Cytotoxic effects of combination of oxidosqualene cyclase inhibitors with atorvastatin in human cancer cells.

Ten oxidosqualene cyclase inhibitors with high efficacy as cholesterol-lowering agents and of different chemical structure classes were evaluated as potential anticancer agents against human cancer cells from various tissue origins and nontumoral human-brain-derived endothelial cells. Inhibition of cancer cell growth was demonstrated at micromolar concentrations, comparable to the concentrations of statins necessary for antitumor effect. Human glioblastoma cells were among the most sensitive cells. These compounds were also able to decrease the proliferation of angiogenic brain-derived endothelial cells, as a model of tumor-induced neovasculation. Additive effects in human glioblastoma cells were also demonstrated for oxidosqualene cyclase inhibitors in combination with atorvastatin while maintaining selectivity against endothelial cells. Thus, not only statins targeting the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase but also inhibitors of oxidosqualene cyclase decrease tumor growth, suggesting new therapeutic opportunities of combined anti-cholesterol agents for dual treatment of glioblastoma.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, and noradrenaline induce the transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-beta and C/EBP delta in mouse cortical astrocytes: involvement in cAMP-regulated glycogen metabolism.

We have described previously a transcription-dependent induction of glycogen resynthesis by the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or noradrenaline (NA) in astrocytes, which is mediated by cAMP. Because it has been postulated that the cAMP-mediated regulation of energy balance in hepatocytes and adipocytes is channeled at least in part through the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors, we tested the hypothesis that C/EBP isoforms could be expressed in mouse cortical astrocytes and that their level of expression could be regulated by VIP, by the VIP-related neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), or by NA. We report in this study that in these cells, C/EBP beta and C/EBP delta are induced by VIP, PACAP, or NA via the cAMP second-messenger pathway. Induction of C/EBP beta and -delta mRNA by VIP occurs in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor. Thus, c/ebp beta and c/ebp delta behave as cAMP-inducible immediate-early genes in astrocytes. Moreover, transfection of astrocytes with expression vectors selectively producing the transcriptionally active form of C/EBP beta, termed liver-enriched transcriptional activator protein, or C/EBP delta enhance the glycogen resynthesis elicited by NA, whereas an expression vector producing the transcriptionally inactive form of C/EBP beta, termed liver-enriched transcriptional inhibitory protein, reduces this resynthesis. These results support the idea that C/EBP beta and -delta regulate gene expression of energy metabolism-related enzymes in astrocytes.

Inflammasome activation by adenylate cyclase toxin directs Th17 responses and protection against Bordetella pertussis.

Inflammasome-mediated IL-1beta production is central to the innate immune defects that give rise to certain autoinflammatory diseases and may also be associated with the generation of IL-17-producing CD4(+) T (Th17) cells that mediate autoimmunity. However, the role of the inflammasome in driving adaptive immunity to infection has not been addressed. In this article, we demonstrate that inflammasome-mediated IL-1beta plays a critical role in promoting Ag-specific Th17 cells and in generating protective immunity against Bordetella pertussis infection. Using a murine respiratory challenge model, we demonstrated that the course of B. pertussis infection was significantly exacerbated in IL-1R type I-defective (IL-1RI(-/-)) mice. We found that adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA), a key virulence factor secreted by B. pertussis, induced robust IL-1beta production by dendritic cells through activation of caspase-1 and the NALP3-containing inflammasome complex. Using mutant toxins, we demonstrate that CyaA-mediated activation of caspase-1 was not dependent on adenylate cyclase enzyme activity but was dependent on the pore-forming capacity of CyaA. In addition, CyaA promoted the induction of Ag-specific Th17 cells in wild-type but not IL-1RI(-/-) mice. Furthermore, the bacterial load was enhanced in IL-17-defective mice. Our findings demonstrate that CyaA, a virulence factor from B. pertussis, promotes innate IL-1beta production via activation of the NALP3 inflammasome and, thereby, polarizes T cell responses toward the Th17 subtype. In addition to its known role in subverting host immunity, our findings suggest that CyaA can promote IL-1beta-mediated Th17 cells, which promote clearance of the bacteria from the respiratory tract.

