WO2001046468A2 - Screening method for ros-induced apoptosis in a cell - Google Patents
Screening method for ros-induced apoptosis in a cell Download PDFInfo
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- WO2001046468A2 WO2001046468A2 PCT/IB2000/002054 IB0002054W WO0146468A2 WO 2001046468 A2 WO2001046468 A2 WO 2001046468A2 IB 0002054 W IB0002054 W IB 0002054W WO 0146468 A2 WO0146468 A2 WO 0146468A2
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- the present invention relates to a method for identifying genes which are involved in the modulation of apoptosis in cells.
- the invention relates to a novel method for modulating the expression of gene products involved in the early stages of apoptosis, by a redox mechanism, and their subsequent identification and characterisation, before the cell has made a commitment to the apoptotic fate.
- Programmed cell death or apoptosis is a genetically programmed process by which cells die under both physiological and a variety of pathological conditions (Kerr et al,
- the result is a DNA ladder pattern which can be readily visualised in agarose cells.
- apoptotic cell then undergoes fragmentation into apoptotic bodies which are engulfed by neighbouring cells or cells of the reticulo-enothelial system.
- a second well defined characteristic is the exposure of the phospholipid phosphatidylserine to the outside surface of the plasma membrane of the cell as it undergoes apoptosis (Fadok et al., J Immunol. 148, 2207-16, 1992). Normally this lipid is located on the inner side of the membrane lipid bilayer. The underlying mechanism responsible for this lipid flipping is poorly understood at present. Its expression serves as a signal for the recognition and phagocytosis of the apoptotic cell (Fadok et al., J Immunol. 148, 2207-16, 1992)
- caspases The signal transduction system of apoptosis is relatively poorly understood at present, but a series of enzymes called caspases have been shown over the last few years to be involved in different phases of apoptosis, in particular in the propagation and execution phases of the process (Samali et al., Cell Death Differ. 6, 495-6, 1999).
- caspase 3 is involved in the activation of CAD, an endonuclease involved in the cleavage of DNA to yield the hallmark DNA ladder of apoptosis described above (Mcllroy et al., Cell Death Differ. 6, 495-6, 1999).
- This caspase cleaves ICAD, a natural inhibitor of the CAD endonuclease.
- caspase 8 Other caspases are involved in the propagation and execution phase of the process, an example of which is caspase 8. Not all incidences of apoptosis involve these enzymes and there is evidence that under conditions of high oxidative stress these cysteine containing proteases are inactivated. To date 14 caspases have been identified as playing a role in the process (Alnemri et al., J Cell Biochem. 64, 33-42, 1997).
- apoptosis Under normal physiological conditions apoptosis is tightly regulated. However, there are a number of diseases where the process becomes deregulated, leading to a particular pathology. Examples of where apoptosis is retarded or inhibited include some types of tumour development, a number of inflammatory conditions such as adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other related conditions (Matute- Bello et al, Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 56, 1969-77, 1997). Inappropriate or excessive apoptosis occurs under conditions of ischaemia (stroke, myocardial infarction, etc) Linnik et al., Blood. 80, 1750-7, 1992, Gorman et al., J Neurol Sci.
- ARDS adult respiratory distress syndrome
- ROS reactive oxygen species
- ROS may act as second messengers in signal transduction pathways in the context of cytokine/growth factor stimulation of cells.
- Other more recent studies have indicated that they may also activate unique pathways.
- the specific targets of ROS generated intracellularly are largely unknown at present, but it is known that the addition of hydrogen peroxide or other ROS generators to cells in culture leads to the activation of the transcription factor Nf/kB (Schreck et al., EMBO J 10, 2247-2258, 1991). This in turn controls the expression of a series of genes involved in a variety of cellular functions.
- ROS mitogen activated protein kinase
- a cell has the ability to produce ROS at a number of different sites. In relation to signal transduction events it is still unclear where the source of ROS is within the cell.
- NADPH oxidase Perhaps the best documented one, particularly in neutrophils and other phagocytic cells, is NADPH oxidase. Studies using inhibitors of this enzyme such as DPI suggest that this enzyme is also involved in the generation of ROS in non phagocytic cells (Griendling et al., Circulation, 74, 1141-1148, 1994). Mitochondria play a key role in apoptosis and are also a major site of ROS generation. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential is coupled to the release of cytochrome C and this in turn has two effects. The first is the generation of ROS, since the respiratory chain is disrupted by the removal of cytochrome C. The second is the cleavage of cellular DNA through a series of cytochrome C mediated caspase activation steps, which is an end point of the apoptosis process.
- ROS ROS are involved in p53 mediated apoptosis (Johnson et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 93, 11848-11852, 1997). Cells generated to over- express p53 undergo apoptosis, accompanied by ROS production and this can be blocked by anti-oxidants (Polyak et al., Nature, 389, 300-305, 1997).
- ROS production is closely associated with the initiation and propagation of apoptosis. However, the mechanism of ROS activity in apoptosis is not understood.
- a series of enzymes involved in maintaining the redox balance within a cell contribute to the ability of that cell to survive in the presence of elevated ROS levels.
- Such enzymes include catalase and superoxide dismutase which work to reduce the oxidative stress in cells.
- catalase and superoxide dismutase which work to reduce the oxidative stress in cells.
- superoxide dismutase which work to reduce the oxidative stress in cells.
- Bcl-2 proteins most notably Bcl-2 are thought to mediate their anti-apoptotic effects via an anti-oxidant process (Hockenberry et al., Cell. 1993 75 :241-51). The precise mechanism by which Bcl-2 mediates its effects are still not quite defined.
- NF-kB redox sensitive transcription factor
- Chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of cancer kill the tumour cells by the induction of apoptosis and in the case of some chemotherapeutic agents this appears to be mediated through the generation of ROS.
- Such agents include cisplatin and alkylating agents.
- agents to increase the oxidative stress in tumour cells may sensitise tumour cells to ROS generating chemotherapeutic agents.
- novel redox modulating proteins may provide us with valuable targets to sensitise tumour cells to currently used chemotherapeutic agents.
- apoptosis represents a significant therapeutic target, since many, diseases are due to defects in this process. There is an acute need to identify the genes that regulate this process. In other words, if one identifies a gene that drives cell apoptosis, then this gene/gene product or its function can be blocked by a drug and apoptosis inhibited. To-date many of the genes found have certain fundamental flaws e.g. they act late in the process, after the cell has committed to a death programme, or they are ubiquitous, that is they are not restricted to a particular cell type. The ideal target to control apoptosis act early in the process and are restricted to a particular cell type.
- cytokines or growth such as GM-CSF inhibit death through apoptosis.
- Identification of a gene that prevents apoptosis allows this gene/gene product or its function to be blocked by a drug and apoptosis allowed to occur.
- ROS/REDOX is a fundamental 'early' physiological signal in many cells, if not all cells, for the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- 'early' is meant before the cell has 'committed' to activation of the apoptosis programme.
- This signal acts through a signal transduction pathway and is associated with significant changes, or patterns of changes, in gene expression in the cell. If model discovery assays are configured which target these 'early' induction events occurring in apoptosis by a common physiological stimulus it is possible to identify the key genes to control apoptosis regulation.
- chemotherapeutic drugs act through an ROS/REDOX mechanism of apoptosis.
- ROS/REDOX ROS/REDOX mechanism of apoptosis.
- Genes regulated in these models following induction of apoptosis by ROS include genes that 1) initiate the process of apoptosis (pro-apoptotic genes) and thus represent therapeutic targets, 2) make up aspects of the ROS signal cascade and thus represent therapeutic targets, and 3) are involved in the cells defence mechanisms aimed at preventing apoptosis (anti- apoptotic) and thus represent therapeutic targets.
- the changes in gene expression also include genes that 1) initiate the process of apoptosis (pro-apoptotic genes) and thus represent therapeutic targets, 2) make up aspects of the ROS signal cascade and thus represent therapeutic targets, and 3) are involved in the cells defence mechanisms aimed at preventing apoptosis (anti-apoptotic) and thus represent therapeutic targets.
- a gene whose expression decreases during apoptosis, but increases during cytokine mediated survival is positively correlated with the process.
- a gene that is increased in two or more independent models both of which act through an ROS/REDOX mechanism is positively correlated with the process.
- the invention provides a method for identifying a gene product which modulates the transition of a ceil between a non-apoptotic state and an apoptotic state, comprising the steps of: a) determining the level(s) of expression of one or more gene product(s) in a cell to establish a reference expression level; b) exposing the ceil to one or more stimuli which induce the production of intracellular ROS; c) monitoring the level(s) of expression of said one or more gene product(s) in the cell; and d) identifying gene product(s) whose expression has been increased, decreased or modified as a result of ROS exposure.
- the intracellular ROS concentration may be increased by administering exogenous ROS, including O 2 " and H 2 O 2 , or by inducing endogenous ROS production in the cell.
- References to ROS herein are equivalent to references to changes in REDOX in the cell.
- ROS concentration may be modulated through culture in a medium containing serum, exposure to cisplatin. exposure to UV irradiation and exposure to TNF ⁇ and cycloheximide.
- the method of the invention is applicable to the discovery of gene products, and the genes encoding them, which are involved in apoptosis.
- the gene products may be polypeptides and/or RNAs.
- Polypeptide herein refers to any peptide comprising two or more amino acids, whether comprising a single domain or multiple domains, and includes multi-subunit proteins, which are cellular gene products.
- RNA gene products include ribozymes, antisense RNA molecules and/or mRNA molecules.
- the gene products are natural gene products, that is they are encoded by naturally-occurring genes in the cell being investigated and are assembled in the cell using natural components such as amino acids or nucleotides.
- the invention also encompasses screening for gene products encoded by genes which are not endogenous to the cell being investigated.
- Such genes may be, for example, heterologous genes from other cells or organisms, artificial genes encoding polypeptides comprising domains from different sources or composite RNA molecules, and wholly or partially randomised genes encoding repertoires of polypeptide or nucleic acid gene products.
- the assay of the invention may be configured to identify gene products which accelerate or retard the induction of apoptosis.
- the assay detects gene products which accelerate the induction of apoptosis.
- Levels of gene expression may be determined in any appropriate manner.
- the invention comprises the measurement of protein production by mRNA translation, and is configured to detect increases or decreases in the rate or amount of mRNA translation.
- the invention may also be configured to detect changes in post- translational processing of polypeptides or post-transcriptional modification of nucleic acids.
- the invention may be configured to detect the phosphorylation of polypeptides, the cleavage of polypeptides or alternative splicing of RNA, and the like.
- Levels of expression of gene products such as polypeptides, as well as their post- translational modification may be detected using proprietary protein assays or techniques such as 2D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
- Polypeptide or nucleic acid populations may be assessed individually, or together, in order to identify candidate gene products.
- expression levels are assessed by measuring gene transcription. This is preferably carried out by measuring the rate and/or amount of specific mRNA production in the cell.
- a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention involves the use of arrayed oligonucleotide probes capable of hybridising to mRNA populations. Differences in hybridisation patterns of different mRNA populations may be used to identify genes which are differentially expressed in the two populations.
- the arrayed oligonucleotide probes are advantageously derived from cDNA or EST libraries, and represent genes which are expressed by the cells under investigation.
