JARID2 is a direct target of the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein and inhibits myogenic differentiation of rhabdomyosarcoma cells.

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children and characteristically show features of developing skeletal muscle. The alveolar subtype is frequently associated with a PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein that is known to contribute to the undifferentiated myogenic phenotype of RMS cells. Histone methylation of lysine residues controls developmental processes in both normal and malignant cell contexts. Here we show that JARID2, which encodes a protein known to recruit various complexes with histone-methylating activity to their target genes, is significantly overexpressed in RMS with PAX3-FOXO1 compared with the fusion gene-negative RMS (t-test; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses showed that higher JARID2 levels are also associated with metastases at diagnosis, independent of fusion gene status and RMS subtype (n = 120; P = 0.039). JARID2 levels were altered by silencing or overexpressing PAX3-FOXO1 in RMS cell lines with and without the fusion gene, respectively. Consistent with this, we demonstrated that JARID2 is a direct transcriptional target of the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein. Silencing JARID2 resulted in reduced cell proliferation coupled with myogenic differentiation, including increased expression of Myogenin (MYOG) and Myosin Light Chain (MYL1) in RMS cell lines representative of both the alveolar and embryonal subtypes. Induced myogenic differentiation was associated with a decrease in JARID2 levels and this phenotype could be rescued by overexpressing JARID2. Furthermore, we that showed JARID2 binds to and alters the methylation status of histone H3 lysine 27 in the promoter regions of MYOG and MYL1 and that the interaction of JARID2 at these promoters is dependent on EED, a core component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Therefore, JARID2 is a downstream effector of PAX3-FOXO1 that maintains an undifferentiated myogenic phenotype that is characteristic of RMS. JARID2 and other components of PRC2 may represent novel therapeutic targets for treating RMS patients.

Role of JNK isoforms in the development of neuropathic pain following sciatic nerve transection in the mouse.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Current tools for analgesia are often only partially successful, thus investigations of new targets for pain therapy stimulate great interest. Consequent to peripheral nerve injury, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity in cells of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and spinal cord is involved in triggering neuropathic pain. However, the relative contribution of distinct JNK isoforms is unclear. Using knockout mice for single isoforms, and blockade of JNK activity by a peptide inhibitor, we have used behavioral tests to analyze the contribution of JNK in the development of neuropathic pain after unilateral sciatic nerve transection. In addition, immunohistochemical labelling for the growth associated protein (GAP)-43 and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) in DRGs was used to relate injury related compensatory growth to altered sensory function. RESULTS: Peripheral nerve injury produced pain-related behavior on the ipsilateral hindpaw, accompanied by an increase in the percentage of GAP43-immunoreactive (IR) neurons and a decrease in the percentage of CGRP-IR neurons in the lumbar DRGs. The JNK inhibitor, D-JNKI-1, successfully modulated the effects of the sciatic nerve transection. The onset of neuropathic pain was not prevented by the deletion of a single JNK isoform, leading us to conclude that all JNK isoforms collectively contribute to maintain neuropathy. Autotomy behavior, typically induced by sciatic nerve axotomy, was absent in both the JNK1 and JNK3 knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS: JNK signaling plays an important role in regulating pain threshold: the inhibition of all of the JNK isoforms prevents the onset of neuropathic pain, while the deletion of a single splice JNK isoform mitigates established sensory abnormalities. JNK inactivation also has an effect on axonal sprouting following peripheral nerve injury.

Cellular and viral factors implicated in persistent infection in canine distemper virus

