Indacaterol inhibits collective cell migration and IGDQ-mediated single cell migration in metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

Metastasis is the main cause of deaths related to breast cancer. This is particular the case for triple negative breast cancer. No targeted therapies are reported as efficient until now. The extracellular matrix, in particular the fibronectin type I motif IGDQ, plays a major role in regulating cell migration prior metastasis formation. This motif interacts with specific integrins inducing their activation and the migratory signal transduction.Here, we characterized the migratory phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells, using functionalized IGDQ-exposing surfaces, and compared it to integrin A5 and integrin B3 knock-down cells. A multiomic analysis was developed that highlighted the splicing factor SRSF6 as a putative master regulator of cell migration and of integrin intracellular trafficking. Indacaterol-induced inhibition of SRSF6 provoked: i) the inhibition of collective and IGDQ-mediated cell migration and ii) ITGA5 sequestration into endosomes and lysosomes. Upon further studies, indacaterol may be a potential therapy to prevent cell migration and reduce metastasis formation in breast cancer. Video Abstract.

IGDQ motogenic peptide gradient induces directional cell migration through integrin (αv)ß3 activation in MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cells.

In the context of breast cancer metastasis study, we have shown in an in vitro model of cell migration that IGDQ-exposing (IsoLeu-Gly-Asp-Glutamine type I Fibronectin motif) monolayers (SAMs) on gold sustain the adhesion of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by triggering Focal Adhesion Kinase and integrin activation. Such tunable scaffolds are used to mimic the tumor extracellular environment, inducing and controlling cell migration. The observed migratory behavior induced by the IGDQ-bearing peptide gradient along the surface allows to separate cell subpopulations with a "stationary" or "migratory" phenotype. In this work, we knocked down the integrins α5(ß1) and (αv)ß since they are already known to be implicated in cell migration. To this aim, a whole proteomic analysis was performed in beta 3 integrin (ITGB3) or alpha 5 integrin (ITGA5) knock-down MDA-MB-231 cells, in order to highlight the pathways implied in the integrin-dependent cell migration. Our results showed that i) ITGB3 depletion influenced ITGA5 mRNA expression, ii) ITGB3 and ITGA5 were both necessary for IGDQ-mediated directional single cell migration and iii) integrin (αv)ß3 was activated by IGDQ fibronectin type I motif. Finally, the proteomic analysis suggested that co-regulation of recycling transport of ITGB3 by ITGA5 is potentially necessary for directional IGDQ-mediated cell migration.

Single-cell yolk-shell nanoencapsulation for long-term viability with size-dependent permeability and molecular recognition.

Like nanomaterials, bacteria have been unknowingly used for centuries. They hold significant economic potential for fuel and medicinal compound production. Their full exploitation, however, is impeded by low biological activity and stability in industrial reactors. Though cellular encapsulation addresses these limitations, cell survival is usually compromised due to shell-to-cell contacts and low permeability. Here, we report ordered packing of silica nanocolloids with organized, uniform and tunable nanoporosities for single cyanobacterium nanoencapsulation using protamine as an electrostatic template. A space between the capsule shell and the cell is created by controlled internalization of protamine, resulting in a highly ordered porous shell-void-cell structure formation. These unique yolk-shell nanostructures provide long-term cell viability with superior photosynthetic activities and resistance in harsh environments. In addition, engineering the colloidal packing allows tunable shell-pore diameter for size-dependent permeability and introduction of new functionalities for specific molecular recognition. Our strategy could significantly enhance the activity and stability of cyanobacteria for various nanobiotechnological applications.

HDAC2 and 7 down-regulation induces senescence in dermal fibroblasts.