- oligonucleotide and “polynucleotide” are equivalent, and imply no limitation as to maximum or minimum length.
- a reference expression level once established for a given cell type, may be used for repeated screens, thus facilitating the performance of repeated rounds of screening.
- Cells useful in the method of the invention may be from any source, for example from primary cultures, from established cell lines, in organ culture or in vivo.
- Cell lines useful in the invention include fibroblast cell lines, carcinoma cell lines such as neuroblastoma cell lines and cell lines of haematopoietic origin.
- Preferred are primary cultures of neutrophils or cells having neutrophil characteristics, for example HL-60 cells, or Ntera-ll cells.
- HeLa cells and other cells may also be used.
- the ROS may be supplied by adding exogenous ROS to the cells, for example in the form of O 2 " or H 2 O 2 , or by inducing endogenous ROS production by methods such as those described above.
- exogenous ROS for example in the form of O 2 " or H 2 O 2
- endogenous ROS production by methods such as those described above.
- an inhibitor of apoptosis may be added to the cells.
- An example of a suitable inhibitor is GM-CSF.
- ROS inhibitors such as NAC, PDTC and DPI may be used to further substantiate the role or ROS.
- the invention relates to the use of ROS to induce the expression of gene products which modulate the transition of a cell between an apoptotic state and a non-apoptotic state.
- the use according to the invention further comprises identification of the gene products and/or the genes encoding the gene products.
- the invention may be configured to detect changes in gene expression which occur as a result of exposure to cells to apoptosis inhibitors such as GM-CSF.
- apoptosis inhibitors such as GM-CSF.
- GM-CSF is responsible for the induction of the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, including genes which combat the action of ROS in inducing apoptosis in the cell.
- the invention provides a method for identifying a gene product which modulates the transition of a cell between a non-apoptotic state and an apoptotic state, comprising the steps of: a) determining the level(s) of expression of one or more gene product(s) in a cell to establish a reference expression level; b) exposing the cell to an inhibitor of apoptosis and/or ROS activity; c) exposing the cell to one or more stimuli which induce the production of intracellular ROS; d) monitoring the level(s) of expression of said one or more gene product(s) in the cell; and e) identifying gene product(s) whose expression has been increased, decreased or modified as a result of ROS exposure in the presence or absence of the apoptosis inhibitor.
- the methods provided by the invention may be configured together or separately to provide a system for identifying genes and gene products which are responsible for the modulation of the onset of apoptosis in cells.
- the invention provides a system for modelling ROS-induced apoptosis in a cell, said system comprising: a) the provision of a population of cells; b) the exposure of said cell population to one or more stimuli which lead the cell population to undergo ROS-induced apoptosis; c) optionally, the exposure of said cell population to one or more inhibitors of ROS-induced apoptosis; d) the analysis of gene expression in the cell population; and e) the assessment of the onset of apoptosis in said cell population.
- FIG. 1 Spontaneous apoptosis in the neutrophil induces caspase activity.
- Neutrophils are isolated from donor blood and kept in culture for the indicated time points. Following lysis of the cells, the supernatant fraction is examined for caspase activity using the CaspACE kit. Protein levels in the supernatant are determined by micro protein quantitative assay. (Sigma).
- Figure 2 Microscopic examination versus cell shrinkage as determined by Forward Scatter Parameters for analysis of neutrophil apoptosis.
- Duplicate samples are compared for the onset of apoptosis by either making cytospins and examining morphological changes as described in Fig 1 or acquiring samples into FacScan and analysing for changes in Forward Scatter Paramers (FSc).
- FSc Forward Scatter Paramers
- Figure 3 % neutrophils positive for hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production. Isolated neutrophils are cultured for the indicated time period. One hour prior to acquisition, cells are incubated with 5 ⁇ M DCFA/ DA. The percentage of cells positive for hydrogen peroxide production is determined by examining increased fluorescence (FL1) above background.
- Figure 4 Inhibition of NADPH oxidase can decrease the number of ceils undergoing apoptosis.
- Neutrophils are cultured @ 2x106/ml in a 24 well plate.
- Forward Scatter (FSc) parameters are examined following acquisition by a FacScan.
- Figure 5 Global gene expression regulation during neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis. RNA is extracted from primary human neutrophils undergoing spontaneous apoptosis, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours post-isolation and used as probe for human LifeGrid microarray filters. Cluster analysis is performed and a hierarchical tree view depicted for those genes regulated > 2-fold up (red) or down (green) wrt. Control time zero cells.
- Figure 6 Differential gene expression of novel DNA clones, isolated by SSH, during neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis.
- Figure shows a 'virtual northern blot' with clone 1053, an EST having no homologues in the public EST database.
- Virtual northern blots are prepared by standard procedures using SMART cDNA derived with the Clontech SMART cDNA kit as per manufacturers instructions.
- Clone 1053 that is expressed in neutrophils time zero control; TO
- TO time zero control
- T2 and T4 is down-regulated during spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis at 2 and 4 hours post-isolation, respectively.
- Figure 7 Differential gene expression of DNA clone, isolated by SSH, during neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis.
- Figure shows a 'virtual northern blot' with clone 1052, an EST which shares sequence identity with the protein tyrosine phosphatase.
- Virtual northern blots are prepared by standard procedures using SMART cDNA derived with the Clontech SMART cDNA kit as per manufacturers instructions.
- Clone 1052 that is expressed in neutrophils time zero control; TO
- TO time zero control
- FIG. 8 Addition of GM-CSF inhibits apoptosis: Neutrophils are incubated with the indicated amounts of GM-CSF immediately post isolation and further cultured overnight at 37°C. The following morning, viability is measured using the MTT assay as previously described. Cell viability is directly related to the colour change at 570nm. The graph shows that maximal survival is obtained using either 5 or 50 units/ml of GM-CSF and that survival is dose dependent on amounts below this level.
- Figure 9 GM-CSF mediates survival in a temporal fashion. GM-CSF (50U/ml) is added to isolated neutrophils at the indicated times and survival measured by MTT. Cell viability is directly related to the colour change at 570nm. Survival is conferred on neutrophils by GM-CSF when additions are made up to 5 hours post isolation. GM-CSF added 20 post isolation is not sufficient to mediate survival indicating that the cells have passed their commitment to die point.
- Figure 10 Immediate addition of anti-GM-CSF can ameliorate survival.
- Anti GM-CSF (10 ⁇ g/ml) is added to neutrophil cultures containing (5u/ml) GM-CSF at the indicated times. Survival is measured by MTT. Cell viability is directly related to the colour change at 570nm. For GM-CSF to increase full survival of neutrophils, addition of the neutralising antibody had to be delayed for 3 hours.
- FIG. 11 GM-CSF mediates survival independent of glutathione.
- Neutrophils (2x10 4 ) are cultured +/- GM-CSF (5U/ml) and +/- BSO at the indicated concentrations. Following overnight culture, cell viability is measured using the MTT assay and optical density is read @570nm. Colour intensity is directly proportional to cell viability.
- the figure demonstrates that GM-CSF can enhance cell viability without the necessity of the cell to replenish intracellular glutathione, since GM-CSF also mediates survival in the presence of the ⁇ -glutamylcysteine syhthase inhibitor BSO.
- FIG. 12 Expression of Glutathione Peroxidase and ⁇ - glutamylcysteine synthase.
- RNA from PBMC and neutrophils are isolated "in house” while all other RNA is commercial (Clontech).
- Levels of expression are determined by hybridisation of the indicated tissue RNA to the Incyte LifeGrid microarray. As can be seen that there is a large expression range between the various tissues with the cerebellum having highest levels and the neutrophil the lowest.
- FIG. 13 Cluster analysis of the effect of GM-CSF on neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis. Each column represents the expression of that gene at the indicated time points following GM-CSF exposure. Red indicates increased expression and green indicates decreased gene expression. Horizontal line length in the dendrogram indicates correlation, with shorter lines indicating greater similarity and longer lines representing more divergent patterns. There is a rapid decrease in gene expression for a number of genes as short as 2 hours post GM-CSF treatment. The number of genes that increased expression grew over the 6 hour study period. Of note is the cluster of genes that are up regulated between 2 to 4 hours post treatment (Inset). Included in these genes are genes associated with survival including BCI2-A1 and Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase. This cluster is therefore referred to as the survival cluster.
- Figure. 14 A Schematic of intracellular events that control the oxidative environment within the cell. Superoxides are dismutated to H 2 O 2 which if not converted to H 2 O and O 2 by catalase might complex with nitric oxide to form toxic peroxynitrite .
- B Graphs showing the temporal regulation of (i)Mn SOD, (ii) Catalase and (iii) ferritin in control and GM-CSF treated neutrophils over a 6 hour period.
- GM-CSF enhances transcription of enzymes favouring the pentose phosphate pathway.
- RNA is isolated from neutrophils following culture for 6 hours +/- GM-CSF (5U/ml). RNA is hybridised to Incyte "LifeGrid" microarray and results are analysed as previously described. The presence of the bifunctional enzyme phosphofructokinase-2 (PFK-2)/fructose 2,6 -bisphosphatase (FBPase-2) within the survival cluster as previously described, encouraged further investigation of other enzymes involved in regulation of gluconeogenesis and glycolysis.
- PFK-2 phosphofructokinase-2
- FBPase-2 fructose 2,6 -bisphosphatase
- fructose 1 ,6 bisphosphatase increased over the 6 hour period while levels of phosphofructokinase 1 decreased, thus inhibiting glycolysis with fructose 6 phosphate being available for NADPH generation via the pentose phosphate pathway.
- FIG. 16 Effect of cisplatin on HeLa cells. HeLa cells are treated with the indicated concentrations of cisplatin for 18 hours before apoptosis is analysed by either MTT or crystal violet staining. Both methods of analyses demonstrate the dose responsive cytotoxicity of the cells towards cisplatin
- FIG. 17 Cisplatin treatment induces DNA laddering in HeLa cells. HeLa cells are treated for 24h with the indicated doses of cisplatin ( ⁇ g/ml). DNA is then isolated (as previously described) and separated on a 2% agarose gel. Note the DNA laddering in all samples that received cisplatin, in contrast to the singular heavy band seen in control cells.
- Figure 18 Modulation of Cisplatin cytotoxicity by altering the redox environment.
- HeLa cells (2x10 4 ) are exposed to cisplatin (10 ⁇ g/ml) and either NAC (A) or BSO (B).
- NAC NAC
- BSO BSO
- the cell is desensitised towards cisplatin.
- BSO BSO
- Figure 19 Cluster analysis of the effect of cisplatin (10 ⁇ g/ml) on HeLa apoptosis. Each column represents the expression of that gene (measured using human LifeGrid microarrays) at the indicated time points following cisplatin exposure; fold change relative to a time zero control. Red indicates increased expression and green indicates decreased gene expression. Horizontal line length in the dendrogram indicates correlation, with shorter lines indicating greater similarity and longer lines representing more divergent patterns.
