PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Is Essential for Survival of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Apoptosis is a highly conserved biochemical mechanism which is tightly controlled in cells. It contributes to maintenance of tissue homeostasis and normally eliminates highly proliferative cells with malignant properties. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have recently been described with significant functional and morphological similarities to embryonic stem cells. Human iPSCs are of great hope for regenerative medicine due to their broad potential to differentiate into specialized cell types in culture. They may be useful for exploring disease mechanisms and may provide the basis for future cell-based replacement therapies. However, there is only poor insight into iPSCs cell signaling as the regulation of apoptosis. In this study, we focused our attention on the apoptotic response of Alzheimer fibroblast-derived iPSCs and two other Alzheimer free iPSCs to five biologically relevant kinase inhibitors as well as to the death ligand TRAIL. To our knowledge, we are the first to report that the relatively high basal apoptotic rate of iPSCs is strongly suppressed by the pancaspase inhibitor QVD-Oph, thus underlining the dependency on proapoptotic caspase cascades. Furthermore, wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositid-3 kinase / Akt signaling (PI3K-AKT), dramatically and rapidly induced apoptosis in iPSCs. In contrast, parental fibroblasts as well as iPSC-derived neuronal cells were not responsive. The resulting condensation and fragmentation of DNA and decrease of the membrane potential are typical features of apoptosis. Comparable effects were observed with an AKT inhibitor (MK-2206). Wortmannin resulted in disappearance of phosphorylated AKT and activation of the main effector caspase-3 in iPSCs. These results clearly demonstrate for the first time that PI3K-AKT represents a highly essential survival signaling pathway in iPSCs. The findings provide improved understanding on the underlying mechanisms of apoptosis regulation in iPSCs.

Sensitization of Melanoma Cells for Death Ligand TRAIL Is Based on Cell Cycle Arrest, ROS Production, and Activation of Proapoptotic Bcl-2 Proteins.

The death ligand TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) represents a promising strategy for melanoma due to significant expression of TRAIL receptor 1 in melanoma metastases and high TRAIL sensitivity through this receptor. However, prevalent and inducible resistance are limiting its clinical use. In previous work, we and others have described multiple strategies leading to TRAIL sensitization; however, the common principles of these strategies remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate in melanoma cell lines (TRAIL-sensitive, TRAIL-resistant, and TRAIL-selected cells with acquired resistance) that cell cycle arrest clearly correlates with enhanced TRAIL sensitivity. Cell cycle arrest was induced by high cell confluence, serum starvation, or cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibition. Addressing the signaling pathways revealed disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to antiproliferative conditions alone. Activation of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 protein Bax and inhibition of apoptosis by Bcl-2 overexpression or by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine underlined the critical involvement of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways and of ROS, respectively. Most pronounced was the upregulation of small proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins (Puma and Bcl-xS). These data provide a general understanding on TRAIL sensitization as well as an alternative view on CDK inhibitors and may suggest selective targeting of melanoma cells by cell cycle inhibition and TRAIL.

BH3-only proteins: possible proapoptotic triggers for melanoma therapy.

Despite recent developments for new targeted therapies in melanoma, as BRAF inhibitors and immune-stimulating antibodies, tumor relapse frequently follows within less than a year. Therapy resistance is explained by defects in proapoptotic signalling. Thus, efficient induction of apoptosis in tumor cells appears as predominant therapeutic goal. In apoptosis control of melanoma, the balance between pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins plays a decisive role. In particular, members of the subfamily of BH3-only proteins function as proapoptotic triggers, and mimetics of these proteins are already in clinical trials in other cancers. Recent experimental work has revealed that the effects of different treatments in melanoma are related to the activation of BH3-only proteins, and also the proapoptotic effects of BRAF inhibitors are prevented by knockdown of the BH3-only protein Bim. Thus, melanoma therapy might be critically improved by the combination of survival pathway antagonists as BRAF inhibitors with BH3 mimetics.

RAF inhibition overcomes resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells.