Originally simply reported to be in a stable and irreversible growth arrest in vitro, senescent cells are now clearly associated with normal and pathological ageing in vivo. They are characterized by several biomarkers and changes in gene expression that may depend on epigenetic factors, such as histone acetylation, involving a balance between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In this study, we investigate the expression and the role of HDACs on the senescent phenotype of dermal fibroblasts. We report that during replicative senescence, most canonical HDACs are less expressed. Moreover, treatment with SAHA, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) also known as Vorinostat, or the specific downregulation of HDAC2 or HDAC7 by siRNA, induces the appearance of senescence biomarkers of dermal fibroblasts. Conversely, the ectopic re-expression of HDAC7 by lentiviral transduction in pre-senescent dermal fibroblasts extends their proliferative lifespan. These results demonstrate that HDACs expression can modulate the senescent phenotype, highlighting their pharmaceutical interest in the context of healthy ageing.

Proton irradiation orchestrates macrophage reprogramming through NFκB signaling.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent potential targets for anticancer treatments as these cells play critical roles in tumor progression and frequently antagonize the response to treatments. TAMs are usually associated to an M2-like phenotype, characterized by anti-inflammatory and protumoral properties. This phenotype contrasts with the M1-like macrophages, which exhibits proinflammatory, phagocytic, and antitumoral functions. As macrophages hold a high plasticity, strategies to orchestrate the reprogramming of M2-like TAMs towards a M1 antitumor phenotype offer potential therapeutic benefits. One of the most used anticancer treatments is the conventional X-ray radiotherapy (RT), but this therapy failed to reprogram TAMs towards an M1 phenotype. While protontherapy is more and more used in clinic to circumvent the side effects of conventional RT, the effects of proton irradiation on macrophages have not been investigated yet. Here we showed that M1 macrophages (THP-1 cell line) were more resistant to proton irradiation than unpolarized (M0) and M2 macrophages, which correlated with differential DNA damage detection. Moreover, proton irradiation-induced macrophage reprogramming from M2 to a mixed M1/M2 phenotype. This reprogramming required the nuclear translocation of NFκB p65 subunit as the inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation completely reverted the macrophage re-education. Altogether, the results suggest that proton irradiation promotes NFκB-mediated macrophage polarization towards M1 and opens new perspectives for macrophage targeting with charged particle therapy.

Mitochondrial fragmentation affects neither the sensitivity to TNFα-induced apoptosis of Brucella-infected cells nor the intracellular replication of the bacteria.

Mitochondria are complex organelles that participate in many cellular functions, ranging from ATP production to immune responses against viruses and bacteria. This integration of a plethora of functions within a single organelle makes mitochondria a very attractive target to manipulate for intracellular pathogens. We characterised the crosstalk that exists between Brucella abortus, the causative agent of brucellosis, and the mitochondria of infected cells. Brucella replicates in a compartment derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and modulates ER functionality by activating the unfolded protein response. However, the impact of Brucella on the mitochondrial population of infected cells still requires a systematic study. We observed physical contacts between Brucella containing vacuoles and mitochondria. We also found that B. abortus replication is independent of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species do not participate to the control of B. abortus infection in vitro. We demonstrated that B. abortus and B. melitensis induce a drastic mitochondrial fragmentation at 48 hours post-infection in different cell types, including myeloid and non-myeloid cells. This fragmentation is DRP1-independent and might be caused by a deficit of mitochondrial fusion. However, mitochondrial fragmentation does not change neither Brucella replication efficiency, nor the susceptibility of infected cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis.

Effects of a Sublethal and Transient Stress of the Endoplasmic Reticulum on the Mitochondrial Population.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are not discrete intracellular organelles but establish close physical and functional interactions involved in several biological processes including mitochondrial bioenergetics, calcium homeostasis, lipid synthesis, and the regulation of apoptotic cell death pathways. As many cell types might face a transient and sublethal ER stress during their lifetime, it is thus likely that the adaptive UPR response might affect the mitochondrial population. The aim of this work was to study the putative effects of a non-lethal and transient endoplasmic reticulum stress on the mitochondrial population in HepG2 cells. The results show that thapsigargin and brefeldin A, used to induce a transient and sublethal ER stress, rapidly lead to the fragmentation of the mitochondrial network associated with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, O2 (•-) production and less efficient respiration. These changes in mitochondrial function are transient and preceded by the phosphorylation of JNK. Inhibition of JNK activation by SP600125 prevents the decrease in O2 (•-) production and the mitochondrial network fragmentation observed in cells exposed to the ER stress but has no impact on the reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, our data show that a non-lethal and transient ER stress triggers a rapid activation of JNK without inducing apoptosis, leading to the fragmentation of the mitochondrial network and a reduction of O2 (•-) production. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1913-1931, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of copper sulfate-oxidized or myeloperoxidase-modified LDL on lipid loading and programmed cell death in macrophages under hypoxia.