- Figure 20 Cluster analysis of the effects of cisplatin (10 ⁇ g/ml) and UV-irradiation on HeLa apoptosis. Each column represents the expression of that gene (measured using human LifeGrid microarrays) at the indicated time points following either cisplatin exposure or UV-irradiation (left to right; cisplatin 2h and 4h, UV-irradiation 2h, 4h and 6h); fold change relative to a time zero control. Red indicates increased expression and green indicates decreased gene expression. Horizontal line length in the dendrogram indicates correlation, with shorter lines indicating greater similarity and longer lines representing more divergent patterns. The section bordered by a yellow box is expanded to the right and shows a cluster of genes that are up- regulated 'early', both following exposure to UV-irradiation and following exposure to cisplatin.
- Figure 21 Effect of UV exposure on HeLa cells.
- A Adherent HeLa cells are exposed to UV irradiation using a UV crosslinker, before being returned to culture for a further 24 hours. Cell viability is measured using a crystal violet stain and read at 570nm. Cell viability is proportional to colour intensity.
- B DNA fragmentation following UV insult. DNA is isolated from 5x10 6 HeLa cells 24 h post UV insult, as previously described and run on a 2% agarose gel.
- the DNA fragmentation is evident in samples exposed to UV for varying lengths of time 2,3, and 4 mins (B,C,D respectively) and is indicative of apoptosis, thus confirming that UV exposure causes HeLa cells to undergo apoptosis in contrast to control cells (A).
- TNF ⁇ induces apoptosis in HeLa cells.
- HeLa cells are treated with a combination of cycloheximide (5 ⁇ g/ml) and the indicated doses of TNF ⁇ overnight.
- HeLa apoptosis is measured by staining the remaining adherent cells with crystal violet and reading the optical densities at 570nm.
- TNF ⁇ induces apoptosis in HeLa cells.
- HeLa cells are treated with a combination of cycloheximide (5 ⁇ g/ml) and the indicated doses of TNF ⁇ overnight.
- HeLa apoptosis is measured DNA fragmentation following separation on a 2% agarose gel. DNA fragmentation is seen in all samples treated with TNF ⁇ .
- FIG. 24 Cluster analysis of the effect of TNFalpha/cycloheximide on HeLa apoptosis.
- Each column represents the expression of that gene (measured using human LifeGrid microarrays) at the indicated time points following cisplatin exposure; fold change relative to a time zero control. Red indicates increased expression and green indicates decreased gene expression.
- Horizontal line length in the dendrogram indicates correlation, with shorter lines indicating greater similarity and longer lines representing more divergent patterns.
- FIG. 25 H 2 O 2 exposure induces apoptosis.
- HL60 cells were prelabelled with BrdU for 2 hours and then exposed to H 2 O 2 .
- cells were lysed and the amount of BrdU labelled DNA in lysates were measured as an indicator of apoptosis.
- Figure 26 Treatment of HeLa cells with H 2 O 2 induces apoptosis. Adherent HeLa cells were treated with the indicated doses of hydrogen peroxide and cell viability was determined by crystal violet staining.
- Figure 27 Extract from a 'LifeGrid' cDNA array hybridised with radiolabelled probe from neutrophil mRNA. The image is captured using a STORM phosphoimager (Molecular Dynamics).
- Figure 28 Screen-shot of a 'LifeGrid' microarray gel image undergoing Arrayvision analysis. The spots are detected using a predefined template that is manually positioned over the image. Spot density values are then calculated automatically.
- Figure 29 Cluster analysis of fold change. Neutrophils are treated with GM-CSF for 2, 4 and 6 hours post-isolation. Gene expression data captured from 'LifeGrid' microarrays is manipulated to calculated fold changes as compared to a time zero hour control. Fold change data is subjected to cluster analysis and represented as a hierarchical tree view. Up-regulation is depicted as red and down-regulation is depicted as green.
- Figure 30 Cluster analysis of combined code. Neutrophils are treated with GM-CSF for 2, 4 and 6 hours post-isolation. Gene expression data captured from 'LifeGrid' microarrays is manipulated to calculated combined codes to illustrate fold change as compared to a time zero hour control. Fold change data is subjected to cluster analysis and represented as a hierarchical tree view. Up-regulation is depicted as red and down-regulation is depicted as green.
- FIG. 31 Use of microarray to confirm differential expression of SSH clones.
- Replicate microarrays (Filters prepared using the 96-pin replicator as described) are constructed from clones derived by suppression subtractive hybridisation; in this case a subtraction between control time zero neutrophils and neutrophils treated for 2 hours with GM-CSF.
- Each microarray is then probed with radiolabelled probes generated using mRNA from neutrophils treated with either GM-CSF (panel A) or control (panel B). Differential hybridisation is confirmed (compare spot indicated by arrow in panel A, with spot indicated by arrow in panel B) and false positives eliminated.
- Figure 32 Example of a microarray spotted by Genescreen, using DNA sequences isolated by SSH. Microarray is hybridised to radiolabelled probe from HL60 mRNA. Brief description of the Tables
- Table 1 % neutrophils undergoing spontaneous apoptosis: Cytospins of neutrophils are made after overnight culture @37°C. Cells are stained using the Rapi Diff (II) system and examined by microscopy for morphological signs of apoptosis such as DNA condensation and blebbing.
- Rapi Diff II
- Table 2 % neutrophils positive for superoxide anion (O 2 " ) production. Isolated neutrophils are cultured for the indicated time period. Fifteen minutes prior to acquisition cells are incubated with 10 ⁇ M DHE. The percentage of cells positive for superoxide production is determined by examining increased fluorescence (FL2) above background.
- Table 3 Gene expression regulation associated with 'Model Cell-System / Discovery Assay' to study the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, in primary human neutrophils.
- Total cellular RNA isolated from human neutrophils undergoing spontaneous ROS-induced apoptosis is used as a probe for mRNA expression analysis using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' microarrays. Expression levels (normalised across the arrays) is presented for 0, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours post- isolation.
- NB. Hs.##### numbers correspond to NCBl 'Unigene' sequence database identifiers.
- Table 4 Gene expression changes correlate across various models that share the induction of apoptosis by ROS. Shown here is the 'early' regulation of a) BCL2/adenovirus E1 B 19kD-interacting protein 3-like (Hs.132955) mRNA, and b) retinoic acid receptor responder (tazarotene induced) 3 (Hs.17466). Total cellular RNA isolated from human neutrophils and HeLa cells undergoing ROS-induced apoptosis is used as a probe for mRNA expression analysis using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' microarrays. Expression levels (normalised across the arrays) is presented for 0, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 or 24 hours post-treatment. NB. numbers correspond to NCBl 'Unigene' sequence database identifiers.
- Table 7 Gene expression regulation associated with 'Model Cell-System / Discovery Assay' to study the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, in UV-irradiated HeLa cells.
- Total cellular RNA isolated from HeLa cells undergoing endogenous ROS-induced apoptosis is used as a probe for mRNA expression analysis using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' microarrays. Expression levels (normalised across the arrays) is presented for 0, 2, 4 and 6 hours post-treatment.
- Table 8 Gene expression regulation associated with 'Model Cell-System / Discovery Assay' to study the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, in H 2 O 2 treated HL60 cells.
- Total cellular RNA isolated from HL60 cells and used as a probe for mRNA expression analysis using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' microarrays. Expression levels (normalised across the arrays) is presented for 0 and 2 hours post-isolation.
- NB. Hs. II II llllft numbers correspond to NCBl 'Unigene' sequence database identifiers.
- Table 9 Gene expression regulation associated with 'Model Cell-System / Discovery Assay' to study the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, in H 2 O 2 treated HeLa cells.
- NB. numbers correspond to NCBl 'Unigene' sequence database identifiers.
- the control of apoptosis in neutrophils is useful in the treatment of a number of diseases, including asthma, COPD, posttraumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD), end-stage renal disease (uremia), Cardiopulmonary bypass, rheumatoid arthritis, cutaneous allergic (leukocytoclastic) vascu ⁇ tis (CAV), cystic fibrosis (CF), severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), Endotoxin (ET)-induced liver failure, acute myelogenous leukaemia and neutropenia following radiation and chemotherapeutic treatments for cancer.
- diseases including asthma, COPD, posttraumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD), end-stage renal disease (uremia), Cardiopulmonary bypass, rheumatoid arthritis, cutaneous allergic (leukocytoclastic
- chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of cancer kill the tumour cells by the induction of apoptosis mediated through the generation of ROS.
- a problem with this approach is that many tumour cells, through elevated metabolism, have increased resistance to ROS-mediated apoptosis; higher levels of chemotherapeutic agents that have to be used to overcome this resistance are associated with increased toxicity and side effect.
- the present invention addresses this fundamental drawback and provides a method by which genes involved in the cells protective response mechanisms to ROS, and whose expression is modulated by reactive oxygen species in the cell, can be identified and isolated. An understanding of these mechanisms will provide the means for the development of therapeutics to modulate a cancer cells ability to resist chemotherapeutic drugs and thus allow a reduction in the levels of chemotherapeutic drug administered.
- ROS reactive oxygen species
- BSO buthionine sulphoximine
- 2-Methoxyoestradiol an inhibitor of superoxide dismutase acts in a related manner by blocking the ability of its target enzyme to dismutate superoxide radicals generated by either normal metabolic processes or other external ROS generating agents.
- ROS reactive oxygen species
- Certain cell types such as primary neutrophils, undergo spontaneous apoptosis on cluturing. This apoptosis is accompanied by induction of genes associated with ROS pathways, and provides a good model of ROS-associated apoptosis in primary cells.
- the primary netrophils are cultured in a medium containing serum, which provides some stabilisation of the spontaneous apoptosis.
- ROS may moreover be administered to cells in the form of exogenously added ROS. Typically, this may be in the form of H 2 O 2 .
- a number of individual gene product types may be screened for in the present invention. These products include polypeptides and nucleic acids (N.B. actual examples are only given for nucleic acids, but may also be considered to include polypeptides).
- the expression levels assessed may be absolute levels of production of a particular polypeptide or nucleic acid, or the levels of production of a derivative of any polypeptide or nucleic acid.
- the invention may be configured to measure the level of expression of a particular mRNA splice variant, or the amount present of a phosphorylated derivative of a particular polypeptide.
- Gene Arrays are additionally constructed in-house, by spotting nucleotide sequences derived from cDNA clones generated from in-house libraries or from cDNA clones purchased commercially. Such arrays allow the expression profiling of proprietary and/or novel nucleotide sequences.
- Gene Arrays are additionally constructed by commercial sources (e.g. Genescreen), by spotting nucleotide sequences derived from cDNA clones generated from in-house libraries or from cDNA clones purchased commercially. Such arrays allow the expression profiling of proprietary and/or novel nucleotide sequences.
- cDNA sequences or EST (expressed sequence tag) sequences deposited in the public domain databases are derived from a restricted set of tissue types, such as liver, brain and foetal tissue.
- tissue types such as liver, brain and foetal tissue.
- the cloning of in-house cDNA libraries which are focused to specific cellular events, such as ROS-mediated apoptosis offers the possibility to identify, clone and characterise novel genes which are associated with this process.
- tissue types such as the neutrophil
- cDNA constructed using a physical subtraction, such as the ClonTech 'Select' SSH method (suppression hybridisation) and novel modifications of such, as described, allow the selective cloning of genes whose expression is differentially regulated in the process or cell type being studied.
