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Innate immunity is protective against viruses, but also can facilitate pathological infection responses. Despite intensive research, our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate innate immunity in virus infection remains incomplete. Systems biology-based data-driven modeling approaches hold substantial promise toward discovery of crucial innate immune signaling regulators, yet model-derived predictions are almost completely unexplored. Here, we carried out systematic experimental validation of candidate regulators predicted by a transcriptional association network model of influenza virus-infected cells. We identified dozens of novel innate immune signaling regulators with potent effects on the replication of influenza and other viruses, and importantly, we established the biological relevance of a validated regulator in vivo. Collectively, these findings aid in clarifying mechanisms of influenza virus pathogenicity and might lead to innovative approaches for treating influenza virus disease. Similar data-driven modeling strategies may be applicable for the study of other pathogen systems or immunological disorders.

Cyclins and their catalytic partners, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), control the transition between different phases of the cell cycle. CDK/cyclin activity is regulated by CDK inhibitors (CKIs), currently comprising the CDK-interacting protein/kinase inhibitory protein (CIP/KIP) family and the inhibitor of kinase (INK) family. Recent studies have identified a third group of CKIs, called ribosomal protein-inhibiting CDKs (RPICs). RPICs were discovered in the context of cellular senescence, a stable cell cycle arrest with tumor-suppressing abilities. RPICs accumulate in the nonribosomal fraction of senescent cells due to a decrease in rRNA biogenesis. Accordingly, RPICs are often downregulated in human cancers together with other ribosomal proteins, the tumor-suppressor functions of which are still under study. In this review, we discuss unique therapies that have been developed to target CDK activity in the context of cancer treatment or senescence-associated pathologies, providing novel tools for precision medicine.

We investigated the role of the NFE2L3 transcription factor in inflammation-induced colorectal cancer. Our studies revealed that Nfe2l3−/− mice exhibit significantly less inflammation in the colon, reduced tumor size and numbers, and skewed localization of tumors with a more pronounced decrease of tumors in the distal colon. CIBERSORT analysis of RNA-seq data from normal and tumor tissue predicted a reduction in mast cells in Nfe2l3−/− animals, which was confirmed by toluidine blue staining. Concomitantly, the transcript levels of Il33 and Rab27a, both important regulators of mast cells, were reduced and increased, respectively, in the colorectal tumors of Nfe2l3−/− mice. Furthermore, we validated NFE2L3 binding to the regulatory sequences of the IL33 and RAB27A loci in human colorectal carcinoma cells. Using digital spatial profiling, we found that Nfe2l3−/− mice presented elevated FOXP3 and immune checkpoint markers CTLA4, TIM3, and LAG3, suggesting an increase in Treg counts. Staining for CD3 and FOXP3 confirmed a significant increase in immunosuppressive Tregs in the colon of Nfe2l3−/− animals. Also, Human Microbiome Project (HMP2) data showed that NFE2L3 transcript levels are higher in the rectum of ulcerative colitis patients. The observed changes in the tumor microenvironment provide new insights into the molecular differences regarding colon cancer sidedness. This may be exploited for the treatment of early-onset colorectal cancer as this emerging subtype primarily displays distal/left-sided tumors.

In this paper a novel method for in-situ monitoring of a complete perovskite fabrication process by means of highspeed spectral reflectance measurements is introduced. Firstly, the spin-coating deposition and secondly, the annealing process is monitored. The results clearly show that this method is capable to fully characterize the perovskite growth kinetics and the phase transitions during thin film annealing. Thereby in-situ reflectance constitutes an ideal method for monitoring perovskite formation, which as of today often suffers from poor reproducibility. This paper focuses on the experimental implementation of the in-situ- reflectance measurements during spin-coating.

Cell Death and Differentiation, 27 (1), ISSN:1350-9047, ISSN:1476-5403

The NFE2 transcription factor was identified over 25 years ago. The NFE2 protein forms heterodimers with small MAF proteins, and the resulting complex binds to regulatory elements in a large number of target genes. In contrast to other CNC transcription family members including NFE2L1 (NRF1), NFE2L2 (NRF2) and NFE2L3 (NRF3), which are widely expressed, earlier studies had suggested that the major sites of NFE2 expression are hematopoietic cells. Based on cell culture studies it was proposed that this protein acts as a critical regulator of globin gene expression. However, the knockout mouse model displayed only mild erythroid abnormalities, while the major phenotype was a defect in megakaryocyte biogenesis. Indeed, absence of NFE2 led to severely impaired platelet production. A series of recent data, also summarized here, shed new light on the various functional roles of NFE2 and the regulation of its activity. NFE2 is part of a complex regulatory network, including transcription factors such as GATA1 and RUNX1, controlling megakaryocytic and/or erythroid cell function. Surprisingly, it was recently found that NFE2 also has a role in non-hematopoietic tissues, such as the trophoblast, in which it is also expressed, as well as the bone, opening the door to new research areas for this transcription factor. Additional data showed that NFE2 function is controlled by a series of posttranslational modifications. Important strides have been made with respect to the clinical significance of NFE2, linking this transcription factor to hematological disorders such as polycythemias.

