of a dominant-negative mutant of CREB inhibited OxPAPC-induced activity of a human heme oxygenase-1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter construct. We identified a cAMP-responsive element and a Maf recognition element to be involved in the transcriptional activation of the HO-1 promoter by OxPAPC. In gel shift assays we observed binding of CREB to the cAMP-responsive element after OxPAPC treatment. Induction of HO-1 expression by lipid oxidation products via CREB may represent a feedback mechanism to limit inflammation and associated tissue damage.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) has a central role in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoetic cells. Furthermore, it influences the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. GMCSF elicits these functions by activating a receptor consisting of a ligand-specific α-chain and a β-chain, which is common for GMCSF, interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5. It is known that various signaling molecules such as Janus kinase 2 or transcription factors of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family bind to the common β-chain and initiate signaling cascades. However, α-chain—specific signal transduction adapters have to be postulated given that IL-3, IL-5, and GMCSF induce partly distinct biologic responses. Using a yeast 2-hybrid system, we identified the α-chain of the GMCSF receptor (GMRα) as putative interaction partner of IκB kinase β, one of the central signaling kinases activating the transcription factor nuclear factor—κB (NF-κB). Using endogenous protein levels of endothelial cell extracts, we could verify the interaction by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy confirmed the direct interaction of CFP-IKKβ and YFPGMRα in living cells. Functional studies demonstrated GMCSF-dependent activation of IκB kinase activity in endothelial cells, degradation of IκB, and activation of NF-κB. Further biologic studies using GMCSF-dependent TF-1 cells indicated that GMCSF-triggered activation of NF-κB is important for cell survival and proliferation. (Blood. 2003;102:192-199)

We tested whether polymorphic membrane proteins (PMPs) of Chlamydia pneumoniae might play a role in triggering an inflammatory response in human endothelial cells. Of 15 purified, recombinant chlamydial PMPs tested, 2 (PMP 20 and PMP 21) dose-dependently increased the production of the inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), in cultured human endothelial cells; production of IL-8 was also increased. When endothelial cells were infected by live C. pneumoniae, an increase in the production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 was seen. We used adenovirus-induced overexpression of IkappaBalpha-an inhibitor of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB-to demonstrate that PMP 20 and PMP 21 increase the production of IL-6 and MCP-1 in human endothelial cells by activation of the NF-kappaB pathway, because, in cells overexpressing IkappaBalpha, treatment with the respective PMP did not result in increased production of IL-6 and MCP-1. Thus, C. pneumoniae could, by interactions of its PMPs with the endothelium, contribute to the process of vascular injury during the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is the main fibrinolysis inhibitor, and high plasma levels are associated with an increased risk for vascular diseases. Inflammatory cytokines regulate PAI-1 through a hitherto unclear mechanism. Using reporter gene analysis, we could identify a region in the PAI-1 promoter that contributes to basal expression as well as to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) induction of PAI-1 in endothelial cells. Using this region as bait in a genetic screen, we could identify Nur77 (NAK-1, TR3, NR4A1) as an inducible DNA-binding protein that binds specifically to the PAI-1 promoter. Nur77 drives transcription of PAI-1 through direct binding to an NGFI-B responsive element (NBRE), indicating monomeric binding and a ligand-independent mechanism. Nur77, itself, is transcriptionally up-regulated by TNFα. High expression levels of Nur77 and its colocalization with PAI-1 in atherosclerotic tissues indicate that the described mechanism for PAI-1 regulation may also be operative in vivo.

Objective Gabexate mesilate, a synthetic protease inhibitor, has been shown to reduce endotoxin-induced pulmonary vascular injury in an animal model of sepsis by inhibiting leukocyte activation. We examined whether gabexate mesilate inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules in cultured endothelial cells. Design Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting Research laboratory at a university medical center. Subjects Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs). Interventions HUVECs were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha or lipopolysaccharide in the presence or absence of gabexate mesilate. Expression of E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was measured by cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Messenger RNA levels of E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. DNA-binding activity of p65 in the nuclear extracts was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha was evaluated by immunocytostaining and Western blot analysis. Degradation and phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (IkappaB) induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Measurements and main results Gabexate mesilate inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced increases in the endothelial expression of E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by inhibiting the transcription. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced increase in DNA binding of p65 was inhibited by gabexate mesilate through inhibition of the nuclear translocation of p65. Gabexate mesilate inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced degradation of IkappaBalpha, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB, by inhibiting phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha in HUVECs. Conclusions Gabexate mesilate inhibited the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated transcription in HUVECs. Inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation by gabexate mesilate could be explained by inhibition of degradation of IkappaB. Gabexate mesilate might reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary vascular injury not only by inhibiting monocytic tumor necrosis factor-alpha production but by inhibiting the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecules.