Summary SLAM (signalling lymphocyte activation molecule, CD150) serves as a cellular receptor for different morbiliviruses, including measles virus and canine distemper virus. Laboratory cell lines that do not express dog SLAM are therefore quite refractory to infection by wildtype CDV. SLAM expression is not only required for CDV virion attachment, but also for the establishment of cytolytic infection characterized by syncytia formation. In order to determine if SLAM has a direct influence on CDV replication, we compared wild-type and mutated SLAM variants for their capacity to influence viral polymerase activity and syncytia formation. Deletion of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based signalling motif (ITSM) in the cytoplasmic tail of SLAM did not seem to influence viral replication, viral polymerase activity or cell-to cell fusion. Instead, it was the level of cell surface expression of SLAM, which was important. Additional experiments corroborated the importance of SLAM for efficient cell-to cell fusion: Both SLAM, as well as viral fusion (F) and attachment (H) glycoproteins, were found to be required for efficient cell-to-cell fusion, which, in turn, enhanced the activity of the viral polymerase and, viral replication. Wild-type A75/17 canine distemper virus (CDV) strain is known to induce a persistent infection in the central nervous system and in dog footpad keratinocytes in vivo. Recently, it has been shown that the A75/17 virus could also infect canine footpad keratinocytes (CFKs) in vitro. CFK infection with A75/17 was initially inefficient and produced very little virus progeny, however, after only three passages the adapted virus produced more progeny and induced limited syncytia formation. Sequence comparison between the A75/17 and the CFKadapted A75/17-K virus revealed three amino acid differences, one in the phosphoprotein (P), one in the matrix protein (M) and one in the H protein. In order to identify viral determinants of A75/17-K adaptation, recombinant viruses containing one, two or three nucleotides substitutions were analyzed. The amino acid substitution in the M protein was without effect on viral particle formation. In contrast, the amino acid substitution in the cytoplasmic tail of H protein was clearly important for syncytia formation. Concerning the mutation in the P protein, it led to an increase in viral replication. However, we cannot rule out that the observed effect is due to the amino acid substitutions in the overlapping accessory proteins C and V, also affected by the P mutation. The adaptation of wild-type CDV strains to cell culture almost always involves modifications of M protein. In order to understand the influence of these modifications, we tested recombinant A75/17 viruses bearing different M proteins. Preliminary results demonstrated that the M protein from the Vero-adapted strain reduced syncytia formation. Future studies will focus on the M mRNA and protein stability, its expression level, localisation and its effect on viral particles formation and on the phenotype of infection. Résumé La protéine SLAM (signalling lymphocyte activation molecule ou CD150) est utilisée comme récepteur cellulaire par les morbillivirus parmi lesquels on trouve le virus de la rougeole (VR) ainsi que le virus de la maladie de Carré (CDV). Les lignées cellulaires qui n'expriment pas la protéine SLAM du chien à leur surface sont réfractaires à l'infection par les souches sauvages de CDV. Le récepteur SLAM n'est pas seulement requis pour l'attachement du virion à la surface de la cellule, mais il participe également de façon active à l'établissement d'une infection cytolytique à travers la formation de syncytia. Afin de déterminer si la protéine SLAM exerce une influence directe sur la réplication virale du virus de la maladie de Carré, nous avons généré différentes protéines tronquées de SLAM et comparé leurs capacités à influencer l'activité de la polymérase ainsi que la formation de syncytia. Nos résultas ont montré que la réplication virale, l'activité de la polymérase ainsi que la fusion cellulaire ne semblent pas être influencées par les délétions dans les régions cytoplasmiques du récepteur SLAM. Cependant, ces délétions agissent sur l'expression de la protéine SLAM à la surface des cellules. Les expériences additionnelles ont permis de souligner l'importance de la protéine SLAM dans le phénomène de fusion entre cellules. En effet, la protéine SLAM ainsi que les deux glycoprotéines virales F et H sont requises pour la formation de syncytia, laquelle induit une augmentation de l'activité de la polymérase ainsi que de la réplication virale. La souche virulente A75/17 du virus, de la Maladie de Carré est connue pour induire une infection persistante au niveau du système nerveux central ainsi que dans les kératinocytes de pattes chez le chien. Des études récentes ont montré que des cultures primaires de kératinocytes de chien pouvaient aussi êtres infectées par la souche A75/17 de CDV. En effet, le virus induit une infection persistante en produisant très peu de progéniture. Cependant, trois passages du virus sauvage A75/17 dans ces cultures aboutissent à la sélection d'un virus produisant plus de progéniture et favorisant la formation limitée de syncytia. La comparaison des séquences génomique entre la souche A75/17 et la souche adaptée A75/17-K montre une différence de trois nucléotides. La première mutation, située dans le gène P, modifie la phosphoprotéine (P) ainsi que les protéines V et C. La deuxième se situe dans le gène de la protéine matricielle (M) et la dernière dans celui de la protéine d'attachement (H). Afin de déterminer les facteurs viraux impliqués lors de l'adaptation virale dans la culture primaire de kératinocytes, des virus recombinants contenant une, deux ou trois de ces mutations ont été analysés. La substitution d'un acide aminé dans la protéine M reste sans effet sur la production de particules virales. En revanche, la substitution d'un acide aminé dans la queue cytoplasmique de la protéine H s'avère clairement importante pour la formation de syncytia. Quant à la mutation dans le gène P, elle permet une augmentation de la réplication virale. Cependant, nous ne pouvons pas écarter l'hypothèse que l'augmentation de la réplication virale soit due aux substitutions d'un acide aminé dans les protéines accessoires V et C qui sont, elles aussi, affectées par la mutation dans le gène P. L'adaptation des souches sauvages de CDV aux cultures de cellules induit presque toujours des modifications de la protéine matricielle M. Afin de comprendre l'influence de ces modifications, nous avons testé 'des virus A75/17 recombinants contenant différentes protéines M. Les résultats préliminaires ont démontré que la protéine M de la souche adaptée aux cellules Vero réduisait la formation de syncytia. Les études futures seront axées sur la stabilité de l'ARN messager, celle de la protéine M, de son niveau d'expression, de sa localisation cellulaire et de son effet sur la formation de particules virale ainsi que sur le phénotype de l'infection.