- Gene Array technology is combined with SSH cDNA libraries to identify false-positives and further focus on truly differentially expressed genes.
- Clones from each SSH library constructed are picked, cultured and archived as glycerol stocks.
- the cDNA inserts contained within individual plasmid clone are PCR amplified and spotted onto in-house arrays. Differential expression is confirmed using hybridisation with a radiolabelled probe generated from the mRNA used for each reciprocal subtractions.
- Arrays of nucleic acids may be prepared by direct chemical synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. Chemical synthesis involves the synthesis of arrays of nucleic acids on a surface in a manner that places each distinct nucleic acid (e.g., unique nucleic acid sequence) at a discrete, predefined location in the array. The identity of each nucleic acid is determined by its spatial location in the array. These methods may be adapted from those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,143,854; WO90/15070 and WO92/10092; Fodor et al. (1991) Science, 251 : 767; Dower and Fodor (1991) Ann. Rep. Med. Chem., 26: 271.
- arrays of nucleic acids may be prepared by gridding of nucleic acid molecules.
- Oligonucleotides may be advantageously arrayed by robotic picking, since robotic techniques allow the most precise and condensed gridding of nucleic acid molecules; however, any technique, including manual techniques, which is suitable for locating molecules at discrete locations on a support, may be used.
- the gridding may be regular, such that each colony is at a given distance from the next, or random. If molecules are spaced randomly, their density can be adjusted to statistically reduce or eliminate the probability of overlapping on the chosen support.
- Apparatus for producing nucleic acid microarrays is available commercially, for example from Genetix and Genetic Microsystems. Moreover, pre-prepared arrays of nucleic acid molecules are available commercially, for example from Incyte Genomics Inc. (Human LifeGrid (TM) ). Such arrays will comprise expressed sequence tags (ESTs) representative of most or all the genes expressed in a cell or organism, thus providing a platform for the screening of mRNA populations from multiple ROS- treated cells.
- ESTs expressed sequence tags
- Samples for mRNA population analysis may be isolated and purified by any suitable mRNA production method; for example an RNA isolation kit is available from Stratagene.
- the genomics strategy, and model systems or discovery assays described herein provides the means to characterise the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis.
- these molecular mechanisms include the initiation of apoptosis induced by ROS, the molecular signalling pathways mediating or associated with apoptosis induced by ROS, and the molecular mechanisms mediating or associated with the cell defence response to ROS.
- the strategy provides the means to identify, characterise, and clone molecules, including oligonucleotides and polypeptides, associated, both causally and consequentially, to apoptosis.
- cells such as primary human neutrophils are isolated and purified from the peripheral blood of individuals. Upon culture in a serum-containing cell culture medium these neutrophils undergo 'spontaneous apoptosis' (Haslett, Clinical Science 83, pp639-648, 1992). Apoptosis as measured by morphology is apparent and increases from approximately 6 to 8 hours following isolation of the cells. The onset of apoptosis is further characterised using additional markers for apoptosis, such as caspase activation and cell shrinkage. These assays serve to identify the earliest measurable onset of the cells commitment to apoptosis. Intracellular events which drive this commitment of the cell to apoptosis occur before and around this earliest measurement of the commitment.
- An intracellular initiator of the commitment to apoptosis is a change in REDOX manifested by an increase in level of ROS (such as O 2 " or H 2 O 2 ). Intracellular ROS is measured to confirm this increase preceding the measurement of apoptosis. Indeed this is substantiated by the finding that a burst of O 2 " is detected prior to the detection of apoptosis, and which is first detected from approximately 6 hours, peeks at 3 to 4 hours and has decreased to base-line levels by 5 hours following isolation of the cells.
- Suitable inhibitors of ROS include antioxidants such as NAC, or inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (which has been shown to generate O 2 release in neutrophils) e.g. DPI, are used to confirm the causal role of ROS in mediating apoptosis in this model system.
- the characterisation of the apoptosis process and ROS involvement in this model system serve to establish a temporal window between the onset of ROS (which is an initial trigger for the apoptosis process) and the measurement of cellular apoptosis (at which point the cell is committed to undergoing apoptosis).
- the key early intracellular events which control the initiation of apoptosis induced by ROS, the molecular signalling pathways mediating or associated with apoptosis induced by ROS, and the molecular mechanisms mediating or associated with the cell defence response to ROS (and those which may represent the most attractive therapeutic targets) occur within this window.
- GM-CSF is a well-characterised neutrophil growth/survival factor. Culture of human neutrophils in the presence of GM-CSF inhibits apoptosis and prolongs survival for up to 24 to 48 hours (Brach et al., Blood 80:2920-2924). The culture of neutrophils in GM-CSF provides a very useful additional model system with which to study neutrophil apoptosis. Indeed we show, from analysis of global gene expression patterns, that GM-CSF regulates the 'early' expression of many of the 'known' genes that are part of the cells defence mechanism to ROS-mediated oxidative stress; specifically that induced by O 2 " or H 2 O 2 .
- cells such as HL60 or HeLa, are cultured and treated with external agents that induce apoptosis through the endogenous production of ROS, such as UV-irradiation, cytokines such as TNF ⁇ , or chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin.
- ROS reactive oxygen species
- cytokines such as TNF ⁇
- chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin.
- Apoptosis as measured by morphology is apparent as determined by DNA fragmentation.
- the onset of apoptosis is characterised using markers for apoptosis. These assays serve to identify the earliest measurable onset of the cells commitment to apoptosis. Intracellular events which drive this commitment of the cell to apoptosis occur before and around this earliest measurement of the commitment.
- cells such as HL60 or HeLa, are cultured and treated with exogenous ROS, such as H 2 O 2 .
- exogenous ROS such as H 2 O 2 .
- apoptosis is induced, as measured by DNA fragmentation.
- markers for apoptosis serve to identify the earliest measurable onset of the cells commitment to apoptosis. Intracellular events which drive this commitment of the cell to apoptosis occur before and around this earliest measurement of the commitment.
- Signal Transduction events are associated with induction of commitment of cells to undergoing apoptosis. Signal transduction would typically involve events such as protein phosphorylation and/or de-phosphorylation.
- the invention provides the means to allow the identification and isolation of genes or polypeptides that may represent valuable and attractive therapeutic targets for the control of apoptosis in a range of conditions and diseases.
- This 'Model Cell System' forms the basis of a novel 'Discovery Assay' that is then used for the characterisation, identification and functional validation of nucleotide (genes, mRNAs) or polypeptide (proteins, peptides) sequences associated with and potentially responsible for the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, including; 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- nucleotide genes, mRNAs
- polypeptide proteins, peptides
- the pellet is resuspended in 1 ml cell culture tested water (Sigma) for 40 sec, followed by the addition of 14ml Hanks buffer (Sigma) and centrifuged (300g, 10 min.). This lysis step is repeated to ensure removal of all erythrocytes.
- the remaining pellet is resuspended in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% foetal calf serum (Sigma), L-glutamine (2mM), penicillin (100 U/ml; Sigma), streptomycin (100 ⁇ g/ml; Sigma) and amphotericin B (2.5 ⁇ g/ml; Sigma). Cell number and viability is checked using trypan blue exclusion (Boyum, (1968) Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl; 97:77-89).
- Isolated neutrophils are maintained at a density of 2 x10 6 / ml in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% foetal calf serum (Sigma). Further additions to the medium included L-glutamine (2mM), penicillin (100 U/ml), streptomycin (100 ⁇ g/ml) and amphotericin B (2.5 ⁇ g/ml) (Sigma). Cells are incubated at 37°C in a humidified CO 2 (5%) incubator.
- a range of assays are established and used to measure the magnitude and temporal induction of apoptosis.
- the earliest biochemical measurement of the apoptosis phenotype by these assays is considered to be the point beyond which the cells are 'Committed' to the process of apoptosis.
- these measurements determine the reproducibility of induction of apoptosis in the model systems.
- these measurements determine the cellular mechanisms of apoptosis in these systems (such as whether apoptosis is caspase-dependent or caspase-independent).
- Caspase activity (Caspase-3) is measured using a commercial kit (CaspACETM Assay System, Promega). The methodology is essentially as described by the manufacturer. Cells are removed from culture and centrifuged (300g/ 10 min) at 4°C. The pellet is kept on ice, washed in ice-cold Hanks buffer and then resuspended in Cell Lysis Buffer at 10 8 / ml. Cells are lysed by freeze-thaw once, incubated on ice for 15 min, followed by centrifugation (15,000g /20 min) at 4°C.
- caspase 3 activity present in the supernatant fraction is measured using the absorbance at 405nm and normalised per mg of protein in the supernatant.
- Figure 1 represents the increase in caspase activity during the incubation period. While caspase activity is observed at the earlier time points, there is a dramatic increase between 8 and 20h of culture, which is in agreement with our morphological data.
- a cell aliquot (100 ⁇ l) is removed from culture and using an IEC Centra-7 centrifuge equipped with a Cytobucket TM adapter, a monolayer of cells is concentrated onto standard microscopic slides. Preparations are allowed to air dry prior to fixing in Rapi- Diff (Diagnostic Developments, UK) solution A (reactive ingredient 100% methanol). Slides are air dried prior to immersion in solution B containing; eosin Y (0.1 % w/v), formaldehyde (0.1% w/v), sodium phosphate dibasic (0.4% w/v) and potassium phosphate monobasic (0.5% w/v).
- Excess stain is drained from the slide prior to immersion in solution C, containing methylene blue (0.4%w/v), Azure A (0.04% w/v), sodium phosphate dibasic (0.4% w/v), potassium phosphate monobasic (0.05% w/v) and potassium phosphate monobasic (0.4% w/v), to counterstain the cytoplasm.
- Excess dye is rinsed; the slides air-dried and mounted in DPX aqueous mountant (BDH Laboratory Supplies, U.K.). Morphological examination is then carried out by light microscopy for the presence of apoptotic cells as determined by the loss of membrane asymmetry and condensation of cytoplasm and nuclei (Cotter and Martin, 1996).
- Apoptosis as measured by morphology is apparent and increased from approximately
- Onset of apoptosis as determined by cell shrinkage was determined by flow cytometry. Isolated cells are set up in culture at a concentration of 2x10 6 /ml. At the indicated time points a sample is removed and the forward and side scatter parameters of the cells are measured by flow cytometry using a Becton Dickenson FACScan equipped with CellQuest software. Cell shrinkage is detected by a reduction in forward scatter parameters. Determination of apoptosis inhibition was calculated by the percentage of cells with reduced forward scatter parameters, in untreated cultures, minus percentage of cells with reduced forward scatter parameters in treated cultures.
- Neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis is accompanied by the endogenous production of ROS, in the form of O 2 " and H 2 O 2
- NADPH oxidase Oxygen dependent microbial killing by phagocytes. New England Journal of Medicine, 298(12) pp659-668.
- NADPH oxidase is assembled at the membrane of the phagosome and generates ROS, in the form of superoxide (O 2 " ). This endogenous production of ROS contributes to the bacterial lysis.
- NADPH oxidase activity is present in normal peripheral blood neutrophils and is further increased by cellular activation. Consequently, neutrophils have the capacity to generate significant amounts of endogenous ROS.
- CGD ulcerative colitis .