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key regulator of the cellular stress response, but the biological functions of the related Nrf3 protein are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate a novel pro-apoptotic function of Nrf3 in mouse and human keratinocytes. In response to UV irradiation, Nrf3-deficient keratinocytes were protected from apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The protective function was also seen under oxidative or hyperosmotic stress conditions, but not when apoptosis was induced by disruption of cell–matrix interactions. Mechanistically, we show that Nrf3-deficient keratinocytes exhibit stronger cell–cell and cell-matrix adhesion, which correlates with higher cell surface integrin levels and enhanced activation of focal adhesion kinase. Nrf3-deficient cells also formed more and larger focal adhesions and exhibited a higher motility. These results suggest that the strong expression of Nrf3 in basal keratinocytes promotes their elimination in response to DNA damage-inducing agents, thereby preventing accumulation of mutated stem and transit amplifying cells in the epidermis., Cell Death and Differentiation, 25 (10), ISSN:1350-9047, ISSN:1476-5403

Terahertz radiation (also called T-rays) can be employed for spectroscopy and imaging, from the laboratory to industrial applications. In this paper we give an overview of how broadband optoelectronic THz techniques (i.e. using optical lasers to achieve THz generation and detection) can be implemented, and give examples of their unique use in solid-state physics, and in biological and industrial applications.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Treatment options are limited and the mechanisms underlying its aggressiveness are poorly understood. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) causes oxidative stress and is emerging as important regulator of tumor metastasis. Vessels in IBC tumors have been shown to be immature, which is a primary cause of IH. We therefore investigated the relevance of IH for the modulation of gene expression in IBC cells in order to assess IH as potential regulator of IBC aggressiveness. Gene array analysis of IBC cells following chronic IH (45-60 days) demonstrated increased expression of pro-metastatic genes of the extracellular matrix, such as tenascin-C (TNC; an essential factor of the metastatic niche) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and of pro-inflammatory processes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Investigating the oxidative stress-dependent regulation of TNC, we found a gradual sensitivity on mRNA and protein levels. Oxidative stress activated NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), c-Jun and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), but TNC upregulation was only dependent on NF-κB activation. Pharmacological inhibition of inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα) phosphorylation as well as overexpression of IκBα prevented TNC, MMP9 and COX-2 induction, whereas the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) increased their expression levels. Analysis of the gene array data showed NF-κB binding sites for 64% of all upregulated genes, linking NF-κB with IH-dependent regulation of pro-metastatic gene expression in IBC cells. Our results provide a first link between intermittent hypoxia and pro-metastatic gene expression in IBC cells, revealing a putative novel mechanism for the high metastatic potential of IBC.

The small MAFs, MAFF, MAFG and MAFK have emerged as crucial regulators of mammalian gene expression. Previous studies have linked small MAF function, by virtue of their heterodimerization with the Cap ‘n’ Collar (CNC) family of transcription factors, to the stress response and detoxification pathways. Recent analyses have revealed a complex regulatory network involving small MAF transcription factors and other cellular proteins. The expression and activity of small MAFs are tightly regulated at multiple levels. With regard to their clinical importance, small MAFs have been linked to various diseases, such as diabetes, neuronal disorders, thrombocytopenia and carcinogenesis. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing the activity of small MAFs will provide novel insights into the control of mammalian transcription and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat common human disorders.

NFE2L3 [Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 3] or NRF3, a member of the Cap'n'Collar (CNC) family, is a basic-region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that was first identified over 10 years ago. Contrary to its extensively studied homolog NFE2L2 (NRF2), the regulation and function of the NFE2L3 protein have not yet attracted as much attention. Nevertheless, several recent reports have now shed light on the possible roles of NFE2L3. Structural and biochemical studies revealed a series of domains and modifications that are critical for its cellular regulation. The control of the subcellular localization of NFE2L3 appears to be essential for understanding its role in various cellular processes. Importantly, newer studies provide fascinating insights linking NFE2L3 to differentiation, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Here, we present an overview of the current level of knowledge of NFE2L3 transcription factor biology in humans and mice. From being the Cinderella of the CNC transcription factors for many years, NFE2L3 may now rapidly come into its own.

Late-stage erythroid cells synthesize large quantities of haemoglobin, a process requiring the co-ordinated regulation of globin and haem synthesis as well as iron uptake. In the present study, we investigated the role of the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathways in MEL (mouse erythroleukaemia) cell differentiation. We found that treatment of HMBA (hexamethylene bisacetamide)-induced MEL cells with the ERK pathway inhibitor UO126 results in an increase in intracellular haem and haemoglobin levels. The transcript levels of the genes coding for βmajor-globin, the haem biosynthesis enzyme 5-aminolevulinate synthase 2 and the mitochondrial iron transporter mitoferrin 1 are up-regulated. We also showed enhanced expression of globin and transferrin receptor 1 proteins upon UO126 treatment. With respect to iron uptake, we found that ERK inhibitor treatment led to an increase in both haem-bound and total iron. In contrast, treatment of MEL cells with the p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor SB202190 had the opposite effect, resulting in decreased globin expression, haem synthesis and iron uptake. Reporter assays showed that globin promoter and HS2 enhancer-mediated transcription was under the control of MAPKs, as inhibition of the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways led to increased and decreased gene activity respectively. Our present results suggest that the ERK1/2 and p38α/β MAPKs play antagonistic roles in HMBA-induced globin gene expression and erythroid differentiation. These results provide a novel link between MAPK signalling and the regulation of haem biosynthesis and iron uptake in erythroid cells. Abbreviations: ALAS2, erythroid-specific 5-aminolaevulinic acid synthase 2; EPO, erythropoietin; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; Glrx5, glutaredoxin 5; Hbb-b1, βmajor-globin; HMBA, hexamethylene bisacetamide; HSP70, heat-shock protein 70; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; MEL, cell, mouse erythroleukaemia cell; MEK, MAPK/ERK kinase; Mfrn1, mitoferrin 1; TCA, trichloracetic acid; Tf, transferrin; Tfr, Tf receptor