Increased levels of isoprostanes have been detected in human atherosclerotic lesions. To examine a possible role for 8-iso-prostaglandin E(2) (8-iso-PGE(2)) in atherogenesis, we tested the effect of 8-iso-PGE(2) on adhesion of leukocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC). We demonstrate that 8-iso-PGE(2) stimulates EC to bind monocytes, but not neutrophils. This effect was inhibited by the thromboxane A(2) receptor antagonist SQ29548. Moreover, 8-iso-PGE(2) increased levels of cyclic AMP in EC, and monocyte adhesion induced by 8-iso-PGE(2) was blocked by a protein kinase A inhibitor, H89. In addition, 8-iso-PGE(2 )induced phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and stimulated expression of EGR-1. A specific inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase (SB203580) abrogated monocyte binding, whereas an inhibitor of the ERK pathway (PD98059) did not block monocyte adhesion induced by 8-iso-PGE(2). Activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and expression of NFkappaB-dependent genes intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin were not induced by 8-iso-PGE(2). Taken together, these results demonstrate that 8-iso-PGE(2) stimulates EC to specifically bind monocytes, but not neutrophils. This effect is mediated by cyclic AMP/protein kinase A- and p38 MAP kinase-dependent pathways and is independent of the classical inflammatory NFkappaB pathway. Thus, formation of 8-iso-PGE(2) may play an important role in chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis by increasing adhesion and extravasation of monocytes.

In this study we have investigated the role of a specific corepressor of EGR-1, NAB2, to down-regulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced gene expression in endothelial cells and to inhibit angiogenesis. Firstly, we show a reciprocal regulation of EGR-1 and NAB2 following VEGF treatment. During the initial phase EGR-1 is rapidly induced and NAB2 levels are down-regulated. This is followed by a reduction of EGR-1 and a concomitant increase of NAB2. Secondly, using the tissue factor gene as a readout for VEGF-induced and EGR-1-regulated gene expression we demonstrate that NAB2 can completely block VEGF-induced tissue factor reporter gene activity. Thirdly, by adenovirus-mediated expression we show that NAB2 inhibits up-regulation of tissue factor, VEGF receptor-1, and urokinase plasminogen activator mRNAs even when a combination of VEGF and bFGF is used for induction. In addition, NAB2 overexpression significantly reduced tubule and sprout formation in two different in vitro angiogenesis assays and largely prevented the invasion of cells and formation of vessel-like structures in the murine Matrigel model. These data suggest that NAB2 regulation represents a mechanism to guarantee transient EGR-1 activity following exposure of endothelial cells to VEGF and that NAB2 overexpression could be used to inhibit signals involved in the early phase of angiogenesis.

SummaryThe regulated expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of endothelial cells is a key process in the pathogenesis of inflammation. The saponin astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosylcycloastragenol purified from the Chinese medical herb Astragalus membranaceus(Fisch) Bge.has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in vivo.In this study we have investigated the effect of AS-IV on cytokine-and LPS-stimulated expression of adhesion molecules in and leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. We have demonstrated that AS-IV significantly reduced the adhesion promoting activity of LPS-stimulated HUVECs for polymorph-nuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and the monocytic cell line THP-1. Furthermore, by using specific cell ELISAs we could show that AS-IV decreased the LPS-induced expression of E-selectin and VCAM-1 on the surface of HUVECs in a dose and time dependent manner, whereas the expression of ICAM-1 was not affected by AS-IV. AS-IV also inhibits TNFβ-induced VCAM-1 expression. The saponin octyl-D-glucopyranoside had no effect on the LPS-induced expression of E-selectin and VCAM-1 excluding an unspecific detergent-like effect of AS-IV. Moreover, AS-IV significantly inhibited LPS- and TNFβ-induced specific mRNA levels for E-selectin and VCAM-1. Finally, we could show that AS-IV completely abolished LPS- and TNFα-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and NF-κB DNA binding activity in endothelial cells. We conclude that the ability of AS-IV to inhibit the NF-κB pathway might be one underlying mechanism contributing to its anti-inflammatory potential in vivo.