Antagonistic regulation of a proline-rich transcription factor by transforming growth factor beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) often exhibit antagonistic actions on the regulation of various activities such as immune responses, cell growth, and gene expression. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the mutually opposing effects of TGF-beta and TNF-alpha are unknown. Here, we report that binding sites for the transcription factor CTF/NF-I mediate antagonistic TGF-beta and TNF-alpha transcriptional regulation in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. TGF-beta induces the proline-rich transactivation domain of specific CTF/NF-I family members, such as CTF-1, whereas TNF-alpha represses both the uninduced as well as the TGF-beta-induced CTF-1 transcriptional activity. CTF-1 is thus the first transcription factor reported to be repressed by TNF-alpha. The previously identified TGF-beta-responsive domain in the proline-rich transcriptional activation sequence of CTF-1 mediates both transcriptional induction and repression by the two growth factors. Analysis of potential signal transduction intermediates does not support a role for known mediators of TNF-alpha action, such as arachidonic acid, in CTF-1 regulation. However, overexpression of oncogenic forms of the small GTPase Ras or of the Raf-1 kinase represses CTF-1 transcriptional activity, as does TNF-alpha. Furthermore, TNF-alpha is unable to repress CTF-1 activity in NIH3T3 cells overexpressing ras or raf, suggesting that TNF-alpha regulates CTF-1 by a Ras-Raf kinase-dependent pathway. Mutagenesis studies demonstrated that the CTF-1 TGF-beta-responsive domain is not the primary target of regulatory phosphorylations. Interestingly, however, the domain mediating TGF-beta and TNF-alpha antagonistic regulation overlapped precisely the previously identified histone H3 interaction domain of CTF-1. These results identify CTF-1 as a molecular target of mutually antagonistic TGF-beta and TNF-alpha regulation, and they further suggest a molecular mechanism for the opposing effects of these growth factors on gene expression.

Selective inhibition of JNK with a peptide inhibitor attenuates pain hypersensitivity and tumor growth in a mouse skin cancer pain model.

Cancer pain significantly affects the quality of cancer patients, and current treatments for this pain are limited. C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) has been implicated in tumor growth and neuropathic pain sensitization. We investigated the role of JNK in cancer pain and tumor growth in a skin cancer pain model. Injection of luciferase-transfected B16-Fluc melanoma cells into a hindpaw of mouse induced robust tumor growth, as indicated by increase in paw volume and fluorescence intensity. Pain hypersensitivity in this model developed rapidly (<5 days) and reached a peak in 2 weeks, and was characterized by mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. Tumor growth was associated with JNK activation in tumor mass, dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and spinal cord and a peripheral neuropathy, such as loss of nerve fibers in the hindpaw skin and induction of ATF-3 expression in DRG neurons. Repeated systemic injections of D-JNKI-1 (6 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective and cell-permeable peptide inhibitor of JNK, produced an accumulative inhibition of mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. A bolus spinal injection of D-JNKI-1 also inhibited mechanical allodynia. Further, JNK inhibition suppressed tumor growth in vivo and melanoma cell proliferation in vitro. In contrast, repeated injections of morphine (5 mg/kg), a commonly used analgesic for terminal cancer, produced analgesic tolerance after 1 day and did not inhibit tumor growth. Our data reveal a marked peripheral neuropathy in this skin cancer model and important roles of the JNK pathway in cancer pain development and tumor growth. JNK inhibitors such as D-JNKI-1 may be used to treat cancer pain.

Role for JIP-1/IB1 in pancreatic β-cell and adipocyte dysfunctions in type 2 diabetes and obesity

