The polypeptide encoded by the cDNA for human cell surface antigen Fas can mediate apoptosis.

The classical type of programmed cell death is characterized by its dependence on de novo RNA and protein synthesis and morphological features of apoptosis. We confirmed that stimulated 2B4.11 (a murine T-cell hybridoma) and interleukin-3 (IL-3)-deprived LyD9 (a murine haematopoietic progenitor cell line) died by the classical type of programmed cell death. Assuming that common biochemical pathways might be involved in the deaths of 2B4.11 and LyD9, we isolated the PD-1 gene, a novel member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, by using subtractive hybridization technique. The predicted PD-1 protein has a variant form of the consensus sequence found in cytoplasmic tails of signal transducing polypeptides associated with immune recognition receptors. The PD-1 gene was activated in both stimulated 2B4.11 and IL-3-deprived LyD9 cells, but not in other death-induced cell lines that did not show the characteristic features of the classical programmed cell death. Expression of the PD-1 mRNA in mouse was restricted to the thymus and increased when thymocyte death was augmented by in vivo injection of anti-CD3 antibody. These results suggest that activation of the PD-1 gene may be involved in the classical type of programmed cell death.

https://www.embopress.org/doi/epdf/10.1002/j.1460-2075.1992.tb05481.x

Induced expression of PD-1, a novel member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, upon programmed cell death.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) signaling gives rise to a number of events, including activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Previous studies of TNF-alpha signaling have suggested that these two events occur independently. The sensitivity and kinetics of TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis are shown to be enhanced in a number of cell types expressing a dominant-negative IkappaBalpha (IkappaBalphaM). These findings suggest that a negative feedback mechanism results from TNF-alpha signaling in which NF-kappaB activation suppresses the signals for cell death.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/274/5288/787.full.pdf

Suppression of TNF-α-Induced Apoptosis by NF-κB

Sphingomyelin hydrolysis and ceramide generation have been implicated in a signal transduction pathway that mediates the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and other agents on cell growth and differentiation In many leukemic cells, TNF-alpha causes DNA fragmentation, which leads to programmed cell death (apoptosis) C2-ceramide (06 to 5 microM), a synthetic cell-permeable ceramide analog, induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, which was inhibited by zinc ion Other amphiphilic lipids failed to induce apoptosis The closely related C2-dihydroceramide was also ineffective, which suggests a critical role for the sphingolipid double bond The effects of C2-ceramide on DNA fragmentation were prevented by the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which suggests the existence of two opposing intracellular pathways in the regulation of apoptosis

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/259/5102/1769.full.pdf

Programmed cell death induced by ceramide

Although intermittent increases in inflammation are critical for survival during physical injury and infection, recent research has revealed that certain social, environmental and lifestyle factors can promote systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) that can, in turn, lead to several diseases that collectively represent the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. In the present Perspective we describe the multi-level mechanisms underlying SCI and several risk factors that promote this health-damaging phenotype, including infections, physical inactivity, poor diet, environmental and industrial toxicants and psychological stress. Furthermore, we suggest potential strategies for advancing the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of SCI.

/pdf/chronic-inflammation-in-the-etiology-of-disease-across-the-3ahtzxhxp7.pdf

Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span

Hereditary genetic defects in DNA repair lead to increased risk of cancer. Polymorphisms in several DNA repair genes have been identified; however, the impact on repair phenotype has not been elucidated. We explored the relationship between polymorphisms in the DNA repair enzyme, XRCC1 (codons 194, 280, and 399), and genotoxic end points measured in two populations: (a) placental aflatoxin B1 DNA (AFB1-DNA) adducts in a group of Taiwanese maternity subjects (n = 120); and (b) somatic glycophorin A (GPA) variants in erythrocytes from a group of North Carolina smokers and nonsmokers (n = 59). AFB1-DNA adducts were measured by ELISA, and erythrocyte GPA variant frequency (NN and NO) was assessed in MN heterozygotes with a flow cytometric assay. XRCC1 genotypes were identified by PCR-RFLPs. The XRCC1 399Gln allele was significantly associated with higher levels of both AFB1-DNA adducts and GPA NN mutations. Individuals with the 399Gln allele were at risk for detectable adducts (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.4; P = 0.03). GPA NN variant frequency was significantly higher in 399Gln homozygotes (19.6 x 10(-6)) than in Gln/Arg heterozygotes (11.4 x 10(-6); P < 0.05) or Arg/Arg homozygotes (10.1 x 10(-6); P = 0.01). No significant effects were observed for other XRCC1 polymorphisms. These results suggest that the Arg399Gln amino acid change may alter the phenotype of the XRCC1 protein, resulting in deficient DNA repair.

