Xiaowei Zheng

Interaction with factor inhibiting HIF-1 defines an additional mode of cross-coupling between the Notch and hypoxia signaling pathways

Cells adapt to hypoxia by a cellular response, where hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) becomes stabilized and directly activates transcription of downstream genes. In addition to this “canonical” response, certain aspects of the pathway require integration with Notch signaling, i.e., HIF-1α can interact with the Notch intracellular domain (ICD) to augment the Notch downstream response. In this work, we demonstrate an additional level of complexity in this cross-talk: factor-inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH-1) regulates not only HIF activity, but also the Notch signaling output and, in addition, plays a role in how Notch signaling modulates the hypoxic response. We show that FIH-1 hydroxylates Notch ICD at two residues (N1945 and N2012) that are critical for the function of Notch ICD as a transactivator within cells and during neurogenesis and myogenesis in vivo. FIH-1 negatively regulates Notch activity and accelerates myogenic differentiation. In its modulation of the hypoxic response, Notch ICD enhances recruitment of HIF-1α to its target promoters and derepresses HIF-1α function. Addition of FIH-1, which has a higher affinity for Notch ICD than for HIF-1α, abrogates the derepression, suggesting that Notch ICD sequesters FIH-1 away from HIF-1α. In conclusion, the data reveal posttranslational modification of the activated form of the Notch receptor and an intricate mode of cross-coupling between the Notch and hypoxia signaling pathways.

Identification of Residues Critical for Regulation of Protein Stability and the Transactivation Function of the Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α by the von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene Product

Under normoxic conditions the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein is targeted for degradation by the von Hippel-Lindau (pVHL) tumor suppressor protein acting as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Binding of pVHL to HIF-1α is dependent on hydroxylation of specific proline residues by O2-dependent prolyl 4-hydroxylases. Upon exposure to hypoxia the hydroxylase activity is inhibited, resulting in stabilization of HIF-1α protein levels and activation of transcription of target genes. One of the two critical proline residues, Pro563 in mouse HIF-1α, is located within a bifunctional domain, the N-terminal transactivation domain (N-TAD), which mediates both pVHL-dependent degradation at normoxia and transcriptional activation at hypoxia. Here we have identified two N-TAD residues, Tyr564 and Ile565, which, in addition to Pro563, were critical for pVHL-mediated degradation at normoxia. We have also identified D568A/D569A/D570A, F571A, and L573A as mutations of the N-TAD that abrogated binding to pVHL both in vitro andin vivo, and constitutively stabilized N-TAD against degradation. Moreover, the mutations Y564G, L556A/L558A, and F571A/L573A drastically reduced the transactivation function of either the isolated N-TAD or full-length HIF-1α in hypoxic cells. Interestingly, the P563A mutant exhibited a constitutively active and potent transactivation function that was enhanced by functional interaction with the transcriptional coactivator protein CREB-binding protein. In conclusion, we have identified by mutation analysis several residues that are critical for either one or both of the interdigitated and conditionally regulated degradation and transactivation functions of the N-TAD of HIF-1α.

Acute hypoxia induces apoptosis of pancreatic β-cell by activation of the unfolded protein response and upregulation of CHOP

The success of pancreatic β-cells transplantation to treat type 1 diabetes has been hindered by massive β-cell dysfunction and loss of β-cells that follows the procedure. Hypoxia-mediated cell death has been considered one of the main difficulties that must be overcome for transplantation to be regarded as a reliable therapy. Here we have investigated the mechanisms underlying β-cell death in response to hypoxia (1% O2). Our studies show that mouse insulinoma cell line 6 (Min6) cells undergo apoptosis with caspase-3 activation occurring as early as 2 h following exposure to hypoxia. Hypoxia induces endoplasmic reticulum stress in Min6 cells leading to activation of the three branches of the unfolded protein response pathway. In response to hypoxia the pro-apoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) is upregulated. The important role of CHOP in the apoptotic process was highlighted by the rescue of Min6 cells from hypoxia-mediated apoptosis observed in CHOP-knockdown cells. Culturing isolated pancreatic mouse islets at normoxia showed intracellular hypoxia with accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and upregulation of CHOP, the latter one occurring as early as 4 h after isolation. Finally, we observed that pancreatic islets of type 2 db/db diabetic mice were more hypoxic than their counterpart in normoglycemic animals. This finding indicates that hypoxia-mediated apoptosis may occur in type 2 diabetes.

