Richard L. Eckert

S100 protein subcellular localization during epidermal differentiation and psoriasis.

S100 proteins are calcium-activated signaling proteins that interact with target proteins to modulate biological processes. Our present studies compare the level of expression, and cellular localization of S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, S100A10, and S100A11 in normal and psoriatic epidermis. S100A7 and S100A11 are present in the basal and spinous layers in normal epidermis. These proteins appear in the nucleus and cytoplasm in basal cells but are associated with the plasma membrane in spinous cells. S100A10 is present in basal and spinous cells, in the cytoplasm, and is associated with the plasma membrane. S100A8 and S100A9 are absent or are expressed at minimal levels in normal epidermis. In involved psoriatic tissue, S100A10 and S100A11 levels remain unchanged, whereas, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 are markedly overexpressed. The pattern of expression and subcellular localization of S100A7 is similar in normal and psoriatic tissue. S100A8 and S100A9 are strongly expressed in the basal and spinous layers in psoriasis-involved tissue. In addition, we demonstrate that S100A7, S100A10, and S100A11 are incorporated into detergent and reducing agent-resistant multimers, suggesting that they are in vivo trans-glutaminase substrates. S100A8 and S100A9 did not form these larger complexes. These results indicate that S100 proteins localize to the plasma membrane in differentiated keratinocytes, suggesting a role in regulating calcium-dependent, membrane-associated events. These studies also indicate, as reported previously, that S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 expression is markedly altered in psoriasis, suggesting a role for these proteins in disease pathogenesis.

Regulation of human involucrin promoter activity by a protein kinase C, Ras, MEKK1, MEK3, p38/RK, AP1 signal transduction pathway.

Involucrin is a marker of keratinocyte terminal differentiation. Our previous studies show that involucrin mRNA levels are increased by the keratinocyte differentiating agent, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (Welter, J. F., Crish, J. F., Agarwal, C., and Eckert, R. L. (1995)J. Biol. Chem. 270, 12614–12622). We now study the signaling cascade responsible for this regulation. Protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase inhibitors inhibit both the TPA-dependent mRNA increase and the TPA-dependent increase in hINV promoter activity. The relevant response element is located within the promoter proximal regulatory region and includes an AP1 site, AP1-1. Co-transfection of the hINV promoter with dominant negative forms of Ras, MEKK1, MEK1, MEK7, MEK3, p38/RK, and c-Jun inhibit the TPA-dependent increase. Wild type MEKK1 enhances promoter activity and the activity can be inhibited by dominant negative MEKK1, MEK1, MEK7, MEK3, p38/RK, and c-Jun. In contrast, wild type Raf-1, ERK1, ERK2, MEK4, or JNK1 produced no change in activity and the dominant negative forms of these kinases failed to suppress TPA-dependent transcription. Treatment with an S6 kinase (S6K) inhibitor, or transfection with constitutively active S6K produced relatively minor changes in promoter activity, ruling out a regulatory role for S6K. These results suggest that activation of involucrin transcription involves a pathway that includes protein kinase C, Ras, MEKK1, MEK3, and p38/RK. Additional pathways that transfer MEKK1 activation via MEK1 and MEK7 also may function, but the downstream targets of these kinases need to be identified. AP1 transcription factors appear to be the ultimate target of this regulation.

Novel protein kinase C isoforms regulate human keratinocyte differentiation by activating a p38 delta mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade that targets CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha.

The novel protein kinase C (nPKC) isoforms are important regulators of human involucrin (hINV) gene expression during keratinocyte differentiation (Efimova, T., and Eckert, R. L. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 1601–1607). Although the regulatory mechanism involves mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, the role of individual MAPK isoforms has not been elucidated. We therefore examined the effects of individual nPKCs on MAPK activation. We observe unique changes whereby nPKC expression simultaneously increases p38 activity and decreases ERK1 and ERK2 activity. Although p38α, p38β, and p38δ are expressed in keratinocytes, only a single isoform, p38δ, accounts for the increased p38 activity. Parallel studies indicate that this isoform is also activated by treatment with the keratinocyte regulatory agents, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, calcium, and okadaic acid. These changes in MAPK activity are associated with increased C/EBPα transcription factor expression and DNA binding to the hINV promoter and increased hINV gene expression. Expression of PKCδ, PKCε, or PKCη causes a 10-fold increase in hINV promoter activity, whereas C/EBPα expression produces a 25-fold increase. However, simultaneous expression of both proteins causes a synergistic 100-fold increase in promoter activity. These responses are eliminated by the dominant-negative C/EBP isoform, GADD153, and are also inhibited by dominant-negative forms of Ras, MEKK1, MEK3, and p38. These results suggest that the nPKC isoforms produce a unique shift in MAPK activity via a Ras, MEKK1, MEK3 pathway, to increase p38δ and inhibit ERK1/2 and ultimately increase C/EBPα binding to the hINV promoter and hINV gene expression.

