Caroline Habold

Thymoquinone Triggers Inactivation of the Stress Response Pathway Sensor CHEK1 and Contributes to Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells

There are few reports describing the role of p53-dependent gene repression in apoptotic cell death. To identify such apoptosis-associated p53 target genes, we used the pro-oxidant plant-derived drug thymoquinone and compared p53+/+ and p53-/- colon cancer cells HCT116. The p53 wild-type (wt) status correlated with more pronounced DNA damage and higher apoptosis after thymoquinone treatment. A significant up-regulation of the survival gene CHEK1 was observed in p53-/- cells in response to thymoquinone due to the lack of transcriptional repression of p53. In p53-/- cells, transfection with p53-wt vector and CHEK1 small interfering RNA treatment decreased CHEK1 mRNA and protein levels and restored apoptosis to the levels of the p53+/+ cells. p53-/- cells transplanted to nude mice treated with thymoquinone up-regulated CHEK1 expression and did not undergo apoptosis unlike p53+/+ cells. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the apoptosis resistance in p53-/- cells after thymoquinone treatment might be conveyed by shuttling of CHEK1 into the nucleus. We confirmed the in vivo existence of this CHEK1/p53 link in human colorectal cancer, showing that tumors lacking p53 had higher levels of CHEK1, which was accompanied by poorer apoptosis. CHEK1 overexpression was correlated with advanced tumor stages (P = 0.03), proximal tumor localization (P = 0.02), and worse prognosis (1.9-fold risk, univariate Cox regression; Kaplan-Meier, P = 0.04). We suggest that the inhibition of the stress response sensor CHEK1 might contribute to the antineoplastic activity of specific DNA-damaging drugs.

Intestinal gluconeogenesis and glucose transport according to body fuel availability in rats.

Intestinal hexose absorption and gluconeogenesis have been studied in relation to refeeding after two different fasting phases: a long period of protein sparing during which energy expenditure is derived from lipid oxidation (phase II), and a later phase characterized by a rise in plasma corticosterone triggering protein catabolism (phase III). Such a switch in body fuel uses, leading to changes in body reserves and gluconeogenic precursors, could modulate intestinal gluconeogenesis and glucose transport. The gene and protein levels, and the cellular localization of the sodium–glucose cotransporter SGLT1, and of GLUT5 and GLUT2, as well as that of the key gluconeogenic enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (Glc6Pase) were measured. PEPCK and Glc6Pase activities were also determined. In phase III fasted rats, SGLT1 was up‐regulated and intestinal glucose uptake rates were higher than in phase II fasted and fed rats. PEPCK and Glc6Pase mRNA, protein levels and activities also increased in phase III. GLUT5 and GLUT2 were down‐regulated throughout the fast, but increased after refeeding, with GLUT2 recruited to the apical membrane. The increase in SGLT1 expression during phase III may allow glucose absorption at low concentrations as soon as food is available. Furthermore, an increased epithelial permeability due to fasting may induce a paracellular movement of glucose. In the absence of intestinal GLUT2 during fasting, Glc6Pase could be involved in glucose release to the bloodstream via membrane trafficking. Finally, refeeding triggered GLUT2 and GLUT5 synthesis and apical recruitment of GLUT2, to absorb larger amounts of hexoses.

Trichostatin A causes p53 to switch oxidative-damaged colorectal cancer cells from cell cycle arrest into apoptosis.

Many studies aim at improving therapeutic efficacy by combining strategies with oxidative stress‐inducing drugs and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in colorectal cancer. As p53 and p21WAF1 are essential in oxidative stress‐induced DNA damage, we investigated epigenetic regulation of p21WAF1 promoter. Firstly, HCT116 p53+/+ and p53−/− colorectal cancer cells were treated with H2O2 for 6 hrs and 24 hrs (early/late response). Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed transcriptional transactivation of p21WAF1 in HCT116 p53+/+ cells as shown by increased binding of p53 and acetylated H4 around two p21WAF1 promoter sites, the responsible element (RE) and the Sp1 site, while both proteins bound preferentially on the RE. Interestingly, H3 was not involved, suggesting H4‐specific transactivation of the p21WAF1 promoter. H2O2 addition resulted in G2/M arrest of both HCT116 cell lines without significant cell death. To investigate whether a HDAC inhibitor strengthens G2/M arrest, we pretreated cells with Trichostatin A (TSA). In HCT116 p53+/+ cells, we found (i) remarkably increased acetylated H4 around both p21WAF1 promoter regions, especially at the Sp1 site; (ii) increased acetylation of p53 at lysines 320 and 382;(iii) displacement of HDAC1 from the Sp1 site, thus inhibiting its repression effect and increasing p53 binding.p53 seems to trigger H4‐acetylation around the p21WAF1 promoter because there was nearly no H4 acetylation in HCT116 p53−/− cells. For the first time we show that there is a time‐dependent TSA mode of action with increased p53‐dependent histone H4 acetylation at the p21WAF1 promoter in early response, and decreased acetylation in late response. Reduced p53‐triggered transactivation of p21WAF1 in late response allows cells to re‐enter cell cycle, and TSA causes p53 to simultaneously induce apoptosis.