L'insuline, produite par les cellules β du pancréas, joue un rôle central dans le contrôle de la glycémie. Un manque d'insuline entraine le diabète de type 2, une maladie répandue au stade d'épidémie au niveau mondial. L'augmentation du nombre de personnes obèses est une des causes principales du développement de la maladie. Avec l'obésité les tissus tels que le foie, le muscle, et le tissu adipeux deviennent résistants à l'insuline. En général, cette résistance est équilibrée par une augmentation de la sécrétion d'insuline. De ce fait, un grand nombre d'individus obèses ne deviennent pas diabétiques. Lorsque les cellules β ne produisent plus suffisamment d'insuline, alors le diabète se développe. Dans l'obésité, les cellules graisseuses sont résistantes à l'insuline et relâchent des lipides et autres produits qui affectent le bon fonctionnement et la vie des cellules β. «c-Jun Ν terminal Kinase» (JNK) est une enzyme qui joue un rôle important dans la résistance de l'insuline des cellules graisseuses. Cette même en2yme contribue aussi au déclin de la cellule β dans les conditions diabétogènes, et représente ainsi une cible thérapeutique potentielle du diabète. L'objectif de cette thèse a été de comprendre le mécanisme conduisant à l'activité de JNK dans les adipocytes et cellules β, dans l'obésité et le diabète de type 2. Nous montrons que les variations de JNK sont la conséquence de taux anormaux de JIP-1/EB1, une protéine qui a été impliquée dans certaines formes génétiques de diabète de type 2. En outre nous décrivons le mécanisme responsable des anomalies de JIP1/IB1 dans les adipocytes et cellules β. La restauration des taux de JIP-1/EB1 dans les deux types cellulaires pourrait être un objectif des thérapeutiques antidiabétiques actuelles et futures. - Le nombre d'individus touchés par le diabète de type 2 atteint aujourd'hui des proportions épidémiques à l'échelle mondiale. L'augmentation de la prévalence de l'obésité est la cause principale du développement de la maladie, qui, en général, survient suite à une perte de la sensibilité à l'insuline des tissus périphériques. Dans un grand nombre des cas, l'insulino-résistance est compensée par une augmentation de la sécrétion de l'insuline par les cellules β pancréatiques. Le diabète apparaît lorsque l'insuline n'est plus produite en quantité suffisante pour contrecarrer la résistance à l'insuline des tissus. Le défaut de production de l'insuline résulte du dysfonctionnement et de la réduction massive des cellules β. Les acides gras libres non estérifiés, en particulier le palmitate, provenant d'une alimentation riche en lipides et libérés par les adipocytes insulino-résistants contribuent au déclin de la cellule β en activant la voie de signalisation «cJun N-terminal kinase» (JNK). L'activation de JNK contribue aussi à la résistance à l'insuline des adipocytes dans l'obésité, soulignant ainsi l'importance de cette voie de signalisation dans la pathophysiologie du diabète. L'objectif de cette thèse a été de comprendre les mécanismes qui régulent JNK dans les cellules β et les adipocytes. Nous montrons que l'activation de JNK dans ces deux types cellulaires est la conséquence de la variation des taux de «JNK interacting protein 1» appelé aussi «islet brain 1» (JEP-1/ΓΒΙ), une protéine qui attache les kinases de la signalisation de JNK et dont des variations génétiques ont été associées avec le diabète de type 2. Dans les cellules β cultivées avec du palmitate, ainsi que dans les adipocytes dans l'obésité, l'expression de JEP-l/BBl est modifiée. Les modulations de l'expression de JEP-1/ΓΒΙ sont réalisées par le facteur de transcription «inducible cAMP early repressor» (ICER). L'expression d'ICER dans les adipocytes est diminuée dans l'obésité, et corrèle avec l'augmentation des niveaux de JEP-1/IB1. A l'inverse, le niveau d'expression d'ICER est augmenté dans les cellules β cultivées avec du palmitate, et cette augmentation perturbe le bon fonctionnement des cellules en réduisant les niveaux de JEP-l/IBl. Comme le palmitate, les particules pro-athérogéniques LDL-cholesterol oxydés, sont élevées chez les personnes obèses et diabétiques et sont délétères aux cellules β. Ces particules modifiées activent JNK dans les cellules β en diminuant l'expression de JIP-1/IB1 via ICER. Tous ces résultats montrent que le dérèglement de l'expression de JIP-l/EBl par ICER joue un rôle central dans l'activation de JNK dans les adipocytes et cellules β en souffrance dans l'obésité et le diabète de type 2. La restauration appropriée des niveaux de JEPl/IBl et d'ICER pourrait être considérée comme un objectif pour mesurer l'efficacité des traitements antidiabétiques actuels et futurs. - Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, and poses a major socio-economic burden on developed and developing societies. The disease is often accompanied by obesity, and arises when β-cells produce insufficient insulin to meet the increased hormone demand, caused by insulin resistance. In obesity, enlargement of adipocytes contribute to their dysfunction, which is characterized by the abnormal release of some bioactive products such as non-esterified free fatty acids (NEF As). Chronic plasma elevation of NEF As elicits β-cell dysfunction and death, thereby, representing a key feature for development of diabetes in obesity (diabesity). Palmitate is the most abundant circulating NEF As in obesity, which triggers adipocytes and β-cell dysfunction. The effects of palmitate rely on the induction of the cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Activation of JNK promotes both β-cells dysfunction and insulin resistance in adipocytes. This thesis was undertaken to investigate the mechanisms accounting for the induction of the JNK pathway caused by palmitate. JNK is regulated by the scaffold protein JNK interacting protein-1, also called islet brain 1 (JIP-1/IB1). The levels of JDM/IB1 are critical for glucose homeostasis, as genetic variations within the gene were associated with diabetes. We found that activation of JNK in both, β-cells exposed to palmitate, and in adipocytes of obese mice, results from variations in the expression of JIP-l/EBl. Modifications in the JIP-1/IB1 levels were the consequence of abnormal expression of the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) in the two cell types. In addition, our data show that this repressor plays a key role in abnormal production of adipocyte hormones and β-cell dysfunction evoked by the pro-atherogenic oxidized LDL. Taken together, this study proposes that fine-tuning of appropriate levels of JIP-l/EBl, and ICER could circumvent β-cell failure, adipocyte dysfunction, and thereby, development of diabesity.

