HMGB1 protein and linker histone H1 have overlapping binding sites in the nucleosome. HMGB1 has been implicated in many DNA-dependent processes in chromatin involving binding of specific proteins, including transcription factors, to DNA sites pre-bent by HMGB1. HMGB1 can also act as an extracellular signaling molecule by promoting inflammation, tumor growth a metastasis. Many of the intra- and extracellular functions of HMGB1 depend on redox-sensitive cysteine residues of the protein. Here we report that mild oxidization of HMGB1 (and much less mutation of cysteines involved in disulphide bond formation) can severely compromise the functioning of the protein as a DNA chaperone by inhibiting its ability to unwind or bend DNA. Histone H1 (via the highly basic C-terminal domain) significantly inhibits DNA bending by the full-length HMGB1, and the inhibition is further enhanced upon oxidization of HMGB1. Interestingly, DNA bending by HMGB1 lacking the acidic C-tail (HMGB1ΔC) is much less affected by histone H1, but oxidization rendered DNA bending by HMGB1ΔC and HMGB1 equally prone for inhibition by histone H1. Possible consequences of histone H1-mediated inhibition of DNA bending by HMGB1 of different redox state for the functioning of chromatin are discussed.

• MeSH
• Cysteine genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Histones chemistry   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Models, Molecular MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Nucleosomes MeSH
• Oxidation-Reduction MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein chemistry   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• DNA, Superhelical metabolism   MeSH
• Protein Binding MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Cysteine MeSH
• Hbp1 protein, rat MeSH Browser
• Histones MeSH
• Nucleosomes MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• DNA, Superhelical MeSH

HMGB1 is an architectural protein in chromatin, acting also as a signaling molecule outside the cell. Recent reports from several laboratories provided evidence that a number of both the intracellular and extracellular functions of HMGB1 may depend on redox-sensitive cysteine residues of the protein. In this study we demonstrate that redox state of HMGB1 can significantly modulate the ability of the protein to bind and bend DNA, as well as to promote DNA end-joining. We also report a high affinity binding of histone H1 to hemicatenated DNA loops and DNA minicircles. Finally, we show that reduced HMGB1 can readily displace histone H1 from DNA, while oxidized HMGB1 has limited capacity for H1 displacement. Our results suggested a novel mechanism for the HMGB1-mediated modulation of histone H1 binding to DNA. Possible biological consequences of linker histones H1 replacement by HMGB1 for the functioning of chromatin are discussed.

• MeSH
• Chromatin genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Gene Expression MeSH
• Genetic Vectors chemistry   MeSH
• Histones genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• DNA, Concatenated genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• DNA, Circular genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Oxidation-Reduction MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Recombinant Proteins genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Cattle MeSH
• Protein Binding MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cattle MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Chromatin MeSH
• Histones MeSH
• DNA, Concatenated MeSH
• DNA, Circular MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• Recombinant Proteins MeSH

Telomere repeats are added onto chromosome ends by telomerase, consisting of two main core components: a catalytic protein subunit (telomerase reverse trancriptase, TERT), and an RNA subunit (telomerase RNA, TR). Here, we report for the first time evidence that HMGB1 (a chromatin-associated protein in mammals, acting as a DNA chaperone in transcription, replication, recombination, and repair) can modulate cellular activity of mammalian telomerase. Knockout of the HMGB1 gene (HMGB1 KO) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) results in chromosomal abnormalities, enhanced colocalization of γ-H2AX foci at telomeres, and a moderate shortening of telomere lengths. HMGB1 KO MEFs also exhibit significantly (>5-fold) lower telomerase activity than the wild-type MEFs. Correspondingly, enhanced telomerase activity is observed upon overexpression of HMGB1 in MEFs. HMGB1 physically interacts with both TERT and TR, as well as with active telomerase complex in vitro. However, direct interaction of HMGB1 with telomerase is most likely not accountable for the observed higher telomerase activity in HMGB1-containing cells, as revealed from the inability of purified HMGB1 protein to stimulate telomerase activity in vitro. While no transcriptional silencing of TERT is observed in HMGB1 KO MEFs, levels of TR are diminished (~3-fold), providing possible explanation for the observed lower telomerase activity in HMGB1 KO cells. Interestingly, knockout of the HMGB2 gene elevates telomerase activity (~3-fold) in MEFs, suggesting that the two closely related proteins of the HMGB family, HMGB1 and HMGB2, have opposite effects on telomerase activity in the cell. The ability of HMGB1 to modulate cellular activity of telomerase and to maintain telomere integrity can help to understand some aspects of the protein involvement in chromosome stability and cancer.