Transcription factor regulation of epidermal keratinocyte gene expression

SummaryThe epidermis is a tissue that undergoes a very complex and tightly controlled differentiation program. The elaboration of this program is generally flawless, resulting in the production of an effective protective barrier for the organism. Many of the genes expressed during keratinocyte differentiation are expressed in a coordinate manner; this suggests that common regulatory models may emerge. The simplest model envisions a ‘common regulatory element’ that is possessed by all genes that are regulated together (e.g., involucrin and transglutaminase type 1). Studies to date, however, have not identified any such elements and, if anything, the available studies suggest that appropriate expression of each gene is achieved using sometime subtly and sometime grossly different mechanisms.Recent studies indicate that a variety of transcription factors (AP1, AP2, POU domain, Sp1, STAT factors) are expressed in the epidermis and, in many cases, multiple members of several families are present (e.g., AP1 and POU domain factors). The simultaneous expression of multiple members of a single transcription factor family provides numerous opportunities for complex regulation. Some studies suggest that specific members of these families interact with specific keratinocyte genes. The best studied of these families in epidermis is the AP1 family of factors. All of the known AP1 factors are expressed in epidermis [52] and each is expressed in a specific spatial pattern that suggests the potential to regulate multiple genes. It will be important to determine the role of each of these members in regulating keratinocyte gene expression.Finally, information is beginning to emerge regarding signal transduction in keratinocytes. Some of the early events in signal transduction have been identified (e.g., PLC and PKC activation, etc.) and some of the molecular targets of these pathways (e.g., AP1 transcription factors) are beginning to be identified. Eventually we can expect to elucidation of all of the steps between the interaction of the stimulating agent with its receptor and the activation of target gene expression.

Calcium-dependent Involucrin Expression Is Inversely Regulated by Protein Kinase C (PKC)α and PKCδ

Calcium is an important physiologic regulator of keratinocyte function that may regulate keratinocyte differentiation via modulation of protein kinase C (PKC) activity. PKCα and PKCδ are two PKC isoforms that are expressed at high levels in keratinocytes. In the present study, we examine the effect of PKCδ and PKCα on calcium-dependent keratinocyte differentiation as measured by effects on involucrin (hINV) gene expression. Our studies indicate that calcium increaseshINV promoter activity and endogenous hINV gene expression. This response requires PKCδ, as evidenced by the observation that treatment with dominant-negative PKCδ inhibits calcium-dependent hINV promoter activity, whereas wild type PKCδ increases activity. PKCα, in contrast, inhibits calcium-dependent hINV promoter activation, a finding that is consistent with the ability of dominant-negative PKCα and the PKCα inhibitor, Go6976, to increasehINV gene expression. The calcium-dependent regulatory response is mediated by an AP1 transcription factor-binding site located within the hINV promoter distal regulatory region that is also required for PKCδ-dependent regulation; moreover, both calcium and PKCδ produce similar, but not identical, changes in AP1 factor expression. A key question is whether calcium directly influences PKC isoform function. Our studies show that calcium does not regulate PKCα or δ levels or cause a marked redistribution to membranes. However, tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCδ is markedly increased following calcium treatment. These findings suggest that PKCα and PKCδ are required for, and modulate, calcium-dependent keratinocyte differentiation in opposing directions.

Regulation of Human Involucrin Promoter Activity by Novel Protein Kinase C Isoforms

Human involucrin (hINV) mRNA level and promoter activity increase when keratinocytes are treated with the differentiating agent, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). This response is mediated via a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway that targets activator protein 1 (Efimova, T., LaCelle, P. T., Welter, J. F., and Eckert, R. L. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 24387–24395). In the present study we examine the role of various PKC isoforms in this regulation. Transfection of expression plasmids encoding the novel PKC isoforms δ, ε, and η increase hINV promoter activity. In contrast, neither conventional PKC isoforms (α, β, and γ) nor the atypical isoform (ζ) regulate promoter activity. Consistent with these observations, promoter activity is inhibited by the PKCδ-selective inhibitor, rottlerin, but not by Go-6976, an inhibitor of conventional PKC isoforms, and novel PKC isoform-dependent promoter activation is inhibited by dominant-negative PKCδ. This regulation appears to be physiologically important, as transfection of keratinocytes with PKCδ, -ε, or -η increases expression of the endogenous hINV gene. Synergistic promoter activation (≥100-fold) is observed when PKCε- or -η-transfected cells are treated with TPA. In contrast, the PKCδ-dependent response is more complex as either activation or inhibition is observed, depending upon PKCδ concentration.

