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Yeast regulatory sequences preferentially adopt a non-B conformation in supercoiled DNA.

Mung bean nuclease was used to probe for DNA unwinding in torsionally-stressed chimeric plasmids containing two micron plasmid sequences and the yeast LEU2 gene in a pBR322 vector. The yeast sequences are cleaved at only two sites, both of which map to regulatory regions: (1) the autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), an origin of DNA replication, of the two micron plasmid and (2) the transcription terminator region of the LEU2 gene. Nucleotide level analysis of the nuclease cleavage pattern shows that an A + T-rich structure, distinct from other non-B DNA conformations, is recognized. A computer analysis reveals that A + T content alone is not sufficient to explain the preferential occurrence of the A + T-rich structure in the ARS over other sequences of equal A + T content. The A + T-rich structure detected in the ARS maps to sequences required for DNA replication. Our findings demonstrate the DNA conformational flexibility of certain yeast regulatory regions and provide support for the hypothesis that the A + T-rich sequence in the ARS plays a role in DNA unwinding during the initiation of DNA replication.

Base Composition↗

DNA polymerases II and V mediate respectively mutagenic (-2 frameshift) and error-free bypass of a single N-2-acetylaminofluorene adduct.

The NarI sequence represents a strong mutation hot spot for -2 frameshift mutations induced by N-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF), a strong chemical carcinogen. Only when bound to the third (underlined) guanine (5'-GGCGCC-->GGCC) can AAF trigger frameshift mutations, suggesting the involvement of a slipped replication intermediate with a two-nucleotide bulge. While base substitutions induced by UV light or abasic sites require DNA polymerase V (Pol V; umuDC), the AAF-induced -2 frameshift pathway requires DNA polymerase II, the polB gene product. Interestingly, error-free bypass of the G-AAF adduct requires Pol V. The genes encoding both Pol II and Pol V are induced by the SOS regulon, a co-ordinated cellular response to environmental stress. A given lesion, G-AAF, can thus be bypassed by two SOS-controlled DNA polymerases (II and V), generating mutagenic (-2 frameshifts) and error-free replication products respectively. Therefore both Pol II and Pol V can compete for the blocked replication intermediate in the vicinity of the lesion and engage in replication by transiently replacing the replicative DNA Pol III. Our data suggest that, in order to cope with the large diversity of existing DNA lesions, cells use a single or a combination of translesional DNA polymerases to achieve translesion synthesis.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

Tacrine inhibits topoisomerases and DNA synthesis to cause mitochondrial DNA depletion and apoptosis in mouse liver.

After several weeks of treatment, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase in 50% of patients treated with tacrine for Alzheimer's disease. We looked for progressive effects on DNA to explain delayed toxicity. We first studied the in vitro effects of tacrine on DNA replication and topoisomerase-mediated DNA relaxation. We then treated mice with doses of tacrine reproducing the human daily dose on a body area basis and studied the effects of tacrine administration for up to 28 days on hepatic DNA, mitochondrial function, and cell death. In vitro, tacrine impaired DNA polymerase gamma-mediated DNA replication and also poisoned topoisomerases I and II to increase the relaxation of a supercoiled plasmid. In vivo, administration of tacrine markedly decreased incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine into mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), progressively and severely depleted mtDNA, and partly unwound supercoiled mtDNA into circular mtDNA. Incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine into nuclear DNA (nDNA) was barely decreased, and nDNA levels were unchanged. After 12 to 28 days of treatment, administration of tacrine increased p53, Bax, mitochondrial permeability transition, cytosolic cytochrome c, and caspase-3 activity and triggered hepatocyte apoptosis and/or necrosis. In conclusion, the intercalating drug tacrine poisons topoisomerases and impairs DNA synthesis. Tacrine has been shown to accumulate within mitochondria, and it particularly targets mtDNA. After several weeks of treatment, the combination of severe mtDNA depletion and a genotoxic stress enhancing p53, Bax, and permeability transition trigger hepatocyte necrosis and/or apoptosis.

Animals↗

Comparative study of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by deoxynivalenol, zearalenone or fumonisin B1 in human intestinal cell line Caco-2.

