Effect of N-tosyl-L-phenylalanylchloromethyl Ketone on Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha -induced NF-κB Activation and Apoptosis in U937 Cell Line

Summary: To investigate the effect of N-tosyl-L-phenylalanylchloromethyl ketone (TPCK) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced NF-κB activation and apoptosis in U937 cell line, changes and subcellular localization of NF-κB/p65 and IκB-α were observed by fluorescencemicroscopy and expression and degradation of IκB-α by flow cytometry. The apoptosis of U937 cells was measured by flow cytometry and electrophoresis of DNA. Immunolfluorescence assay showed that NF-κB/p65,IκB-α only localized in cytoplasm. After TNF-α stimulation, p65 was localized only in nuclei, and IκB-α was only localized in cytoplasm and decreased. The changes of TNF-α stimulation were specifically inhibited by TPCK. Flow cytometry also revealed the downregulation of IκB-α protein during TNF-α-induced apoptosis and the down-regulation was specifically inhibited by TPCK. Flow cytometry also showed the apoptosis of U937 cells after TNF-α induction. DNA ladder can be detected in cells treated by TNF-α. It is concluded that degradation of IκB-α protein and NF-κB/p65 translocation occur during TNF-α-induced apoptosis of U937 cells, suggesting the activation of NF-κB.TPCK-sensitive protease plays an important role in the degradation of IκB-α protein induced by TNF-α in U937 cells. TPCK sensitive protease also plays an important role in the apoptosis of U937 cells induced by TNF-α.     

Inhibition of NF-κB by mutant IκBα enhances TNF-α-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells by controlling bcl-xL expression

Backgound The aim of this study was to explore whether the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)activation by mutant IκBα (S32,36→A) can enhance TNF-α-induced apoptosis of leukemia cells and to investigate the possible mechanism. Methods The mutant IκBα gene was transfected into HL-60 cells by liposome-mediated techniques. G418 resistant clones stably expressing mutant IκBα were obtained by the limiting dilution method. TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The expression of bcl-xL was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot after 4 hours exposure of parental HL-60 and transfected HL-60 cells to a variety of concentrations of TNF-α. The percentage of apoptotic leukemia cells was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). Results Mutant IκBα protein was confirmed to exist by Western blot. The results of EMSA showed that NF-κB activation by TNF-α in HL-60 cells was induced in a dose-dependent manner, but was almost completely inhibited by mutant IκBα repressor in transfected cells. The levels of bcl-xL mRNA and protein in HL-60 cells increased after exposure to TNF-α, but changed very little in transfected HL-60 cells. The inhibition of NF-κB activation by mutant IκBα enhanced TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Thecytotoxic effects of TNF-α were amplified in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusions NF-κB activation plays an important role in the resistance to TNF-α-induced apoptosis. The inhibition of NF-κB by mutant IκBα could provide a new approach that may enhance the antileukemia effects of TNF-α or even of other cytotoxic agents.     

Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of novel mutated IκBα inhibits nuclear factor κB activation in endothelial cells

Nuclear factor κB （NF-κB） overactivation, requiring phosphorylation and degradation of its inhibitor IκBα, is the basis for chronicity of airway inflammation in asthma. Based on our previous plasmid pShuttle-IκBα, carrying an IκBα gene from human placenta, we optimized a novel IκBα mutant （IκBα） gene, constructed and characterized its replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus （AdIκBαM）, and tested whether AdIκBαM-mediated overexpression of IκBαM could inhibit the NF-κB activation in endothelial cells.     

LMP1 activates NF- κB via degradation of IκBα in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Objective To elucidate the mechanisms by which Epstein- Barr virus- encoded latent membran e protein 1 activates NF- κB in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Methods A tetracycline- regulated LMP1- expressing nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, T et- on- LMP1- HNE2, was used as the cell model. The kinetics of the expression of proteins, including LMP1, IκBα and IκBβ, was analyzed by Western blotting . The subcellular localization of NF- κB (p65) was detected by indirect immuno fluorescence assay. The NF- κB transactivity was studied by transient transfec tion and reporter gene assay. Results IκBα was phosphorylated and degraded after the inducible expression of LMP1, a lthough the total protein levels remained stable. The steady- state level of to tal IκBβ protein may have resulted from the initiation of an autoregulation lo op after the activation of NF- κB. No change in the IκBβ level was detected . NF- κB (p65) was translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus following de gradation of IκBα. After the introduction of the dominant- negative mutant of IκBα (Del 71) into Tet- on- LMP1- HNE2 cells, both nuclear translocation and transactivation of NF- κB induced by LMP1 was significantly inhibited. Conclusions The results indicated that in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, LMP1 activated NF - κB via phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, but not IκBβ. The do minant- negative mutant of IκBα (Del 71) could completely inhibit both the nuc lear translocation and transactivation of NF- κB induced by LMP1.     

