scholarly journals Human VAMP3 Suppresses or Negatively Regulates Bax Induced Apoptosis in Yeast

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Damilare D. Akintade ◽  
Bhabatosh Chaudhuri

Apoptosis is an essential process that is regulated genetically and could lead to a serious disease condition if not well controlled. Bax is one of the main proapoptotic proteins and actively involved in programmed cell death. It has been suggested that Bax induced apoptosis in yeast could be obstructed by enhancing vesicular membrane trafficking. Plasma membrane proteins and lipid oxidation were reduced by a vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) when expressed in yeast, suggesting its potential role in repairing membranes. Membrane integrity is crucial, as the loss of membrane integrity will result in the leakage of ions from mitochondria, and ultimately cell death due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Expression of Arabidopsis’ VAMP has been linked to antiapoptosis activity. Since plant VAMP has been associated with antiapoptotic activities, this study investigates the possible participation of human VAMP3 in blocking human Bax mediated apoptosis. Some novel genes were identified to rescue Bax’s proapoptotic effects, in a yeast-based human hippocampal cDNA library screen. VAMP3 (a gene code for proteins involved in protein secretion) gene was chosen for further study to confirm its role in inhibiting apoptosis. VAMP3 was coexpressed with a chromosomally integrated Bax gene expression cassette driven by the GAL1 promoter. The antiapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family (Bcl xL) were known to negate the proapoptotic properties of Bax. However, the new gene (VAMP3) results show that novel antiapoptotic proteins can be identified using a yeast-based assay. The findings presented here show that human VAMP3 protein has antiapoptotic property and could abrogate Bax induced apoptosis (cell death).

1996 ◽  
Vol 270 (4) ◽  
pp. F700-F708 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Lieberthal ◽  
V. Triaca ◽  
J. Levine

We have examined the mechanisms of cell death induced by cisplatin in primary cultures of mouse proximal tubular cells. High concentrations of cisplatin (800 microM) led to necrotic cell death over a few hours. Much lower concentrations of cisplatin (8 microM) led to apoptosis, which caused loss of the cell monolayer over several days. Necrosis was characterized by a cytosolic swelling and early loss of plasma membrane integrity. In contrast, early features of cells undergoing apoptosis included cell shrinkage and loss of attachment to the monolayers. Nuclear chromatin became condensed and fragmented in apoptosing cells. These features were absent in necrotic cells. DNA electrophoresis of cells exposed to 800 microM cisplatin yielded a "smear" pattern, due to random DNA degradation. In contrast, the DNA of apoptosing cells demonstrated a "ladder" pattern resulting from internucleosomal DNA cleavage. Antioxidants delayed cisplatin-induced apoptosis but not necrosis. Thus the mechanism of cell death induced by cisplatin is concentration dependent. Reactive oxygen species play a role in mediating apoptosis but not necrosis induced by cisplatin.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 5103-5103
Author(s):  
Aijun Liao ◽  
Rong Hu ◽  
Qihui Zhao ◽  
Huihan Wang ◽  
Yingchun Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5103 Despite recent treatment advances, multiple myeloma(MM) remains incurable. FTY720 has initially been used as an immunosuppressant and is promising in treating relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. FTY720 has also been studied in several hematological malignancies including MM, but there are no reports about autophagy induced by FTY720 in MM. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of FTY720 on MM cell line U266 and investigated the associated mechanisms of cell death. First we examined whether or not FTY720 induce cell death in U266 cells. We treated U266 cells with different dosage of FTY720 and then cell viability was measured at 24 hours by CCK-8 assay. The results showed cell viability started to reduce at 5uM and reach to 15% at 20uM, suggesting FTY720 affects cell survival in MM cell line. We then measured cell viability at 2□ A6□ A24 hours at fix concentration of 20.0 mM, 50% cells were killed even at 2 hours as compared with control group. Cell apoptosis was also measured by flow cytometry(FCM). Apoptosis rate(%) increased in a dose-dependent manner after FTY720 treatment. The percent Annexin+/7AAD- cells in the control group remained constant 5% and 15% to 30% in the drug treated time course experiments. The cell viability and apoptosis induced by FTY720 showed a dose- and time-dependant manner. Z-VAD-fmk, a pancaspase inhibitor, could rescue cell death caused by FTY720 and exposure of U266 cells to different concentration of FTY720 induced cleavage of caspase-3. We conclude FTY720 can induce a caspase-dependent cell death in U266 cells. Mcl-1, survivin, bcl-2 and Bid are antiapoptotic proteins and degradation of these proteins are required for the induction of apoptosis. In our study, the expression of Mcl-1, survivin and bcl-2 were reduced after the treatment which confirmed FTY720 induced apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of antiapoptotic proteins. Consistent with this, cleavage of Bid was also increased after the FTY720 treatment. Autophagy is another cell death pathway characterized by intracellular degradation system that delivers cytoplasmic constitutions to the lysosome. Conversion of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II is a marker of autophagosome degradation. We observed increasing amount of conversion from LC3-I to LC3-II after FTY720 treatment, suggesting that FTY720 could induce autophagy in U266 cells. This conversion is dose-dependent. Interestingly, LC3-II accumulated in the presence of Bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of autophagosome-lysosome fusion and LC3-II degradation, in cells treated with FTY720, confirmed that autophagic flux was induced by FTY720. To understand the role of apoptosis and autophagy played in the FTY720 induced cell death, we examined cell viability and apoptosis after FTY720 treatment in the presence or absence of Bafilomycin A1. Cell viability was higher and apoptosis was lower in the presence of Bafilomycin A1 after FTY720 treatment, indicating that Bafilomycin A1 could rescue cell death and apoptosis caused by FTY720. The results suggested that autophagy and apoptosis synergized to induce MM cell death after FTY720 treatment. We found Bafilomycin A1 rescued FTY720 induced cell death is dependent on the accumulation of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 and survivin, it is possible that autophagy helps to degrade the anti-apoptotic proteins in the lysosome and synergize the cell death induced by FTY720. To investigate the mediators of FTY720-induced apoptosis and autophagy, we examined reactive oxygen species (ROS), which plays an important role in regulating both apoptosis and autophagy. Potential antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and Tiron both could rescue apoptosis induced by FTY720, suggesting that FTY720 induced apoptosis via the activation of ROS. Furthermore, both NAC and Tiron blocked the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, indicating that FTY720 leads to ROS production, which results in autophagosome development and autolysosomal degradation. These studies indicate autophagy induced by FTY720 contributes to cell death in U266 cells and suggest that the function of FTY720 maybe can benefit from autophagy enhancement. To this regard, the ability of FTY720 to induce autophagy-dependent cell death in U266 cells, if confirmed in vivo, may represent a relatively selective therapy for the treatment of MM. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2002 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale F. Dijkers ◽  
Kim U. Birkenkamp ◽  
Eric W.-F. Lam ◽  
N. Shaun B. Thomas ◽  
Jan-Willem J. Lammers ◽  
...  

