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Biomedical subjects

P Pandey

Publications and source records attributed to P Pandey.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Hsp27 functions as a negative regulator of cytochrome c-dependent activation of procaspase-3.

The release of mitochondrial cytochrome c by genotoxic stress induces the formation of a cytosolic complex with Apaf-1 (mammalian CED4 homolog) and thereby the activation of procaspase-3 (cas-3) and procaspase-9 (cas-9). Here we demonstrate that heat-shock protein 27 (Hsp27) inhibits cytochrome c (cyt c)-dependent activation of cas-3. Hsp27 had no effect on cyt c release, Apaf-1 and cas-9 activation. By contrast, our results show that Hsp27 associates with cas-3, but not Apaf-1 or cas-9, and inhibits activation of cas-3 by cas-9-mediated proteolysis. Furthermore, the present results demonstrate that immunodepletion of Hsp27 depletes cas-3. Importantly, treatment of cells with DNA damaging agents dissociates the Hsp27/cas-3 complex and relieves inhibition of cas-3 activation. These findings define a novel function for Hsp27 and provide the first evidence that a heat shock protein represses cas-3 activation.

Actins↗

Functional interaction between RAFT1/FRAP/mTOR and protein kinase cdelta in the regulation of cap-dependent initiation of translation.

Hormones and growth factors induce protein translation in part by phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). The rapamycin and FK506-binding protein (FKBP)-target 1 (RAFT1, also known as FRAP) is a mammalian homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae target of rapamycin proteins (mTOR) that regulates 4E-BP1. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in growth factor-initiated phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) associates with RAFT1 and that PKCdelta is required for the phosphorylation and inactivation of 4E-BP1. PKCdelta-mediated phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 is wortmannin resistant but rapamycin sensitive. As shown for serum, phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 by PKCdelta inhibits the interaction between 4E-BP1 and eIF4E and stimulates cap-dependent translation. Moreover, a dominant-negative mutant of PKCdelta inhibits serum-induced phosphorylation of 4E-BP1. These findings demonstrate that PKCdelta associates with RAFT1 and thereby regulates phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and cap-dependent initiation of protein translation.

Androstadienes↗

Translocation of SAPK/JNK to mitochondria and interaction with Bcl-x(L) in response to DNA damage.

Activation of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK) by genotoxic agents is necessary for induction of apoptosis. We report here that ionizing radiation ionizing radiation exposure induces translocation of SAPK to mitochondria and association of SAPK with the anti-apoptotic Bcl-x(L) protein. SAPK phosphorylates Bcl-x(L) on threonine 47 (Thr-47) and threonine 115 (Thr-115) in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to wild-type Bcl-x(L), a mutant Bcl-x(L) with the two threonines substituted by alanines (Ala-47, Ala-115) is a more potent inhibitor of ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis. These findings indicate that translocation of SAPK to mitochondria is functionally important for interactions with Bcl-x(L) in the apoptotic response to genotoxic stress.

Apoptosis↗

Down-regulation of ceramide production abrogates ionizing radiation-induced cytochrome c release and apoptosis.

Previous work has demonstrated that down-regulation of ceramide production after selection of cells with N-oleoylethanolamine (OE), an inhibitor of ceramidase, results in resistance to DNA damage-induced apoptosis. We report here that acute exposure of WEHI-231 cells (murine B-cell lymphoma) to OE activates neutral sphingomyelinase, induces ceramide production and increases intracellular reactive oxygen species. OE exposure also induces mitochondrial permeability, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis. Cells selected for resistance to OE exhibit little if any change in reactive oxygen species and cytochrome c release when exposed either to OE or to toxic doses of ceramide. Importantly, the OE resistant cells are also resistant to ionizing radiation-induced cytochrome c release and apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that down-regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase activity is associated with decreased DNA-damage-induced apoptosis. In addition, the data suggests that agents that modify extranuclear targets responsible for ceramide production select for cells resistant to ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis through alterations in mitochondrial function.

Animals↗

Activation of MEK kinase 1 by the c-Abl protein tyrosine kinase in response to DNA damage.