K. Macfelda, T. W. Weiss, C. Kaun, J. M. Breuss, B. Kapeller, G. Zorn, U. Oberndorfer, M. Voegele-Kadletz, R. Huber-Beckmann, R. Ullrich, B. R. Binder, U. M. Losert, G. Maurer, R. Pacher, K. Huber and J. Wojta. Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 Expression is Regulated by the Inflammatory Mediators Interleukin-1α, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Transforming Growth Factor-β and Oncostatin M in Human Cardiac Myocytes. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2002) 34 , 1681–1691. Accumulating evidence points towards a role for proteases and protease inhibitors in tissue remodelling and repair in a variety of organs. In particular—besides the matrix metalloprotease system—the plasminogen activator (PA)/plasmin system has been implicated in these processes in the heart. Urokinase type PA (u-PA) and PA inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) seem to modulate cardiac rupture and infarct healing. In this study we aimed to investigate whether inflammatory mediators can regulate the expression of components of the PA/plasmin system in human adult cardiac myocytes (HACM). We could demonstrate that HACM, isolated from pieces of myocardial tissue by mechanical dispersion and characterized by positive immunostaining for the cardiac markers troponin I, tropomyosin, cardiotin and myocardial muscle-actin, in vitro express PAI-1 and tissue type PA (t-PA) whereas u-PA was not detectable in these cells. PAI-1 protein production was increased up to twofold by interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and up to fivefold by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and oncostatin M (OSM). Similar changes were observed in PAI-1 transcript levels after cytokine treatment. t-PA production in HACM was not affected by these agonists. No effect of these cytokines on PAI-1 production in fibroblasts isolated from human myocardial tissue was seen. In an ex vivo model we could show that incubation of pieces of human myocardial tissue with these cytokines also resulted in an increase in PAI-1 in cardiac myocytes as evidenced by immuno-histochemistry. Furthermore we found increased PAI-1 expression in myocardial tissue from a patient suffering from acute myocarditis. Thus for the first time we provide evidence that inflammatory mediators modulate PAI-1 expression in human adult cardiac myocytes in vitro and ex vivo and could demonstrate that PAI-1 expression is increased in the in vivo setting under inflammatory conditions. If the effect on PAI-1 expression brought about by IL-1α, TNF-α, TGF-β and OSM is not only operative under in vitro and ex vivo conditions but also in the in vivo setting one could speculate that these cytokines contribute to upregulation of PAI-1 in myocardial tissue and that PAI-1, when upregulated in myocardial tissue during inflammatory processes, could serve as a defence mechanism against excessive matrix degradation by proteases. Thus we propose a role for PAI-1 produced in the heart by cardiac myocytes in cardiac remodelling and repair processes.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an outer-membrane component of Gram-negative bacteria, interacts with LPS-binding protein and CD14, which present LPS to toll-like receptor 4 (refs 1, 2), which activates inflammatory gene expression through nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) and mitogen-activated protein-kinase signalling. Antibacterial defence involves activation of neutrophils that generate reactive oxygen species capable of killing bacteria; therefore host lipid peroxidation occurs, initiated by enzymes such as NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase. Oxidized phospholipids are pro-inflammatory agonists promoting chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis; however, recent data suggest that they can inhibit expression of inflammatory adhesion molecules. Here we show that oxidized phospholipids inhibit LPS-induced but not tumour-necrosis factor-alpha-induced or interleukin-1 beta-induced NF kappa B-mediated upregulation of inflammatory genes, by blocking the interaction of LPS with LPS-binding protein and CD14. Moreover, in LPS-injected mice, oxidized phospholipids inhibited inflammation and protected mice from lethal endotoxin shock. Thus, in severe Gram-negative bacterial infection, endogenously formed oxidized phospholipids may function as a negative feedback to blunt innate immune responses. Furthermore, identified chemical structures capable of inhibiting the effects of endotoxins such as LPS could be used for the development of new drugs for treatment of sepsis.

We have recently shown that resting human mast cells (MCs) produce tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) without simultaneously expressing plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). In the present study we have identified the anaphylatoxin rhC5a as a potent inducer of PAI-1 expression in human MCs and basophils. In primary human skin MCs and primary blood basophils, exposure to rhC5a was followed by an increase from undetectable to significant levels of PAI-1. In addition, rhC5a induced a concentration- and time-dependent increase in PAI-1 antigen in the MC line HMC-1 and the basophil cell line KU-812 and increased the expression of PAI-1 mRNA in HMC-1. In conditioned media of HMC-1 treated with rhC5a, active PAI-1 could be detected. A simultaneous loss of t-PA activity in conditioned media from the same cells indicated that rhC5a-induced PAI-1 was capable of inhibiting the enzymatic activity of coproduced t-PA. Correspondingly, the levels of t-PA–PAI-1 complexes increased in rhC5a-treated cells. When HMC-1 cells were incubated with pertussis toxin or anti-C5a receptor antibodies, the effect of rhC5a on PAI-1 production was completely abolished. Treatment of C5a with plasmin resulted in loss of its ability to induce PAI-1 production in MCs. Considering the suggested role for MCs and components of the complement system in the development of cardiovascular diseases, we hypothesize that MCs, by producing t-PA in a resting state and by expressing PAI-1 when activated by C5a, might participate in the modulation of the balance between proteases and protease inhibitors regulating tissue injury and repair in such disease processes.

