Anuraag Shrivastav

N-Myristoyltransferase 1 Is Essential in Early Mouse Development

N-Myristoyltransferase (NMT) transfers myristate to an amino-terminal glycine of many eukaryotic proteins. In yeast, worms, and flies, this enzyme is essential for viability of the organism. Humans and mice possess two distinct but structurally similar enzymes, NMT1 and NMT2. These two enzymes have similar peptide specificities, but no one has examined the functional importance of the enzymes in vivo. To address this issue, we performed both genetic and biochemical studies. Northern blots with RNA from adult mice and in situ hybridization studies of day 13.5 embryos revealed widespread expression of both Nmt1 and Nmt2. To determine whether the two enzymes are functionally redundant, we generated Nmt1-deficient mice carrying a β-galactosidase marker gene. β-Galactosidase staining of tissues from heterozygous Nmt1-deficient (Nmt1+/–) mice and embryos confirmed widespread expression of Nmt1. Intercrosses of Nmt1+/– mice yielded no viable homozygotes (Nmt1–/–), and heterozygotes were born at a less than predicted frequency. Nmt1–/– embryos died between embryonic days 3.5 and 7.5. Northern blots revealed lower levels of Nmt2 expression in early development than at later time points, a potential explanation for the demise of Nmt1–/– embryos. To explore this concept, we generated Nmt1–/– embryonic stem (ES) cells. The Nmt2 mRNA could be detected in Nmt1–/– ES cells, but the total NMT activity levels were reduced by ∼95%, suggesting that Nmt2 contributes little to total enzyme activity levels in these early embryo cells. The Nmt1–/– ES cells were functionally abnormal; they yielded small embryoid bodies in in vitro differentiation experiments and did not contribute normally to organogenesis in chimeric mice. We conclude that Nmt1 is not essential for the viability of mammalian cells but is required for development, likely because it is the principal N-myristoyltransferase in early embryogenesis.

Spectral, magnetic and biological studies of 1,4-dibenzoyl-3-thiosemicarbazide complexes with some first row transition metal ions

The ligand 1,4-dibenzoyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (DBtsc) forms complexes [M(DBtsc-H)(SCN)] [M = Mn(II), Co(II) or Zn(II)], [M(DBtsc-H) (SCN)(H2O)] [M = Ni(II) or Cu(II)], [M(DBtsc-H)Cl] [M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II)] and [Mn(DBtsc)Cl2], which have been characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility measurements, UV/Vis, IR,1H and13C NMR and FAB mass spectral data. Room temperature ESR spectra of the Mn(II) and Cu(II) complexes yield values, characteristic of tetrahedral and square planar complexes respectively. DBtsc and its soluble complexes have been screened against several bacteria, fungi and tumour cell lines.

Requirement of N-Myristoyltransferase 1 in the Development of Monocytic Lineage

N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) exists in two isoforms, NMT1 and NMT2, that catalyze myristoylation of various proteins crucial in signal transduction, cellular transformation, and oncogenesis. We have recently demonstrated that NMT1 is essential for the early development of mouse embryo. In this report, we have demonstrated that an invariant consequence of NMT1 knock out is defective myelopoesis. Suppressed macrophage colony forming units were observed in M-CSF-stimulated bone marrow cells from heterozygous (+/–) Nmt1-deficient mice. Homozygous (−/−) Nmt1-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells resulted in drastic reduction of macrophages when stimulated to differentiate by M-CSF. Furthermore, to understand the requirement of NMT1 in the monocytic differentiation we investigated the role of NMT, pp60c−Src (NMT substrate) and heat shock cognate protein 70 (inhibitor of NMT), during PMA-induced differentiation of U937 cells. Src kinase activity and protein expression increased during the differentiation process along with regulation of NMT activity by hsc70. NMT1 knock down in PMA treated U937 cells showed defective monocytic differentiation. We report in this study novel observation that regulated total NMT activity and NMT1 is essential for proper monocytic differentiation of the mouse bone marrow cells.

3,5-bis(phenylmethylene)-1-(N-arylmaleamoyl)-4-piperidones: a novel group of cytotoxic agents.

A series of novel 3,5-bis(phenylmethylene)-1-(N-arylmaleamoyl)-4-piperidones 3 have been synthesized which displayed potent cytotoxicity towards human Molt 4/C8 and CEM T-lymphocytes as well as murine P388 and L1210 leukemic cells. In contrast, the related N-arylmaleamic acids 4 possessed little or no cytotoxicity in these four screens. Molecular modeling revealed certain interplanar and bond angles and interatomic distances which were perceived to contribute to the observed bioactivity as well as providing suggestions for future structural modifications of the piperidones 3. Evaluation of representative compounds in series 3 and 4 on the activity of human N-myristoyltransferase revealed that, at the maximum concentration utilized, namely 250 μM, only weak inhibiting properties were displayed by some of the compounds in series 4. Various members of series 3 and 4 were well tolerated in mice.

Expression of N-myristoyltransferase in human brain tumors.

N-myristoylation is a process of covalent irreversible protein modification that promotes association of proteins with membranes. Based on our previous findings of elevated N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) activity in colonic epithelial neoplasms that appears at an early stage in colonic carcinogenesis, together with elevated NMT expression in human colorectal and gallbladder carcinomas, we investigated NMT activity and protein expression of NMT1 and NMT2 in human brain tumors and documented elevated NMT activity and higher protein expressions. For the first time, we have demonstrated that NMT has the potential to be used as a marker of human brain tumors. However, further studies with larger number of patients are required to establish its role as a complementary diagnostic tool. This finding has significant implications for further understanding of biological mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis, as well as for diagnosis and therapy of human brain tumors.