• MeSH
• Cell Line MeSH
• Chromosome Aberrations MeSH
• Down-Regulation MeSH
• Fibroblasts cytology   metabolism   MeSH
• Microscopy, Fluorescence MeSH
• DNA Fragmentation MeSH
• Gene Knockout Techniques * MeSH
• Histones genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• DNA Damage MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• HMGB2 Protein genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• DNA Replication MeSH
• RNA genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Telomerase genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Telomere metabolism   pathology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• gamma-H2AX protein, mouse MeSH Browser
• Histones MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• HMGB2 Protein MeSH
• RNA MeSH
• Telomerase MeSH
• telomerase RNA MeSH Browser
• Tert protein, mouse MeSH Browser

A combination of biophysical, biochemical, and computational techniques was used to delineate mechanistic differences between the platinum-acridine hybrid agent [PtCl(en)(L)](NO(3))(2) (complex 1, en = ethane-1,2-diamine, L = 1-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-1,3-dimethylthiourea) and a considerably more potent second-generation analogue containing L' = N-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-N-methylpropionamidine (complex 2). Calculations at the density functional theory level provide a rationale for the binding preference of both complexes for guanine-N7 and the relatively high level of adenine adducts observed for compound 1. A significant rate enhancement is observed for binding of the amidine-based complex 2 with DNA compared with the thiourea-based prototype 1. Studies conducted with chemical probes and on the bending and unwinding of model duplex DNA suggest that adducts of complex 2 perturb B-form DNA more severely than complex 1, however, without denaturing the double strand and significantly less than cisplatin. Circular and linear dichroism spectroscopies and viscosity measurements suggest that subtle differences exist between the intercalation modes and adduct geometries of the two complexes. The adducts formed by complex 2 most efficiently inhibit transcription of the damaged DNA by RNA polymerase II. Not only do complexes 1 and 2 cause less distortion to DNA than cisplatin, they also do not compromise the thermodynamic stability of the modified duplex. This leads to a decreased or negligible affinity of HMG domain proteins for the adducts formed by either Pt-acridine complex. In a DNA repair synthesis assay the lesions formed by complex 2 were repaired less efficiently than those formed by complex 1. These significant differences in DNA adduct formation, structure, and recognition between the two acridine complexes and cisplatin help to elucidate why compound 2 is highly active in cisplatin-resistant, repair proficient cancer cell lines.

• MeSH
• DNA Adducts chemistry   MeSH
• Acridines chemistry   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Amidines chemistry   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• DNA, B-Form chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Cisplatin analogs & derivatives   chemistry   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• DNA chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Transcription, Genetic drug effects   MeSH
• HeLa Cells MeSH
• Intercalating Agents chemistry   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Kinetics MeSH
• Nucleic Acid Conformation drug effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• DNA Repair drug effects   MeSH
• Organoplatinum Compounds chemistry   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Protein Isoforms metabolism   MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein metabolism   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents chemistry   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Drug Design MeSH
• Thiourea chemistry   metabolism   pharmacology   MeSH
• Structure-Activity Relationship MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH
• Names of Substances
• DNA Adducts MeSH
• Acridines MeSH
• Amidines MeSH
• DNA, B-Form MeSH
• Cisplatin MeSH
• DNA MeSH
• Intercalating Agents MeSH
• Organoplatinum Compounds MeSH
• Protein Isoforms MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents MeSH
• Thiourea MeSH