Mitochondrial uncoupling prevents cold-induced oxidative stress: a case study using UCP1 knockout mice

The relationship between metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by the mitochondria has often been (wrongly) viewed as straightforward, with increased metabolism leading to higher generation of pro-oxidants. Insights into mitochondrial functioning show that oxygen consumption is principally coupled with either energy conversion as ATP or as heat, depending on whether the ATP-synthase or the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is driving respiration. However, these two processes might greatly differ in terms of oxidative costs. We used a cold challenge to investigate the oxidative stress consequences of an increased metabolism achieved either by the activation of an uncoupled mechanism (i.e. UCP1 activity) in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of wild-type mice or by ATP-dependent muscular shivering thermogenesis in mice deficient for UCP1. Although both mouse strains increased their metabolism by more than twofold when acclimatised for 4 weeks to moderate cold (12°C), only mice deficient for UCP1 suffered from elevated levels of oxidative stress. When exposed to cold, mice deficient for UCP1 showed an increase of 20.2% in plasmatic reactive oxygen metabolites, 81.8% in muscular oxidized glutathione and 47.1% in muscular protein carbonyls. In contrast, there was no evidence of elevated levels of oxidative stress in the plasma, muscles or BAT of wild-type mice exposed to cold despite a drastic increase in BAT activity. Our study demonstrates differing oxidative costs linked to the functioning of two highly metabolically active organs during thermogenesis, and advises careful consideration of mitochondrial functioning when investigating the links between metabolism and oxidative stress.

Effects of fasting and refeeding on Jejunal morphology and cellular activity in rats in relation to depletion of body stores

Background: Intestinal mucosa atrophy following a period of starvation characterized by the mobilization of fat stores for energy expenditure (phase II) worsen after a long fast marked by an increase in protein catabolism (phase III). However, the morphology of the jejunum is completely restored after 3 days of refeeding. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms involved in the rapid jejunal restoration following the critical phase III. Methods: Jejunal structure was observed through conventional and environmental scanning electron microscopy, whilst cellular dynamics were studied using classical optic microscopy tools and immunohistochemistry. Results: Mucosal structural atrophy during fasting proved to worsen over the two phases. During phase II, apoptosis is still present at the tip of the villi, the number of mitosis in crypts showed a 30% decrease and a transient drop in cell migration is observed. During phase III, however, an 85% rise in mitosis was noticed along with an increase in cell migration and the disappearance of apoptotic cells at the villus tips. This increased cell renewal continues after food ingestion. Conclusions: Starved rats appeared to be in a phase of energy sparing in phase II, with depressed cellular events in the intestinal mucosa. In phase III, however, the preservation of functional cells and the early increase in crypt cell proliferation should prepare the mucosa to refeeding and could explain why jejunal repairs are complete after 3 days of refeeding following either phase II or phase III.

Cutting edge: Chk1 directs senescence and mitotic catastrophe in recovery from G2 checkpoint arrest

Besides the well‐understood DNA damage response via establishment of G2 checkpoint arrest, novel studies focus on the recovery from arrest by checkpoint override to monitor cell cycle re‐entry. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Chk1 in the recovery from G2 checkpoint arrest in HCT116 (human colorectal cancer) wt, p53–/– and p21–/– cell lines following H2O2 treatment. Firstly, DNA damage caused G2 checkpoint activation via Chk1. Secondly, overriding G2 checkpoint led to (i) mitotic slippage, cell cycle re‐entry in G1 and subsequent G1 arrest associated with senescence or (ii) premature mitotic entry in the absence of p53/p21WAF1 causing mitotic catastrophe. We revealed subtle differences in the initial Chk1‐involved G2 arrest with respect to p53/p21WAF1: absence of either protein led to late G2 arrest instead of the classic G2 arrest during checkpoint initiation, and this impacted the release back into the cell cycle. Thus, G2 arrest correlated with downstream senescence, but late G2 arrest led to mitotic catastrophe, although both cell cycle re‐entries were linked to upstream Chk1 signalling. Chk1 knockdown deciphered that Chk1 defines long‐term DNA damage responses causing cell cycle re‐entry. We propose that recovery from oxidative DNA damage‐induced G2 arrest requires Chk1. It works as cutting edge and navigates cells to senescence or mitotic catastrophe. The decision, however, seems to depend on p53/p21WAF1. The general relevance of Chk1 as an important determinant of recovery from G2 checkpoint arrest was verified in HT29 colorectal cancer cells.