Cell-Type-Specific Regulation of Degradation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α: Role of Subcellular Compartmentalization

ABSTRACT The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that mediates adaptive cellular responses to decreased oxygen availability (hypoxia). At normoxia, HIF-1α is targeted by the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In the present study we have observed distinct cell-type-specific differences in the ability of various tested pVHL-interacting subfragments to stabilize HIF-1α and unmask its function at normoxia. These properties correlated with differences in subcellular compartmentalization and degradation of HIF-1α. We observed that the absence or presence of nuclear localization or export signals differently affected the ability of a minimal HIF-1α peptide spanning residues 559 to 573 of mouse HIF-1α to stabilize endogenous HIFα and induce HIF-driven reporter gene activity in two different cell types (primary mouse endothelial and HepG2 hepatoma cells). Degradation of HIF-1α occurred mainly in the cytoplasm of HepG2 cells, whereas it occurs with equal efficiency in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of primary endothelial cells. Consistent with these observations, green fluorescent protein-HIF-1α is differently distributed during hypoxia and reoxygenation in hepatoma and endothelial cells. Consequently, we propose that differential compartmentalization of degradation of HIF-1α and the subcellular distribution of HIF-1α may account for cell-type-specific differences in stabilizing HIF-1α protein levels under hypoxic conditions.

Hypoxia-induced and calpain-dependent cleavage of filamin A regulates the hypoxic response

Significance The cellular response to hypoxia is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and -2α (HIF-1α and -2α). We have discovered that filamin A (FLNA), a large cytoskeletal actin-binding protein, physically interacts with HIF-1α (but not with HIF-2α) and promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis. Hypoxia induces a calpain-dependent cleavage of FLNA to generate a fragment that enhances nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α and is corecruited to HIF-1α target promoters, resulting in enhanced gene expression. This mechanism helps to explain why FLNA is upregulated in certain tumors and offers opportunities in targeting the hypoxia signaling pathway therapeutically. The cellular response to hypoxia is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and -2α (HIF-1α and -2α). We have discovered that filamin A (FLNA), a large cytoskeletal actin-binding protein, physically interacts with HIF-1α and promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis. Hypoxia induces a calpain-dependent cleavage of FLNA to generate a naturally occurring C-terminal fragment that accumulates in the cell nucleus. This fragment interacts with the N-terminal portion of HIF-1α spanning amino acid residues 1–390 but not with HIF-2α. In hypoxia this fragment facilitates the nuclear localization of HIF-1α, is recruited to HIF-1α target gene promoters, and enhances HIF-1α function, resulting in up-regulation of HIF-1α target gene expression in a hypoxia-dependent fashion. These results unravel an important mechanism that selectively regulates the nuclear accumulation and function of HIF-1α and potentiates angiogenesis and tumor progression.

Impact of the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 α (HIF1A) Pro582Ser Polymorphism on Diabetes Nephropathy

OBJECTIVE Hypoxia plays a major pathogenic role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). We have investigated in this study the effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α subunit (HIF1A) genetic polymorphisms on the development of DN. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In 1,165 American type 1 diabetic patients with and without DN selected from the Genetics of Kidneys in Diabetes (GoKinD) study, the HIF1A genetic polymorphisms were genotyped with TaqMan allelic discrimination. The regulation of HIF-1α in the kidneys of diabetic mice was appreciated by immunohistochemistry, and the effect HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism on HIF-1α sensitivity to glucose was evaluated in vitro. RESULTS We identified a protective association between HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism and DN in male subjects. We also provided mechanistic insights that HIF-1α is repressed in the medulla of diabetic mice despite hypoxia and that Pro582Ser polymorphism confers less sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of glucose during a hypoxic challenge. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates for the first time that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism has an effect on DN, possibly by conferring a relative resistance to the repressive effect of glucose on HIF-1α.

Selective blockade of estrogen receptor beta improves wound healing in diabetes

Diabetic ulcer is a major complication of diabetes with a high burden on society resources. Despite concerted efforts in improving diabetes care, delayed wound healing in diabetes remains a common, dreaded complication [1]. The pathogenic mechanisms behind impaired wound healing in diabetes are poorly understood, and therefore, no specific targeted therapy is available. Aging also impairs the wound healing capacity by mechanisms that are still unraveled but can be partially explained by a decline in the production of sex steroid hormones since the defect is improved by topically or systemically delivered estrogen replacement therapy [2, 3]. A predominance of diabetic foot ulcers in males suggest that estrogens might be beneficial for wound healing in diabetes which is sustained experimentally in diabetic animals [4]. Two types of estrogen receptors (ERa and ERb) mediate the biological functions of estrogens. Recent data show that estrogen accelerates wound healing in normoglycemia via ERb [5]. However, there are no data concerning the relative contribution of ERs in wound healing in diabetes.