Mutated BRAF represents a critical oncogene in melanoma, and selective inhibitors have been approved for melanoma therapy. However, the molecular consequences of RAF inhibition in melanoma cells remained largely elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of the pan-RAF inhibitor L-779,450, which inhibited cell proliferation both in BRAF-mutated and wild-type melanoma cell lines. It furthermore enhanced apoptosis in combination with the death ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and overcame TRAIL resistance in melanoma cells. Enhanced apoptosis coincided with activation of mitochondrial pathways, seen by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c, Smac (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases), and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). Subsequently, caspase-9 and -3 were activated. Apoptosis induction by L-779,450/TRAIL was prevented by Bcl-2 overexpression and was dependent on Bax. Thus, activation of Bax by L-779,450 alone was demonstrated by Bax conformational changes, whereas Bak was not activated. Furthermore, the BH3-only protein Bim was upregulated in response to L-779,450. The significant roles of Smac, Bax, and Bim in this setting were proven by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown experiments. L-779,450 also resulted in morphological changes indicating autophagy confirmed by the autophagy marker light chain 3-II (LC3-II). The pro-apoptotic effects of L-779,450 may explain the antitumor effects of RAF inhibition and may be considered when evaluating RAF inhibitors for melanoma therapy.

Sensitization of melanoma cells for TRAIL-induced apoptosis by activation of mitochondrial pathways via Bax.

The death ligand TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) represents a promising therapeutic strategy for metastatic melanoma, however prevalent and inducible resistance limits its applicability and therapeutic use. Recent work has revealed that combinations with survival pathway inhibitors could efficiently sensitize melanoma cells for TRAIL. Here, a particular role was attributed to the activation of Bax, which is regulated by phosphorylation. Thus, TRAIL resistance in melanoma is explained by three major steps, namely high levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, high levels of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (cIAPs) and suppressed Bax activity. Importantly, Bid was activated in response to TRAIL alone also in resistant cells to antagonize Bcl-2, and Bax was activated in response to pathway inhibitors. However, only in combinations, mitochondrial apoptosis pathways were opened to result in release of Smac/DIABLO, which functions as antagonist of cIAPs. Opening the caspase cascade by Smac then allowed efficient induction of apoptosis. Thus, direct or indirect targeting of Bax represents a suitable strategy to overcome TRAIL resistance in melanoma and may allow the establishment of TRAIL-based therapeutic approaches.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of selenoindirubins and selenoindirubin-N-glycosides.

Selenoindirubins and selenoindirubin-N-glycosides were prepared by the reaction of isatins and isatin-N-glycosides with 3-acetoxy-benzo[b]selenophene, respectively. While selenoindirubin-N-glycosides have not been reported before, three non-glycosylated selenoindirubins were previously reported, but without quantities, yields, scales, experimental details and spectroscopic data. In addition, the work could, in our hands, not be reproduced to prepare pure products. The present paper includes an optimized procedure for the synthesis of selenoindirubins and their complete characterization. Both selenoindirubins and selenoindirubin-N-glycosides showed antiproliferative activity in lung cancer cell lines. In melanoma cells, antiproliferative effects were further accompanied by induced apoptosis in combination with the death ligand TRAIL.

The BH3-only protein Bim(L) overrides Bcl-2-mediated apoptosis resistance in melanoma cells.

Melanoma cells are characterized by apoptosis deficiency coinciding with reduced expression of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 protein Bim. An adenoviral vector was constructed with the BimL cDNA controlled by an inducible promoter. Highly efficient apoptosis induction and abrogated cell proliferation was seen in melanoma cells upon BimL overexpression. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of mitochondrial apoptogenic factors and caspase-9 processing indicated the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. BimL activated both Bax and Bak, as shown by siRNA knockdown and activation-specific antibodies. Of note, BimL overrode the apoptosis blockade by Bcl-2 overexpression or by Bax/Bak single knockdown. The high efficacy correlated to BimL interaction with all antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members in melanoma cells, shown by co-immunoprecipitation analyses for Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1 and Bcl-w. Thus, BimL reveals an outstanding proapoptotic potential in melanoma cells, and strategies for its re-expression appear of interest. These have been reported for B-Raf inhibitors, and their efficacy may be partly attributed to BimL.

Apoptosis induction by SAHA in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells is related to downregulation of c-FLIP and enhanced TRAIL signaling.