The c-Abl protein tyrosine kinase is activated by certain DNA-damaging agents and regulates induction of the stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (SAPK). Here we show that nuclear c-Abl associates with MEK kinase 1 (MEKK-1), an upstream effector of the SEK1-->SAPK pathway, in the response of cells to genotoxic stress. The results demonstrate that the nuclear c-Abl binds to MEKK-1 and that c-Abl phosphorylates MEKK-1 in vitro and in vivo. Transient-transfection studies with wild-type and kinase-inactive c-Abl demonstrate c-Abl kinase-dependent activation of MEKK-1. Moreover, c-Abl activates MEKK-1 in vitro and in response to DNA damage. The results also demonstrate that c-Abl induces MEKK-1-mediated phosphorylation and activation of SEK1-SAPK in coupled kinase assays. These findings indicate that c-Abl functions upstream of MEKK-1-dependent activation of SAPK in the response to genotoxic stress.

Animals↗

The novel triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid induces apoptosis of human myeloid leukemia cells by a caspase-8-dependent mechanism.

The oleanane triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO) is a multifunctional molecule that induces growth inhibition and differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cells. The present studies demonstrate that CDDO treatment results in apoptosis of U-937 and HL-60 myeloid leukemia cells. Similar to 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C), another agent that inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of these cells, CDDO induced the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3. Overexpression of Bcl-X(L) blocked cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, and apoptosis in ara-C-treated cells. By contrast, CDDO-induced release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-3 were diminished only in part by Bcl-X(L). In concert with these findings, we demonstrate that CDDO, but not ara-C, activates caspase-8 and thereby caspase-3 by a cytochrome c-independent mechanism. The results also show that CDDO-induced cytochrome c release is mediated by caspase-8-dependent cleavage of Bid. These findings demonstrate that CDDO induces apoptosis of myeloid leukemia cells and that this novel agent activates an apoptotic signaling cascade distinct from that induced by the cytotoxic agent ara-C.

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗

The Department of Defense laboratory-based global influenza surveillance system.

Military global influenza surveillance began in 1976 as an Air Force program. In 1997, the Department of Defense (DoD) Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System expanded the program to include all services. Also included were local residents in areas where DoD overseas research activities operated. This new, worldwide DoD surveillance infrastructure provides valuable information and can respond quickly to outbreaks. This was demonstrated during the current influenza season when a suspected outbreak was reported in Panama. In less than 3 weeks, specimens were collected, transported, and cultured, and isolates were subtyped and sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further studies. This influenza surveillance initiative combines viral isolation, antigenic characterization, and molecular sequencing with clinical and public health management of information. The information obtained is shared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization and has contributed to important decisions in influenza vaccine composition.

Global Health↗

RAFTK/PYK2-dependent and -independent apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells.

Related Adhesion Focal Tyrosine Kinase (RAFTK; also known as Pyk2), is a member of the Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) subfamily and is activated by TNF alpha, UV light and increases in intracellular calcium levels. However, the function of RAFTK remains largely unknown. Our previous studies demonstrated that treatment with dexamethasone (Dex), ionizing radiation (IR), and anti-Fas mAb induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. In the present study, we examined the potential role of RAFTK during induction of apoptosis in human MM cells triggered by these three stimuli. Dex-induced apoptosis, in contrast to apoptosis triggered by anti-Fas mAb or IR, is associated with activation of RAFTK. Transient overexpression of RAFTK wild type (RAFTK WT) induces apoptosis, whereas transient overexpression of Kinase inactive RAFTK (RAFTK K-M) blocks Dex-induced apoptosis. In contrast, transient overexpression of RAFTK K-M has no effect on apoptosis triggered by IR or Fas. In Dex-resistant cells, Dex does not trigger either RAFTK activation or apoptosis. Finally, interleukin-6 (IL-6), a known survival factor for MM cells, inhibits both activation of RAFTK and apoptosis of MM.1S cells triggered by Dex. Our studies therefore demonstrate Dex-induced RAFTK-dependent, and IR or Fas induced RAFTK-independent apoptotic signaling cascades in MM cells.

Apoptosis↗

Negative regulation of PYK2/related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase signal transduction by hematopoietic tyrosine phosphatase SHPTP1.