Atheromatous plaques contain heavily lipid-loaded macrophages that die, hence generating the necrotic core of these plaques. Since plaque instability and rupture is often correlated with a large necrotic core, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying foam cell death. Furthermore, macrophages within the plaque are associated with hypoxic areas but little is known about the effect of low oxygen partial pressure on macrophage death. The aim of this work was to unravel macrophage death mechanisms induced by oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) both under normoxia and hypoxia. Differentiated macrophages were incubated in the presence of native, copper sulfate-oxidized, or myeloperoxidase-modified LDL. The unfolded protein response, apoptosis, and autophagy were then investigated. The unfolded protein response and autophagy were triggered by myeloperoxidase-modified LDL and, to a larger extent, by copper sulfate-oxidized LDL. Electron microscopy observations showed that oxidized LDL induced excessive autophagy and apoptosis under normoxia, which were less marked under hypoxia. Myeloperoxidase-modified LDL were more toxic and induced a higher level of apoptosis. Hypoxia markedly decreased apoptosis and cell death, as marked by caspase activation. In conclusion, the cell death pathways induced by copper sulfate-oxidized and myeloperoxidase-modified LDL are different and are differentially modulated by hypoxia.

Hypersensitivity of mtDNA-depleted cells to staurosporine-induced apoptosis: roles of Bcl-2 downregulation and cathepsin B.

We show that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-depleted 143B cells are hypersensitive to staurosporine-induced cell death as evidenced by a more pronounced DNA fragmentation, a stronger activation of caspase-3, an enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage, and a more dramatic cytosolic release of cytochrome c. We also show that B-cell CLL/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma extra large (Bcl-X(L)), and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) are constitutively less abundant in mtDNA-depleted cells, that the inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) can sensitize the parental cell line to staurosporine-induced apoptosis, and that overexpression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-X(L) can prevent the activation of caspase-3 in ρ(0)143B cells treated with staurosporine. Moreover, the inactivation of cathepsin B with CA074-Me significantly reduced cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, PARP-1 cleavage, and DNA fragmentation in mtDNA-depleted cells, whereas the pan-caspase inhibitor failed to completely prevent PARP-1 cleavage and DNA fragmentation in these cells, suggesting that caspase-independent mechanisms are responsible for cell death even if caspases are activated. Finally, we show that cathepsin B is released in the cytosol of ρ(0) cells in response to staurosporine, suggesting that the absence of mitochondrial activity leads to a facilitated permeabilization of lysosomal membranes in response to staurosporine.

Anti-apoptotic role of HIF-1 and AP-1 in paclitaxel exposed breast cancer cells under hypoxia.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid tumors and is associated with metastases, therapeutic resistance and poor patient survival. RESULTS: In this study, we showed that hypoxia protected MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells against paclitaxel- but not epirubicin-induced apoptosis. The possible implication of HIF-1 and AP-1 in the hypoxia-induced anti-apoptotic pathway was investigated by the use of specific siRNA. Specific inhibition of the expression of these two transcription factors was shown to increase apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents under hypoxia indicating an involvement of HIF-1 and AP-1 in the anti-apoptotic effect of hypoxia. After HIF-1 specific inhibition and using TaqMan Human Apoptosis Array, 8 potential HIF-1 target genes were identified which could take part in this protection. Furthermore, Mcl-1 was shown to be a potential AP-1 target gene which could also participate to the hypoxia-induced chemoresistance. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these data highlight two mechanisms by which hypoxia could mediate its protective role via the activation of two transcription factors and, consecutively, changes in gene expression encoding different anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins.