A role for the transcriptional repressor ICER in the molecular pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes

AbstractType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease which affects more than 200 millions people worldwide. The progression of this affection reaches nowadays epidemic proportions, owing to the constant augmentation in the frequency of overweight, obesity and sedentary. The pathogenesis of T2D is characterized by reduction in the action of insulin on its target tissues - an alteration referred as insulin resistance - and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. This latter deterioration is defined by impairment in insulin biosynthesis and secretion, and a loss of β-cell mass by apoptosis. Environmental factors related to T2D, such as chronic elevation in glucose and free fatty acids levels, inflammatory cytokines and pro-atherogenic oxidized low- density lipoproteins (LDL), contribute to the loss of pancreatic β-cell function.In this study, we have demonstrated that the transcription factor Inducible Cyclic AMP Early Repressor (ICER) participates to the progression of both β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. The expression of this factor is driven by an alternative promoter and ICER protein represents therefore a truncated product of the Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator (CREM) family which lacks transactivation domain. Consequently, the transcription factor ICER acts as a passive repressor which reduces expression of genes controlled by the cyclic AMP and Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding protein (CREB) pathway.In insulin-secreting cells, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species caused by environmental factors and notably oxidized LDL - a process known as oxidative stress - induces the transcription factor ICER. This transcriptional repressor hampers the secretory capacity of β-cells by silencing key genes of the exocytotic machinery. In addition, the factor ICER reduces the expression of the scaffold protein Islet Brain 1 (IB 1 ), thereby favouring the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway. This triggering alters in turn insulin biosynthesis and survival capacities of pancreatic β-cells.In the adipose tissue of mice and human subjects suffering from obesity, the transcription factor ICER contributes to the alteration in insulin action. The loss in ICER protein in these tissues induces a constant activation of the CREB pathway and the subsequent expression of the Activating Transcription Factor 3 (ATF3). In turn, this repressor reduces the transcript levels of the glucose transporter GLUT4 and the insulin-sensitizer peptide adiponectin, thereby contributing to the diminution in insulin action.In conclusion, these data shed light on the important role of the transcriptional repressor ICER in the pathogenesis of T2D, which contributes to both alteration in β-cell function and aggravation of insulin resistance. Consequently, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the alterations in ICER levels is required and could lead to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of T2D.RésuméLe diabète de type 2 (DT2) est une maladie métabolique qui affecte plus de 200 millions de personnes dans le monde. La progression de cette affection atteint aujourd'hui des proportions épidémiques imputables à l'augmentation rapide dans les fréquences du surpoids, de l'obésité et de la sédentarité. La pathogenèse du DT2 se caractérise par une diminution de l'action de l'insuline sur ses tissus cibles - un processus nommé insulino-résistance - ainsi qu'une dysfonction des cellules β pancréatiques sécrétrices d'insuline. Cette dernière détérioration se définit par une réduction de la capacité de synthèse et de sécrétion de l'insuline et mène finalement à une perte de la masse de cellules β par apoptose. Des facteurs environnementaux fréquemment associés au DT2, tels l'élévation chronique des taux plasmatiques de glucose et d'acides gras libres, les cytokines pro-inflammatoires et les lipoprotéines de faible densité (LDL) oxydées, contribuent à la perte de fonction des cellules β pancréatiques.Dans cette étude, nous avons démontré que le facteur de transcription « Inducible Cyclic AMP Early Repressor » (ICER) participe à la progression de la dysfonction des cellules β pancréatiques et au développement de Pinsulino-résistance. Son expression étant gouvernée par un promoteur alternatif, la protéine d'ICER représente un produit tronqué de la famille des «Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator » (CREM), sans domaine de transactivation. Par conséquent, le facteur ICER agit comme un répresseur passif qui réduit l'expression des gènes contrôlés par la voie de l'AMP cyclique et des « Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding protein » (CREB).Dans les cellules sécrétrices d'insuline, l'accumulation de radicaux d'oxygène libres, soutenue par les facteurs environnementaux et notamment les LDL oxydées - un processus appelé stress oxydatif- induit de manière ininterrompue le facteur de transcription ICER. Ainsi activé, ce répresseur transcriptionnel altère la capacité sécrétoire des cellules β en bloquant l'expression de gènes clés de la machinerie d'exocytose. En outre, le facteur ICER favorise l'activation de la cascade de signalisation « c-Jun N- terminal Kinase » (JNK) en réduisant l'expression de la protéine « Islet Brain 1 » (IB1), altérant ainsi les fonctions de biosynthèse de l'insuline et de survie des cellules β pancréatiques.Dans le tissu adipeux des souris et des sujets humains souffrant d'obésité, le facteur de transcription ICER contribue à l'altération de la réponse à l'insuline. La disparition de la protéine ICER dans ces tissus entraîne une activation persistante de la voie de signalisation des CREB et une induction du facteur de transcription « Activating Transcription Factor 3 » (ATF3). A son tour, le répresseur ATF3 inhibe l'expression du transporteur de glucose GLUT4 et du peptide adipocytaire insulino-sensibilisateur adiponectine, contribuant ainsi à la diminution de l'action de l'insuline en conditions d'obésité.En conclusion, à la lumière de ces résultats, le répresseur transcriptionnel ICER apparaît comme un facteur important dans la pathogenèse du DT2, en participant à la perte de fonction des cellules β pancréatiques et à l'aggravation de l'insulino-résistance. Par conséquent, l'étude des mécanismes moléculaires responsables de l'altération des niveaux du facteur ICER pourrait permettre le développement de nouvelles stratégies de traitement du DT2.Résumé didactiqueL'énergie nécessaire au bon fonctionnement de l'organisme est fournie par l'alimentation, notamment sous forme de sucres (glucides). Ceux-ci sont dégradés en glucose, lequel sera distribué aux différents organes par la circulation sanguine. Après un repas, le niveau de glucose sanguin, nommé glycémie, s'élève et favorise la sécrétion d'une hormone appelée insuline par les cellules β du pancréas. L'insuline permet, à son tour, aux organes, tels le foie, les muscles et le tissu adipeux de capter et d'utiliser le glucose ; la glycémie retrouve ainsi son niveau basai.Le diabète de type 2 (DT2) est une maladie métabolique qui affecte plus de 200 millions de personnes dans le monde. Le développement de cette affection est causée par deux processus pathologiques. D'une part, les quantités d'insuline secrétée par les cellules β pancréatiques, ainsi que la survie de ces cellules sont réduites, un phénomène connu sous le nom de dysfonction des cellules β. D'autre part, la sensibilité des tissus à l'insuline se trouve diminuée. Cette dernière altération, l'insulino-résistance, empêche le transport et l'utilisation du glucose par les tissus et mène à une accumulation de ce sucre dans le sang. Cette stagnation de glucose dans le compartiment sanguin est appelée hyperglycémie et favorise l'apparition des complications secondaires du diabète, telles que les maladies cardiovasculaires, l'insuffisance rénale, la cécité et la perte de sensibilité des extrémités.Dans cette étude, nous avons démontré que le facteur ICER qui contrôle spécifiquement l'expression de certains gènes, contribue non seulement à la dysfonction des cellules β, mais aussi au développement de l'insulino-résistance. En effet, dans les cellules β pancréatiques en conditions diabétiques, l'activation du facteur ICER altère la capacité de synthèse et de sécrétion d'insuline et réduit la survie ces cellules.Dans le tissu adipeux des souris et des sujets humains souffrant d'obésité, le facteur ICER contribue à la perte de sensibilité à l'insuline. La disparition d'ICER altère l'expression de la protéine qui capte le glucose, le transoprteur GLUT4, et l'hormone adipocytaire favorisant la sensibilité à l'insuline, nommée adiponectine. Ainsi, la perte d'ICER participe à la réduction de la captation de glucose par le tissue adipeux et au développement de l'insulino-résistance au cours de l'obésité.En conclusion, à la lumière de ces résultats, le facteur ICER apparaît comme un contributeur important à la progression du DT2, en soutenant la dysfonction des cellules β pancréatiques et l'aggravation de l'insulino-résistance. Par conséquent, l'étude des mécanismes responsables de la dérégulation du facteur ICER pourrait permettre le développement de nouvelles stratégies de traitement du DT2.

