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Biomedical subjects

Peter Vandenabeele

Publications and source records attributed to Peter Vandenabeele.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Induction of apoptosis by TNF receptor 2 in a T-cell hybridoma is FADD dependent and blocked by caspase-8 inhibitors.

Previously we reported that both human TNFR1 and TNFR2 mediate TNF-induced apoptosis in the transfected rat/mouse T cell hybridoma PC60. We show here that TNFR2-mediated apoptosis in PVC60 cells can be blocked by the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk, the caspase-8 inhibitor zIETD-fmk and by CrmA, a viral inhibitor of caspase-1 and caspase-8. This suggests an involvement of caspase-8 in TNFR2-mediated apoptosis. The upstream adaptor of caspase-8, FADD, is also involved in TNFR2-induced cell death, since transient overexpression of a dominant negative deletion mutant of FADD inhibited apoptosis induced by this receptor. TNFR2-induced apoptosis is independent of endogenous TNF or other death-inducing ligand production and subsequent activation of TNFR1 or other death receptors. Furthermore, TNFR2 stimulation does not enhance sensitivity for a subsequent TNFR1-induced apoptotic signal, as has been reported for Jurkat cells. TRAF2 downregulation, which has been proposed as the mechanism by which TNFR2 enhances TNFR1 signaling, was observed in PC60 cells, but the TNRF1 signal was not modulated. These data confirm the capacity of TNFR2 to generate an apoptotic cell death signal independent of TNFR1.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Discrimination of metamorphic diamond populations by Raman spectroscopy (Kokchetav, Kazakhstan).

Metamorphic diamond is a powerful but frequently debated indicator for ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) conditions. Because of their small size, their optical identification needs confirmation. Characteristics of chemically extracted microdiamonds from Kokchetav, identified by different analytical methods, are used here for unambiguous in situ identification by Raman microspectroscopy. Differences appear in the diamond spectra and the Raman analytical method is explored as a helpful tool in the discrimination between diamond populations from four different UHPM lithologies of Kokchetav. Not considering the graphite-coated diamond, out of the reach of the laser wavelength used here, the comparison of these Kokchetav Raman spectra may provide additional information in other UHPM studies.

Diamond↗

TNFR1- and TNFR2-mediated signaling pathways in human kidney are cell type-specific and differentially contribute to renal injury.

In normal kidney, TNFR1 is expressed in glomerular and peritubular capillary EC, and some tubular cells, and colocalizes with inactive apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) phosphorylated at serine 967. Biopsies of rejecting or ischemic renal allografts, which show both tubular cell injury and proliferation, display down-regulation of TNFR1 and activation of ASK1 as well as up-regulation of TNFR2 on tubular cells, where it colocalizes with phosphorylated endothelial/epithelial tyrosine kinase (Etk). We have exploited receptor-selective muteins and evaluated phosphorylation of receptor-specific kinases to study TNF responses in situ. In organ culture, a TNFR1-specific mutein changes phosphorylation of ASK1 to threonine 845, indicative of kinase activation. A TNFR2-specific mutein down-regulates TNFR1 in glomerular EC, up-regulates TNFR2 and Etk in tubular cells, and induces phosphorylation of Etk. Wild-type TNF induces TNFR2 and Etk and activates both ASK1 and Etk but does not down-regulate TNFR1. Wild-type TNF and TNFR1-specific mutein trigger tubular cell apoptosis whereas wild-type TNF and TNFR2-specific mutein induce tubular cells to express proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Differential activation of ASK1 and Etk by regulated TNFRs in patient-derived materials provides an explanation for diverse and opposing responses to TNF at distinct sites, and an in situ bioassay of TNFR signaling.

Apoptosis↗

Raman spectroscopic study of Lactarius spores (Russulales, Fungi).