- NADPH Oxidase a molecular defect and loss of activity of the neutrophil NADPH Oxidase.
- neutrophils isolated from patients with CGD have a significantly delayed spontaneous apoptosis Kasahara Y, Iwai K, Yachie A., Ohta, K., Konno A., Seki H., Miyawaki, T and Taniguchi N. (1997) Involvement of reactive oxygen intermediates in spontaneous and CD95(Fas/ Apo-1)- mediated apoptosis of neutrophils. Blood 89 (5) pp1748-1753.
- Increased H 2 O 2 occurs upon neutrophil activation, with. e.g. PMA, and this is associated with increased rate of apoptosis (Lundqvist-Gustafsson H, and Bengtsson T. (1999) Activation of the granule pool of the NADPH oxidase accelerates apoptosis in human neutrophils. J. Leuk. Biol. 65: pp196- 204).
- Inhibitors of neutrophil NADPH oxidase inhibit neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis
- Neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis is associated with significant changes in gene expression.
- caspase 10 is particularly enriched in haematopoietic cells and the chronic myelogeous leukaemia cell line K562.
- BCL2-associated athanogene 5 (BAG5) modulate and antagonise the chaperone functions of heat shock proteins (e.g. HSP- 70). Heat shock proteins stabilise protein structure and function during cellular stress.
- BCL2/adenovirus E1 B 19kD-interacting protein 3-like mRNA (BNIP3L) is also regulated.
- BNIP3L Overexpression of BNIP3L has been shown to be pro-apoptotic, and can overcome the antiapoptotic effects of BCL2 and BCL2L1 in transfected cells (Chen, G.; Cizeau, J.; Vande Velde, O; Park, J. H.; Bozek, G.; Bolton, J.; Shi, L; Dubik, D.; Greenberg, A.: Nix and nip3 form a subfamily of pro-apoptotic mitochondrial proteins. J. Biol. Chem. 21 A: 7-10, 1999.
- Changes in 'early' gene expression include cell-cycle regulator genes with 'known' involvement in apoptosis.
- CDK2 cyclin-dependent kinase 2
- CDKN1A p21 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1a
- 'early regulated' genes represent potential regulators of the ROS-induced neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis. Changes in 'early' gene expression include genes associated with an oncogenic phenotype or disease, or associated with apoptosis.
- genes associated with an oncogenic phenotype or disease, or associated with apoptosis are also regulated 'early' post-isolation of neutrophils in this model (See Table .3). These genes include Death-associated protein (DAP), a homologue of DAP; serine/threonine protein kinase 17B and programmed cell death 5. These 'early regulated' genes represent potential regulators of the ROS-induced neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis.
- Changes in gene expression include genes associated retinoids and cellular differentiation.
- Neutrophil differentiation from myeloid progenitor cells may be facilitated by treatment with Vitamin A/ Retinoic acid. Indeed certain myeloid leukaemias are treated with retinoic acid, which promotes neutrophil differentiation (Clin Lab Sci 2000 Spring; 13(2):98-105; Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (AML-M3)-Part 1 : Pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis, and differentiation therapy. Randolph TR).
- HL60 cells used here are an acute promyelocytic leukaemia, associated with the 15; 17 translocation; retinoic acid binding protein CRABP1 is transposed in this form. HL60 cells are also differentiated by retinoic acid, which removes the proliferative block.
- Spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis is associated with the early regulation of CRABP1 , retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB); which has been associated with Parkinson disease, a disease that is characterised by apoptosis of a sub-set of neuronal cells (Kreczel, W.; Ghyselinck, N.; Samad, T. A.; Dupe, V.; Kastner, P.; Borrelli, E.; Chambon, P. : Impaired locomotion and dopamine signalling in retinoid receptor mutant mice. Science 279: 863-867, 1998.) and retinoic acid receptor responder 3 (RARRES3).
- CRABP1 retinoic acid receptor beta
- RARRES3 retinoic acid receptor responder 3
- RARRES3 is induced by Tazarotene, a RARB-selective retinoid used clinically for the treatment of psoriasis, a hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin disease.
- Tazarotene induces keratinocye differentiation/apoptosis.
- Tazarotene also induced RARRES3 expression in retinoid-sensitive but not retinoid-resistant breast cancer cells.
- Overexpression of RARRES3 inhibited the growth of many cell lines ( DiSepio, D.; Ghosn, O; Eckert, R. L; Deucher, A.; Robinson, N.; Duvic, M.; Chandraratna, R. A. S.; Nagpal, S.
- AML1 Another gene, runt-related transcription factor AML1 , is rapidly and transiently regulated 'early' post-isolation. Both retinoic acid RAR and AML1 transcription factors are found in leukaemias as fusion proteins. Association of these fusion proteins with histone deacetylase complex is required to block haematopoietic differentiation. We also show 'early' differential regulation of histone deacetylase 2,3, 6 and 7 (See Table 3).
- Changes in 'early' gene expression include genes associated cellular response to ROS and oxidative/environmental stress.
- HIF-1 hypoxia-inducible factor 1
- AHR arylhydrocarbon receptor
- HIF1-alpha subunit and AHR are regulated 'early' in neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis (See Table 3).
- HIF1-alpha has been shown to activate expression of BNIP3 (the homologue of which we describe here, regulated during spontaneous apoptosis), which in turn primes cells for apoptosis under conditions of persistent oxygen deprivation (Bruick, R. K. : Expression of the gene encoding the proapoptotic Nip3 protein is induced by hypoxia. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 97: 9082-9087, 2000).
- the AHR is known to mediate some of its effects by increasing the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase and quinone reductase, among other drug metabolising enzymes.
- aldehyde dehydrogenase and quinone reductase among other drug metabolising enzymes.
- four forms of aldehyde dehydrogenase are regulated during spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis as is a quinone oxidoreductase homologue.
- NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (diaporase) has been reported as a part of the activation of defence mechanisms within the cell on exposure to xenobiotics, drugs and carcinogens (Benson, A. M.; Hunkeler, M. J.; Talalay, P. : Increase of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase by dietary antioxidants: possible role in protection against carcinogenesis and toxicity. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 11: 5216-5220, 1980). Quinones are highly abundant in nature; their partial reduction can lead to redox cycling in the presence of molecular oxygen leading to the formation of highly reactive oxygen species.
- UDP-glucuronosyl transferases Another enzyme class, UDP-glucuronosyl transferases, associated with cell defence to xenobiotics and drugs, is also shown here to be regulated 'early' during spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis (See Table 3; UDP glycosyltransf erase 8).
- UDP glycosyltransf erase 8 Another enzyme class, UDP-glucuronosyl transferases, associated with cell defence to xenobiotics and drugs, is also shown here to be regulated 'early' during spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis (See Table 3; UDP glycosyltransf erase 8).
- Lipoxygenase expression has been closely associated with cell growth inhibition and apoptosis.
- 15-lipoxygenase has recently, and since the initial submission of this patent, been suggested as a novel molecular target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for inducing apoptosis in colorectal carcinogenesis ( Shureiqi I et al., 2000. J Natl Cancer Inst 92(14): 1136-42).
- NSAIDS nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- lipoxygenase 'early' activation has been identified as a key element in the execution of apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in plant cells (MacCarrone M et al., 2000. Eur J Biochem. 267(16):5078-84).
- Both 12- and 15-lipoxygenase are regulated 'early' in neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis (See Table 3).
- the models of ROS-induced apoptosis are particularly effective as discovery tools to identify key regulators of the apoptosis process when 'cluster analysis' is combined across several complimentary experiments.
- BNIP3L 19kD-interacting protein 3-like mRNA
- ROS-induced apoptosis in several of these models; including neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis, HeLa cell apoptosis induced by cisplatin and HeLa cell apoptosis induced by UV-irradiation (See Table 4).
- retinoic acid receptor responder (tazarotene induced) 3 mRNA is commonly associated with 'early' ROS-induced apoptosis in several of these models; including neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis, HeLa cell apoptosis induced by cisplatin, HeLa cell apoptosis induced by UV-irradiation and
- HeLa cell apoptosis induced by treatment with TNF ⁇ and cycloheximide See Table 4. Genes regulated 'early' in neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis are identified by Suppression Subtractive Hybridisation.
- This example describes the use of SSH, with modifications discussed, to identify and clone genes that are regulated 'early' in the process of spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis. Many of these DNA sequences are novel, i.e. they are not recognised by BLAST analysis to public gene sequence databases.
- a preliminary screening procedure is applied to arrays of clones generated from the subtracted libraries, (as described). Approximately 1000 clones are screened from each of the four subtracted libraries, yielding 700 differentially expressed clones. Of these clones, 423 are down-regulated as apoptosis proceeds, while 277 are up-regulated as apoptosis proceeds.
- This example describes the establishment of a model cell system in primary human neutrophils. Neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis is delayed by the addition of the survival factor GM-CSF.
- This 'Model Cell System' forms the basis of a novel 'Discovery Assay' that is then used for the characterisation, and identification of nucleotide (genes, mRNAs) or polypeptide (proteins, peptides) sequences associated with and potentially responsible for the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, including; 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- nucleotide genes, mRNAs
- polypeptide proteins, peptides
- neutrophils primary human neutrophils are isolated and purified from peripheral blood of normal healthy individuals. Neutrophils are resuspended in serum containing culture medium together with various amounts of GM-CSF at a density of 2x10 ⁇ /ml, with 100 ⁇ l plated into a 96 well plate and cultured for 18h at 37°C. After this time 10 ⁇ l of MTT (5mg/ml) is added to the cultures and incubated for a further 4h at 37°C before solubilisation of the purple coloured formazan with acidic isopropanol. Optical densities are read at 570nm using a plate reader. Our results demonstrate a direct correlation between survival and concentrations of GM-CSF added to the culture medium (Figure 8).
- GM-CSF GM-CSF
- primary human neutrophils are isolated and purified from peripheral blood of normal healthy individuals. Neutrophils are resuspended in serum containing culture medium at a concentration of 2x10 6 /ml, with 100 ⁇ l/well plated into a 96 well plate and culture at 37°C commenced. At the indicated time points GM-CSF (50U/ml) was added to the neutrophils and culture continued until 20h post initiation of culture.
- GM-CSF mediated survival is acting through increasing the glutathione concentration by examining the glutathione system, primary human neutrophils are isolated and purified from peripheral blood of normal healthy individuals. Neutrophils (2x10 6 ) are resuspended in serum containing culture medium +/- GM-CSF (5u/ml) and either with or without the gamma glutamylcysteine synthase inhibitor BSO (1 or 4mM).
- PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- Total cellular RNA is extracted from both neutrophil and PBMC and this is compared to commercial RNA (Clontech) isolated from a range of human tissues for levels of expression of RNA for key enzymes in the glutathione system; using the Incyte "LifeGrid". Levels of expression of Glutathione Peroxidase and ⁇ - glutamylcysteine synthase are shown in Figure 12.
- GM-CSF-mediated neutrophil protection is associated with significant changes in gene expression.
- GM-CSF-mediated neutrophil protection is associated with increase in gene expression of enzymes that degrade O 2 "
- This cluster which included Bcl2-A1 (a 'known' antiapoptotic neutrophil BCL2 family member) is termed the 'survival' cluster (See Figure 14).