Role of the transcription factor sox4 in schwann cell development

Previous studies demonstrated that both Schwann cell differentiation and de-differentiation (in the situation of a nerve injury or demyelinating disease) are regulated by cell-intrinsic regulators including several transcription factors. In particular, the de-differentiation of mature Schwann cells is driven by the activation of multiple negative regulators of myelination including c-Jun, Notch, Sox-2 and Pax-3, all usually expressed in the immature Schwann cells and suppressed at the onset of myelination. In order to identify new negative regulators of myelination involved in the development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) we analyzed the data from a previously performed transcriptional analysis of myelinating Schwann cells. Based on its transcriptional expression profile during myelination, Sox4, a member of the Sox gene family, was identified as a potential candidate. Previous studies demonstrated that prolonged Sox4 expression in oligodendrocytes maintains these cells in a premyelinating state, further suggesting its role as a negative regulator of myelination. Concomitantly, we observed upregulation of Sox4 mRNA and protein expression levels in the PNS of three different models of demyelinating neuropathies (Pmp22, Lpin1, and Scap KOs). To better characterize the molecular function of Sox4, we used a viral vector allowing Sox4 overexpression in cultured Schwann cells and in neuron-Schwann cell co-cultures. In parallel, we generated two transgenic lines of mice in which the overexpression of Sox4 is driven specifically in Schwann cells by the Myelin Protein Zero gene promoter. The preliminary data from these in vitro and in vivo experiments show that overexpression of Sox4 in PNS causes a delay in progression of myelination thus indicating that Sox4 acts as a negative regulator of Schwann cell myelination.