Introduction Dysfunctional transcriptional and signalling networks play a fundamental role in colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common and fatal malignancies worldwide. Different molecular CRC subtypes have been identified, and understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of CRC formation is crucial for predicting prognosis and treatment response. Constitutive NF-κB activation is a hallmark of colon tumour development. In this study, we aimed to unravel the cellular network governing NFE2L3 regulation and function. We report that NFE2L3 acts as a central player in a newly identified NF-kB signalling pathway that controls colon cancer cell growth. Material and methods We analysed the level of NFE2L3 in colon cancer samples extracted from patients. We compared by qPCR and immunohistochemistry the level NFE2L3 expression in normal and tumour tissues. We performed a knockdown of NFE2L3 in different colon cancer cell lines. We characterised the phenotype associated to its depletion in vitro and in vivo . Then, we used a CHIP sequencing analysis to identify the targets of NFE2L3 in our models and we validated by qPCR the direct link between NFE2L3 expression and targets discovered. Finally, by using a strategy of immunoprecipitation associated to mass spectrometry analysis, we identified potential proteins implicated in the pathway of NFE2L3 in colon cancer. Results and discussions Firstly, we observed that the expression of NFE2L3 in colon cancer samples is significantly higher compared to in normal colon tissues. Moreover, the expression of this protein directly correlated to the survival of patients and could be used as a prognostic marker in colon adenocarcinoma. After that, we depleted the expression of NFE2L3 and we observed that the proliferation of colon cancer cells was slow down. Then, we identified NF-kB pathway as a key regulator of NFE2L3 expression by regulating promoter region. Finally, we demonstrated that NFE2L3 controls the cell cycle in cancer cells by modulating the expression of negative regulators of proliferation. Conclusion Taken together, based on our observations, we propose the existence of a novel oncogenic pathway, comprising the NF–kB, NFE2L3 and cell cycle regulators, that controls cancer cell growth. Our study establishes a key role for the NFE2L3 transcription factor that regulates cell cycle progression in colon cancer cells.

We found that both wild type and Nrf3 (NF-E2-related factor 3) deficient mice are sensitive to BHT single administration exhibiting respiratory distress and considerably lose body weight following treatment. At time of sacrifice, the BHT-treated Nrf3−/− mice had lost significantly more body weight than their WT counterparts. In the lung, transcript levels of the transcription factors Nrf1, Nrf2 and Nrf3 were differentially regulated by BHT treatment. In addition, genes implicated in adipogenesis were repressed following BHT exposure in the white adipose tissue. Together, our data provide the first evidence that BHT exposure not only affects lung function but also leads to impaired adipogenesis in adipocytes.

Nrf2 is the key transcription factor regulating the antioxidant response. When exposed to oxidative stress, Nrf2 translocates to cell nucleus and forms heterodimer with small Maf proteins (sMaf). Nrf2/sMaf heterodimer binds specifically to a cis-acting enhancer called antioxidant response element and initiates transcription of a battery of antioxidant and detoxification genes. Nrf2 possesses a NESzip motif (nuclear export signal co-localized with the leucine zipper (ZIP) domain). Heterodimerization with MafG via ZIP–ZIP binding enhanced Nrf2 nuclear retention, which could be abrogated by the deletion of the ZIP domain or site-directed mutations targeting at the ZIP domain. In addition, dimerization with MafG precluded Nrf2zip/CRM1 binding, suggesting that Nrf2/MafG heterodimerization may simultaneously mask the NESzip motif. MafG-mediated nuclear retention may enable Nrf2 proteins to evade cytosolic proteasomal degradation and consequently stabilize Nrf2 signaling. For the first time, we show that under the physiological condition, the NESzip motif can be switched-off by heterodimerization.

The small Maf basic leucine zipper (bZIP) proteins MafF, MafG and MafK, while modest in size, have emerged as crucial regulators of mammalian gene expression. Intriguingly, small Mafs do not contain an obvious transcriptional activation domain. However, previously perceived as "mere" partner molecules conferring DNA binding specificity to complexes with larger bZIP proteins, such as the CNC family member Nrf2, it has become clear that small Maf proteins are essential and dynamically regulated transcription factors. Current data suggest stringent control of small Maf protein function through transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Initial gene targeting experiments revealed considerable functional redundancy among small Maf proteins in vivo. This was not unexpected, due to the high level of homology among the three small Mafs. Nevertheless, further studies showed that these transcription factors have critical roles in various cellular processes, including stress signaling, hematopoiesis, CNS function and oncogenesis. Recent data provide a possible link between small Maf-mediated transcription and the inflammatory response.