The Role of IκBα in TNF-α-induced Apoptosis in Hepatic Stellate Cell Line HSC-T6

To investigate the role of NF-κB in TNF-α induced apoptosis in HSC-T6, a mutant IκBα was transfected into HSC-T6 cells by lipofectin transfection technique and its transient effect was examined 48 h after the transfection. The activation of NF-κB was detected by immune fluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting with anti-p65 antibody. The apoptosis and the rate of inhibition by TNF-α in both transfected and untransfected HSC-T6 cells were measured respectively by FAC-Scan side scatter analysis and MTF methods. Our results showed that TNF-α could activate NF-κB in untransfected cells but not in transfected HSC-T6 cells. The percentage of apoptosis in transfected cells were significantly higher than that in the untransfected ones （P〈0.01） and it was also true of the inhibition rate （P〈0.01）. It is concluded that the resistance of HSC-T6 towards apoptosis induced by TNF-α can be mediated by NF-κB activation. The inhibition of NF-κB activation by mutant IκBα can attenuate the resistance of HSC-T6 cells and increase its sensitivity to TNF-α.     

Pro-apoptotic role of NF-κB pathway inhibition in lipopolysaccharide stimulated polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Objective To investigate the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated apoptosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs).Methods Rats with acute lung injury induced by LPS intratracheal instillation and cultured human venous PMNs were studied. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and gliotoxin were used as NF-κB inhibitors. Additionally, to explore the role of extracellularly regulated protein kinase as an upstream signal in NF-κB pathway on regulating LPS-stimulated PMN apoptosis, PD098059, the specific inhibitor of extracellularly regulated protein kinase, was also applied. The lung injury was determined by protein content and PMN numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. PMN apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) end labeling and DNA fragmentation. IκBα degradation was analyzed by Western blot. NF-κB DNA binding activity was detected by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Results (1) The increase of protein content and PMN numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid induced by LPS (100μg per rat) intratracheal instillation were alleviated by PDTC (50, 100, or 200mg/kg, i. p. ) in a dose-dependent manner. (2) PMNs apoptosis in vivo or in vitro was delayed by LPS, and accelerated by PDTC, gliotoxin or PD098059 pretreatment. (3) IκBα degradation and increased NF-KB DNA binding activity mediated by LPS were inhibited by PDTC, gliotoxin or PD098059 pretreatment.Conclusion Inhibition of either NF-κB itself or the upstream signals in NF-κB pathway such as extracellularly regulated protein kinases has therapeutic effect on LPS-induced acute lung injury, in which the dysregulation of PMN apoptosis plays an important role.     

Inhibitory Activity of Nuclear Factor-κB Potentiates Cisplatin-induced Apoptosis in A549 Cells

Whether inhibiting the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cell line A549 cells was investigated. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα expressing IκBα was constructed. The in vitro cultured A549 cells were trans-fected with pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα alone, or pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα combined with cisplatin. The mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψm) was determined by rhodamine 123, the activity of caspase-3 was tested by colorimetric assay, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with the annexin V/propidium iodide assay. The results showed that the activity of NF-κB in A549 cells was inhibited by transfecting pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα. Transfection of pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα alone did not promote apoptosis. Treatment of cisplatin alone had a little effect on cell apoptosis. Transfection of pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα combined with cisplatin treatment significantly induced apoptosis of A549 cells. It was concluded that inhibiting the activity of NF-κB potentiated cisplatin-induced apoptosis of A549 cells.     