Human high-density lipoprotein particles prevent activation of the JNK pathway induced by human oxidised low-density lipoprotein particles in pancreatic beta cells.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We explored the potential adverse effects of pro-atherogenic oxidised LDL-cholesterol particles on beta cell function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isolated human and rat islets and different insulin-secreting cell lines were incubated with human oxidised LDL with or without HDL particles. The insulin level was monitored by ELISA, real-time PCR and a rat insulin promoter construct linked to luciferase gene reporter. Cell apoptosis was determined by scoring cells displaying pycnotic nuclei. RESULTS: Prolonged incubation with human oxidised LDL particles led to a reduction in preproinsulin expression levels, whereas the insulin level was preserved in the presence of native LDL-cholesterol. The loss of insulin production occurred at the transcriptional levels and was associated with an increase in activator protein-1 transcriptional activity. The rise in activator protein-1 activity resulted from activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK, now known as mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 [MAPK8]) due to a subsequent decrease in islet-brain 1 (IB1; now known as MAPK8 interacting protein 1) levels. Consistent with the pro-apoptotic role of the JNK pathway, oxidised LDL also induced a twofold increase in the rate of beta cell apoptosis. Treatment of the cells with JNK inhibitor peptides or HDL countered the effects mediated by oxidised LDL. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These data provide strong evidence that oxidised LDL particles exert deleterious effects in the progression of beta cell failure in diabetes and that these effects can be countered by HDL particles.

Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury during Heart Transplantation.

In solid organ transplantation, ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury during organ procurement, storage and reperfusion is an unavoidable detrimental event for the graft, as it amplifies graft inflammation and rejection. Intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways regulate inflammation and cell survival during IR injury. The four best-characterized MAPK subfamilies are the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal- regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and big MAPK-1 (BMK1/ERK5). Here, we review the role of MAPK activation during myocardial IR injury as it occurs during heart transplantation. Most of our current knowledge regarding MAPK activation and cardioprotection comes from studies of preconditioning and postconditioning in nontransplanted hearts. JNK and p38 MAPK activation contributes to myocardial IR injury after prolonged hypothermic storage. p38 MAPK inhibition improves cardiac function after cold storage, rewarming and reperfusion. Small-molecule p38 MAPK inhibitors have been tested clinically in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, but not in transplanted patients, so far. Organ transplantation offers the opportunity of starting a preconditioning treatment before organ procurement or during cold storage, thus modulating early events in IR injury. Future studies will need to evaluate combined strategies including p38 MAPK and/or JNK inhibition, ERK1/2 activation, pre- or postconditioning protocols, new storage solutions, and gentle reperfusion.

JNK3 maintains expression of the insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) in insulin-secreting cells: functional consequences for insulin signaling.

We have recently shown that silencing of the brain/islet specific c-Jun N-terminal Kinase3 (JNK3) isoform enhances both basal and cytokine-induced beta-cell apoptosis, whereas silencing of JNK1 or JNK2 has opposite effects. While it is known that JNK1 or JNK2 may promote apoptosis by inhibiting the activity of the pro-survival Akt pathway, the effect of JNK3 on Akt has not been documented. This study aims to determine the involvement of individual JNKs and specifically JNK3 in the regulation of the Akt signaling pathway in insulin-secreting cells. JNK3 silencing strongly decreases Insulin Receptor Substrate 2 (IRS2) protein expression, and blocks Akt2 but not Akt1 activation by insulin, while the silencing of JNK1 or JNK2 activates both Akt1 and Akt2. Concomitantly, the silencing of JNK1 or JNK2, but not of JNK3, potently phosphorylates the glycogen synthase kinase3 (GSK3β). JNK3 silencing also decreases the activity of the transcription factor Forkhead BoxO3A (FoxO3A) that is known to control IRS2 expression, in addition to increasing c-Jun levels that are known to inhibit insulin gene expression. In conclusion, we propose that JNK1/2 on one hand and JNK3 on the other hand, have opposite effects on insulin-signaling in insulin-secreting cells; JNK3 protects beta-cells from apoptosis and dysfunction mainly through maintenance of a normal IRS2 to Akt2 signaling pathway. It seems that JNK3 mediates its effects mainly at the transcriptional level, while JNK1 or JNK2 appear to mediate their pro-apoptotic effect in the cytoplasm.

JNK Inhibition Reduced Retinal Ganglion Cell Death after Ischemia/Reperfusion In Vivo and after Hypoxia In Vitro.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are key regulators that have been linked to cell survival and death. Among the main classes of MAPKs, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) has been shown to mediate cell stress responses associated with apoptosis. In Vitro, hypoxia induced a significant increase in 661W cell death that paralleled increased activity of JNK and c-jun. 661W cells cultured in presence of the inhibitor of JNK (D-JNKi) were less sensitive to hypoxia-induced cell death. In vivo, elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP) in the rat promoted cell death that correlated with modulation of JNK activation. In vivo inhibition of JNK activation with D-JNKi resulted in a significant and sustained decrease in apoptosis in the ganglion cell layer, the inner nuclear layer and the photoreceptor layer. These results highlight the protective effect of D-JNKi in ischemia/reperfusion induced cell death of the retina.