The MAF (proto-)oncogene family of basic-leucine zipper transcription factors plays crucial roles in the control of mammalian gene expression and development. Here we analyzed the regulation of the human MAFF gene, coding for a small MAF transcription factor, in uterine smooth muscle cells. We found that MAFF transcript levels are induced by proinflammatory cytokines in PHM1–31 myometrial cells. We observed an important induction by interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) and a weaker upregulation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), whereas interleukin 6 (IL6) treatment had no effect. Time course experiments revealed a rapid induction of MAFF transcripts within 30 min following IL1B treatment. The presence of actinomycin D inhibited the upregulation, suggesting that regulation of MAFF mRNA levels occurs at the transcriptional level. We generated a MAFF-specific antiserum and determined that MAFF protein was also induced by TNF and IL1B in PHM1– 31 cells. In contrast, it was particularly interesting that the transcript and protein levels of the highly homologous MAFG and MAFK genes are not modulated by these cytokines. Our results suggest a possible specific role for MAFF in proinflammatory cytokine-mediated control of myometrial gene expression and provide the first link between a small MAF transcription factor and the inflammatory response. CNC, cytokines, gene regulation, IL1B, MAF, parturition, signal transduction, TNF, transcription factor, uterus

Exposure to inorganic arsenic has been associated with various forms of cancer, nervous system pathogenesis, and vascular diseases, as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity. Here, the effect of inorganic arsenic on placental JAR choriocarcinoma cells was assessed. The nuclear protein levels of the CNC transcription factor Nrf2 were strongly induced in the presence of arsenic. Dosage response experiments showed that 0.5 microM of arsenic is sufficient to augment Nrf2 levels. The expression of the Nrf2 dimerization partners MafG and MafK appeared not to be modulated by arsenic, whereas MafF protein levels were slightly increased. Arsenic also induced the binding of endogenous Nrf2/small Maf DNA-binding complexes to a stress response element (StRE) recognition site. In addition, arsenic caused oxidative stress in the choriocarcinoma cell model as evidenced by an increase in intracellular H2O2 levels. Expression of the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a known Nrf2 target gene, was upregulated by exposure of JAR cells to arsenic. These results suggest that Nrf2/small Maf heterodimers may play an important role in the response to arsenic-mediated stress in placental cells.

The function of the NF-E2 transcription factor, a p45/small Maf heterodimer, was analyzed in the erythroleukemia cell lines MEL and CB3. In contrast to MEL cells, CB3 cells are null for p45 and thus express only extremely low levels of adult globin transcripts upon induction by agents promoting erythroid differentiation. We investigated the response of erythroleukemia cells to hemin treatment. Hemin rapidly induces beta-globin gene transcript levels in MEL cells, but not in CB3 cells. Stable expression of the large p45 NF-E2 subunit in CB3 cells restores hemin mediated beta-globin gene transcription, suggesting that the presence of a functional NF-E2 is required for strong induction of beta-globin mRNA levels by hemin in erythroleukemia cells. We performed mutagenesis of two potential heme-regulatory motifs (HRMs) in p45 NF-E2 and found that the mutated versions are expressed and can still recognize a NF-E2 DNA binding element. In addition, we showed that p45 NF-E2 HRM mutants are able to restore beta-globin gene transcription in CB3 cells upon induction by hemin. Our results suggest that globin gene activation by heme appears to be independent of the putative HRMs in the p45 subunit of the NF-E2 transcription factor.

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key cytoprotective enzyme and an established marker of oxidative stress. Increased HO-1 expression has been found in the resident macrophages in the alveolar spaces of smokers. The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) is also increased in the bronchial and alveolar epithelium in response to cigarette smoke. This suggests a link between a chronic environmental stress, HNE formation, and HO-1 induction. HNE is both an agent of oxidative stress in vivo and a potent cell signaling molecule. We hypothesize that HNE acts as an endogenously produced pulmonary signaling molecule that elicits an adaptive response culminating in the induction of HO-1. Here we demonstrate that HNE increases HO-1 mRNA, protein, and activity in pulmonary epithelial cells and identify ERK as a key pathway involved. Treatment with HNE increased ERK phosphorylation, c-Fos protein, JNK phosphorylation, c-Jun phosphorylation, and AP-1 binding. Whereas inhibiting the ERK pathway with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 significantly decreased HNE-mediated ERK phosphorylation, c-Fos protein induction, AP-1 binding, and HO-1 protein induction, inhibition of the ERK pathway had no effect on HNE-induced HO-1 mRNA. This suggests that ERK is involved in the increase in HO-1 through regulation of translation rather than transcription.

