Alice N. McEvoy

Activation of Nuclear Orphan Receptor NURR1 Transcription by NF-κB and Cyclic Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate Response Element-Binding Protein in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissue

Modulation of the NURR subfamily of nuclear receptors may be an important mechanism regulating pathways associated with inflammatory joint disease. We examined the signaling mechanisms through which inflammatory mediators, produced by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue, contribute to the regulation of the NURR subfamily. Markedly enhanced expression of NURR1 is observed in synovial tissue of patients with RA compared with normal subjects. Modulation by proinflammatory mediators in primary RA and normal synoviocytes shows that PGE2, IL-1β, and TNF-α markedly enhance NURR1 mRNA and protein levels in contrast to other subfamily members, NUR77 and NOR-1. We have established that transcriptional activation of the NURR1 gene by IL-1β and TNF-α requires a proximal promoter region that contains a consensus NF-κB DNA-binding motif. IL-1β- and TNF-α-induced NF-κB binding to this site is due predominantly to p65-p50 heterodimer and p50 homodimer subunit protein complexes. We further demonstrate a direct CREB-1-dependent regulation by PGE2 situated at promoter region −171/−163. Moreover, analyses confirm the presence of CREB-1 and NF-κB p50 and p65 subunit binding to the NURR1 promoter under basal conditions in freshly explanted RA synovial tissue. In summary, enhanced NF-κB- and CREB-1-binding activity on the NURR1 promoter by inflammatory mediators delineates novel mechanisms in the regulation of NURR1 transcription. PGE2-, TNF-α-, and IL-1β-dependent stimulation of the NURR1 gene implies that NURR1 induction represents a point of convergence of at least two distinct signaling pathways, suggesting an important common role for this transcription factor in mediating multiple inflammatory signals.

Involvement of the nuclear orphan receptor NURR1 in the regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone expression and actions in human inflammatory arthritis

OBJECTIVE To examine the regulation and mode of action of peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in human inflammatory arthritis. METHODS CRH messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in normal and inflamed synovial tissue and in primary synoviocytes prior to and following cytokine stimulation. Primary synoviocytes were transiently transfected with CRH promoter/reporter constructs, and promoter activity in response to cytokines was assessed. Immunohistochemical staining established CRH receptor expression, and Northern blot analysis confirmed that the nuclear transcription factors NUR77 and NURR1 contributed to synovial CRH receptor-mediated signaling. Primary synoviocytes were treated with pro- and antiinflammatory mediators, and the time course of NURR1 and NUR77 modulation was examined. Nuclear extracts were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay to determine NURR1 binding to the CRH promoter/enhancer. RESULTS CRH mRNA was up-regulated in the synovial tissue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and sarcoid arthritis, but not in normal synovium. Inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha, enhanced the transcriptional activity of the human CRH promoter and increased levels of CRH mRNA in primary synoviocytes. Synovial CRH functioned in a paracrine manner to induce NURR1 and NUR77. NURR1 was abundantly expressed in the inflammatory cells of both RA and PsA synovium. NURR1 and NUR77 were differentially regulated, and NURR1 was the major cytokine-regulated member of the NURR subfamily as well as the mediator of cytokine- and CRH-dependent inflammatory responses in synovium. Furthermore, glucocorticoids dramatically suppressed cytokine- and CRH-induced synovial NURR1 mRNA. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate the involvement of the transcription factor NURR1 in the regulation of CRH expression and activity in human inflammatory arthritis.

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Signaling in Synovial Tissue Vascular Endothelium Is Mediated through the cAMP/CREB Pathway

Abstract: Modulation of locally produced corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) is a component of the cytokine network in human inflammatory arthritis. CRH signaling, through the CRH‐receptor subtype R1α, may play a role in both vascular changes and pathologic mechanisms associated with joint inflammation. Furthermore, the peripheral actions of CRH may be mediated in part through the NURR subfamily of nuclear orphan receptors. The aim of this study was to establish the signaling mechanisms through which CRH receptor‐mediated responses contribute to gene regulation in inflamed synovial vasculature. Immunohistochemical analysis of serial rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tissue sections demonstrates CRH and NURR1 expression in the synovial lining layer, subsynovial lining layer, and the vascular endothelium. The identical pattern of immunolocalization confirms that NURR1 is produced at the same synovial sites shown to produce CRH. The distribution of specific NURR1 staining on the synovial vasculature parallels that observed for CRH‐R1 expression. Using primary synovial tissue endothelial cells, we demonstrate that CRH induces specific CREB‐1 and ATF‐2 binding to the NURR1 promoter. We further provide evidence that CRH signaling can be mimicked by activation of cAMP/PKA/CREB using forskolin in primary human microvascular endothelial cells. These data indicate that the CRH receptor‐dependent inflammatory response in synovial tissue endothelium is mediated through the cAMP/CREB signaling pathway.