Inhibitory activity of nuclear factor-κB potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in A549 cells

Whether inhibiting the activity of nuclear factor （NF）-κB potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cell line A549 cells was investigated. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα expressing IκBα was constructed. The in vitro cultured A549 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1 （＋）/IκBα alone, or pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα combined with cisplatin. The mitochondrial membrane potential （△ψm） was determined by rhodamine 123, the activity of caspase-3 was tested by colorimetric assay, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with the annexin V/propidium iodide assay. The results showed that the activity of NF-κB in A549 cells was inhibited by transfecting pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα. Transfection of pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα alone did not promote apoptosis. Treatment of cisplatin alone had a little effect on cell apoptosis. Transfection of pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα combined with cisplatin treatment significantly induced apoptosis of A549 ceils. It was concluded that inhibiting the activity of NF-κB potentiated cisplatin-induced apoptosis of A549 cells.     

Inhibitory Activity of Nuclear Factor-κB Potentiates Cisplatin-induced Apoptosis in A549 Cells

Whether inhibiting the activity of nuclear factor(NF)-κB potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cell line A549 cells was investigated.The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα expressing IκBα was constructed.The in vitro cultured A549 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα alone,or pcDNA3.1( )/IκBα combined with cisplatin.The mito-chondrial membrane potential(?ψm) was determined by rhodamine 123,the activity of caspase-3 was tested by colorimetric assay,and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with the annexin Ⅴ/propidium iodide assay.The results showed that the activity of NF-κΒ in A549 cells was inhibited by transfecting pcDNA3.1( )/IκΒα.Transfection of pcDNA3.1( )/IκΒα alone did not promote apoptosis.Treatment of cisplatin alone had a little effect on cell apoptosis.Transfection of pcDNA3.1( )/IκΒα combined with cisplatin treatment significantly induced apoptosis of A549 cells.It was concluded that inhibiting the activity of NF-κB potentiated cisplatin-induced apoptosis of A549 cells.     

Expression of NF-κB in hRPE Cells Stimulated by PDTC and IL-1β

The constitutive expression of nuclear-factor-κB (NF-κB) in human pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells cultivated in vitro and the possible changes when incubated with PDTC and IL-I were investigated. The synchronized hRPE cells in vitro were divided into two groups. In nonPDTC group, hRPE cells were exposed respectively to IL-1β and NS (for detecting the constitutive expressions of NF-κB in hRPE cells) ; In PDTC group, PDTC-pretreated hRPE cells were exposed respectively to IL-1β?Aand NS. (for detecting the constitutive expression of NF-κB in PDTC-pretreated hRPE cells). The expression of NF-κB in hRPE cells in two groups was detected by immunofluorescence stain and flow cytometry. The results showed that the constitutive expression of NF-κB in hRPE cells in vitro was 8.05 %, and increased to 30.26 % by IL-1β. After PDTC pretreatment, the constitutive expression of NF-κB in hRPE cells was decreased to 3.74%, and 3.66 % by IL-l,respectively. It was concluded that the expressions of NF-κB in hRPE cells could be increased significantly by IL-1βand depressed effectively by PDTC. Also, PDTC could significantly inhibit the activation of NF-κB induced by IL-1β.     

Increase of TNFα-stimulated Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Apoptosis and Decrease of Matrix Metalloproteinases 9 by NF-κB Inhibition

Objective To investigate the in vitro effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester(CAPE),a NF-κB inhibitor,on the apoptosis of osteoarthritic(OA)chondrocytes and on the regulation of the gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9).Methods Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide(PI)labeling and western blotting were used to observe and determine the apoptosis in TNFα-stimulated primary cultured osteoarthritic chondrocytes.Also,gelatin zymography was applied to examine MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in supernatants.Results It was confirmed by both flow cytometry and western blotting that chondrocytes from OA patients have an apoptotic background.Use of CAPE in combination with 10 ng/mL of TNFα for 24 h facilitated the apoptosis.MMP-9 in the supernatant could be autoactivated(from proMMP-9 to active MMP-9),and the physiologic calcium concentration(2.5 mmol/L)could delay the autoactivation of MMP-9.The activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the fresh supernatant increased significantly in response to stimulation by 10 ng/mL of TNFα for 24 h.The stimulatory effect of TNFα just on proMMP-9 was counteracted significantly by CAPE.Conclusion NF-κB could prevent chondrocytes apoptosis though its activation was attributed to the increase of proMMP-9 activity induced by TNFα(a pro-apoptotic factor).Therefore,therapeutic NF-κB inhibitor was a ’double-edged swords’ to the apoptosis of chondrocytes and the secretion of MMP-9.     