Regulation of N-myristoyltransferase by novel inhibitor proteins.

N-myristoylation ensures the proper function and intracellular trafficking of proteins. Many proteins involved in a wide variety of signaling, including cellular transformation and oncogenesis, are myristoylated. The myristoylation of proteins is catalyzed by the ubiquitously distributed eukaryotic enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT). Previously, we reported that NMT activity is higher in colonic epithelial neoplasms than in normal-appearing colonic tissue and that the increase in NMT activity appears at an early stage in colonic carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we observed that NMT expression is elevated in colorectal and gallbladder carcinoma. In our laboratory, an endogenous NMT inhibitor protein (NIP71) was discovered from bovine brain that inhibited NMT activity in rat colonic tumors. Very recently we have demonstrated that the protein (HSC70). In addition, we have discovered that enolase is a potent inhibitor of NMT. Further work may elucidate the role of HSC70 and/or enolase in the regulation of NMT, which may lead to the development of a gene-based therapy of colorectal cancer. The interaction of oncoproteomic and oncogenomic data sets through powerful bioinformatics will yield a comprehensive database of protein properties, which will serve as an invaluable tool for cancer researchers to understand the progress of tumorigenesis.

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor studies of Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of N-nicotinoyl-n'-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide.

A new ligand N-Nicotinoyl-N′-o-hydroxythiobenzhydrazide (H2Notbh) forms complexes [Mn(Notbh)(H2O)], [M(Notbh)] [M = Ni(II) Cu(II) and Zn(II)] which were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. All the metal complexes were observed to inhibit the growth of tumor in vitro, whereas, ligand did not. In vivo administration of these complexes resulted in prolongation of survival of tumor bearing mice. Tumor bearing mice administered with metal complexes showed reversal of tumor growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implication of the H2Notbh and its metal complexes in tumor regression and tumor growth associated immunosuppression.

Derivatives of aryl amines containing the cytotoxic 1,4-dioxo-2-butenyl pharmacophore.

Several series of compounds containing the 1,4-dioxo-2-butenyl moiety have been prepared as candidate cytotoxins, including the methyl N-arylmaleamates, methyl N-arylfumaramates, and N-arylmaleimides. In addition, the N-arylisomaleimides were synthesized which are the structural isomers of N-arylmaleimides. These compounds were evaluated against human Molt 4/C8 and CEM T-lymphocytes as well as murine L1210 cells. Methyl N-arylfumaramates showed the highest cytotoxic potencies and, in particular, methyl N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)fumaramate is six times more potent than melphalan towards L1210 cells and is equipotent with this drug in the Molt 4/C8 assay. Electrophilicity of compounds under investigation was demonstrated by carrying out thiolation using model benzyl mercaptan on representative compounds. Methyl N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)fumaramate and methyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)maleamate inhibited human N-myristoyltransferase, a possible molecular target, in high micromolar range. QSAR and molecular modeling revealed some correlations between different structural features of a number of the molecules and cytotoxic potencies. Methyl N-arylfumaramates were well tolerated in mice in comparison to the analogs in other series of compounds tested. The data obtained in this investigation affords guidelines for preparing new series of molecules with greater potencies.

Curcumin induces caspase and calpain-dependent apoptosis in HT29 human colon cancer cells

This study aimed to elucidate the mode of action of curcumin (CCM) as an anticancer agent, and to investigate its effects on the proliferation and induction of apoptosis in HT29 human colon cancer cells. We examined the effect of CCM on two cysteine protease families, namely caspases and calpains, which are known to induce apoptosis in a number of cancer cells. We demonstrated that CCM reduces cell proliferation in HT29 cells with an IC50 value of 50±0.015 µM. Western blot analysis indicated that CCM induced apoptosis in HT29 cells by activating the expression of caspases-3 and -12, but not caspase-9. CCM also induced apoptosis in these cells through the involvement of calpain. These findings indicate that CCM-induced apoptosis in HT29 cells follows the caspase-12 apoptotic pathway, and also involves calpain.

N-myristoyltransferase: A potential novel diagnostic marker for colon cancer

BackgroundColon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the western world. If detected early, colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Unfortunately, very few people are screened. N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) catalyzes myristoylation of various proteins including oncoproteins. We have demonstrated earlier the alteration of NMT activity during the progression of colorectal cancer and established NMT as a putative therapeutic target for cancer.MethodsPeripheral blood samples and bone marrow were collected from the colon cancer patients and azoxymethane induced colonic tumor rats and their controls respectively. NMT activity and expression was determined as reported earlier. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out using standard procedures.ResultsIn this study we demonstrate for the first time altered expression and localization of NMT in the peripheral blood and bone marrow in colon cancer patients. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed weak to negative staining for NMT in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of controls, whereas strong positivity was observed in PBMC colon cancer patients. In addition, we observed that NMT was localized mostly in the nuclei of the bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells of the colon cancer patients, whereas NMT remained cytoplasmic in the control bone marrow specimens.ConclusionThe strikingly different NMT expression offers the basis of a potential adjunct investigative tool for screening or diagnosis of patients at risk for or suspected of having colon cancer. Furthermore, altered localization of NMT in BM of tumor bearing hosts may serve as an added investigative tool for the diagnostic purpose.