Fusarium species infestations of cereals crops occur worldwide. Fusarium toxins such as, deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) have been shown to cause diverse toxic effects in animals and also suspected of disease causation in humans. From the literature and mechanistic point of view, DON binds to the ribosomal peptidyl-transferase and inhibits protein synthesis specifically and DNA synthesis consequently. ZEN known to be genotoxic, binds to 17-beta-estradiol receptors, induces lipid peroxidation, cell death and inhibits protein and DNA synthesis. FB1 disrupts sphingolipid metabolism, induces lipid peroxidation altering the cell membrane and causing cell death. We intended to compare DON, ZEN and FB1 (1-150 microM) cytotoxic effect and the pathways leading to cell death and related to oxidative stress and macromolecules syntheses in a human intestinal cell line in order to tentatively classify them according to their respective potential toxicity. The comparison reveals that all three mycotoxins bear, at variable degree, the capability of inducing lipid peroxidation (MDA production) and could be classified above 10 microM in decreasing potency order FB1>DON>ZEN. This effect seems to be related to their common target that is the mitochondria as revealed by MTT test and seemingly not related to sphingoids accumulation concerning FB1. DON and ZEN also adversely affect lysosomes in contrast to FB1. The three mycotoxins inhibit protein synthesis with respective IC50 of 5, 8.8 and 19 microM for DON, FB1 and ZEN confirming that protein synthesis is a specific target of DON. DNA synthesis is inhibited by DON, ZEN and FB1 with respective IC50 of 1.7, 10 and 20 microM. However at higher concentrations DNA synthesis seems to be restored for FB1 and DON suggesting a promoter activity. Altogether the potency of the three mycotoxins in macromolecules inhibition is DON>ZEN>FB1 in Caco-2 cells. It appears then that FB1 acts rather through lipid peroxidation while DON affects rather DNA and protein synthesis.

Caco-2 Cells↗

Isolation, characterization, and molecular cloning of a protein (Abp2) that binds to a Schizosaccharomyces pombe origin of replication (ars3002).

The autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) element ars3002 is associated with the most active replication origin within a cluster of three closely spaced origins on chromosome III of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. A 361-bp portion of ars3002 containing detectable ARS activity includes multiple near matches to the S. pombe ARS consensus sequence previously reported by Maundrell et al. (K. Maundrell, A. Hutchison, and S. Shall, EMBO J. 7:2203-2209, 1988). Using a gel shift assay with a multimer of an oligonucleotide containing three overlapping matches to the Maundrell ARS consensus sequence, we have detected several proteins in S. pombe crude extracts that bind to the oligonucleotide and ars3002. One of these proteins, ARS binding protein 1, was previously described (Abpl [Y. Murakami, J. A. Huberman, and J. Hurwitz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:502-507, 1996]). In this report the isolation, characterization, and cloning of a second binding activity, designated ARS binding protein 2 (Abp2), are described. Purified Abp2 has an apparent molecular mass of 75 kDa. Footprinting analyses revealed that it binds preferentially to overlapping near matches to the Maundrell ARS consensus sequence. The gene abp2 was isolated, sequenced, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The DNA binding activity of overexpressed Abp2 was similar to that of native Abp2. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a region similar to a proline-rich motif (GRP) present in several proteins that bind A+T-rich DNA sequences. Replacement of amino acids within this motif with alanine either abolished or markedly reduced the DNA binding activity of the mutated Abp2 protein, indicating that this motif is essential for the DNA binding activity of Abp2. Disruption of the abp2 gene showed that the gene is not essential for cell viability. However, at elevated temperatures the null mutant was less viable than the wild type and exhibited changes in nuclear morphology. The null mutant entered mitosis with delayed kinetics when DNA replication was blocked with hydroxyurea, and advancement through mitosis led to the loss of cell viability and aberrant formation of septa. The null mutant was also sensitive to UV radiation, suggesting that Abp2 may play a role in regulating the cell cycle response to stress signals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chk1 in the DNA damage response: conserved roles from yeasts to mammals.

Chk1 is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase that functions to ensure genomic integrity upon genotoxic stress. Studies to date have revealed striking similarities among Chk1 pathways of different organisms. In this review we discuss what is known about Chk1 activation and what downstream factors are regulated by Chk1 to counter replication blocks and DNA damage induced by UV, IR, and other genotoxic agents. Where applicable, we also compare the role of Chk1 with that of the Chk2 protein kinase in the checkpoint responses.

Animals↗

Genetic variability and adaptation to stress.

