Klotho inhibits EGF-induced cell migration in Caki-1 cells through inactivation of EGFR and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Klotho is a single-pass transmembrane protein with documented anti-cancer properties. Recent reports have implicated Klotho as an inhibitor of transforming growth factor ß1 induced cell migration in renal fibrosis. Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is known to promote tumor initiation and progression in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (cRCC). We tested our hypothesis that Klotho inhibits EGF-mediated cell migration in cRCC by interfering with the EGFR signaling complex and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. We performed cell adhesion, migration, and biochemical studies in vitro using Caki-1 cell line. In addition, we validated the cell culture studies with expression analysis of six de-identified FFPE tissues from primary and metastatic cRCC patients. Our studies show that Klotho inhibited EGF-induced Caki-1 de-adhesion and decreased spreading on collagen type 1. Klotho also inhibited EGF-induced α2ß1 integrin-dependent cell migration on collagen type 1. To test the involvement of MAPK pathways in EGF-induced Caki-1 cell motility, the cells were pretreated with either SB203580, a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor, or Klotho. SB203580 blocked the EGF-induced Caki-1 cell migration. Klotho had a comparable inhibitory effect. Our FFPE clinical specimens revealed decreased Klotho mRNA expression compared to a control, non-cancer kidney tissue. The decrease in Klotho mRNA levels correlated with increased c-Src expression, while E-Cadherin was relatively reduced in metastatic FFPE specimens where Klotho was least expressed. Taken together, these results suggest that secreted Klotho inhibits EGF-induced pro-migratory cell morphological changes and migration in Caki-1 cells. Our data additionally suggest that decreased Klotho expression may be involved in cRCC metastasis.

Klotho Regulates 14-3-3ζ Monomerization and Binding to the ASK1 Signaling Complex in Response to Oxidative Stress.

The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) signaling complex is a key regulator of p38 MAPK activity, a major modulator of stress-associated with aging disorders. We recently reported that the ratio of free ASK1 to the complex-bound ASK1 is significantly decreased in Klotho-responsive manner and that Klotho-deficient tissues have elevated levels of free ASK1 which coincides with increased oxidative stress. Here, we tested the hypothesis that: 1) covalent interactions exist among three identified proteins constituting the ASK1 signaling complex; 2) in normal unstressed cells the ASK1, 14-3-3ζ and thioredoxin (Trx) proteins simultaneously engage in a tripartite complex formation; 3) Klotho's stabilizing effect on the complex relied solely on 14-3-3ζ expression and its apparent phosphorylation and dimerization changes. To verify the hypothesis, we performed 14-3-3ζ siRNA knock-down experiments in conjunction with cell-based assays to measure ASK1-client protein interactions in the presence and absence of Klotho, and with or without an oxidant such as rotenone. Our results show that Klotho activity induces posttranslational modifications in the complex targeting 14-3-3ζ monomer/dimer changes to effectively protect against ASK1 oxidation and dissociation. This is the first observation implicating all three proteins constituting the ASK1 signaling complex in close proximity.

Klotho Protects Dopaminergic Neuron Oxidant-Induced Degeneration by Modulating ASK1 and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Klotho transgenic mice exhibit resistance to oxidative stress as measured by their urinal levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, albeit this anti-oxidant defense mechanism has not been locally investigated in the brain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/p38 MAPK pathway regulates stress levels in the brain of these mice and showed that: 1) the ratio of free ASK1 to thioredoxin (Trx)-bound ASK1 is relatively lower in the transgenic brain whereas the reverse is true for the Klotho knockout mice; 2) the reduced p38 activation level in the transgene corresponds to higher level of ASK1-bound Trx, while the KO mice showed elevated p38 activation and lower level of-bound Trx; and 3) that 14-3-3ζ is hyper phosphorylated (Ser-58) in the transgene which correlated with increased monomer forms. In addition, we evaluated the in vivo robustness of the protection by challenging the brains of Klotho transgenic mice with a neurotoxin, MPTP and analyzed for residual neuron numbers and integrity in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Our results show that Klotho overexpression significantly protects dopaminergic neurons against oxidative damage, partly by modulating p38 MAPK activation level. Our data highlight the importance of ASK1/p38 MAPK pathway in the brain and identify Klotho as a possible anti-oxidant effector.

Establishing a liquid-phase IEF in combination with 2-DE for the analysis of Leishmania proteins.

