AMPK Signaling Involvement for the Repression of the IL-1β-Induced Group IIA Secretory Phospholipase A2 Expression in VSMCs

International audienceSecretory Phospholipase A2 of type IIA (sPLA2 IIA) plays a crucial role in the production of lipid mediators by amplifying the neointimal inflammatory context of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), especially during atherogenesis. Phenformin, a biguanide family member, by its anti-inflammatory properties presents potential for promoting beneficial effects upon vascular cells, however its impact upon the IL-1β-induced sPLA2 gene expression has not been deeply investigated so far. The present study was designed to determine the relationship between phenformin coupling AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) function and the molecular mechanism by which the sPLA2 IIA expression was modulated in VSMCs. Here we find that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleotide (AICAR) treatment strongly repressed IL-1β-induced sPLA2 expression at least at the transcriptional level. Our study reveals that phenformin elicited a dose-dependent inhibition of the sPLA2 IIA expression and transient overexpression experiments of constitutively active AMPK demonstrate clearly that AMPK signaling is involved in the transcriptional inhibition of sPLA2-IIA gene expression. Furthermore, although the expression of the transcriptional repressor B-cell lymphoma-6 protein (BCL-6) was markedly enhanced by phenformin and AICAR, the repression of sPLA2 gene occurs through a mechanism independent of BCL-6 DNA binding site. In addition we show that activation of AMPK limits IL-1β-induced NF-κB pathway activation. Our results indicate that BCL-6, once activated by AMPK, functions as a competitor of the IL-1β induced NF-κB transcription complex. Our findings provide insights on a new anti-inflammatory pathway linking phenformin, AMPK and molecular control of sPLA2 IIA gene expression in VSMCs

BRAF(E600)-associated senescence-like cell cycle arrest of human naevi

Most normal mammalian cells have a finite lifespan(1), thought to constitute a protective mechanism against unlimited proliferation(2-4). This phenomenon, called senescence, is driven by telomere attrition, which triggers the induction of tumour suppressors including p16(INK4a) (ref. 5). In cultured cells, senescence can be elicited prematurely by oncogenes(6); however, whether such oncogene-induced senescence represents a physiological process has long been debated. Human naevi ( moles) are benign tumours of melanocytes that frequently harbour oncogenic mutations ( predominantly V600E, where valine is substituted for glutamic acid) in BRAF(7), a protein kinase and downstream effector of Ras. Nonetheless, naevi typically remain in a growth-arrested state for decades and only rarely progress into malignancy (melanoma)(8-10). This raises the question of whether naevi undergo BRAF(V600E)- induced senescence. Here we show that sustained BRAF(V600E) expression in human melanocytes induces cell cycle arrest, which is accompanied by the induction of both p16(INK4a) and senescence- associated acidic beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-Gal) activity, a commonly used senescence marker. Validating these results in vivo, congenital naevi are invariably positive for SA-beta-Gal, demonstrating the presence of this classical senescence-associated marker in a largely growth-arrested, neoplastic human lesion. In growth-arrested melanocytes, both in vitro and in situ, we observed a marked mosaic induction of p16(INK4a), suggesting that factors other than p16(INK4a) contribute to protection against BRAF(V600E)- driven proliferation. Naevi do not appear to suffer from telomere attrition, arguing in favour of an active oncogene-driven senescence process, rather than a loss of replicative potential. Thus, both in vitro and in vivo, BRAF(V600E)-expressing melanocytes display classical hallmarks of senescence, suggesting that oncogene-induced senescence represents a genuine protective physiological process.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/62941/1/nature03890.pd

Inhibition of Interleukin-1β-Induced Group IIA Secretory Phospholipase A2 Expression by Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Cooperation between PPARβ and the Proto-Oncogene BCL-6▿

The inflammation that occurs during atherosclerosis is characterized by the release of large amounts of group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA). This study was designed to define the function of the three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) on sPLA2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We found that PPAR ligands decreased sPLA2-IIA activity and inhibited mRNA accumulation under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, interleukin-1β-induced sPLA2-IIA promoter activity was inhibited by the three PPAR ligands and in a similar way when cells were cotransfected with PPARα, PPARβ, or PPARγ, plus retinoid X receptor α (RXRα). Our study revealed that the regulation of sPLA2-IIA gene transcription by PPARα/RXR and PPARγ/RXR heterodimers requires an interaction with a PPAR response element (PPRE) of the sPLA2-IIA promoter. In contrast, PPARβ operates through a PPRE-independent mechanism. In addition, we demonstrated that VSMCs expressed the transcriptional repressor BCL-6. Overexpression of BCL-6 markedly reduced sPLA2-IIA promoter activity in VSMCs, while a dominant negative form of BCL-6 abrogated sPLA2 repression by PPARβ. The PPARβ agonist induced a BCL-6 binding to the sPLA2 promoter in VSMCs under inflammatory conditions. The knockdown of BCL-6 by short interfering RNA abolished the inhibitory effect of the PPARβ ligand on sPLA2 activity and prostaglandin E2 release. Thus, the inhibition of sPLA2-IIA activity by PPARβ agonists may provide a promising approach to impacting the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis

GnRH regulates the expression of its receptor accessory protein SET in pituitary gonadotropes.

