Uh-Hyun Kim

Doxorubicin-induced reactive oxygen species generation and intracellular Ca2+ increase are reciprocally modulated in rat cardiomyocytes

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most potent anticancer drugs and induces acute cardiac arrhythmias and chronic cumulative cardiomyopathy. Though DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is known to be caused mainly by ROS generation, a disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis is also implicated one of the cardiotoxic mechanisms. In this study, a molecular basis of DOX-induced modulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was investigated. Treatment of adult rat cardiomyocytes with DOX increased [Ca2+]i irrespectively of extracellular Ca2+, indicating DOX-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. The DOX-induced Ca2+ increase was slowly processed and sustained. The Ca2+ increase was inhibited by pretreatment with a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ channel blocker, ryanodine or dantrolene, and an antioxidant, α-lipoic acid or α-tocopherol. DOX-induced ROS generation was observed immediately after DOX treatment and increased in a time-dependent manner. The ROS production was significantly reduced by the pretreatment of the SR Ca2+ channel blockers and the antioxidants. Moreover, DOX-mediated activation of caspase-3 was significantly inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blockers and a-lipoic acid but not a-tocopherol. In addition, cotreatment of ryanodine with α-lipoic acid resulted in further inhibition of the casapse-3 activity. These results demonstrate that DOX-mediated ROS opens ryanodine receptor, resulting in an increase in [Ca2+]i and that the increased [Ca2+]i induces ROS production. These observations also suggest that DOX/ROS-induced increase of [Ca2+]i plays a critical role in damage of cardiomyocytes.

Generation of Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate and Cyclic ADP-Ribose by Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Evokes Ca2+ Signal That Is Essential for Insulin Secretion in Mouse Pancreatic Islets

OBJECTIVE—Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) increases intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), resulting in insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. The molecular mechanism(s) of the GLP-1–mediated regulation of [Ca2+]i was investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—GLP-1–induced changes in [Ca2+]i were measured in β-cells isolated from Cd38+/+ and Cd38−/− mice. Calcium-mobilizing second messengers were identified by measuring levels of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) and cyclic ADP-ribose (ADPR), using a cyclic enzymatic assay. To locate NAADP- and cyclic ADPR–producing enzyme(s), cellular organelles were separated using the sucrose gradient method. RESULTS—A GLP-1–induced [Ca2+]i increase showed a cooperative Ca2+ signal, i.e., an initial [Ca2+]i rise mediated by the action of NAADP that was produced in acidic organelles and a subsequent long-lasting increase of [Ca2+]i by the action of cyclic ADPR that was produced in plasma membranes and secretory granules. GLP-1 sequentially stimulated production of NAADP and cyclic ADPR in the organelles through protein kinase A and cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor II. Furthermore, the results showed that NAADP production from acidic organelles governed overall Ca2+ signals, including insulin secretion by GLP-1, and that in addition to CD38, enzymes capable of synthesizing NAADP and/or cyclic ADPR were present in β-cells. These observations were supported by the study with Cd38−/− β-cells, demonstrating production of NAADP, cyclic ADPR, and Ca2+ signal with normal insulin secretion stimulated by GLP-1. CONCLUSIONS—Our findings demonstrate that the GLP-1–mediated Ca2+ signal for insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells is a cooperative action of NAADP and cyclic ADPR spatiotemporally formed by multiple enzymes.

A novel fibroblast growth factor receptor-5 preferentially expressed in the pancreas

Using the polymerase chain reaction on human embryonic cDNAs, we isolated a cDNA encoding a novel 504 amino acid protein, termed fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-5, which is highly homologous to known FGFRs. The NH(2)-terminal portion of FGFR5 contains a putative secretory signal sequence, three typical immunoglobulin-like domains, six cysteines, and an acidic box, but no HAV motif. The COOH-terminal portion of FGFR5 contains one transmembrane domain but no intracellular kinase domain. Recombinant FGFR5 expressed in COS-7 cells is not secreted, but recombinant truncated FGFR5 lacking the predicted transmembrane domain is secreted. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) do not bind to FGFR5. Among 23 adult human tissues, FGFR5 mRNA is preferentially expressed in the pancreas. These results suggest that FGFR5 may provide a binding site for some other fibroblast growth factors and may regulate some pancreatic function.