Degradation of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha: where does it happen?

Adaptive responses to hypoxia are essential for the survival of all organisms. Under hypoxic conditions, the transcription of a large group of genes relevant for oxygen homeostasis is induced by the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). These genes encode proteins that enable the cells to adapt to limiting oxygen levels by increasing oxygen delivery through induction of angiogenesis or erythopoiesis and producing ATP under anerobic conditions. The stability of HIF-1α protein is also target of O2 regulation. At normoxia HIF-1α is hydroxylated at specific proline residues by a recently identified family of prolyl hydroxyalses. Hydroxylated HIF-1α is recognized by the Von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene product (pVHL) as an ubiquitylation substrate that leads to proteasomal-dependent degradation of HIF-1α. We have recently demonstrated that the major subcellular compartment where degradation of HIF-1α occurs is dependent on the levels of proteosomal activity and on the localization of HIF-1α. Furthermore we have shown that the localization of HIF-1α degradation is a cell type-characteristic parameter. These observations indicate new levels of complexity in the regulation of HIF-1α degradation.

Deficiency of liver-derived insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) does not interfere with the skin wound healing rate

Objective IGF-I is a growth factor, which is expressed in virtually all tissues. The circulating IGF-I is however derived mainly from the liver. IGF-I promotes wound healing and its levels are decreased in wounds with low regenerative potential such as diabetic wounds. However, the contribution of circulating IGF-I to wound healing is unknown. Here we investigated the role of systemic IGF-I on wound healing rate in mice with deficiency of liver-derived IGF-I (LI-IGF-I-/- mice) during normal (normoglycemic) and impaired wound healing (diabetes). Methods LI-IGF-I-/- mice with complete inactivation of the IGF-I gene in the hepatocytes were generated using the Cre/loxP recombination system. This resulted in a 75% reduction of circulating IGF-I. Diabetes was induced with streptozocin in both LI-IGF-I-/- and control mice. Wounds were made on the dorsum of the mice, and the wound healing rate and histology were evaluated. Serum IGF-I and GH were measured by RIA and ELISA respectively. The expression of IGF-I, IGF-II and the IGF-I receptor in the skin were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The local IGF-I protein expression in different cell types of the wounds during wound healing process was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Results The wound healing rate was similar in LI-IGF-I-/- mice to that in controls. Diabetes significantly delayed the wound healing rate in both LI-IGF-I-/- and control mice. However, no significant difference was observed between diabetic animals with normal or reduced hepatic IGF-I production. The gene expression of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGF-I receptor in skin was not different between any group of animals tested. Local IGF-I levels in the wounds were similar between of LI-IGF-I-/- and WT mice although a transient reduction of IGF-I expression in leukocytes in the wounds of LI-IGF-I-/- was observed seven days post wounding. Conclusion Deficiency in the liver-derived IGF-I does not affect wound healing in mice, neither in normoglycemic conditions nor in diabetes.

Co-immunoprecipitation Assay Using Endogenous Nuclear Proteins from Cells Cultured Under Hypoxic Conditions

Low oxygen levels (hypoxia) trigger a variety of adaptive responses with the Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) complex acting as a master regulator. HIF-1 consists of a heterodimeric oxygen-regulated α subunit (HIF-1α) and constitutively expressed β subunit (HIF-1β) also known as aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), regulating genes involved in diverse processes including angiogenesis, erythropoiesis and glycolysis. The identification of HIF-1 interacting proteins is key to the understanding of the hypoxia signaling pathway. Besides the regulation of HIF-1α stability, hypoxia also triggers the nuclear translocation of many transcription factors including HIF-1α and ARNT. Notably, most of the current methods used to study such protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are based on systems where protein levels are artificially increased through protein overexpression. Protein overexpression often leads to non-physiological results arising from temporal and spatial artifacts. Here we describe a modified co-immunoprecipitation protocol following hypoxia treatment using endogenous nuclear proteins, and as a proof of concept, to show the interaction between HIF-1α and ARNT. In this protocol, the hypoxic cells were harvested under hypoxic conditions and the Dulbeccos Phosphate-Buffered Saline (DPBS) wash buffer was also pre-equilibrated to hypoxic conditions before usage to mitigate protein degradation or protein complex dissociation during reoxygenation. In addition, the nuclear fractions were subsequently extracted to concentrate and stabilize endogenous nuclear proteins and avoid possible spurious results often seen during protein overexpression. This protocol can be used to demonstrate endogenous and native interactions between transcription factors and transcriptional co-regulators under hypoxic conditions.