Protein Kinase Cδ Regulates Keratinocyte Death and Survival by Regulating Activity and Subcellular Localization of a p38δ-Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Complex

ABSTRACT Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is an important regulator of apoptosis in epidermal keratinocytes. However, little information is available regarding the downstream kinases that mediate PKCδ-dependent keratinocyte death. This study implicates p38δ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) as a downstream carrier of the PKCδ-dependent death signal. We show that coexpression of PKCδ with p38δ produces profound apoptosis-like morphological changes. These morphological changes are associated with increased sub-G1 cell population, cytochrome c release, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase activation, and PARP cleavage. This death response is specific for the combination of PKCδ and p38δ and is not produced by replacing PKCδ with PKCα or p38δ with p38α. A constitutively active form of MEK6, an upstream activator of p38δ, can also produce cell death when coupled with p38δ. In addition, concurrent p38δ activation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inactivation are required for apoptosis. Regarding this inverse regulation, we describe a p38δ-ERK1/2 complex that may coordinate these changes in activity. We further show that this p38δ-ERK1/2 complex relocates into the nucleus in response to PKCδ expression. This regulation appears to be physiological, since H2O2, a known inducer of keratinocyte apoptosis, promotes identical PKCδ and p38δ-ERK1/2 activity changes, leading to similar morphological changes.

A Novel Tumor Suppressor Protein Promotes Keratinocyte Terminal Differentiation via Activation of Type I Transglutaminase

Tazarotene-induced protein 3 (TIG3) is a recently discovered regulatory protein that is expressed in the suprabasal epidermis. In the present study, we show that TIG3 regulates keratinocyte viability and proliferation. TIG3-dependent reduction in keratinocyte viability is accompanied by a substantial increase in the number of sub-G1 cells, nuclear shrinkage, and increased formation of cornified envelope-like structures. TIG3 localizes to the membrane fraction, and TIG3-dependent differentiation is associated with increased type I transglutaminase activity. Microscopic localization and isopeptide cross-linking studies suggest that TIG3 and type I transglutaminase co-localize in membranes. Markers of apoptosis, including caspases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, are not activated by TIG3, and caspase inhibitors do not stop the TIG3-dependent reduction in cell viability. Truncation of the carboxyl-terminal membrane-anchoring domain results in a complete loss of TIG3 activity. The morphology of the TIG3-positive cells and the effects on cornified envelope formation suggest that TIG3 is an activator of terminal keratinocyte differentiation. Our studies suggest that TIG3 facilitates the terminal stages in keratinocyte differentiation via activation of type I transglutaminase.

Retinoids Suppress Epidermal Growth Factor-associated Cell Proliferation by Inhibiting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-dependent ERK1/2 Activation

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important etiological agent in the genesis of cervical cancer. HPV-positive cervical tumors and human papillomavirus-positive cell lines display increased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, which is associated with increased cell proliferation. ECE16-1 cells are an HPV-immortalized human ectocervical epithelial cell line that is a model of HPV-associated cervical neoplasia and displays elevated EGFR levels. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of receptor-selective retinoid ligands on EGFR-associated signal transduction. We show that retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-selective ligands reduce EGFR level and the magnitude and duration of EGFR activation in EGF-stimulated cells. These effects are reversed by cotreatment with an RAR antagonist. To identify the mechanism, we examined the effects of retinoid treatments on EGF-dependent signaling. Stimulation with EGF causes a biphasic activation of the ERK1/2 MAPK. The first peak of activation is present at 20 min, and the second is present at 36 h. This activation subsequently leads to an increase in the cyclin D1 level and increased cell proliferation. Simultaneous treatment with EGF and a RAR-selective retinoid inhibits both phases of ERK1/2 activation, completely eliminates the cyclin D1 induction, and suppresses EGF-dependent cell proliferation. This effect is specific as retinoid treatment does not alter the level or activity of other EGFR-regulated kinases, including AKT and the MAPKs p38 and JNK. Retinoid X receptor-selective ligands, in contrast, did not regulate these responses. These results suggest that RAR ligand-associated down-regulation of EGFR activity reduces cell proliferation by reducing the magnitude and duration of EGF-dependent ERK1/2 activation.

The Distal Regulatory Region of the Human Involucrin Promoter Is Required for Expression in Epidermis

Human involucrin (hINV) is a precursor of the keratinocyte cornified envelope that is specifically expressed in the suprabasal layers of stratifying squamous epithelia. The promoter distal (DRR) and proximal regulatory regions (PRR) are required for optimal in vitro expression (Welter, J. F., Crish, J. F., Agarwal, C., and Eckert, R. L. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 12614–12622; and Banks, E. B., Crish, J. F., Welter, J. F., and Eckert, R. L. (1998)Biochem. J. 331, 61–68). We now present the complete sequence of these regions and evaluate their ability to drive in vivo transcription. Transgenes containing 5000 or 2473 base pairs of upstream regulatory region drive tissue- and differentiation-appropriate expression in stratifying surface epithelia. In contrast, transgenes containing 1953, 1333, 986, or 41 base pairs of upstream regulatory region are not expressed in surface epithelia, indicating that loss of the DRR (nucleotides −2474/−1953) results in loss of expression. Fusing the isolated DRR region directly to the hINV minimal promoter restores surface epithelial expression. Sequences downstream of the transcribed gene are not required for appropriate expression. The −1953/−41 segment influences the pattern of differentiation-dependent expression. The −986/−41 region, which includes the PRR, drives expression in internal epithelia.