Besides an immediate cellular adaptation to stress, organisms can resist such challenges through changes in their genetic material. These changes can be due to mutation or acquisition of pre-evolved functions via horizontal transfer. In this chapter we will review evidence from bacterial genetics that suggests that the frequency of such events can increase in response to stress by activating mutagenic response (e.g. the SOS response) and by inhibiting antimutagenic activities (e.g. mismatch repair system, MRS). Natural selection, by favoring adaptations, can also select for the mechanism(s) that has/have generated the adaptive changes by hitchhiking. These mutator mechanisms can sometimes respond very specifically, though blindly, to the challenge of the environment. Such stress-induced increases in mutation rates enhance genetic polymorphism, which is the structural component of the barrier to genetic exchange. Since SOS and MRS are the enzymatic controls of this barrier, the modulation of these systems can lead to a burst of speciation.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Azathioprine and UVA light generate mutagenic oxidative DNA damage.

Oxidative stress and mutagenic DNA lesions formed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) are linked to human malignancy. Clinical treatments inducing chronic oxidative stress may therefore carry a risk of therapy-related cancer. We suggest that immunosuppression by azathioprine (Aza) may be one such treatment. Aza causes the accumulation of 6-thioguanine (6-TG) in patients' DNA. Here we demonstrate that biologically relevant doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) generate ROS in cultured cells with 6-TG-substituted DNA and that 6-TG and UVA are synergistically mutagenic. A replication-blocking DNA 6-TG photoproduct, guanine sulfonate, was bypassed by error-prone, Y-family DNA polymerases in vitro. A preliminary analysis revealed that in five of five cases, Aza treatment was associated with a selective UVA photosensitivity. These findings may partly explain the prevalence of skin cancer in long-term survivors of organ transplantation.

Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase↗

Stress-induced premature senescence in mononuclear cells from patients on long-term hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Repeatedly stimulated mononuclear cells may become senescent prematurely as a result of frequent activation-induced replication. In hemodialysis patients, mononuclear cells are activated repeatedly with each hemodialysis procedure. Characteristics of senescent mononuclear cells include telomere length shortening, increased p53 expression, CD14dim/CD16bright expression, and interleukin overproduction. METHODS: Peripheral mononuclear cells from 15 hemodialysis patients and 15 age-matched controls were evaluated. Telomere length was assessed by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization in flow cytometry. Expression of p53, CD14/CD16, and intracellular cytokine production (interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta], IL-6, and IL-4) was evaluated by means of flow cytometry using specific antibodies. RESULTS: Features of senescence were found in a subpopulation of mononuclear cells: (1) accelerated telomere shortening, (2) increased p53 expression, (3) CD14dim/CD16bright expression, and (4) cytokine overproduction (IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-4). Telomere length shortening was present in 40% +/- 6% of cells from hemodialysis patients compared with less than 5% from age-matched controls. Percentage of cells with short telomeres correlated positively with serum C-reactive protein level, which reflects inflammation. p53 expression was increased in mononuclear cells from hemodialysis patients. Mononuclear cells from hemodialysis patients with decreased telomere length mainly showed the CD14dim/CD16bright phenotype; conversely, cells with normal telomeres presented the CD14bright/CD16dim phenotype. Finally, mononuclear cells from hemodialysis patients, but not controls, spontaneously produced the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6. CONCLUSION: This study shows the presence of a prematurely senescent subpopulation of peripheral mononuclear cells in hemodialysis patients. These senescent cells probably result from repeated activation and may have a pathophysiological role in the chronic inflammation described in hemodialysis patients.

Adult↗

Sequence and context effects on origin function in mammalian cells.

Jacob and Brenner proposed a model for control of DNA replication in which a trans-acting initiator protein binds to a cis-acting replicator to effect initiation of nascent DNA chains at a fixed locus. Although replicators have been identified in prokaryotic and simple eukaryotic genomes, it has been much more difficult to demonstrate their presence in mammalian chromosomes. Owing to the lack of genetic approaches for identifying mammalian replicators, investigators have directed attention to localizing nascent strand start sites, which should lie close to replicators. Toward this end, a variety of clever techniques have been invented for analyzing replication intermediates, but only rarely have more than one of these techniques been applied to a single locus. However, virtually all have been used to analyze the dihydrofolate reductase locus in CHO cells. The picture that has developed in this locus is that initiation can occur at any of a large number of sites scattered throughout a broad zone, but somewhat more frequently near two sites that may correspond to true genetic replicators. Furthermore, it appears that local transcriptional activity, as well as appropriate torsional stress (as imparted by local attachment to the nuclear matrix), may have profound effects on origin activity.

Animals↗

Exposure to fox odor inhibits cell proliferation in the hippocampus of adult rats via an adrenal hormone-dependent mechanism.

