Mitochondria released by cells undergoing TNF-α-induced necroptosis act as danger signals.

Necrosis leads to the release of so-called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which may provoke inflammatory responses. However, the release of organelles from dying cells, and the consequences thereof have not been documented before. We demonstrate here that mitochondria are released from cells undergoing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced, receptor-interacting protein (RIP)1-dependent necroptosis, a form of programmed necrosis. The released, purified mitochondria were determined to be intact as they did not emit appreciable amounts of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Pharmacological inhibition of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) prevented mitochondrial fission in TNF-α-triggered cells, but this did not block necroptosis nor the concomitant release of mitochondria. Importantly, primary human macrophages and dendritic cells engulfed mitochondria from necroptotic cells leading to modulation of macrophage secretion of cytokines and induction of dendritic cell maturation. Our results show that intact mitochondria are released from necroptotic cells and suggest that these organelles act as bona fide danger signals.

Genotoxicity of carbon nanofibers: are they potentially more or less dangerous than carbon nanotubes or asbestos?

The production of carbon nanofibers and nanotubes (CNF/CNT) and their composite products is increasing globally. CNF are generating great interest in industrial sectors such as energy production and electronics, where alternative materials may have limited performance or are produced at a much higher cost. However, despite the increasing industrial use of carbon nanofibers, information on their potential adverse health effects is limited. In the current study, we examine the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of carbon-based nanofibers (Pyrograf®-III) and compare this material with the effects of asbestos fibers (crocidolite) or single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The genotoxic effects in the lung fibroblast (V79) cell line were examined using two complementary assays: the comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test. In addition, we utilized fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect the chromatin pan-centromeric signals within the MN indicating their origin by aneugenic (chromosomal malsegregation) or clastogenic (chromosome breakage) mechanisms. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a concentration- and time-dependent loss of V79 cell viability after exposure to all tested materials in the following sequence: asbestos>CNF>SWCNT. Additionally, cellular uptake and generation of oxygen radicals was seen in the murine RAW264.7 macrophages following exposure to CNF or asbestos but not after administration of SWCNT. DNA damage and MN induction were found after exposure to all tested materials with the strongest effect seen for CNF. Finally, we demonstrated that CNF induced predominantly centromere-positive MN in primary human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) indicating aneugenic events. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved in CNF-induced genotoxicity.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in severe congenital neutropenia.

BACKGROUND: Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is an immunodeficiency characterized by disturbed myelopoiesis and an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5 × 10(9)/L. SCN is also a premalignant condition; a significant proportion of patients develop myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia (MDS/L). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment for SCN. PROCEDURE: Since 2004, eight HSCT have been performed in seven patients at our center. The indications were transformation to MDS/L (n = 2), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF3R) mutation(s) (n = 2), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) resistance (n = 2), and at the patient's own request (n = 1). RESULTS: The mean age at transplantation was 13 years (2.8-28 years) (mean follow-up 32 months, range 21-60). Three patients harbored ELANE mutations, three HAX1 mutations, and in one patient no causative mutation was identified. Two of the ELANE mutations were novel mutations. Three patients initially received myeloablative conditioning and four had reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). Three grafts were from HLA-identical siblings, three from matched unrelated donors and two were cord blood units. Engraftment occurred in all patients. Two of seven (29%) patients died; both had MDS/L and both were among the three that underwent myeloablative conditioning. One patient has chronic GVHD 2 years post-transplant. CONCLUSIONS: The role of HSCT should be explored further in patients with SCN. In particular, the influence of the conditioning regime needs to be evaluated in a larger cohort of patients.

Size-dependent effects of tungsten carbide-cobalt particles on oxygen radical production and activation of cell signaling pathways in murine epidermal cells.