NS2 protein of hepatitis C virus interacts with structural and non-structural proteins towards virus assembly.

Growing experimental evidence indicates that, in addition to the physical virion components, the non-structural proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are intimately involved in orchestrating morphogenesis. Since it is dispensable for HCV RNA replication, the non-structural viral protein NS2 is suggested to play a central role in HCV particle assembly. However, despite genetic evidences, we have almost no understanding about NS2 protein-protein interactions and their role in the production of infectious particles. Here, we used co-immunoprecipitation and/or fluorescence resonance energy transfer with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy analyses to study the interactions between NS2 and the viroporin p7 and the HCV glycoprotein E2. In addition, we used alanine scanning insertion mutagenesis as well as other mutations in the context of an infectious virus to investigate the functional role of NS2 in HCV assembly. Finally, the subcellular localization of NS2 and several mutants was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Our data demonstrate molecular interactions between NS2 and p7 and E2. Furthermore, we show that, in the context of an infectious virus, NS2 accumulates over time in endoplasmic reticulum-derived dotted structures and colocalizes with both the envelope glycoproteins and components of the replication complex in close proximity to the HCV core protein and lipid droplets, a location that has been shown to be essential for virus assembly. We show that NS2 transmembrane region is crucial for both E2 interaction and subcellular localization. Moreover, specific mutations in core, envelope proteins, p7 and NS5A reported to abolish viral assembly changed the subcellular localization of NS2 protein. Together, these observations indicate that NS2 protein attracts the envelope proteins at the assembly site and it crosstalks with non-structural proteins for virus assembly.

Hepatitis C virus proteins promote mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction and nitro-oxidative stress: insights into pathogenesis

HCV-infection induces a state of oxidative stress more pronounced than in many other inflammatory diseases. Here we propose a temporal sequence of events in the HCV-infected cell whereby the primary alteration consists in release of Ca2+ from the ER followed by uptake into mitochondria. This triggers successive mitochondrial dysfunctions leading to generation of ROS and to a progressive metabolic adaptive response. Pathogenetic implications of the model and new opportunities for therapeutic intervention are discussed.

NS2 Proteins of GB Virus B and Hepatitis C Virus Share Common Protease Activities and Membrane Topologies.

GB virus B (GBV-B), which is hepatotropic in experimentally infected small New World primates, is a member of the Hepacivirus genus but phylogenetically relatively distant from hepatitis C virus (HCV). To gain insights into the role and specificity of hepaciviral nonstructural protein 2 (NS2), which is required for HCV polyprotein processing and particle morphogenesis, we investigated whether NS2 structural and functional features are conserved between HCV and GBV-B. We found that GBV-B NS2, like HCV NS2, has cysteine protease activity responsible for cleavage at the NS2/NS3 junction, and we experimentally confirmed the location of this junction within the viral polyprotein. A model for GBV-B NS2 membrane topology was experimentally established by determining the membrane association properties of NS2 segments fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and their nuclear magnetic resonance structures using synthetic peptides as well as by applying an N-glycosylation scanning approach. Similar glycosylation studies confirmed the HCV NS2 organization. Together, our data show that despite limited amino acid sequence similarity, GBV-B and HCV NS2 proteins share a membrane topology with 3 N-terminal transmembrane segments, which is also predicted to apply to other recently discovered hepaciviruses. Based on these data and using trans-complementation systems, we found that intragenotypic hybrid NS2 proteins with heterologous N-terminal membrane segments were able to efficiently trans-complement an assembly-deficient HCV mutant with a point mutation in the NS2 C-terminal domain, while GBV-B/HCV or intergenotypic NS2 chimeras were not. These studies indicate that virus- and genotype-specific intramolecular interactions between N- and C-terminal domains of NS2 are critically involved in HCV morphogenesis. IMPORTANCE: Nonstructural protein 2 (NS2) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a multifunctional protein critically involved in polyprotein processing and virion morphogenesis. To gain insights into NS2 mechanisms of action, we investigated whether NS2 structural and functional features are conserved between HCV and GB virus B (GBV-B), a phylogenetically relatively distant primate hepacivirus. We showed that GBV-B NS2, like HCV NS2, carries cysteine protease activity. We experimentally established a model for GBV-B NS2 membrane topology and demonstrated that despite limited sequence similarity, GBV-B and HCV NS2 share an organization with three N-terminal transmembrane segments. We found that the role of HCV NS2 in particle assembly is genotype specific and relies on critical interactions between its N- and C-terminal domains. This first comparative analysis of NS2 proteins from two hepaciviruses and our structural predictions of NS2 from other newly identified mammal hepaciviruses highlight conserved key features of the hepaciviral life cycle.