To determine whether exposure to fox odor alters granule neuron production, we examined proliferating cells and their progeny in the dentate gyrus of adult male rats exposed to trimethyl thiazoline, a component of fox feces. Additionally, to determine whether this effect is adrenal hormone-mediated, we examined animals exposed to fox odor after bilateral adrenalectomy and replacement with low levels of the endogenous glucocorticoid corticosterone. Stereologic analyses of the number of 5-bromo-2'deoxyuridine (BrdU) -labeled cells revealed that exposure to fox odor but not other, nonthreatening, odors (mint or orange) rapidly decreased the number of proliferating cells in the dentate gyrus. This effect is dependent on a stress-induced rise in adrenal hormones; exposure to fox odor resulted in an increase in circulating corticosterone levels and prevention of this increase (by means of adrenalectomy plus low-dose corticosterone replacement) eliminated the suppression of cell proliferation. Examination at longer survival times revealed that the decrease in the number of new granule cells in fox odor-exposed animals was transient; a difference was still detectable at 1 week after BrdU labeling but not at 3 weeks. In both fox and sham odor-exposed animals, many new cells acquired morphologic and biochemical characteristics of mature granule neurons. The majority of these cells expressed a marker of immature granule neurons (TuJ1) by 1 week after BrdU labeling and markers of mature granule neurons (calbindin, NeuN) by 3 weeks after labeling. These findings suggest that stressful experiences rapidly diminish cell proliferation by increasing adrenal hormone levels, resulting in a transient decrease in the number of adult-generated immature granule neurons.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Differentiation-independent activation of HPV genome replication by the lncRNA DINO.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) rely on multiple host cell factors to replicate the viral genome, yet the contribution of host long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to viral genome maintenance and amplification in the productive life cycle remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that the lncRNA damage-induced long non-coding RNA (DINO) is a driver of HPV DNA replication. DINO levels increase during keratinocyte differentiation, and ectopic expression of DINO promotes both HPV genome replication and the formation of replication foci, and this is independent of keratinocyte differentiation signals. Ectopic DINO expression increases select early viral transcript levels, including E1^E4, E1, and E2. Notably, DINO's subcellular localization is also context-dependent: during DNA damage, DINO is predominantly cytoplasmic, but during keratinocyte differentiation, nuclear retention is observed. This differential localization suggests that DINO has distinct functional roles in keratinocyte differentiation and HPV biology. Our findings highlight DINO as a lncRNA that promotes HPV genome replication and suggest that lncRNAs may play underappreciated roles in host-virus interactions. This work provides a foundation for further exploration of lncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets in HPV-associated diseases.IMPORTANCEHuman papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents of many anogenital tract and oral cancers, yet the host factors that trigger and support viral genome replication during the productive life cycle are incompletely understood. This study identifies the long non-coding RNA DINO as a host regulator that promotes HPV DNA replication, replication focus formation, and early viral gene expression independently of keratinocyte differentiation. We further show that DINO exhibits context-dependent subcellular localization, suggesting distinct functional roles in cellular stress responses and HPV biology. These findings reveal an underappreciated role for host lncRNAs in virus-host interactions and provide new insight into cellular pathways that support HPV genome replication.

Virus Replication↗

Mitochondrial transfer between oocytes: potential applications of mitochondrial donation and the issue of heteroplasmy.

The developmental competence of mouse and human early embryos appears to be directly related to the metabolic capacity of a finite complement of maternally inherited mitochondria that appear to begin to replicate after implantation. Mitochondrial dysfunctions resulting from a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic influences, including genetic abnormalities, hypoxia and oxidative stress, can profoundly influence the level of ATP generation in oocytes and early embryos, which in turn may result in aberrant chromosomal segregation or developmental arrest. Deletions and mutations in oocyte mitochondrial DNA may subtend metabolic deficiencies or replication disorders in some infertile women and in women of increased reproductive age. Here, we describe methods for (i) the compartmentalization of mouse and human oocyte mitochondria into unique cytoplasts enriched for these organelles, and (ii) their transfer by microinjection into intact recipient oocytes. Metabolically active mitochondria in donor and recipient metaphase II stage oocytes were labelled with mitochondria-specific fluorescent probes, and the fate and location of donated mitochondria in recipient oocytes were followed by conventional epifluorescence and scanning laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. The net ATP content of undisturbed and recipient oocytes from the same cohort(s) was measured quantitatively at timed intervals after mitochondrial injection. The results demonstrate the feasibility of isolating and transferring mitochondria between oocytes, an apparent increase in net ATP production in the recipients, and the persistence of activity in the transferred mitochondria. The findings are discussed with respect to mitochondrial function and dysfunction in mammalian oocytes and embryos, and to the potential clinical applications of mitochondrial donation as they relate to the creation of heteroplasmic embryos.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Cell cycle progression in G1 and S phases is CCR4 dependent following ionizing radiation or replication stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