Hard metal or cemented carbide consists of a mixture of tungsten carbide (WC) (85%) and metallic cobalt (Co) (5-15%). WC-Co is considered to be potentially carcinogenic to humans. However, no comparison of the adverse effects of nano-sized WC-Co particles is available to date. In the present study, we compared the ability of nano- and fine-sized WC-Co particles to form free radicals and propensity to activate the transcription factors, AP-1 and NF-kappaB, along with stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in a mouse epidermal cell line (JB6 P(+)). Our results demonstrated that nano-WC-Co generated a higher level of hydroxyl radicals, induced greater oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decrease of GSH levels, and caused faster JB6 P(+) cell growth/proliferation than observed after exposure of cells to fine WC-Co. In addition, nano-WC-Co activated AP-1 and NF-kappaB more efficiently in JB6(+/+) cells as compared to fine WC-Co. Experiments using AP-1-luciferase reporter transgenic mice confirmed the activation of AP-1 by nano-WC-Co. Nano- and fine-sized WC-Co particles also stimulated MAPKs, including ERKs, p38, and JNKs with significantly higher potency of nano-WC-Co. Finally, co-incubation of the JB6(+/+) cells with N-acetyl-cysteine decreased AP-1 activation and phosphorylation of ERKs, p38 kinase, and JNKs, thus suggesting that oxidative stress is involved in WC-Co-induced toxicity and AP-1 activation.

Mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity and medical applications of carbon nanotubes: Two faces of Janus?

Nanotechnology is an emerging science involving manipulation of materials at the nanometer scale. There are several exciting prospects for the application of engineered nanomaterials in medicine. However, concerns over adverse and unanticipated effects on human health have also been raised. In fact, the same properties that make engineered nanomaterials attractive from a technological and biomedical perspective could also make these novel materials harmful to human health and the environment. Carbon nanotubes are cylinders of one or several coaxial graphite layer(s) with a diameter in the order of nanometers, and serve as an instructive example of the Janus-like properties of nanomaterials. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that carbon nanotubes and/or associated contaminants or catalytic materials that arise during the production process may induce oxidative stress and prominent pulmonary inflammation. Recent studies also suggest some similarities between the pathogenic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and those of asbestos fibers. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes can be readily functionalized and several studies on the use of carbon nanotubes as versatile excipients for drug delivery and imaging of disease processes have been reported, suggesting that carbon nanotubes may have a place in the armamentarium for treatment and monitoring of cancer, infection, and other disease conditions. Nanomedicine is an emerging field that holds great promise; however, close attention to safety issues is required to ensure that the opportunities that carbon nanotubes and other engineered nanoparticles offer can be translated into feasible and safe constructs for the treatment of human disease.

Central nervous system involvement in severe congenital neutropenia: neurological and neuropsychological abnormalities associated with specific HAX1 mutations.

OBJECTIVES: Homozygous mutations in the HAX1 gene were recently identified in severe congenital neutropenia patients belonging to the original Kostmann family in northern Sweden. Our observations suggested that these patients also develop neurological and neuropsychological symptoms. METHODS: Detailed clinical studies and mutation analyses were performed in the surviving patients belonging to the Kostmann kindred and in two patients not related to this family, along with studies of HAX1 splice variant expression in normal human tissues. RESULTS: Five of six Kostmann family patients and one other patient from northern Sweden harboured homozygous HAX1 mutations (568C-->T, Q190X) and one carried a heterozygous ELA2 gene mutation. One Swedish patient of Kurdish extraction carried alternative homozygous HAX1 mutations (131G-->A, W44X). All the three patients with Q190X mutations who were alive and available for evaluation developed neurological disease with decreased cognitive function, and three of four patients who reached 10 years developed epilepsy. In contrast, the patients with the ELA2 and W44X HAX1 mutations, respectively, showed no obvious neurological abnormalities. Moreover, two alternative HAX1 splice variants were identified in normal human tissues, including the brain. Both transcripts contained exon 5, harbouring the Q190X mutation, whereas the 5' end of exon 2 containing the W44X mutation was spliced out from the second transcript. CONCLUSIONS: We describe neurological and neuropsychological abnormalities for the first time in Kostmann disease patients. These central nervous system symptoms appear to be associated with specific HAX1 mutations.