Reproductive function is under the control of the neurohormone GnRH, which activates a G-protein-coupled receptor (GnRHR) expressed in pituitary gonadotrope cells. GnRHR activates a complex signaling network to regulate synthesis and secretion of the two gonadotropin hormones, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, both regulating gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in gonads. Recently, in an attempt to identify the mechanisms underlying GnRHR signaling plasticity, we identified the first interacting partner of GnRHR, the proto-oncogene SET. We showed that SET binds to intracellular domains of GnRHR to enhance its coupling to cAMP pathway in αT3-1 gonadotrope cells. Here, we demonstrate that SET protein is rapidly regulated by GnRH, which increases SET phosphorylation state and decreases dose-dependently SET protein level. Our results highlight a post-translational regulation of SET protein involving the proteasome pathway. We determined that SET phosphorylation upon GnRH stimulation is mediated by PKC and that PKC mediates GnRH-induced SET down-regulation. Phosphorylation on serine 9 targets SET for degradation into the proteasome. Furthermore, a non-phosphorylatable SET mutant on serine 9 is resistant to GnRH-induced down-regulation. Altogether, these data suggest that GnRH-induced SET phosphorylation on serine 9 mediates SET protein down-regulation through the proteasome pathway. Noteworthy, SET down-regulation was also observed in response to pulsatile GnRH stimulation in LβT2 gonadotrope cells as well as in vivo in prepubertal female mice supporting its physiological relevance. In conclusion, this study highlights a regulation of SET protein by the neurohormone GnRH and identifies some of the mechanisms involved

Anthrax lethal toxin down-regulates type-IIA secreted phospholipase A(2) expression through MAPK/NF-kappaB inactivation.

International audienceBacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, produces lethal toxin (LT) that displays a metallo-proteolytic activity toward the N-terminus of the MAPK-kinases. We have previously shown that secreted type-IIA phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA) exhibits potent anthracidal activity. In vitro expression of sPLA(2)-IIA in guinea pig alveolar macrophages (AMs), the major source of this enzyme in lung tissues, is inhibited by LT. Here, we examined the mechanisms involved in sPLA(2)-IIA inhibition by LT. We first showed that chemical inhibitors of p38 and ERK MAPKs reduced sPLA(2)-IIA expression in AMs indicating that these kinases play a role in sPLA(2)-IIA expression. LT inhibited IL-1beta-induced p38 phosphorylation as well as sPLA(2)-IIA promoter activity in CHO cells. Inhibition of sPLA(2)-IIA promoter activity was mimicked by co-transfection with dominant negative construct of p38 (DN-p38) and reversed by the active form of p38-MAPK (AC-p38). Both LT and DN-p38 decreased IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB luciferase activity. This contrasted with the effect of AC-p38, which enhanced this activity. However, neither LT nor specific p-38 inhibitor interfered with LPS-induced IkappaBalpha degradation or NF-kappaB nuclear translocation in AMs. Subcutaneous administration of LT to guinea pig before LPS challenge reduced sPLA(2)-IIA levels in broncho-alveolar lavages and ears. We conclude that sPLA(2)-IIA expression is induced via a sequential MAPK-NF-kappaB activation and that LT inhibits this expression likely by interfering with the transactivation of NF-kappaB in the nucleus. This inhibition, which is operating both in vitro and in vivo, may represent a mechanism by which B. anthracis subvert host defense

GnRH induces SET protein down-regulation in infantile mice pituitary.

<p>(a) <i>Left panel</i>—SET protein abundance was analyzed in infantile pituitaries (7–17 dpn) by Western blotting, with GAPDH used as a loading control. Bar graphs show the mean ± SEM of SET levels normalized to those of GAPDH (n = 3 to 8 pituitaries/age). A representative immunoblot of SET expression is shown. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test with distinct letters indicating significant differences between ages (p<0.05). <i>Right panel</i>—The relative pituitary abundance of SET mRNA in infantile (7–17 dpn) females was determined by real-time RT-PCR and normalized to the mRNA levels of <i>Hprt</i> (n = 4 to 8 pituitaries/age). Bar graphs show the mean ± SEM of relative quantification. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test with distinct letters indicating significant differences between ages (p<0.05). (b) SET protein abundance was analyzed in infantile pituitaries after treatment with the GnRH antagonist Ganirelix or saline vehicle at 12 and 13 dpn. A representative blot is shown. Bar graphs show the mean ± SEM of SET levels normalized to those of GAPDH (n = 3 to 5 pituitaries/condition). Data were analyzed by t test for unpaired groups, **: p<0.01, compared to 14 dpn saline.</p

Pulsatile native GnRH induces SET protein down-regulation in LβT2 cells.