Fungi are important organisms in ecosystems, in industrial and pharmaceutical production and are valuable food sources as well. Classical identification is often time-consuming and specialistic. In this study, Raman spectroscopy is applied to the analysis of fungal spores of Lactarius, an economically and ecologically important genus of Basidiomycota. Raman spectra of spores of Lactarius controversus Pers.: Fr., Lactarius lacunarum (Romagn.) ex Hora, Lactarius quieticolor Romagn. and Lactarius quietus (Fr.: Fr.) Fr. are reported for the first time. The spectra of these species show large similarity. These spectra are studied and compared with the Raman spectra of reference substances known to occur in macrofungi, including saccharides, lipids and some minor compounds that may serve as specific biomarkers (adenine, ergosterol and glycine). Most Raman bands could be attributed to specific components. In agreement with the biological role of fungal spores, high amounts of lipids were observed, the main fatty acid being oleate. In addition to different types of lipids and phospholipids, the polysaccharides chitin and amylopectin could be detected as well. The presence of trehalose is not equivocally shown, due to overlapping bands. Raman band positions are reported for the observed bands of the different species and reference products.

Agaricales↗

A novel caspase-2 complex containing TRAF2 and RIP1.

The enzymatic activity of caspases is implicated in the execution of apoptosis and inflammation. Here we demonstrate a novel nonenzymatic function for caspase-2 other than its reported proteolytic role in apoptosis. Caspase-2, unlike caspase-3, -6, -7, -9, -11, -12, and -14, is a potent inducer of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK activation in a TRAF2-mediated way. Caspase-2 interacts with TRAF1, TRAF2, and RIP1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that endogenous caspase-2 is recruited into a large and inducible protein complex, together with TRAF2 and RIP1. Structure-function analysis shows that NF-kappaB activation occurs independent of enzymatic activity of the protease and that the caspase recruitment domain of caspase-2 is sufficient for the activation of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK. These results demonstrate the inducible assembly of a novel protein complex consisting of caspase-2, TRAF2, and RIP1 that activates NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK through the caspase recruitment domain of caspase-2 independently of its proteolytic activity.

Animals↗

Activation of p38 MAPK is required for Bax translocation to mitochondria, cytochrome c release and apoptosis induced by UVB irradiation in human keratinocytes.

This study establishes that activation of p38 MAPK by UVB represents a crucial signal required for the conformational change and translocation of Bax to the mitochondria in human keratinocytes. UVB-induced Bax translocation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release, which precede caspase activation and other endpoints of the apoptotic program such as chromatin fragmentation and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, are blocked by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the p38alpha MAPK. Inhibition of p38 MAPK strongly reduces the UVB-induced formation of sunburn cells and blocks Bax conformational change both in cultured human keratinocytes and in human skin, providing clear evidence for the physiological role of the p38 MAPK-Bax pathway in the removal of precancerous, UVB-damaged keratinocytes. Furthermore, we show that Bcl-2 overexpression, but not the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk, blocks Bax conformational change and its subsequent translocation downstream of p38 MAPK. These data indicate that the activation of p38 MAPK by UVB engages a caspase-independent death signal leading to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and apoptosis in human keratinocytes and suggest that p38 MAPK might have a preventive role in the process of photocarcinogenesis.

Apoptosis↗

INCA, a novel human caspase recruitment domain protein that inhibits interleukin-1beta generation.

Using in silico methods for screening the human genome for new caspase recruitment domain (CARD) proteins, we have identified INCA (Inhibitory CARD) as a protein that shares 81% identity with the prodomain of caspase-1. The INCA gene is located on chromosome 11q22 between the genes of COP/Pseudo-ICE and ICEBERG, two other CARD proteins that arose from caspase-1 gene duplications. We show that INCA mRNA is expressed in many tissues. INCA is specifically upregulated by interferon-gamma in the monocytic cell lines THP-1 and U937. INCA physically interacts with procaspase-1 and blocks the release of mature IL-1beta from LPS-stimulated macrophages. Unlike COP/Pseudo-ICE and procaspase-1, INCA does not interact with RIP2 and does not induce NF-kappaB activation. Our data show that INCA is a novel intracellular regulator of procaspase-1 activation, involved in the regulation of pro-IL-1beta processing and its release during inflammation.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Toxic proteins released from mitochondria in cell death.