Nitric oxide activity through guanylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase modulation is impaired in fetal lambs with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with pulmonary hypertension and death. Administration of nitric oxide (NO) alone remains ineffective in CDH cases. We investigated in near full-term lambs with and without CDH the role of guanylate cyclase (GC), the enzyme activated by NO in increasing cyclic 3'-5'-guanylosine monophosphate, and the role of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5, the enzyme-degrading cyclic 3'-5'-guanylosine monophosphate. METHODS: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia was surgically created in fetal lambs at 85 days of gestation. Pulmonary hemodynamics were assessed by means of pressure and blood flow catheters (135 days). In vitro, we tested drugs on rings of isolated pulmonary vessels. RESULTS: In vivo, sodium nitroprusside, a direct NO donor, and methyl-2(4-aminophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-1-oxo-7-(2-pyridinylmethoxy)-4-(3,4,5 trimethoxyphenyl)-3-isoquinoline carboxylate sulfate (T-1032) and Zaprinast, both PDE 5 blockers, reduced pulmonary vascular resistance in CDH and non-CDH animals. The activation of GC by sodium nitroprusside and the inhibition of PDE 5 by T-1032 were less effective in CDH animals. In vitro, the stimulation of GC by 3(5'hydroxymethyl-2'furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) (a benzyl indazole derivative) and the inhibition of PDE 5 by T-1032 were less effective in pulmonary vascular rings from CDH animals. The YC-1-induced vasodilation in rings from CDH animals was higher when associated with the PDE 5 inhibitor T-1032. CONCLUSIONS: Guanylate cyclase and PDE 5 play a role in controlling pulmonary vascular tone in fetal lambs with or without CDH. Both enzymes seem to be impaired in fetal lambs with CDH.

Post-translational modifications regulate distinct functions of CARMA1 and BCL10.

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is essential for the normal functioning of the immune system. Deregulated NF-kappaB signalling in lymphocytes can lead to immunodeficiency, but also to autoimmunity or lymphomas. Many of the signalling components controlling NF-kappaB activation in lymphocytes are now known, but it is less clear how distinct molecular components of this pathway are regulated. Here, we summarize recent findings on post-translational modifications of intracellular components of this pathway. Phosphorylation of the CARMA1 and BCL10 proteins and ubiquitylation of BCL10 affect the formation and stability of the CARMA1-BCL10-MALT1 (CBM) complex, and also control negative feedback regulation of the NF-kappaB signalling pathway. Moreover, the study of BCL10 phosphorylation isoforms has revealed a new mechanism controlling BCL10 nuclear translocation and an unexpected role for BCL10 in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton.

Heterologous desensitization of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor by phorbol esters requires phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail at four different sites.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 stimulates glucose-induced insulin secretion by binding to a specific G protein-coupled receptor that activates the adenylyl cyclase pathway. We previously demonstrated that heterologous desensitization of the receptor by protein kinase C correlated with phosphorylation in a 33-amino acid-long segment of the receptor carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic tail. Here, we determined that the in vivo sites of phosphorylation are four serine doublets present at positions 431/432, 441/442, 444/445, and 451/452. In vitro phosphorylation of fusion proteins containing mutant receptor C-tails, however, indicated that whereas serines at position 431/432 were good substrates for protein kinase C (PKC), serines 444/445 and 451/452 were poor substrates, and serines 441/442 were not substrates. In addition, serine 416 was phosphorylated on fusion protein but not in intact cells. This indicated that in vivo a different PKC isoform or a PKC-activated kinase may phosphorylate the receptor. The role of phosphorylation on receptor desensitization was assessed using receptor mutants expressed in COS cells or Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts. Mutation of any single serine doublet to alanines reduced the extent of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced desensitization, whereas substitution of any combination of two serine doublets suppressed it. Our data thus show that the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor can be phosphorylated in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on four different sites within the cytoplasmic tail. Furthermore, phosphorylation of at least three sites was required for desensitization, although maximal desensitization was only achieved when all four sites were phosphorylated.

Endothelial Cell-Derived Nitric Oxide Enhances Aerobic Glycolysis in Astrocytes via HIF-1α-Mediated Target Gene Activation.

Astrocytes exhibit a prominent glycolytic activity, but whether such a metabolic profile is influenced by intercellular communication is unknown. Treatment of primary cultures of mouse cortical astrocytes with the nitric oxide (NO) donor DetaNONOate induced a time-dependent enhancement in the expression of genes encoding various glycolytic enzymes as well as transporters for glucose and lactate. Such an effect was shown to be dependent on the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α, which is stabilized and translocated to the nucleus to exert its transcriptional regulation. NO action was dependent on both the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK signaling pathways and required the activation of COX, but was independent of the soluble guanylate cyclase pathway. Furthermore, as a consequence of NO treatment, an enhanced lactate production and release by astrocytes was evidenced, which was prevented by downregulating HIF-1α. Several brain cell types represent possible sources of NO. It was found that endothelial cells, which express the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) isoform, constitutively produced the largest amount of NO in culture. When astrocytes were cocultured with primary cultures of brain vascular endothelial cells, stabilization of HIF-1α and an enhancement in glucose transporter-1, hexokinase-2, and monocarboxylate transporter-4 expression as well as increased lactate production was found in astrocytes. This effect was inhibited by the NOS inhibitor l-NAME and was not seen when astrocytes were cocultured with primary cultures of cortical neurons. Our findings suggest that endothelial cell-derived NO participates to the maintenance of a high glycolytic activity in astrocytes mediated by astrocytic HIF-1α activation.