Involvement of MAPKs in endostatin-mediated regulation of blood-retinal barrier function

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of endostatin on tight junction (TJ) integrity in retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it was hypothesized that endostatin-induced occludin upregulation regulated VEGF165-mediated increases in endothelial cell permeability and involved activation of the MAPK signaling cascade. Endostatin is a 20-kDa fragment of collagen XVIII that has been shown to be efficacious in the eye by preventing retinal neovascularization. Endostatin is a specific inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis and has been reported to reverse VEGF-mediated increases in vasopermeability and to promote integrity of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). In order to determine the mechanism of endostatin action on BRB integrity, we have examined the effects of endostatin on a number of intracellular pathways implicated in endothelial cell physiology. Methods: C57/Bl6 mice were injected with VEGF165 and/or endostatin, and the distribution of occludin staining was determined using retinal flatmounts. Western blot analysis of RMECs treated with VEGF165 and/or endostatin was used to determine changes in occludin expression and p38 MAPK and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/ERK2 MAPK) activation, while FD-4 flux across the RMEC monolayer was used to determine changes in paracellular permeability. Results: Endostatin prevented the discontinuous pattern of occludin staining observed at the retinal blood vessels of mice administered an intraocular injection of VEGF165. It was shown that endostatin activated p38 MAPK 5 min after addition to RMECs and continued to do so for approximately 30 min. Endostatin was also shown to activate ERK1/ERK2 5 min after addition and continued to do so, albeit with less potency, up to and including 15 min after addition. Inhibition of p38 MAPK and ERK1/ERK2 prevented endostatins ability to upregulate levels of occludin expression. Inhibition of these key signaling molecules was shown to prevent endostatins ability to protect against VEGF165-mediated increases in paracellular permeability in vitro. However, it appears that p38 MAPK may play a more important role in VEGF-mediated permeability, as inhibition of ERK1/ERK2 will not prevent VEGF165-mediated permeability compared with control (untreated) cells or cells treated with both a p38 MAPK inhibitor and VEGF165. Conclusions: Occludin is important for the maintenance of tight junction integrity in vivo. In a p38 MAPK and ERK1/ERK2 dependent manner, endostatin was shown to upregulate the levels of expression of the tight junction protein occludin. Inhibition of these key MAPK components may prevent endostatins ability to decrease VEGF165-induced paracellular permeability.

Histamine contributes to increased RANKL to osteoprotegerin ratio through altered nuclear receptor 4A activity in human chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate histamine receptor-mediated signaling pathways, transcriptional events, and target gene expression in human cartilage. METHODS Histamine modulation of cartilage destruction was assessed by Safranin O staining and proteoglycan release. H(1) , H(2) , H(3) , and H(4) histamine receptor-dependent regulation of transcription factors (nuclear receptor 4A1 [NR4A1], NR4A2, and NR4A3), RANKL, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in primary and SW-1353 chondrocyte cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and selective histamine receptor antagonists. Soluble RANKL and OPG protein levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. NR4A protein levels and transactivity were evaluated by Western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, and luciferase reporter assays. Stable depletion of NR4A1-3 was achieved by lentiviral transduction of NR4A short hairpin RNA. RESULTS Primary human chondrocyte cells expressed differential steady-state levels of H(1) -H(4) histamine receptor mRNA. In combination with tumor necrosis factor α, histamine significantly promoted cartilage proteoglycan depletion and release. Histamine modulated the expression of NR4A1-3 orphan receptors in primary and immortalized human chondrocyte cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Histamine selectively signaled through H(1) and H(2) histamine receptors in chondrocytes to modulate RANKL and NR4A2 expression. The temporal effects of histamine on NR4A2 gene transcription were reduced in cells pretreated with inhibitors directed against protein kinase A, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Histamine modulated the expression of RANKL with modest effects on OPG levels, leading to increased RANKL:OPG mRNA and protein ratios. Stable knockdown of NR4A1-3 expression resulted in reduced endogenous OPG levels and the loss of histamine-dependent regulation of RANKL expression. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that histamine, via H(1) and H(2) histamine receptors, contributes to joint disease by enhancing the ratio of RANKL to OPG expression through altered NR4A activity in human chondrocyte cells.

Peripheral corticotropin releasing hormone signaling is mediated by Type 1alpha receptors in early human inflammatory arthritis

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) is essential for modulating the effects of the inflammatory response in vivo. Elevated levels of CRH are produced locally in inflamed human synovial tissue and observations indicate a role for CRH in the pathogenesis of inflammatory joint disease. CRH action is initiated by two distinct subtypes of CRH receptors, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2, which are approximately 68% homologous. Each subtype exhibit spliced variants (α and β), displaying pharmacologically and functionally distinct isoforms. To further elucidate the peripheral biological role for CRH we examined the expression of known CRH receptors subtypes in inflamed human synovium (n = 14) and compared the expression patterns to normal synovium. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR confirmed enhanced expression of CRH-R1 receptors in rheumatoid (RA) and psoriatic (PsA) arthritis synovial tissue. In all tissues studied CRH R1α mRNA was identified, however, we were unable to detect other CRH R1 or CRH R2 isoforms in the same cohort of patients. Immunoreactive CRH-R1 is abundantly expressed on vascular endothelial cells and discrete perivascular cell populations, positively identified as mast cells. In contrast, in normal synovial tissue, neither CRH receptor subtype is expressed. Selective up-regulation of CRH receptors in inflamed synovial tissue indicates that CRH functions locally, in an autocrine/paracrine receptor-mediated response. Our findings suggest that CRH signaling, via CRH-R1α, may play a role in both vascular changes and pathologic mechanisms associated with joint inflammation.