A plethora of apoptotic stimuli converge on the mitochondria and affect their membrane integrity. As a consequence, multiple death-promoting factors residing in the mitochondrial intermembrane space are liberated in the cytosol. Pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins control the release of these mitochondrial proteins by inducing or preventing permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane. Once released into the cytosol, these mitochondrial proteins activate both caspase-dependent and -independent cell death pathways. Cytochrome c was the first protein shown to be released from the mitochondria into the cytosol, where it induces apoptosome formation. Other released mitochondrial proteins include apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G, both of which contribute to apoptotic nuclear DNA damage in a caspase-independent way. Other examples are Smac/DIABLO (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct IAP-binding protein with low PI) and the serine protease HtrA2/OMI (high-temperature requirement protein A2), which both promote caspase activation and instigate caspase-independent cytotoxicity. The precise mode of action and importance of cytochrome c in apoptosis in mammalian cells has become clear through biochemical, structural and genetic studies. More recently identified factors, for example HtrA2/OMI and Smac/DIABLO, are still being studied intensively in order to delineate their functions in apoptosis. A better understanding of these functions may help to develop new strategies to treat cancer.

Animals↗

Targeting Rac1 by the Yersinia effector protein YopE inhibits caspase-1-mediated maturation and release of interleukin-1beta.

Yersinia bacteria can take control of the host cell by injecting so-called Yop effector proteins into the cytosol of the cells to which they adhere. Using Yersinia enterocolitica strains that are deficient for one or more Yops, we could show that YopE and, to a lesser extent, YopT interfere with the caspase-1-mediated maturation of prointerleukin-1beta in macrophages. In addition, overexpression of YopE and YopT was shown to prevent the autoproteolytic activation of caspase-1 in a way that is dependent on their inhibitory effect on Rho GTPases. Expression of constitutive-active or dominant-negative Rho GTPase mutants or treatment with Rho GTPase inhibitors confirmed the role of Rho GTPases and, in particular, Rac1 in the autoactivation of caspase-1. Rac1-induced caspase-1 activation was mediated by its effect on LIM kinase-1, which is targeting the actin cytoskeleton. Rac-1 and LIM kinase-1 dominant-negative mutants were shown to inhibit caspase-1 activation induced by overexpression of Asc, which is a caspase-1-activating adaptor protein. Moreover, Rac1 as well as YopE and YopT significantly modulated caspase-1 oligomerization. These results highlight a previously unknown function of Rho GTPases in the activation of caspase-1 and give new insight on the role of YopE in immune-escape mechanisms of Yersinia.

Animals↗

Caspase-1 activates nuclear factor of the kappa-enhancer in B cells independently of its enzymatic activity.

The proteolytic activity of caspases is involved in apoptosis and inflammation. In this regard, caspase-1 is required for pro-interleukin (IL)-1beta and pro-IL-18 maturation. We report here on a novel function of caspase-1 as an activator of nuclear factor of the kappa-enhancer in B-cells (NF-kappaB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). This function is not shared by the murine caspase-1 homologues caspase-11 and -12. In contrast to pro-IL-1beta maturation, caspase-1-induced NF-kappaB activation is not inhibited by the virus-derived caspase-1 inhibitor cytokine response modifier A and is equally induced by the enzymatically inactive caspase-1 C285A mutant. Although the general NF-kappaB-inhibiting protein A20 inhibits caspase-1-derived activation of NF-kappaB, dominant-negative forms of TRAF2 and RIP1 have no effect. We demonstrate that caspase-1 interacts with RIP2 and that dominant-negative forms of RIP2 and IkappaB kinase complex-beta inhibit caspase-1-mediated NF-kappaB activation. Structure-function analysis shows that the caspase recruitment domain of caspase-1 mediates the activation of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK. These data demonstrate that caspase-1 contributes to inflammation by two distinct pathways: proteolysis of pro-IL-1beta, and RIP2-dependent activation of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK mediated by the caspase recruitment domain.

Animals↗

Distinct mechanisms are involved in tumoristatic and tumoricidal activities of monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) were found to inhibit proliferation of different tumor cell lines. LPS-induced maturation of DC strongly increased their capacity to inhibit tumor cell growth. We observed that tumoristatic activity of LPS-activated DC was independent of their cytotoxic potential. Indeed, LPS-activated DC were able to inhibit growth of caspase-8-deficient or Bcl-2-overexpressing Jurkat cells whereas they were not cytotoxic towards the same targets. On the other hand, we found that supernatant derived from LPS-activated DC exerted a significant anti-proliferative activity against Jurkat cells while it did not induce any cytotoxic effect. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was shown to critically contribute to tumor growth inhibition in this system.