The recent completion of genome sequencing projects for Leishmania major and near completion for two other species, L. infantum and L. braziliensis, has provided the needed genomic information for investigating the proteomes of Leishmania parasites. However, the design of effective 2-DE-based proteome mapping for complex protozoan parasites like Leishmania has proven to be severely compromised due to extensive overcrowding of spots especially in the acidic regions, coupled to a relatively low representation of basic proteins. In the present study, we optimized a liquid-phase IEF in combination with 2-DE for L. amazonensis promastigote as a way of reducing protein complexity and enhancing representation for low-abundance proteins on gels. Of 20 pH-based fractions eluted from Rotofor cells, 5 representative fractions selected from acidic, basic or neutral regions of the proteome and with adequate protein concentration were further analyzed by 2-DE using medium-range IPG strips. On this basis, we were able to generate high-resolution 2-DE maps encompassing both the acidic and basic ends of the proteome with enhanced spot representation.

Comparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis maps for promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania major.

The outcome of Leishmania infections is determined by both the parasite species and the host genetic makeup. While much has been learned regarding immune responses to this parasite, our knowledge on parasite-derived factors is limited. The recent completion of the L. major and L. infantum genome sequence projects and concurrent advancement in proteomics technology would greatly accelerate the search for novel Leishmania proteins. Using a proteomics-based approach to study species-specific Leishmania proteins, we developed high-resolution, broad pH (3-10) two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) separations to determine protein-expression profiles between highly infectious forms of the parasitic species L. amazonensis (New World) and L. major (Old World). Approximately 1,650 and 1,530 distinct protein spots were detected in the L. amazonensis and L. major gels, respectively. While a vast majority of the spots had similar distribution and intensity, a few were computationally defined as preferentially expressed in L. amazonensis in comparison to L. major, or vice versa. These data attest to the feasibility of establishing a 2-DE-based protein array for inter-species profiling of Leishmania proteins and provide the framework for future design of proteome studies of Leishmania.

Leishmania species: evidence for transglutaminase activity and its role in parasite proliferation.

Albeit transglutaminase (TGase) activity has been reported to play crucial physiological roles in several organisms including parasites; however, there was no previous report(s) whether Leishmania parasites exhibit this activity. We demonstrate herein that TGase is functionally active in Leishmania parasites by using labeled polyamine that becomes conjugated into protein substrates. The parasite enzyme was about 2- to 4-fold more abundant in Old World species than in New World ones. In L. amazonensis, comparable TGase activity was found in both promastigotes and amastigotes. TGase activity in either parasite stage was optimal at the basic pH, but the enzyme in amastigote lysates was more stable at higher temperatures (37-55 degrees C) than that in promastigote lysates. Leishmania TGase differs from mouse macrophage (M Phi) TGase in two ways: (1) the parasite enzyme is Ca(2+)-independent, whereas the mammalian TGase depends on the cation for activity, and (2) major protein substrates for L. amazonensis TGase were found within the 50-75 kDa region, while those for the M Phi TGase were located within 37-50 kDa. The potential contribution of TGase-catalyzed reactions in promastigote proliferation was supported by findings that standard inhibitors of TGase [e.g., monodansylcadaverine (MDC), cystamine (CS), and iodoacetamide (IodoA)], but not didansylcadaverine (DDC), a close analogue of MDC, had a profound dose-dependent inhibition on parasite growth. Myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase and leishmanolysin (gp63) were identified as possible endogenous substrates for L. amazonensis TGase, implying a role for TGase in parasite growth, development, and survival.

Comparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis maps for promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania major

The outcome of Leishmania infections is determined by both the parasite species and the host genetic makeup. While much has been learned regarding immune responses to this parasite, our knowledge on parasite-derived factors is limited. The recent completion of the L. major and L. infantum genome sequence projects and concurrent advancement in proteomics technology would greatly accelerate the search for novel Leishmania proteins. Using a proteomics-based approach to study species-specific Leishmania proteins, we developed high-resolution, broad pH (3-10) two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) separations to determine protein-expression profiles between highly infectious forms of the parasitic species L. amazonensis (New World) and L. major (Old World). Approximately 1,650 and 1,530 distinct protein spots were detected in the L. amazonensis and L. major gels, respectively. While a vast majority of the spots had similar distribution and intensity, a few were computationally defined as preferentially expressed in L. amazonensis in comparison to L. major, or vice versa. These data attest to the feasibility of establishing a 2-DE-based protein array for inter-species profiling of Leishmania proteins and provide the framework for future design of proteome studies of Leishmania.