- GM-CSF increased expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (dismutases superoxide to hydrogen peroxide), catalase (converts H 2 O 2 to H 2 O and O 2 ) and ferritin (which sequesters iron thus limiting the Fenton reaction and preventing production of hyper- reactive hydroxyl radical) above control levels and this coincided with the ability of GM-CSF to prolong survival in neutrophils.
- GM-CSF GM-CSF mediated neutrophil protection is associated with increase in gene expression associated with the Pentose Phosphate Pathway
- GM-CSF upregulates fructose 1 ,6 bisphosphatase (which functions to convert fructose 1,6 bisphosphate to fructose 6 phosphate which can then reversibly convert to Glucose-6-phosphate, the primary substrate for the pentose phosphate pathway.
- GM-CSF down regulated the transcription of phosphofructokinase 1 (whose role is to convert fructose 6 phosphate to fructose 1 ,6 bisphosphate), again ensuring that the pentose phosphate pathway is favoured above glycolysis. Therefore it is concluded that GM- CSF increases the formation of glucose 6 phosphate which can then be utilised in generation of reducing NADPH via the pentose phosphate pathway.
- This example describes the establishment of a model cell system in HeLa cells.
- the culture of HeLa cells and treatment with cisplatin is described.
- This 'Model Cell System' forms the basis of a novel 'Discovery Assay' that is then used for the characterisation, identification and functional validation of nucleotide (genes, mRNAs) or polypeptide (proteins, peptides) sequences associated with and potentially responsible for the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, including; 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- nucleotide genes, mRNAs
- polypeptide proteins, peptides
- the platinum compound cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II), CDDP) is among the most widely used cytotoxic anticancer drug. Intemucleosomal DNA cleavage and ultrastructural changes characteristic of apoptosis have been observed following cisplatin exposure (Barry MA, Behnke CA, Eastman, A. (1990) Activation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) by cisplatin, other anticancer drugs, toxins, and hyperthermia. Biochem Pharmacol 40, pp2353-62).
- these novel genes themselves are identified as candidate apoptosis genes that may similarly function in 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- Culture viability is determined using an MTT (3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.
- the assay is based on the principle that MTT is a water soluble tetrazolium salt. Dissolved MTT is converted to an insoluble purple formazan by cleavage of the tetrazolium ring by active mitochondria of living cells but not of dead cells.
- cells are cultured in 96 well plates in 100 ⁇ i of culture medium and are treated in ways known to induce apoptosis. Following an indicated period of time, 10 ⁇ l MTT stock solution (5mg/ml) is added to each culture being assayed and incubated at 37°C for 4h. At the end of the incubation period the converted dye is solubilised with acidic-isopropanol (0.04N HCL. Absorbance of converted dye is measured at a wavelength of 570 nm.
- Adherent cells are cultured in the presence of known agents to induce/ modulate the apoptotic process. After a suitable period of time, supernatants are removed by inverting and flicking the plate. Wells are washed twice with PBS and remaining adherent cells are fixed with 100% EtOH and air-dried. To each well is added 100 ⁇ l of 1% aqueous Crystal Violet Solution (Sigma). Plates are then incubated at room temperature (RT) for 5 min before washing in tap water. Wells are solubilised in 33% acetic acid and optical density is measured at 570nm using a plate reader. Cisplatin cytotoxicity is dose responsive
- HeLa cells are plated in full culture medium at a concentration of 2x10 4 cells /well of 96 well plate. Cells are allowed to adhere for 4 hours before replacing the medium with fresh medium contain cisplatin at the indicated dose range. Cells are cultured overnight at 37°C before analysing for apoptosis using either MTT or crystal violet. As can be seen in Figure 16, HeLa cell death is dose dependent on the level of cisplatin present in the medium
- Cisplatin treatment induces apoptosis as measured by DNA fragmentation in HeLa
- HeLa cells are plated in full culture medium at a concentration of 5x10 5 cells /well of 24 well plate. Cells are allowed to adhere for 4 hours before replacing the medium with fresh medium contain cisplatin at the indicated dose range. Cells are cultured overnight at 37°C before being lysed (5x10 6 /treatment) in lysis buffer (1M Tris, 10mM EDTA , 0.8% sarcosine L sulphate) and incubated on ice for 15 min before centrifugation at 12000g. Supernatant is removed and phenol/chloroform extracted.
- lysis buffer (1M Tris, 10mM EDTA , 0.8% sarcosine L sulphate
- FIG. 17 represents a DNA fragmentation gel following treatment of HeLa cells with differing concentrations of cisplatin. As can be seen, samples that received cisplatin display a laddering effect typical of apoptosis and in contrast to control cells where a singular heavy band is seen.
- HeLa cells are plated in full culture medium at a concentration of 2x10 4 cells /well of 96 well plate. Cells are allowed to adhere for 4 hours before replacing the medium with fresh medium containing cisplatin (10 ⁇ g/ml) and either NAC (which increases levels of glutathione) or BSO (which inhibits ⁇ -glutamylcysteine synthase- thus preventing synthesis of glutathione) at the indicated dose range. Cells are cultured overnight at 37°C before analysing for apoptosis using crystal violet. As can be seen in Figure 18, HeLa cell sensitivity to cisplatin is decreased when NAC is present in the medium. In contrast, the presence of BSO seems to increase the sensitivity of HeLa cells towards cisplatin. The ability to modulate the sensitivity of HeLa cells towards cisplatin with reagents which alter intracellular glutathione levels and as such modify the oxidative environment confirms a role for reactive oxygen species
- Cisplatin-induced HeLa cell apoptosis is associated with significant changes in gene expression.
- HeLa cells are maintained in culture, and treated with cisplatin (10 ⁇ g/ml). At various time points, total cellular RNA is isolated and examined for gene expression changes using microarray. Significant transcription of mRNA is observed. In one example experiment, as many as 2400 genes are detected using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' filters; these genes are increased or decreased by greater than 2-fold over a 4-hour time course as compared with the time zero control HeLa cells. As many as 2000 genes are increased or decreased as early as 2 hours post-isolation.
- Figure 19 shows cluster analysis of genes regulated during cisplatin-induced HeLa apoptosis time course. Genes fall into primary clusters of up (red) and down- regulated (green) genes.
- Changes in 'early' gene expression include classes of genes with 'known' roles in apoptosis.
- apoptosis-related genes including both caspase and Bcl-2 related genes are detected (See Table 5).
- Caspase 3, 6, 8 and 9 are regulated.
- BCL2/adenovirus E1 B 19kD- interacting protein 3-like is regulated, and this is also described in the example for neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis.
- BCL2, BCL2-associated athanogene, apoptosis inhibitor 1 and apoptosis inhibitor 4 (survivin) are also regulated.
- CASP2 and RIPK1 domain-containing adaptor with death domain are regulated 'early' in cisplatin-induced HeLa apoptosis (See Table 5).
- CRADD alsowise known as RAIDD
- RAIDD has been shown to act as an adaptor molecule in recruiting the death protease caspase 2 to the TNF receptor 1 signalling complex. Its overexpression in mammalian cells induced apoptosis (Duan, H.; Dixit, V. M.: RAIDD is a new 'death' adaptor molecule. Nature 385: 86-89, 1997).
- Changes in 'early' gene expression include genes associated cellular response to ROS and oxidative/environmental stress.
- Lipoxygenase expression has been closely associated with cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, as described for neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis, and has been identified as a key element in the execution of apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in plant cells (MacCarrone M et al., 2000. Eur J Biochem. 267(16):5078-84). We show here that both 5- and 12-lipoxygenase are regulated 'early' in cisplatin-induced HeLa apoptosis.
- Cigarette smoke containing reactive oxygen species, is the most important risk factor for chronic pulmonary emphysema (CPE).
- CPE chronic pulmonary emphysema
- Heme-oxygenase plays a protective role as an antioxidant in the lung.
- Yamada et al analysed the promoter activities of the heme oxygenase gene carrying different (GT)n repeats by transient-transfection assays in cultured cell lines. The smaller class alleles showed greater upregulation of transcriptional activity on H 2 O 2 exposure.
- hypoxia-inducible factor 1 HIF-1
- AHR arylhydrocarbon receptor
- Iron-responsive element (IRE) binding protein plays an important role in iron metabolism. IRP1 appears to be a direct target for ROS (Morel, Y and Barouki, R. 1999. Repression of gene expression by oxidative stress. Biochem J. 342:481-496). Several studies have reported that the oxidation of IRP1 by ROS, including exogenous addition of H 2 O 2 , regulate its activity. When IRP1 binds Ferritin mRNA its translation is repressed. The regulation and importance of ferritin for the detoxification of H 2 O 2 in cells is discussed here in the example for inhibition of spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis by GM-CSF. We show here that IRP1 mRNA is also regulated 'early' in cisplatin-induced HeLa apoptosis (See Table 5).
- NFKB One of the most well characterised transcription factors that is regulated by ROS is NFKB. Not only is NFKB well established in its known regulation by ROS e.g. H 2 O 2 , but it also has a key role in both apoptosis and cell survival (Morel, Y and Barouki, R. 1999. Repression of gene expression by oxidative stress. Biochem J. 342:481-496). We show here that NFKB, subunit 2, is regulated 'early' in cisplatin-induced HeLa apoptosis (See Table 5).
- the models of ROS-induced apoptosis are particularly effective as discovery tools to identify key regulators of the apoptosis process when 'cluster analysis' is combined across several complimentary experiments. For example, greater than 1000 of the same genes are regulated (increased or decreased 2-fold or more relative to control untreated cells) when comparing HeLa cells treated with cisplatin to HeLa cells treated with UV-irradiation; both go through an ROS-mechanism (See also Example 4).
- Figure 20 shows gene expression changes in HeLa cells treated with cisplatin to HeLa cells treated with UV-irradiation, when analysed by 'cluster analysis'.
- a cluster is illustrated, of gene who's expression of mRNA is increased 'early', from 2 hours, both with UV-irradiation and also with cisplatin exposure. Many of these genes are ESTs with little of no known function, but a significant portion of them are 'known' genes that are directly or indirectly involved in apoptosis or the cell defence mechanisms to ROS and drug resistance (See Figure 20). Of particular note is a gene previously described as 'cisplatin resistance associated'. Caspase 3, myc and RAS p21 protein activator are well 'known' apoptosis mediators.
- tyrosine 3/ tryptophan 5- monooxygenase activation protein is a 14-3-3 protein; the 14-3-3 proteins promote survival by disrupting binding of BAD to prosurvival BCL2 proteins (Mol Cell 2000 6(1):41-51 , 2) rTS beta protein is a component of tymidylate synthase, associated with 5FU and Tomudex drug resistance (Br J Cancer 1999 81(2):252-60, 3) UDP glycosyltransferase 2; glycosyltransferases are associated with protection from quinone induced apoptosis (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2000 162(1) 34, 4) aminopeptidase puromycin sensitive; aminopeptidaseis associated with resistance to UV-irradiation (Mutat Res 1998 422(1 ):55-67, 5) proteasome 26S and 6) 26S proteasome-associated padl homolog; overexpression
- This example describes the establishment of a model cell system in HeLa cells.