Survival signals elicited by cytokines include the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which in turn promotes the activation of protein kinase B (PKB). Recently, PKB has been demonstrated to phosphorylate and inactivate forkhead transcription factor FKHR-L1, a potent inducer of apoptosis. To explore the mechanisms underlying the induction of apoptosis after cytokine withdrawal or FKHR-L1 activation, we used a cell line in which FKHR-L1 activity could be specifically induced. Both cytokine withdrawal and FKHR-L1 activation induced apoptosis, which was preceded by an upregulation in p27KIP1 and a concomitant decrease in cells entering the cell cycle. Induction of apoptosis by both cytokine withdrawal and activation of FKHR-L1 correlated with the disruption of mitochondrial membrane integrity and cytochrome c release. This was preceded by upregulation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim. Ectopic expression of an inhibitory mutant of FKHR-L1 substantially reduced the levels of apoptosis observed after cytokine withdrawal. Activation of PKB alone was sufficient to promote cell survival, as measured by maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and the resultant inhibition of effector caspases. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cells isolated from Bim−/− mice exhibited reduced levels of apoptosis upon inhibition of PI3K/PKB signaling. These data demonstrate that activation of FKHR-L1 alone can recapitulate all known elements of the apoptotic program normally induced by cytokine withdrawal. Thus PI3K/PKB–mediated inhibition of this transcription factor likely provides an important mechanism by which survival factors act to prevent programmed cell death.