Topoisomerase IIalpha (topo IIalpha) is a nuclear enzyme involved in several critical processes, including chromosome replication, segregation and recombination. Previously we have shown that chromosomal protein HMGB1 interacts with topo IIalpha, and stimulates its catalytic activity. Here we show the effect of HMGB1 on the activity of the human topo IIalpha gene promoter in different cell lines. We demonstrate that HMGB1, but not a mutant of HMGB1 incapable of DNA bending, up-regulates the activity of the topo IIalpha promoter in human cells that lack functional retinoblastoma protein pRb. Transient over-expression of pRb in pRb-negative Saos-2 cells inhibits the ability of HMGB1 to activate the topo IIalpha promoter. The involvement of HMGB1 and its close relative, HMGB2, in modulation of activity of the topo IIalpha gene is further supported by knock-down of HMGB1/2, as evidenced by significantly decreased levels of topo IIalpha mRNA and protein. Our experiments suggest a mechanism of up-regulation of cellular expression of topo IIalpha by HMGB1/2 in pRb-negative cells by modulation of binding of transcription factor NF-Y to the topo IIalpha promoter, and the results are discussed in the framework of previously observed pRb-inactivation, and increased levels of HMGB1/2 and topo IIalpha in tumors.

• MeSH
• Transcriptional Activation MeSH
• Antigens, Neoplasm biosynthesis   genetics   MeSH
• DNA-Binding Proteins biosynthesis   genetics   MeSH
• DNA Topoisomerases, Type II biosynthesis   genetics   MeSH
• DNA chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• CCAAT-Binding Factor metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mutagenesis MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Promoter Regions, Genetic MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein chemistry   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• HMGB2 Protein metabolism   MeSH
• Retinoblastoma Protein metabolism   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Up-Regulation * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antigens, Neoplasm MeSH
• DNA-Binding Proteins MeSH
• DNA Topoisomerases, Type II MeSH
• DNA MeSH
• CCAAT-Binding Factor MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• HMGB2 Protein MeSH
• Retinoblastoma Protein MeSH

Downstream processes that discriminate between DNA adducts of a third generation platinum antitumor drug oxaliplatin and conventional cisplatin are believed to be responsible for the differences in their biological effects. These different biological effects are explained by the ability of oxaliplatin to form DNA adducts more efficient in their biological effects. In this work conformation, recognition by HMG domain protein and DNA polymerization across the major 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link formed by cisplatin and oxaliplatin in three sequence contexts were compared with the aid of biophysical and biochemical methods. The following major differences in the properties of the cross-links of oxaliplatin and cisplatin were found: i), the formation of the cross-link by oxaliplatin is more deleterious energetically in all three sequence contexts; ii), the cross-link of oxaliplatin bends DNA slightly but systematically less in all sequence contexts tested; iii), the affinity of HMG domain protein to the cross-link of oxaliplatin is considerably lower independent of the sequence context; and iv), the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I pauses considerably more at the cross-link of oxaliplatin in all sequence contexts tested. We have also demonstrated that the chirality at the carrier ligand of oxaliplatin can affect its biological effects.

• MeSH
• DNA Adducts chemistry   ultrastructure   MeSH
• Guanine chemistry   MeSH
• Nucleic Acid Conformation MeSH
• Organoplatinum Compounds chemistry   MeSH
• Oxaliplatin MeSH
• Base Pairing MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents chemistry   MeSH
• Cross-Linking Reagents MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• DNA Adducts MeSH
• Guanine MeSH
• Organoplatinum Compounds MeSH
• Oxaliplatin MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents MeSH
• Cross-Linking Reagents MeSH

DNA topoisomerase IIalpha (topo IIalpha) is an essential nuclear enzyme and its unique decatenation activity has been implicated in many aspects of chromosome dynamics such as chromosome replication and segregation during mitosis. Here we show that chromatin-associated protein HMGB1 (a member of the large family of HMG-box proteins with possible functions in DNA replication, transcription, recombination and DNA repair) promotes topo IIalpha-mediated catenation of circular DNA, relaxation of negatively supercoiled DNA and decatenation of kinetoplast DNA. HMGB1 interacts with topo IIalpha and this interaction, like the stimulation of the catalytic activity of the enzyme, requires both HMG-box domains of HMGB1. A mutant of HMGB1, which cannot change DNA topology stimulates DNA decatenation by topo IIalpha indistinguishably from the wild-type protein. Although HMGB1 stimulates ATP hydrolysis by topo IIalpha, the DNA cleavage is much more enhanced. The observed abilities of HMGB1 to interact with topo IIalpha and promote topo IIalpha binding to DNA suggest a mechanism by which HMGB1 stimulates the catalytic activity of the enzyme via enhancement of DNA cleavage.