To identify new nonessential genes that affect genome integrity, we completed a screening for diploid mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that are sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR) and found 62 new genes that confer resistance. Along with those previously reported (Bennett et al., Nat. Genet. 29:426-434, 2001), these genes bring to 169 the total number of new IR resistance genes identified. Through the use of existing genetic and proteomic databases, many of these genes were found to interact in a damage response network with the transcription factor Ccr4, a core component of the CCR4-NOT and RNA polymerase-associated factor 1 (PAF1)-CDC73 transcription complexes. Deletions of individual members of these two complexes render cells sensitive to the lethal effects of IR as diploids, but not as haploids, indicating that the diploid G1 cell population is radiosensitive. Consistent with a role in G1, diploid ccr4Delta cells irradiated in G1 show enhanced lethality compared to cells exposed as a synchronous G2 population. In addition, a prolonged RAD9-dependent G1 arrest occurred following IR of ccr4Delta cells and CCR4 is a member of the RAD9 epistasis group, thus confirming a role for CCR4 in checkpoint control. Moreover, ccr4Delta cells that transit S phase in the presence of the replication inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU) undergo prolonged cell cycle arrest at G2 followed by cellular lysis. This S-phase replication defect is separate from that seen for rad52 mutants, since rad52Delta ccr4Delta cells show increased sensitivity to HU compared to rad52Delta or ccr4Delta mutants alone. These results indicate that cell cycle transition through G1 and S phases is CCR4 dependent following radiation or replication stress.

Cell Cycle Proteins↗

Inactivation of mouse Hus1 results in genomic instability and impaired responses to genotoxic stress.

The eukaryotic cell cycle is overseen by regulatory mechanisms, termed checkpoints, that respond to DNA damage, mitotic spindle defects, and errors in the ordering of cell cycle events. The DNA replication and DNA damage cell cycle checkpoints of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe require the hus1(+) (hydroxyurea sensitive) gene. To determine the role of the mouse homolog of hus1(+) in murine development and cell cycle checkpoint function, we produced a targeted disruption of mouse Hus1. Inactivation of Hus1 results in mid-gestational embryonic lethality due to widespread apoptosis and defective development of essential extra-embryonic tissues. DNA damage-inducible genes are up-regulated in Hus1-deficient embryos, and primary cells from Hus1-null embryos contain increased spontaneous chromosomal abnormalities, suggesting that loss of Hus1 leads to an accumulation of genome damage. Embryonic fibroblasts lacking Hus1 fail to proliferate in vitro, but inactivation of p21 allows for the continued growth of Hus1-deficient cells. Hus1(-/-)p21(-/-) cells display a unique profile of significantly heightened sensitivity to hydroxyurea, a DNA replication inhibitor, and ultraviolet light, but only slightly increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Taken together, these results indicate that mouse Hus1 functions in the maintenance of genomic stability and additionally identify an evolutionarily-conserved role for Hus1 in mediating cellular responses to genotoxins.

Animals↗

Potential involvement of oxidative stress in cartilage senescence and development of osteoarthritis: oxidative stress induces chondrocyte telomere instability and downregulation of chondrocyte function.