Increased accumulation of neutrophils and decreased fibrosis in the lung of NADPH oxidase-deficient C57BL/6 mice exposed to carbon nanotubes.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) have been introduced into a large number of new technologies and consumer products. The combination of their exceptional features with very broad applications raised concerns regarding their potential health effects. The prime target for SWCNT toxicity is believed to be the lung where exposure may occur through inhalation, particularly in occupational settings. Our previous work has demonstrated that SWCNT cause robust inflammatory responses in rodents with very early termination of the acute phase and rapid onset of chronic fibrosis. Timely elimination of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) through apoptosis and their subsequent clearance by macrophages is a necessary stage in the resolution of pulmonary inflammation whereby NADPH oxidase contributes to control of apoptotic cell death and clearance of PMNs. Thus, we hypothesized that NADPH oxidase may be an important regulator of the transition from the acute inflammation to the chronic fibrotic stage in response to SWCNT. To experimentally address the hypothesis, we employed NADPH oxidase-deficient mice which lack the gp91(phox) subunit of the enzymatic complex. We found that NADPH oxidase null mice responded to SWCNT exposure with a marked accumulation of PMNs and elevated levels of apoptotic cells in the lungs, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased production of the anti-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine, TGF-beta, and significantly lower levels of collagen deposition, as compared to C57BL/6 control mice. These results demonstrate a role for NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species in determining course of pulmonary response to SWCNT.

Big wheel keeps on turning: apoptosome regulation and its role in chemoresistance.

Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, enables organisms to maintain tissue homeostasis through deletion of extraneous cells and also serves as a means to eliminate potentially harmful cells. Numerous stress signals have been shown to engage the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, with the release from mitochondria of proapoptotic factors such as cytochrome c and the subsequent formation of a cytosolic complex between apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) and procaspase-9, known as the apoptosome. Recent studies have led to the identification of an array of factors that control the formation and activation of the apoptosome under physiological conditions. Moreover, deregulation of apoptosome function has been documented in various forms of human cancer, and may play a role in both carcinogenesis and chemoresistance. We discuss how the apoptosome is regulated in normal and disease states, and how targeting of apoptosome-dependent, post-mitochondrial stages of apoptosis may serve as a rational approach to cancer treatment.

Spectrum, and clinical and functional implications of UNC13D mutations in familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

OBJECTIVE: Familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a fatal disorder of immune dysregulation with defective cytotoxic lymphocyte function. Disease-causing mutations have been identified in the genes encoding perforin (PRF1), syntaxin-11 (STX11), and Munc13-4 (UNC13D). We screened for UNC13D mutations and studied clinical and functional implications of such mutations in a well defined patient cohort. METHODS: Sequencing of UNC13D was performed in 38 FHL patients from 34 FHL families in which PRF1 and STX11 mutations had been excluded. RESULTS: We identified six different mutations affecting altogether 9/38 individuals (24%) in 6/34 (18%) unrelated PRF1/STX11-negative families. Four novel mutations were revealed; two homozygous nonsense mutations (R83X and W382X), one splice mutation (exon 28), and one missense mutation (R928P). In addition, two known mutations were identified (R214X and a deletion resulting in a frame-shift starting at codon 782). There was considerable variation in the age at diagnosis, ranging from time of birth to 14 years (median 69 days). Three of nine patients (33%) developed central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Natural killer (NK) cell activity was impaired in all four patients studied. Defective cytotoxic lymphocyte degranulation was evident in the two patients investigated, more pronounced in the patient with onset during infancy than in the patient with adolescent onset. CONCLUSIONS: Biallelic UNC13D mutations were found in 18% of the PRF1/STX11-negative FHL families. Impairment of NK cell degranulation was less pronounced in a patient with adolescent onset. FHL should be considered not only in infants but also in adolescents, and possibly young adults, presenting with fever, splenomegaly, cytopenia, hyperferritinaemia, and/or CNS symptoms.