• MeSH
• Adenosine Triphosphate metabolism   MeSH
• Antigens, Neoplasm metabolism   MeSH
• Diketopiperazines MeSH
• DNA-Binding Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• DNA Topoisomerases, Type II metabolism   MeSH
• DNA chemistry   metabolism   ultrastructure   MeSH
• Electrophoresis, Agar Gel MeSH
• Enzyme Inhibitors pharmacology   MeSH
• Catalysis MeSH
• DNA, Kinetoplast metabolism   MeSH
• Nucleic Acid Conformation MeSH
• DNA, Circular metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Piperazines pharmacology   MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• High Mobility Group Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Repressor Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• DNA, Superhelical metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• 4,4'-(1,2-dimethyl-1,2-ethanediyl)bis-2,6-piperazinedione MeSH Browser
• Adenosine Triphosphate MeSH
• Antigens, Neoplasm MeSH
• Diketopiperazines MeSH
• DNA-Binding Proteins MeSH
• DNA Topoisomerases, Type II MeSH
• DNA MeSH
• Hbp1 protein, rat MeSH Browser
• Enzyme Inhibitors MeSH
• DNA, Kinetoplast MeSH
• DNA, Circular MeSH
• Piperazines MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• High Mobility Group Proteins MeSH
• Repressor Proteins MeSH
• DNA, Superhelical MeSH

The structure-pharmacological activity relationships generally accepted for antitumor platinum compounds stressed the necessity for the cis-[PtX(2)(amine)(2)] structure while the trans-[PtX(2)(amine)(2)] structure was considered inactive. However, more recently, several trans-platinum complexes have been identified which are potently toxic, antitumor-active and demonstrate activity distinct from that of conventional cisplatin (cis-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)]). We have shown in the previous report that the replacement of ammine ligands by iminoether in transplatin (trans-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)]) results in a marked enhancement of its cytotoxicity so that it is more cytotoxic than its cis congener and exhibits significant antitumor activity, including activity in cisplatin-resistant tumor cells. In addition, we have also shown previously that this new trans compound (trans-[PtCl(2)(E-iminoether)(2)]) forms mainly monofunctional adducts at guanine residues on DNA, which is generally accepted to be the cellular target of platinum drugs. In order to shed light on the mechanism underlying the antitumor activity of trans-[PtCl(2)(E-iminoether)(2)] we examined oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes containing a single, site-specific, monofunctional adduct of this transplatin analog by the methods of molecular biophysics. The results indicate that major monofunctional adducts of trans-[PtCl(2)(E-iminoether)(2)] locally distort DNA, bend the DNA axis by 21 degrees toward the minor groove, are not recognized by HMGB1 proteins and are readily removed from DNA by nucleotide excision repair (NER). In addition, the monofunctional adducts of trans-[PtCl(2)(E-iminoether)(2)] readily cross-link proteins, which markedly enhances the efficiency of this adduct to terminate DNA polymerization by DNA polymerases in vitro and to inhibit removal of this adduct from DNA by NER. It is suggested that DNA-protein ternary cross-links produced by trans-[PtCl(2)(E-iminoether)(2)] could persist considerably longer than the non-cross-linked monofunctional adducts, which would potentiate toxicity of this antitumor platinum compound toward tumor cells sensitive to this drug. Thus, trans-[PtCl(2)(E-iminoether)(2)] represents a quite new class of platinum antitumor drugs in which activation of trans geometry is associated with an increased efficiency to form DNA-protein ternary cross-links thereby acting by a different mechanism from 'classical' cisplatin and its analogs.

• MeSH
• DNA Adducts chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• CHO Cells MeSH
• Cisplatin analogs & derivatives   chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase metabolism   MeSH
• DNA chemistry   drug effects   metabolism   MeSH
• HMG-Box Domains MeSH
• HeLa Cells MeSH
• Nucleic Acid Conformation drug effects   MeSH
• Cricetinae MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Macromolecular Substances MeSH
• Oligonucleotides chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Cross-Linking Reagents chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• Protein Binding MeSH
• Binding Sites MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Cricetinae MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• DNA Adducts MeSH
• Cisplatin MeSH
• DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase MeSH
• DNA MeSH
• Macromolecular Substances MeSH
• Oligonucleotides MeSH
• HMGB1 Protein MeSH
• Cross-Linking Reagents MeSH