Cell Division↗

Doxorubicin-induced activation of protein kinase D1 through caspase-mediated proteolytic cleavage: identification of two cleavage sites by microsequencing.

Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of protein kinase D (PKD) in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here, we report that in vitro cleavage of recombinant PKD1 by caspase-3 generates two alternative active PKD fragments. N-terminal sequencing of these fragments revealed two distinct caspase-3 cleavage sites located between the acidic and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of PKD1. Moreover, we present experimental evidence that PKD1 is an in vitro substrate for both initiator and effector caspases. During doxorubicin-induced apoptosis, a zVAD-sensitive caspase induces cleavage of PKD1 at two sites, generating fragments with the same molecular masses as those determined in vitro. The in vivo caspase-dependent generation of the PKD1 fragments correlates with PKD1 kinase activation. Our results indicate that doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis induces activation of PKD1 through a novel mechanism involving the caspase-mediated proteolysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Vitamin D3 induces caspase-14 expression in psoriatic lesions and enhances caspase-14 processing in organotypic skin cultures.

Caspase-14 is a nonapoptotic caspase family member whose expression in the epidermis is confined to the suprabasal layers, which consist of differentiating keratinocytes. Proteolytic activation of this caspase is observed in the later stages of epidermal differentiation. In psoriatic skin, a dramatic decrease in caspase-14 expression in the parakeratotic plugs was observed. Topical treatment of psoriatic lesions with a vitamin D3 analogue resulted in a decrease of the psoriatic phenotype and an increase in caspase-14 expression in the parakeratotic plugs. To investigate whether vitamin D3 directly affects caspase-14 expression levels, we used keratinocyte cell cultures. 1alpha,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol, the biologically active form of vitamin D3, increased caspase-14 expression, whereas retinoic acid inhibited it. Moreover, retinoic acid repressed the vitamin D3-induced caspase-14 expression level. In addition, the use of organotypic skin cultures demonstrated that 1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol enhanced epidermal differentiation and caspase-14 activation, whereas retinoic acid completely blocked caspase-14 processing. Our data indicate that caspase-14 plays an important role in terminal epidermal differentiation, and its absence may contribute to the psoriatic phenotype.

Adolescent↗

Bcl-2 family members as sentinels of cellular integrity and role of mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins in apoptotic cell death.

In addition to their function as major energy-providing organelles of the cell, mitochondria accomplish a crucial role in apoptosis. The pro-apoptotic BH3-only members of the Bcl-2 family continuously sense the cellular integrity and well-being at various subcellular levels. If these sentinels are induced, released or activated, they converge on the release of mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins such as cytochrome c, the oxidoreductase AIF, endonuclease G, Smac/DIABLO and the serine protease Omi/HtrA2. We discuss how Bcl-2 family members integrate diverse survival and death signals and act as central regulators of apoptosis. Furthermore, we describe the current knowledge on the role of mitochondrial proteins in apoptotic cell death, discuss the molecular mechanisms of their release and the apoptotic role of mitochondria from a phylogenetic and immunological point of view.

Animals↗

More than one way to die: methods to determine TNF-induced apoptosis and necrosis.

In most cellular systems tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induces apoptotic cell death. However, in some particular cell lines, such as the L929sA fibrosarcoma, TNF induces necrotic cell death. This effect is not the result of an inability to die apoptotically, because triggering of Fas in L929sAhFas cells leads to apoptosis. Moreover, TNFR-1-induced necrosis can be reverted to apoptosis when cells are pretreated with geldanamycin, an Hsp90 inhibitor. In contrast, addition of caspase-inhibitors (zVAD-fmk) prevents Fas-induced apoptosis and switches it to necrosis. These results demonstrate that depending on the cellular context, the same stimulus can induce either apoptosis or necrosis. Apoptosis and necrosis are clearly distinguished by their morphology, although in the absence of phagocytosis, the late stage of apoptosis is associated with secondary necrotic cell death, which is hard to distinguish from necrotic cell death. Necrosis is described mostly in negative terms as cell death that is characterized by the absence of apoptotic parameters, such as caspase activation, cytochrome c release, and DNA fragmentation. Here we describe a selection of techniques used to distinguish both modes of TNFR-1-induced cell death, namely apoptotic or necrotic cell death.