- the culture of HeLa cells and treatment with UV-irradiation is described.
- This 'Model Cell System' forms the basis of a novel 'Discovery Assay' that is then used for the characterisation, identification and functional validation of nucleotide (genes, mRNAs) or polypeptide (proteins, peptides) sequences associated with and potentially responsible for the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, including; 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the ceils attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- nucleotide genes, mRNAs
- polypeptide proteins, peptides
- UV light Exposure of mammalian cells to ultraviolet (UV) light provokes oxidative stress by generating intracellular reactive oxygen species which in turn results in apoptosis (Chan, W-H, Yu, J-S (2000) Inhibition of UV Irradiation-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic biochemical changes in human epidermal carcinoma A431 cells by genestein. J. Cell Biochem. 78 pp73-84).
- HeLa cells are plated into 96 well plate at a concentration of 2x104/well. After cells are allowed to adhere for 4 hours, a UV- irradiation insult is delivered by placing plates into a Hoefer UV crosslinker and exposing the cells to 1.2joules/cm2 for 3 mins. Control plates are plated simultaneous with the UV insulted but are not exposed. Cells are returned to culture @37°C overnight. Cell viability is determined by crystal violet staining and reading optical density @570nm. As represented in Figure 21 , UV irradiation induced close to 100% apoptosis.
- UV-irradiation-induced HeLa cell apoptosis is associated with significant changes in gene expression.
- HeLa cells are plated at a concentration of 5x10 5 cells/ml of 24 well plate and allowed to adhere for 4 hours before being exposed to 1.2j/cm 2 for 3 mins using a Hoefer UV crosslinker. Following insult, cells are incubated at 37°C. At various time points, total cellular RNA from 5x10 6 HeLa cells is isolated and examined for gene expression changes using microarray. Significant transcription of mRNA is observed. In one example experiment, as many as 1700 genes are detected using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' filters; these genes are increased or decreased by greater than 2-fold over a 24-hour time course as compared with the time zero control HeLa cells. As many as 160 genes are increased or decreased as early as 2 hours post-isolation.
- Changes in 'early' gene expression include genes associated cellular response to ROS and oxidative/environmental stress.
- This example describes the establishment of a model cell system in HeLa cells.
- the culture of HeLa cells and treatment with TNF ⁇ and cycloheximide is described.
- This 'Model Cell System' forms the basis of a novel 'Discovery Assay' that is then used for the characterisation, identification and functional validation of nucleotide (genes, mRNAs) or polypeptide (proteins, peptides) sequences associated with and potentially responsible for the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, including; 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- nucleotide genes, mRNAs
- polypeptide proteins, peptides
- TNF ⁇ and cycloheximide are known to induce apoptosis whereas either reagent alone will not.
- the ability of TNF ⁇ to induce apoptosis is mediated via ROS (Goossens V, De Vos K, Vercammen D, Steemans M, Vancompemolle K, Fiers W, Vandenabeele P, Grooten J Redox regulation of TNF signalling. Biofactors 1999; 10(2-3): 145-56).
- these novel genes themselves are identified as candidate apoptosis genes that may similarly function in 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- HeLa cells are plated into 96 well plate at a concentration of 2x10 4 /well and allowed to adhere for 4 hours Culture medium is then replaced with fresh medium containing the indicated concentrations of TNF ⁇ together with 5 ⁇ g/ml cycloheximide. Cultures are maintained for a further 18hours, before measuring apoptosis with crystal violet and reading @570nm in a plate reader.
- Figure 22 shows that there is a dose response between the concentration of TNF ⁇ used and the amount of apoptosis recorded for the HeLa cells.
- HeLa cells are plated into 24 well plate at a concentration of 5x10 5 /well and allowed to adhere for 4 hours Culture medium is then replaced with fresh medium containing the indicated concentrations of TNF ⁇ together with 5 ⁇ g/ml cycloheximide. Cultures are maintained for a further 18h, before isolation of DNA from 5x10 6 cells/ treatment (as previously described) and running on a 2% gel. Figure 23 shows resulting gel after separation. From the figure it is clear that TNF ⁇ /Chx treatment results in DNA laddering, which is characteristic of cells undergoing apoptosis.
- TNF ⁇ /CHX-induced HeLa cell apoptosis is associated with significant changes in gene expression.
- HeLa cells are maintained in culture, and treated with TNF ⁇ and cycloheximide. At various time points, total cellular RNA is isolated and examined for gene expression changes using microarray. Significant transcription of mRNA is observed. In one example experiment, as many as 420 genes are detected using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' filters; these genes are increased or decreased by greater than 2-fold over a 4-hour time course as compared with the time zero control HeLa cells. As many as 50 genes are increased or decreased as early as 2 hours post-isolation.
- Figure 24 shows cluster analysis of genes regulated during UV-irradiation-induced HeLa apoptosis time course. Genes fall into primary clusters of up (red) and down- regulated (green) genes.
- This example describes the establishment of a model cell system in HL60 cells.
- the culture of HL60 cells and treatment with exogenous ROS, in the form of H 2 O 2 is described.
- This 'Model Cell System' forms the basis of a novel 'Discovery Assay' that is then used for the characterisation, identification and functional validation of nucleotide (genes, mRNAs) or polypeptide (proteins, peptides) sequences associated with and potentially responsible for the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, including; 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- nucleotide genes, mRNAs
- polypeptide proteins, peptides
- H 2 O 2 treatment induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells, as assessed by DNA fragmentation ELISA
- HL60 cell apoptosis is measured using a Cellular DNA fragmentation ELISA (Bohringer).
- HL-60 cells (5x10 s /ml) are labelled for 2 hours with the ELISA BrdU label, at a concentration of 10 ⁇ M. Following this, cells receive H 2 O 2 at a concentration of 3x10 "2 % final volume, or medium alone as a control.
- Cells are placed in 96-well plates at 2x10 5 cells/well and incubated at 37°C. At Oh, 2h, 4h and 6h post-treatment cells are harvested and lysed for ELISA. ELISA was performed on triplicate samples.
- apoptosis in HL-60 cells begins approximately 4h after treatment with hydrogen peroxide, and the level of apoptosis increases with incubation time. This is in contrast to mock-infected controls that fail to show any signs of apoptotic cell death at any of the indicated time points.
- H 2 O 2 induced HL60 cell apoptosis is associated with significant changes in gene expression.
- Cultured HL60 cells are treated with H 2 O 2 .
- total cellular RNA is isolated and examined for gene expression changes using microarray. Significant transcription of mRNA is observed.
- as many as 3000 genes are detected using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' filters; these genes are increased or decreased by greater than 2-fold over a 2-hour time course as compared with the time zero control HL60 cells.
- genes regulated as early as 2 hours post-treatment genes are detected that represent the cellular response to oxidative stress (See Table 8).
- This example describes the establishment of a model cell system in HeLa cells.
- the culture of HeLa cells and treatment with exogenous ROS, in the form of H 2 O 2 is described.
- This 'Model Cell System' forms the basis of a novel 'Discovery Assay' that is then used for the characterisation, identification and functional validation of nucleotide (genes, mRNAs) or polypeptide (proteins, peptides) sequences associated with and potentially responsible for the molecular mechanisms of cellular response to ROS and apoptosis, including; 1) the initiation of the apoptosis process, 2) the cellular signalling pathways, and 3) the cells attempt to combat ROS and apoptosis in the cell.
- nucleotide genes, mRNAs
- polypeptide proteins, peptides
- HeLa cells are plated into a 96 well plate (2x10 5 /ml) and allowed to adhere for 4 hours before replacing the medium with fresh culture medium containing the indicated doses of H 2 O 2 .
- Cells are cultured for a further 18 h before staining the remaining adherent cells with crystal violet and measuring absorbance at 570nm.
- the lethal dose of H 2 O 2 appeared to occur between 3x10 "2 and 3 x10 "3 , at which dose the majority of the cells have undergone apoptosis.
- H 2 O 2 - induced HeLa cell apoptosis is associated with significant changes in gene expression.
- RNA is isolated and examined for gene expression changes using microarray. Significant transcription of mRNA is observed. In one example experiment, as many as 570 genes are detected using Incyte human 'LifeGrid' filters; these genes are increased or decreased by greater than 2-fold over a 2-hour time course as compared with the time zero control HeLa cells. Of these regulated-genes, approximately 220 are up-regulated and 350 are down-regulated.
- genes regulated as early as 2 hours post-treatment genes are detected that represent the cellular response to oxidative stress (See Table 9).
- This example describes the characterisation, cloning and analysis of oligonucleotide/polynucleotide sequences whose expression changes are associated with apoptosis. This example also describes the establishment and use of Genomics techniques such as, microarray and subtraction cDNA cloning.
- microarrays are used to measure global gene expression associated with apoptosis. Analysis of such microarray results identifies genes whose expression pattern changes (either up-regulation or down-regulation) in an association with a measurable apoptotic phenotype.
- Suppression Subtractive Hybridisation is used to identify and clone cDNA sequences derived from differentially expressed genes. Such differential gene expression is associated with a measurable apoptotic phenotype. Such cDNA sequences are extended to encompass the full length coding sequence for the mRNA gene product. Measurement of global gene expression by 'Microarray'
- This example describes the process of microarraying (in the context of a filter based microarraying) and its use to profile gene expression of thousands of genes simultaneously.
- the microarray process can be separated into three parts: the preparation of the microarray filter, the hybridisation of radiolabelled cDNA probes, and the detection and quantitation of the microarray results.
- DNA 'probe' sequences are obtained for genes to be represented on a particular microarray. These sequences would typically be EST cDNA sequences cloned in a plasmid vector, either from in-house libraries or obtained from commercial sources (e.g. IMAGE consortium clones).
- the DNA sequences used to construct the microarray are amplified by PCR using common primer sequences found flanking the multiple cloning sites of most commercial cloning vector plasmids as follows:
- PCR reactions are carried out as follows: 1-2 ⁇ l of glycerol stock, miniprep DNA or overnight culture is added to a 20 ⁇ l reaction containing, 0.4 ⁇ l 10mM dNTP mix, 1 x reaction buffer, 0.4 ⁇ l each 20 ⁇ M primer and 0.5U Taq polymerase (Qiagen). PCR amplification is carried out with a MWG HT Primus 4 x 96 well thermocycler as follows: 94°C 60 s, 35 cycles of 94°C 40 s, 55°C 30 s, 72°C 120 s, followed by 72°C
- PCR reaction products are purified using 96 Well PCR Multiscreen (Millipore) as described by the manufacturer. Purified PCR products are typically eluted in 30-50 ⁇ l ddH 2 O at a concentration of 50 to 100ng/ ⁇ l in 10 mM Tris / 1 mM EDTA and stored in V-bottom 96-well microtitre plates (Sarstedt).
- the arrays are then prepared as follows:
- luciferase (or similar alternative) as a control.
- the luciferase is added at a concentration of 10ng/ ⁇ l.
- Filter microarrays may also be prepared from PCR reactions using a custom service such as that provided by GeneScreen Ltd (Dorset, UK).
- This example describes the synthesis of a radiolabelled cDNA from total cellular mRNA.
- the labelled cDNA is used to 'probe' DNA fragments, which have been immobilised on to a filter membrane, by complementary hybridisation.
