Shefalee K. Bhavsar

Janus kinase 3 is expressed in erythrocytes, phosphorylated upon energy depletion and involved in the regulation of suicidal erythrocyte death.

Janus kinase 3, a tyrosine kinase expressed in haematopoetic tissues, plays a decisive role in T-lymphocyte survival. JAK3 deficiency leads to (Severe) Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) resulting from enhanced lymphocyte apoptosis. JAK3 is activated by phosphorylation. Nothing is known about expression of JAK3 in erythrocytes, which may undergo apoptosis-like cell death (eryptosis) characterized by cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine exposure and cell shrinkage. Triggers of eryptosis include energy depletion. The present study utilized immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy to test for JAK3 expression and phosphorylation, and FACS analysis to determine phosphatidylserine exposure (annexin binding) and cell volume (forward scatter). As a result, JAK3 was expressed in erythrocytes and phosphorylated following 24h and 48h glucose depletion. Forward scatter was slightly but significantly smaller in erythrocytes from JAK3-deficient mice (jak3-/-) than in erythrocytes from wild type mice (jak3+/+). Annexin V binding was similarly low in both genotypes. The JAK3 inhibitors WHI-P131/JANEX-1 (4-(4′-Hydroxyphenyl)amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline, 156µM) and WHI-P154 (4-[(3′-Bromo-4′-hydroxyphenyl)amino]-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline, 11.2µM) did not significantly modify annexin V binding or forward scatter. Glucose depletion increased annexin V binding, an effect significantly blunted in jak3-/- erythrocytes and in the presence of the JAK3 inhibitors. The observations disclose a completely novel role of Janus kinase 3, i.e. the triggering of cell membrane scrambling in energy depleted erythrocytes.

Stimulation of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by α-Lipoic Acid

Α-lipoic acid, a nutrient with both, antioxidant and oxidant activity induces apoptosis in a variety of cells. Owing to its proapoptotic potency Α-lipoic acid has been suggested for the therapy of cancer. Α-Lipoic acid stimulates apoptosis by induction of oxidative stress and subsequent activation of caspases. Oxidative stress could similarly trigger caspase activation and suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell membrane scrambling and cell shrinkage. Eryptosis is triggered by increase of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and/or ceramide formation. The present study explored whether Α -lipoic acid influences eryptosis. Cell membrane scrambling was estimated from binding of annexin V to phosphatidylserine at the erythrocyte surface, cell volume from forward scatter in FACS analysis, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration from Fluo3 fluorescence, caspase activation and ceramide formation utilizing respective antibodies, cytosolic ATP concentration from a luciferase-assay. Within 48 hours, exposure to Α-lipoic acid (10 - 75 mM) significantly decreased forward scatter, increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, decreased ATP concentration, activated caspase 3, stimulated formation of ceramide and triggered annexin V-binding. Glucose depletion (48 h) was followed by decrease of forward scatter and increase of annexin V-binding, effects significantly augmented in the presence of Α-lipoic acid (20 mM). Oxidative stress (30 min 0.3 mM tert-butylhydroperoxide) similarly triggered annexin binding, an effect slightly but significantly blunted by Α-lipoic acid. In conclusion, Α-lipoic acid triggers eryptosis but by the same token counteracts eryptosis during oxidative stress. Α-lipoic acid sensitive eryptosis may lead to anemia and derangements of microcirculation.

Regulation of Na+-coupled glucose carrier SGLT1 by AMP-activated protein kinase

Abstract AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a serine/threonine kinase activated upon energy depletion, stimulates energy production and limits energy utilization. It has previously been shown to enhance cellular glucose uptake through the GLUT family of facilitative glucose transporters. The present study explored the possibility that AMPK may regulate Na+-coupled glucose transport through SGLT1 (SLC5A1). To this end, SGLT1 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes with and without AMPK and electrogenic glucose transport determined by dual electrode voltage clamping experiments. In SGLT1-expressing oocytes but not in oocytes injected with water or expressing constitutively active γR70QAMPK (α1β1γ1(R70Q)) alone, the addition of glucose to the extracellular bath generated a current (Ig), which was half maximal (KM) at ≈ 650 μM glucose concentration. Coexpression of γR70QAMPK did not affect KM but significantly enhanced the maximal current (≈ 1.7 fold). Coexpression of wild type AMPK or the kinase dead αK45RAMPK mutant (α1(K45R)β1γ1) did not appreciably affect Ig. According to confocal microscopy and Western Blotting, AICAR (1 mM), phenformin (1 mM) and A-769662 (10 μM) enhanced the SGLT1 protein abundance in the cell membrane of Caco2 cells suggesting that AMPK activity may increase membrane translocation of SGLT1. These observations support a role for AMPK in the regulation of Na+-coupled glucose transport.

Monensin induced suicidal erythrocyte death.

Eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death, is characterized by cell membrane scrambling and cell shrinkage. Eryptosis may be triggered by excessive hyperosmotic or isosmotic cell shrinkage leading to increase of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Eryptosis is further stimulated by the K+ ionophore valinomycin, which leads to exit of KCl and osmotically obliged water, or by energy (glucose) depletion, which compromises the function of the Na+/K+ ATPase thus increasing cytosolic Na+ concentration. The present study explored whether the Na+ ionophore monensin affects erythrocyte cell volume and eryptosis. The cell membrane scrambling was estimated from binding of annexin V to phosphatidylserine at the erythrocyte surface, cell volume from forward scatter in FACS analysis, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration from Fluo3 fluorescence and the cytosolic ATP concentration from a luciferase-based assay. Within 24 hours, exposure to monensin (0.1-10 µg/ml) significantly increased forward scatter, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and annexin V-binding. Glucose depletion was followed by decreased forward scatter and increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and annexin V-binding. The effect on forward scatter was partially reversed, the effect on cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and annexin V binding augmented by additional treatment with monensin. In conclusion, monensin dissociates the alterations of cell membrane and cell volume in suicidal erythrocyte death.

Upregulation of Peptide Transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2 by Janus Kinase JAK2

Background/Aims: Janus-activated kinase-2 JAK2 participates in the signaling of several hormones including growth hormone, fosters tumor growth and modifies the activity of several Na+ coupled nutrient transporters. Peptide uptake into intestinal and tumor cells is accomplished by electrogenic peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2. The present study thus explored whether JAK2 contributes to the regulation of PEPT1 and PEPT2 activity. Methods: cRNA encoding either PEPT1 or PEPT2 was injected into Xenopus oocytes with or without additional injection of cRNA encoding wild type JAK2, constitutively active V617FJAK2 or inactive K882EJAK2. The current created by the dipeptide glycine-glycine (Igly-gly) was determined by dual electrode voltage clamp and taken as measure for electrogenic peptide transport. Results: No appreciable Igly-gly was observed in water injected oocytes. In PEPT1 or PEPT2 expressing oocytes Igly-gly was significantly increased by additional coexpression of JAK2. As shown in PEPT1 expressing oocytes, Igly-gly without significantly modifying the concentration required for halfmaximal Igly-gly (KM). Following disruption of carrier insertion with brefeldin A (5 µM) Igly-gly declined similarly fast in Xenopus oocytes expressing PEPT1 with JAK2 and in Xenopus oocytes expressing PEPT1 alone. In oocytes expressing both, PEPT1 and V617FJAK2, Igly-gly was gradually decreased by JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (40 µM). According to Ussing chamber experiments pharmacological JAK2 inhibition similarly decreased Igly-gly in mouse intestine. Conclusion: Regulation of the peptide transporters PEPT and PEPT2 does involve the Janus-activated kinase-2 JAK2.

Functional membrane androgen receptors in colon tumors trigger pro-apoptotic responses in vitro and reduce drastically tumor incidence in vivo

BackgroundMembrane androgen receptors (mAR) have been implicated in the regulation of cell growth, motility and apoptosis in prostate and breast cancer. Here we analyzed mAR expression and function in colon cancer.ResultsUsing fluorescent mAR ligands we showed specific membrane staining in colon cell lines and mouse xenograft tumor tissues, while membrane staining was undetectable in healthy mouse colon tissues and non-transformed intestinal cells. Saturation/displacement assays revealed time- and concentration-dependent specific binding for testosterone with a KD of 2.9 nM. Stimulation of colon mAR by testosterone albumin conjugates induced rapid cytoskeleton reorganization and apoptotic responses, even in the presence of anti-androgens. The actin cytoskeleton drug cytochalasin B effectively inhibited the pro-apoptotic responses and caspase-3 activation. Interestingly, in vivo studies revealed that mAR activation resulted in a 65% reduction of tumor incidence in chemically induced Balb/c mice colon tumors.ConclusionOur results demonstrate for the first time that functional mARs are predominantly expressed in colon tumors and that their activation results in induction of anti-tumor responses in vitro and extensive reduction of tumor incidence in vivo.

Downregulation of ClC-2 by JAK2.

JAK2 (Janus kinase-2) is activated by cell shrinkage and may thus participate in cell volume regulation. Cell volume regulatory ion channels include the small conductance Cl-channels ClC-2. The present study thus explored whether JAK2 influences ClC-2 activity. To this end, ClC-2 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without wild type JAK2, active V617FJAK2 or inactive K882EJAK2 and the Cl channel activity determined by dual electrode voltage clamp. Expression of ClC-2 was followed by a marked increase of cell membrane conductance. The conductance was significantly decreased following coexpression of JAK2 or V617FJAK2, but not by coexpression of K882EJAK2. Exposure of the oocytes expressing ClC-2 together with V617FJAK2 to the JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (40 µM) resulted in a gradual increase of the conductance. According to chemiluminescence JAK2 decreased the channel protein abundance in the cell membrane. The decline of conductance in ClC-2 and V617FJAK2 coexpressing oocytes following inhibition of channel protein insertion by brefeldin A (5 µM) was similar in oocytes expressing ClC-2 with V617FJAK2 and oocytes expressing ClC-2 alone, indicating that V617FJAK2 might slow channel protein insertion into rather than accelerating channel protein retrieval from the cell membrane. In conclusion, JAK2 down-regulates ClC-2 activity and thus counteracts Cl-exit, an effect which may impact on cell volume regulation.