Expression cloning of the pancreatic beta cell receptor for the gluco-incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone derived from the preproglucagon molecule and is secreted by intestinal L cells. It is the most potent stimulator of glucose-induced insulin secretion and also suppresses in vivo acid secretion by gastric glands. A cDNA for the GLP-1 receptor was isolated by transient expression of a rat pancreatic islet cDNA library into COS cells; this was followed by binding of radiolabeled GLP-1 and screening by photographic emulsion autoradiography. The receptor transfected into COS cells binds GLP-1 with high affinity and is coupled to activation of adenylate cyclase. The receptor binds specifically GLP-1 and does not bind peptides of related structure and similar function, such as glucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or secretin. The receptor is 463 amino acids long and contains seven transmembrane domains. Sequence homology is found only with the receptors for secretin, calcitonin, and parathyroid hormone, which form a newly characterized family of G-coupled receptors.

CARMA1 is a critical lipid raft-associated regulator of TCR-induced NF-kappa B activation.

CARMA1 is a lymphocyte-specific member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of scaffolding proteins, which coordinate signaling pathways emanating from the plasma membrane. CARMA1 interacts with Bcl10 via its caspase-recruitment domain (CARD). Here we investigated the role of CARMA1 in T cell activation and found that T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation induced a physical association of CARMA1 with the TCR and Bcl10. We found that CARMA1 was constitutively associated with lipid rafts, whereas cytoplasmic Bcl10 translocated into lipid rafts upon TCR engagement. A CARMA1 mutant, defective for Bcl10 binding, had a dominant-negative (DN) effect on TCR-induced NF-kappa B activation and IL-2 production and on the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (Jnk) pathway when the TCR was coengaged with CD28. Together, our data show that CARMA1 is a critical lipid raft-associated regulator of TCR-induced NF-kappa B activation and CD28 costimulation-dependent Jnk activation.

The Quorum-Sensing Molecules Farnesol/Homoserine Lactone and Dodecanol Operate via Distinct Modes of Action in Candida albicans.

Living as a commensal, Candida albicans must adapt and respond to environmental cues generated by the mammalian host and by microbes comprising the natural flora. These signals have opposing effects on C. albicans, with host cues promoting the yeast-to-hyphal transition and bacteria-derived quorum-sensing molecules inhibiting hyphal development. Hyphal development is regulated through modulation of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, and it has been postulated that quorum-sensing molecules can affect filamentation by inhibiting the cAMP pathway. Here, we show that both farnesol and 3-oxo-C(12)-homoserine lactone, a quorum-sensing molecule secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, block hyphal development by affecting cAMP signaling; they both directly inhibited the activity of the Candida adenylyl cyclase, Cyr1p. In contrast, the 12-carbon alcohol dodecanol appeared to modulate hyphal development and the cAMP signaling pathway without directly affecting the activity of Cyr1p. Instead, we show that dodecanol exerted its effects through a mechanism involving the C. albicans hyphal repressor, Sfl1p. Deletion of SFL1 did not affect the response to farnesol but did interfere with the response to dodecanol. Therefore, quorum sensing in C. albicans is mediated via multiple mechanisms of action. Interestingly, our experiments raise the possibility that the Burkholderia cenocepacia diffusible signal factor, BDSF, also mediates its effects via Sfl1p, suggesting that dodecanol's mode of action, but not farnesol or 3-oxo-C(12)-homoserine lactone, may be used by other quorum-sensing molecules.

Nitric oxide induces the expression of the monocarboxylate transporter MCT4 in cultured astrocytes by a cGMP-independent transcriptional activation.

The monocarboxylate transporter MCT4 is a proton-linked carrier particularly important for lactate release from highly glycolytic cells. In the central nervous system, MCT4 is exclusively expressed by astrocytes. Surprisingly, MCT4 expression in primary cultures of mouse cortical astrocytes is conspicuously low, suggesting that an external, nonastrocytic signal is necessary to obtain the observed pattern of expression in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that nitric oxide (NO), delivered by various NO donors, time- and dose-dependently induces MCT4 expression in cultured cortical astrocytes both at the mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, NO does not enhance the expression of MCT1, the other astrocytic monocarboxylate transporter. The transcriptional effect of NO is not mediated by a cGMP-dependent mechanism as shown by the absence of effect of a cGMP analog or of a selective guanylate cyclase inhibitor. NO causes an increase in astrocytic lactate transport capacity which requires the enhancement of MCT4 expression as both are prevented by the use of a specific siRNA against MCT4. In addition, cumulated lactate release by astrocytes over a period of 24 h was also enhanced by NO treatment. Our data suggest that NO represents a putative intercellular signal to control MCT4 expression in astrocytes and in doing so, to facilitate lactate transfer to other surrounding cell types in the central nervous system. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Bicc1 links the regulation of cAMP signaling in polycystic kidneys to microRNA-induced gene silencing.

