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Institute
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is used for the treatment of a number of ailments. The activity of the toxin that is isolated from bacterial cultures is frequently tested in the mouse lethality assay. Apart from the ethical concerns inherent to this assay, species-specific differences in the affinity for different BoNT serotypes give rise to activity results that differ from the activity in humans. Thus, BoNT/B is more active in mice than in humans. The current study shows that the stimulus-dependent release of a luciferase from a differentiated human neuroblastoma–based reporter cell line (SIMA-hPOMC1-26-Gluc) was inhibited by clostridial and recombinant BoNT/A to the same extent, whereas both clostridial and recombinant BoNT/B inhibited the release to a lesser extent and only at much higher concentrations, reflecting the low activity of BoNT/B in humans. By contrast, the genetically modified BoNT/B-MY, which has increased affinity for human synaptotagmin, and the BoNT/B protein receptor inhibited luciferase release effectively and with an EC50 comparable to recombinant BoNT/A. This was due to an enhanced uptake into the reporter cells of BoNT/B-MY in comparison to the recombinant wild-type toxin. Thus, the SIMA-hPOMC1-26-Gluc cell assay is a versatile tool to determine the activity of different BoNT serotypes providing human-relevant dose-response data.
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is used for the treatment of a number of ailments. The activity of the toxin that is isolated from bacterial cultures is frequently tested in the mouse lethality assay. Apart from the ethical concerns inherent to this assay, species-specific differences in the affinity for different BoNT serotypes give rise to activity results that differ from the activity in humans. Thus, BoNT/B is more active in mice than in humans. The current study shows that the stimulus-dependent release of a luciferase from a differentiated human neuroblastoma–based reporter cell line (SIMA-hPOMC1-26-Gluc) was inhibited by clostridial and recombinant BoNT/A to the same extent, whereas both clostridial and recombinant BoNT/B inhibited the release to a lesser extent and only at much higher concentrations, reflecting the low activity of BoNT/B in humans. By contrast, the genetically modified BoNT/B-MY, which has increased affinity for human synaptotagmin, and the BoNT/B protein receptor inhibited luciferase release effectively and with an EC50 comparable to recombinant BoNT/A. This was due to an enhanced uptake into the reporter cells of BoNT/B-MY in comparison to the recombinant wild-type toxin. Thus, the SIMA-hPOMC1-26-Gluc cell assay is a versatile tool to determine the activity of different BoNT serotypes providing human-relevant dose-response data.
Background & purpose: Recent studies suggested a role of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) in the expression of the chemokine IL-8 by monocytes. The function of EP4 receptor for TNF alpha-induced IL-8 expression was studied in monocytic cell lines. Experimental approach: IL-8 mRNA and protein induction as well as IL-8 promoter activity and transcription factor activation were assessed in monocytic cell lines, primary blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and transgenic HEK293 cells expressing the EP4 receptor. Key results: In monocytic cell lines THP-1, MonoMac and U937 PGE(2) had only a marginal impact on IL-8 induction but strongly enhanced TNFa-induced IL-8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Similarly, in PBMC IL-8 mRNA induction was larger by simultaneous stimulation with TNF alpha and PGE(2) than by either stimulus alone. The EP4 receptor subtype was the most abundant EP receptor in all three cell lines and in PBMC. Stimulation of THP-1 cells with an EP4 specific agonist enhanced TNF alpha-induced IL-8 mRNA and protein formation to the same extent as PGE(2). In HEK293 cells expressing EP4, but not in wild type HEK293 cells lacking EP4, PGE(2) enhanced TNFainduced IL-8 protein and mRNA synthesis. In THP-1 cells, the enhancement of TNF alpha-mediated IL-8 mRNA induction by PGE(2) was mimicked by a PICA-activator. Furthermore in these cells PGE(2) induced expression of transcription factor C/EBPS, enhanced NF-KB activation by TNFa and inhibited TNF alpha-mediated AP-1 activation. PGE(2) and TNF alpha synergistically activated transcription factor CREB, induced C/EBPS expression and enhanced the activity of an IL-8 promoter fragment containing-223 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Conclusions and implications: These findings suggest that a combined stimulation of TNF alpha and PGE(2)/EP4 signal chains in monocytic cells leads to maximal IL-8 promoter activity, as well as IL-8 mRNA and protein induction, by activating the PICA/CREB/C/EB1313 as well as NF-kappa B signal chains.
The suitability of a newly developed cell-based functional assay was tested for the detection of the activity of a range of neurotoxins and neuroactive pharmaceuticals which act by stimulation or inhibition of calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release. In this functional assay, a reporter enzyme is released concomitantly with the neurotransmitter from neurosecretory vesicles. The current study showed that the release of a luciferase from a differentiated human neuroblastoma-based reporter cell line (SIMA-hPOMC1-26-GLuc cells) can be stimulated by a carbachol-mediated activation of the Gq-coupled muscarinic-acetylcholine receptor and by the Ca2+-channel forming spider toxin α-latrotoxin. Carbachol-stimulated luciferase release was completely inhibited by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine and α-latrotoxin-mediated release by the Ca2+-chelator EGTA, demonstrating the specificity of luciferase-release stimulation. SIMA-hPOMC1-26-GLuc cells express mainly L- and N-type and to a lesser extent T-type VGCC on the mRNA and protein level. In accordance with the expression profile a depolarization-stimulated luciferase release by a high K+-buffer was effectively and dose-dependently inhibited by L-type VGCC inhibitors and to a lesser extent by N-type and T-type inhibitors. P/Q- and R-type inhibitors did not affect the K+-stimulated luciferase release. In summary, the newly established cell-based assay may represent a versatile tool to analyze the biological efficiency of a range of neurotoxins and neuroactive pharmaceuticals which mediate their activity by the modulation of calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release.
The suitability of a newly developed cell-based functional assay was tested for the detection of the activity of a range of neurotoxins and neuroactive pharmaceuticals which act by stimulation or inhibition of calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release. In this functional assay, a reporter enzyme is released concomitantly with the neurotransmitter from neurosecretory vesicles. The current study showed that the release of a luciferase from a differentiated human neuroblastoma-based reporter cell line (SIMA-hPOMC1-26-GLuc cells) can be stimulated by a carbachol-mediated activation of the Gq-coupled muscarinic-acetylcholine receptor and by the Ca2+-channel forming spider toxin α-latrotoxin. Carbachol-stimulated luciferase release was completely inhibited by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine and α-latrotoxin-mediated release by the Ca2+-chelator EGTA, demonstrating the specificity of luciferase-release stimulation. SIMA-hPOMC1-26-GLuc cells express mainly L- and N-type and to a lesser extent T-type VGCC on the mRNA and protein level. In accordance with the expression profile a depolarization-stimulated luciferase release by a high K+-buffer was effectively and dose-dependently inhibited by L-type VGCC inhibitors and to a lesser extent by N-type and T-type inhibitors. P/Q- and R-type inhibitors did not affect the K+-stimulated luciferase release. In summary, the newly established cell-based assay may represent a versatile tool to analyze the biological efficiency of a range of neurotoxins and neuroactive pharmaceuticals which mediate their activity by the modulation of calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release.
Cell-Based Reporter Release Assay to Determine the Potency of Proteolytic Bacterial Neurotoxins
(2018)
Despite the implementation of cell-based replacement methods, the mouse lethality assay is still frequently used to determine the activity of botulinum toxin (BoNT) for medical use. One explanation is that due to the use of neoepitope-specific antibodies to detect the cleaved BoNT substrate, the currently devised assays can detect only one specific serotype of the toxin. Recently, we developed a cell-based functional assay, in which BoNT activity is determined by inhibiting the release of a reporter enzyme that is liberated concomitantly with the neurotransmitter from neurosecretory vesicles. In theory, this assay should be suitable to detect the activity of any BoNT serotype. Consistent with this assumption, the current study shows that the stimulus-dependent release of a luciferase from a differentiated human neuroblastoma-based reporter cell line (SIMA-hPOMC1-26-GLuc cells) was inhibited by BoNT-A and-C. Furthermore, this was also inhibited by BoNT-B and tetanus toxin to a lesser extent and at higher concentrations. In order to provide support for the suitability of this technique in practical applications, a dose–response curve obtained with a pharmaceutical preparation of BoNT-A closely mirrored the activity determined in the mouse lethality assay. In summary, the newly established cell-based assay may represent a versatile and specific alternative to the mouse lethality assay and other currently established cell-based assays.