Regulation of the glutamate transporters by JAK2.

The Janus-activated kinase-2 JAK2 is involved in the signaling of leptin and erythropoietin receptors and mediates neuroprotective effects of the hormones. In theory, JAK2 could be effective through modulation of the glutamate transporters, carriers accounting for the clearance of glutamate released during neurotransmission. The present study thus elucidated the effect of JAK2 on the glutamate transporters EAAT1, EAAT2, EAAT3 and EAAT4. To this end, cRNA encoding the carriers was injected into Xenopus oocytes with or without cRNA encoding JAK2 and glutamate transport was estimated from glutamate induced current (Iglu). Iglu was observed in Xenopus oocytes expressing EAAT1 or EAAT2 or EAAT3 or EAAT4, but not in water injected oocytes. Coexpression of JAK2 resulted in an increase of Iglu by 83% (EAAT1), 67% (EAAT2), 42% (EAAT3) and 126% (EAAT4). As shown for EAAT4 expressing Xenopus oocytes, the effect of JAK2 was mimicked by gain of function mutation V617FJAK2 but not by the inactive mutant K882EJAK2. Incubation with JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (40 µM) resulted in a gradual decrease of Iglu by 53%, 79% and 92% within 3, 6 and 24 hours. Confocal microscopy and chemiluminescence analysis revealed that JAK2 coexpression increased EAAT4 protein abundance in the cell membrane. Disruption of transcription did not appreciably modify the up-regulation of Iglu in EAAT4 expressing oocytes. The decay of Iglu following inhibition of carrier insertion with brefeldin A was similar in oocytes expressing EAAT4 + JAK2 and oocytes expressing EAAT4 alone, indicating that JAK2 did not appreciably affect carrier retrieval from the membrane. In conclusion, JAK2 is a novel powerful regulator of glutamate transporters and thus participates in the protection against excitotoxicity.

Stimulation of the glucose carrier SGLT1 by JAK2

JAK2 (Janus kinase-2) overactivity contributes to survival of tumor cells and the (V617F)JAK2 mutant is found in the majority of myeloproliferative diseases. Tumor cell survival depends on availability of glucose. Concentrative cellular glucose uptake is accomplished by Na(+) coupled glucose transport through SGLT1 (SLC5A1), which may operate against a chemical glucose gradient and may thus be effective even at low extracellular glucose concentrations. The present study thus explored whether JAK2 activates SGLT1. To this end, SGLT1 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without wild type JAK2, (V617F)JAK2 or inactive (K882E)JAK2 and electrogenic glucose transport determined by dual electrode voltage clamp experiments. In SGLT1-expressing oocytes but not in oocytes injected with water or JAK2 alone, the addition of glucose to the extracellular bath generated a current (I(g)), which was significantly increased following coexpression of JAK2 or (V617F)JAK2, but not by coexpression of (K882E)JAK2. Kinetic analysis revealed that coexpression of JAK2 enhanced the maximal transport rate without significantly modifying the affinity of the carrier. The stimulating effect of JAK2 expression was abrogated by preincubation with the JAK2 inhibitor AG490. Chemiluminescence analysis revealed that JAK2 enhanced the carrier protein abundance in the cell membrane. The decline of I(g) during inhibition of carrier insertion by brefeldin A was similar in the absence and presence of JAK2. Thus, JAK2 fosters insertion rather than inhibiting retrieval of carrier protein into the cell membrane. In conclusion, JAK2 upregulates SGLT1 activity which may play a role in the effect of JAK2 during ischemia and malignancy.

Down-Regulation of the Myoinositol Transporter SMIT by JAK2

Background/Aims: Janus-activated kinase-2 JAK2 is activated by energy depletion and hyperosmotic shock and modifies the activity of several Na+ coupled transporters. The Na+ coupled osmolyte transporter SMIT (myoinositol transporter) is upregulated by osmotic shock and downregulated by energy depletion. The present study thus explored whether JAK2 contributes to the regulation of SMIT activity. Methods: To this end, cRNA encoding SMIT was injected into Xenopus oocytes with or without additional injection of cRNA encoding wild type JAK2, constitutively active V617FJAK2 or inactive K882EJAK2. Inositol-induced current (ISMIT) was determined by dual electrode voltage clamp and taken as measure for electrogenic inositol transport. Results: No appreciable ISMIT was observed in water injected oocytes. In SMIT expressing oocytes ISMIT was significantly decreased by additional coexpression of JAK2 or V617FJAK2, but not by coexpression of K882EJAK2. According to kinetic analysis coexpression of JAK2 decreased maximal ISMIT without significantly modifying the concentration required for halfmaximal ISMIT (KM). In oocytes expressing both, SMIT and JAK2, ISMIT was gradually increased by JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (40 µM). Disruption of carrier insertion with brefeldin A (5 µM) was followed by a decline of ISMIT to a similar extent in Xenopus oocytes expressing SMIT with JAK2 and in Xenopus oocytes expressing SMIT alone, suggesting that JAK2 did not affect carrier stability in the cell membrane. Conclusion: JAK2 contributes to the regulation of the inositol transporter SMIT.