Genetic defects in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) promote cystic growth of renal tubules, at least in part by stimulating the accumulation of cAMP. How renal cAMP levels are regulated is incompletely understood. We show that cAMP and the expression of its synthetic enzyme adenylate cyclase-6 (AC6) are up-regulated in cystic kidneys of Bicc1(-)(/-) knockout mice. Bicc1, a protein comprising three K homology (KH) domains and a sterile alpha motif (SAM), is expressed in proximal tubules. The KH domains independently bind AC6 mRNA and recruit the miR-125a from Dicer, whereas the SAM domain enables silencing by Argonaute and TNRC6A/GW182. Bicc1 similarly induces silencing of the protein kinase inhibitor PKIα by miR-27a. Thus, Bicc1 is needed on these target mRNAs for silencing by specific miRNAs. The repression of AC6 by Bicc1 might explain why cysts in ADPKD patients preferentially arise from distal tubules.

Incrétines, sécrétion d'insuline et diabète

Nutrient ingestion triggers a complex hormonal response aimed at stimulating glucose utilization in liver, muscle and adipose tissue to minimize the raise in blood glucose levels. Insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells plays a major role in this response. Although the beta cell secretory response is mainly controlled by blood glucose levels, gut hormones secreted in response to food intake have an important role in potentiating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These gluco-incretin hormones are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gluco-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Their action on pancreatic beta cells depends on binding to specific G-coupled receptors linked to activation of the adenylyl cyclase pathway. In addition to their effect on insulin secretion both hormones also stimulate insulin production at the transcriptional and translational level and positively regulate beta cell mass. Because the glucose-dependent insulinotropic action of GLP-1 is preserved in type 2 diabetic patients, this peptide is now developed as a novel therapeutic drug for this disease.

Protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of GLUT2 in pancreatic beta cells.

In pancreatic beta cells, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase regulates many cellular processes including the potentiation of insulin secretion. The substrates for this kinase, however, have not been biochemically characterized. Here we demonstrate that the glucose transporter GLUT2 is rapidly phosphorylated by protein kinase A following activation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin or the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. We show that serines 489 and 501/503 and threonine 510 in the carboxyl-terminal tail of the transporter are the in vitro and in vivo sites of phosphorylation. Stimulation of GLUT2 phosphorylation in beta cells reduces the initial rate of 3-O-methyl glucose uptake by approximately 48% but does not change the Michaelis constant. Similar differences in transport kinetics are observed when comparing the transport activity of GLUT2 mutants stably expressed in insulinoma cell lines and containing glutamates or alanines at the phosphorylation sites. These data indicate that phosphorylation of GLUT2 carboxyl-terminal tail modifies the rate of transport. This lends further support for an important role of the transporter cytoplasmic tail in the modulation of catalytic activity. Finally, because activation of protein kinase A stimulates glucose-induced insulin secretion, we discuss the possible involvement of GLUT2 phosphorylation in the amplification of the glucose signaling process.

Heterogeneity in endothelium-derived nitric oxide-mediated relaxation of different sized pulmonary arteries of newborn lambs.

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) plays a pivotal role in regulating pulmonary circulation. To determine whether there is a heterogeneity in EDNO-mediated responses of different sized pulmonary vessels, we studied small and large isolated pulmonary arteries of newborn lambs (diameter, 0.4-0.7 and 1.5-2.5 mm, respectively). The isometric tension of vessel rings were recorded while suspended in organ chambers filled with modified Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (95% O2-5% CO2, 37 degrees C). In vessels preconstricted with norepinephrine, acetylcholine and bradykinin induced a greater relaxation of small pulmonary arteries than of large pulmonary arteries. Acetylcholine, bradykinin, and nitric oxide also induced a greater increase in cGMP content in small arteries than in large ones. The responses to acetylcholine and bradykinin were endothelium-dependent and inhibited by nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. In vessels without endothelium, the response to nitric oxide was inhibited by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. The activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase of small arteries was greater than that of large arteries under basal conditions and after stimulation with S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, a nitric oxide donor. These results demonstrate that heterogeneity exists in EDNO-mediated relaxation of small and large pulmonary arteries in newborn lambs. A difference in the soluble guanylate cyclase activity of vascular smooth muscle may have contributed to this phenomenon.