Shp-2／NF-κB Pathway Mediates the Inhibition of Lipoxin A4 onIL-1β-induced Synthesis of IL-6 in Glomerular Mesangial Cells

Objective: To examine whether lipoxin A4 (LXA4) has an antagonistic effect on IL-1β-induced synthesis of IL-6 in glomerular mesangial cells, and to explore the molecular mechanisms of signal pathway in LXA4 actions. Methods: The glomerular mesangial cells of rat were cultured and treated with IL-1β with or without preincubation with LXA4 at different concentrations. The amount of IL-6 in the supernatant of cells was analyzed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expressions of mRNA of IL-6 were determined by RT-PCR. The expressions of Src homology 2( SH2 ) containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 2(Shp-2) were assessed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Activities of DNA-binding of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) were measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA). Results:IL-1β- snulated secretion of protein and expression of mRNA of IL-6 in mesangial cells were inhibited by LXA4 in a dose-dependent manner. LXA4 antagonizes the phosphorylation of Shp-2 and activities of NF-κB induced by IL-1β Conclusion: LXA4 antagonists IL-1β-induced synthesis of IL-6 in glomerular mesangial cellsthrough the mechanism of Shp-2/NF-κB pathway-dependent signal transduction.     

Triptolide-induced apoptosis by inactivating nuclear factor-kappa B apoptotic pathway in multiple myeloma <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

The effect of triptolide on proliferation and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells in vitro,as well as the roles of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) and IκBα was investigated.The effect of tritptolide on the growth of RPMI-8226 cells was studied by MTT assay.Apoptosis was detected by Hoechest 33258 staining and Annexin V/PI double staining assay.The expression of NF-κB and IκBα was observed by Western blot and confocal microscopy.The results showed that triptolide inactivated NF-κB apoptotic pathway in human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells.Triptolide at nM range induced proliferation inhibition in a dose-and time-dependent manner and apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in RPMI-8226 cells.Besides,we observed the inhibition of NF-κB /p65 in the nuclear fraction was correlated with the increase in the protein expression of IκBα in the cytosol.These results suggested that triptolide might exhibit its strong anti-tumor effects via inactivation of NF-κB/p65 and IκBα.     

The effect of celecoxib on tissue factor expression in pancreatic cancer cells

Background Tissue factor (TF) is overexpressed in many malignant tumours and is linked to the pathogenesis and prognosis of such malignancies. In vitro studies have proved that reduced expression of TF has inhibitory effect on the angiogenesis and cell proliferation of the malignant tumour. Therefore, TF suppression has been raised as a possible treatment for malignant tumours. Here we investigated the effect of celecoxib on TF expression induced by tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) in PANC-1 cells and a possible molecular mechanism underlying the celecoxib effect.Methods Various doses of celecoxib solution were added to standard cell numbers of PANC-1 cells mixed with equal dose of TNFα for 6 hours. The expression of tissue factor was detected quantitatively by Western blot, whilst the activation of nuclear factor κB was tested by electromobility shift assay. Results As the doses of celecoxib increased, the tissue factor expression was decreased in PANC-1 cells and so was the activation of nuclear factor κB.Conclusions Celecoxib can downregulate the expression of tissue factor induced by TNFα in PANC-1 cells. This antitumour effect of celecoxib can be explained indirectly via its suppressive role in activation of nuclear factor κB.     

Competition between TRAF2 and TRAF6 Regulates NF-κB Activation in Human B Lymphocytes

Objective To investigate the role of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 （TRAF-2） and TRAF6 in CD40-induced nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway and whether CD40 signaling requires TRAF2. Methods Human B cell lines were transfected with plasmids expressing wild type TRAF2 or dominant negative TRAF2,TRAF2-shRNA,or TRAF6-shRNA. The activation of NF-κB was detected by Western blot,kinase assay,transfactor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）,and fluorescence resonance energy transfer （FRET）. Analysis of the role of TRAF-2 and TRAF-6 in CD40-mediated NF-κB activity was examined following stimulation with recombinant CD154. Results TRAF2 induced activity of IκB-kinases （IKKα,IKKi/ε）,phosphorylation of IκBα,as well as nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of p65/RelA. In contrast,TRAF6 strongly induced NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation of p65 as well as p50 and c-Rel. Engagement of CD154-induced nuclear translocation of p65 was inhibited by a TRAF6-shRNA,but conversely was enhanced by a TRAF2-shRNA. Examination of direct interactions between CD40 and TRAFs by FRET documented that both TRAF2 and TRAF6 directly interacted with CD40. However,the two TRAFs competed for CD40 binding. Conclusions These results indicate that TRAF2 can signal in human B cells,but it is not essential for CD40-mediated NF-κB activation. Moreover,TRAF2 can compete with TRAF6 for CD40 binding,and thereby limit the capacity of CD40 engagement to induce NF-κB activation.     

