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Published on: August 4, 2016
Activation of AP-1 by okadaic acid in mouse keratinocytes associated with hyperphosphorylation of c-jun
J Peng1, G T Bowden, F E Domann
1Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Abstract:
Okadaic acid (OA), a specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, is also a potent mouse skin tumor promoter. The effects of OA on regulation of c-jun/activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcriptional activation were investigated in mouse keratinocytes. AP-1 DNA binding to the jun 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-response element (TGACATCA) as determined by gel shift analysis was strongly induced by OA (100 ng/mL) at 6 and 12 h. Preincubation of nuclear extracts with anti-c-jun antibody demonstrated that c-jun was a major component of the DNA-bound AP-1 complex induced by OA in 308 cells. Transfection of a c-jun promoter-reporter construct demonstrated that AP-1 transactivation was induced by OA. The mRNA level of the c-jun proto-oncogene was dramatically increased by 6 and 12 h of OA treatment. Furthermore, a significant induction of c-jun protein was stimulated by 6 and 12 h of OA treatment. Upon further analysis, it was found that OA induced a significant accumulation of Ser 73-phosphorylated c-jun protein in 308 cells. In summary, our data suggest that skin tumor promotion by OA is due at least in part to increased AP-1 DNA binding and transactivation mediated by c-jun hyperphosphorylation.
Insights
Okadaic acid (OA) promotes skin tumors by increasing activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding and transcriptional activation. This effect is mediated by OA-induced hyperphosphorylation of c-jun protein in mouse keratinocytes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Okadaic acid (OA) is a specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A.
- OA is recognized as a potent promoter of mouse skin tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of OA on the regulation of c-jun/activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcriptional activation in mouse keratinocytes.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying OA-induced skin tumor promotion.
Main Methods:
- Gel shift analysis to assess AP-1 DNA binding.
- Western blot analysis to detect c-jun protein levels and phosphorylation.
- Reporter gene assays to measure AP-1 transactivation.
- Quantitative real-time PCR to determine c-jun mRNA levels.
Main Results:
- OA treatment significantly induced AP-1 DNA binding and transactivation in mouse keratinocytes.
- OA treatment led to a dramatic increase in c-jun mRNA and protein levels.
- OA induced significant accumulation of Ser 73-phosphorylated c-jun protein.
Conclusions:
- OA-induced skin tumor promotion is, at least in part, attributed to enhanced AP-1 DNA binding and transactivation.
- The observed effects are mediated by OA-induced hyperphosphorylation of c-jun.
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