Smac-mediated sensitization of human B-lymphoma cells to staurosporine- and lactacystin-triggered apoptosis is apoptosome-dependent.

Second mitochondrial activator of caspase (Smac)-derived peptides have previously been shown to facilitate apoptosis of various types of cancer cells. However, it remains unclear whether the effects of such Smac agonists are dependent on apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), a key component of the apoptosome. Here, we explored the role of Apaf-1 through overexpression of this protein in the B-lymphoma cell line Raji that is defective for cytosolic Apaf-1 expression. Enforced expression of Apaf-1 rendered Raji cells sensitive to staurosporine as well as to the proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin. Importantly, co-treatment with Smac peptides resulted in a threefold higher degree of apoptosis in Apaf-1-expressing Raji cells, but not in mock-transfected cells. Smac peptides also potentiated apoptosis of the DG-75 cell line following liberation of endogenous Apaf-1 from the plasma membrane, but were ineffective when added alone. Furthermore, we observed high levels of expression in several B-lymphoma cell lines of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-2 (cIAP2), and immunodepletion of cIAP2 (a target of Smac) was found to sensitize Apaf-1-overexpressing Raji cells to cytochrome c-dependent caspase activation. Collectively, these results demonstrate the importance of Apaf-1 in Smac-mediated potentiation of apoptosis of B-lymphoma-derived cells.

Assignment of the gene locus for severe congenital neutropenia to chromosome 1q22 in the original Kostmann family from Northern Sweden.

Autosomal recessive severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) or Kostmann syndrome is characterised by reduced neutrophil counts and subsequent recurrent bacterial infections. The disease was originally described in a large consanguineous pedigree from Northern Sweden. A genome-wide autozygosity scan was initiated on samples from four individuals in the original pedigree using high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays in order to map the disease locus. Thirty candidate regions were identified and the ascertainment of samples from two additional patients confirmed a single haplotype with significant association to the disorder (p<0.01) on chromosome 1q22. One affected individual from the original Kostmann pedigree was confirmed as a phenocopy. The minimal haplotype shared by affected individuals spans a candidate region of 1.2 Mb, containing several potential candidate genes.

Apoptotic interactions of cytochrome c: redox flirting with anionic phospholipids within and outside of mitochondria.

Since the (re)discovery of cytochrome c (cyt c) in the early 1920s and subsequent detailed characterization of its structure and function in mitochondrial electron transport, it took over 70 years to realize that cyt c plays a different, not less universal role in programmed cell death, apoptosis, by interacting with several proteins and forming apoptosomes. Recently, two additional essential functions of cyt c in apoptosis have been discovered that are carried out via its interactions with anionic phospholipids: a mitochondria specific phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), and plasma membrane phosphatidylserine (PS). Execution of apoptotic program in cells is accompanied by substantial and early mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because antioxidant enhancements protect cells against apoptosis, ROS production was viewed not as a meaningless side effect of mitochondrial disintegration but rather playing some - as yet unidentified - role in apoptosis. This conundrum has been resolved by establishing that mitochondria contain a pool of cyt c, which interacts with CL and acts as a CL oxygenase. The oxygenase is activated during apoptosis, utilizes generated ROS and causes selective oxidation of CL. The oxidized CL is required for the release of pro-apoptotic factors from mitochondria into the cytosol. This redox mechanism of cyt c is realized earlier than its other well-recognized functions in the formation of apoptosomes and caspase activation. In the cytosol, released cyt c interacts with another anionic phospholipid, PS, and catalyzes its oxidation in a similar oxygenase reaction. Peroxidized PS facilitates its externalization essential for the recognition and clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Redox catalysis of plasma membrane PS oxidation constitutes an important redox-dependent function of cyt c in apoptosis and phagocytosis. Thus, cyt c acts as an anionic phospholipid specific oxygenase activated and required for the execution of essential stages of apoptosis. This review is focused on newly discovered redox mechanisms of complexes of cyt c with anionic phospholipids and their role in apoptotic pathways in health and disease.