BNIP3 protects HepG2 cells against etoposide-induced cell death under hypoxia by an autophagy-independent pathway.

Tumor hypoxia is a common characteristic of most solid tumors and is correlated with poor prognosis for patients partly because hypoxia promotes resistance to cancer therapy. Hypoxia selects cancer cells that are resistant to apoptosis and allows the onset of mechanisms that promote cancer cells survival including autophagy. Previously, we showed that human hepatoma HepG2 cells were protected under hypoxia against the etoposide-induced apoptosis. In this study, respective putative contribution of autophagy and BNIP3 in the protection conferred by hypoxia against the etoposide-induced apoptosis was investigated. We report that autophagy is induced by etoposide, a process that is not affected by hypoxic conditions. Using Atg5 siRNA, we show that etoposide-induced autophagy promotes apoptotic cell death under normoxia but not under hypoxia. Then, we investigated whether the hypoxia-induced protein BNIP3 could explain the different effect of autophagy on cell death under hypoxia or normoxia. We show that the silencing of BNIP3 does not affect autophagy whatever the pO(2) but participates in the protective effect of hypoxia against etoposide-induced apoptosis. Together, these results suggest that autophagy might be involved in etoposide-induced cell death only under normoxia and that BNIP3 is a major effector of the protective mechanism conferred by hypoxia to protect cancer cells against etoposide-induced apoptotic cell death.

Proteomic profiling of human keratinocytes undergoing UVB-induced alternative differentiation reveals TRIpartite Motif Protein 29 as a survival factor.

BACKGROUND: Repeated exposures to UVB of human keratinocytes lacking functional p16(INK-4a) and able to differentiate induce an alternative state of differentiation rather than stress-induced premature senescence. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A 2D-DIGE proteomic profiling of this alternative state of differentiation was performed herein at various times after the exposures to UVB. Sixty-nine differentially abundant protein species were identified by mass spectrometry, many of which are involved in keratinocyte differentiation and survival. Among these protein species was TRIpartite Motif Protein 29 (TRIM29). Increased abundance of TRIM29 following UVB exposures was validated by Western blot using specific antibody and was also further analysed by immunochemistry and by RT-PCR. TRIM29 was found very abundant in keratinocytes and reconstructed epidermis. Knocking down the expression of TRIM29 by short-hairpin RNA interference decreased the viability of keratinocytes after UVB exposure. The abundance of involucrin mRNA, a marker of late differentiation, increased concomitantly. In TRIM29-knocked down reconstructed epidermis, the presence of picnotic cells revealed cell injury. Increased abundance of TRIM29 was also observed upon exposure to DNA damaging agents and PKC activation. The UVB-induced increase of TRIM29 abundance was dependent on a PKC signaling pathway, likely PKCdelta. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that TRIM29 allows keratinocytes to enter a protective alternative differentiation process rather than die massively after stress.

Repeated exposures to UVB induce differentiation rather than senescence of human keratinocytes lacking p16(INK-4A).

Skin cancers and extrinsic aging are delayed consequences of cumulative UV radiation insults. Exposure of human keratinocytes to UVB has been previously shown to trigger premature senescence. In order to explore the involvement of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16(INK-4a) in UVB-induced premature senescence, we developed an original model of repeated sublethal exposures of human keratinocytes deficient in p16(INK-4a). We did not observe any significant increase of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity positive cells following UVB exposure in this cell line in contrast to primary keratinocytes, suggesting a role for p16(INK-4a) in UVB-induced senescence. However, we detected sustained DNA damage, prolonged cell cycle arrest, and induction of markers of epidermal differentiation like involucrin and filaggrin as consequences of the repeated exposures. Keratinocytes exposed to the same dose of UVB in a single exposure died. Furthermore, the abundance of the keratins 6, 16 and 17 was increased in keratinocytes exposed repeatedly to UVB suggesting an alternative differentiation. This model allows the induction of a state of differentiation observed in vivo with differentiation uncoupled from premature senescence.

Hypoxia-induced decrease in p53 protein level and increase in c-jun DNA binding activity results in cancer cell resistance to etoposide.