Hyaluronan inhibits osteoclast differentiation via Toll-like receptor 4

The differentiation of osteoclasts, cells specialized for bone resorption, is governed by two key factors, macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important factor influencing cell fate. To date, little investigation on the relationship between ECM components and osteoclast differentiation has been documented. In this study, we uncovered a potent anti-osteoclastogenic effect of hyaluronan (HA), an ECM component present in bone marrow and soft connective tissues, in primary mouse and human osteoclast precursor cell cultures. The anti-osteoclastogenic function of HA was dependent on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) but not on CD44. HA inhibited M-CSF-dependent signaling pathways involving Rac, reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinases, resulting in suppression of transcription factors AP-1 and MITF that control RANK expression. Furthermore, in an in vivo mouse model of calvarial bone resorption assays HA reduced RANKL-induced bone erosion and osteoclastogenesis. Our results clearly show that HA inhibits osteoclast differentiation through TLR4 by interfering with M-CSF signaling, and point that the interaction between ECM components and innate immune receptors can play an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism.

Ca2+ Signaling Tools Acquired from Prostasomes Are Required for Progesterone-Induced Sperm Motility

Prostate-derived vesicles provide sperm with calcium signaling proteins required for progesterone-induced motility. Delivering Sperm a Toolkit Progesterone stimulates complex calcium signals in human sperm that have been implicated in enhancing their motility. Noting that sperm are structurally simple cells with a minimal complement of organelles, Park et al. explored the possibility that prostasomes (small vesicles secreted by the prostate) might deliver a “calcium toolkit” to sperm to enable these complex calcium responses. Analyses of sperm isolated before prostasome exposure revealed that, indeed, fusion with prostasomes led to the acquisition in sperm of various proteins implicated in calcium signaling and enabled the progesterone-dependent mobilization of calcium from internal stores. Moreover, prostasomal proteins promoted progesterone-dependent sperm motility and enhanced the ability of mouse sperm to fertilize ova. Progesterone-induced calcium ion (Ca2+) signals in the neck region of sperm play a pivotal role in promoting sperm motility. Here, we show that a long-lasting Ca2+ signal required for sperm motility in response to progesterone depends on their pH-dependent fusion with prostasomes, which are small vesicles secreted by the prostate. We found that prostasome fusion led to the transfer of progesterone receptors, cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose (cADPR)–synthesizing enzymes, ryanodine receptors (RyRs), and other Ca2+ signaling tools from prostasomes to the sperm neck. Progesterone-induced sperm motility relied on cADPR-mediated Ca2+ mobilization through RyR located on acidic Ca2+ stores, followed by Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels. Treatment of prostasome-fused sperm with a cADPR antagonist or fusion with prostasomes in which type 2 RyR was depleted resulted in low fertilization rates, reduced sperm motility, or both. Thus, we conclude that sperm motility depends on the acquisition of Ca2+ signaling tools from prostasomes.

Blockade of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a murine model of asthma by a prodrug of cysteine, L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. An excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and defective endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms may be present in asthma. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is one of the most important reducing agents against oxidant free radicals. A reducing agent, L‐2‐oxothiazolidine‐4‐ carboxylic acid (OTC), a prodrug of cysteine, increases intracellular GSH. We have used a mouse model for asthma to determine effects of OTC on allergen‐induced bronchial inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness. The administration of OTC reduced bronchial inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness. ROS generation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids was increased by ovalbumin (OVA) inhalation, but this increase was diminished by administration of OTC. The increased IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and eosinophil cationic protein levels in lungs after OVA inhalation were significantly reduced by the administration of OTC. In addition, the increased expression of ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, RANTES, and eotaxin in lungs after OVA inhalation was significantly reduced by the administration of OTC. We also showed that the increased NF‐κB levels in nuclear protein extracts of lung tissues at 72 h after OVA inhalation were decreased by the administration of OTC. These findings suggest that OTC may reduce airway inflammation and hyper‐responsiveness through regulation of NF‐κB activity.

Interaction of two classes of ADP-ribose transfer reactions in immune signaling.