Animals↗

Differential signaling to apoptotic and necrotic cell death by Fas-associated death domain protein FADD.

Two general pathways for cell death have been defined, apoptosis and necrosis. Previous studies in Jurkat cells have demonstrated that the Fas-associated death domain (FADD) is required for Fas-mediated signaling to apoptosis and necrosis. Here we developed L929rTA cell lines that allow Tet-on inducible expression and FK506-binding protein (FKBP)-mediated dimerization of FADD, FADD-death effector domain (FADD-DED), or FADD-death domain (FADD-DD). We show that expression and dimerization of FADD leads to necrosis. However, pretreatment of the cells with the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin, which leads to proteasome-mediated degradation of receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1), reverts FKBP-FADD-induced necrosis to apoptosis. Expression and dimerization of FADD-DD mediates necrotic cell death. We found that FADD-DD is able to bind RIP1, another protein necessary for Fas-mediated necrosis. Expression and dimerization of FADD-DED initiates apoptosis. Remarkably, in the presence of caspase inhibitors, FADD-DED mediates necrotic cell death. Coimmunoprecipitation studies revealed that FADD-DED in the absence procaspase-8 C/A is also capable of recruiting RIP1. However, when procaspase-8 C/A and RIP1 are expressed simultaneously, FADD-DED preferentially recruits procaspase-8 C/A.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Phagocytosis of necrotic cells by macrophages is phosphatidylserine dependent and does not induce inflammatory cytokine production.

Apoptotic cells are cleared by phagocytosis during development, homeostasis, and pathology. However, it is still unclear how necrotic cells are removed. We compared the phagocytic uptake by macrophages of variants of L929sA murine fibrosarcoma cells induced to die by tumor necrosis factor-induced necrosis or by Fas-mediated apoptosis. We show that apoptotic and necrotic cells are recognized and phagocytosed by macrophages, whereas living cells are not. In both cases, phagocytosis occurred through a phosphatidylserine-dependent mechanism, suggesting that externalization of phosphatidylserine is a general trigger for clearance by macrophages. However, uptake of apoptotic cells was more efficient both quantitatively and kinetically than phagocytosis of necrotic cells. Electron microscopy showed clear morphological differences in the mechanisms used by macrophages to engulf necrotic and apoptotic cells. Apoptotic cells were taken up as condensed membrane-bound particles of various sizes rather than as whole cells, whereas necrotic cells were internalized only as small cellular particles after loss of membrane integrity. Uptake of neither apoptotic nor necrotic L929 cells by macrophages modulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by the phagocytes.

Animals↗

Distinct regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 phosphorylation, translocation, proteolysis and activation by tumour necrosis factor-receptor subtypes.

The hormonally regulated Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme, cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) is activated by a range of inflammatory stimuli. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is one of the first known stimuli for cPLA(2) but it is not known whether both TNF receptor subtypes are involved in activating the lipase. In the present study, we show for the first time that both type I 55 kDa TNFR (TNFR1) and type II 75 kDa TNFR (TNFR2) stimulate cPLA(2) enzyme, but with distinct signalling mechanisms. TNFR1 activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38MAPK. TNFR1 then phosphorylates and activates cPLA(2) in a MAPK-dependent fashion. Furthermore, TNFR1 causes the translocation and caspase-dependent proteolysis of cPLA(2) as part of its activation profile. TNFR2, on the other hand, does not cause the phosphorylation of cPLA(2) as it does not activate MAPK or p38MAPK, but instead activates cPLA(2) by causing its translocation to plasma membrane and perinuclear subcellular regions. TNFR2 activation causes a delayed, slight increase in [Ca(2+)](i) of <50 nM that may contribute towards the translocation and activation of cPLA(2). Therefore both TNF receptor subtypes play a role in cPLA(2) activation, but by means of separate signal-transduction pathways.

Antigens, CD↗