- RNA is reverse transcribed to first stand cDNA in a reaction containing M-MLV reverse transcriptase (RT; alternatively Superscript II is used (Life Sciences)), RT buffer, dNTPs and [ ⁇ - 33 P] dCTP (2000- 4000 Ci/mmol) at 42°C for 1 to 5 h. Unincorporated nucleotides are removed using spin-columns and the labelled probe stored at -80°C until required.
- RT M-MLV reverse transcriptase
- Labelled probes may also be generated from cDNA, genomic DNA or PCR products.
- a random primed labelling procedure can be used, for example the Ready-Prime Labelling kit (APBiotech), applied as per manufacturers instructions.
- This example describes the complementary hybridisation of radiolabelled cDNA probe to DNA fragments immobilised onto a membrane (typically a nylon or nitrocellulaose filter).
- membrane filters are pre-hybridised in hybridisation buffer (5 to 20 ml) at 42°C for 2 to 16 h using a hybridisation oven (Hybaid). Following pre-hybridisation, the labelled cDNA probe is added to fresh hybridisation buffer (5 to 20 ml) and hybridised at 42°C for 14 to 16 h. Following hybridisation, the hybridisation mix is removed and the filters washed with 2 x SSC buffer at RT for 5 min., twice with 2 x SSC, 1% SDS buffer at 68°C for 30 min. and twice with 0.6 x SSC, 1% SDS buffer at 68°C for 30 min. Quantitative imaging and analysis of microarray filters
- This example describes the use of a Phosphoimager to quantitatively image positive signals across the filter arrays.
- Hybridised filters are wrapped in plastic wrap (Saran) and exposed to a Low-Energy Phosphoimaging screen (Molecular Dynamics). The screen is then placed on the phosphoimager and the gel image captured by scanning at a resolution of 50 microns (See Figure 27).
- the captured image file is then analysed using software such as Array Vision (Imaging Research Inc.; See Figure 28).
- This program contains facilities for spot detection and quantification, and background detection and quantification.
- This data is then exported to a text file for further analysis.
- a variety of data fields are exported from the ArrayVision analysis, including; Spot Label, Position, Density, Background, and particularly, Background subtracted density (sDens).
- a Normalisation Factor which facilitates comparison between different experiments.
- the Global Mean sDens value is calculated.
- the Global Mean sDens is calculated as the average of the sDens values across all of the arrays to be compared.
- a normalisation factor is then derived from division of the overall spot density by the Global mean sDens value. Spot density values (individual sDens) are then corrected by multiplying with the normalisation factor.
- the data from multiple hybridisation experiments can then be stored in a suitable format, for example in an Access or SQL 7.0 database.
- the data from multiple hybridisation experiments can be compared using an analysis and visualisation software facility such as the Cluster and Treeview software (M.Eisen, Stanford Uni, USA).
- the Cluster software is used to analyse the 'fold change' between different arrays derived from hybridising RNA isolated from neutrophils treated with GM-CSF.
- the Treeview graphical representation of this analysis is shown (See Figure 29).
- the data to be analysed may be imported to the Cluster software as fold change (Tx vs Ty), calculated by comparing the normalised spot density values of Tx with Ty.
- each unique gene is represented by at least two identical cDNAs on the array.
- the fold change value is calculated as described, then for each spot, a value above 5-fold change is accorded a code of 2, a fold-change value of less then 5 but greater then 2 is accorded a code of 1 and a fold-change value of less then 2 is accorded a code value of 0.
- a combined code is then derived by adding the code values for each identical cDNA on the array.
- the use of combined codes can greatly simplify the Cluster analysis and the subsequent TreeView visualisation (See Figure 30).
- SSH Suppression Subtractive Hybridisation
- RNAzol B acid phenol/guanidine isothiocyanate extraction
- RNeasy RNA preparation kits Qiagen. Any contaminating genomic DNA is removed by DNase treatment (DNase I, Gibco-BRL). Extraction of mRNA
- RNA is then used to prepare mRNA, using the Oligotex mRNA purification kit (Qiagen), or a similar system (Clontech or Strategene). Briefly, mRNA is purified by passing the total RNA over an oligo-dT column.
- the oligo-dT may be attached to cellulose or glass beads or biotin, and the column may be either spin or gravity format.
- the bound mRNA is subsequently washed and eluted, ready for use in subtractive hybridisation.
- SSH is performed on mRNA purified from treatment or control cells essentially as described (Diatchenko et al 1996), using a PCR-select cDNA subtraction kit (Clontech, K1804). Briefly, cDNA is synthesised from the two pools of mRNA (control and treatment, driver and tester respectively). The resulting cDNA is digested with a restriction enzyme generating a blunt end product (typically Rsal). The tester cDNA is divided into two subsets and distinct adaptor molecules are ligated to each of the cDNA pools.
- tester cDNA samples are then separately combined with driver cDNA in a solution containing 50mM HEPES, pH 8.3; 0.5M NaCl; 0.02mM EDTA, pH 8.0.
- driver cDNA samples are then separately combined with driver cDNA in a solution containing 50mM HEPES, pH 8.3; 0.5M NaCl; 0.02mM EDTA, pH 8.0.
- the tester and driver cDNAs are allowed to anneal for 10hrs at 68°C.
- the two samples are combined and a fresh portion of heat denatured driver cDNA is added. The samples are allowed to anneal for a further 10 hours at 68°C.
- the hybridised cDNA is then diluted in a solution containing 20mM HEPES, pH 8.3; 50mM NaCl; 0.2mM EDTA) and heated at 72°C for 7 minutes, prior to PCR amplification.
- PCR is performed under standard conditions using the Advantage cDNA PCR kit (Clontech). Only cDNAs that have the correct primer combination, the differentially expressed cDNAs, will amplify exponentially.
- PCR products from the subtractive hybridisation are inserted into a TA cloning vector, for example pCRII T/A cloning kit (Invitrogen).
- TA cloning vector for example pCRII T/A cloning kit (Invitrogen).
- This library of differentially expressed cDNAs is then transformed to E.coli and the transformants selected for miniprep and sequence analysis. Plasmid miniprep
- This example describes the extraction of double stranded plasmid DNA from cDNA clones.
- This example describes the di-deoxy sequencing of cloned cDNA inserts within the vector pT-Adv (Clontech).
- Plasmid miniprep DNA (100 ng to 5 ⁇ g) is sent to MWG Biotech for contract sequencing. Sequencing reactions are primed using one of the following universal primer sequences:
- the SSH procedure for the cloning of differentially expressed gene products also generates a portion of artifactual cDNAs 'false positives' which are not differentially expressed.
- This example describes our modifications to the commercial SSH, by the use of microarray to confirm the identity of truly differentially expressed clones prior to the laborious task of sequencing. Approximately 1000 colonies are isolated from each reciprocal SSH cDNA library. cDNA insert sequences are amplified by PCR and spotted onto microarray filters as described above. Duplicate filters are hybridised with radio-labelled cDNA probes generated from the reciprocal RNA material used to generate each SSH library (i.e. if an SSH library is made from a subtraction between diseased vs.
- one filter is hybridised with probe synthesised from RNA isolated from diseased cells and the other from normal cells) i.e. 'first round of sceening'.
- An analysis of the filters identifies which cDNA clones are differentially expressed (See Figure 31).
- arrays may be additionally analysed using the ArrayVision software as described above.
- the output from this program may be normalised and further analysed using the Cluster and Treeview software, as described above.
- DNA sequence for each clone is compared, by h'omology (BLAST) with public DNA sequence databases (e.g. GENBANK). Where a full length sequence can be identified, flanking PCR primers are designed and the full-length protein coding sequence amplified.
- BLAST h'omology
- GENBANK public DNA sequence databases
- full length clones are isolated from poly A+ RNA using SmartTM RACE Technology (Clontech) according to the manufacturers protocol. Briefly, double stranded cDNA is generated using the Smart II oligonucleotide and the CDS Primer (both supplied in the kit). Specific PCR products are then generated using the PCR primer (supplied in the kit) and gene specific primers (sense and antisense primers generated from the DNA sequence to be extended). To increase specificity, nested sense and antisense primers are used in secondary PCR amplification. PCR products are then ligated into plasmids, such as the TA cloning system (Invitrogen), transformed into competent cells and expanded.
- TA cloning system Invitrogen
- Plasmids are purified using mini-prep isolation system (Qiagen) and plasmids are submitted to MWG for sequencing. Specific 5' and 3' sequences are identified using sense and antisense gene specific primers. Products are to be sequenced approximately 10 bases 5' of the initiation codon for 5' PCR products and 10 bases 3' of stop codons for 3' PCR products. Using sequence data, 5' and 3' primers are made and full length cDNA is amplified.
- BCL2 (Hs.76366) 40.6 13.07 15.59 translocator (Hs.166172) aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear 2.42 5.37 3.68 translocator-like (Hs.74515) hypoxia-inducible factor 1 , alpha 2.13E-09 0.9 0.82 subunit (Hs.197540) iron-responsive element binding 0.75 1.53 ,0.92 protein 1 (Hs.154721)
- Hs.89691 glycosyltransferase 2 0.94 0.64 0.43 0.67 0.46 0.28
- Iron-responsive element ⁇ binding protein 2 ⁇ I
- hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (Hs.197540) 0.14 1.06 fructose-bisphosphatase 1 (Hs.574) 0.11 0.21
- heat shock fiOkD protein 1 (Hs.79037) 1520.323 617.8009 0.367078573 p53-responsive gene 2 (Hs.118893) 2537.969 4612613 0.239822085 hexokinase 4 (Hs.89771) 346.283! 2360.637 2.746354 hexokinase 2 (Hs.198427) 6521077 2728.595 0.334782922!
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WO2003050302A2 (en) * | 2001-12-13 | 2003-06-19 | Eirx Therapeutics Ltd | Tgnp activity or expression as marker for apoptosis |
WO2004065959A2 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-08-05 | Eirx Therapeutics Limited | Kinases and gpcrs involved in apoptosis |
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WO1999032514A2 (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 1999-07-01 | Warner-Lambert Company | Sag: sensitive to apoptosis gene |
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WO2003016527A2 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2003-02-27 | Probiox Sa | Process for the detection of oxidative stress and kit for its implementation |
WO2003016527A3 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2003-12-31 | Probiox Sa | Process for the detection of oxidative stress and kit for its implementation |
BE1014949A3 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2004-07-06 | Probiox | Oxidative stress detection method and kit for its implementation. |
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WO2003050302A2 (en) * | 2001-12-13 | 2003-06-19 | Eirx Therapeutics Ltd | Tgnp activity or expression as marker for apoptosis |
WO2003050302A3 (en) * | 2001-12-13 | 2004-01-08 | Eirx Therapeutics Ltd | Tgnp activity or expression as marker for apoptosis |
WO2004065959A2 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-08-05 | Eirx Therapeutics Limited | Kinases and gpcrs involved in apoptosis |
WO2004065959A3 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-11-25 | Eirx Therapeutics Ltd | Kinases and gpcrs involved in apoptosis |
US20130096166A1 (en) * | 2011-10-17 | 2013-04-18 | Clark Atlanta University | Camalexin as a treatment for prostate cancer |
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