Tumor hypoxia is one of the features of tumor microenvironment that contributes to chemoresistance in particular by cellular adaptations that modulate the apoptotic process. However, the mechanisms involved in this resistance still need deeper understanding. In this study, we investigated the involvement of four transcription factors, c-Myc, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), p53, and c-jun/activator protein 1 (AP-1) in the hypoxia-induced resistance to etoposide in HepG2 cells. Whereas the profile of c-Myc and NF-kappaB activity did not fit the effect of hypoxia on caspase 3 activity, hypoxia decreased basal p53 abundance and DNA binding activity as well as p53 etoposide-induced activation. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing evidenced that p53 was required for etoposide-induced apoptosis under normoxia. An inhibition of its activity under hypoxia could thus be responsible at least in part for the protection observed under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, p53 was found to induce the expression of Bak1. We showed that Bak1 was involved in the etoposide-induced apoptosis because Bak1 siRNA decreased it. Conversely, hypoxia increased c-jun DNA binding activity in the presence of etoposide. siRNA-mediated silencing of c-jun increased the responsiveness of cells to etoposide under hypoxia, as shown by an increase in caspase 3 activity and lactate dehydrogenase release. These effects occurred in a p53-independent manner. These data evidenced that hypoxia decreased the responsiveness of HepG2 cells to etoposide at least by two independent pathways involving p53 inhibition and c-jun activation.

Intermittent hypoxia is an angiogenic inducer for endothelial cells: role of HIF-1.

The presence of hypoxia in tumor and its role in promoting angiogenesis are well-established. Recently, in addition to chronic hypoxia, cycling or intermittent hypoxia has also been demonstrated. However, its role in inducing new blood vessel formation is less clear. This work is aimed to investigate whether intermittent hypoxia can induce a pro-angiogenic phenotype in endothelial cells, in vitro. We studied changes in the expression of genes involved in inflammation and angiogenesis under intermittent and chronic hypoxia. We evidenced genes specifically expressed under intermittent hypoxia, suggesting different cell responses induced by intermittent versus chronic hypoxia. An increase in the expression of pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory genes under intermittent hypoxia, translating a pro-angiogenic effect of intermittent hypoxia was detected. In parallel, we investigated the activity of three transcription factors known to be activated either under hypoxia or by reoxygenation: HIF-1, Nrf2, and NF-kappaB. HIF-1alpha stabilization and an increase in HIF-1 transcriptional activity were evidenced under intermittent hypoxia. On the other hand, NRF2 and NF-kappaB transcription factors were not activated. Finally, an increase in endothelial cell migration and in tubulogenesis in the course of hypoxia-reoxygenation cycles was evidenced, which was inhibited by HIF-1alpha siRNA. All together, these results demonstrate a clear pro-angiogenic effect of intermittent hypoxia.

Increased abundance of cytoplasmic and nuclear caveolin 1 in human diploid fibroblasts in H(2)O(2)-induced premature senescence and interplay with p38alpha(MAPK).

Treatment of IMR-90 human diploid fibroblasts with a sublethal concentration of H(2)O(2) induces premature senescence. We investigated the protein abundance, subcellular localization and involvement of caveolin 1 in premature senescence. Caveolin 1 is a scaffolding protein able to concentrate and organize signaling molecules within the caveolae membrane domains. We report the first evidence of increased nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of caveolin 1 during establishment of H(2)O(2)-induced premature senescence. Moreover, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of caveolin 1 during treatment with H(2)O(2) is dependent on p38alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Hypoxia induces protection against etoposide-induced apoptosis: molecular profiling of changes in gene expression and transcription factor activity.