Microbiology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 156 (5) ◽  
pp. 1284-1293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Yin ◽  
Josephine Howe ◽  
Kevin S. W. Tan

Previous studies have shown that the protozoan parasite Blastocystis exhibits apoptotic features with caspase-like activity upon exposure to a cytotoxic monoclonal antibody or the anti-parasitic drug metronidazole. The present study reports that staurosporine (STS), a common apoptosis inducer in mammalian cells, also induces cytoplasmic and nuclear features of apoptosis in Blastocystis, including cell shrinkage, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, maintenance of plasma membrane integrity, extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation. STS-induced PS exposure and DNA fragmentation were abolished by the mitochondrial transition pore blocker cyclosporine A and significantly inhibited by the broad-range cysteine protease inhibitor iodoacetamide. Interestingly, the apoptosis phenotype was insensitive to inhibitors of caspases and cathepsins B and L, while calpain-specific inhibitors augmented the STS-induced apoptosis response. While the identities of the proteases responsible for STS-induced apoptosis warrant further investigation, these findings demonstrate that programmed cell death in Blastocystis is complex and regulated by multiple mediators.


2014 ◽  
Vol 221 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
V A Nunes ◽  
E P Portioli-Sanches ◽  
M P Rosim ◽  
M S Araujo ◽  
P Praxedes-Garcia ◽  
...  

Progesterone has been associated with the development of gestational diabetes (GD) due to the enhancement of insulin resistance. As β-cell apoptosis participates in type 1 and type 2 diabetes pathophysiology, we proposed the hypothesis that progesterone might contribute to the development of GD through a mechanism that also involves β-cell death. To address this question, RINm5F insulin-producing cells were incubated with progesterone (25–100 μM), in the presence or absence of α-tocopherol (40 μM). After 24 or 48 h, membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation were analyzed by flow cytometry. Caspase activity was used to identify the mode of cell death. The involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the action of progesterone was investigated by western blotting. Oxidative stress was measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) oxidation. Isolated rat islets were used in similar experiments in order to confirm the effect of progesterone in primary β-cells. Incubation of RINm5F cells with progesterone increased the number of cells with loss of membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation. Progesterone induced generation of reactive species. Pre-incubation with α-tocopherol attenuated progesterone-induced apoptosis. Western blot analyses revealed increased expression of CREB2 and CHOP in progesterone-treated cells. Progesterone caused apoptotic death of rat islet cells and enhanced generation of reactive species. Our results show that progesterone can be toxic to pancreatic β-cells through an oxidative-stress-dependent mechanism that induces apoptosis. This effect may contribute to the development of GD during pregnancy, particularly under conditions that require administration of pharmacological doses of this hormone.


1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (6) ◽  
pp. G949-G958 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Shimizu ◽  
Y. Eguchi ◽  
W. Kamiike ◽  
Y. Akao ◽  
H. Kosaka ◽  
...  

Cell death due to reoxygenation after hypoxia was characterized in primary cultured hepatocytes. Fluorescence and electron microscopic analyses of reoxygenated hepatocytes revealed morphological characteristics of apoptosis, including chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Few necrotic hepatocytes, defined by loss of plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial swelling, and formation of large vacuoles, were observed. Activation of interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE)-like and CPP32/Yama-like proteases, which are known to drive apoptosis, was observed during reoxygenation, and addition of their respective inhibitors inhibited the induction of apoptosis, indicating the involvement of ICE family proteases in apoptosis by reoxygenation. Production of oxygen radicals was enhanced by reoxygenation of hypoxic cells, and reoxygenation-induced apoptosis was inhibited by oxygen radical scavengers, suggesting a role for reactive oxygen species as a triggering factor in cell death. Electrophoretic analysis revealed the presence of 50-kb DNA fragments but not oligonucleosomal DNA fragments in reoxygenation-induced apoptotic hepatocytes.


Author(s):  
D. W. Fairbain ◽  
M.D. Standing ◽  
K.L. O'Neill

Apoptosis is a genetically defined response to physiological stimuli that results in cellular suicide. Features common to apoptotic cells include chromatin condensation, oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation, membrane blebbing, nuclear destruction, and late loss of ability to exclude vital dyes. These characteristics contrast markedly from pathological necrosis, in which membrane integrity loss is demonstrated early, and other features of apoptosis, which allow a non-inflammatory removal of dead and dying cells, are absent. Using heat shock-induced apoptosis as a model for examining stress response in cells, we undertook to categorize a variety of human leukemias and lymphomas with regard to their response to heat shock. We were also interested in determining whether a common temporal order was followed in cells dying by apoptosis. In addition, based on our previous results, we investigated whether increasing heat load resulted in increased apoptosis, with particular interest in relatively resistant cell lines, or whether the mode of death changed from apoptosis to necrosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 1448-1456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Movafegh ◽  
Razieh Jalal ◽  
Zobeideh Mohammadi ◽  
Seyyede A. Aldaghi