Cell-Based Reporter Release Assay to Determine the Potency of Proteolytic Bacterial Neurotoxins
(2018)
Despite the implementation of cell-based replacement methods, the mouse lethality assay is still frequently used to determine the activity of botulinum toxin (BoNT) for medical use. One explanation is that due to the use of neoepitope-specific antibodies to detect the cleaved BoNT substrate, the currently devised assays can detect only one specific serotype of the toxin. Recently, we developed a cell-based functional assay, in which BoNT activity is determined by inhibiting the release of a reporter enzyme that is liberated concomitantly with the neurotransmitter from neurosecretory vesicles. In theory, this assay should be suitable to detect the activity of any BoNT serotype. Consistent with this assumption, the current study shows that the stimulus-dependent release of a luciferase from a differentiated human neuroblastoma-based reporter cell line (SIMA-hPOMC1-26-GLuc cells) was inhibited by BoNT-A and-C. Furthermore, this was also inhibited by BoNT-B and tetanus toxin to a lesser extent and at higher concentrations. In order to provide support for the suitability of this technique in practical applications, a dose–response curve obtained with a pharmaceutical preparation of BoNT-A closely mirrored the activity determined in the mouse lethality assay. In summary, the newly established cell-based assay may represent a versatile and specific alternative to the mouse lethality assay and other currently established cell-based assays.
Xenobiotics may interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid endocrine axis by inducing enzymes that inactivate thyroid hormones and thereby reduce the metabolic rate. This induction results from an activation of xeno-sensing nuclear receptors. The current study shows that benzo[a]pyrene, a frequent contaminant of processed food and activator of the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activated the promoter and induced the transcription of the nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) in rat hepatocytes. Likewise, phenobarbital induced the AhR transcription. This mutual induction of the nuclear receptors enhanced the phenobarbital-dependent induction of the prototypic CAR target gene Cyp2b1 as well as the AhR-dependent induction of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. In both cases, the induction by the combination of both xenobiotics was more than the sum of the induction by either substance alone. By inducing the AhR, phenobarbital enhanced the benzo[a]pyrene-dependent reduction of thyroid hormone half-life and the benzo[a]pyrene-dependent increase in the rate of thyroid hormone glucuronide formation in hepatocyte cultures. CAR ligands might thus augment the endocrine disrupting potential of AhR activators by an induction of the AhR. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The majority of cases of community-acquired pneumonia are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and most studies on pneumococcal host interaction are based on cell culture or animal experiments. Thus, little is known about infections in human lung tissue.
Cyclooxygenase-2 and its metabolites play an important regulatory role in lung inflammation. Therefore, we established a pneumococcal infection model on human lung tissue demonstrating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and its related metabolites.
In addition to alveolar macrophages and the vascular endothelium, cyclooxygenase-2 was upregulated in alveolar type II but not type I epithelial cells, which was confirmed in lungs of patients suffering from acute pneumonia. Moreover, we demonstrated the expression profile of all four E prostanoid receptors at the mRNA level and showed functionality of the E prostanoid(4) receptor by cyclic adenosine monophosphate production. Additionally, in comparison to previous studies, cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E-2 related pro- and anti-inflammatory mediator regulation was partly confirmed in human lung tissue after pneumococcal infection.
Overall, cell type-specific and MAPK-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin E-2 formation in human lung tissue may play an important role in the early phase of pneumococcal infections.
Background and Purpose Recent studies suggested a role for PGE2 in the expression of the chemokine IL-8. PGE2 signals via four different GPCRs, EP1-EP4. The role of EP1 and EP4 receptors for IL-8 induction was studied in HEK293 cells, overexpressing EP1 (HEK-EP1), EP4 (HEK-EP4) or both receptors (HEK-EP1 + EP4). Experimental Approach IL-8 mRNA and protein induction and IL-8 promoter and NF-?B activation were assessed in EP expressing HEK cells. Key Results In HEK-EP1 and HEK-EP1 + EP4 but not HEK or HEK-EP4 cells, PGE2 activated the IL-8 promoter and induced IL-8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Stimulation of HEK-EP1 + EP4 cells with an EP1-specific agonist activated IL-8 promoter and induced IL-8 mRNA and protein, whereas a specific EP4 agonist neither activated the IL-8 promoter nor induced IL-8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Simultaneous stimulation of HEK- EP1 + EP4 cells with both agonists activated IL-8 promoter and induced IL-8 mRNA to the same extent as PGE2. In HEK-EP1 + EP4 cells, PGE2-mediated IL-8 promoter activation and IL-8 mRNA induction were blunted by inhibition of I?B kinase. PGE2 activated NF-?B in HEK-EP1, HEK-EP4 and HEK-EP1 + EP4 cells. In HEK-EP1 + EP4 cells, simultaneous activation of both receptors was needed for maximal PGE2-induced NF-?B activation. PGE2-stimulated NF-?B activation by EP1 was blocked by inhibitors of PLC, calcium-signalling and Src-kinase, whereas that induced by EP4 was only blunted by Src-kinase inhibition. Conclusions and Implications These findings suggest that PGE2-mediated NF-?B activation by simultaneous stimulation of EP1 and EP4 receptors induces maximal IL-8 promoter activation and IL-8 mRNA and protein induction.