BACKGROUND: it is now well established that hypoxia renders tumor cells resistant to radio- but also chemotherapy. However, few elements are currently available as for the mechanisms underlying this protection. RESULTS: in this study, physiological hypoxia was shown to inhibit apoptosis induced in HepG2 cells by etoposide. Indeed, hypoxia reduced DNA fragmentation, caspase activation and PARP cleavage. The DNA binding activity of 10 transcription factors was followed while the actual transcriptional activity was measured using specific reporter plasmids. Of note is the inhibition of the etoposide-induced activation of p53 under hypoxia. In parallel, data from low density DNA microarrays indicate that the expression of several pro- and anti-apoptotic genes was modified, among which are Bax and Bak whose expression profile paralleled p53 activity. Cluster analysis of data unravels several possible pathways involved in the hypoxia-induced protection against etoposide-induced apoptosis: one of them could be the inhibition of p53 activity under hypoxia since caspase 3 activity parallels Bax and Bak expression profile. Moreover, specific downregulation of HIF-1alpha by RNA interference significantly enhanced apoptosis under hypoxia possibly by preventing the hypoxia mediated decrease in Bak expression without altering Bax expression. CONCLUSION: these results are a clear demonstration that hypoxia has a direct protective effect on apoptotic cell death. Moreover, molecular profiling points to putative pathways responsible for tumor growth in challenging environmental conditions and cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.

Upregulation of annexin A2 in H(2)O(2)-induced premature senescence as evidenced by 2D-DIGE proteome analysis.

Human diploid fibroblasts undergo premature senescence after treatment with sublethal concentration of H(2)O(2). We report the first proteomic study of microsomal proteins in the context of H(2)O(2)-induced premature senescence by using 2D-DIGE approach. Twelve different proteins with altered abundance at day 3 after treatment with H(2)O(2) were identified. Among them, we demonstrated a re-localization of annexin A2 in plasma membrane.

Differential effects of hypoxia on etoposide-induced apoptosis according to the cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: It is more and more recognized that hypoxia plays a role in the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, the mechanisms underlying this resistance still need deeper understanding. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hypoxia on this process since hypoxia is one of the hallmarks of tumor environment. RESULTS: The effect of hypoxia on the apoptosis induced by etoposide, one drug commonly used in chemotherapy, was investigated using three different cancer cell lines. Gene expression changes were also studied in order to delineate the mechanisms responsible for the hypoxia-induced chemoresistance. We observed that hypoxia differentially influenced etoposide-induced cell death according to the cancer cell type. While hypoxia inhibited apoptosis in hepatoma HepG2 cells, it had no influence in lung carcinoma A549 cells and further enhanced it in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Etoposide increased p53 activity in all cell lines while hypoxia alone decreased it only in HepG2 cells. Hypoxia had no influence on the etoposide-induced p53 activity in A549, increased p53 abundance in MCF-7 cells but markedly decreased p53 activity in HepG2 cells. Using low density DNA arrays to detect the expression of genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis, etoposide and hypoxia were shown to each influence the expression of numerous genes, many of the ones influenced by etoposide being p53 target genes. Again, the influence of hypoxia on the etoposide-induced changes was different according to the cell type. CONCLUSION: These results evidenced that there was a striking parallelism between the effect of hypoxia on the etoposide-induced p53 stabilization as well as p53 target gene expression and its effect on the etoposide-induced apoptosis according to the cell type. They are very interesting not only because they provide one possible mechanism for the induction of chemoresistance under hypoxic conditions in cells like HepG2 but also because they indicate that not all cell types respond the same way. This knowledge is of importance in designing adequate treatment according to the type of tumors.

Heme oxygenase-1 and interleukin-11 are overexpressed in stress-induced premature senescence of human WI-38 fibroblasts induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide and ethanol.

Acute repeated exposures to subcytotoxic concentrations of tert-butylhydroperoxide and ethanol trigger premature senescence of human diploid fibroblasts. In the present work we found an increased mRNA and protein level of interleukin-11 and heme oxygenase-1 in premature senescence of WI-38 human diploid foetal lung fibroblasts induced by both tert-butylhydroperoxide and ethanol. We tested whether interleukin-11 and heme oxygenase-1 could protect against tert-butylhydroperoxide- or ethanol-induced premature senescence when stable overexpression was established using a retroviral vector-based transduction. No protective effect was found against the decrease of the proliferative potential, the increase of the proportion of senescence-associated ss-galactosidase positive cells and the increase of the mRNA levels of six senescence-associated genes.