<p>(a) LβT2 gonadotrope cells were treated with GnRHa (100 nM) for 2 hours and SET protein (<i>left panel</i>) and SET mRNA (<i>right panel</i>) levels were determined by Western blotting and by real-time RT-PCR, respectively. A representative immunoblot of SET expression is shown. Results are normalized by vinculin signals (SET protein) or by mRNA levels of <i>Hprt</i> (SET mRNA) and are expressed as percentage of the amount of SET in unstimulated cells. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM from 3 independent experiments. Data were analyzed by t test for unpaired groups *: p<0.05, compared to no GnRHa. (b) LβT2 gonadotrope cells were cultured in perifusion chambers as described in “Materials and methods” and challenged or not with pulsatile GnRH (10 nM) at high and low frequencies (one pulse every 0.5 hour or one pulse every 2 hours, respectively). At the end of the incubation, proteins and mRNA were extracted and SET protein and <i>Set</i>, <i>Lhb and Fshb</i> transcripts levels were determined by Western blotting and by real-time RT-PCR, respectively. A representative immunoblot of SET expression is shown. Results are normalized by vinculin signals (SET protein) or by mRNA levels of <i>Hprt</i> (<i>Set</i>, <i>Lhb and Fshb</i> mRNA) and expressed as percentage of the amount of SET in unstimulated cells. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM from 3 independent experiments. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test, ***: p<0.001, compared to no GnRH.</p

GnRHa down-regulates SET protein expression in αT3-1 gonadotrope.

<p>(a) <b>α</b>T3-1 gonadotrope cells were incubated during 2 hours with increasing GnRHa concentrations (10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁶ M) and SET protein level was determined by Western blotting. A representative immunoblot of SET expression is shown. Results are normalized by vinculin signals and are expressed as the percentage of SET protein level in absence of GnRHa. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM from 3 to 4 independent experiments. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test, *: p<0.01 and ***: p<0.001, compared to no GnRHa. (b) <b>α</b>T3-1 gonadotrope cells were pre-treated or not (control) with the proteasome inhibitors MG132 (MG132, 2 hours, 3 μM) or the clasto-lactacystin–Lactone (Lactacystin, 2 hours, 10 μM) before stimulation with GnRHa (100 nM) for the indicated times (0.5 and 2 hours). SET protein level was determined by Western blotting and normalized by vinculin signals. SET protein level in GnRHa stimulated cells was expressed as the percentage of respective basal SET expression levels at each time point in the presence or absence of MG132 or clasto-lactacystin–Lactone. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM from 3 to 5 independent experiments. Data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Distinct letters indicate significant differences between treatments (p<0.05). (c) αT3-1 gonadotrope cells were incubated with GnRHa (100 nM) for increasing periods of time and SET mRNA levels were determined by real-time RT-PCR and normalized to the mRNA levels of <i>Hprt</i>. Results are expressed as the percentage of SET mRNA level in unstimulated cells (0 h). Results are expressed as mean ± SEM from 3 independent experiments. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA, no significant.</p

GnRHa increases SET phosphorylation–Involvement of PKC.

<p>(a) <i>Left panel–</i>αT3-1 gonadotrope cells were plated in 6-well plates and labelled with [³²P]-orthophosphate (50 μCi/ml) as described in “Materials and methods”. Cells were stimulated (+) or not (-) with GnRHa (100 nM) for 0.5 hour followed by SET immunoprecipitation (IP SET) as described in “Materials and methods”. Immunoprecipitated SET was resolved on 10% SDS-PAGE, electrotransferred and probed with anti-SET antibody (IB SET). Phosphorylated SET (P-SET) was visualized by autoradiography using a Fuji Phosphoimager FLA7000. <i>Right panel–</i>αT3-1 gonadotrope cells were incubated (+) or not (-) with GnRHa (100 nM, 0.5 hour) and phosphoproteins were purified by chromatography as described in “Materials and methods”. Phosphorylated SET and ERK1/2 were detected by Western blotting using anti-SET and anti-total ERK1/2 antibodies, respectively. Results are representative of 4 independent experiments. (b) αT3-1 gonadotrope cells were pre-incubated or not with the PKC inhibitor GF109203X (2 μM, 1 hour) prior to GnRHa stimulation (100 nM, 0.5 hour). Phosphoproteins were purified by chromatography as described in “Materials and methods” and phosphorylated SET was detected by Western blotting using anti-SET antibody. Results are expressed as the percentage of SET protein level in absence of treatment. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM from 3 independent experiments. Data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test, with distinct letters indicating significant differences between treatments (p<0.05). (c) αT3-1 gonadotrope cells were pre-incubated or not with the PKC inhibitor GF109203X (2 μM, 1 hour) prior to GnRHa stimulation (100 nM, 0.5 hour) and SET protein expression was detected by Western blotting using anti-SET antibody. Results are normalized by vinculin signals and expressed as the percentage of SET protein level in absence of treatment. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM from 3 to 4 independent experiments. Data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test, with distinct letters indicating significant differences between treatments (p<0.05).</p