International audience; Members of the Maf protooncogene and cap'n' collar families of basic-leucine zipper transcription factors play important roles in development, differentiation , oncogenesis, and stress signaling. In this study, we performed an in vivo protein-protein interaction screen to search for novel partners of the small Maf proteins. Using full-length human MAFG protein as bait, we identified the human basic-leucine zipper protein NRF3 [NF-E2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2)-related factor 3] as an interaction partner. Transfection studies confirmed that NRF3 is able to dimerize with MAFG. The resulting NRF3/ MAFG heterodimer recognizes nuclear factor-erythroid 2/Maf recognition element-type DNA-binding motifs. Functional analysis revealed the presence of a strong transcriptional activation domain in the center region of the NRF3 protein. We found that NRF3 transcripts are present in placen-tal chorionic villi from at least week 12 of gestation on through term. In particular, NRF3 is highly expressed in primary placental cytotrophoblasts, but not in placental fibroblasts. The human choriocar-cinoma cell lines BeWo and JAR, derived from tro-phoblastic tumors of the placenta, also strongly express NRF3 transcripts. We generated a NRF3-specific antiserum and identified NRF3 protein in placental choriocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, we showed that NRF3 transcript and protein levels are induced by TNF-in JAR cells. Our functional studies suggest that human NRF3 is a potent transcrip-tional activator. Finally, our expression and induction analyses hint at a possible role of Nrf3 in placental gene expression and development. (Mo-lecular Endocrinology 19: 125-137, 2005)

Cap'n'collar (CNC) family basic leucine zipper transcription factors play crucial roles in the regulation of mammalian gene expression and development. To determine the in vivo function of the CNC protein Nrf3 (NF-E2-related factor 3), we generated mice deficient in this transcription factor. We performed targeted disruption of two Nrf3 exons coding for CNC homology, basic DNA-binding, and leucine zipper dimerization domains. Nrf3 null mice developed normally and revealed no obvious phenotypic differences compared to wild-type animals. Nrf3(-/-) mice were fertile, and gross anatomy as well as behavior appeared normal. The mice showed normal age progression and did not show any apparent additional phenotype during their life span. We observed no differences in various blood parameters and chemistry values. We infected wild-type and Nrf3(-/-) mice with acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and found no differences in these animals with respect to their number of virus-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells as well as their B-lymphocyte response. To determine whether the mild phenotype of Nrf3 null animals is due to functional redundancy, we generated mice deficient in multiple CNC factors. Contrary to our expectations, an absence of Nrf3 does not seem to cause additional lethality in compound Nrf3(-/-)/Nrf2(-/-) and Nrf3(-/-)/p45(-/-) mice. We hypothesize that the role of Nrf3 in vivo may become apparent only after appropriate challenge to the mice.

We have shown previously that activation of the heme oxygenase-1 (ho-1) gene by hypoxia in aortic smooth muscle cells is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). In mutant (Ka13) Chinese hamster ovary cells lacking HIF activity, accumulation of ho-1 mRNA in response to hypoxia and the hypoxia-mimetic CoCl(2) was similar to that observed in wild type (K1) cells. These results support the existence of HIF-dependent and HIF-independent mechanisms for ho-1 gene activation by hypoxia and CoCl(2). In Ka13 cells, CoCl(2) stimulated expression of a luciferase reporter gene under the control of a 15-kilobase pair mouse ho-1 promoter (pHO15luc). Mutation analyses identified the cobalt-responsive sequences as the stress-response elements (StREs). In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, two specific StRE-protein complexes were observed using extracts from Ka13 cells. In response to cobalt, the level of the slower migrating complex X increased, whereas that of complex Y decreased, in a time-dependent manner. Members of the AP-1 superfamily of basic-leucine zipper factors bind to the StRE. Antibody supershift electrophoretic mobility shift assays did not detect Jun, Fos, or ATF/CREB proteins but identified Nrf2 and the small Maf protein, MafG, as components of complex X. Furthermore, dominant-negative mutants of Nrf2 and small Maf, but not of other bZIP factors, attenuated cobalt-mediated gene activation. Additional experiments demonstrated that induction by cobalt does not result from increased expression of MafG or regulated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 but is dependent on cellular oxidative stress. Unlike cobalt, hypoxia did not stimulate pHO15luc expression and did not increase StRE binding activity, indicating distinct mechanisms for ho-1 gene activation by cobalt and hypoxia in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

The Maf protein family consists of eight transcription factors containing a basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) domain. We have previously reported that the mRNA to one of these members, mafG/adapt66, is induced by oxidative stress in hamster HA-1 cells. It has subsequently been reported that mafG is induced bystress that activates the expression of genes under the control of the antioxidant/electrophile response element (ARE/EpRE), and that small Maf proteins are present in ARE/EpRE-protein complexes. Here we extend these studies to assess the effects of various types of stress on maf mRNA induction in human cells. The oxidative stressor cadmium, and the heavy metals cadmium, zinc, and arsenite induced mafG RNA levels within two hours, and maximally at five hours for cadmium and zinc. This induction was observed for multiple transcripts including two not normally associated with mafG, suggesting that these stress agents induced the expression of other related maf family RNAs. Modest induction of mafG mRNA was also observed with heat shock but not calcium elevation. These results suggest that mafG is a human stress-response gene induced by multiple stress, and that several maf (proto-)oncogene members play an important role in cellular stress response.