The role of NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma cell

Objective To evaluate the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and IκBα in hepatocellular cacinoma (HCC) SMMC7721 cells, the consequence of NF-κB inhibition in SMMC7721 cells transfected with mutated IκBα (mIκBα) plasmid and the effect of stable inhibition of NF-κB activity in combination with Doxorubicin.Methods Western blot was used to determine the expression of NF-κB and IκBα in SMMC7721 cells and normal liver cells. Nuclear protein was used to evaluate the binding of the 32P-labeled tandem κB sequence using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and the expression of NF-κB using Western blot between SMMC7721 cells transfected with mIκBα plasmid (SMMC7721-MT) and control cells. Furthermore, cell viability was plotted between SMMC7721-MT and control cells. The binding of κB sequence and cell viability between SMMC7721-MT and control cells at different concentrations of Doxorubicin were also investigated.Results Western blot analysis for nuclear extract showed more P50 (NF-κB1) and P65 (RelA) expression in SMMC7721 cells compared with normal liver cells. The expression of cytosolic IκBα protein in SMMC7721 cells was less than that in normal cells. SMMC7721-MT cells inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation at 0, 24, 48 and 96 hours. Furthermore, NF-κB cannot be detected in the nuclear protein of SMMC7721-MT cells by Western blot. By calculating cell viability, the proliferation of SMMC7721-MT cells was shown to be suppressed more significantly than that of control cells. NF-κB in untransfected cells was activated by Doxorubicin in a dose-dependent manner, but that in SMMC7721-MT cells was not induced at low concentrations of Doxorubicin. Compared with untransfected cells, the viability of SMMC7721-MT cells was significantly suppressed at the same concentration of Doxorubicin (P&lt;0.01）.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that upregulation of NF-κB and downregulation of inhibitory kappaB (IκBα) in SMMC7721 cells are related with the growth of hepatocellular cacinoma cells. Stable expression of mIκBα in SMMC7721-MT cells can inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation and suppress cell growth. Furthermore, stable inhibition of NF-κB activity in combination with Doxorubicin can significantly inhibit cell proliferation in SMMC7721-MT cells. Thus, modulation of NF-κB may represent an improvement in the efficacy of HCC therapies and be worthy of further research and investigation.     

Effect of surfactant protein A on lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α expression in human proximal tubular epithelial cells

Background Surfactant protein A （SP-A） contributes to the regulation of sepsis-induced acute lung injury.In a previous study,we demonstrated the expression and localization of SP-A in the kidneys.The present study evaluated the effect of SP-A on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） expression and its underlying mechanisms in the human renal tubular epithelial （HK-2） cells.Methods Indirect immunofiuorescence assay was used to detect SP-A distribution and expression in HK-2 cells.HK-2 cells were treated with various concentrations of LPS （0,0.1,1,2,5,and 10 mg/L） for 8 hours and with 5 mg/L LPS for different times （0,2,4,8,16,and 24 hours） to determine the effects of LPS on SP-A and TNF-α expression.Then,HK-2 cells were transfected with SP-A siRNA to analyze nuclear factor κB （NF-κB） P65 and TNF-α expression of HK-2 cells after LPS-treatment.Results Indirect immunofluorescence assay revealed that SP-A is localized to the membrane and cytoplasm of HK-2 cells.Interestingly,SP-A1/SP-A2 and TNF-α expression were found to be significantly increased in HK-2 cells upon LPS treatment.Transfection of LPS-treated HK-2 cells with SP-A siRNA resulted in significant increases in the levels of NF-κB P65 protein and TNF-α mRNA and protein compared to those in non-transfected LPS-treated HK-2 cells.Conclusion SP-A plays an important role in protecting cells against sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting NF-κB activity to modulate LPS-induced increase in TNF-α expression.