Objective: Cell resistance to doxorubicin and its toxicity to healthy tissue reduce its efficiency. The use of cell-penetrating peptides as drug delivery system along with doxorubicin is a strategy to reduce its side effects. In this study, the influence of poly-L-arginine on doxorubicin cytotoxicity, its cellular uptake and doxorubicin-induced apoptosis on human prostate cancer DU145 cells are assessed. Methods: The cytotoxicity of doxorubicin and poly-L-arginine, alone and in combination, in DU145 cells was evaluated at different exposure times using MTT assay. The influence of poly-L-arginine on doxorubicin delivery into cells was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and ultraviolet spectroscopy. DAPI and ethidium bromide- acridine orange stainings, flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide, western blot analysis with anti-p21 antibody and caspase-3 activity were used to examine the influence of poly-L-arginine on doxorubicininduced cell death. Results: Poly-L-arginine had no cytotoxicity at low concentrations and short exposure times. Poly-L-arginine increased the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin in DU145 cells in a time-dependent manner. But no significant reduction was found in HFF cell viability. Poly-L-arginine seems to facilitate doxorubicin uptake and increase its intracellular concentration. 24h combined treatment of cells with doxorubicin (0.5 µM) and poly-L-arginine (1 µg ml-1) caused a small increase in doxorubicin-induced apoptosis and significantly elevated necrosis in DU145 cells as compared to each agent alone. Conclusion: Our results indicate that poly-L-arginine at lowest and highest concentrations act as proliferationinducing and antiproliferative agents, respectively. Between these concentrations, poly-L-arginine increases the cellular uptake of doxorubicin and its cytotoxicity through induction of necrosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Ashrafizadeh ◽  
Saeed Samarghandian ◽  
Kiavash Hushmandi ◽  
Amirhossein Zabolian ◽  
Md Shahinozzaman ◽  
...  

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious pathologic event that occurs due to restriction in blood supply to an organ, followed by hypoxia. This condition leads to enhanced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-, and stimulation of oxidative stress via enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Upon reperfusion, blood supply increases, but it deteriorates condition, and leads to generation of ROS, cell membrane disruption and finally, cell death. Plant derived-natural compounds are well-known due to their excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Quercetin is a flavonoid exclusively found in different vegetables, herbs, and fruits. This naturally occurring compound possesses different pharmacological activities making it appropriate option in disease therapy. Quercetin can also demonstrate therapeutic effects via affecting molecular pathways such as NF-B, PI3K/Akt and so on. Methods: In the present review, we demonstrate that quercetin administration is beneficial in ameliorating I/R injury via reducing ROS levels, inhibition of inflammation, and affecting molecular pathways such as TLR4/NF-B, MAPK and so on. Results and conclusion: Quercetin can improve cell membrane integrity via decreasing lipid peroxidation. Apoptotic cell death is inhibited by quercetin via down-regulation of Bax, and caspases, and upregulation of Bcl-2. Quercetin is able to modulate autophagy (inhibition/induction) in decreasing I/R injury. Nanoparticles have been applied for delivery of quercetin, enhancing its bioavailability and efficacy in alleviation of I/R injury. Noteworthy, clinical trials have also confirmed the capability of quercetin in reducing I/R injury.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirin Hafezi ◽  
Mohamed Rahmani

The major form of cell death in normal as well as malignant cells is apoptosis, which is a programmed process highly regulated by the BCL-2 family of proteins. This includes the antiapoptotic proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1, BCLW, and BFL-1) and the proapoptotic proteins, which can be divided into two groups: the effectors (BAX, BAK, and BOK) and the BH3-only proteins (BIM, BAD, NOXA, PUMA, BID, BIK, HRK). Notably, the BCL-2 antiapoptotic proteins are often overexpressed in malignant cells. While this offers survival advantages to malignant cells and strengthens their drug resistance capacity, it also offers opportunities for novel targeted therapies that selectively kill such cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the extensive preclinical and clinical studies targeting BCL-2 proteins with various BCL-2 proteins inhibitors with emphasis on venetoclax as a single agent, as well as in combination with other therapeutic agents. This review also discusses recent advances, challenges focusing on drug resistance, and future perspectives for effective targeting the Bcl-2 family of proteins in cancer.


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