Oxidative stress leads to increased risk for osteoarthritis (OA) but the precise mechanism remains unclear. We undertook this study to clarify the impact of oxidative stress on the progression of OA from the viewpoint of oxygen free radical induced genomic instability, including telomere instability and resulting replicative senescence and dysfunction in human chondrocytes. Human chondrocytes and articular cartilage explants were isolated from knee joints of patients undergoing arthroplastic knee surgery for OA. Oxidative damage and antioxidative capacity in OA cartilage were investigated in donor-matched pairs of intact and degenerated regions of tissue isolated from the same cartilage explants. The results were histologically confirmed by immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine, which is considered to be a maker of oxidative damage. Under treatment with reactive oxygen species (ROS; 0.1 micromol/l H2O2) or an antioxidative agent (ascorbic acid: 100.0 micromol/l), cellular replicative potential, telomere instability and production of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were assessed in cultured chondrocytes. In tissue cultures of articular cartilage explants, the presence of oxidative damage, chondrocyte telomere length and loss of GAG to the medium were analyzed in the presence or absence of ROS or ascorbic acid. Lower antioxidative capacity and stronger staining of nitrotyrosine were observed in the degenerating regions of OA cartilages as compared with the intact regions from same explants. Immunostaining for nitrotyrosine correlated with the severity of histological changes to OA cartilage, suggesting a correlation between oxidative damage and articular cartilage degeneration. During continuous culture of chondrocytes, telomere length, replicative capacity and GAG production were decreased by treatment with ROS. In contrast, treatment with an antioxidative agent resulted in a tendency to elongate telomere length and replicative lifespan in cultured chondrocytes. In tissue cultures of cartilage explants, nitrotyrosine staining, chondrocyte telomere length and GAG remaining in the cartilage tissue were lower in ROS-treated cartilages than in control groups, whereas the antioxidative agent treated group exhibited a tendency to maintain the chondrocyte telomere length and proteoglycan remaining in the cartilage explants, suggesting that oxidative stress induces chondrocyte telomere instability and catabolic changes in cartilage matrix structure and composition. Our findings clearly show that the presence of oxidative stress induces telomere genomic instability, replicative senescence and dysfunction of chondrocytes in OA cartilage, suggesting that oxidative stress, leading to chondrocyte senescence and cartilage ageing, might be responsible for the development of OA. New efforts to prevent the development and progression of OA may include strategies and interventions aimed at reducing oxidative damage in articular cartilage.

Aged↗

Induction of replicative senescence biomarkers by sublethal oxidative stresses in normal human fibroblast.

We tested the long-term effects of sublethal oxidative stresses on replicative senescence. WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs) at early cumulative population doublings (CPDs) were exposed to five stresses with 30 microM tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP). After at least 2 d of recovery, the cells developed biomarkers of replicative senescence: loss of replicative potential, increase in senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, overexpression of p21(Waf-1/SDI-1/Cip1), and inability to hyperphosphorylate pRb. The level of mRNAs overexpressed in senescent WI-38 or IMR-90 HDFs increased after five stresses with 30 microM t-BHP or a single stress under 450 microM H(2)O(2). These corresponding genes include fibronectin, osteonectin, alpha1(I)-procollagen, apolipoprotein J, SM22, SS9, and GTP-alpha binding protein. The common 4977 bp mitochondrial DNA deletion was detected in WI-38 HDFs at late CPDs and at early CPDs after t-BHP stresses. In conclusion, sublethal oxidative stresses lead HDFs to a state close to replicative senescence.

Biomarkers↗

Spindle disturbances in mammalian cells. IV. The action of some glutathione-specific agents in V79 Chinese hamster cells, changes in levels of free sulfhydryls and ATP, c-mitosis and effects on DNA metabolism.

The glutathione-specific agents diamide, diethyl maleate and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were found to induce a low frequency of c-mitosis (15%) at non-toxic concentrations concomitant with a 30-40% decrease of non-protein sulfhydryls. The frequency of c-mitosis did not increase further with increased concentrations until non-protein sulfhydryl levels were obtained suggesting depletion of reduced glutathione. The observed shape of the concentration-response curve for c-mitosis is particular to these 3 agents and caffeine among 22 different compounds being tested under comparable conditions. This suggests a similar mechanism of action and from what is known about caffeine this mechanism probably involves an impaired control of cytoplasmic free Ca2+. It is speculated that this impairment with the glutathione-specific agents is primarily due to depletion of a particular pool of reduced glutathione. Tertiary butylhydroperoxide which is a substrate for glutathione peroxidase(s) also causes c-mitosis when there is no significant decrease of non-protein sulfhydryls. The c-mitotic response was found to be biphasic with maintained control levels at an intermediate concentration. The humps in the concentration-response curve for c-mitosis appeared coincident with a mitogenic response (G1----S). Since the latter type of effect most probably is Ca2+ dependent and since the spindle is sensitive to Ca2+ it is tentatively suggested that the c-mitotic effect of tertiary butylhydroperoxide is due to an increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+. Measurements performed imply that an increase of glutathione disulfide (diamide) is more inhibitory to uptake and incorporation of thymidine than a decrease of reduced glutathione per se (diethyl maleate). This difference is probably due to secondary effects on pertinent protein sulfhydryls with diamide, one possible target being the ribonucleotide reductase. All compounds were found to cause an increase of ATP with some of the applied concentrations. The results with diethyl maleate suggest that an increase of ATP is favored by an attack on mitochondrial reduced glutathione. The possible analogy between this effect and an increase of ATP and Ap4A in bacteria during oxidative stress is considered.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