Biochemical analysis of megakaryocytes, the precursors of blood platelets, is limited by their rarity in vivo, and studies on lineage-specific gene expression have been conducted exclusively in cell lines with limited megakaryocytic potential. Mice lacking the transcription factor NF-E2 display arrested megakaryocyte differentiation and profound thrombocytopenia. To study the heterodimeric NF-E2 protein in primary cells, we cultured mouse fetal livers with the c-Mpl ligand, obtained highly enriched megakaryocyte populations, and readily detected NF-E2 activity in nuclear extracts. As in erythroid cells, p45 NF-E2 is the only large subunit in primary megakaryocytes that dimerizes with distinct small Maf proteins to constitute a heterogeneous NF-E2 complex. Whereas p18/MafK is the predominant small Maf protein in erythroid cells, the related polypeptides MafG and/or MafF predominate in megakaryocytes. Although this represents the first example of differential small Maf protein expression among closely related blood lineages, the DNA-binding specificity of NF-E2 is similar in both cell types. Although the megakaryocyte protein preferentially binds an asymmetric AP-1-related motif, it also recognizes cAMP-responsive element-related sequences, albeit with lower affinity, and nucleotides outside the core sequence influence the DNA-protein interaction. These results demonstrate the feasibility of biochemical studies on primary murine megakaryocytes and provide a basis to dissect the critical functions of NF-E2 in megakaryocyte differentiation.

Since the identification of the v-maf oncogene in an avian tumor virus, the Maf protein family has grown rapidly, forming a unique subclass of basic-leucine zipper transcription (bZIP) factors. Maf family members appear to play important roles in the regulation of differentiation.

Mammalian globin gene expression is activated through NF-E2 elements recognized by basic-leucine zipper proteins of the AP-1 superfamily. The specificity of NF-E2 DNA binding is determined by several nucleotides adjacent to a core AP-1 motif, comprising a recognition site for transcription factors of the Maf subfamily. Earlier work proposed that p18(MafK) forms a heterodimer with hematopoietic-specific protein p45 NF-E2 to activate transcription through NF-E2 sites. However, there was no direct evidence that p18(MafK) serves this function in vivo; in fact, mice lacking p18(MafK) have no phenotype. Here we describe a novel cDNA clone that encodes the human homolog of chicken MafG. Human MafG heterodimerizes with p45 NF-E2 and binds DNA with specificity identical to that of purified NF-E2 DNA binding activity. A tethered heterodimer of p45 and MafG is fully functional in supporting expression of α- and β-globin, and in promoting erythroid differentiation in CB3, a p45-deficient mouse erythroleukemia cell line. These results indicate that human MafG can serve as a functional partner for p45 NF-E2, and suggest that the p45/MafG heterodimer plays a role in the regulation of erythropoiesis.

We combine spectrally and spatially resolved measurements of the ultra-broadband THz-mid-infrared (IR) emission from a two-color-excited gas plasma, which provides a more detailed picture of the emission process and allows one to simulate the predicted spatio-temporal propagation through a subsequent focal region.

A method to recover the intensity and phase of ultra-broadband THz pulses exceeding 100 THz bandwidth is presented, using a generalized deconvolution algorithm which incorporates an arbitrary phase-matching and non-linear response.

The transcription factor p45 nuclear factor-erythroid−derived 2 (NF-E2) plays major roles in erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages. Here, we investigated the role of p45 NF-E2 in erythroid differentiation in vivo. Absence of p45 NF-E2 in mice leads to a twofold increase in serum erythropoietin levels. In the bone marrow of these animals, we found a different distribution of precursor populations compared to wild-type mice, suggesting abnormal differentiation. Loss of p45 NF-E2 was also associated with an increase in splenic erythropoiesis, as evidenced by an accumulation of early precursors, namely, late basophilic and polychromatic erythroblasts. These observations are consistent with a stress erythropoiesis phenotype and indicate that the spleen is likely compensating for ineffective erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. Analysis of bone marrow samples revealed increased GATA1 levels, as well as an increased proportion of erythroid cells arrested at the G 1 stage of cell cycle in p45 NF-E2–deficient mice. These results suggest that p45 NF-E2 is required for the differentiation of erythroid precursors.

We demonstrate how the observed emission of ultra-broadband THz pulses (>100 THz) from a two-color (Ω-2Ω) laser-induced gas plasma is strongly dictated by the precise spectral and temporal characteristics of the input optical fields.

We have previously generated mice deficient for Nfe213 (NF-E2 p45 related factor 3 or Nrf3), a member of the cap ‘n’ collar family of basic-leucine zipper transcription factors. To examine whether Nrf3 is involved in chemical-induced carcinogenesis, we exposed the mice to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogen found in cigarette smoke. Contrary to wild-type mice, Nrf3-null animals are highly susceptible to B[a]P, exhibiting significantly increased mortality. Pathology analysis of affected tissue sections revealed a high incidence of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in B[a]P-treated Nrf3−/− mice. Lymphoblastic lymphoma occasionally metastasized into the lung as demonstrated by perivascular malignant lymphocytic infiltration. Together, our studies show that the absence of Nrf3 predisposes mice to lymphoma development, suggesting a protective role of this transcription factor in hematopoietic malignancies. Our data demonstrate the first in vivo function of Nrf3 and its link to tumor development. Nrf3-deficient mice may serve as a preclinical mouse model to study carcinogen-induced lymphomagenesis.