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) has been approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), but its mode of action remained largely elusive. As shown here in four CTCL cell lines, loss of cell viability correlated with significant time- and dose-dependent induction of apoptosis, whereas cytotoxicity was less pronounced. Both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways were activated, as seen by processing of initiator caspases 8 and 9, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release. Characteristically, antiapoptotic mediators such as Mcl-1, XIAP, survivin, and c-FLIP were downregulated. Consistent with its critical function, c-FLIP overexpression resulted in a significant decrease of SAHA-mediated apoptosis. Enhanced sensitivity to TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) and enhanced TRAIL signaling was seen in CTCL cell lines with high sensitivity, whereas cell lines with moderate response were characterized by downregulation of TRAIL-R2 and weaker TRAIL expression. Comparable proapoptotic responses to SAHA and to the combination with TRAIL were seen in ex vivo tumor T cells of CTCL patients. Thus, activation of extrinsic apoptosis pathways, related to c-FLIP downregulation and enhanced TRAIL signaling, appeared as characteristic for CTCL cell responsiveness to SAHA. An improved understanding of the pathways may facilitate its targeted use and the selection of suitable combinations.

Mutual regulation of Bcl-2 proteins independent of the BH3 domain as shown by the BH3-lacking protein Bcl-x(AK).

The BH3 domain of Bcl-2 proteins was regarded as indispensable for apoptosis induction and for mutual regulation of family members. We recently described Bcl-x(AK), a proapoptotic splice product of the bcl-x gene, which lacks BH3 but encloses BH2, BH4 and a transmembrane domain. It remained however unclear, how Bcl-x(AK) may trigger apoptosis.For efficient overexpression, Bcl-x(AK) was subcloned in an adenoviral vector under Tet-OFF control. The construct resulted in significant apoptosis induction in melanoma and nonmelanoma cell lines with up to 50% apoptotic cells as well as decreased cell proliferation and survival. Disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release clearly indicated activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. Both Bax and Bak were activated as shown by clustering and conformation analysis. Mitochondrial translocation of Bcl-x(AK) appeared as an essential and initial step. Bcl-x(AK) was critically dependent on either Bax or Bak, and apoptosis was abrogated in Bax/Bak double knockout conditions as well by overexpression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-x(L). A direct interaction with Bcl-2, Bax, Bad, Noxa or Puma was however not seen by immunoprecipitation. Thus besides BH3-mediated interactions, there exists an additional way for mutual regulation of Bcl-2 proteins, which is independent of the BH3. This pathway appears to play a supplementary role also for other proapoptotic family members, and its unraveling may help to overcome therapy resistance in cancer.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induce apoptosis in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells and enhance their sensitivity for TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) form a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the skin. In previous studies, we had characterized CTCL cells as resistant to the death ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which correlated to pronounced expression of the caspase-8/-10 inhibitor c-FLIP. For identification of proapoptotic strategies in CTCL cells and for overcoming their death ligand resistance, we investigated the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetylsalicylic acid, sodium salicylate, and diclofenac (DF). These drugs strongly enhanced apoptosis, as well as decreased CTCL cell proliferation and vitality, and DF furthermore sensitized for TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Full activation of the caspase cascade (caspase-3, -8, -9) and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were characteristic for NSAID treatment, whereas cytochrome c release was seen only for DF. Downregulation of Mcl-1 and enhanced surface expression of TRAIL were seen in response to NSAIDs. Most characteristic for apoptosis induction was the downregulation of c-FLIP. In agreement with the critical role of c-FLIP for apoptosis deficiency of CTCL cells, its overexpression decreased NSAID-mediated apoptosis and its downregulation by small hairpin RNA-enhanced apoptosis. The study provides a rationale for the use of NSAIDs as a new therapeutic option for CTCL patients. Supporting this concept, ex vivo lymphoma cells of CTCL patients also revealed significant sensitivity for NSAID treatment.

Sensitization of melanoma cells for death ligand-induced apoptosis by an indirubin derivative--Enhancement of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways.

