C/EBP transcription factors regulate NADPH oxidase in human aortic smooth muscle cells.
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ABSTRACT: In atherosclerosis, oxidative stress-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dysfunction is partially mediated by up-regulated NADPH oxidase (Nox); the mechanisms of enzyme regulation are not entirely defined. CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) regulate cellular proliferation and differentiation, and the expression of many inflammatory and immune genes. We aimed at elucidating the role of C/EBP in the regulation of Nox in SMCs exposed to pro-inflammatory conditions. Human aortic SMCs were treated with interferon-? (IFN-?) for up to 24 hrs. Lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, real-time PCR, Western blot, promoter-luciferase reporter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were employed to investigate Nox regulation. IFN-? dose-dependently induced Nox activity and expression, nuclear translocation and up-regulation of C/EBP?, C/EBP? and C/EBP? protein expression levels. Silencing of C/EBP?, C/EBP? or C/EBP? reduced significantly but differentially the IFN-?-induced up-regulation of Nox activity, gene and protein expression. In silico analysis indicated the existence of typical C/EBP sites within Nox1, Nox4 and Nox5 promoters. Transient overexpression of C/EBP?, C/EBP? or C/EBP? enhanced the luciferase level directed by the promoters of the Nox subtypes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated the physical interaction of C/EBP?, C/EBP? and C/EBP? proteins with the Nox1/4/5 promoters. C/EBP transcription factors are important regulators of Nox enzymes in IFN-?-exposed SMCs. Activation of C/EBP may induce excessive Nox-derived reactive oxygen species formation, further contributing to SMCs dysfunction and atherosclerotic plaque development. Pharmacological targeting of C/EBP-related signalling pathways may be used to counteract the adverse effects of oxidative stress.
SUBMITTER: Manea SA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4124029 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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