We perform optical-pump/THz-probe measurements on TTF-TCNQ films in the metallic state to study the picosecond conductivity dynamics. The data suggest charge-density-wave formation on a time scale of 10 ps following an ultrafast thermalization process.

We present the generation of coherent terahertz radiation with a continuous spectrum covering the range up to above 100 THz, using an air-plasma with sub-20-fs two-color optical excitation, and demonstrate its potential for spectroscopic applications.

Late-stage erythroid cells synthesize large quantities of haemoglobin, a process requiring the co-ordinated regulation of globin and haem synthesis as well as iron uptake. In the present study, we investigated the role of the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathways in MEL (mouse erythroleukaemia) cell differentiation. We found that treatment of HMBA (hexamethylene bisacetamide)-induced MEL cells with the ERK pathway inhibitor UO126 results in an increase in intracellular haem and haemoglobin levels. The transcript levels of the genes coding for β(major)-globin, the haem biosynthesis enzyme 5-aminolevulinate synthase 2 and the mitochondrial iron transporter mitoferrin 1 are up-regulated. We also showed enhanced expression of globin and transferrin receptor 1 proteins upon UO126 treatment. With respect to iron uptake, we found that ERK inhibitor treatment led to an increase in both haem-bound and total iron. In contrast, treatment of MEL cells with the p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor SB202190 had the opposite effect, resulting in decreased globin expression, haem synthesis and iron uptake. Reporter assays showed that globin promoter and HS2 enhancer-mediated transcription was under the control of MAPKs, as inhibition of the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways led to increased and decreased gene activity respectively. Our present results suggest that the ERK1/2 and p38α/β MAPKs play antagonistic roles in HMBA-induced globin gene expression and erythroid differentiation. These results provide a novel link between MAPK signalling and the regulation of haem biosynthesis and iron uptake in erythroid cells.

The generation of coherent terahertz radiation with a spectrum covering the range from below 1 THz to more than 100 THz is demonstrated, using an air-plasma with sub-20-fs two-color optical excitation.

We present the generation of terahertz pulses with a continuous bandwidth up to 100 THz from a plasma with sub-20-fs two-color femtosecond excitation, and demonstrate its potential for spectroscopic measurements.

Molecular cloning of the subunits of the transcription factor NF-kappa B and its inhibitor l kappa B revealed regions of sequence homology with two different classes of proteins: the Rel/dorsal family and a heterogeneous group of proteins containing ankyrin-like repeats. Both the Rel/dorsal homology domain and the ankyrin-like repeats appear to play important roles in protein-protein interactions that regulate localization and activity of the NF-kappa B subunits.

The transcription factor NF-kappa B binds to DNA as a heterodimer composed of two subunits of 50 kDa (p50) and 65 kDa (p65). p50 contains a DNA binding and dimerization domain and represents a truncated form of a 105 kDa (p105) precursor molecule. We show here that in different cell types the p105 precursor as well as the processed p50 coexist in the cytoplasm, but that only the latter enters the nucleus. The cytoplasmic retention of the precursor molecule is controlled by a small region in its C-terminal part. We show that this region is responsible for the observed lack of DNA binding of the p50 precursor and controls the extent of processing of the precursor to the mature form. We also present evidence that a stretch of four basic amino acids, similar to a sequence found in the other proteins belonging to the rel/NF-kappa B family, is required for translocation of the processed p50 protein into the nucleus and thus could be the target for the retention mechanism.

The KBF1 factor, which binds to the enhancer A located in the promoter of the mouse MHC class I gene H-2Kb, is indistinguishable from the p50 DNA binding subunit of the transcription factor NF-kappa B, which regulates a series of genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. The KBF1/p50 factor binds as a homodimer but can also form heterodimers with the products of other members of the same family, like the c-rel and v-rel (proto)oncogenes. The dimerization domain of KBF1/p50 is contained between amino acids 201 and 367. A mutant of KBF1/p50 (delta SP), unable to bind to DNA but able to form homo- or heterodimers, has been constructed. This protein reduces or abolishes in vitro the DNA binding activity of wild-type proteins of the same family (KBF1/p50, c- and v-rel). This mutant also functions in vivo as a trans-acting dominant negative regulator: the transcriptional inducibility of the HIV long terminal repeat (which contains two potential NF-kappa B binding sites) by phorbol ester (PMA) is inhibited when it is co-transfected into CD4+ T cells with the delta SP mutant. Similarly the basal as well as TNF or IL1-induced activity of the MHC class I H-2Kb promoter can be inhibited by this mutant in two different cell lines. These results constitute the first formal demonstration that these genes are regulated by members of the rel/NF-kappa B family.