The protozoan parasite Theileria parva (Apicomplexa) causes the bovine disease East Coast Fever in endemic areas in Subsaharan Africa. The intralymphocytic schizont stage is largely responsible for the pathogenicity and induces a transformed phenotype in host cells [1]. Current evidence supports a model in which the schizont perturbs the immune response by inducing production of cytokines and stimulating the growth of parasitized cells [2]. We were interested to identify parasite proteins involved in parasite/host interaction and have described earlier a screening procedure for identification of schizont stage-exported proteins based on cell-free expression of cDNA and testing for translocation of protein products across endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-derived membranes [3]. A cDNA library of the schizont stage of T. parva was established in plasmid pBluescript II SK / (Stratagene) essentially as described [3]. In order to identify cDNAs encoding secretory and membrane proteins, which can be translocated across ER-derived microsomal membranes (rough microsomes (RM)), we screened 200 individual clones by an in vitro transcription/translation/translocation assay. Protection against subsequently added protease has been used as a criterion to identify those protein products that have crossed RM. Following this procedure, we found that clone 17 transcribed from the T7 RNA polymerase promoter

Oxidation products of cholesteryl esters have been shown to be present in oxidized low density lipoprotein and in atherosclerotic lesions. Monocyte adhesion to the endothelium is an initiating crucial event in atherogenesis. Here, we show that in vitro oxidized cholesteryl linoleate (oxCL) stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to bind human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as monocyte-like U937 cells but not peripheral blood neutrophils or neutrophil-like HL-60 cells. Among the oxidation products contained in oxCLs, 9-oxononanoyl cholesterol (9-ONC) and cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxides stimulated U937 cell adhesion. OxCL-induced U937 cell adhesion was inhibited by an antibody against the connecting segment-1 region of fibronectin. Neither oxCL nor 9-ONC induced activation of the classical nuclear factor-κB pathway. In contrast, stimulation of HUVECs with oxCL resulted in phosphorylation of the extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2. Moreover, U937 cell adhesion induced by 9-ONC and oxCL was blocked by a mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal–regulated kinase inhibitor and a protein kinase C inhibitor. Taken together, oxCLs stimulate HUVECs to specifically bind monocytes, involving endothelial connecting segment-1 and the activation of a protein kinase C– and mitogen-activated protein kinase–dependent pathway. Thus, oxidized cholesteryl esters may play an important role as novel mediators in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.

Oxidized phospholipids are thought to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and other chronic inflammatory processes. In this study, we analyzed the expression of inflammatory genes induced by oxidized L-alpha-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholin (OxPAPC) in vitro and in vivo using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and monocyte-like U937 cells were treated with OxPAPC or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 3 h. For in vivo studies, OxPAPC or LPS was injected intravenously into female C57Bl/6J mice and different tissues were isolated after 3 h. We found that both OxPAPC and LPS induced expression of early growth response factor 1 (EGR-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in HUVEC and of JE, the mouse homologue of MCP-1, in liver and heart. Interestingly, OxPAPC but not LPS increased expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in U937 cells, HUVEC, aorta, heart, liver, and isolated blood cells. In contrast, E-selectin was selectively induced by LPS, but not by OxPAPC. Finally, OxPAPC-induced expression of HO-1 was blocked by a platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist. We conclude that oxidized phospholipids are biologically active in vivo and exert a specific response inducing a pattern of genes that is different from that induced by LPS. In addition, we demonstrate that the quantitative real-time RT-PCR technology is a proper tool to investigate differential inflammatory gene induction in vivo.

We aimed to investigate the dynamics of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in living cells using GFP variants of p65-NF-kappaB, IkappaBalpha, tumor necrosis factor-receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2), the NF-kappaB inducing kinase (NIK) and IkappaB kinases (IKK1 and IKK2). Detailed kinetic analysis of constitutive nucleocytoplasmic shuttling processes revealed that IkappaBalpha enters the nucleus faster than p65. Examination of signaling molecules upstream of NF-kappaB and IkappaBalpha revealed a predominant cytoplasmic localization at steady state. However, after addition of leptomycin B, NIK rapidly accumulated in the nucleus, whereas we could not detect any significant effect on TRAF2 or IKK2. Using various truncation mutants of NIK, we identified a functional nuclear export signal within the COOH-terminal region 795-805, which counteracts the inherent NLS at amino acids 143-149. Prolonged incubation in the presence of LMB also leads to nuclear accumulation of IKK1, which was dependent on a lysine residue at position 44, which is also essential for kinase activity. Investigation of endogenous protein levels by immunofluorescence staining and Western blots verified the results obtained with GFP chimeras. We conclude that NF-kappaB.IkappaB complexes and the upstream signaling kinases NIK and IKK1 shuttle between cytoplasm and nucleus of nonactivated cells and that this process leads to a basal transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB.