TRAIL triggers apoptosis in human malignant glioma cells through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways

Many malignant glioma cells express death receptors for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), yet some of these cells are resistant to TRAIL. Here, we examined signaling events in TRAIL-induced apoptosis and searched for therapeutic agents that could overcome TRAIL resistance in glioma cells. TRAIL induced apoptosis through death receptor 5 (DR5) and was mediated by caspase-8-initiated extrinsic and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways in sensitive glioma cell lines. TRAIL also triggered apoptosis in resistant glioma cell lines through the same pathways, but only if the cells were pretreated with chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin, camptothecin and etoposide. Previous studies suggested that this was due to an increase in DR5 expression in wild-type TP53 cells, but this mechanism did not account for cells with mutant TP53. Here, we show that a more general effect of these agents is to downregulate caspase-8 inhibitor c-FLIP(S) (the short form of cellular Fas-associated death domain-fike interleukin-1-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein) and up-regulate Bak, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, independently of cell's TP53 status. Furthermore, we showed that TRAIL alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, induced apoptosis in primary tumor cultures from patients with malignant gliomas, reinforcing the potential of TRAIL as an effective therapeutic agent for malignant gliomas.     

Application of flow cytometry to molecular medicine: detection of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptors in acute myeloid leukaemia blasts

TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), a cytokine belonging to the TNF (tumor necrosis factor) family, is currently regarded as a potential anti-cancer agent. Nevertheless, several types of cancer cells display a low sensitivity to TRAIL or are completely resistant to this pro-apoptotic cytokine. TRAIL signalling is dependent on four receptors. Two of them, death receptors 4 and 5 (DR4 and DR5), induce apoptosis, whereas decoy receptors 1 and 2 (DcR1 and DcR2) are unable to evoke cell death upon TRAIL binding. TRAIL resistance may be related to the expression of TRAIL decoy receptors. TRAIL has been proposed as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of haematological disorders, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Surprisingly, however, very limited information is available concerning the expression of TRAIL receptors in AML blasts. Here, we have evaluated, using flow cytometry, TRAIL receptor surface expression and sensitivity to TRAIL-dependent apoptosis of AML blasts from 30 patients. We observed frequent expression of TRAIL DcR1 and DcR2, while expression of DR4 and DR5 was less frequent. Nevertheless, the expression of DR4 or DR5 in leukaemic cells was always matched by a similar expression of one of the decoy receptors. Leukaemic blasts were invariably resistant, even to a high concentration (1000 ng/ml) of TRAIL. We suggest that AML blasts are resistant to TRAIL apoptosis in vitro. Therefore, it is unlikely that TRAIL alone might be used in the future as an innovative pharmacological agent for the treatment of AML.     

Adenoviral-mediated transfer of p53 gene enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

p53 is a tumor suppressor protein with numerous biological functions including transformation, regulation of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can induce apoptosis in various transformed cell lines. We investigated the effects of combining wild-type p53 gene transduction by adenoviral infection (Ad-p53) with addition of TRAIL on cell death, expression levels of TRAIL receptors (TRAIL-R1, TRAIL-R2), FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. HCC cell death was increased by combination of Ad-p53 infection and addition of TRAIL compared to either alone. Western blotting demonstrated decreased TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 levels after infection with Ad-p53. FLIP levels decreased in Huh7 cells and Hep3B cells, and XIAP levels decreased in all three HCC cell lines after infection with Ad-p53. Thus, death of HCC cells due to combined p53 gene transduction and exogenous TRAIL may be due to down regulation of FLIP or XIAP.     

TRAIL受体在肿瘤细胞系上的表达及意义

目的 检测TNF相关凋亡诱导配体（TRAIL）的受体，在来源于血液系统、肝脏、肺脏和大肠的8个肿瘤细胞系中的表达，并探讨其意义。方法 采用半定量RT－PCR，对TRAIL受体的表达进行半定量检测。结果 TRAIL凋亡通路中，能够诱导凋亡反应的死亡受体DR4和DR5，在所检测的肿瘤细胞系中都有表达，其中DR5在所有肿瘤细胞系中的表达水平均显著高于DR4（P＜0．05）。而能够竞争性与TRAIL诱导的凋亡反应的诱骗受体DcR1和DcR2，在所有的肿瘤细胞中都呈低水平表达或不表达。结论 DR5可能在TRAIL诱导凋亡的通路中发挥最重要的作用。TRAIL死亡受体和诱骗受体在肿瘤细胞系中的表达具有差异性，这种差异性可在一定程度上解释不同细胞对TRAIL诱导凋亡的敏感度。     

Characterization of tumour necrosis factor-alpha-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and its receptors in the adult human testis

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) family of cytokines which is known to induce apoptosis upon binding to its death domain-containing receptors, DR4/TRAIL-R1 and DR5/TRAIL-R2. Two additional TRAIL receptors, DcR1/TRAIL-R3 and DcR2/TRAIL-R4, lack functional death domains and act as decoy receptors for TRAIL. In this study, the presence of TRAIL and its receptors was investigated by immunohistochemistry in adult human testes. In addition, TRAIL and its receptors were studied in terms of protein and mRNA using western blot analysis and RT-PCR respectively. TRAIL and its receptors were immunodetected according to the different testicular cell types: TRAIL, DR5/TRAIL-R2 and DcR2/TRAIL-R4 were localized in Leydig cells, DR4/TRAIL-R1 was seen in peritubular and Sertoli cells whereas ligand and all receptors were detected in germ cells. Proteins and mRNA corresponding to TRAIL and its receptors were also identified in adult human testes. In conclusion, TRAIL and its receptors DR4/TRAIL-R1, DR5/TRAIL-R2, DcR1/TRAIL-R3 and DcR2/TRAIL-R4 are expressed in the human testis, and are predominantly localized in different germ cell types.     

Expression of TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) and its receptors in normal colonic mucosa,adenomas, and carcinomas

Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in tumour cell lines. Four membrane-bound receptors for TRAIL have been identified, two apoptosis-mediating receptors, DR4 and DR5, and two apoptosis-inhibiting receptors, DcR1 and DcR2. The aim of this study was to examine the role of TRAIL and its receptors in colorectal cancer development. The immunohistochemical expression and localization of TRAIL and its receptors were investigated in normal mucosa (n=10), adenomas (n=19), and carcinomas (n=21). Correlations between the expression of TRAIL and its receptors and the degree of apoptosis (assessed by M30 expression) and histopathological characteristics were explored. TRAIL and its receptors were expressed in normal mucosal epithelium. Expression of the receptors was seen in adenomas and carcinomas. TRAIL expression was lost in a subset of colorectal tumours, more frequently in carcinomas than in adenomas (p<0.05). DR4 and DR5 staining was stronger in neoplastic cells than in normal cells and was accompanied by a higher degree of apoptosis. No differences were found between tumour and normal cells regarding DcR1 and DcR2 expression. No correlations were found between TRAIL or TRAIL receptor expression and histopathological characteristics. In conclusion, marked changes were seen in the course of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence with respect to the expression of TRAIL and TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5. The stronger expression of DR4 and DR5 in neoplastic cells than in normal cells, together with a higher degree of apoptosis, suggests a possible functional role for these receptors in apoptosis induction in neoplastic colorectal cells.     

The potential of the tumor microenvironment to influence Apo2L/TRAIL induced apoptosis

Apo2L/TRAIL ligation of specific cell surface receptors (DR4 and DR5) induces apoptosis of many malignant cells with little effect on normal cells. This anti-tumor capability has been demonstrated using cell lines of many tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo when the cells are grown as xenografts. We have extended these studies to investigate the efficacy of Apo2L/TRAIL against patient tumor xenografts in SCID mice and found that the growth of many tumors, both of primary and metastatic origin, can be inhibited by Apo2L/TRAIL. The basis of resistance to Apo2L/TRAIL induced apoptosis in malignant cells and normal cells is not completely understood, but it is known that a variety of factors including hypoxia, MMPs and cytokines present in the tumor microenvironment can influence the response of malignant cells to Apo2L/TRAIL. Currently, the clinical potential of several molecules targeting the Apo2L/TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5 is being investigated. Our goal in this review is to provide a brief overview of a number of factors that have potential to influence the response of patient tumors to Apo2L/TRAIL.     

The Potential of the Tumor Microenvironment to Influence Apo2L/TRAIL Induced Apoptosis

Apo2L/TRAIL ligation of specific cell surface receptors (DR4 and DR5) induces apoptosis of many malignant cells with little effect on normal cells. This anti-tumor capability has been demonstrated using cell lines of many tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo when the cells are grown as xenografts. We have extended these studies to investigate the efficacy of Apo2L/TRAIL against patient tumor xenografts in SCID mice and found that the growth of many tumors, both of primary and metastatic origin, can be inhibited by Apo2L/TRAIL. The basis of resistance to Apo2L/TRAIL induced apoptosis in malignant cells and normal cells is not completely understood, but it is known that a variety of factors including hypoxia, MMPs and cytokines present in the tumor microenvironment can influence the response of malignant cells to Apo2L/TRAIL. Currently, the clinical potential of several molecules targeting the Apo2L/TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5 is being investigated. Our goal in this review is to provide a brief overview of a number of factors that have potential to influence the response of patient tumors to Apo2L/TRAIL.     

The Potential of the Tumor Microenvironment to Influence Apo2L/TRAIL Induced Apoptosis

Apo2L/TRAIL ligation of specific cell surface receptors (DR4 and DR5) induces apoptosis of many malignant cells with little effect on normal cells. This anti-tumor capability has been demonstrated using cell lines of many tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo when the cells are grown as xenografts. We have extended these studies to investigate the efficacy of Apo2L/TRAIL against patient tumor xenografts in SCID mice and found that the growth of many tumors, both of primary and metastatic origin, can be inhibited by Apo2L/TRAIL. The basis of resistance to Apo2L/TRAIL induced apoptosis in malignant cells and normal cells is not completely understood, but it is known that a variety of factors including hypoxia, MMPs and cytokines present in the tumor microenvironment can influence the response of malignant cells to Apo2L/TRAIL. Currently, the clinical potential of several molecules targeting the Apo2L/TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5 is being investigated. Our goal in this review is to provide a brief overview of a number of factors that have potential to influence the response of patient tumors to Apo2L/TRAIL.     

Apo2L/TRAIL-dependent recruitment of endogenous FADD and caspase-8 to death receptors 4 and 5

Fas (APO-1/CD95) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) trigger apoptosis by recruiting the apoptosis initiator caspase-8 through the adaptor FADD. Fas binds FADD directly, whereas TNFR1 binds FADD indirectly, through TRADD. TRADD alternatively recruits the NF-kappaB-inducing adaptor RIP. The TNF homolog Apo2L/TRAIL triggers apoptosis through two distinct death receptors, DR4 and DR5; however, receptor over-expression studies have yielded conflicting results on the ligand's signaling mechanism. Apo2L/TRAIL induced homomeric and heteromeric complexes of DR4 and DR5 and stimulated recruitment of FADD and caspase-8 and caspase-8 activation in nontransfected cells. TRADD and RIP, which bound TNFR1, did not bind DR4 and DR5. Thus, Apo2L/TRAIL and FasL initiate apoptosis through similar mechanisms, and FADD may be a universal adaptor for death receptors.     

重组人可溶性TRAIL的制备及其联合硼替佐米诱导肿瘤细胞的凋亡作用

目的:构建重组人肿瘤坏死因子相关的凋亡诱导配体(tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand,TRAIL)原核表达质粒p ET-28a(+)-TRAIL114-281,优化蛋白表达和纯化条件,制备重组人可溶性TRAIL并鉴定其活性。方法:使用CCK-8初步验证TRAIL是否具有抑制肿瘤细胞生长的生物活性;将制备的TRAIL单独或联合50 nmol/L硼替佐米应用于H460细胞(对TRAIL敏感)和K562细胞(对TRAIL抵抗)24 h,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,比色法检测caspase-8、-9、-3的活化程度,Western blot分析细胞中Bax、Bcl-2和c FLIP蛋白的表达。流式细胞术检测硼替佐米处理H460细胞和K562细胞24 h后DR4和DR5的表达量变化。结果:制备了具有生物学活性且性质稳定的重组人可溶性TRAIL,且成功诱导H460和K562细胞凋亡。不同浓度TRAIL处理H460细胞后其凋亡率随着TRAIL浓度升高而显著升高(P0.05),但K562细胞凋亡率并未随着TRAIL浓度明显升高。联合用药组的H460和K562细胞凋亡率均显著高于单独用药组(P0.05),凋亡过程中caspase-8、-9、-3均被活化,药物处理组的Bcl-2和c FLIP表达量均比对照组下降,尤其联合用药组表达量下降最为显著(P0.05),而Bax表达量无明显变化。硼替佐米处理H460和K562细胞后DR4和DR5表达量均上调(P0.05)。结论:硼替佐米能协同TRAIL启动内源性凋亡途径诱导H460和K562细胞凋亡,其可能机制是通过上调死亡受体DR4和DR5的表达量、下调抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2和c FLIP的表达量来实现的。     

Progression in melanoma is associated with decreased expression of death receptors for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in melanoma by interaction with death receptors TRAIL-R1 (DR4) or TRAIL-R2 (DR5) on melanoma cells or resists apoptosis by interaction with decoy receptors TRAIL-R3 (DcR1) or TRAIL-R4 (DcR2). Studies on cell lines suggest that there is a wide variation in TRAIL death receptor expression; however, their expression on excised human melanoma is not well documented. In view of this, we studied death receptor expression on melanomas using monoclonal antibodies specific for these receptors. Immunohistochemical staining for DR4, DR5, and DcR1/DcR2 was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of 100 cases of primary melanoma, metastatic melanoma, and benign nevi. Percentage expressions of DR4 versus DR5 in benign nevi, primary melanoma, and melanoma metastases were 40% versus 90%, 69% versus 98%, and 55% versus 66%, respectively. There were significant differences in the mean percentage of DR5-positive cells between different groups of melanocytic lesions. Percent expression was higher in thin (< or =1.0 mm) compared with thick primary melanoma (88.9% versus 66.9%), and expression was less in subcutaneous metastases (49%) and lymph node metastases (30.6%) (P < .005). Expression was also higher in compound nevi (57%) than dysplastic nevi (49%). DcR1/DcR2 was found in 75% of benign nevi, 62% of primary melanomas, and 74% melanoma metastases. The results showed a wide variation in the expression of death receptors for TRAIL between and within primary and metastatic melanoma and a decreased expression on the thick primary melanoma and metastatic melanoma. This suggests that melanoma may not respond to treatment with TRAIL unless given with agents that increase the expression of TRAIL death receptors.     

Both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-induced cell death in monocytic THP-1 cells

Our previous study showed that TLR3 induces apoptosis via both death receptors and mitochondial in human endothelial cells. We report here that the activation of TLR4 induced dose- and time-dependent cell death in moncytic THP-1 cells. LPS treatment of THP-1 cells induced the activation of both caspase 8 and 9, suggesting the involvement of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. TNFα was induced by TLR4 activation at both mRNA and protein levels, but its neutralization did not down-regulated TLR4-induced cell death. TLR4 activation also induced the up-regulation of TRAIL and its receptors DR4 and DR5, and the neutralization of TRAIL ameliorated TLR4 induced apoptosis, suggesting the involvement of TRAIL and its receptors DR4 and DR5 in LPS-induced cell death. Meanwhile, LPS treatment down-regulated the expression of FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP), a suppressor of death receptor-induced cell death. In addition, TLR4 activation down-regulated the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2, and up-regulated the pro-apoptotic proteins Noxa and Puma, suggesting that mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was also involved in LPS-induced cell death. Furthermore, we found that TAP63α might confer to the activation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. The treatment of THP-1 cells with LPS induced the translocation of TAP63α from cytoplasm to nucleus. Taken together, our study suggested that both death receptors and mitochondial were involved in TLR4-induced cell death, and TAP63α may be a target for the prevention of LPS-induced cell death.     

Following the TRAIL to apoptosis

Apoptosis, programmed cell death, eliminates injured or harmful cells. It can mediate its response through the actions of death ligands including TRAIL. TRAIL, a member of TNF superfamily, induces apoptosis of transformed cells through the action of death domain receptors DR-4 and DR5. It directly induces apoptosis through an extrinsic pathway, which involes the activation of caspases. TRAIL also is able to prevent apoptosis through the actions of its decoy receptors DcR-1 and DcR-2. Various regulators of TRAIL include FADD, IAPs, Bcl-2s, p53, and FLIPs. TRAIL is present in cells involved in asthma including eosinophils, mast cells, fibroblasts, and airway epithelial cells. It is expressed in airway remodeling and may be linked with the pathways of transforming growth factor-beta1, which is thought to cause damage to the epithelium. The repair process of the epithelium is hindered as a result of increased apoptosis induced by TGF-β1, which overlaps with the pathways of TRAIL. Analogs of TRAIL could have therapeutical applications for asthma. TRAIL is also seen as the basis for a “miracle” drug for cancer because of its ability to selectively kill cancer cells.     

Ionizing radiation sensitizes leukemic MOLT-4 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis

One of perspective approaches in treatment of hematological malignancies is activation of death receptors for TRAIL. However, leukemia cells studied to date have shown variable susceptibility to TRAIL. Our study demonstrates that cells of acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 are resistant to TRAIL and that ionizing radiation in the therapeutically achievable dose of 1 Gy sensitizes TRAIL-resistant cells MOLT-4 to the TRAIL-induced apoptosis by increase in death receptors for TRAIL DR5. When TRAIL is applied after the irradiation in the time of increased DR5 positivity more efficient cell killing is achieved.