Until today effective therapies are lacking for metastatic melanoma. The death ligand TRAIL appears as promising in cancer treatment; however, melanoma cells reveal both preexisting and inducible TRAIL resistance. Here, we present evidence that the recently described indirubin derivative 8-Rha-ß enhances melanoma cell sensitivity for death ligands and overcomes resistance to TRAIL and CD95 agonists. Indirubin is known from traditional Chinese medicine and is a potent kinase inhibitor. Unraveling of apoptotic signaling pathways revealed that TRAIL resulted in a quick (within 8h) downregulation of both agonistic TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5, in a kind of negative feed-back loop. Treatment with indirubin, however, mediated upregulation of both receptors, thus compensating this negative feed-back loop by TRAIL. Furthermore, indirubin activated intrinsic apoptosis pathways, seen in loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c. The mitochondrial response appeared as related to upregulation of Bax and Bad and to downregulation of Mcl-1. Remarkably, indirubin in combination with TRAIL was also able to overcome apoptosis resistance due to ectopic Bcl-2 overexpression. The tumor suppressor p53 appeared as master regulator of these propapoptotic changes and is the transactivator of proapoptotic proteins which was upregulated by indirubin. Taking into account the physiological role of death ligands in immune surveillance, sensitization of melanoma cells for death ligands may be supportive for an anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, combinations with kinase inhibitors, such as indirubin 8-Rha-ß may help for a breakthrough of TRAIL-mediated strategies in melanoma.

New caspase-independent but ROS-dependent apoptosis pathways are targeted in melanoma cells by an iron-containing cytosine analogue.

Chemotherapy resistance and related defects in apoptotic signaling are crucial for the high mortality of melanoma. Effective drugs are lacking, also due to the fact that apoptosis regulation in this tumor is essentially not understood. The cytosine analogue ferropoptoside (N69), which contains an iron carbonyl complex, resulted in strong induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells starting already after 2h, whereas cytotoxicity remained at a low level. Surprisingly, there was no indication for any caspase activation at early times, although cytochrome c was released from mitochondria. Indicative for new proapoptotic pathways was the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as an early effect, and the inhibition of apoptosis by the antioxidant vitamin E. Apoptosis was also blocked by exogenous Bcl-2 overexpression and by the pan-protease inhibitor zVAD. However, only zVAD also prevented ROS production, for which Bcl-2 remained without an effect. Thus, new proapoptotic pathways are described here for melanoma cells clearly related to ROS production. A cascade enclosing enhanced levels of intracellular iron, which lead to enhanced ROS production in a Fenton reaction, appears as suggestive. Whereas off-target effects of zVAD appear as upstream, Bcl-2 may exert its inhibitory activity downstream of ROS. New proapoptotic pathways are of particular interest for melanoma as they may open new options for targeting this highly therapy-refractory tumor.

Differential interferon responses enhance viral epitope generation by myocardial immunoproteasomes in murine enterovirus myocarditis.

Murine models of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis mimic the divergent human disease course of cardiotropic viral infection, with host-specific outcomes ranging from complete recovery in resistant mice to chronic disease in susceptible hosts. To identify susceptibility factors that modulate the course of viral myocarditis, we show that type-I interferon (IFN) responses are considerably impaired in acute CVB3-induced myocarditis in susceptible mice, which have been linked to immunoproteasome (IP) formation. Here we report that in concurrence with distinctive type-I IFN kinetics, myocardial IP formation peaked early after infection in resistant mice and was postponed with maximum IP expression concomitant to massive inflammation and predominant type-II IFN responses in susceptible mice. IP activity is linked to a strong enhancement of antigenic viral peptide presentation. To investigate the impact of myocardial IPs in CVB3-induced myocarditis, we identified two novel CVB3 T cell epitopes, virus capsid protein 2 [285-293] and polymerase 3D [2170-2177]. Analysis of myocardial IPs in CVB3-induced myocarditis revealed that myocardial IP expression resulted in efficient epitope generation. As opposed to the susceptible host, myocardial IP expression at early stages of disease corresponded to enhanced CVB3 epitope generation in the hearts of resistant mice. We propose that this process may precondition the infected heart for adaptive immune responses. In conclusion, type-I IFN-induced myocardial IP activity at early stages coincides with less severe disease manifestation in CVB3-induced myocarditis.