CD38 is a bifunctional ectoenzyme predominantly expressed on hematopoietic cells where its expression correlates with differentiation and proliferation. The two enzyme activities displayed by CD38 are an ADP-ribosyl cyclase and a cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose (cADPR) hydrolase that catalyzes the synthesis and hydrolysis of cADPR. T lymphocytes can be induced to express CD38 when activated with antibodies against specific antigen receptors. If the activated T cells are then exposed with NAD, cell death by apoptosis occurs. During the exposure of activated T cells to NAD, the CD38 is modified by ecto-mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases (ecto-mono-ADPRTs) specific for cysteine and arginine residues. Arginine-ADP-ribosylation results in inactivation of both cyclase and hydrolase activities of CD38, whereas cysteine-ADP-ribosylation results only in the inhibition of the hydrolase activity. The arginine-ADP-ribosylation causes a decrease in intracellular cADPR and a subsequent decrease in Ca2+influx, resulting in apoptosis of the activated T cells. Our results suggest that the interaction of two classes of ecto-ADP-ribose transfer enzymes plays an important role in immune regulation by the selective induction of apoptosis in activated T cells and that cADPR mediated signaling is essential for the survival of activated T cells.

Hemolytic mechanism of cytolysin produced from V. vulnificus

The characteristics of hemolytic action of cytolysin produced from V. vulnificus were investigated in mouse erythrocytes. The cytolysin bound erythrocyte membranes in temperature-independent manner and then lysed cells temperature-dependently. Hemoglobin release by the cytolysin was completely inhibited by the presence of raffinose or melezitose, but K+ release was not affected. The cytolysin-induced hemolysis was always accompanied with the conversion of membrane-bound cytolysin into an oligomer of 210 kDa, corresponding to a tetramer of native cytolysins. Nonesterified cholesterol inactivated the cytolysin by converting active monomeric cytolysin into inactive oligomer. The results suggest that the cytolysin lyses erythrocytes due to the formation of small pores on erythrocyte membrane by cholesterol-mediated oligomerization of the cytolysin.

Role of Ca2+ in alloxan-induced pancreatic β-cell damage

Abstract Pretreatment of rats with verapamil, a Ca 2+ -antagonist, completely prevented alloxan-induced hyperglycemia. Verapamil also abolished the inhibition of insulin secretion by alloxan and H 2 O 2 in isolated rat pancreatic islets. H 2 O 2 generation from alloxan was not affected by verapamil, but alloxan- and H 2 O 2 -induced DNA strand breaks were completely prevented. Treatment of β-cells with alloxan and H 2 O 2 caused elevation of cytosolic free Ca 2+ , and this increase of Ca 2+ was also abolished by verapamil. These results suggest that alloxan-derived oxygen radicals may disturb intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis by increasing Ca 2+ influx, which results in secondary reactions ultimately leading to DNA strand breaks and cytotoxicity of β-cells.

Generation of Cyclic ADP-ribose and Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate by CD38 for Ca2+ Signaling in Interleukin-8-treated Lymphokine-activated Killer Cells

We have previously demonstrated that cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) is a calcium signaling messenger in interleukin 8 (IL-8)-induced lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. In this study we examined the possibility that IL-8 activates CD38 to produce another messenger, nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), in LAK cells, and we showed that IL-8 induced NAADP formation after cADPR production. These calcium signaling messengers were not produced when LAK cells prepared from CD38 knock-out mice were treated with IL-8, indicating that the synthesis of both NAADP and cADPR is catalyzed by CD38 in LAK cells. Application of cADPR to LAK cells induced NAADP production, whereas NAADP failed to increase intracellular cADPR levels, confirming that the production of cADPR precedes that of NAADP in IL-8-treated LAK cells. Moreover, NAADP increased intracellular Ca2+ signaling as well as cell migration, which was completely blocked by bafilomycin A1, suggesting that NAADP is generated in lysosome-related organelles after cADPR production. IL-8 or exogenous cADPR, but not NAADP, increased intracellular cAMP levels. cGMP analog, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate, increased both cADPR and NAADP production, whereas the cAMP analog, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP, increased only NAADP production, suggesting that cAMP is essential for IL-8-induced NAADP formation. Furthermore, activation of Rap1, a downstream molecule of Epac, was required for IL-8-induced NAADP formation in LAK cells. Taken together, our data suggest that IL-8-induced NAADP production is mediated by CD38 activation through the actions of cAMP/Epac/protein kinase A/Rap1 in LAK cells and that NAADP plays a key role in Ca2+ signaling of IL-8-induced LAK cell migration.