The major determinant in the transcriptional control of class I genes of the major histocompatibility complex is an enhancer sequence located around -170 from the transcription start site, which binds a factor named KBF1. We have isolated a complementary cDNA coding for KBF1 and identified the DNA binding and dimerization domain of the protein. Because KBF1 and the transcription factor NF-kappa B bind to similar sequences, we investigated the relationship between these two molecules. It appeared that KBF1 is, by all criteria used, identical to the 50 kd DNA binding subunit of NF-kappa B. KBF1 (and therefore p50) also displays extensive amino acid sequence homology with the v-rel oncogene and the Drosophila maternal morphogen dorsal. In vitro experiments suggest functional homologies between KBF1 and v-rel.

We analyzed the response of uterine smooth muscle cells to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). We first showed that PHM1-31 myometrial cells, our cellular model, are contractile. To determine the molecular mechanisms of uterine smooth muscle cell activation by proinflammatory cytokines, we performed genechip expression array profiling studies of PHM1-31 cells in the absence and the presence of IL-1beta. In total, we identified 198 known genes whose mRNA levels are significantly modulated (> 2.0-fold change) following IL-1beta exposure. We confirmed the expression changes for selected genes by independent mRNA and protein analysis. The group of genes induced by IL-1beta includes transcription factors and inflammatory response genes such as nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells (NFkappaB), pentraxin-related gene (PTX3), and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3/A20 (TNFAIP3/A20). We also found up-regulation of chemokines like C-X-C motif ligand 3 (CXCL3) and extracellular matrix remodeling signaling molecules like tenascin C (TNC). Our data suggest that IL-1beta elicits the rapid activation of a cellular network of genes particularly implicated in inflammatory response that may create a cellular environment favorable for myometrial cell contraction. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of uterine smooth muscle cell regulation and possibly infection-induced preterm labor.

We have analysed the molecular and cellular regulation of the basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor Nrf3 (NFE2-Related Factor 3). Cycloheximide studies revealed a rapid turnover of Nrf3. We showed that the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 increases Nrf3 protein levels. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Nrf3 is an N-glycosylated protein associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, our studies provide the first evidence of a post-translational modification of Nrf3.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the world. Our laboratory is studying the transcription factor NFE2L3 [nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 3]. NFE2L3, a member of the Cap’n’Collar family, is a basic-region leucine zipper transcription factor that was identified 15 years ago. Contrary to its extensively studied homolog NFE2L2, the role of NFE2L3 in cancer is still unknown. We demonstrated that NFE2L3 functions as heterodimer by complexing with small Maf (musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma) proteins for DNA binding. According to the clinical databases, NFE2L3 is up-regulated in CRC compared to normal tissues. Using the colorimetric MTT viability assay, we determined the optimal concentration to treat colon cell lines with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with CRC tumorigenesis. We showed that protein levels of NFE2L3 and small Maf proteins are up-regulated by TNFα in CRC cells. We used genomic approaches for identifying genes that are modulated by NFE2L3 after TNFα treatments. The identification of the precise role of NFE2L3 in TNFα signaling pathway will lead to a better understanding of colorectal cancers and will help in the design of novel treatment options. Citation Format: Marina Bury, Volker Blank. Role of the transcription factor NFE2L3 in TNFα signaling pathway in colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2086. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2086

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is involved in various cellular processes including redox control, metabolism, differentiation, growth, and apoptosis. With respect to hematopoiesis, TXNIP has been shown to play roles in natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and hematopoietic stem cells. Our study investigates the role of TXNIP in erythropoiesis. We observed a rapid and significant increase of TXNIP transcript and protein levels in mouse erythroleukemia cells treated with dimethyl sulfoxide or hexamethylene bisacetamide, inducers of erythroid differentiation. The upregulation of TXNIP was not abrogated by addition of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. The increase of TXNIP expression was confirmed in another model of erythroid differentiation, G1E-ER cells, which undergo differentiation upon activation of the GATA1 transcription factor. In addition, we showed that TXNIP levels are induced following inhibition of p38 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinases. We also observed an increase in iron uptake and a decrease in transferrin receptor protein upon TXNIP overexpression, suggesting a role in iron homeostasis. In vivo, flow cytometry analysis of cells from Txnip(-/-) mice revealed a new phenotype of impaired terminal erythropoiesis in the spleen, characterized by a partial block between basophilic and late basophilic/polychromatic erythroblasts. Based on our data, TXNIP emerges as a novel regulator of terminal erythroid differentiation.

During development, the regulated expression of tissue-specific genes can be preceded by their potentiation, that is, by chromatin activation in progenitor cells. For example, the human beta-like globin genes are potentiated in a gene- and developmental-specific manner in hematopoietic progenitors. Developmental regulation of human beta-gene expression in erythroid cells is mostly determined by transcriptional activators; however, it is not clear how gene-specific potentiation is set in hematopoietic progenitors. Using human and transgenic multipotent hematopoietic progenitors, we demonstrate that human beta-globin locus activation is characterized by TBP, NF-E2, CBP and BRG1 recruitment at both the Locus Control Region and human beta-gene promoter. Our results further indicate that in hematopoietic progenitors, EKLF influences chromatin organization at the human beta-globin locus and is instrumental for human beta-gene potentiation. Thus, we show that lineage-specific transcriptional activators expressed at basal levels in progenitor cells can participate in gene potentiation.