https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/59/11/2557.full.pdf

XRCC1 polymorphisms : effects on aflatoxin B1-DNA adducts and glycophorin A variant frequency

XPD codes for a DNA helicase involved in transcription and nucleotide excision repair. Rare XPD mutations diminish nucleotide excision repair resulting in hypersensitivity to UV light and increased risk of skin cancer. Several polymorphisms in this gene have been identified but their impact on DNA repair is not known. We compared XPD genotypes at codons 312 and 751 with DNA repair proficiency in 31 women. XPD genotypes were measured by PCR-RFLP. DNA repair proficiency was assessed using a cytogenetic assay that detects X-ray induced chromatid aberrations (breaks and gaps). Chromatid aberrations were scored per 100 metaphase cells following incubation at 37 degrees C (1.5 h after irradiation) to allow for repair of DNA damage. Individuals with the Lys/Lys codon 751 XPD genotype had a higher number of chromatid aberrations (132/100 metaphase cells) than those having a 751Gln allele (34/100 metaphase cells). Individuals having greater than 60 chromatid breaks plus gaps were categorized as having sub-optimal repair. Possessing a Lys/Lys751 genotype increased the risk of sub-optimal DNA repair (odds ratio = 7.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-87.7). The Asp312Asn XPD polymorphism did not appear to affect DNA repair proficiency. These results suggest that the Lys751 (common) allele may alter the XPD protein product resulting in sub-optimal repair of X-ray-induced DNA damage.

XPD polymorphisms: effects on DNA repair proficiency

Discovered in the early 1800s, the use of cadmium and various cadmium salts started to become industrially important near the close of the 19th century, rapidly thereafter began to flourish, yet has diminished more recently. Most cadmium used in the United States is a byproduct from the smelting of zinc, lead, or copper ores, and is used to manufacture batteries. Carcinogenic activity of cadmium was discovered first in animals and only subsequently in humans. Cadmium and cadmium compounds have been classified as known human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program based on epidemiologic studies showing a causal association with lung cancer, and possibly prostate cancer, and studies in experimental animals, demonstrating that cadmium causes tumors at multiple tissue sites, by various routes of exposure, and in several species and strains. Epidemiologic studies published since these evaluations suggest that cadmium is also associated with cancers of the breast, kidney, pancreas, and urinary bladder. The basic metal cationic portion of cadmium is responsible for both toxic and carcinogenic activity, and the mechanism of carcinogenicity appears to be multifactorial. Available information about the carcinogenicity of cadmium and cadmium compounds is reviewed, evaluated, and discussed.

Cadmium-induced Cancers in Animals and in Humans

Polymorphisms In The DNA Repair Gene Xrcc1 And Breast Cancer

X-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) encodes a protein involved in base excision repair. We examined the association of polymorphisms in XRCC1 (codon 194 Arg-->Trp and codon 399 Arg-->Gln) and breast cancer in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based case-control study in North Carolina. No association was observed between XRCC1 codon 194 genotype and breast cancer, and odds ratios (ORs) were not modified by smoking or radiation exposure. A positive association for XRCC1 codon 399 Arg/Gln or Gln/Gln genotypes compared with Arg/Arg was found among African Americans (253 cases, 266 controls; OR = 1.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.4) but not whites (386 cases, 381 controls; OR =1.0, 95% confidence interval, 0.8-1.4). Among African-American women, ORs for the duration of smoking were elevated among women with XRCC1 codon 399 Arg/Arg genotype (trend test; P < 0.001) but not Arg/Gln or Gln/Gln (P = 0.23). There was no difference in OR for smoking according to XRCC1 codon 399 genotype in white women. ORs for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation were stronger for African-American and white women with codon 399 Arg/Arg genotype. High-dose radiation to the chest was more strongly associated with breast cancer among white women with XRCC1 codon 399 Arg/Arg genotype. Our results suggest that XRRC1 codon 399 genotype may influence breast cancer risk, perhaps by modifying the effects of environmental exposures. However, interpretation of our results is limited by incomplete knowledge regarding the biological function of XRCC1 alleles.

https://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/cebp/10/3/217.full.pdf

Ruth M. Lunn

Papers

XRCC1 polymorphisms : effects on aflatoxin B1-DNA adducts and glycophorin A variant frequency

XPD polymorphisms: effects on DNA repair proficiency

Cadmium-induced Cancers in Animals and in Humans

Polymorphisms In The DNA Repair Gene Xrcc1 And Breast Cancer

Polymorphisms In The DNA Repair Gene Xrcc1 And Breast Cancer