Related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK) (also known as PYK2) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase related to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) p125(FAK). RAFTK is rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to various stimuli, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, changes in osmolarity, elevation in intracellular calcium concentration, lysophosphatidic acid, and bradykinin. Overexpression of RAFTK induces activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (also known as stress-activated protein kinase), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p38 MAPK. The present studies demonstrate that RAFTK binds constitutively to the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHPTP1. In contrast to PTP1B, overexpression of wild-type SHPTP1 blocks tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK. The results further demonstrate that RAFTK is a direct substrate of SHPTP1 in vitro. Moreover, treatment of PC12 cells with bradykinin is associated with inhibition in tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK in the presence of SHPTP1. Furthermore, in contrast to the phosphatase-dead SHPTP1 C453S mutant, overexpression of wild-type SHPTP1 blocks interaction of RAFTK with the SH2-domain of c-Src and inhibits RAFTK-mediated MAPK activation. Significantly, cotransfection of RAFTK with SHPTP1 did not inhibit RAFTK-mediated c-Jun amino-terminal kinase activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that SHPTP1 plays a negative role in PYK2/RAFTK signaling by dephosphorylating RAFTK.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗

Apoptosis in heart failure: release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and activation of caspase-3 in human cardiomyopathy.

Apoptosis has been shown to contribute to loss of cardiomyocytes in cardiomyopathy, progressive decline in left ventricular function, and congestive heart failure. Because the molecular mechanisms involved in apoptosis of cardiocytes are not completely understood, we studied the biochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of upstream regulators of apoptosis in hearts explanted from patients undergoing transplantation. Sixteen explanted hearts from patients undergoing heart transplantation were studied by electron microscopy or immunoblotting to detect release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3. The hearts explanted from five victims of motor vehicle accidents or myocardial ventricular tissues from three donor hearts were used as controls. Evidence of apoptosis was observed only in endstage cardiomyopathy. There was significant accumulation of cytochrome c in the cytosol, over myofibrils, and near intercalated discs of cardiomyocytes in failing hearts. The release of mitochondrial cytochrome c was associated with activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of its substrate protein kinase C delta but not poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. By contrast, there was no apparent accumulation of cytosolic cytochrome c or caspase-3 activation in the hearts used as controls. The present study provides in vivo evidence of cytochrome c-dependent activation of cysteine proteases in human cardiomyopathy. Activation of proteases supports the phenomenon of apoptosis in myopathic process. Because loss of myocytes contributes to myocardial dysfunction and is a predictor of adverse outcomes in the patients with congestive heart failure, the present demonstration of an activated apoptotic cascade in cardiomyopathy could provide the basis for novel interventional strategies.

Animals↗

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase by PYK2/related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanism.

The stress-activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), a member of the subgroup of mammalian kinases, appears to play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses, including cytokine secretion and apoptosis. The upstream mediators that link extracellular signals with the p38 MAPK signaling pathway are currently unknown. Here we demonstrate that pp125 focal adhesion kinase-related tyrosine kinase RAFTK (also known as PYK2, CADTK) is activated specifically by methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) and hyperosmolarity but not by ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, or cis-platinum. Overexpression of RAFTK leads to the activation of p38 MAPK. Furthermore, overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of RAFTK (RAFTK K-M) inhibits MMS-induced p38 MAPK activation. MKK3 and MKK6 are known potential constituents of p38 MAPK signaling pathway, whereas SEK1 and MEK1 are upstream activators of SAPK/JNK and ERK pathways, respectively. We observe that the dominant-negative mutant of MKK3 but not of MKK6, SEK1, or MEK1 inhibits RAFTK-induced p38 MAPK activity. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that treatment of cells with 1, 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, tetra(acetoxymethyl)-ester, a membrane-permeable calcium chelator, inhibits MMS-induced activation of RAFTK and p38 MAPK. Taken together, these findings indicate that RAFTK represents a stress-sensitive mediator of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in response to certain cytotoxic agents.

Animals↗

Bcl-xL blocks activation of related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase/proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase in the cellular response to methylmethane sulfonate.

The stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) is induced in response to ionizing radiation and other DNA-damaging agents. Recent studies indicate that activation of JNK is necessary for induction of apoptosis in response to diverse agents. Here we demonstrate that methylmethane sulfonate (MMS)-induced activation of JNK is inhibited by overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL, but not by caspase inhibitors CrmA and p35. By contrast, UV-induced JNK activity is insensitive to Bcl-xL. The results demonstrate that treatment with MMS is associated with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK)/proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), an upstream effector of JNK and that this phosphorylation is inhibited by overexpression of Bcl-xL. Furthermore, overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of RAFTK (RAFTK K-M) inhibits MMS-induced JNK activation. The results indicate that inhibition of RAFTK phosphorylation by MMS in Bcl-xL cells is attributed to an increase in tyrosine phosphatase activity in these cells. Hence, treatment of Bcl-xL cells with sodium vanadate, a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, restores MMS-induced activation of RAFTK and JNK. These findings indicate that RAFTK-dependent induction of JNK in response to MMS is sensitive to Bcl-xL, but not to CrmA and p35, by a mechanism that inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation and thereby activation of RAFTK. Taken together, these findings support a novel role for Bcl-xL that is independent of the caspase cascade.

Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases↗

Functional role for protein kinase Cbeta as a regulator of stress-activated protein kinase activation and monocytic differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells.

Human myeloid leukemia cells respond to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and other activators of protein kinase C (PKC) with induction of monocytic differentiation. The present studies demonstrated that treatment of U-937 and HL-60 myeloid leukemia cells with TPA, phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, or bryostatin 1 was associated with the induction of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK). In contrast, TPA-resistant TUR and HL-525 cell variants deficient in PKCbeta failed to respond to activators of PKC with the induction of SAPK. A direct role for PKCbeta in TPA-induced SAPK activity in TUR and HL-525 cells that stably express PKCbeta was confirmed. We showed that TPA induced the association of PKCbeta with MEK kinase 1 (MEKK-1), an upstream effector of the SAPK/ERK kinase 1 (SEK1)-->SAPK cascade. The results also demonstrated that PKCbeta phosphorylated and activated MEKK-1 in vitro. The functional role of MEKK-1 in TPA-induced SAPK activity was further supported by the demonstration that the expression of a dominant negative MEKK-1 mutant abrogated this response. These findings indicate that PKCbeta activation is necessary for activation of the MEKK-1-->SEK1-->SAPK cascade in the TPA response of myeloid leukemia cells.

Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases↗

Regulation of Bcr-Abl-induced SAP kinase activity and transformation by the SHPTP1 protein tyrosine phosphatase.

The oncogenic Bcr-Abl variant of the c-Abl tyrosine kinase transforms cells by a mechanism dependent on activation of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK). Other work has shown that c-Abl interacts with the SHPTP1 protein tyrosine phosphatase in induction of SAPK activity by genotoxic stress. The present studies demonstrate that Bcr-Abl binds constitutively to SHPTP1. We show that Bcr-Abl phosphorylates SHPTP1 on C-terminal Y536 and Y564 sites. The functional significance of the Bcr-Abl/SHPTP1 interaction is supported by the finding that SHPTP1 regulates Bcr-Abl-induced SAPK activity. Importantly, SHPTP1 also decreases Bcr-Abl-dependent transformation of fibroblasts. These findings indicate that SHPTP1 functions as a tumor suppressor in cells transformed by Bcr-Abl.

3T3 Cells↗

Regulation of DNA-dependent protein kinase by the Lyn tyrosine kinase.

The Src-like protein-tyrosine kinase Lyn is activated by ionizing radiation and certain other DNA-damaging agents, whereas the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), consisting of the catalytic subunits (DNA-PKcs) and Ku DNA-binding components, requires DNA double-stranded breaks for activation. Here we demonstrate that Lyn associates constitutively with DNA-PKcs. The SH3 domain of Lyn interacts directly with DNA-PKcs near a leucine zipper homology domain. We also show that Lyn phosphorylates DNA-PKcs but not Ku in vitro. The interaction between Lyn and DNA-PKcs inhibits DNA-PKcs activity and the ability of DNA-PKcs to form a complex with Ku/DNA. These results support the hypothesis that there are functional interactions between Lyn and DNA-PKcs in the response to DNA damage.

DNA-Activated Protein Kinase↗

Functional role for the c-Abl tyrosine kinase in meiosis I.

The c-Abl tyrosine kinase is activated by ionizing radiation and certain other DNA-damaging agents. The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene product, effectors in the DNA damage response, contribute to the induction of c-Abl activity. The present study demonstrates that c-Abl is expressed in mouse and rat testes, and predominantly in pachytene spermatocytes of meiosis I. The results also demonstrate that c-Abl interacts directly with meiotic chromosomes. In concert with a requirement for c-Abl at the pachytene stage, we show that, in contrast to wild-type mice, testes from Abl-/- mice exhibit defects in spermatogenesis. These findings provide the first demonstration that c-Abl plays a functional role in meiosis.

Animals↗