Activation of Jun N-terminal Kinase/Stress-activated Protein Kinase Pathway by Tumor Necrosis Factor α Leads to Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. We have previously shown that mouse Sertoli cells respond to TNF-alpha by increasing interleukin-6 production and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression (1). In this cell type TNF-alpha activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways p42/p44 MAPK, JNK/SAPK, and p38, the last of which is responsible for interleukin-6 production (1). To determine which MAPK signaling pathway is required for TNF-alpha induction of ICAM-1 expression, we have utilized the protein kinase inhibitor dimethylaminopurine, demonstrating that treatment of Sertoli cells with such compound significantly reduced ICAM-1 expression and JNK/SAPK activation. Moreover, dimethylaminopurine treatment increased the expression of MAPK phosphatase-2, providing a possible mechanism of action of this compound. By using agonist antibodies to p55 and to p75 TNF-alpha receptors and both human and mouse TNF-alpha, we demonstrate that both TNF receptors are expressed and that only the p55 receptor is involved in ICAM-1 expression. The p55 receptor activates all of the three pathways, whereas p75 failed to activate any of the MAPKs. Altogether our results demonstrate that TNF-alpha up-regulates ICAM-1 expression through the activation of the JNK/SAPK transduction pathway mediated by the p55 receptor

Transfected poly(I:C) activates different dsRNA receptors leading to apoptosis or immunoadjuvant response in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells

Background: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is refractory to chemo-radiotherapy. Results: Transfection of the synthetic analog of dsRNA poly(I:C) simultaneously stimulates apoptosis and IFN- expression through different pathways in androgen-independent prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Conclusion: Dual parallel pathways triggered by distinct receptors activate direct and immunologically mediated antitumor effects in advanced PCa. Significance: The proapoptotic/immunoadjuvant poly(I:C)-Lipofectamine complex may offer new therapeutic insights into CRPC

TNF-α inhibits GDNF levels in Sertoli cells, through a NF-κB-dependent, HES1-dependent mechanism

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a soluble molecule crucial for the regulation of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) of the testis. The effects of GDNF on target cells have been extensively described, but mechanisms underlying GDNF regulation are currently under investigation. In the nervous system, GDNF expression is regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) but the effect of these cytokines on GDNF expression in the testis is unclear

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Induces Interleukin-6 Production and Integrin Ligand Expression by Distinct Transduction Pathways

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotropic cytokine that elicits a large number of biological effects. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms that are responsible for the TNF-alpha effects remain largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated that cultured mouse Sertoli cells, after TNF-alpha treatment, increase the surface expression of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production (Riccioli, A., Filippini, A., De Cesaris, P., Barbacci, E., Stefanini, M., Starace, G., and Ziparo, E. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 5808-5812). Here, we show that, in cultured Sertoli cells, TNF-alpha activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (p38, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase/stress-activated protein kinase, and the p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinases) as revealed by an increased phosphorylation of p38, activating transcription factor-2, c-Jun, and Elk-1. Furthermore, our data indicate that the biological effects induced by TNF-alpha in Sertoli cells (enhancement of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-6 expression) depend on the activation of different signaling pathways. SB203580, a highly specific p38 inhibitor, does not affect ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, but strongly inhibits IL-6 production. Moreover, interferon-gamma, which up-regulates adhesion molecule expression and reduces IL-6 production, does not induce phosphorylation of p38. Our data strongly support the hypothesis that, in response to TNF-alpha, activation of p38 leads to IL-6 production, whereas ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression could be induced by activation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase/stress-activated protein kinase pathway

Il tumor necrosis factor- (alfa( induce la secrezione di interleuchina-6 e l'espressione della molecola di adesione ICAM-1 attraverso due distinte vie di trasduzione del segnale

Dottorato di ricerca in embriologia medica. 10. ciclo. Coordinatore G. Siracusa. Relatore E. ZiparoConsiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Biblioteca Centrale - P.le Aldo Moro, 7, Rome / CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle RichercheSIGLEITItal

Two distinct antitumor patwways activated by transfected poly(I:C) in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells

Introduction Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the second leading cause of cancer death in men and develops as a result of the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Data from literature suggest that new therapeutic targets are emerging and in particular, it is known that the activation of Toll-like Receptors 3 (TLR3), expressed by cancer cells has a pro-apoptotic and thus anti-tumoral effect in different tumors (Cheng & Xu, 2010). We previously demonstrated that the synthetic analogue of dsRNA, poly(I:C), (specific TLR3-ligand), induces apoptosis in the androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP in a TLR3-dependent fashion, whereas a weaker apoptotic effect is observed in more aggressive and androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines PC3 (Paone et al, 2008) and DU-145 (Galli et al, 2013). In this regard, we have recently demonstrated that the encapsulation of poly(I:C) with three different formulations of cationic liposomes were up to 10 times more efficient than the free drug in eliminating both PC3 and DU145 cells (Palchetti et al, 2013). These data suggest that transfected poly(I:C) could raise apoptotic rate by stimulating cytosolic dsRNA receptors. In the present paper we analyzed the receptors and signalling pathways involved in apoptosis induced by poly(I:C) transfected by lipofectamine (the most common transfection agent) compared with free poly(I:C) in PC3 and DU145 cells. Material and Method We evaluated cell viability by MTT assay and apoptosis by cell cycle analysis by FACS and caspase activity. SiRNA approach and Western Blot analysis were performed to determine the receptors and signal transduction molecules involved in transfected poly(I:C)-induced effects. Results and discussion Poly(I:C) transfected by lipofectamine [in-poly(I:C)] inhibits cell viability in PC3 and DU145 cells in a dose dependent manner with the highest efficiency at 2μg/ml of poly(I:C) compared to twelve-fold higher poly(I:C) concentration (25μg/ml) and induces caspase-dependent intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis. By using genetic inhibition of different poly(I:C) receptors we demonstrated the crucial role of TLR3 and Src in in-poly(I:C) induced apoptosis. Moreover, we show that IRF3-mediated signaling causes the upregulation of TLR3, cytosolic receptors (RLH) and interferon-beta expression. Our data highlight the multiple signaling triggered by in-poly(I:C) leading to antitumor responses. Conclusion We can conclude that the treatment of PC3 and DU145 cells with in-poly(I:C) activates two distinct anti-tumor pathways: one mediated by TLR3, dependent on Src leading to a remarkable apoptosis and the other one mediated by cytosolic receptors, dependent on IRF-3 leading to themselves up-regulation and interferon-beta expression

Necroptosis: Molecular Signalling and Translational Implications

Necroptosis is a form of programmed necrosis whose molecular players are partially shared with apoptotic cell death. Here we summarize what is known about molecular signalling of necroptosis, particularly focusing on fine tuning of FLIP and IAP proteins in the apoptosis/necroptosis balance. We also emphasize necroptosis involvement in physiological and pathological conditions, particularly in the regulation of immune homeostasis