Observations of the intestinal mucosa using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM); comparison with conventional scanning electron microscopy (CSEM)

In order to evaluate the potential use of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) in biology, structural changes of the jejunal villi of rats were studied after periods of fasting and refeeding, using a conventional scanning electron microscope (CSEM) and ESEM. While observation using the CSEM, involves chemical fixation, drying and coating, observation of fresh, unprepared materials can be directly realized with the ESEM. Environmental microscopy provides a relatively new technology for imaging hydrated materials without specimen preparation and conductive coating. Direct observation of biological samples in their native state is therefore possible with an ESEM. After fasting, the jejunal mucosa is dramatically reduced in size, splits and holes appearing at the tip of the villi. These changes were observed whatever the type of technique used. Artifacts due to the sample preparation for CSEM observation (drying, coating) can therefore be excluded. However, CSEM and ESEM must be used jointly. While, CSEM must be preferred for surface analysis involving high magnifications, ESEM observation, on the other hand, can prove valuable for determining the living aspect of the samples.

Clay ingestion enhances intestinal triacylglycerol hydrolysis and non-esterified fatty acid absorption

Consumption by animals and humans of earthy materials such as clay is often related to gut pathologies. Our aim was to determine the impact of kaolinite ingestion on glucose and NEFA transport through the intestinal mucosa. The expression of hexose transporters (Na/glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1), GLUT2, GLUT5) and of proteins involved in NEFA absorption (fatty acid transporter/cluster of differentiation 36 (FAT/CD36), fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) and liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP)) was measured (1) in rats whose jejunum was perfused with a solution of kaolinite, and (2) in rats who ate spontaneously kaolinite pellets during 7 and 28 d. Also, we determined TAG and glucose absorption in the kaolinite-perfused group, and pancreatic lipase activity, gastric emptying and intestinal transit in rats orally administered with kaolinite. Glucose absorption was not affected by kaolinite perfusion or ingestion. However, kaolinite induced a significant increase in intestinal TAG hydrolysis and NEFA absorption. The cytoplasmic expression of L-FABP and FATP4 also increased due to kaolinite ingestion. NEFA may enter the enterocytes via endocytosis mainly since expression of NEFA transporters in the brush-border membrane was not affected by kaolinite. After uptake, rapid binding of NEFA by L-FABP and FATP4 could act as an intracellular NEFA buffer to prevent NEFA efflux. Increased TAG hydrolysis and NEFA absorption may be due to the adsorption properties of clay and also because kaolinite ingestion caused a slowing down of gastric emptying and intestinal transit.

Modulation by polyamines of apoptotic pathways triggered by procyanidins in human metastatic SW620 cells

Abstract.We showed previously that inhibition of polyamine catabolism with the polyamine oxidase inhibitor MDL 72527 (MDL) potentiates the apoptotic effects of apple procyanidins (Pcy) in SW620 cells. Here we report that Pcy caused an activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through enhanced polyamine catabolism and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. MDL in the presence of Pcy caused a profound intracellular depletion of polyamines and exerted a protective effect on mitochondrial functions. MDL potentiation of Pcy-triggered apoptosis was reversed by addition of exogenous polyamines. In addition, MDL in combination with Pcy activated the extrinsic apoptotic pathway through enhanced TRAIL-death receptor (DR4/DR5) expression. Potentiation of Pcy-triggered apoptosis by MDL was inhibited when cells were exposed to specific inhibitors of DR4/DR5. These data indicate that the depletion of intracellular polyamines by MDL in the presence of Pcy caused a switch from intrinsic to extrinsic apoptotic pathways in human colon cancer-derived metastatic cells.

Interactions between ingested kaolinite and the intestinal mucosa in rat : proteomic and cellular evidences

Although some of the effects of clay ingestion by humans and animals, such as gastrointestinal wellness and the increase in food efficiency are well known, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the interactions between the intestinal mucosa and kaolinite particles and their effects on mucosal morphology were observed using light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), conventional (CSEM) and environmental (ESEM) scanning electron microscopy combined with an EDX micro‐analysis system. Kaolinite consumption, given with free access to rats, varied considerably from one animal to the other but was regular through time for each individual. Some kaolinite particles appeared chemically dissociated in the lumen and within the mucus barrier. Aluminium (Al) originating from ingested clay and present in the mucus layer could directly cross the intestinal mucosa. A significant increase in the thickness of the villi with large vacuoles at the base of the mucosal cells and a decrease in the length of enterocyte microvilli characterized complemented animals. The proteomic analyses of the intestinal mucosa of complemented rats also revealed several modifications in the expression level of cytoskeleton proteins. In summary, kaolinite particles ingested as food complement interact with the intestinal mucosa and modify nutrient absorption. However, these data, together with the potential neurotoxicity of Al, need further investigation.